U.S. patent application number 13/613562 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-03 for glasses selling system, lens company terminal, frame company terminal, glasses selling method, and glasses selling program.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Yasuteru FUKAWA, Hideya INOUE, Koji YAMAGAKI.
Application Number | 20130006814 13/613562 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44649203 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130006814 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
INOUE; Hideya ; et
al. |
January 3, 2013 |
GLASSES SELLING SYSTEM, LENS COMPANY TERMINAL, FRAME COMPANY
TERMINAL, GLASSES SELLING METHOD, AND GLASSES SELLING PROGRAM
Abstract
A selling server stores prescription data of a customer
transmitted from an optometrist terminal of an optometrist who
performs optometry for a glasses prescription through a
communication line in association with customer identification
information, transmits image data of a frame candidate group of
glasses to a customer terminal, transmits image data of a lens
candidate group of the glasses to the customer terminal, receives
information relating to a frame and a lens purchased by the
customer and determined on the basis of a combined image of a frame
image selected by the customer, a lens image selected by the
customer, and a face image of the customer, and transmits
prescription data of the customer to a lens company terminal of a
lens company which processes the lens purchased by the
customer.
Inventors: |
INOUE; Hideya;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; FUKAWA; Yasuteru; (Tokyo,
JP) ; YAMAGAKI; Koji; (Yokosuka-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
NIKON CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
44649203 |
Appl. No.: |
13/613562 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2011/056073 |
Mar 15, 2011 |
|
|
|
13613562 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.81 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0631 20130101;
G16H 40/67 20180101; G02C 7/027 20130101; G02C 13/005 20130101;
G02C 13/003 20130101; G06Q 30/0603 20130101; G16H 20/40 20180101;
G06Q 30/0633 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G06Q 30/0643
20130101; A61B 3/111 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26.81 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20120101
G06Q030/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 16, 2010 |
JP |
2010-059685 |
Claims
1. A glasses selling system comprising: a selling server which is
connected to a customer terminal of a customer who purchases
glasses through a communication line, wherein the selling server is
connected to an optometrist terminal of an optometrist who performs
optometry for a glasses prescription through the communication
line, and the selling server includes a prescription data storage
unit which stores prescription data of the customer transmitted
from the optometrist terminal in association with customer
identification information for identifying the customer, a frame
image transmission unit which transmits image data of a frame
candidate group of the glasses to the customer terminal, a lens
image transmission unit which transmits image data of a lens
candidate group of the glasses to the customer terminal, a purchase
request receiving unit which receives information relating to a
frame and a lens purchased by the customer and determined on the
basis of a combined image of a frame image selected by the
customer, a lens image selected by the customer, and a face image
of the customer, and a prescription data transmission unit which
transmits the prescription data of the customer to a lens company
terminal of a lens company manufacturing the lens purchased by the
customer.
2. The glasses selling system according to claim 1, wherein the
selling server or the optometrist terminal includes a combined
image generation unit which generates the combined image.
3. The glasses selling system according to claim 1, wherein the
prescription data includes information relating to an inter-pupil
distance, and the glasses selling system includes a face shape
information calculation unit which calculates face shape
information necessary for manufacturing the glasses from the face
image on the basis of the inter-pupil distance.
4. The glasses selling system according to claim 1, wherein the
optometrist terminal is a movable radio station, and transmits the
prescription data to the selling server using wireless
communication.
5. The glasses selling system according to claim 2, wherein the
customer terminal includes an imaging unit which captures the face
image of the customer, and the combined image generation unit
generates the combined image so as to follow a motion of the face
image captured by the imaging unit.
6. The glasses selling system according to claim 1, wherein the
selling server includes a frame information storage unit which
stores image data of each of a plurality of modules of the frame,
and the frame image transmission unit transmits image data of each
of the modules to the customer terminal.
7. The glasses selling system according to claim 6, wherein the
selling server includes a module selection information receiving
unit which receives module selection information relating to a
combination of the modules selected by the customer, and a module
selection information transmission unit which transmits the module
selection information to a frame company terminal of a frame
company manufacturing the frame purchased by the customer.
8. The glasses selling system according to claim 1, wherein the
selling server includes a purchase condition receiving unit which
receives purchase condition information including a time limit up
to a delivery of the glasses or price, and a lens/frame extraction
unit which extracts a frame or a lens satisfying the purchase
condition.
9. The glasses selling system according to claim 1, wherein the
selling server includes a customer information storage unit which
stores personal data including information representing a
designated date of the customer, and an advertisement information
transmission unit which transmits predetermined advertisement
information to the customer terminal of the customer corresponding
to the designated date on the designated date or before the
designated date.
10. The glasses selling system according to claim 1, wherein the
selling server includes a customer information storage unit which
stores personal data including a purchase history representing a
purchase request transmitted from the customer terminal, and a
recommendation information transmission unit which transmits
information of the frame or the lens recommended to the
corresponding customer in accordance with the purchase request.
11. The glasses selling system according to claim 1, wherein the
selling server includes a service fee information transmission unit
which transmits predetermined service fee information to the
optometrist terminal in accordance with the prescription data
transmitted from the optometrist terminal.
12. The glasses selling system according to claim 1, wherein the
selling server includes a design data storage unit which stores
design data of the lens based on the prescription data in advance,
and a design data transmission unit which transmits design data of
the lens based on prescription data of the customer to the lens
company terminal in accordance with information relating to the
lens received by the purchase request receiving unit.
13. The glasses selling system according to claim 1, wherein the
selling server is connected to a contact lens company terminal of a
company, which processes a contact lens based on the prescription
data, through the communication line, the purchase request
receiving unit of the selling server receives a request to purchase
the contact lens from the customer terminal, and the prescription
data transmission unit of the selling server transmits the
prescription data to the contact lens company terminal.
14. The glasses selling system according to claim 2, wherein the
combined image generation unit generates the combined image in
which a colored lens selected by the customer terminal is
combined.
15. The glasses selling system according to claim 2, wherein the
combined image generation unit generates an image representing the
thickness of a lens side surface in a state where a lens is fitted
into a glasses frame selected by the customer terminal.
16. The glasses selling system according to claim 1, wherein the
prescription data includes at least one information of myopic
power, hyperopic power, astigmatic power, an astigmatic axis angle,
and an inter-pupil distance.
17. The glasses selling system according to claim 1, wherein the
selling server includes a customer information storage unit which
stores personal data including information representing a delivery
destination of the glasses to the customer, and a delivery
destination transmission unit which transmits the delivery
destination corresponding to the customer to an assembly company
terminal of an assembly company performing processing for fitting
the frame and the lens purchased by the customer.
