Devices and methods for evaluating the performance of visual devices

The device and method simulate individual usage scenarios to provide an objective, customized evaluation of visual devices, addressing the limitations of existing methods by tailoring assessments to each wearer's habits and preferences.

JP7844484B2Active Publication Date: 2026-04-13ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-01-13
Publication Date
2026-04-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods for evaluating visual devices fail to provide an objective, individualized assessment that accounts for the specific habits and usage of each wearer, leading to suboptimal customization and selection of visual devices.

Method used

A device and method that utilize virtual models (avatars) to simulate various scenarios and performance criteria tailored to individual wearers, allowing for automated selection and evaluation of visual devices based on personalized activity profiles.

Benefits of technology

Enables customized, objective evaluation of visual devices by simulating individual usage scenarios, ensuring each wearer receives a device optimized for their specific needs and preferences.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The device (10) for evaluating the performance of a visual instrument intended for a wearer comprises at least one input (12) adapted to obtain virtual tests to be performed by the instrument, each test including at least one scenario combined with at least one virtual model of the wearer, defining how a visual task including a series of fixation points is performed by the model within an environment defined by a description of the shape and position of elements that the model should see, and at least one processor (14) configured to select at least one test based on at least one individualized real or simulated wearer activity profile (P) representative of the wearer's usage of the instrument, and to evaluate the performance of the instrument performing the selected test by the model by calculating at least one performance criterion generated for the task for one or more fixation points.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for evaluating the performance of a visual device intended for a wearer of the visual device.

Background Art

[0002] Today, the performance of visual devices such as ophthalmic lenses or solar lenses can be evaluated by using several criteria, particularly, for example, visual sharpness, distortion, or other criteria related to binocular vision.

[0003] In this regard, a glasses simulation method is known in which a customer can try on a device in a virtual environment via a virtual reality device and subjectively evaluate it. Such a glasses wearing simulation method and device are disclosed by Patent Document 1.

[0004] However, an objective evaluation of the performance of the visual device is not performed.

[0005] Moreover, evaluating the performance of a visual device by simulation is not easy. Optical characteristics do not fully represent the performance of the visual device recognized by the wearer. In fact, the wearer uses the visual device in various situations and environments, and experiences considerations of functional characteristics of the device such as the visual field width and sharpness in different visual areas, distortion of geometric flow and optical flow, comfort area, and internal states such as effort related to posture and binocular vision.

[0006] Testing by a human wearer is a further known solution for evaluating the performance of a visual device. Particularly, in a specific type of wearer test known as an "in-lab test", a human wearer is required to perform specific tasks such as reading, walking, and performing precision work while wearing the visual device to be evaluated.

[0007] This means a long test process that does not necessarily take into account the specificity of the wearer's visual habits or the specific usage of the visual device by each wearer.

[0008] More generally, the known solutions described above do not allow for obtaining a general estimate of the performance of visual devices.

[0009] Patent Document 2 discloses a device and method for evaluating the performance of a visual device intended for human wearers to perform visual tasks. The described device and method include a virtual "avatar," which is a virtual model of the human wearer, in addition to a virtual model of the scene in which the visual task and the simulated virtual visual task are performed. This makes it possible to apply the performance evaluation to a specific group of wearers, i.e., a group of wearers, who are thought to have similar characteristics. Thus, this solution avoids the burden of repeatedly testing various individuals.

[0010] However, while such evaluations may be conducted in an efficient and economical manner for a group of wearers thanks to "avatars," they do not take into account the very specific habits of each individual wearer.

[0011] In other words, a particular individual may wear and use a visual device differently from other individuals within a defined wearer group, even if they possess similar characteristics to other individuals within that same wearer group. For example, a particular individual may want to use a visual device for a visual task other than the visual task for which performance was evaluated, and these other visual tasks are not necessarily the same as the visual tasks of other individuals in the same wearer group. Furthermore, these other visual tasks may be performed in a different environment than the one in which performance was evaluated, with different distances to objects in the scene, different lighting, and with distance vision instead of near vision, etc.

[0012] Furthermore, instead of having a single option—that is, a visual device whose evaluated performance is considered "best"—each individual may want to choose their preferred visual device based on their own personal criteria from a variety of pre-selected options offered by ECPs (eye care specialists), either in stores or online.

[0013] Therefore, visual devices need to be further customized to each specific individual in order to provide each individual with the possibility of wearing "custom-made" visual devices that take into account both the individual themselves and their visual task habits and the intended use of such visual devices, through an overall individualized assessment of the performance of the visual devices for that individual. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2749207 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2020 / 193436 Pamphlet [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2020 / 193370 Pamphlet [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2020 / 260481 brochure [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0015] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] For this purpose, the present disclosure relates to a device for evaluating the performance of a visual device intended for a wearer, At least one input adapted to acquire a plurality of virtual tests to be performed by a visual device, wherein each of the plurality of virtual tests includes at least one scenario combined with at least one virtual model of the wearer, the scenario defining how a given visual task, including a set of fixation points, is performed by at least one virtual model in an environment defined by a description of the shape and position of elements that at least one virtual model of the wearer should see, and at least one input adapted to acquire a plurality of virtual tests to be performed by a plurality of virtual tests, At least one processor, Based on at least one individualized actual or simulated wearer activity profile representing how the wearer uses the visual device, select at least one virtual test from among several virtual tests. The performance of a visual device in performing at least one selected virtual test with at least one virtual model of the wearer is evaluated by calculating at least one predetermined performance criterion generated for a given visual task for at least one of the fixation points. A system configured to include at least one processor, We provide devices that include [this].

