Eye Exam Distance Measurement via Camera Pupillary Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional online eye examination tests face inaccuracies due to difficulties in reliably determining the user's distance from the screen, as relying on heel-toe steps is unreliable and may not ensure the correct distance for accurate results.

Innovation Solution

A method using a computing device with a camera unit to capture images of the user's face, detect their pupils, and calculate the distance based on the pupillary distance and camera focal length, providing feedback to ensure the user is at the correct distance for the examination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user distance to screen is determined using heel-toe steps method, then the setup procedure is simple, but the measurement precision of user distance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup procedure simplicityVSAvoiduser distance measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical counting method (heel-toe steps) with an optical measurement system using the camera unit. The camera captures images of the user's face and pupils, and the system calculates the actual distance based on pupillary distance and image analysis, substituting mechanical measurement with optical-field measurement for higher precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the camera unit as an intermediary device between the user and the screen. Instead of directly measuring user distance through mechanical means, the camera captures visual information of the user's face and pupils, serving as a mediator to indirectly determine the user's position relative to the screen with higher accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the user distance to screen is not accurately determined, then the eye examination test can be performed without additional equipment, but the reliability of test results deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment requirementVSAvoidtest results accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the camera unit serve multiple functions: it not only captures images for the eye examination test but also measures the user's distance from the screen. By integrating distance measurement functionality into the existing camera unit, the system avoids adding separate measurement equipment while ensuring test reliability through accurate distance determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If camera unit is used to capture user face images for distance determination, then the measurement precision of user distance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser distance measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by using the camera unit's existing imaging capability to automatically capture the user's face and pupils, then processing the images through algorithms that calculate distance based on pupillary distance. The system performs distance measurement automatically without requiring additional specialized equipment or manual intervention, making the camera unit serve its own measurement needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach enhances the accuracy of eye examination tests by reliably determining the user's distance to the screen, improving the precision of the results and reducing setup time by ensuring the user is positioned correctly for the examination.

Implementation Method 1

capturing, by said camera unit of said computing device, at least one image of a human face of said user facing said screen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

detecting, by said computing device, in said at least one captured image, both pupils of said human face

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11925416B2Method of performing an eye examination test

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 EASEE HEALTH BV

AI summary

A method of performing an eye examination test for examining eyes of a user, said method using a computing device as well as an input tool, wherein said computing device comprises a screen and comprises a camera unit arranged for capturing images, said method comprising the steps of capturing, by said camera unit of said computing device, at least one image of a human face of said user facing said screen, detecting, by said computing device, in said at least one captured image, both pupils of said human face, determining, by said computing device, a distance of said user to said screen based on a predetermined distance between pupils of a user, a distance between said detected pupils in said at least one captured image, and a focal length of said camera unit corresponding to said at least one captured image, and performing, by said computing device in combination with said input tool, said eye examination test using said determined distance.