18. A lens company terminal which is connected to a selling server
used in a glasses selling system for selling glasses to a customer
through a communication line, wherein the selling server is
connected to an optometrist terminal of an optometrist performing
optometry for a glasses prescription through the communication
line, the selling server includes a prescription data storage unit
which stores prescription data of the customer transmitted from the
optometrist terminal in association with customer identification
information for identifying the customer, a purchase request
receiving unit which receives information relating to a lens
purchased by the customer determined on the basis of a combined
image of a frame image selected by the customer, a lens image
selected by the customer, and a face image of the customer, and a
prescription data transmission unit which transmits the
prescription data of the customer and information relating to the
lens purchased by the customer to a lens company terminal, and the
lens company terminal includes a prescription data receiving unit
which receives the prescription data of the customer and
information relating to the lens purchased by the customer
transmitted from the selling server.
19. A frame company terminal which is connected to a selling server
used in a glasses selling system for selling glasses to a customer
through a communication line, wherein the selling server is
connected to an optometrist terminal of an optometrist who performs
optometry for a glasses prescription through the communication
line, the selling server includes a prescription data storage unit
which stores prescription data of the customer transmitted from the
optometrist terminal in association with customer identification
information for identifying the customer, a purchase request
receiving unit which receives information relating to a lens
purchased by the customer determined on the basis of a combined
image of a frame image selected by the customer, a lens image
selected by the customer, and a face image of the customer, and a
frame information transmission unit which transmits information
relating to a frame purchased by the customer to a frame company
terminal, and the frame company terminal includes a frame
information receiving unit which receives the information relating
to the frame purchased by the customer transmitted from the selling
server.
20. A glasses selling method comprising: a prescription data
storage step of storing prescription data of a customer transmitted
from an optometrist terminal of an optometrist who performs
optometry for a glasses prescription in association with customer
identification information for identifying the customer; a frame
image transmission step of transmitting image data of a frame
candidate group of glasses to a customer terminal of the customer;
a lens image transmission step of transmitting image data of a lens
candidate group of the glasses to the customer terminal; a purchase
request receiving step of receiving information relating to a frame
and a lens purchased by the customer and determined on the basis of
a combined image of a frame image selected by the customer, a lens
image selected by the customer, and a face image of the customer;
and a prescription data transmission step of transmitting
prescription data of the customer to a lens company terminal of a
lens company manufacturing the lens purchased by the customer.
21. A computer-executable glasses selling program which causes a
computer to execute: a prescription data storage step of storing
prescription data of a customer transmitted from an optometrist
terminal of an optometrist who performs optometry for a glasses
prescription in association with customer identification
information for identifying the customer; a frame image
transmission step of transmitting image data of a frame candidate
group of glasses to a customer terminal of the customer; a lens
image transmission step of transmitting image data of a lens
candidate group of the glasses to the customer terminal; a purchase
request receiving step of receiving information relating to a frame
and a lens purchased by the customer and determined on the basis of
a combined image of a frame image selected by the customer, a lens
image selected by the customer, and a face image of the customer;
and a prescription data transmission step of transmitting
prescription data of the customer to a lens company terminal of a
lens company manufacturing the lens purchased by the customer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a Continuation Application of International
Application No. PCT/JP2011/056073, filed Mar. 15, 2011, which
claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-059685
filed on Mar. 16, 2010. The contents of the aforementioned
applications are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a technique for selling
glasses using network communication.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In general, when purchasing glasses, first, a purchaser
visits a glasses shop, and visual acuity measurement or optometry,
such as an inter-pupil distance, is performed in an ophthalmic
office or the like which is established at the glasses shop. The
purchaser selects a glasses frame based on the purchaser's
preference from a plurality of glasses frames prepared at a glasses
shop. The purchaser selects the type of lens, such as the material
or the refractive index of the lens, in accordance with the
optometry result. The glasses shop places an order for the selected
lens with a lens company. The lens company manufactures and
processes the lens on the basis of design data of the lens based on
the optometry result, and distributes the processed lens to the
glasses shop which places the order. The glasses shop processes the
lens in conformity with the frame, and inserts the lens into the
frame to assemble the glasses. The purchaser visits the glasses
shop again and receives the assembled glasses.
[0006] According to the technique described in Japanese Unexamined
Patent Application, First Publication No. 2002-162607, the
purchaser of the glasses inputs the optometry result to a terminal
on the basis of a prescription according to diagnosis of an
ophthalmologist or a prescription, such as the inter-pupil distance
or the like measured at an automated shop or the like. The terminal
transmits the input optometry result to a server which is connected
to the terminal through Internet. On the server side, information
is transmitted and received between a plurality of servers, such as
a frame supplier server and a lens supplier server, thereby
distributing the processed glasses to the purchaser.
[0007] However, in the technique described in Japanese Unexamined
Patent Application, First Publication No. 2002-162607, the
purchaser of the glasses should input the optometry result to the
terminal on the basis of a prescription according to diagnosis of
the ophthalmologist or a prescription, such as the inter-pupil
distance or the like measured at an automated shop or the like. The
optometry result includes a plurality of pieces of technical
information, and it is often difficult for a general purchaser to
understand the meaning of each item of the prescription. For this
reason, a case where it may be difficult for the purchaser to
discriminate information required for purchasing the glasses and to
input the information to the terminal is considered. A case where
the purchaser reads information necessary for purchasing glasses
from a prescription given by an ophthalmologist, an automated shop,
or the like and inputs information to the terminal, sufficient
information for glasses manufacturing and processing may not be
transmitted to the server due to erroneous input of data or
insufficient input of necessary information is also considered.
Accordingly, a case where appropriate glasses may not be
manufactured and processed, and the purchaser does not obtain
sufficient visual acuity with the glasses purchased in this way or
feels a sense of discomfort at the time of wearing is considered.
Even when glasses are sold through a network, it is desirable to
sell more appropriate glasses more simply to the purchaser in
accordance with the optometry result of the purchaser.
[0008] A purpose of some aspects of the present invention is to
provide a glasses selling system, a lens company terminal, a frame
company terminal, a glasses selling method, and a glasses selling
program capable of simply selling appropriate glasses for a
purchaser when selling glasses using network communication.
SUMMARY
[0009] A first aspect of the invention provides a glasses selling
system including a selling server which is connected to a customer
terminal of a customer who purchases glasses through a
communication line. The selling server is connected to an
optometrist terminal of an optometrist who performs optometry for a
glasses prescription through the communication line. The selling
server includes a prescription data storage unit which stores
prescription data of the customer transmitted from the optometrist
terminal in association with customer identification information
for identifying the customer, a frame image transmission unit which
transmits image data of a frame candidate group of the glasses to
the customer terminal, a lens image transmission unit which
transmits image data of a lens candidate group of the glasses to
the customer terminal, a purchase request receiving unit which
receives information relating to a frame and a lens purchased by
the customer and determined on the basis of a combined image of a
frame image selected by the customer, a lens image selected by the
customer, and a face image of the customer, and a prescription data
transmission unit which transmits the prescription data of the
customer to a lens company terminal of a lens company manufacturing
the lens purchased by the customer.