[0017] Therefore, firstly, the device according to this disclosure enables the automated selection of the most appropriate virtual test from a set of virtual tests that include a simulation context and evaluation criteria considered relevant to assess the performance of the visual device for that particular individual who is the wearer of such a visual device, taking into account the activity profile of a specific individual.

[0018] Secondly, the device allows the aforementioned visual device performance to be evaluated using an automated method based on at least one performance criterion related to the visual task under consideration.

[0019] Therefore, the definitions of the visual tasks simulated by the virtual test, the simulated environment, and the performance criteria are all customized according to each specific individual.

[0020] In one embodiment of the device defined above, the wearer is a specific individual, and at least one virtual model of the wearer includes the virtual model of that specific individual.

[0021] In this embodiment, the plurality of virtual tests may include a plurality of scenarios combined with the virtual model of a specific individual.

[0022] In another embodiment of the device, the wearer belongs to a group of wearers defined by overall characteristics, the individual characteristics of each wearer in the group are unknown, and at least one virtual model of the wearer includes a plurality of virtual models of wearers representing the group of wearers.

[0023] In this embodiment, the plurality of virtual tests may include either a single scenario combined with a plurality of virtual models of the wearer or a plurality of scenarios combined with a plurality of virtual models of the wearer.

[0024] In one embodiment, the individualized wearer activity profile includes different weights assigned to at least one scenario and / or at least one predetermined performance criterion according to the relevance of at least one scenario and / or the relevance of at least one criterion of the wearer in the usage method of the visual device described above.

[0025] In one embodiment, the virtual model of the wearer includes a virtual model of at least one eye of the wearer, a virtual model of the head of the wearer, and a virtual model of the torso of the wearer.

[0026] In one embodiment, the predetermined performance criterion includes at least one of a visual acuity criterion, a distortion criterion, and a visual behavior criterion for evaluating the coordination between the head and eyes.

[0027] In this embodiment, at least one predetermined performance criterion may relate to either monocular or binocular vision.

[0028] At least one scenario includes at least a first scenario in which a given visual task is a distance vision task and at least one given performance criterion is visual acuity, a second scenario in which a given visual task is a mid-range vision task and at least one given performance criterion is visual acuity, a third scenario in which a given visual task is a near vision task and at least one given performance criterion is visual acuity, and a fourth scenario in which at least one given performance criterion is distortion criterion.

[0029] This disclosure also relates to a method for evaluating the performance of a visual device intended for a wearer, Obtaining at least one virtual model of the wearer, Acquiring multiple virtual tests to be performed by a visual device, wherein each of the multiple virtual tests includes at least one scenario combined with at least one virtual model of the wearer, and the scenario defines how a given visual task, including a set of fixation points, is performed by at least one virtual model in an environment defined by a description of the shape and position of elements that at least one virtual model of the wearer should see. At least one processor selects at least one virtual test from among several virtual tests based on at least one individualized actual or simulated wearer activity profile representing how the wearer uses the visual device, The present invention provides a method for evaluating the performance of a visual device by having at least one virtual model of a wearer perform at least one selected virtual test, by having at least one processor perform at least one predetermined performance criterion generated for a predetermined visual task for at least one of the fixation points.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the evaluation method is performed by an evaluation device as provided in this disclosure for any of the embodiments.

[0031] In one embodiment of the method, the wearer is a specific individual, and at least one virtual model of the wearer includes a virtual model of that specific individual.

[0032] In this embodiment, multiple virtual tests may include multiple scenarios combined with a virtual model of a specific individual.

[0033] In another embodiment of the method, the wearer belongs to a group of wearers defined by their overall characteristics, the individual characteristics of each wearer in the group are unknown, and at least one virtual model of a wearer includes multiple virtual models of wearers that represent that group of wearers.

[0034] In this embodiment, the multiple virtual tests may include either a single scenario combined with multiple virtual models of the wearer, or multiple scenarios combined with multiple virtual models of the wearer.

[0035] In one embodiment of the method, the individualized wearer activity profile includes different weights assigned to at least one scenario and / or at least one predetermined performance criterion, depending on the relevance of at least one scenario and / or the relevance of at least one criterion of the wearer in the use of the visual device described above.

[0036] In one embodiment of the method, the wearer's virtual model includes a virtual model of at least one of the wearer's eyes, a virtual model of the wearer's head, and a virtual model of the wearer's torso.

