Binocular Auto-Lensmeter for Fast Spectacle Lens Center Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lensmeters require significant training for proper usage and are prone to measurement errors due to incorrect placement or fixturing, taking over a minute to measure both lenses and are cumbersome for determining pupillary distance, especially for untrained users.

Innovation Solution

A binocular auto-lensmeter system with a camera system, target, and processing system that captures images to determine lens centers, using algorithms to simplify and accelerate measurements, allowing untrained users to accurately measure spectacle lenses quickly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual lensmeter or traditional auto-lensmeter is used, then measurement can be performed, but significant training is required and measurement errors occur due to incorrect placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-alignment and self-measurement through automated image capture and processing. The camera system automatically captures images of the target through the spectacles, and the processing system automatically determines lens centers and optical parameters without requiring user intervention for alignment or placement corrections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment and measurement operations with an automated optical-digital system. Instead of requiring manual positioning and reading, the system uses camera imaging and computer processing to automatically determine lens parameters, eliminating the need for trained operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional lensmeter measures one lens at a time, then measurement can be performed, but measurement time exceeds one minute for both lenses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement completenessVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the measurement of both lenses into a single simultaneous operation. The camera system captures images of both lenses through the spectacles in one shot, and the processing system analyzes both lenses concurrently, reducing measurement time from over one minute to a few seconds while maintaining complete measurement data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If traditional lensmeter is used, then single lens measurement can be performed, but determining pupillary distance becomes cumbersome and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepupillary distance accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines pupillary distance measurement with lens parameter measurement in a single simultaneous process. By capturing images of the target through both lenses and processing the images together, the system determines lens centers and calculates pupillary distance automatically, eliminating the need for separate PD measurement procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If mobile communication device-based lensmeter is used, then non-professional use is enabled, but measurement accuracy is insufficient and user movement is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dedicated optical measurement system with a camera and processing unit as an intermediary between the user and the measurement task. This specialized system provides the accuracy of professional equipment while maintaining the ease of use of consumer devices, eliminating the need for user movement or manual alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables untrained users to perform high-accuracy, repeatable measurements of spectacle lenses in public locations, reducing measurement time by orders of magnitude and simplifying the process for single vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses.

Implementation Method 1

a camera system for capturing at least one camera image... an image of a target through the optical equipment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS12498294B2Binocular auto-lensmeter

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 123 SEE INC

AI summary

A system is disclosed for determining optical correction information of optical equipment. The system includes a camera system for capturing at least one camera image, a target, toward which the camera system is directed, a detection area between the camera system and the target for receiving the optical equipment including at least one lens, and a processing system with a searching routine for determining at least one center of the at least one lens based on the at least one camera image of the target via the optical equipment.