[0010] A second aspect of the invention provides a lens company
terminal which is connected to a selling server used in a glasses
selling system for selling glasses to a customer through a
communication line. The selling server is connected to an
optometrist terminal of an optometrist who performs optometry for a
glasses prescription through the communication line. The selling
server includes a prescription data storage unit which stores
prescription data of the customer transmitted from the optometrist
terminal in association with customer identification information
for identifying the customer, a purchase request receiving unit
which receives information relating to a lens purchased by the
customer determined on the basis of a combined image of a frame
image selected by the customer, a lens image selected by the
customer, and a face image of the customer, and a prescription data
transmission unit which transmits the prescription data of the
customer and information relating to the lens purchased by the
customer to a lens company terminal. The lens company terminal
includes a prescription data receiving unit which receives the
prescription data of the customer and information relating to the
lens purchased by the customer transmitted from the selling
server.
[0011] A third aspect of the invention provides a frame company
terminal which is connected to a selling server used in a glasses
selling system for selling glasses to a customer through a
communication line. The selling server is connected to an
optometrist terminal of an optometrist who performs optometry for a
glasses prescription through the communication line. The selling
server includes a prescription data storage unit which stores
prescription data of the customer transmitted from the optometrist
terminal in association with customer identification information
for identifying the customer, a purchase request receiving unit
which receives information relating to a lens purchased by the
customer determined on the basis of a combined image of a frame
image selected by the customer, a lens image selected by the
customer, and a face image of the customer, and a frame information
transmission unit which transmits information relating to a frame
purchased by the customer to a frame company terminal. The frame
company terminal includes a frame information receiving unit which
receives the information relating to the frame purchased by the
customer transmitted from the selling server.
[0012] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a glasses selling
method including a prescription data storage step of storing
prescription data of a customer transmitted from an optometrist
terminal of an optometrist who performs optometry for a glasses
prescription in association with customer identification
information for identifying the customer, a frame image
transmission step of transmitting image data of a frame candidate
group of glasses to a customer terminal of the customer, a lens
image transmission step of transmitting image data of a lens
candidate group of the glasses to the customer terminal, a purchase
request receiving step of receiving information relating to a frame
and a lens purchased by the customer and determined on the basis of
a combined image of a frame image selected by the customer, a lens
image selected by the customer, and a face image of the customer,
and a prescription data transmission step of transmitting
prescription data of the customer to a lens company terminal of a
lens company manufacturing the lens purchased by the customer.
[0013] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a glasses selling
program which causes a computer to execute a prescription data
storage step of storing prescription data of a customer transmitted
from an optometrist terminal of an optometrist who performs
optometry for a glasses prescription in association with customer
identification information for identifying the customer, a frame
image transmission step of transmitting image data of a frame
candidate group of glasses to a customer terminal of the customer,
a lens image transmission step of transmitting image data of a lens
candidate group of the glasses to the customer terminal, a purchase
request receiving step of receiving information relating to a frame
and a lens purchased by the customer and determined on the basis of
a combined image of a frame image selected by the customer, a lens
image selected by the customer, and a face image of the customer,
and a prescription data transmission step of transmitting
prescription data of the customer to a lens company terminal of a
lens company manufacturing the lens purchased by the customer.
[0014] According to the aspects of the invention, it becomes
possible to provide a glasses selling system, a lens company
terminal, a frame company terminal, a glasses selling method, and a
glasses selling program capable of simply selling appropriate
glasses for a purchaser when selling glasses using network
communication.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of
a glasses selling system according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data example which is stored
in a prescription data storage unit according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a face shape which
is calculated in an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a combined image
which is generated in an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a combined image
which is generated in an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of
a glasses selling system according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a frame material
which is stored in a frame information storage unit according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a frame shape
which is stored in a frame information storage unit according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a price selection
screen which is displayed on a customer terminal according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a face shape
selection screen which is displayed on a customer terminal
according to an embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be
described with reference to the drawings.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a
glasses selling system 1 of this embodiment. The glasses selling
system 1 includes computer devices of a customer terminal 100, an
optometrist terminal 200, a lens company terminal 300, a frame
company terminal 400, an assembly company terminal 500, a contact
lens company terminal 600, and a selling server 700, and these
computers are connected together through a communication line.
Although in this embodiment, a case where each computer device has
a single computer device has been described, each computer device
may have a plurality of computer devices. For example, the glasses
selling system 1 may include a plurality of customer terminals 100
which are used by a plurality of customers, a plurality of
optometrist terminals 200 which are used by a plurality of
optometrists, or the like.
[0027] The customer terminal 100 is a computer device of a customer
(user) who purchases glasses using the glasses selling system 1. As
the customer terminal 100, specifically, a PC (Personal Computer),
a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone terminal, or the
like may be applied. In this embodiment, a case where a PC is
applied as the customer terminal 100 will be described. The
customer terminal 100 includes an input unit, such as a keyboard or
buttons, which receives information input from the customer, a
display unit, such as a display, which displays input information
or information transmitted from the selling server 700 or the like,
and the like. The customer terminal 100 has a function of an
Internet browser which performs Internet communication on the basis
of HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) or the like. The customer
terminal 100 includes an imaging unit 110. The imaging unit 110 is
a camera which captures a face image or the like of the customer.
While the imaging unit 110 may be a camera which captures a still
image, in this embodiment, a case where the imaging unit 110 is a
camera (a web camera) which captures a motion image will be
described. The customer terminal 100 is operated by the customer,
and the imaging unit 110 is directed so as to image the face of the
customer, such that the imaging unit 110 captures the face image of
the customer. The customer terminal 100 transmits information input
to the input unit, image data of the face image captured by the
imaging unit 110, or the like to the selling server 700 through the
communication line.
[0028] The optometrist terminal 200 is the computer device of the
optometrist who performs optometry for a glasses prescription. As
the optometrist terminal 200, a similar PC as the customer terminal
100, or the like may be applied. The optometrist is, for example,
an ophthalmologist, a clerk who performs optometry of the customer
at a glasses shop, or the like. During optometry, for example, a
preliminary test, such as a medical interview, a visual acuity
test, a cover test, or an effect test, an objected test, such as a
corneal curvature test or a refraction test, a subjective test, a
wearing test using a test frame, and the like are performed.
Prescription data including an inter-pupil distance, myopic power,
hyperopic power, astigmatic power, an astigmatic axis angle, prism
power, and the like are input to the optometrist terminal 200 as
the result of optometry. Prescription data input to the optometrist
terminal 200 is transmitted to the selling server 700 for a glasses
prescription through the communication line.
[0029] As the optometrist terminal 200, a movable radio station,
such as a notebook PC, which is connectable to the communication
line using wireless communication, may be applied. The optometrist
terminal 200 transmits prescription data input by the optometrist
to the selling server 700 through a wireless communication line.
Alternatively, the optometrist, such as an ophthalmologist, may
visit a customer by automobile or the like, and may transmit
prescription data from an in-vehicle antenna. While this optometry
should be performed by the optometrist with specialized knowledge
relating to the glasses and the like, for example, the optometrist
can visit an area where there is no glasses shop with the movable
optometrist terminal 200 and can perform optometry of a customer
who resides in the area, and the optometrist terminal 200 can
receive input of prescription data and can transmit prescription
data to the selling server 700. Accordingly, it is possible to
provide appropriate glasses for a customer who resides in an area
where there are no glasses shops.