[0037] This disclosure further relates to a computer program product for evaluating the performance of a visual device intended for a wearer, comprising one or more instruction sequences accessible to a processor, wherein, when executed by the processor, the processor receives Obtain at least one virtual model of the wearer, Obtain multiple virtual tests to be performed by a visual device, each of the multiple virtual tests including at least one scenario combined with at least one virtual model of the wearer, the scenario defining how a given visual task, including a set of fixation points, is performed by at least one virtual model within an environment defined by a description of the shape and position of elements that at least one virtual model of the wearer should see, Based on at least one individualized actual or simulated wearer activity profile representing how the wearer uses the visual device, the wearer is asked to select at least one virtual test from among several virtual tests. The performance of a visual device in performing at least one selected virtual test with at least one virtual model of the wearer is evaluated by calculating at least one predetermined performance criterion generated for a given visual task for at least one of the fixation points. We provide computer program products.

[0038] This disclosure further describes a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that stores one or more instruction sequences accessible to a processor, and when the one or more instruction sequences are executed by the processor, the processor... Obtain at least one virtual model of the wearer, Obtain multiple virtual tests to be performed by a visual device, each of the multiple virtual tests including at least one scenario combined with at least one virtual model of the wearer, the scenario defining how a given visual task, including a set of fixation points, is performed by at least one virtual model within an environment defined by a description of the shape and position of elements that at least one virtual model of the wearer should see, Based on at least one individualized actual or simulated wearer activity profile representing how the wearer uses the visual device, the wearer is asked to select at least one virtual test from among several virtual tests. The performance of a visual device in performing at least one selected virtual test with at least one virtual model of the wearer is evaluated by calculating at least one predetermined performance criterion generated for a given visual task for at least one of the fixation points. To provide a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium.

[0039] The advantages of methods, computer program products, and computer-readable storage media are similar to the advantages of devices and will not be repeated here.

[0040] Computer program products and computer-readable storage media are advantageously configured to perform this method in one of their execution modes.

[0041] To better understand the descriptions and advantages provided herein, refer here to the following brief descriptions in relation to the accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions, where similar reference numbers represent similar parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the device according to the present disclosure in a specific embodiment. [Figure 2] This graph shows another non-restrictive example of multidimensional performance evaluation. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the method according to this disclosure in a specific embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] In the following description, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be shown in a generalized or schematic form for clarity and conciseness or for informational purposes. In addition, while the creation and use of various embodiments are discussed in detail below, it should be understood that many inventive concepts are provided that can be embodied in a variety of situations as described herein. The embodiments discussed herein are merely representative and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that all technical features defined in relation to a process can be replaced individually or in combination with those of a device, and conversely, all technical features related to a device can be replaced individually or in combination with those of a process.

[0044] The terms “comprise” (and any of its grammatical variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any of its grammatical variations such as “has” and “having”), “contain” (and any of its grammatical variations such as “contains” and “containing”), and “include” (and any of its grammatical variations such as “includes” and “including”) are open-ended linking verbs. They are used to specify the existence of a feature, integer, process or component, or a group thereof, but do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, processes or components, or groups thereof. As a result, a method or a process in a method that "comprises," "has," "contains," or "includes" one or more steps or elements has, but is not limited to having only, one or more of those steps or elements.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, in a particular embodiment, the “visual device,” i.e., the device 10 for evaluating the performance of a visual device intended for a wearer (i.e., a human being who wears the visual device or a theoretical wearer who has defined characteristics but does not correspond to any specific known real person), includes one or more inputs 12.

[0046] The visual device may be an ophthalmic lens or a pair of ophthalmic lenses, or a solar lens or a pair of solar lenses, or an ophthalmic solar lens or a pair of ophthalmic solar lenses. The visual device may also be in the form of eyeglasses or contact lenses.

[0047] One or more inputs 12 are adapted to take multiple virtual tests conducted with respect to their visual devices, as described in more detail below.

[0048] Each of the multiple virtual tests includes at least one so-called “scenario” that is paired with at least one virtual model of the wearer.

[0049] In this disclosure, the wearer's virtual model is also referred to as the wearer's "avatar." The wearer's virtual model may be constructed as described in Patent Document 2, or may consist of pre-recorded data obtained from a database as proposed in Patent Document 3.

[0050] In this disclosure, a scenario defines how a predetermined visual task, including a set of fixation points, is performed by at least one avatar within an environment defined by a description of the shapes and positions of elements that the avatar should see.

[0051] Each virtual test represents the execution of a scenario by an avatar and the at least one performance evaluation criterion value obtained.

[0052] The virtual evaluation of the performance of visual devices corresponds to a set of virtual tests, each containing at least one virtual test. A virtual test may consist of multiple scenarios for the same avatar, one scenario applied to multiple avatars, or multiple scenarios applied to multiple avatars.

[0053] As a non-limiting example, the environment may include rooms, furniture, landscapes, and objects, and may have additional attributes such as the visual characteristics of its components, e.g., brightness, contrast, and color.

[0054] The scenario may include environmental and visual tasks.

[0055] A series of fixations, sometimes called a "task," within a visual task can be associated with elements of the environment.

[0056] The avatar performs the task by fixating on each point in a defined order. Therefore, the avatar is used to simulate the wearer's execution of the scenario.

