Method for maintaining an eyeglass frame

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for maintaining an eyeglasses frame (10), comprising the steps of: performing a scan (101, 102) of the eyeglasses frame (10), wherein the scan (101, 102) measures at least one feature of the eyeglasses frame (10) included in a list comprising front curve-face form angle, wide angle, temple roll, maximum open temple angle, temple wrap; saving (103, 105) at least one feature of the frame (10) in a data file, as a first configuration if it is the best configuration of the frame (10), or as a second configuration if it is a modified configuration of the frame (10); comparing (106) the first configuration with the second configuration; analyzing (107) both configurations and determining differences (107); indicating (108) the problems detected between the two configurations, providing indications on how to solve them.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a method for maintaining eyeglass frames.

[0002] In the prior art, methods for maintaining eyeglass frames are known, in which the frames are fitted and adjusted at two separate times. The first adjustment and fitting occurs when the patient first wears the glasses. The second adjustment occurs when the patient returns to wearing the frames because they no longer fit correctly due to wear or daily damage. To detect whether the frames have changed since the first adjustment, five characteristics of the glasses can be measured: the anterior curvature-face shape angle α (…). Figure 1 ), wide-angle θ ( Figure 2 ), the curling of the curve at the end of the temple (the curled part of the temple), Figure 3 ), Maximum opening temple angle ( Figure 4 ), temples rolled up ( Figure 5 ).

[0003] The downside is that optometrists must independently analyze frame problems and must be highly skilled in the field.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to create a method for maintaining eyeglass frames that enables the automatic detection of problems in the frames caused by wear or damage and provides instructions on how to resolve the problem.

[0005] According to the present invention, this purpose is achieved by a method for maintaining eyeglass frames.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to create a computer program that implements a method for maintaining eyeglass frames, which enables the automatic detection of problems in the frames caused by wear or damage and provides instructions on how to resolve said problems.

[0007] According to the present invention, this other objective is achieved by means of a computer program.

[0008] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description, which is to be understood as exemplary and not restrictive, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front curved surface-face angle of an eyeglass frame;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a wide-angle schematic diagram of the frame;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the curling of the temple of the eyeglass frame;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the maximum opening temple angle of the mirror;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating how the temples of the glasses are rolled up;

[0014] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a method for maintaining eyeglass frames according to the present invention is shown.

[0015] Before describing the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that, Figures 1-5 The five features shown are those most likely to change in a pair of glasses; however, this list should not be considered limiting, as even fewer features (not necessarily all) can be detected and modified, or other features and / or defects that cannot be detected by 3D scanning can be detected and / or modified, such as scratched or broken lenses, scratched frames, loose screws, etc. In such cases (where features or defects cannot be detected by 3D scanning), the solution according to the invention can provide, for example, a “manual” report of the feature or defect via user input (comments or buttons) in an application.

[0016] Reference Figure 6 A preferred embodiment of a method 100 for maintaining an eyeglass frame 10 according to the present invention is shown, which includes the steps of performing scans 101, 102 of the frame 10 in a first configuration.

[0017] Frame scan measurements include at least one of the features of frame 10 in the following list: front curvature-face angle α ( Figure 1 ), wide-angle θ ( Figure 2 ), the curling of the temples ( Figure 3 ), Maximum opening temple angle ( Figure 4 ), temples rolled up ( Figure 5 ).

[0018] The first configuration of the frame 10 includes the features of the frame 10 as arranged by the optometrist when delivering the eyeglasses.

[0019] Preferably, all features of the measurement frame 10 are scanned in 101 and 102.

[0020] Scans 101 and 102 can be performed by a 3D scanner owned by an optometrist or salesperson, and thus we discuss 3D scanning 101. Alternatively, scanning can be performed by an application on scanning frame 10, wherein the application is software loaded onto an electronic device (e.g., an application running on a patient's mobile phone), in which case we discuss scanning user device 102.

[0021] The steps of performing scans 101 and 102 include sub-steps of acquiring scan data and measuring at least one feature of frame 10 based on the data.

[0022] The frame's features are saved in a data file as the first configuration. The data file can be a server-side electronic data file or a local data file for the optometrist or user application.