[0030] The lens company terminal 300 is a computer device of a lens
company which designs, manufactures, and processes a lens for
glasses. As the lens company terminal 300, a similar PC as the
customer terminal 100, or the like may be applied. The lens company
designs, manufactures, and processes a lens on the basis of
prescription data transmitted from the selling server 700 to the
lens company terminal 300, or the like. Lens design refers to
design of the shape of a lens on the basis of prescription data.
Lens processing refers to processing of a lens on the basis of lens
design. Lens design and lens processing may be performed by the
same company, or may be performed by different companies. The lens
company may manufacture and process a lens on the basis of design
data of the lens transmitted from the selling server 700 to the
lens company terminal 300.
[0031] The frame company terminal 400 is a computer device of a
frame company which designs, manufactures, and processes a frame
for glasses. As the frame company terminal 400, a similar PC as the
customer terminal 100, or the like may be applied. The frame
company manufactures and processes a frame on the basis of module
selection information, prescription data, or the like transmitted
from the selling server 700 to the frame company terminal 400.
[0032] The assembly company terminal 500 is a computer device of an
assembly company which inserts a lens manufactured and processed by
the lens company into a frame manufactured and processed by the
frame company to assemble the glasses. If a lens and a frame
arrive, the assembly company measures the frame shape using a frame
tracer. The lens is processed on the basis of the measured frame
shape using a lens edger. If the lens is placed in the frame and
the glasses are assembled, the assembly company delivers the
glasses to the customer. The assembly company delivers the glasses
to the customer as a delivery destination on the basis of the
delivery destination of the glasses transmitted from the selling
server 700 to the assembly company terminal 500. As the assembly
company terminal 500, a similar PC as the customer terminal 100, or
the like may be applied.
[0033] The contact lens company terminal 600 is a computer device
of a contact lens company which designs, manufactures, and
processes a contact lens based on prescription data. The contact
lens company manufactures and processes a contact lens on the basis
of prescription data transmitted from the selling server 700 to the
selling server 700, information representing the delivery
destination of the contact lens to the customer, or the like, and
delivers an appropriate contact lens to the customer.
[0034] The selling server 700 is a computer device which performs
communication with a plurality of computer devices connected
thereto through the communication line and controls glasses selling
to the customer. The selling server 700 has a function of a web
browser, and provides a glasses fitting screen on which the
customer virtually wears the glasses. The selling server 700
provides a web service in which a combined image of the face image
of the customer and the image of the glasses can be generated in
accordance with access from the customer terminal 100 and
transmitted to the customer terminal 100, and the customer can
virtually wear the glasses and can confirm the wearing state of the
glasses. If a request to purchase the glasses virtually fitted to
the customer is received from the customer terminal 100, the
selling server 700 performs information communication with the lens
company terminal 300, the frame company terminal 400, or the like,
and delivers the glasses processed for the customer to the
customer.
[0035] The selling server 700 includes a prescription data
receiving unit 701, a prescription data storage unit 702, a service
fee information transmission unit 703, a frame information storage
unit 704, a lens information storage unit 705, a lens/frame
extraction unit 706, a frame image transmission unit 707, a lens
image transmission unit 708, a lens/frame selection information
receiving unit 709, a face image receiving unit 710, a face image
storage unit 711, a face shape calculation unit 712, a combined
image generation unit 713, a combined image transmission unit 714,
a purchase request receiving unit 715, a module selection
information receiving unit 716, a purchased frame information
transmission unit 717, a purchase condition receiving unit 718, a
customer information storage unit 719, an advertisement information
storage unit 720, an advertisement information transmission unit
721, a recommendation information transmission unit 722, a
prescription data transmission unit 723, a design data storage unit
724, a design data transmission unit 725, and a delivery
destination transmission unit 726.
[0036] The prescription data receiving unit 701 receives
prescription data as the optometry result on the customer by the
optometrist from the optometrist terminal 200.
[0037] The prescription data storage unit 702 stores prescription
data of the customer transmitted from the optometrist terminal 200
in association with customer identification information (user ID or
the like) for identifying the customer. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing
a data example of prescription data which is stored in the
prescription data storage unit 702.
[0038] The service fee information transmission unit 703 transmits
predetermined service fee information to the optometrist terminal
200 in accordance with prescription data transmitted from the
optometrist terminal 200 to the selling server 700. In this way, as
a rebate when the optometrist performs optometry of the customer
and inputs prescription data to the optometrist terminal 200 to
transmit prescription data to the selling server 700, an
administrator of the selling server 700 pays money or the like to
the optometrist. Accordingly, an incentive when the optometrist
performs optometry of the customer is secured. The payment may be
made by cash transfer, electronic money, or the like.
[0039] The frame information storage unit 704 stores image data of
a frame candidate group of glasses to be sold to the customer. For
example, the frame information storage unit 704 stores image data
of various types of frames according to the frame's materials,
shape, color, price, and the like in association with frame
identification information for identifying the frames. FIG. 7 is a
diagram showing an example of a frame material which is stored in
the frame information storage unit 704. Examples of the frame
material include celluloid, metal, two-point (rimless), Nylor
(groove excavation), combination (blow, combination), and the like.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a frame shape which is
stored in the frame information storage unit 704. Examples of the
frame shape include a Boston type, a Wellington type, an oval type,
a round type (Lloyd type), a fox shape, and the like. The frame
information storage unit 704 may store images of a plurality of
articles for each portion (module), such as a front, a temple, or a
bridge, which constitutes a frame. In this case, information, such
as materials and fee, may be stored in terms of the modules. The
period required until the frame is assembled, or the like may be
stored in terms of the combinations of the modules. In this way, a
plurality of kinds of image data for the respective modules stored
in the frame information storage unit 704 can be transmitted to the
customer terminal 100, the selection of a favorite article for each
module can be received, and a frame using the selected module can
be sold.
[0040] The lens information storage unit 705 stores image data of a
lens candidate group of glasses to be sold to the customer. For
example, the lens information storage unit 705 stores a plurality
of kinds of lenses according to the lenses' materials , surface
treatment, color, depth of the color, weight, and price, and the
like in association with lens identification information for
identifying the lenses. The lenses which are stored in the lens
information storage unit 705 include colored lenses. Examples of
the colored lenses include a lens with low color density which is
used in daily life for fashion, anti-glare effect, or the like, a
lens with high color depth which is used for protection from light
at a place where the sun is strong, and the like.
[0041] The lens/frame extraction unit 706 reads image data of a
frame to be transmitted to the customer terminal 100 in the frame
candidate group stored in the frame information storage unit 704
and image data of a lens to be transmitted to the customer terminal
100 in the lens candidate group stored in the lens information
storage unit 705. The lens/frame extraction unit 706 extracts a
lens or a frame to be presented to the customer on the basis of,
for example, attribute information or purchase history of the
customer stored in the customer information storage unit 719 in
advance, the purchase conditions received by the purchase condition
receiving unit 718 from the customer terminal 100, and the
like.
