WO2014158055A1

WO2014158055A1 - Method for examining and assessing the eye fatigue of a personal computer user

Info

Publication number: WO2014158055A1
Application number: PCT/RU2013/000775
Authority: WO
Inventors: Андрей Петрович РЫТИК
Original assignee: Rytik Andrei Petrovich
Priority date: 2013-03-25
Filing date: 2013-09-05
Publication date: 2014-10-02
Also published as: RU2522968C1

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of ergonomics, occupational psychology and medicine and can be used for diagnosing a person's functional state. Proposed is a method for examining and assessing the eye fatigue of a personal computer user which makes it possible to prevent eye fatigue while also preventing curvature of the spine by means of maintaining a safe distance between the screen and the user's eyes. The technical result is an increase in the accuracy of eye fatigue assessment as a result of determining the optimal distance from the screen to a person's eyes.

Description

METHOD FOR RESEARCH AND EVALUATION OF USER'S EYE Fatigue

PERSONAL COMPUTER

Technical field

The invention relates to the field of ergonomics, labor psychology, medicine, and can be used to diagnose a functional state of a person, to assess the psycho-emotional state, and can also be used in a work environment and at home, for express diagnostics of drivers.

State of the art

There is a method of preventing and preventing back stoop, curvature of the spine, chest deformation, injuries of the cervical spine in a person working with a computer monitor (see RF patent application jV ° 2006130199, IPC A61H1 / 00), which consists in the fact that in order to be able to independent visual control of the position of the head, body, posture and posture while working with a computer, a mirror reflecting element is installed at the top of the monitor screen, which has the ability to show a person its reflection face in the same field of view, along with the monitor screen, and gives this person the opportunity to continually visually monitor the position of the head and adjust its posture without interrupting work.

However, this method does not have protection against user ignoring the screen, which makes the method subjective and formal.

A known method and device for determining attenuation of visual performance (see RF patent for IZ .444978, IPC A61BZ / 024).

The technical result is a description of the performance characteristics of the eye in various areas of the human field of vision. Each evaluation image contains a contribution of at least two elements selected from a list comprising: a base image, a test image, a noise image, and a plurality of evaluation images formed from the base image.

A person can determine whether he sees the test image in the evaluation image, and the data processor is further configured to evaluate the responses of the person so as to provide indications of internal noise and one or more of visual effectiveness and visual sensitivity as a function of position in the person’s field of vision. However, this method does not take into account the motivation of the user and, moreover, does not allow an assessment of eye fatigue without interruption from the process of work or rest at the screen.

A known method of correcting the posture of a user of a personal computer and a device for correcting the posture of a user of a personal computer (see RF patent for IZ N ° 2317043, IPC A61B5 / 1), which consists in the fact that for correcting the user's posture on the user's surface facing a digital camera, pin a tag or marker. The position of the mark or marker corresponding to the normal vertically oriented position of the user's spine, the deviation of the position of the user's spine from the normal vertically oriented position by an acceptable value, the deviation of the position of the spine from the normal vertically oriented position by an invalid value is determined using a digital camera and software. If the position of the spine deviates from the normal vertically oriented position by an unacceptable value, the operation of the software is blocked based on the readings of a digital camera. Unlocking the software is carried out by correcting the position of the spine by returning it to its normal vertically oriented position or a position in which the deviation of the spine corresponds to an acceptable value, also based on the readings of a digital camera.

However, this method has a limitation associated with the need to set labels on the skin of the user. In addition, the possibility of working at different levels of illumination and without additional adjustment of the digital camera is excluded.

Closest to the claimed solution is a method of correcting the posture of the user of a personal computer and a device for correcting the posture of the user of a personal computer (see RF patent for IZ N ° 2317042 IPC A61F5 / 00, A61B5 / 11), characterized in that it preliminarily fixes a normal vertically oriented position the user's spine, the deviation of the position of the spine from its normal position by an unacceptable value through a sensor that is mounted on the user's clothing and is electrically communicated with dark block to interact with the software, which is reacted the user by means of controls, and then correct the position of the spine by returning it to its normal vertically oriented position, and fixing the deviation of the spine from its normal position by an unacceptable value is carried out by blocking the software using the sensor, and the correction of the position of the spine is carried out by returning it to normal vertically oriented position as a result of unlocking the software tool m sensor.