[0023] If the patient notices a problem with frame 10, he / she can begin a second scan 101, 102 of frame 10, saving 105 the features of frame 10 according to the second configuration. Method 100 compares the first configuration with the second configuration 106 and determines the differences 107 by indicating 108 the problems detected and providing explanations on how to resolve these problems, such as whether it is necessary to schedule an appointment with a salesperson or optometrist, whether it is possible to resolve the problem independently, whether it is possible to set a maintenance schedule, or whether it is necessary to change frame 10.

[0024] The problem with the frame is the difference between the first and second configurations caused by wear or damage.

[0025] Advantageously, video tutorials can be made available to patient users to explain how to repair or adjust the problematic features of the frame 10 that differ between the second and first configurations.

[0026] The optometrist will repair, maintain, or adjust the frame 10 based on the analysis of method 100.

[0027] The method 100 of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program, which includes computer code running on an electronic computer performing the operations of method 100. The computer includes at least a memory containing data files and a processor for implementing the actions of method 100.

[0028] A computer program can be loaded into the memory of an electronic computer and includes instructions that are executed by method 100 when the computer executes the program.

[0029] The program can be server-side and run remotely, or it can run on the user's or optometrist's electronic device.

[0030] In particular, Figure 6A method 100 is schematically illustrated by allowing a 3D scan 101 or a scan 102 via a user device. Method 100 checks 104 whether it is the first scan by asking the user or by checking if the frame features have already been saved in a data file. If it is the first scan, method 100 saves 103 the frame features in the data file as a first configuration of the frame; otherwise, method 105 saves the features of frame 10 in the data file as a second configuration of frame 10. Subsequently, method 100 compares 106 the previously saved first configuration with the second configuration in the data file, analyzes the two configurations and identifies differences 107, indicates 108 detected problems, and provides explanations on how to resolve these problems.

[0031] Preferably, method 100 can report the detected problems to the optometrist or the manufacturer of frame 10, thereby obtaining information about the expected lifespan and average lifespan of frame 10 to improve the characteristics of frame 10.

[0032] Advantageously, patient users are favored by method 100 because once they purchase frame 10, they can independently check their health status and obtain information about any maintenance procedures or the history of maintenance actions to be scheduled over time.

[0033] Preferably, it is foreseeable that the first configuration of frame 10 is detected by an optometrist 101 by scanning with a 3D scanner for use by an optometrist or salesperson.

[0034] Advantageously, the patient can scan 102 the frame 10 of his / her glasses at any time he / she wishes, saving the second configuration in a data file, so that method 100 can verify the differences 107 that have occurred between the second configuration and the first configuration over time.

[0035] Inspection 104 advantageously allows the preservation of the features of frame 10 103, 105, if it is the optimal configuration of frame 10, then it is the first configuration, or if it is a modified configuration of frame 10, for example, due to damage or wear of frame 10, then it is the second configuration.

[0036] Advantageously, the first configuration of frame 10 is the configuration that the patient user and / or optometrist considers best. The optometrist or patient user may choose to save the configuration of frame 10 as the first configuration in a data file, so that method 100 can compare the first configuration with a subsequent second configuration 106.

[0037] The features of the first configuration and / or subsequent second configuration of frame 10 can be printed out and provided to the patient user.

[0038] Preferably, after maintenance, a new configuration is created that is close to but not identical to the original configuration. Therefore, it is preferable that the optometrist updates the reference configuration by saving the reference configuration as the first configuration.

[0039] Preferably, even when the patient or optometrist decides to save a new first or second configuration as needed, the first and second configurations of frame 10 are kept as historical data in a data file. Advantageously, the optometrist can receive information from the patient via method 100 regarding reports on the second configuration of frame 10, so that the patient can resolve issues remotely without having to visit a store or optometrist in person. This reduces waiting time when the patient does visit a store or optometrist, or allows waiting times to be pre-set for better patient service.

[0040] Advantageously, the execution preparation computer program for scanning 101, 102 detects the scan data by means of a 3D scanner or mobile device application, and the computer program detects the frame 10 based on scanning 101, 102.

[0041] Specifically, Method 100 provides

[0042] The comparison between the two scans is classified into the first frame configuration and the second frame configuration, respectively.

[0043] Preferably, the comparison 106 is performed by comparing the three-dimensional image of the first configuration with the three-dimensional image of the second configuration.

[0044] Preferably, the comparison 106 between the two scans of the first configuration and the second configuration is completed by comparing one or more two-dimensional views of the first configuration with one or more two-dimensional views of the second configuration.

