Abstract:
A visual training device  1  including: a screen arranged facing a subject H having visual impairment; a line of vision detection unit that detects a line of vision of the subject H and outputs line of vision signals indicating the line of vision; a visual field data storage unit that stores visual field data indicating the visible area AR 2  and the area of visual impairment AR 1  of the subject H; and a screen control unit  53  that, on the aforementioned screen, moves the visible area AR 2  specified based on the aforementioned visual field data in correspondence to the movement of the line of vision of the subject H specified by the aforementioned line of vision signals. The display format of the visible area AR 2  or a region including the vicinity thereof, is displayed different from the display format of the other region. By doing this, an attitudinal barrier of the person with visual impairment, the subject, can be removed, and the visual training device can allow easy training to be provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention is related to a training device to improve the visual performance of visually impaired persons, specifically, visually impaired persons who have a partial impairment of their visual field. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Visual impairment may occur for a variety of reasons with approximately 10% of known cases caused by accidents, and approximately 60% caused by disease. In the past, many different therapies such as surgeries and drugs have been conducted in order to improve this form of visual impairment, as indicated in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. H10-324636. 
   Visual impairment can have a variety of symptoms, in addition to those cases where the entire visual field is completely occluded by, for example, a functional impairment of the eye or brain, there may also be cases of visual impairment of only one part of the visual field while vision is physically possible in the other regions. 
   Among the people thought to be completely blind due to visual impairment, there are in fact a large percentage of people who have a partially physically occluded field of vision (notably in the line of vision), and who are consciously convinced that they cannot see or have difficulty seeing beyond their actual ability to see. 
   This kind of person can be convinced that he or she “cannot see” or has “difficulty seeing.” Attempts are being made to greatly improve visual capacity by reforming that attitude, for example, by training to look to the side of the visual point. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Nonetheless, changing this attitude of “I cannot see” is extremely difficult, and the desired effect cannot be obtained because this attitude obstructs corrective training. For example, even when pointing out the landscape in front of the visually impaired and giving the advice that “since this is the part that you should be looking at, do your best to look to the side of the line of vision,” because this is not based on objective fact from the perspective of the visually impaired person, the previously described attitude of “I cannot see” often wins out, the advice is not received in a straightforward manner, and the training does not produce results. 
   Further, there is also the problem that, in spite of giving the visually impaired person advice on techniques for seeing in the direction of the line of vision, it becomes difficult to give accurate advice because the trainers cannot objectively comprehend the line of vision of the visually impaired person. 
   Thus, after studying the above points, the present invention addresses these issues by offering a visual training device that addresses the attitudinal barriers of visually impaired persons, and simplifies training of such persons. 
   Specifically, the visual training device related to the present invention, is characterized by having a screen arranged to face a subject with visual impairment; a line of vision detection units that detect a line of vision of the subject and outputs a line of vision signals indicating the line of vision; a visual field data storage unit that stores visual field data indicating the visible area and the area of visual impairment of the subject; and a screen control unit that, on the aforementioned screen, moves the visible area specified based on the aforementioned visual field data in correspondence to the movement of the line of vision of the subject specified by the aforementioned line of vision signals, and thereby makes the displayed format of the visible area or the region including the vicinity thereof different from the display format of another region in order to promote the awareness of the subject. 
   The visual training method related to the present invention is characterized by: arranging a screen facing a subject with a visual impairment; detecting the line of vision of the subject via a line of vision detection units; storing, in a visual field data storage unit set up in a specified region of memory visual field data indicating the visible area and the area of visual impairment in the visual field of the subject; and moving on the aforementioned screen the visible area specified based on the aforementioned visual field data in correspondence to the movement of the line of vision of the subject specified by the line of vision signals output from the aforementioned line of vision detection units, and thereby making the display format of the visible area or the region including the vicinity thereof different from the display format of another region. 
   Further, the aforementioned visual field data must be acquired ahead of time by testing the subject, etc. and storing the same. 
   Thus, the visual field that the subject should physically be able to see can be readily understood by a third party, for example, by a trainer, and because the subject must also recognize that the understanding is based on images acquired from visual field data and line of vision signals and is objectively correct, the subject cannot escape into a subjective attitude of “I cannot see.” In other words, for example, in relation to the advice from the trainer, etc. that “you should be able to see this now,” this must be accepted compliantly, and this becomes a training incentive for the subject, and heightens the motivation for training. Then, as a result, effective training can take place, parts thought to be not seeable become seeable, and the visual capacity of the subject can be effectively improved. 
   The aforementioned screen control unit displaying images that the subject can recognize, and displaying nothing in the region in an aforementioned other region can be cited as a concrete embodiment. Here, in addition to painting with one color such as black or white, etc. “displaying nothing” also includes displaying something with no meaning such as a row of graphics. An image that the subject can recognize also includes, for example, painting with one specified color. This is because the color can cause recognition. 
   To confirm whether the subject actually recognizes the display on the screen, the recognized image may be orally reported to the third party, if a third party is involved, but if, for example, the subject is working alone, it is preferable that a response signal receiving unit be further provided to receive response signals indicating the response from the subject viewing the screen. The response signals received by the response signal receiving unit may also be determined automatically by a computer. 
