KR20260002751A - A computational module configured to evaluate visual and postural ergonomics - Google Patents

Abstract

A computational module for evaluating visual and postural ergonomics of a user (11) and providing a recommendation, the computational module being configured to: - obtain at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing at least one optical element worn by the user (11); - obtain at least one value of at least one positional parameter representing a position, a movement or a series of movements of at least one body part of the user (11); - select a reference value for at least one positional parameter based on the value of the at least one optical parameter; - compare the value of the at least one positional parameter with the selected reference value to detect an inappropriateness; and - provide at least one recommendation to the user (11) if an inappropriateness is detected.

Description

A computational module configured to evaluate visual and postural ergonomics

The present invention relates to the field of visual and postural ergonomics. More specifically, the present invention relates to a computational module configured to evaluate a user's visual and postural ergonomics and provide recommendations. The present invention also relates to a computer-implemented method implemented in such a computational module.

The growing interest in improving visual and postural ergonomics stems from the rise of sedentary lifestyles and the resulting poor posture. In both work and personal settings, people often spend significant amounts of time staring at computer, TV, and smartphone screens in poor posture. In particular, head position, neck angle, and shoulder posture can lead to muscle and tendon imbalances and irritation. This can lead to chronic discomfort or pain, so it's important to increase awareness of posture, dedicate sufficient time to posture correction, and take breaks from screen-related activities to prevent this.

Visual ergonomics also addresses visual discomfort that can arise from prolonged staring at bright screens without adequate rest, or from excessive focus on near-vision tasks without sufficient time to compensate for distance visual adjustment. Lack of attention to visual ergonomics can exacerbate visual impairments such as myopia, as well as general discomfort like migraines.

Moreover, these negative effects are exacerbated when the recommended use of the ophthalmic device (particularly progressive multifocal lenses) does not align with the wearer's personal usage habits. Indeed, progressive multifocal lenses have separate fields of vision for near and distance vision, which can increase the aforementioned visual discomfort if the wearer looks through the wrong field of vision.

Visual and postural training with a professional and/or physician can often improve comfort and address many of these issues. However, adjusting gaze and postural behaviors must become habitual to achieve long-term beneficial effects, and frequent reinforcement is necessary to achieve maximum benefits. Because people are often preoccupied with the task at hand, they often neglect visual and postural ergonomics, and unhealthy habits often overwhelm the benefits of previous training.

The present invention aims to address the aforementioned problems by providing a routinely easy-to-implement method for obtaining feedback and recommendations related to visual and postural ergonomics.

To this end, the present invention relates to a calculation module that evaluates a user's visual and postural ergonomics and provides recommendations.

The above calculation module,

- configured to obtain at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing at least one optical element worn by a user,

- configured to obtain at least one value of at least one position parameter representing a position, movement or series of movements of at least one body part of the user,

- configured to select a reference value for the at least one position parameter based on the value of the at least one optical parameter;

- configured to compare the value of at least one position parameter with a selected reference value to detect inadequacy,

- If an inappropriateness is detected, it is configured to provide the user with at least one recommendation.

These devices provide continuous feedback and recommendations on the user's visual and postural ergonomics, enabling continuous and easily implemented reinforcement of good habits to improve visual and postural comfort.

At least one optical element may comprise, for example, an optical lens, in particular an ophthalmic lens.

The computational module can be placed in a head-mounted device.

The head-mounted device may also include at least one optical element.

A head-mounted device could be, for example, a set of smart glasses.

Alternatively, the control module may be separate from the head-mounted device and connected to the head-mounted device via a wired or wireless connection.

The value of at least one optical parameter can be provided from memory.

The memory can be located in the head-mounted device or in a separate device, such as a computer or smartphone. The memory can be directly connected to the computing module or connected via a wireless communication protocol.

The values of the position parameter(s) can be obtained through measurements from at least one sensor.

At least one sensor may include an image sensor (e.g., a camera), an inertial sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), etc.

Different sensors among the at least one sensor may be used to provide values of different environmental parameters and/or attitude parameters.

At least one sensor may be placed on the head-mounted device.

According to one implementation example, at least one position parameter comprises at least one gaze angle, direction or distance from which the user views the region of interest.

The position parameters can be obtained by acquiring at least one image, for example, using an eye-tracking camera.