[0057] In one embodiment, the avatar may include a virtual model of at least one eye of the wearer, a virtual model of the wearer's head, and a virtual model of the wearer's torso.

[0058] In one embodiment, the wearer is a specific individual, in which case at least one avatar includes a virtual model of this specific individual. In such a case, the avatar corresponds to a real person and shares characteristics with this person.

[0059] In this embodiment, multiple virtual tests may include multiple scenarios combined with a virtual model of a specific individual.

[0060] Alternatively, a wearer may belong to a group of wearers defined by their overall characteristics, where the individual characteristics of each wearer within that group are unknown. In this case, at least one avatar contains multiple virtual models of wearers representing that group. In such a case, the avatar corresponds to a group of people.

[0061] In this embodiment, the multiple virtual tests may include either a single scenario combined with multiple virtual models of the wearer, or multiple scenarios combined with multiple virtual models.

[0062] In yet another embodiment, the wearer may not be a real person but a predefined average wearer, in which case the avatar's characteristics correspond to the characteristics of this average wearer.

[0063] A series of fixed points may have additional attributes, such as the temporal moment when the avatar views each point, or the minimum visual acuity required to see each point.

[0064] The scenario also defines at least one performance criterion to be considered for evaluating the performance of the visual device with respect to at least one of the fixation points. In other words, the execution of each scenario by one or more avatars generates at least one predetermined performance criterion for a given visual task.

[0065] The scenario also defines the avatar's position within the environment. This position can remain stationary during the scenario's execution, or the avatar can move. As a non-restrictive example, the avatar can walk, run, climb stairs, drive a car, etc.

[0066] A scenario can also define the motion of one or more components of the environment over time. In a non-restrictive example, a ball is moving during a game. If a fixation point is attached to the ball, its position also changes over time.

[0067] Therefore, device 10 enables obtaining one scenario or a set of scenarios, each combining a visual task, an environment, and one or more performance criteria to be evaluated. Such a set of tasks, environments, and performance criteria may be based on items in a wearer test evaluation form consisting of a number of questions Q evaluated on a given N-point scale, where Q and N are non-zero integers.

[0068] The evaluation form may focus on specific characteristics of the visual device or on the general use of the device in daily life.

[0069] The device according to this disclosure further includes at least one processor 14, which is configured to select at least one virtual test T from a plurality of virtual tests based on at least one individualized actual or simulated wearer activity profile P representing how the wearer uses the visual device, as described in more detail below.

[0070] In one embodiment, the wearer's individualized activity profile P makes it possible to customize the selection of scenarios.

[0071] In one embodiment, the individualized wearer activity profile P may include different weights assigned to at least one scenario and / or at least one predetermined performance criterion, depending on the relevance of at least one scenario and / or the relevance of at least one criterion of the wearer in the use of the visual device.

[0072] In other words, - The score weights can be assigned to each scenario to reflect how well the scenario represents the wearer's daily use of the device. - The individualized wearer activity profile P can also play a role in weighting performance criteria relevant to each scenario according to their importance to the wearer being considered.

[0073] The individualized wearer activity profile P is obtained using different methods, namely, - From declarative surveys or questionnaires, or - Using various technologies such as “smart frames” (i.e., eyeglass frames with additional functions provided by sensors or a set of sensors that record information about the use of visual devices, such as activity, environment, and lighting conditions, for example), or “clip-on” devices (i.e., sensors or a set of sensors that can be attached to eyeglass frames and also record information about the use of visual devices), or - From a large data or big data database It can be generated.

[0074] The virtual environment described above can be personalized to fit the normal real-world environment of a human or theoretical wearer and can be automatically customized using the wearer's anatomical parameters, such as Harmon distance. This can be done through declarative surveys or questionnaires, computer-aided environmental parameterization, or positioning of the real-world environment, for example, by three-dimensional scanning or motion capture.

[0075] The processor 14 is further configured to evaluate the performance (indicated as Perf in the diagram) of a visual device performing at least one selected virtual test T by at least one avatar, by calculating at least one predetermined performance criterion C(i) generated for a given task for at least one of the fixed points (indicated as i in the diagram).

[0076] In one embodiment, a predetermined performance criterion C(i) may include at least one of a visual acuity criterion, a distortion criterion, and a visual behavior criterion that evaluates head-eye coordination. In an unrestricted example, performance criterion C(i) may relate to monocular vision. In another unrestricted example, performance criterion C(i) may relate to binocular vision.

[0077] Therefore, the processor 14 of device 10 provides an overall performance evaluation by combining the performance criteria obtained from each virtual test.

[0078] For example, depending on the embodiment, at least one scenario may be a set of scenarios including at least one of the following, and the list is not exhaustive. In the first scenario, the task is a distance viewing task and the performance criterion is visual acuity. In the second scenario, the task is an intermediate vision task and the performance criterion is visual acuity. In the third scenario, the task is a near-vision task and the performance criterion is visual acuity. The fourth scenario is one where the performance criterion is the distortion criterion.

[0079] The methods by which scenarios can be defined are described in more detail below.