This method is carried out using the Device, which contains personal computer modules communicated with each other - a system unit connected to an electric energy source, with software and with means for recording, storage, reproduction and destruction of information, a control tool, a liquid crystal display and a sensor for determining the normal vertically oriented position of the user's spine, deviation of the position of the spine from its normal position by an unacceptable amount moreover, the sensor is mounted on the user's clothing, is electrically connected with the system unit with the possibility of interacting with software that the user interacts with by means of control, and blocking the operation of the software in case the spine deviates from its normal position by an unacceptable amount and with the possibility of unlocking the software when correcting the position of the spine by returning it to its normal vertically oriented position.

The disadvantage of the prototype is the need to fix the sensor on a person. This, in turn, imposes a restriction on the potential audience of users (for example, the use of sensors involves restricting movements and, therefore, complicates the implementation of the method with children, puts forward a number of requirements for clothes and the sensor itself).

The objective of this solution is to create a method for studying and evaluating eye fatigue of a computer user, which helps to prevent eye fatigue and, at the same time, curvature of the user's spine by maintaining a safe distance from the screen to the human eye. The technical result consists in increasing the reliability of the assessment of eye fatigue by determining the optimal distance from the screen to the eyes of a person.

The problem is solved in that in the method for studying and evaluating eye fatigue of a user of a personal computer, which consists in the fact that previously using a software tool fixes the normal vertically oriented position of the user's spine, deviation of the position of the spine from its normal position by an unacceptable amount; correcting the position of the spine by returning it to its normal vertically oriented position, according to the claimed solution, the normal vertically oriented position of the user's spine is fixed with an integrated front-facing video camera, followed by video transmission to the computer software service; using a program and a video camera determine the projection of the distance between the centers of the eyes, fixed on the video image at a comfortable distance between the user and the computer screen, which is at least 2 screen diagonals; by shooting with a video camera, the dynamics of changes in the projection of the distance between the centers of the eyes in the frame in time is recorded; if the distance between the user and the computer screen is less than 2 screen diagonals, a warning is displayed on the screen; as a warning, an overlay of visual effects and / or sound and / or vibration signals is displayed on the screen image; however, the smaller the distance between the user and the screen, the stronger the effect of visual effects in the form of blurring the screen and / or sound and / or vibration signals.

In addition, for the purpose of user self-control when recording changes in the distance between the centers of the eyes in the projection of the frame, screen shading and / or the image of animated characters are used as a visual effect. After 30 minutes of work, the program displays a message about the need for a break and rest for the eyes and displays game relaxing exercises for the eyes or a recommendation for a break of 5 minutes, after which the visual effect of the screen and additional signals are turned off. To save hardware and software resources, an algorithm for decomposing a video sequence into a series of frames with the subsequent analysis of only every fifth frame is used. The claimed solution is illustrated by the drawing, which shows a diagram of a device for research and assessment of eye fatigue of a user of a personal computer, where the positions indicated:

1 - keyboard

2 - additional digital camera,

3 - screen

4 - front camera

5 - infrared spotlight,

6 - system unit.

The essence of the proposed solution is as follows.