These features enable the device to provide feedback on the user's use of the ophthalmic corrective device worn, as well as feedback on maintaining proper gaze posture during the user's activities.

According to another implementation, the reference value includes a range of appropriate viewing distances, angles or directions over which the user views the region of interest through the optical element.

Thanks to these features, it is possible to check whether the user is using the corrective lenses for ophthalmic use correctly.

For example, the calculation module is configured to determine whether the user is viewing objects within the near field of view using the correct corrective ophthalmic lens.

In another embodiment, the optical element is a progressive multifocal ophthalmic lens, and the range of appropriate gaze directions or angles of the region of interest is determined based on the distance to the region of interest and a predetermined specific area of the optical element.

These features make it possible to control the fit between the visual distance to the area of interest and the area of use of the progressive multifocal lens that provides appropriate visual correction for that visual distance.

According to another implementation, the region of interest includes a display, and the computation module is configured to select a reference value using a distance to the display.

Thanks to this feature, it is possible to control the viewing distance to the display, and the calculation module can recommend to the user to adjust the distance if it is not suitable.

A display may be a static display, such as a text page or a book, or a dynamic display, such as a screen.

According to another embodiment, the display includes at least one text area, and the calculation module is configured to select a reference value using a parameter representing the text area.

Parameters that represent a text area can be, for example, font size, luminosity and/or contrast values.

These features allow us to identify text on the display and recommend adjustments to the display if the text parameters are inappropriate, or to adjust environmental conditions such as distance to the display or ambient brightness.

According to another embodiment, at least one position parameter comprises a position angle of at least one head or neck, at least one reference parameter comprises a corresponding recommended angle range, and the reference value of at least one position parameter further comprises a maximum duration of time that the position parameter remains outside the recommended angle range for a predetermined time.

These features allow you to control improper body postures, especially of the head and neck, for example when staring at a screen.

According to another embodiment, at least one position parameter comprises a frequency of posture change, wherein the posture change comprises a change in at least one preset body part position angle by more than a preset minimum value, and the reference value of the at least one position parameter comprises the minimum frequency of posture change; and/or at least one position parameter comprises a frequency of movement change, wherein the movement change comprises a change in at least one preset body part movement by more than a preset minimum value, and the reference value of the at least one position parameter comprises the minimum frequency of movement change.

These features allow us to determine how often we take sufficient breaks from our current activities and how often we change our posture, for example, when we sit in front of a screen for a certain period of time and then stand up.

According to another implementation, the recommendation includes a recommended displacement of the region of interest and/or a user's recommended displacement relative to the region of interest.

These features allow us to determine the proper gaze position of an object and to correct this relative position if necessary.

In another implementation, the recommendation includes a posture change recommendation.

Posture change recommendations may include instructions to move at least one specific body part of the user to improve the user's posture.

In another embodiment, the posture change recommendation comprises a posture change, wherein the posture change comprises changing at least one predetermined body part position angle by a predetermined minimum value, a recommended break from the current activity, and/or an optical element modification.

These characteristics may allow us to recommend changes in body posture in cases of prolonged poor posture, or to replace existing optical elements with new ones more suited to the viewing distance.

According to another embodiment, the computational module is configured to control at least one signaling device for providing a recommendation, the signaling device comprising a visual device, an auditory device and/or a tactile device.

These features make it possible to provide recommendations directly to users through simple signals.

The signaling device may be placed in the head-mounted device.

The signaling device can be connected to the control module via a direct wired connection or via a wireless communication protocol.

According to another embodiment, the head-mounted device includes a communication device that communicates with a computer, smartwatch or smartphone, stores measurement data in the computer, smartwatch or smartphone, and provides notifications through a program running on the computer, smartwatch or smartphone.

These features make it possible to provide complete feedback on the user's posture and gaze behavior over a set period of time, enabling long-term recommendations.

According to another embodiment, the computational module is also configured to use at least one environmental parameter comprising characteristics of an activity performed by the user, and the computational module is configured to determine the activity being performed by the user based on measurements from at least one sensor, advantageously through an artificial intelligence type algorithm implemented in the computational module.

These features can improve the accuracy of the device's selection of reference values based on the characteristics of the current activity.

According to another embodiment, the head-mounted device is configured to generate a reference value associated with at least one posture parameter and a corresponding value of at least one environmental parameter in a calibration step, wherein the calibration step is triggered by a user or automatically.