[0080] This document provides a list of functional characteristics of visual devices used by wearers. These functional characteristics represent various performance items that are desirable to evaluate.

[0081] For each functional characteristic, a scenario is defined that is considered relevant to the evaluation of that characteristic.

[0082] For example, to evaluate reading / writing performance and comfort, the following scenarios can be defined, namely reading on various reading supports such as books, paper, tablet screens, smartphone screens, and magazines, under various postural conditions or environmental constraints, such as sitting, standing, or lying down on a sofa or table, and various comfort and performance criteria such as visual acuity, field of view width, distortion, and postural flexibility can be evaluated.

[0083] The following is a list of functional characteristics to be evaluated in non-specific examples of progressive multifocal lens devices for wearers with presbyopia.

[0084] List of functional characteristics to evaluate for progressive multifocal lens devices for presbyopia wearers: Q1. Visual clarity in distance vision Q2. Visual clarity in mid-vision Q3. Visual clarity at near vision Q4. Transition between distance vision and near vision Q5. Distortion when the wearer moves

[0085] List of common scenario types: The following general scenarios are adapted to evaluate the functional characteristics of the equipment. Reading Scenario: Read on various objects / supports under various postural conditions or environmental constraints, and evaluate various visual acuity and visual behavior criteria. Fixation Scenario: Evaluate various visual acuity and visual behavior criteria by having participants look at various objects / supports or several points on a widely spread object while under various postural conditions or environmental constraints. Transition scenario: Participants transition from a first reading or fixation task to a second reading or fixation task under the same postural or environmental constraints but at a different distance, and evaluate various visual acuity and visual behavior criteria. Scenarios based on eye or head movement: Participants gaze at various stationary or moving objects while moving only their head and eyes, and evaluate various visual acuity, visual behavior, and distortion criteria. Movement scenario: This involves body displacement due to various means of movement while performing a fixation task, and evaluates various visual acuity, visual behavior, and distortion criteria. A non-limiting list of examples of various objects / supports, each having specific field of view and / or vision-related requirements (e.g., visual acuity, contrast, range of the reader's field of view): books, paper, tablets, smartphones, magazines, televisions, people, in-car navigation devices, laptop screens, desktop computer screens, billboards, traffic signs, road signs, eye charts, movie screens (wide-angle objects), landscapes (wide-angle objects).

[0086] Rather than creating an exhaustive list of objects, the interesting features to define to optimize individualization are the object's location, dimensions, and visual characteristics.

[0087] A non-restrictive list of examples of various postural conditions: Basic posture: Sitting on a sofa, sitting in a car, sitting in front of a table, standing, lying on a bed. Postural constraints: Free head and torso movement, free head movement, restricted torso movement (e.g., when sitting in a car), restricted head and trunk movement (e.g., when lying in bed).

[0088] A non-restrictive list of examples of environmental constraints: Object distance: Distance within arm's reach, on a physical support (e.g., a table), on a room scale, on a street scale, or in a landscape. Object alignment / orientation: For example, behavioral habits based on left-right differences, or alignment or orientation dependent on a support. Distribution of objects in space: alignment with the wearer's sagittal plane, alignment with the wearer's frontal parallel plane, unconstrained alignment, spread of narrow or wide positions, regular model-based or random object positions.

[0089] A non-restrictive list of examples of various performance criteria: Visual acuity criteria for evaluating the clarity of vision through and around central vision: preferably binocular but not necessarily binocular visual acuity (or visual impairment), visual field, visual range (i.e., the area that can be seen clearly when using central vision with eye movement but head movement), and contrast sensitivity.

[0090] Visual behavioral criteria for evaluating head-eye coordination through the relationship between eye accommodation, gaze direction and head position: head posture effort and gaze posture effort, convergence and accommodation effort, and head free area, as described in Patent Document 2.

[0091] Distortion criteria for evaluating spatial perception distortion due to peripheral vision: static distortion, dynamic distortion, optical flow / retinal flow, and depth perception.

[0092] The following describes in more detail the methods by which an individualized wearer activity profile P can be defined.

[0093] Profile P is defined to allow device 10 to either filter a list of scenarios to personalize the selection of scenarios, or to assign score weights to each scenario so that the resulting weighted set of scenarios best represents the wearer's daily use of the device.

[0094] Furthermore, superior performance criteria, i.e., performance criteria important to the wearer, are ranked or associated with weights to take the wearer's preferences into account.

[0095] Profile P includes how the device is used and the wearer's lifestyle. In a non-limiting example, Profile P may include the following: - A list of tasks or activities to be performed by the wearer being considered. - Task weighting that can represent the quantity of each task in the wearer's life, or the importance of each task to the wearer. - Weighting of performance criteria based on the importance the wearer places on each performance criterion.

[0096] Non-restrictive examples of profile P: - Smartphone used typically for watching videos and playing games while sitting on the sofa; frequency of use: low. - Office laptop computer, frequency of use: high. - Usually reading on public transport, frequency of use: moderate. - Sports bicycle, frequency of use: high, - Height 1.75m, Harmon distance 0.41m, - All performance criteria are equally important.