The normal vertically oriented position of the user's spine is recorded with the integrated front-facing video camera with the subsequent transfer of the video image to the computer software service. To do this, using the program and the video camera, the projection in the camera frame of the distance between the centers of the eyes, fixed at a comfortable distance between the user and the computer screen, is determined. Comfortable distance is determined on the basis of compliance with the conditions: the distance between the user and the screen should be the largest, and at least 2 diagonals of the screen. By intermittent shooting with a video camera, the dynamics of the change in the projection of the distance between the centers of the eyes in the frame in time is recorded. The deviation of the position of the user's spine in relation to the screen from its normal position by an unacceptable value is determined by the change in the projection of the distance between the centers of the eyes in the camera frame. Accordingly, they judge the curvature of the spine. In this case, using the software, a visual effect is superimposed on the screen image in the form of image blur and / or sound and / or vibration signals and / or image of animation characters. The total time spent by the person in the camera frame is determined and correlated with the screen time limit specified in the program settings. After 30 minutes of work, the program displays a message about the need for a break and rest for the eyes and displays game relaxing exercises for the eyes or a recommendation for a break of 5 minutes, after which the visual effect of the screen and additional signals turn off.

In addition, using the software, you can determine the symmetry on the video image between the distances from the center of each eye to nose bridge, with the appearance of significant differences of these distances conclude that the angle of rotation of the head relative to the screen.

Thus, the claimed solution contributes to the implementation of dynamic feedback between the user's position at the screen and the video image, fixing the change in the projection of the distance between the centers of the eyes and the nose in the projection of the frame and the change in its posture.

The method is as follows.

To implement the method, a computer is used, a front-facing video camera 4, integrated with the computer case, or an additional digital camera 2, which registers the presence of a user at the computer screen 3. The video image of the user's movement, posture, viewing angle on the screen are analyzed using a specially designed program. To enter an image, use a camera (front integrated 4 or additional digital 2) with a speed of at least 30 frames per second. The program allows you to analyze the video image entered into the computer, conducts frame-by-frame threshold processing of the video stream and records posture, screen time, distance from the screen, viewing angle, and the number of keyboard input errors. To save hardware and software resources, an algorithm for decomposing a video sequence into a series of frames is used, followed by analysis of only every fifth frame of a moving person in real time.

The built-in front camera is mounted or activated so that its axis is at the level of human eyes and the lens is in the same plane with the screen. In addition, a digital video camera can also be installed, which is also aimed at a person. An infrared spotlight is fixed and era directed at a person. Connect the system unit 6, keyboard 1, screen 3 of the computer, the camcorder. In the case of low light, wear special glasses with infrared marks on the edges of the frame.

Launch the front camera and check its performance. Run the program. Simultaneously with the launch of the program, the face recognition service in the camera frame automatically starts. At the first start, the program prompts the user to select a registered account or create a new one and carry out individual settings. In the process of adjustment, the table of vision assessment generally accepted in ophthalmology is displayed. The setup manual suggests that the user move away from the display as far as possible, but comfortable for reading all the lines of the table of vision assessment distance (which is at least 2 screen diagonals), and click on the "OK" button. If everything is done correctly, the program starts a new account with user credentials. Next, the program hides in the task manager and runs in the background.

If the distance from the user's eyes to the screen is less than the specified one during setup, the screen is blurred and becomes unreadable, forcing it to move away, that is, the greater the user’s deviation from the set position, the worse the image on the screen. In this case, the screen does not turn off if the deviation is more than critical. Thus, the effect of dynamic feedback is realized: the user adjusts his own position near the screen and thereby improves the video image. In addition to the visual effects of blurring / shading the screen, the program provides for the appearance of an animated character on the screen, as well as sound and vibro messages. In case of ignoring by the user or with frequent violation of the safe distance, an animated character appears on the screen.

Simultaneously with the launch of the program and only if there is a person in the frame, the timer for the total time of use at the screen works, after its work the program will offer to take a break or a series of game exercises for the eyes.

An example of a specific implementation of the method.