   To cite a more preferable example, the aforementioned screen control unit would display on the screen a virtual space that imitates an actual scene etc., and that virtual scene image would be moved corresponding to response signals relating to directional indications received from the subject by the aforementioned response signal receiving unit, allowing the subject to have a pseudo-moving experience in the virtual space. This kind of arrangement could be suitable for providing training that can be directly tied to real life experiences. 
   According to the present invention, the part that the subject should physically be able to see can be understood by a third party, for example, by a trainer, and because the subject must also recognize that the understanding is based on images acquired from visual field data and line of vision signals and is objectively correct, the subject cannot escape into the subjective attitude of “I cannot see.” In other words, for example, in relation to the advice from the trainer, etc. that “you should be able to see this now,” this must be accepted compliantly, and this becomes a training incentive for the subject, and heightens the motivation for training. Then, as a result, effective training can take place, parts thought to be not seeable become seeable, and the visual capacity of the subject can be effectively improved. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram indicating the entire visual training device of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram indicating the configuration of the equipment of the data processing device of the same embodiment. 
       FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram indicating the configuration of functions of the data processing device of the same embodiment. 
       FIG. 4  is a screen example diagram indicating an example of a display format of the screen of the same embodiment. 
       FIG. 5  is a screen example diagram indicating an example of a display format of the screen of the same embodiment. 
       FIG. 6  is a screen example diagram indicating an example of a display format of the screen of the same embodiment. 
       FIG. 7  is an operational flowchart of the visual training device of the same embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention which set forth the best modes contemplated to carry out the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. 
   An embodiment of the present invention will be explained below by referring to the diagrams. 
   As schematically indicated in  FIG. 1 , a visual training device  1  related to the present embodiment comprises a line of vision detection unit or means  2  that measures the line of vision of the subject H, an input member or means  3 , a display screen  4 , and a data processing device  5 . 
   As indicated in  FIG. 3 , for example, the line of vision detection unit  2  comprises a photographic unit  21  such as a CCD camera that photographs the eyeball of the subject H, and a line of vision signal output unit  22  that processes the image data output from the photographic unit  21 , calculates a line of vision from a center of gravity position of the iris and pupil, and outputs this as line of vision signals. Further, the data processing device  5  may also carry out the functions as this line of vision signal output unit  22 . 
   The input member  3  configured as a mouse, joystick, controller or keyboard, etc. that can be manipulated by the subject H. When manipulated by the subject H, this operational form is transmitted to the data processing device  5  as response signals from the subject H, which will be described later. 
   The display screen  4  is, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or a plasma display, etc., and displays on that screen images corresponding to image signals sent from the data processing device  5 . 
   The data processing device  5  is, for example, a general purpose or customized computer, and as indicated in  FIG. 2 , structurally comprises a CPU  501 , a memory  502 , and an input/output interface  503 . Then, as indicated in  FIG. 3 , by the aforementioned units  501  to  503  operating together based on a specified program stored in the aforementioned memory  502 , a visual field data storage unit  51 , a line of vision signal receiving unit  52 , a screen control unit  53 , and a response signal receiving unit  54 , etc. become manifest. These parts are realized by utilizing a program, but of course, is also possible to form them with discrete circuits without using the CPU  501  and memory  502 , and in this sense, the visual field data storage unit  51 , the line of vision signal receiving unit  52 , the screen control unit  53 , and the response signal receiving unit  54  may be interchangeably called a visual field data storage circuit, the line of vision signal receiving circuit, the screen control circuit, and the response signal receiving circuit respectively. 
   Next, the aforementioned units  51  to  54  will be described in detail. 
   The visual field data storage unit  51  is set up in a specified region of the aforementioned memory  502 , and stores visual field data indicating the visible area AR 2  and the area of visual impairment AR 1  of the visual field of the subject H. More concretely, the visual field data is data acquired by specified testing of the subject H in advance, and the visual field data acquired this way is linked with identifiers of the subject H, separately input or imported, and is stored in the visual field data storage unit  51 . 
   The line of vision signal receiving unit  52  receives line of vision signals from the aforementioned line of vision detection unit  2 , and temporarily stores these in a specified region of the memory  502  (comprising a buffer and a latch, etc.). 
   The screen control unit  53  acquires the aforementioned visual field data and line of vision signals, generates image signals based on these, and outputs the image signals to the display screen  4  which can be part of an image generating unit. The screen control unit  53  can move the aforementioned visible area AR 2  specified from the visual field data, on the aforementioned screen corresponding to the movement of the line of vision of the subject H specified by the aforementioned line of visions signals, and also causes the display format of that visible area AR 2  to differ from the display format of the other region, specifically, the area of visual impairment AR 1  in order to promote an awareness in the subject H. 
   In this embodiment, for example, the area of visual impairment AR 1  is painted with one fixed color (black). The display format of the visible area AR 2  can be set and modified in multiple stages corresponding to the visual capacity and training progress of the subject H. 