These features make it possible to create and modify databases based on individual user behavior and characteristics, thereby improving the suitability of the used baselines.

The present invention also relates to a head-mounted device comprising a computational module and at least one optical element,

The above calculation module is configured to evaluate the visual and postural ergonomics of a user wearing the optical device and provide recommendations,

The above calculation module,

- configured to obtain at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing an optical element,

- configured to obtain at least one value of at least one position parameter representing a position, movement or series of movements of at least one body part of the user,

- configured to select a reference value for the at least one position parameter based on the value of the at least one optical parameter;

- configured to compare the value of at least one position parameter with a selected reference value to detect inappropriateness,

- If an inappropriateness is detected, it is configured to provide the user with at least one recommendation.

The present invention also relates to a computer-implemented method for evaluating a user's visual and postural ergonomics and providing recommendations, the method comprising:

- a step of obtaining at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing an optical element being used by a user;

- a step of obtaining at least one value of at least one position parameter representing a position, movement or series of movements of at least one body part of the user;

- a step of selecting a reference value for the at least one position parameter based on the value of the at least one optical parameter;

- a step of detecting an inappropriateness by comparing the value of at least one position parameter with a selected reference value, and

- A step of comparing the value of at least one position parameter with a selected reference value to detect inappropriateness.

Includes.

Included in the contents of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a head-mounted device including a calculation module according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a user wearing the head-mounted device of FIG. 1.
Figure 3 is a drawing showing specific areas of a progressive multifocal lens.
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a computer implementation method according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In this embodiment, a calculation module (3) according to the present invention is mounted on a head-mounted device (1) of the type commonly referred to as smart glasses, as shown in FIG. 1.

Such head-mounted devices (1) typically include a rigid frame (2) made of a single piece or multiple connected pieces, and are configured to be worn by being placed on at least one facial component, such as the nose and/or ears of the wearer.

A head-mounted device (1) includes an electronic computing module (3) and at least one sensor (4) for obtaining information indicating the position and/or movement of a user of the head-mounted device (1).

The calculation module (3) includes an electronic circuit including at least one processor for executing a program, and a memory for storing instructions and data for executing the program.

Each sensor (4) can measure information about the user's surroundings and/or the user's movements or location. The computing module (3) is connected to each sensor (4) of the device (1), controls the sensor (4), and analyzes and stores the acquired information.

At least one sensor (4) may include at least one inertial motion sensor (4a) (also known as an inertial motor unit (IMU)) that measures linear acceleration (i.e., straight-line acceleration), a gyroscope sensor that measures angular momentum and position, a magnetic sensor that measures orientation relative to a reference direction, and other sensors that measure information related to movement or position.

Additionally, at least one sensor (4) may comprise at least one camera mounted on the device (1) and associated with a suitable image processing algorithm.

Advantageously, at least one sensor (4) comprises at least one front camera (4b) configured to acquire an image of the user's frontal environment, and at least one gaze tracking camera (4c) configured to acquire an image of the user's eyes to determine the gaze direction through an image processing method.

At least one sensor (4) may also include a GPS device configured to determine the user's location.

The head-mounted device (1) may also include at least one notification device for providing notifications to the user.

The notification device may include, for example, an audible and/or visual alert device, a display device and/or a haptic device.

The head-mounted device (1) may also include a communication device (8) or communication interface that enables communication between the head-mounted device and other electronic devices, such as a computer, a smartphone or other elements belonging to the user's personal area network.

The communication device (8) can operate via a direct wired connection or via a wireless connection protocol such as “Wi-Fi” or “Bluetooth”.

This head-mounted device typically includes a computing module (3) and a battery (5) for powering each sensor (4).

The calculation module (3) is configured to obtain at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing at least one optical element (7) worn by the user.

In some implementations, the values of optical parameters representing optical elements may change. In this case, the calculation module (3) may be configured to obtain the changed values and provide recommendations to the user based on these values.

In the described example, the optical element (7) is an optical lens mounted on the head-mounted device (1).

Preferably, the optical element (7) is an ophthalmic lens that provides a vision correction effect to the user. The optical element (7) has at least one optical parameter related to the vision correction being implemented, and the value(s) of this optical parameter are stored in the memory of the calculation module (3).

