Dominant Eye Detection Mask with Sighting Window

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining a patient's dominant eye are subjective and unreliable, relying on patient feedback, which can lead to errors in calculating and machining personalized lenses for eyewear.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that use image acquisition and processing to objectively determine the dominant eye by analyzing the position of the viewing window with respect to the patient's eyes, allowing for automated identification of the leading eye without patient intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If subjective methods (patient feedback) are used to determine dominant eye, then the method is simple to implement, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidaccuracy of dominant eye determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the subjective mechanical feedback method (patient verbally reporting which eye they are using) with an automated optical imaging system. The acquisition means captures images of the patient's eyes through the mask, and processing means automatically analyze the images to determine which eye is aligned with the sighting window, eliminating reliance on patient subjectivity while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary automated system consisting of the mask with sighting window, image acquisition means, and processing means. This intermediary objectively measures eye alignment by capturing visual evidence of which eye is naturally used to aim at the target, rather than directly relying on patient self-reporting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If automated image acquisition is used to objectively measure dominant eye, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of dominant eye determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mask serves multiple functions: it positions the sighting window at a standardized distance from the patient's face, blocks peripheral vision to ensure monocular alignment, and provides a structure for mounting the image acquisition means. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning devices and supports structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a visual copy (image) of the patient's eye alignment through the sighting window. Instead of directly measuring physical eye position, the system captures an optical copy that can be analyzed by processing means, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If patient must actively participate in feedback process, then measurement can be obtained, but reliability deteriorates due to subjective bias

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation about dominant eyeVSAvoidtrustworthiness of measurement result
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the unreliable human feedback mechanism with an automated optical measurement system. The image acquisition means and processing means objectively capture and analyze eye alignment without being influenced by patient subjectivity, bias, or misunderstanding of instructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by capturing an image of the patient's eyes through the sighting window. This feedback loop allows the processing means to automatically determine dominant eye based on actual visual evidence rather than patient assertion, creating a self-verifying measurement system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2688462B1Device and process for determining the dominant eye of a patient
Publication Date: 2016.08.31 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP2688462B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2688462B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2688462B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a process for determining the dominant eye of a patient (10). According to the invention, the device comprises a target (120), a camera (110) for acquiring an image of the patient's face, and a mask (200) to be positioned in front of the patient's face. This mask comprises; a closure face (210) suitable for hiding the target from the patient while enabling the camera to see the patient's face, and a viewing window (220) for the patient to view the target and which is located through the closure face in order to enable the patient to view the target with only one of his two eyes.