[0042] For example, the lens/frame extraction unit 706 reads, from
the frame information storage unit 704 or the lens information
storage unit 705, a lens or a frame according to the purchase
conditions received by the purchase condition receiving unit 718
from the customer terminal 100. The purchase conditions include,
for example, the time limit up to the delivery of the glasses,
price, and the like. The frame information storage unit 704 or the
lens information storage unit 705 stores the period from order
placement to processing completion, price, and the like in an
associated manner, and the lens/frame extraction unit 706 extracts
a lens or a frame satisfying the purchase conditions from the frame
information storage unit 704 or the lens information storage unit
705 with reference to the information.
[0043] Alternatively, the lens/frame extraction unit 706 may
extract a lens or a frame to be recommended to the user in
accordance with, for example, the purchase history of the customer
stored in the customer information storage unit 719. For example, a
category according to the type of frame or lens is stored in the
frame information storage unit 704 or the lens information storage
unit 705 in advance, and a popular frame or lens (a frame or a lens
which is frequently purchased by other customers) may be extracted
from among frames or a lenses in the same category as the frame or
the lens purchased by the customer. A frame or a lens of the same
color or in the same price range as the frame or the lens purchased
by the customer may be extracted.
[0044] The frame image transmission unit 707 transmits image data
of the frame candidate group of the glasses stored in the frame
information storage unit 704 and read by the lens/frame extraction
unit 706 to the customer terminal 100. When image data for each
module is extracted by the lens/frame extraction unit 706, the
frame image transmission unit 707 transmits image data for each
module to the customer terminal 100.
[0045] The lens image transmission unit 708 transmits image data of
the lens candidate group stored in the lens information storage
unit 705 and read by the lens/frame extraction unit 706 to the
customer terminal 100.
[0046] The lens/frame selection information receiving unit 709
receives, from the customer terminal 100, identification
information for identifying the lens or frame selected by the
customer terminal 100 from among image data transmitted from the
frame image transmission unit 707 or the lens image transmission
unit 708 to the customer terminal 100.
[0047] The face image receiving unit 710 receives the face image of
the customer transmitted from the customer terminal 100. It is
assumed that the face image received by the face image receiving
unit 710 is, for example, a motion image. The face image receiving
unit 710 receives a motion image in which the direction,
expression, or the like of the face of the customer is possible to
change with time.
[0048] The face image storage unit 711 stores the face image of the
customer received by the face image receiving unit 710.
[0049] The face shape calculation unit 712 calculates face shape
information necessary for manufacturing the glasses from the face
image stored in the face image storage unit 711 on the basis of the
inter-pupil distance of prescription data stored in the
prescription data storage unit 702. For example, the face shape
calculation unit 712 calculates the positions of the eyes or the
positions of the ears through face recognition processing on the
image. For example, the distance represented by reference numeral
a1 of FIG. 3(a) corresponds to the inter-pupil distance stored in
the prescription data storage unit 702. Accordingly, the shape of
the face can be calculated on the basis of the length of reference
numeral al in the image. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(b), when
the customer turns his/her face sideways, as represented by
reference numeral a1', the inter-pupil distance becomes shorter
than the length of a1 in FIG. 3(a). Hence, the glasses frame is
combined with the face image, and the length of the temple
represented by reference numeral b1 when a person wears the glasses
is calculated on the basis of change in the length, using, for
example, a ray-tracing technique in the three-dimensional computer
graphics. The face shape information includes, for example, pupil
height, pad width, pad height, pad tilt angle, front width, front
tilt angle, armor height, armor aperture angle, temple length,
bending angle, eye-point position, pad interval, pad depth, ear
cover bending angle, and the like. In this way, the face shape
calculation unit 712 calculates the face shape information
necessary for manufacturing the glasses.
[0050] The combined image generation unit 713 generates a combined
image of the frame image selected by the customer, the lens image
selected by the customer, and the face image of the customer. For
example, the combined image generation unit 713 combines a face
image shown in FIG. 4(a) and a frame image shown in FIG. 4(b) using
the technique in the three-dimensional computer graphics to
generate a combined image shown in FIG. 4(c) in which the frame is
worn on the face of a person. The combined image generation unit
713 may superimpose a frame image in front view at a coordinate
position set in advance on the screen of a face image to generate a
combined image, or may calculate the coordinate positions of the
eyes on a face image calculated through face recognition processing
and may generate a combined image such that both eyes fall within
the front frame of the frame. The combined image generation unit
713 may adjust the position of the frame for the face image in
accordance with an operation input to the customer terminal 100.
The combined image generation unit 713 generates a high-definition
and high-quality image such that the texture of the frame or lens
is easily confirmed.
[0051] The combined image generation unit 713 generates a combined
image so as to follow the motion of the face image based on a
motion image captured by and transmitted from the imaging unit 110
of the customer terminal 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(a) or
5(b), when the customer who faces the front turns his/her face
sideways, a combined image is generated such that the glasses are
at the positions of the eyes in accordance with the direction of
the face. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5(c) or 5(d), when the
customer turns his/her face up and down, a combined image is
generated such that the glasses are at the positions of the eyes in
accordance with the direction of the face. At this time, the
combined image generation unit 713 may generate combined images at
a fixed time interval, such as one-tenth second, or may generate a
combined image when the motion of the face image is detected.
[0052] In a case that the combined image generation unit 713
generates a combined image, when a colored lens is selected by the
customer terminal 100, a combined image in which color according to
the selected colored lens is combined in the lens portion is
generated. In this case, for example, how much the landscape look
changed in color in connection with the selected lens color and
depth may be simulated and displayed on the screen. This simulation
compares and displays the landscape viewed with a colorless glasses
and the landscape viewed with a colored glasses (parameters of
color and depth), and compares and displays the lens portion of the
combined image while changing the color. The customer can select
the color and depth while confirming the landscape viewed by the
customer and the customer's face viewed by other people from the
color and the depth. An image generated by the combined image
generation unit 713 may be displayed while enlarging a specific
part in accordance with an operation input to the customer terminal
100, or may be rotated and displayed. The combined image generation
unit 713 generates an image representing the thickness of the lens
side surface in a state where the lens is placed in the glasses
frame selected by the customer terminal 100. For example, the
combined image generation unit 713 may generate an image by
calculating the thickness of the lens side surface on the basis of
design data of the lens transmitted from the lens company terminal,
or may generate an image on the basis of the thickness of the lens
side surface stored in the selling server. The combined image
generation unit 713 may record the motion image of the generated
combined image in accordance with a request from the customer
terminal 100 and may reproduce the recorded motion image at an
arbitrary point of time. Accordingly, even an image, in which the
customer turns his/her face sideways, from among the images of the
customer allows the customer to make confirmation.
[0053] The combined image transmission unit 714 transmits the
combined image generated by the combined image generation unit 713
to the customer terminal 100.