When implementing the method, the comfortable distance between the user and the computer screen was initially determined, at which the ability to read the lines of the screen adjustment table was maintained. At the same time, they were also guided by the rule that the distance from the eyes to the screen should be: 2-3 monitor diagonals, in the case of displays from 15 to 22 inches and at least 30-50 cm, in the case of screens of a smaller diagonal. In most cases, the distance was 50 cm between the eyes and the screen, which corresponded to 15 relative units for projecting the distance between the centers of the eyes in the video frame. That is, the normal vertically oriented position of the user's spine fixed by the video camera is defined as safe for the eyes and the video image of this position is transmitted to the computer software service. Then, in the background mode of the program and the camera mode of the camera, every fifth frame was analyzed, for which the dynamics were recorded changes in the projection of the distance between the centers of the eyes in the frame. If the distance became more than 20 relative units, a conclusion was drawn about a reduction in the distance from the user's eyes to the screen (less safe for the eyes) and a corresponding deviation from the vertical position. At this moment, using the software, the computer screen was blurred, which can be accompanied by a screen shading, as well as sound effects in the form of stylized voice commands of the character of the program interface or vibration signals. Animated images displayed on the screen can also be used as visual effects. A change in the distance between the centers of the eyes by several relative units of projection in the frame corresponds in most cases to a ten-degree deviation of the spine from the vertical position.

Similarly, using software, we determined the symmetry on the video image between the projections of the distances from the center of each eye to the nose bridge, which amounted to fifteen relative units. When significant differences of these distances by more than 5 units appeared, a conclusion was drawn about a change in the angle of rotation of the head relative to the screen. Using the software, the duration of the change in the angle of rotation of the head relative to the screen was recorded and after 1 minute a warning was displayed on the screen in the form of visual effects.

Additionally, the shoulder line and relative to it the position of the eyes in time were determined by software. With a relatively flat and vertical position of the user's back, the distance between the centers of the eyes and the line of the shoulders was about 50 relative units, with the head tilted forward, the distance decreased, and a conclusion was made about the incorrect position of the cervical spine. If the distance was reduced by more than 10 units, after 1 minute, the computer screen was darkened or blurred using software, which was also accompanied by messages from the program interface character about posture correction.

30 minutes after the start of the program, a message was displayed on the screen about the need for a break and rest for the eyes, with a proposal to turn off the screen for a few minutes or undergo gaming relaxing exercises for the eyes.

Claims

Formula

1. A method for examining and evaluating eye fatigue of a user of a personal computer, where eye fatigue is selected as a physiological parameter, which consists in preliminarily using the software to fix the normal vertically oriented position of the user's spine, deviating the position of the spine from its normal position by an unacceptable amount; correct the position of the spine by returning it to its normal vertically oriented position; characterized in that the normal vertically oriented position of the user's spine is fixed by the integrated front-facing video camera with subsequent transmission of the video image to the computer software service; using a program and a video camera determine the projection of the distance between the centers of the eyes, fixed on the video image at a comfortable distance between the user and the computer screen, which is at least 2 screen diagonals; by shooting with a video camera, the dynamics of changes in the projection of the distance between the centers of the eyes in the frame in time is recorded; if the distance between the user and the computer screen is less than 2 screen diagonals, a warning is displayed on the screen; as a warning, an overlay of visual effects on the screen image in the form of screen blur and / or sound and / or vibration signals is output; the smaller the distance between the user and the screen, the stronger the effect of visual effects in the form of blurring the screen and / or sound and / or vibration signals.

2. A method for examining and evaluating eye fatigue of a user of a personal computer according to claim 1, characterized in that for the purpose of user self-control when recording changes in the distance between the centers of the eyes in the projection of the frame, screen shading and / or image of animated characters are used as a visual effect.

3. A method for examining and evaluating eye fatigue of a personal computer user according to claim 1, characterized in that after 30 minutes of operation, the program displays a message about the need for a break and rest for the eyes and displays game relaxing exercises for the eyes or a recommendation for a break of 5 minutes then the visual effect of the screen and additional signals turn off.

4. A method for studying and evaluating eye fatigue of a user of a personal computer according to claim 1, characterized in that to save software and hardware resources, an algorithm for decomposing a video sequence into a series of frames is used, followed by analysis of only every fifth frame that displays a moving user in real time.