[0097] A list of scenarios is defined, each designed to evaluate one of the functional characteristics of the equipment. In the following non-restrictive examples of scenarios, the individualized and standard values, along with the method used for individualization, are listed in parentheses: [Standard Value, Individualized Value, Individualization Method]. The individualization methods are described in more detail after the list of scenarios below.

[0098] Scenario 1 - Clarity of Distant Vision - General Scenario Type: Fixation When standing in a street environment, the wearer, with a height of [1.68m, 1.75m, and customized wearer height application], views several objects located 10m away within a horizontal 120° and vertical 40° field of view. A minimum visual acuity of 9 / 10 is required to correctly view these objects. Performance criteria are an evaluation of foveal visual acuity and postural effort while fixing on any object. Fixation points are distributed according to various patterns.

[0099] Scenario 2 - Clarity of Mid-Vision - General Scenario Type: Fixation The test involves reading from a laptop computer screen placed on a standard-height desk at a distance of 0.70m, while sitting in a standard-height chair at a desk. The standard desk and chair heights are 0.72m + / - 0.015m, in accordance with standard NF EN527-1 D62-044-1 (August 2011). Eye level is determined using the chair height and the wearer's sitting height [0.87m, 0.91m, sitting height according to height based on anthropometric survey]. The object (laptop computer screen) contains a series of characters requiring a minimum visual acuity of 9 / 10 to be seen correctly. The performance criteria are an evaluation of foveal visual acuity and postural effort for each fixation point distributed on the object, following a natural reading pattern.

[0100] Scenario 3 - Clarity of Near Vision - General Scenario Type: Fixation The subject reads a book held in their hands at a distance of 0.38m, 0.41m, and Harmon distance estimates corresponding to the wearer's height and any conventional body linkage measurement model, while sitting in a chair indoors, in public transport where the book evokes head vibration, and in scenario environments individualized to the wearer's profile P. The object (book) contains a series of letters requiring a minimum visual acuity of 9 / 10 to be seen correctly. The performance criteria are an assessment of foveal visual acuity and postural effort with respect to each fixation point distributed on the object, following a natural reading pattern.

[0101] Scenario 4 - Transition between distant and near vision - General scenario type: Transition The process progresses from reading a book held in the hand while seated [using Harmon distance estimates corresponding to the wearer's height and any conventional body-link measurement model, 0.38m, 0.41m] to viewing objects at various close distances (at least 4m: far vision). The performance criteria evaluated are postural effort and head free area. The term "head free area" refers to the range of head positions that a wearer of optical lenses can adopt when viewing a particular point through the optical lenses without impairing optical performance beyond certain predefined values, as described in Patent Document 4.

[0102] Scenario 5 - Distortion - General Scenario Type: Movement A wearer with a height of [1.68m, 1.75m, or customized wearer height] walks down a street, viewing various objects at different distances and positions, to evaluate static and dynamic strain criteria.

[0103] The results for each scenario may be scaled by weights that can be later individualized to take into account the wearer's interests or activities being considered.

[0104] Here, we will describe in more detail the individualization of scenarios and weights in a specific embodiment.

[0105] The working distance when reading a book (hereinafter referred to as DistanceBook), and therefore the proximity of the object / environment, is the wearer's Harmon distance (hereinafter referred to as HarmonDistance): DistanceBook = HarmonDistance It can be individualized accordingly.

[0106] The working distance when viewing a smartphone screen (hereinafter referred to as DistanceSmartphone) is determined according to the wearer's Harmon distance, for example: DistanceSmartphone=80%xHarmonDistance It can be individualized in this way.

[0107] In various scenarios, the height of the avatar when sitting or standing can be individualized according to the height provided in the wearer's profile P and any conventional body link length model corresponding to that person's height.

[0108] Supports, objects, posture conditions, and environmental constraints in different scenarios can be adapted according to the wearer's profile P, for example, in Scenario 3 (reading on public transport).

[0109] The scenario weights may be individualized according to the activities and usage described in the wearer's profile P, for example, a high weight for scenario 5 for high-frequency outdoor activities including high-speed movement such as cycling, a high weight for scenario 2 for high-frequency work on a laptop computer, and a moderate weight for scenario 3 for moderate-frequency reading.

[0110] The weighting of performance criteria may be individualized according to the wearer's preferences regarding equipment performance requirements. In the non-limiting examples described herein, all performance criteria are equally important.

[0111] After the processor 14 calculates at least one predetermined performance criterion for a given visual task with respect to at least one of the fixation points, overall and detailed performance can be calculated based on previously defined weights.

[0112] Detailed performance refers to an objective evaluation of each functional characteristic, while overall performance is the value that best represents the overall performance of the visual device, taking into account the wearer's preferences regarding how the device is used.

[0113] In the previously mentioned non-restrictive example, let Sj be one of five scenarios, where j = 1, ..., 5.

[0114] Overall, the performance standards are as follows: C1=foveal visual acuity C2=posture effort C3=head free area C4 = Distortion As shown in Table 1 below, the weights Wj,k calculated in scenario Sj can be assigned to each criterion Ck (k=1,...,4).

