Portable Image Capture Device for Eyeglass Fitting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for measuring geometrical-physiognomic parameters for corrective eyeglasses are cumbersome, expensive, and prone to inaccuracies due to vertical parallax errors, making them inefficient for precise measurements in a sales environment.

Innovation Solution

A portable, compact image capture device is used, with a visual assistance device such as a luminous object mounted as a pendulum to ensure the line of sight is horizontal, eliminating vertical parallax errors and allowing for accurate measurements of pupil height and pantoscopic angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a portable image capture device is used for measuring geometrical-physiognomic parameters, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to vertical parallax errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement device structureVSAvoidpupil height measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A visual assistance device comprising a luminous object mounted as a pendulum is introduced as an intermediary element. This device provides a reference that enables the operator to manually position the portable image capture device at the correct altitude, eliminating vertical parallax errors and ensuring accurate pupil height measurements while maintaining the simplicity and portability of the measurement system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pendulum-mounted luminous object serves as a self-aligning reference system. The pendulum naturally aligns with gravity, providing an automatic vertical reference that guides the operator in positioning the image capture device without requiring complex electronic sensors or automated positioning systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual positioning of the image capture device is used, then the measurement process becomes more flexible and portable, but measurement time increases due to operator adjustment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement flexibilityVSAvoidmeasurement protocol duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The visual assistance device with the pendulum-mounted luminous object is prepared in advance and attached to the image capture device before the measurement begins. This preliminary setup provides immediate visual guidance during the measurement process, reducing the time required for operator adjustment and positioning while maintaining measurement flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The method provides rapid, flexible, and precise measurements of geometrical-physiognomic parameters, ensuring the corrective lenses are accurately positioned for optimal optical function, improving the efficiency and accuracy of the measurement process.

Implementation Method 1

a visual assistance device comprising at least one luminous object mounted as a pendulum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2171527B1Method for measuring at least one geometrical/physiognomical parameter for the fitting of a sight correcting glasses frame on the face of a user
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP2171527B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2171527B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The method comprises at least one taking of a digital image of th face of the wearer by means of a portable image capture device (1) and a processing of said captured image to determine a geometrical/physiognomical parameter. The operator manually positions the image capture device prior to taking the image, in a first configuration in which a straight line of observation, connecting the diaphragm (7) of the image capture device and a given prominent point on the face of the wearer or on the frame is essentially horizontal. Taking the image is carried out in a second configuration of the image capture device such that the height of said image capture device is the same as in the first configuration. Calculation of the geometrical/physiognomical parameter comprises an identification on said image of the image of the given prominent point.