[0054] The purchase request receiving unit 715 receives information
relating to a frame and a lens purchased by the customer and
determined by the customer on the basis of the combined image
transmitted from the combined image transmission unit 714 to the
customer terminal 100. The purchase request receiving unit 715
receives the frame identification information for identifying the
frame purchased by the customer and the lens identification
information for identifying the lens from the customer terminal
100. When selling a contact lens, the purchase request receiving
unit 715 may receive a request to purchase a contact lens
transmitted from the customer terminal 100.
[0055] The module selection information receiving unit 716 receives
module selection information representing a combination of modules
selected by the customer using the customer terminal 100 to
purchase in accordance with the frame image for each module
transmitted from the frame image transmission unit 707. The module
selection information receiving unit 716 receives identification
information for each module.
[0056] The purchased frame information transmission unit 717
transmits information relating to the frame which the customer
selected to purchase to the frame company terminal 400. For
example, the purchased frame information transmission unit 717
transmits the frame identification information received by the
purchase request receiving unit 715 or the module selection
information received by the module selection information receiving
unit 716 to the frame company terminal 400.
[0057] The purchase condition receiving unit 718 receives purchase
condition information including at least one of the time limit up
to the delivery of the glasses and price from the customer terminal
100. The customer inputs the purchase condition information to the
customer terminal 100, and the customer terminal 100 transmits the
input purchase condition information to the selling server 700.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a price selection screen
which is displayed on the customer terminal 100. Prices of the
glasses, such as, for example, lower than 10,000 yen (to 10,000
yen), 10,000 yen level (10,000 yen to 20,000 yen), 20,000 yen level
(20,000 yen to 30,000 yen), 30,000 yen level (30,000 yen to 40,000
yen), equal to or higher than 40,000 yen (40,000 yen to), can be
input. As the time limit up to the delivery of the glasses, for
example, an arbitrary time limit ranging from the same day (one
day) to one month can be input.
[0058] The customer information storage unit 719 stores personal
data associated with information relating to the customer for
customer identification information to identify the customer.
Personal data includes attribute information, such as the name,
date of birth (birthday), address, sex, mail address, designated
date (the date designated by the customer, anniversary, date of
birth, or the like) of the customer. Usage registration is received
from the customer terminal 100 to the glasses selling system 1 in
advance, and the attribute information is input from the customer
to the customer terminal 100 at the time of usage registration, and
transmitted to and stored in the selling server 700. At this time,
the selling server 700 generates customer identification
information to identify the customer, and the customer
identification information is stored in the customer information
storage unit 719 in association with information transmitted from
the customer terminal 100.
[0059] Personal data includes information representing the delivery
destination of the glasses manufactured and processed in accordance
with a purchase request from the customer. The delivery destination
may be the address of the customer. Personal data also includes a
purchase history representing the purchase request transmitted from
the customer terminal 100. The purchase history includes, for
example, the date on which the customer purchases the glasses,
identification information of the lens or the frame, prescription
data, and the like. A password according to the customer
identification information may be registered, and the selling
server 700 may perform a process to log in to the selling server
700 with the customer identification information (user ID or the
like) and the password. Personal data stored in the customer
information storage unit 719 may store credit card information or
the like which is used when the customer pays for the purchased
glasses.
[0060] The advertisement information storage unit 720 stores
advertisement information relating to the frame stored in the frame
information storage unit 704, the lens stored in the lens
information storage unit 705, or the like. The advertisement
information is, for example, character information, image
information, or the like. The advertisement information may
include, for example, information relating to a discount of glasses
selling.
[0061] The advertisement information transmission unit 721 reads
the advertisement information stored in the advertisement
information storage unit 720 and transmits the advertisement
information to the customer terminal 100. For example, the
advertisement information transmission unit 721 reads information
representing the designated date (for example, the date of birth)
in a plurality of kinds of customer information stored in the
customer information storage unit 719, and compares the read
designated date (month and day) with the current month and day
obtained using an internal timer function. If it is determined that
the read date of birth matches the current month and day, the
advertisement information transmission unit 721 transmits the
advertisement information stored in the advertisement information
storage unit 720 to the customer terminal 100. When it is
determined that the date before a predetermined period from the
designated date (for example, the date before one month from the
date of birth) matches the current month and day, the advertisement
information transmission unit 721 may transmit the advertisement
information stored in the advertisement information storage unit
720 to the customer terminal 100.
[0062] The recommendation information transmission unit 722
transmits the information of the frame or the lens extracted by the
lens/frame extraction unit 706 in accordance with the purchase
history in personal data stored in the customer information storage
unit 719 to the customer terminal 100.
[0063] The prescription data transmission unit 723 transmits
prescription data of the customer stored in the prescription data
storage unit 702 to the lens company terminal 300 of the lens
company which manufactures the lens purchased by the customer or
the frame company terminal 400 of the frame company which
manufactures the frame purchased by the customer. When a request to
purchase a contact lens is transmitted from the customer terminal
100, the prescription data transmission unit 723 transmits
prescription data of the customer stored in the prescription data
storage unit 702 to the contact lens company terminal 600.
[0064] The design data storage unit 724 stores design data of the
lens according to prescription data in advance. Design data is, for
example, information in which the shape of the lens surface
according to prescription data is represented by the coordinates in
the three-dimensional space. The design data storage unit 724
stores, for example, design data for each of materials, coating,
coloring or design, such as spherical design or aspheric design, in
accordance with myopic power, hyperopic power, astigmatic power, or
the like.
[0065] The design data transmission unit 725 reads design data of
the lens according to prescription data of the customer in
accordance with information relating to the lens received by the
purchase condition receiving unit 718, and transmits design data to
the lens company terminal 300.
[0066] The delivery destination transmission unit 726 transmits the
delivery destination corresponding to the customer to the assembly
company terminal 500 of the assembly company which assembles the
frames and the lens purchased by the customer. The delivery
destination transmission unit 726 reads the delivery destination
corresponding to the customer who purchases the glasses from
personal data stored in the customer information storage unit 719,
and transmits the delivery destination to the assembly company
terminal 500. The assembly company delivers the assembled glasses
with the delivery destination transmitted from the delivery
destination transmission unit 726 as a destination.
[0067] Next, an operation example of the glasses selling system 1
of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram
showing an operation example where glasses are sold by the glasses
selling system 1 using information communication through the
communication line.
[0068] For example, the customer terminal 100 accesses the selling
server 700 in advance in accordance with an operation input from
the customer, and transmits personal data, such as the name or the
address, to the selling server 700. The selling server 700
generates customer identification information (user ID or the like)
for identifying the customer, and stores the customer
identification information in the customer information storage unit
719 in association with personal data transmitted from the customer
terminal 100. The selling server 700 transmits the generated
customer identification information to the customer terminal
100.
[0069] After optometry of the customer is performed, the
optometrist inputs prescription data based on the optometry result
to the optometrist terminal 200. The optometrist terminal 200
receives prescription data input by the optometrist (Step S1). At
this time, for example, the optometrist hears from the customer
customer identification information given to the customer in
advance, and inputs the customer identification information to the
optometrist terminal 200. The optometrist terminal 200 transmits
input prescription data to the selling server 700 in association
with the customer identification information (Step S2). If
prescription data and the customer identification information
transmitted from the optometrist terminal 200 are received, the
prescription data receiving unit 701 of the selling server 700
stores prescription data and the customer identification
information in the prescription data storage unit 702 (Step
S3).