[0115] [Table 1]

[0116] In scenario Sj, let Vj and k be the values ​​that the performance criterion Ck takes.

[0117] At the end of the calculation, the processor 14 can calculate a weighted sum along each row of Table 1 to evaluate the overall performance Perf of the device along five functional characteristics Q1 to Q5 in this non-limiting example: Perf(j) = Σ k Vj,k × Wj,k In the formula, j represents the performance characteristics in scenario Sj, and k represents the performance criterion Ck.

[0118] The above example demonstrated a method for evaluating each characteristic of the device using a single scenario. Another embodiment may define multiple scenarios that are combined with respect to each functional characteristic.

[0119] The graph in Figure 2 shows a non-limiting example of a trivial "radar-type" multidimensional performance evaluation for two lenses A and B.

[0120] Figure 3 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of the method according to this disclosure for evaluating the performance of a visual device intended for a wearer.

[0121] The first step 40 includes obtaining at least one avatar, i.e., at least one virtual model of the wearer, as described above in relation to the device according to the present disclosure.

[0122] The subsequent step 42 includes acquiring a number of virtual tests to be performed by a visual device, each of which includes at least one scenario combined with at least one avatar acquired in step 40, the scenario defining how a given visual task, including a set of fixation points, is performed by at least one avatar in an environment. The at least one scenario is, for example, one of those described above in relation to device 10.

[0123] The next step 44 includes at least one processor, such as processor 14, selecting at least one virtual test from among the multiple virtual tests acquired in step 42 based on at least one individualized wearer activity profile P that represents how the wearer uses the visual device, for example in relation to device 10 as described above.

[0124] Subsequently, step 46 includes at least one processor evaluating the performance of a visual device in performing at least one selected virtual test with at least one avatar by calculating at least one predetermined performance criterion generated for the task, such as the one described above in relation to device 10, with respect to at least one of the set of fixation points.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the method according to the present disclosure is performed on a computer. That is, the computer program product is accessible to a processor and, when executed by the processor, includes one or more instruction sequences that cause the processor to perform steps of the method for evaluating the performance of a visual device intended for a wearer as described above.

[0126] Avatars and virtual tests (including scenarios) may be built remotely in the cloud or locally on a computer, for example.

[0127] The instruction sequence may be stored in one or more non-temporary computer-readable storage media, including a predetermined location within the cloud.

[0128] Similar to the embodiment of device 10 described above, - In one embodiment of the method, the avatar may include a virtual model of at least one eye of the wearer, a virtual model of the wearer's head, and a virtual model of the wearer's torso. - In one embodiment of the method, the wearer is a specific individual, in which case at least one avatar includes a virtual model of this specific individual. In such a case, the avatar corresponds to a real person and shares characteristics with this person. In this embodiment, multiple virtual tests may include multiple scenarios combined with the virtual model of the specific individual. - Alternatively, the wearer may belong to a group of wearers defined by their overall characteristics, and the individual characteristics of each wearer in that group are unknown. In this case, at least one avatar includes multiple virtual models of the wearer representing that group of wearers. In such a case, the avatar corresponds to a group of people. In this embodiment, multiple virtual tests may include either a single scenario combined with multiple virtual models of the wearer, or multiple scenarios combined with multiple virtual models. - In yet another embodiment of the method, the wearer may not be a real person but a predefined average wearer, in which case the avatar's characteristics correspond to the characteristics of this average wearer. - In one embodiment of the method, the individualized wearer activity profile P may include different weights assigned to at least one scenario and / or at least one predetermined performance criterion, depending on the relevance of at least one scenario and / or the relevance of at least one criterion of the wearer in the use of the visual device.

[0129] Therefore, by simulating a specific wearer performing various visual tasks through the use of an avatar, generating performance criteria for each task, and combining the results, a general estimate of the performance of the visual device, taking into account the specific wearer's characteristics, can be obtained.

[0130] The several advantages of the devices, methods, computer program products and computer-readable storage media described herein include: - These can be used to evaluate the performance of the lenses for the wearer. - These may be useful, for example, for an ECP (Eye Care Specialist) to select lenses from a variety of available lenses by comparing their performance, in order to determine which device is best suited to the customer in question, taking into account the customer's characteristics, lifestyle, and how they use their visual aids. - These may be used in the research and development phase to help define new lens designs using different wearer groups with different profiles (meaning possibly different scenario selections and / or different avatars), and these may allow for performance evaluations for these groups and the discarding of designs with performance scores deemed too low.