   In explanation, the first stage displays the entire visible area AR 2  as painted with one color that is different from the color of an area of the visual impairment AR 1  as indicated in  FIG. 4  for example. The subject H can be trained to recognize this color by concentrating on the awareness of the visible area AR 2 . 
   The second stage displays complex images by letters and graphics by making a specified region I on the screen a fixed color, and causing this part I to flash, as indicated in  FIG. 5  for example. The subject H positions the aforementioned image, etc. within the visible area AR 2  by moving his/her own line of vision, and practices seeing this and recognizing its contents. Further, dynamic visual capacity can be trained by moving the aforementioned image, etc. on the screen. 
   The third stage displays an actual virtual space such as a scene, etc. at a specified region on the screen as indicated in  FIG. 6  for example. The subject H can be trained to see within that virtual space by moving his/her own line of vision, and by broadening the visible area AR 2  on the screen; and the subject H can be trained to move within that virtual space by using the input member  3 . 
   The response signal receiving unit  54  receives input signals from the aforementioned input member  3  that the subject H manipulates while looking at the screen, specifically, response signals from the subject H, and stores them in a specified region of the memory  502  (comprising a buffer and a latch, etc.). The aforementioned screen control unit  53  and an audio control unit not indicated in the diagram, can read these response signals, and the display format of the screen can be changed and also audio signals are output corresponding to those contents. 
   Next, the operation of a visual training device  1  with this kind of configuration will be explained below by referring to  FIG. 7 . 
   First, the subject H sits (of course, the subject may also stand) in a specified position facing the screen of the display  4 . Meanwhile, the operator (a trainer or the subject H him/herself) confirms with the data processing device  5  who the subject H is by entering the identification number of the subject H. Next, the operator enters and sets the training stage, specifically, the display format of the visible area AR 2 . Assuming that the training area is set with multiple stages (3 stages) as previously described, here, for example, stage 3 will be set. 
   When the initial settings are completed in this way, the screen control unit  53  displays a virtual space like that indicated in  FIG. 6  on the screen of the display  4  (step S 1 ). 
   Meanwhile, the aforementioned line of vision detection unit  2  detects the direction of the line of vision of the subject H, and outputs this as line of vision signals (step S 2 ). 
   When the line of vision signal receiving unit  52  receives these line of vision signals (step S 3 ), the screen control unit  53  calculates from these line of vision signals where on the screen the line of vision of the subject is, and the visual field data of the subject H is acquired from the visual field data storage unit  51  (step S 4 ). Then, based on the visual field data and the position data indicating the aforementioned center of the line of vision, the area of visual impairment AR 1  and the visible area AR 2  on the screen are distinguished (step S 5 ), and as indicated in  FIG. 6 , the virtual space is displayed in the visible area AR 2  as is, and the area of visual impairment AR 1  is, for example, painted with the one color black, and nothing is displayed (step S 6 ). In this way, if the line of vision of the subject H changes, the area of visual impairment AR 1  on the screen moves correspondingly, and nothing is displayed in this region. 
   In this example, the area of visual impairment AR 1  of the subject H is broadened by centering the line of vision, and the subject H can see the periphery around the line of vision. Consequently, by training to arrange the consciousness of seeing in the periphery that is not in the line of vision while practicing the technique of positioning the visible area AR 2  in the main part of the screen, the subject H can comprehend this virtual space. 
   Next, if the subject H tilts the input member  3  (for example, a joystick controller) to the front and advances forward on the road, the response receiving unit receives the response signals from the input member  3  (step S 7 ). Then, based on those response signals, the screen control unit  53  makes the computations, changes the virtual space on the screen, and gives a pseudo-experience which is similar to the subject H moving within the virtual space (step S 8 ). Naturally, a noise, etc. can be generated if bumping into a wall, for example, further forward progress is ended, and the subject is informed that he or she has bumped into something. 
   According to the visual training device  1  configured in this way, the part that the subject H can physically see and the part that cannot be seen are displayed on the screen so as to be objectively determinable by a third party such as the trainer from the visual field data and the line of vision signals. Consequently, the subject H cannot escape into the subjective attitude of “I cannot see.” In other words, for example, in relation to the advice from the trainer, etc. that “you should be able to see this now,” this must be accepted compliantly, and this becomes an training incentive for the subject, and heightens the motivation for training. Then, as a result, effective training can take place, and parts thought to be not seeable become seeable, and the visual capacity of the subject can be effectively improved within the possible scope of the subjects visual capability. 
   Moreover, particularly in this embodiment, because a virtual space that imitates an actual scene is displayed on the screen and can allow the subject H to have a pseudo-moving experience in that virtual space, by setting up the virtual space in a location where the subject actually moves, the training can be directly tied to real life experiences that can be suitably conducted. 
   Further, in addition to training in this kind of virtual space, training can also be conducted in various stages by changing the display format on the screen, and therefore, suitable training corresponding to the visual capacity and training progress of the subject H can be conducted. 
   Further, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment. For example, the image display region may be made up of the vicinity around the visible area AR 2 . In addition, various modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope thereof. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the amended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.