[0070] The customer terminal 100 accesses the selling server 700 in
accordance with an operation input from the customer, and for
example, transmits the user ID and the password given in advance to
log in to the web service which is provided by the selling server
700. The selling server 700 transmits the glasses fitting screen to
the customer terminal 100. The imaging unit 110 of the customer
terminal 100 starts to capture the face image of the customer (Step
S4). The customer terminal 100 transmits the face image captured by
the imaging unit 110 to the selling server 700 (Step S5). An image
which is captured by the imaging unit 110 and transmitted to the
selling server 700 is, for example, a motion image, and
hereinafter, the customer terminal 100 continues to transmit the
face image of the customer captured by the imaging unit 110.
[0071] The lens/frame extraction unit 706 of the selling server 700
extracts a frame image for each type of frame shape from the frame
candidate group stored in the frame information storage unit 704
and transmits the frame image to the customer terminal 100 (Step
S6). The lens/frame extraction unit 706 extracts the lens image for
each type of lens image for each type of lens material from the
lens candidate group stored in the lens information storage unit
705 and transmits the lens image to the customer terminal 100 (Step
S7). The customer terminal 100 displays a plurality of frame images
and lens images transmitted from the selling server 700 on the
display unit. For example, the customer terminal 100 may display a
plurality of frame images or lens images on one screen, or may
sequentially display one frame image or lens image on one screen.
The customer selects a frame and a lens for the customer's
preference from the frame images and the lens images displayed on
the display unit of the customer terminal 100. If the input of
information representing the frame and the lens selected by the
customer is received, the customer terminal 100 transmits frame
identification information for identifying the selected frame and
lens identification information for identifying the selected lens
to the selling server 700 (Step S8). The lens/frame selection
information receiving unit 709 of the selling server 700 receives
the lens identification information and the frame identification
information transmitted from the customer terminal 100.
[0072] The face image receiving unit 710 of the selling server 700
receives the face image which starts to be transmitted in Step S5,
and stores the face image in the face image storage unit 711. The
face shape calculation unit 712 calculates face shape information
on the basis of the face image stored in the face image storage
unit 711 (Step S9). The combined image generation unit 713 reads
the lens according to the lens identification information received
by the lens/frame selection information receiving unit 709 from the
lens information storage unit 705. The combined image generation
unit 713 reads the frame according to the frame identification
information received by the lens/frame selection information
receiving unit 709 from the frame information storage unit 704.
[0073] The combined image generation unit 713 generates a combined
image on the basis of the face image stored in the face image
storage unit 711, the face shape information calculated by the face
shape calculation unit 712, the frame image read from the frame
information storage unit 704, and the lens image read from the lens
information storage unit 705 (Step S10). The combined image
transmission unit 714 of the selling server 700 transmits the
combined image generated by the combined image generation unit 713
to the customer terminal 100 (Step S11). If the combined image
transmitted from the selling server 700 is received, the customer
terminal 100 displays the combined image on the display unit. The
customer views the combined image displayed on the display unit to
confirm the wearing state when the customer fits the glasses on. In
this case, the combined image is generated by the selling server
700 in real time on the basis of the face image captured by the
imaging unit 110 and transmitted to the selling server 700, and
transmitted to and displayed on the customer terminal 100. When the
customer wants to view a combined image in which another lens and
frame are fitted, the customer reselects a frame and a lens, and
inputs the frame and the lens to the customer terminal 100. The
customer terminal 100 transmits identification information of the
selected frame and identification information of the lens to the
selling server 700, and the processing of Steps S8 to S11 is
repeated, such that the customer can view combined images in which
a plurality of frames and images are fitted.
[0074] If the customer selects a frame and a lens which the
customer wants to purchase, the customer inputs information
representing a purchase intention to the customer terminal 100. If
the input of the frame and the lens which are input from the
customer is received (Step S12), the customer terminal 100
transmits a request to purchase the input frame and lens to the
selling server 700 (Step S13). If the purchase request receiving
unit 715 of the selling server 700 receives the purchase request
transmitted from the customer terminal 100, the prescription data
transmission unit 723 reads prescription data stored in the
prescription data storage unit 702, and transmits prescription data
to the lens company terminal 300. The design data transmission unit
725 reads design data according to prescription data stored in the
prescription data storage unit 702 from the design data storage
unit 724, and transmits the design data to the lens company
terminal 300 (Step S14). Design data includes the lens
identification information selected by the customer terminal 100.
The lens company may create design data of the lens on the basis of
prescription data or the like transmitted from the selling server
700 to the lens company terminal 300. The purchased frame
information transmission unit 717 transmits the frame
identification information and prescription data included in the
purchase request received by the purchase request receiving unit
715 to the frame company terminal 400 (Step S15). The selling
server 700 transmits the delivery destination of the glasses to the
frame company terminal 400 (Step S16).
[0075] If the lens is manufactured and processed by the lens
company on the basis of prescription data and design data received
by the lens company terminal 300, the processed lens is delivered
to the assembly company terminal 500. If the frame is manufactured
and processed by the frame company on the basis of prescription
data and the frame identification information received by the frame
company terminal 400, the processed frame is delivered to the
assembly company. The frame company may deliver the stock of the
frame corresponding to the frame identification information
received by the frame company terminal 400 to the assembly company.
If the lens delivered from the lens company and the frame delivered
from the frame company are processed and assembled, in Step S16,
the assembly company delivers the assembled glasses to the delivery
destination of the glasses received by the assembly company
terminal 500.
[0076] As described above, according to this embodiment, all the
steps necessary for purchasing the glasses including the input of
prescription data by the optometrist, the selection of the frame
and the lens by the customer, the processing of the lens by the
lens company according to prescription data based on the optometry
result, and the delivery of the assembled glasses to the customer
can be performed through the network. Accordingly, the customer can
more easily purchase appropriate glasses according to the optometry
result of the customer through the network without visiting the
glasses shop. For this reason, for example, even when the customer
resides in an area where there is no glasses shop, the customer can
purchase the glasses, and the glasses seller can sell the glasses.
Since an actual glasses shop is not required, costs of actual shop
operation for glasses selling can be reduced, and efficient
distribution can be made. In this way, according to this
embodiment, it becomes possible to easily sell appropriate glasses
to customers in a wider area with lower cost.
[0077] Although in this embodiment, a case where the optometrist
terminal 200 is a movable radio station has been described, for
example, the optometrist may visit an area where there is no
glasses shop, may perform optometry of a customer, and may store
prescription data in a portable storage medium, such as a USB
(Universal Serial Bus) memory or a CD (compact disc), through the
optometrist terminal 200, and the selling server 700 or the
customer terminal 100 may read prescription data from the portable
medium.