[0045] Two-dimensional views, for example, represent views from a horizontal plane or a side view, which can be obtained from a three-dimensional model of frame 10, or extracted as separate shots when scanning frames 101 and 102 of 100.

[0046] The comparison of two-dimensional images 106 involves analyzing the differences between two images of two configurations in terms of angles or point-to-point distances. For example, the temple opening angle in the first configuration and the temple opening angle in the second configuration are measured in degrees. Then, the difference between the angles of the first configuration and the second configuration is obtained. If this angle difference is greater than a predetermined value, the defect is reported.

[0047] The comparison of 3D images involves analyzing the differences between two 3D images in terms of angle, point-to-point distance, or average distance between point clouds. For example, given point clouds for each first and second configuration, the average distance between the point clouds is measured, and if this is greater than a predetermined value in a given region, a defect is reported.

[0048] Preferably, the optometrist reports how to repair the frame by visually demonstrating the difference between the first and second configurations, or more preferably by suggesting how to correct the defects. For example, the procedure may signal to increase or decrease the curvature of the temples, or, for example, increase or decrease the temple roll angle. Preferably, the suggestions may be made in text and / or in the form of images and / or short videos.

[0049] Alternatively, other problems related not only to the frame but also to the lenses can be reported. For example, lens defects such as scratches, breaks, or unscannable frame-related defects such as scratched frames or loose screws can also be reported to the user or optometrist. According to this alternative, the computer program includes a user interface for reporting other lens or frame defects, such as those outlined above, as well as additional defects typical of eyeglasses and known to the optometrist.

[0050] This invention, conceived in this way, is readily subject to numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept. In fact, the materials used and their dimensions can be of any type according to the technical requirements.

Claims

1. A method (100) for maintaining an eyeglass frame (10), comprising the following steps: With the eyeglass frame (10) in the optimal configuration, a scan (101, 102) of the eyeglass frame (10) is performed to measure at least one feature of the eyeglass frame (10), and the at least one feature of the eyeglass frame (10) is saved (103, 105) in a data file as a first configuration, the optimal configuration being the configuration that the user and / or optometrist considers best, the at least one feature of the eyeglass frame (10) being included in a list that includes front curvature – face shape angle, wide angle, curl of the end bend of the rod, maximum opening angle of the rod, and rod bend; When the eyeglass frame (10) is in a configuration modified from the optimal configuration due to wear or damage after being worn by the user, a scan (101, 102) of the eyeglass frame (10) is performed to measure at least one feature of the eyeglass frame (10), and the at least one feature of the eyeglass frame (10) is saved (103, 105) in a data file as a second configuration. Compare the first configuration with the second configuration (106); Analyze these two configurations and identify the differences (107); If the difference is greater than a predetermined value, an indication (108) is provided of the problem detected between the two configurations, and instructions are given on how to resolve these problems. The method is implemented by a computer program, which includes computer code running on an electronic computer performing the operation of the method (100), wherein the computer includes at least one memory and a processor, the at least one memory containing the data file, and the processor for implementing the actions of the method (100).

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scans (101, 102) are performed using a 3D scanner, thereby classifying the scans as 3D scans (101).

3. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scanning (101, 102) is performed by means of an application that scans the eyeglass frame (10), wherein the application is a computer program loaded on an electronic device.

4. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Instructions on how to resolve the detected problem include at least one of the following: making an appointment with a salesperson or optometrist; an explanation of how to resolve the problem independently; a maintenance procedure plan; or instructions on whether the eyeglasses frame (10) needs to be changed.

5. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method includes an inspection step (104) to verify whether the scan (101, 102) data is the first scan by asking the user or by verifying whether the features of the eyeglass frame (10) have been saved (103, 105) in the data file. If the scan data is the first scan, then the method (100) determines that the eyeglass frame (10) is in the optimal configuration. Otherwise, the method (100) determines that the eyeglass frame (10) is in a modified configuration from the optimal configuration.

6. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method includes the step of reporting the detected problem to an optometrist or the eyewear manufacturer of the eyeglass frame (10).

7. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The execution of the scan (101, 102) includes the steps of acquiring scan data and measuring at least one feature of the eyeglass frame (10) based on the data.

8. A computer program capable of being loaded into the memory of an electronic computer, comprising instructions that, when the program is executed by the computer, perform the method (100) according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. The computer program according to claim 8, characterized in that, The computer program includes a user interface for signaling additional lens or frame defects.

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