The optical parameter may be the refractive power of the ophthalmic lens, or any other parameter indicating the vision correction implemented by the lens, such as spherical power, astigmatic power, etc.

When the optical element (7) is a progressive multifocal ophthalmic lens or an anti-fatigue ophthalmic lens (e.g., a lens commercialized by the applicant under the trademark "Eyezen", which provides a lens design optimized at two points, including a point specific to a near gaze posture and a point specific to a distance gaze posture), the optical parameter may be a region of the lens, expressed as a range of gaze directions through the lens, associated with a range of visual distances that provides appropriate compensation when the progressive multifocal lens is used through that region.

Alternatively, the optical element (7) may be a non-prescription lens that does not provide vision correction.

Ophthalmic lenses or planar lenses may be configured to adjust the intensity of light passing through the lens, such as colored absorbing lenses or sunglasses with a gradient in transmittance.

Alternatively, the lens may be configured to have variable transmission characteristics, such as a variable transmission lens, such that it exhibits absorption characteristics that change automatically when exposed to incident light or that change under the control of the calculation module (3).

Alternatively, the optical element (7) may be an electrochromic lens including an electrochromic element.

The optical element (7) may have at least one optical parameter related to the transmittance of light passing through the optical element, such as the transmission coefficient through a fixed or variable transmission lens, the range of filtered light of a filtering lens, or the polarization angle of a polarizing lens.

Alternatively, the optical element (7) may be separated from the head-mounted device equipped with the computational module.

The optical element (7) may be an ophthalmic lens mounted on standard glasses, or a contact lens worn directly on the user's eye.

The optical parameters can be provided from a database based on measurements by at least one sensor under the control of the computational module.

The calculation module (3) is also configured to obtain at least one value of at least one position parameter representing a position, movement or series of movements of at least one body part of the user.

In other words, a position parameter is a parameter that represents the position of a body part of the user, such as the position of the user's head or eyes. The position can be a static position or a dynamic position, such as a movement or series of movements of the user's body part. The position of a body part can be determined absolutely or relative, such as relative to another body part of the user or an object the user is holding, using, or looking at.

The position parameters are obtained through at least one measurement value by any combination of at least one sensor (4) controlled by the calculation module (3).

As shown in FIG. 2, the position parameter may be a value that describes, for example, the user (11) looking at the area of interest (10).

A region of interest (10) is located, for example, in the forward field of view of a user (11) and includes one or more elements toward which the user's gaze (12) is directed. Elements within the region of interest can be detected in the user's surroundings by a sensor (4), for example, by acquiring at least one image by a camera (4b) and using an image analysis program to detect predetermined specific elements.

The position parameter may be a gaze distance (d) from the user (11) to the region of interest (10), or a direction or angle (α) in which the user gazes at the region of interest, measured between the gaze direction (12) and at least one reference direction or reference plane (RP).

The reference plane can be, for example, a sagittal, transverse or frontal plane relative to the user's head.

The gaze direction (12) is determined based on measurements from, for example, a gaze tracking camera (4c).

The area of interest (10) may include one or more displays, such as the screen of a computer or smartphone, or a static display, such as a page containing text and/or images expressed in words.

The calculation module may be configured to determine a viewing distance, which is a distance between a user and the display.

The calculation module (3) can be configured to detect text within a region of interest and obtain one or more text-related parameters such as font size, contrast factor, brightness, etc.

The text parameters can be used as auxiliary parameters for the optical parameters and/or position parameters by the calculation module (3).

The position parameter may also represent the posture of the user (11). In this case, the value of the position parameter describes the relative position of at least one body part of the user with respect to one another and with respect to the region of interest (10).

For example, the position parameter is, for example, the position angle of the neck shown in Fig. 2 ( ), can be based on the position of the neck, head and/or shoulders.

Positional parameters can be calculated from any combination of relative angles and distances of body parts, for example, to assess the user's postural stability when maintained for long periods of time.

At least one position parameter may also include a frequency of posture changes and/or a frequency of movement changes.

A change in posture includes, for example, a change in the angle of at least one preset body part position by more than a preset minimum value.

Using the frequency of postural changes assessment, we can detect prolonged static postures that, while not inherently harmful, should not be maintained for too long to avoid causing musculoskeletal pain. For example, even in a correct and safe sitting position, for the user's comfort, sitting for hours without standing up should not be maintained.