[0078] Although in this embodiment, the selling server 700 has a
function of combining the face image, the frame image, and the lens
image to generate the combined image and transmitting the combined
image to the customer terminal 100, the function of generating the
combined image may be provided in the customer terminal 100. In
this case, for example, an animation program which can execute a
script may be transmitted from the selling server 700 to the
customer terminal 100, and the customer terminal 100 may perform
processing for generating the combined image on the basis of the
downloaded program.
[0079] Although in this embodiment, the combined image in which the
lens image, the frame image, and the face image are combined is
generated, a combined image in which only the lens image and the
frame image are combined may be generated and transmitted to the
customer terminal 100. A combined image in which only the frame
image and the face image are combined may be generated and
transmitted to the customer terminal 100.
[0080] The customer information storage unit 719 may store a point
or the like according to the purchase history or the like of each
customer, and a discount system using the point may be
introduced.
[0081] When a new article is stored in the frame information
storage unit 704 or the lens information storage unit 705, latest
information may be transmitted to the customer terminal 100 by mail
or the like.
[0082] The glasses which look good in accordance with the shape of
the face in the face image may be recommended on the basis of
statistics or information set in advance. FIG. 10 is a diagram
showing an example of a face shape selection screen which is
displayed on the customer terminal 100. As the face shape, for
example, a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, a diamond, a home base,
or the like can be input.
[0083] The administrator of the glasses selling system 1 may
cooperate with the ophthalmologist or the like, and the
ophthalmologist may introduce the web service provided by the
selling server 700.
[0084] In order to determine the performance of an anti-reflection
film on the lens, the reflection states of different kinds of
lenses may be displayed as images and transmitted to the customer
terminal 100, for customer confirmation. For example, how
reflection by the lens changes may be simulated in connection with
the type of selected lens and displayed on the screen. The customer
can select the lens taking into consideration the performance of
the anti-reflection film while confirming the reflected color of
the lens, the landscape viewed by the customer, the customer's face
viewed by other people, and the like from the type of lens.
[0085] In order to prevent leakage of individual information, the
face image transmitted from the customer terminal 100 to the
selling server 700 may be deleted from the storage unit in the
selling server 700 when disconnected from the customer terminal
100.
[0086] A frame image of an original frame may be created using a
drafting tool or the like, and the created frame image may be
transmitted to the frame company terminal 400 for manufacturing and
processing.
[0087] Although in this embodiment, an example where the lens
company and the assembly company are different companies has been
described, the lens company may perform the steps including edging
or V-shape machining on the basis of frame shape measurement data.
For example, the frame company may measure the frame shape using a
frame tracer, and may transmit information necessary for lens
processing to the lens company. The lens company may process the
lens using a lens edger on the basis of information transmitted
from the frame company. In this case, the assembly company does not
process the lens and places the lens in the frame.
[0088] The lens company, the frame company, the assembly company,
and the contact lens company may be different companies, and two or
more of these companies may be the same company.
[0089] The administrator of the selling server may be different
from the lens company, the frame company, the assembly company, and
the contact lens company, or may be the same as any thereof.
[0090] The fitting adjustment of the assembled glasses on the ears
or the nose of the customer may be performed with the application
of a frame which can be adjusted by the customer.
[0091] An article other than the glasses may be recommended using
information representing the lifestyle from personal data stored in
the customer information storage unit 719. For example, information
relating to automobiles may be provided to a customer who is fond
of automobiles.
[0092] A person to whom the customer wants to give a present may be
registered in the selling server 700, and a present may be given
through the selling server 700.
[0093] Although in this embodiment, the lens and the frame to be
purchased are selected by the customer on the basis of the combined
image, the lens and the frame to be purchased may be selected on
the basis of the lens image and the frame image without generating
the combined image.
[0094] Although in this embodiment, the customer acquires the
customer identification information in advance before optometry,
the customer identification information may be acquired at the time
of optometry. For example, the optometrist terminal 200 may access
the selling server 700 in accordance with an operation input from
the optometrist, and may acquire customer identification
information (user ID or the like) generated by the selling server
700. In this case, the customer may hear the customer
identification information acquired by the optometrist terminal 200
from the optometrist.
[0095] Design data of the lens may include information representing
which of a plurality of semi-materials is used, in addition to the
surface shape for processing the semi-material (semi-finished
article). If necessary, design data of the lens may include lens
shape information, such as the central thickness of the lens, the
edge thickness, and the outer diameter, or lens power information
for a test of lens refractive power using a lens power measurement
device or the like as data for quality confirmation of the
processed lens.
[0096] Design data of the lens may include surface shape data of
the front surface from among the two surfaces of the lens, may
include surface shape data of the rear surface, or may include
surface shape data of the front and the rear surfaces. Surface
shape data may be constituted by a point group (the set of the
values of the spatial coordinates (x coordinate, y coordinate, z
coordinate) at respective points on the processing surface of the
semi-material), may be data obtained by surface-interpolating
surface shape data constituted by a point group, or may be data
obtained by converting surface-interpolated data to an NC
processing program.
[0097] The type of processed lens is not limited, and the foregoing
embodiment may be applied to a fixed focal lens, a progressive
power lens, a progressive lens for middle/near vision, a
progressive lens for near/near vision, and the like.
[0098] A program for realizing the function of the processing unit
according to the invention may be recorded in a computer-readable
recording medium, the program recorded in the recording medium may
be read into and executed on a computer system to perform glasses
selling. It is assumed that the term "computer system" used herein
includes an OS or hardware, such as peripherals. It is also assumed
that the term "computer system" includes a WWW system which
includes a homepage provision environment (or a display
environment). The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers
to a portable medium, such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical
disk, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, or a storage device, such as a hard disk
embedded in the computer system. It is also assumed that the term
"computer-readable recording medium" includes a medium which holds
a program for a given time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) in the
computer system which becomes a server or a client when a program
is transmitted through a network, such as Internet, or a
communication line, such as a telephone line.
[0099] The program may be transmitted from the computer system,
which stores the program in the storage device or the like, to
other computer systems through a transmission medium or through
transmission waves in the transmission medium. The term
"transmission medium" which transmits the program refers to a
medium which has a function of transmitting information, for
example, a network (communication network), such as Internet, or a
communication line, such as a telephone line. The program may be a
program which can realize part of the above-described functions.
The program may be a so-called differential file (differential
program) which can realize the above-described functions by a
combination with a program already recorded in the computer
system.
[0100] As described above, the selling server stores prescription
data of a customer transmitted from the optometrist terminal of the
optometrist performing optometry for a glasses prescription through
the communication line in association with customer identification
information, transmits image data of a frame candidate group of the
glasses to the customer terminal, transmits image data of a lens
candidate group of the glasses to the customer terminal, generates
a combined image of a frame image selected by the customer, a lens
image selected by the customer, and a face image of the customer,
receives information relating to a frame and a lens purchased by
the customer and determined on the basis of the combined image, and
transmits prescription data of the customer to the lens company
terminal of the lens company which processes the lens purchased by
the customer. For this reason, it becomes possible to provide a
glasses selling system which more easily sells more appropriate
glasses to a purchaser in accordance with the optometry result of
the purchaser.
* * * * *