[0131] While typical methods and devices are described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope described and defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for evaluating the performance of visual devices intended for wearers, At least one input adapted to acquire a plurality of virtual tests to be performed by the visual device, wherein each of the plurality of virtual tests includes at least one scenario combined with at least one virtual model of the wearer, the scenario defining how a predetermined visual task, including a set of fixation points, is performed by the at least one virtual model in an environment defined by a description of the shapes and positions of elements that the at least one virtual model of the wearer should see, At least one processor, Based on at least one individualized actual or simulated wearer activity profile representing how the wearer uses the visual device, at least one virtual test is selected from the plurality of virtual tests. The performance of the visual device in performing the selected virtual test using the wearer's virtual model is evaluated by calculating at least one predetermined performance criterion generated for the predetermined visual task for at least one of the fixation points. A system comprising at least one processor configured as follows: A device that includes this.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the wearer is a specific individual, and the wearer's at least one virtual model includes the virtual model of the specific individual.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the wearer belongs to a group of wearers defined by their overall characteristics, the individual characteristics of each wearer in the group are unknown, and the at least one virtual model of the wearer includes a plurality of virtual models of wearers that represent the group of wearers.

4. The device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the personalized wearer activity profile includes different weights assigned to the at least one scenario and / or the at least one predetermined performance criterion, depending on the relevance of the at least one scenario and / or the relevance of the wearer's at least one criterion in the way the visual device is used.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the virtual model of the wearer includes a virtual model of at least one eye of the wearer, a virtual model of the wearer's head, and a virtual model of the wearer's torso.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined performance criteria include at least one of a visual acuity criterion, a distortion criterion, and a visual behavior criterion for evaluating head-eye coordination.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the at least one predetermined performance criterion relates to either monocular or binocular vision.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one scenario includes at least a first scenario in which the predetermined visual task is a distance-viewing task and the at least one predetermined performance criterion is visual acuity; a second scenario in which the predetermined visual task is a mid-range-viewing task and the at least one predetermined performance criterion is visual acuity; a third scenario in which the predetermined visual task is a near-viewing task and the at least one predetermined performance criterion is visual acuity; and a fourth scenario in which the at least one predetermined performance criterion is a distortion criterion.

9. A method for evaluating the performance of a visual device intended for use by a wearer, The steps include obtaining at least one virtual model of the wearer, A step of obtaining a plurality of virtual tests to be performed by the visual device, wherein each of the plurality of virtual tests includes at least one scenario combined with the at least one virtual model of the wearer, and the scenario defines how a predetermined visual task, including a set of fixation points, is performed by the at least one virtual model in an environment defined by a description of the shape and position of elements that the at least one virtual model of the wearer should see. The steps include: selecting at least one virtual test from among the plurality of virtual tests based on at least one individualized actual or simulated wearer activity profile representing how the wearer uses the visual device, using at least one processor; The performance of the visual device in performing the selected virtual test by the wearer's virtual model is evaluated by the at least one processor by calculating at least one predetermined performance criterion generated for the predetermined visual task for at least one of the fixation points, Methods that include...

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the wearer is a specific individual, and the wearer's at least one virtual model includes the virtual model of the specific individual.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the wearer belongs to a group of wearers defined by their overall characteristics, the individual characteristics of each wearer in the group are unknown, and the at least one virtual model of the wearer includes a plurality of virtual models of wearers that represent the group of wearers.

12. The method according to claim 9, 10, or 11, wherein the individualized wearer activity profile includes different weights assigned to the at least one scenario and / or the at least one predetermined performance criterion, depending on the relevance of the at least one scenario and / or the relevance of the wearer's at least one criterion in the way the visual device is used.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the virtual model of the wearer includes a virtual model of at least one eye of the wearer, a virtual model of the wearer's head, and a virtual model of the wearer's torso.

14. A computer program product for evaluating the performance of a visual device intended for a wearer, comprising one or more instruction sequences accessible to a processor, wherein, when executed by the processor, the processor receives To obtain at least one virtual model of the wearer, The visual device is used to acquire a plurality of virtual tests to be performed, each of the plurality of virtual tests comprising at least one scenario combined with the wearer's at least one virtual model, the scenario defining how a predetermined visual task, including a series of fixation points, is performed by the at least one virtual model within an environment defined by a description of the shape and position of elements that the wearer's at least one virtual model should see. Based on at least one individualized actual or simulated wearer activity profile representing how the wearer uses the visual device, the wearer selects at least one virtual test from among the plurality of virtual tests. A computer program product that evaluates the performance of the visual device in which the selected virtual test is performed by the wearer's at least one virtual model, by calculating at least one predetermined performance criterion generated with respect to the predetermined visual task for at least one of the fixation points.

15. A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that stores one or more instruction sequences accessible to a processor, and when the one or more instruction sequences are executed by the processor, the processor receives Obtain at least one virtual model of the wearer, A set of virtual tests to be performed by a visual device is obtained, each of the set of virtual tests comprising at least one scenario combined with the wearer's at least one virtual model, the scenario defining how a predetermined visual task, including a set of fixation points, is performed by the at least one virtual model within an environment defined by a description of the shape and position of elements that the wearer's at least one virtual model should see. Based on at least one individualized actual or simulated wearer activity profile representing how the wearer uses the visual device, the wearer selects at least one virtual test from among the plurality of virtual tests. A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that allows evaluation of the performance of the visual device in performing the selected at least one virtual test by the at least one virtual model of the wearer, by calculating at least one predetermined performance criterion generated with respect to the predetermined visual task for at least one of the fixation points.

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