For example, a movement change involves changing at least one preset body part movement by a preset minimum value or more.

Frequency of movement changes is used to detect monotonous and/or repetitive movements that may pose a risk to the musculoskeletal system if maintained for too long.

The frequency of posture change or movement change is determined by counting the number of times the position angle or position angle movement changes by a value exceeding a minimum value during a preset period of time.

The calculation module (3) is configured to select a reference value for at least one position parameter based on the value of at least one optical parameter, and to compare the selected reference value with the value of at least one position parameter for detecting inappropriateness.

The reference values are provided, for example, from a database. The database may be stored in the memory of the calculation module (3), or the calculation module (3) may access the database via a communication interface (8).

The calculation module (3) is configured to select a reference value based on the measured values of the optical parameters. The reference value may also be determined based on the values of any auxiliary parameters, such as the aforementioned viewing distance and/or text parameters.

The reference values may include a range of appropriate viewing distances, angles or directions at which the user views the region of interest through the optical element (7), selected based on at least one parameter value.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, when the optical element is a progressive multifocal ophthalmic lens or a bifocal lens, the range of appropriate gaze directions or angles of the region of interest is determined based on the distance to the region of interest and a predetermined specific area of the optical element (7).

As shown in FIG. 3, these optical elements (7) generally include a distance viewing area (20) located at the upper portion of the lens, an intermediate viewing area (21), and a near viewing area (22) generally located at the lower portion of the lens.

Afterwards, based on the determined visual distance, the appropriate area of the lens is determined and compared with the detected gaze direction to confirm whether the progressive multifocal lens is being used correctly.

In fact, misuse of progressive multifocal lenses, such as looking at elements through an area of the lens that is not appropriate for the viewing distance, can cause visual discomfort.

In another implementation, the reference values may include, for example, a recommended angular range for the position angle of the head, neck and/or shoulders, and a maximum duration of time that the position is outside of the recommended angular range.

The step of comparing the measured values of the location parameters with the reference values may include a step in which the calculation module calculates a risk score.

These risk scores are calculated by pre-defined algorithms that take into account, for example, the angle of head flexion or extension, the angle of sideways bending of the head, the duration of time spent in a static posture, or the user's repetitive actions (e.g., the frequency of adopting postures).

The risk score has a minimum value associated with low risk, for example, less lateral head flexion or extension, less frequency of posture repetition, and shorter duration of holding the posture.

The risk score may have a higher value associated with higher risk for extreme head flexion (e.g., greater than 45 degrees) or extreme extension (e.g., greater than 20 degrees) associated with extreme head lateral flexion (e.g., greater than 20 degrees) and prolonged holding (e.g., greater than 1 minute) or high frequency (e.g., greater than 50% of a preset duration).

The reference values of at least one position parameter may also include a minimum frequency of posture change and/or a minimum frequency of movement change.

If the calculation module detects that there is a sufficient difference between the measured value of the position parameter and the reference value, it is judged to be inadequate.

The calculation module can use margins to trigger inappropriateness judgments based on the type of values considered as positional parameters. The margins can be provided, for example, from a database stored in memory.

Additionally, if the measured value of a location parameter deviates from the reference value for a preset period of time, it can be deemed inappropriate. The preset time that triggers the inappropriate judgment varies depending on the type of location parameter used and can be provided from the database.

The reference values of the position parameters may include the type of movement of the user detected by the motion sensor controlled by the calculation module and may be associated with an average viewing distance suitable for the type of optical element (7) worn by the user.

The relationship between viewing distance and movement type can be determined statistically by calculating the probability of viewing at different distances for a type of motor activity in a given detectable environment.

In this case, if the field of view distance distribution detected by the sensor appears to have changed when compared with the distribution considered as the reference value, it is considered inadequate.

The calculation module (3) is configured to provide at least one recommendation to the user when an inappropriateness is detected.

Recommendations may be delivered immediately and/or may be included in periodic feedback provided to users, in the form of delayed recommendations.

The computational module (3) may be configured to transmit recommendations to a central electronic device (e.g., a computer or smartphone) that prepares periodic feedback.

Recommendations may include signals or alerts to warn users of inappropriate behavior and suggest corrections to implement.

The signal may be a visual signal transmitted, for example, via a light or display mounted on the head-mounted device (1).

