Digital Lens Diameter Measurement for Eyewear Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the diameter of spectacle lenses for frames are cumbersome, requiring multiple pre-printed cards and additional measurements, and do not effectively account for frame curvature or vision zone positioning without the user's presence.
Innovation Solution
An electronic tablet-based system with a spectacle frame support and image processing capabilities that projects graphic markers onto the frame, allowing for real-time alignment and measurement of lens diameter and mounting accuracy, including correction for frame curvature and dihedral angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-printed cards with concentric circles are used to determine lens diameter, then lens diameter can be determined, but parallax errors occur due to frame curvature and the cards are difficult to distinguish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital image of the frame captured by a camera and superimposes virtual concentric circles (isodiametric lines) onto the digital image through a processor. This virtual copy replaces the physical pre-printed cards, allowing accurate measurement without parallax errors since the digital image can be perfectly aligned with the frame's curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical cards and manual alignment with an optical-digital system using a camera to capture the frame and a processor to generate and display virtual isodiametric lines. This substitution eliminates the need for physical card insertion and manual alignment, reducing human error and improving measurement reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pre-printed cards are used to account for different lens diameters, then various lens sizes can be measured, but the device complexity and time-consuming processes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measuring system where a single digital image and processor can generate isodiametric lines for any lens diameter. The processor dynamically creates virtual concentric circles at different radii, replacing the need for multiple physical cards. This multi-functional approach allows measurement of any lens size within the frame using one system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic generation of isodiametric lines through software rather than static physical cards. The processor can instantly create and adjust virtual circles to match any desired lens diameter, making the system adaptable without adding physical components. This dynamic approach replaces a static collection of cards with a single flexible digital system.
3Measurement precision
If the card guide curve is adjusted to match the spectacle frame curve, then parallax errors are reduced, but the device complexity increases and not all frames can be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures a digital image of the actual frame as it sits on the support, including its specific curvature and orientation. The processor then generates isodiametric lines that are perfectly aligned with that captured image, creating a custom copy tailored to each frame. This eliminates the need for physical adjustment mechanisms since the digital copy adapts automatically to any frame geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from physical (requiring mechanical adjustment of card guides) to digital (where parameters like curvature and orientation can be instantly modified through software). The digital image and virtual isodiametric lines can be transformed to match any frame parameters without mechanical complexity, allowing universal accommodation of all frame types.
4Measurement precision
If physical markings are placed on lenses for verification, then mounting accuracy can be checked, but the user's presence is required and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital copying and superposition to verify mounting accuracy. Instead of physical markings and manual comparison, the system captures an image of the mounted lens and superimposes the corresponding isodiametric lines and reference markers digitally. This allows immediate automated verification without requiring the user to be present or manual measurement processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of physical marking and visual verification with an automated optical-digital system. The camera captures the mounted lens, the processor generates and superimposes reference isodiametric lines, and the system automatically determines alignment accuracy. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual steps and removes the requirement for user presence during verification.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (100) for determining the diameter of an ophthalmic compensation lens to be mounted onto a glasses frame, or for controlling the mounting of an ophthalmic compensation lens onto a glasses frame. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises: an electronic tablet having a screen (111); a glasses frame holder (120, 121, 122) having an opening and being suitable for holding said glasses frame in a predetermined position, one surface of the glasses frame being placed near the surface of the screen (111); a means for storing at least one graphic image comprising at least one graphic reference mark associated with the ophthalmic compensation lens and/or with the patient who is to wear the ophthalmic compensation lens mounted onto said frame; a means intended for processing said image and capable of generating a projected image; a means for displaying said projected image onto the screen; and a means for aligning said frame with regards to the projected image displayed on the screen.