Alternatively, the visual signal can be transmitted by temporarily changing the properties of the optical element (7) into a recognizable pattern.

For example, if the optical element (7) is comprised of electrochromic glasses, the recommendation may include changing the color of at least a portion of the electrochromic glasses to signal to the user.

Visual signals may also contain information to correct inappropriateness.

For example, a visual cue could include a text message that identifies the inappropriateness and suggests corrections to be implemented.

For example, if a progressive multifocal lens is being used inappropriately, the appropriate area of the lens to use in the current situation can be visually designated, for example, through a change in color or an absorption change in the appropriate area.

As another example, the recommendation may suggest adjusting a suboptimal viewing distance for the region of interest by including a recommended displacement of the region of interest and/or a user's recommended displacement of the region of interest.

For example, for myopic users, recommendations may be used to prevent myopia from worsening by avoiding prolonged use of near vision.

For example, a visual cue could be a pictogram displayed on the smart glasses that instructs the user to increase or decrease the viewing distance accordingly.

Alternatively, for LEDs that transmit visual signals, the correction to be implemented can be indicated by the color of the LED. For example, a red light could signal to increase the viewing distance, while a blue light could signal to decrease the viewing distance.

The signal may also include an auditory element (such as a pre-registered alarm tone) transmitted via air or bone conduction. The alarm tone may specify the type of inconsistency or include information about the corrective action to be taken.

The signal may also include a tactile element, such as the vibration of a tactile device in contact with or in proximity to the user.

For posture-related inappropriateness, recommendations may include recommendations for a posture change, wherein the posture change includes changing at least one predetermined body part position angle by more than a predetermined minimum value.

This advice could be provided, for example, through visual or auditory signals that persist until an appropriate postural change is made.

Recommendations could also include simple posture changes, such as prompting the user to stand up after detecting prolonged sitting.

Examples of simple posture changes might include suggesting that you straighten your neck when reading or looking at a screen to avoid prolonged neck misalignment.

Recommendations may also include recommended rest from current activity and/or optical device modification.

For example, prolonged screen viewing without proper protective lenses can cause discomfort. Therefore, the calculation module (3) can be configured to provide recommendations to stop staring at the screen for at least a short break.

Recommendations may also include detecting the amount of time spent staring at a screen over several consecutive days and comparing this to a recommended maximum screen usage threshold, and suggesting ways to reduce total screen-staring time.

Recommended maximum screen usage may vary depending on, for example, the user's age and whether or not they use protective eyewear.

The recommended maximum screen usage may vary depending on the pre-registered user's eye profile. For example, a user's myopia may warrant a lower screen usage recommendation, particularly for younger users.

Recommendations may include prompts that encourage readers to adjust their reading habits based on text parameters. For example, recommendations may include suggestions to increase the viewing distance to the text, increase ambient brightness, or increase the font size if necessary.

Recommendations may also include changes to optical components. For example, recommendations may include prompts to wear glasses or replace current glasses.

Alternatively, the recommendation could include a prompt to use protective eyewear, such as sunglasses or blue light blocking glasses.

Depending on the risk associated with the judged inadequacy, the frequency or duration before providing a recommendation, or the type of recommendation, may vary.

For example, for a calculated risk score, a good or acceptable posture associated with a low risk score may not receive a recommendation; for a medium risk score, a recommendation may be provided within a periodic report along with suggestions for addressing the poor posture; and for a high risk score indicating a harmful posture, an immediate recommendation via an alarm may be provided to prevent the user from prolonged exposure.

The computation module may also be configured to use at least one environmental parameter, including characteristics of the activity being performed by the user, in selecting a reference value for the location parameter. The computation module is configured to identify the activity being performed by the user based on measurements from at least one sensor, preferably using an artificial intelligence algorithm implemented in the computation module.

For example, an image processing program could be used to target an image of the user's forward field of view to determine the activity being performed.

For example, location measurements via GPS type sensors can be used to determine a user's location and associated activities, such as driving a vehicle, using public transportation, or engaging in sports type activities.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the head-mounted device is configured to generate a reference value associated with at least one attitude parameter and a corresponding value of at least one environmental parameter in a pre-calibration step, wherein the calibration step is triggered by a user or automatically.

For example, the calculation module (3) is configured to collect values of position parameters and arbitrary auxiliary parameters during the calibration period.

The values collected in this way are used to build a database, and users and/or other skilled operators select the values with the highest relevance and appropriate use as final input.

The database contains reference values of position parameters calculated directly from the position parameters or extrapolated from the collected values during the calibration phase.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the computation module (3) is not located on the head-mounted device (1). The computation module (3) may be integrated into another device worn or carried by the user (e.g., a smartphone) or a stationary device (e.g., a computer). The method implemented by the computation module (3) may also be implemented in the cloud, and may be distributed/spread among the smart glasses, the smartphone, and the cloud backend.

In this case, the computing module communicates with at least one sensor (4) via a wired or wireless communication device (8). The sensor (4) may include a fixed sensor, such as a webcam, which is positioned facing the user and connected to a computer, or a sensor worn by the user, such as a smartwatch.

The present invention also relates to a computer-implemented method for evaluating a user's visual and postural ergonomics and providing recommendations, the method being implemented in the aforementioned calculation module (3).

The method is schematically illustrated in Fig. 4 and comprises the steps described below in any technically feasible sequence. The method is implemented in the aforementioned calculation module (3), and will be described taking into account the characteristics of this calculation module (3).

The method comprises an optional preliminary calibration step (CAL), which comprises collecting at least one position parameter value by means of a calculation module (3) and a sensor (4), and selecting at least a part of the collected values to build a database of position parameter reference values associated with a correct posture and/or a correct use of the optical element (7).

The method comprises a step (OPT) of obtaining at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing an optical element (7) used by a user. The values of the optical parameters are provided, for example, from a database stored in memory.

The value of the optical parameter may be obtained, for example, based on a measurement value from at least one of the sensors (4) for obtaining a value of a variable parameter of the optical element (7). The value of the optical parameter used in the method is then selected from among several values stored in the database based on the relevant measurement value of said at least one sensor.

The method comprises a step (POS) of acquiring at least one value of at least one position parameter representing the position, movement, or series of movements of at least one body part of the user. This step is implemented in the calculation module (3) via at least one sensor (4), as described above.

The step of obtaining the value of at least one position parameter is implemented, for example, continuously or periodically.

The method may optionally include a step (SUP) of acquiring at least one auxiliary parameter, implemented in the calculation module (3), based on measurements from at least one of the sensors (4). The auxiliary parameter may be a parameter related to the surrounding environment close to the user (e.g., viewing distance) or a situational parameter (e.g., the user's location or an activity being performed by the user).

The method comprises a step (REF) of selecting a reference value for at least one position parameter based on the value of at least one optical parameter. The reference value for the position parameter may also be selected based on one or more auxiliary parameters.

The method comprises a step (COMP) of comparing the value of at least one position parameter with a selected reference value to detect inadequacy. This comparison step may also utilize one or more auxiliary parameters.

In some embodiments, the method may also include determining a selected reference value. This determination may be accomplished by selecting a preset reference value, for example, a preset reference value of the model user. This selection may be accomplished by comparing the values of the user's physiological parameters with those of the model user. The reference values may also be adjusted based on changes in the values of the user's physiological parameters.

The method includes a step (REC) of providing at least one recommendation to the user when an inadequacy is detected. The recommendation may be provided immediately, changed after the inadequacy condition persists for a preset period of time, or included in a periodic report containing the recommendations to the user.

Recommendations may be provided through any one or any combination of the means described above.

In some embodiments, the method may include obtaining user feedback and adjusting the method based on such feedback. Based on such feedback, the method may include one of the following actions:

- Continue to run this method without any changes.

- Adjust the parameters of the method (e.g., optical parameters and/or position parameters) or adjust the reference value, and continue executing the method using the adjusted parameters or adjusted reference value.

- Stop executing this method.

Claims (16)

A calculation module (3) for evaluating the visual and postural ergonomics of a user (11) and providing recommendations, said calculation module (3) comprising at least one electronic circuit,
The above calculation module (3) is
- configured to obtain at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing at least one optical element (7) worn by a user (11),
- configured to obtain at least one value of at least one position parameter representing the position, movement or series of movements of at least one body part of the user (11),
- configured to select a reference value for the at least one position parameter based on the value of the at least one optical parameter;
- configured to compare the value of at least one position parameter with a selected reference value to detect inappropriateness,
- A calculation module (3) configured to provide at least one recommendation to the user (11) when an inappropriateness is detected. In the first paragraph, the calculation module (3) wherein at least one position parameter comprises at least one gaze angle (α), direction or distance (d) through which the user (11) views the region of interest (10). In claim 1 or 2, the reference value is a calculation module (3) including a range of appropriate viewing distances, angles or directions in which the user (11) views the region of interest (10) through the optical element (7). In the third paragraph, the optical element (7) is a progressive multifocal ophthalmic lens, and the range of the appropriate gaze direction or angle of the area of interest is determined based on the distance (d) to the area of interest (10) and a predetermined specific area (20, 21, 22) of the optical element (7), the calculation module (3). In claim 3 or 4, the area of interest (10) includes a display, and the calculation module (3) is configured to select a reference value using the distance to the display. In the fifth paragraph, the display comprises at least one text area, and the calculation module (3) is configured to select a reference value using a parameter representing the text area. In any one of claims 1 to 6, at least one position parameter comprises at least one position angle of the head or neck ( ), and at least one reference parameter includes a corresponding recommended angular range, and the reference value of at least one position parameter further includes a maximum duration for which the reference value remains outside the recommended angular range for a preset period of time. A calculation module (3). In any one of claims 1 to 7, at least one position parameter comprises a frequency of posture change, wherein the posture change is at least one preset body part position angle ( ) includes a change of at least one position parameter by a preset minimum value or more, and the reference value of at least one position parameter includes a minimum frequency of posture change and/or; at least one position parameter includes a frequency of movement change, wherein the movement change includes a change of at least one preset body part movement by a preset minimum value or more, and the reference value of at least one parameter includes a minimum frequency of movement change. A calculation module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the recommendation comprises a recommended displacement of the region of interest (10) and/or a recommended displacement of the user (11) with respect to the region of interest (10). In any one of claims 1 to 9, the recommendation comprises a change in posture, wherein the change in posture comprises at least one preset body part position angle ( ) to change the current activity beyond a preset minimum value, a recommended break from the current activity, and/or a modification of the optical element (7). In any one of claims 1 to 10, the calculation module (3) is configured to control at least one signaling device for providing a recommendation, the signaling device comprising a visual device, an auditory device and/or a tactile device. In any one of claims 1 to 11,
A communication device (8) that communicates with a computer, smartwatch or smartphone, stores measurement data on the computer, smartwatch or smartphone, and provides notifications through a program running on the computer, smartwatch or smartphone.
A calculation module (3) including: In any one of claims 1 to 12,
The calculation module (3) is also configured to use at least one environmental parameter comprising characteristics of the activity performed by the user, and to determine the activity being performed by the user, based on measurements from at least one sensor (4), advantageously through an artificial intelligence type algorithm implemented in the calculation module (3). In the 13th paragraph, the calculation module (1) is configured to generate a reference value of at least one posture parameter and a corresponding value of at least one environmental parameter in a calibration step (CAL), wherein the calibration step (CAL) is triggered by a user or automatically, the calculation module (3). A head-mounted device (1) comprising a calculation module (3) and at least one optical element (7),
The above calculation module (3) is configured to evaluate the visual and postural ergonomics of a user (11) using the optical element (7) and provide recommendations.
The above calculation module (3) is
- configured to obtain at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing an optical element (7),
- configured to obtain at least one value of at least one position parameter representing the position, movement or series of movements of at least one body part of the user (11),
- configured to select a reference value for the at least one position parameter based on the value of the at least one optical parameter;
- configured to compare the value of at least one position parameter with a selected reference value to detect inappropriateness,
- A calculation module (3) configured to provide at least one recommendation to the user (11) when an inappropriateness is detected. A computer-implemented method for evaluating the visual and postural ergonomics of a user (12) and providing recommendations,
- a step (OPT) of obtaining at least one value of at least one optical parameter representing an optical element (7) being used by a user (11);
- a step of obtaining at least one value of at least one position parameter representing the position, movement or series of movements of at least one body part of the user (11) (POS);
- a step (REF) of selecting a reference value for the at least one position parameter based on the value of the at least one optical parameter;
- a step (COMP) of comparing the value of at least one position parameter with a selected reference value to detect inappropriateness, and
- A step (REC) of providing at least one recommendation to the user (11) if an inappropriateness is detected.
A method comprising: