Custom Eyewear Fitting via Reference Image Measurements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for purchasing customized prescription eyewear online lack accuracy in measurements, as they do not account for individual anatomical features and head positioning, leading to flawed lens fabrication when frames rest differently on the nose or when head orientation varies.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves obtaining initial frame measurements through imaging and adjusting nose pads and temples to fit the frames correctly, allowing for accurate fabrication of prescription lenses for subsequent frame selections, using reference images and prescription data stored in a cloud database to ensure proper fit and optical alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If virtual 3D models are used to position eyeglasses on a virtual face, then the ease of online eyewear selection is improved, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates because virtual models cannot account for gravity's effect on frame positioning or individual head orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of online eyewear selectionVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses reference images of a first set of eyeglasses worn by the customer to create a virtual representation that copies the actual physical positioning. This virtual copy is then used to determine accurate measurements for subsequent frame selections, resolving the contradiction by maintaining ease of online selection while achieving measurement accuracy through reference to actual worn frames.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary measurement of the first set of eyeglasses while they are actually worn by the customer to establish reference data before the customer selects subsequent frames online. This preliminary action captures real-world positioning information that virtual models cannot accurately represent, enabling accurate measurements for future frame selections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If traditional in-person fitting with physical frames is used, then the measurement accuracy is improved through direct anatomical measurement, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the customer must travel to an optician and be physically fitted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidease of eyewear purchasing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the measurement data obtained from physical frames worn by the customer. This virtual copy stores the accurate measurements in a database, allowing the customer to purchase eyewear online without repeated physical fittings. The system uses this stored reference data to accurately determine measurements for subsequent frame selections, maintaining measurement accuracy while enabling easy online purchasing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If prescription lenses are fabricated without considering individual anatomical features and head positioning, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the lens fabrication precision deteriorates leading to improper lens positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens fabrication simplicityVSAvoidlens positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurement of the customer's facial anatomy and head positioning while they wear reference eyeglasses. This preliminary data is stored and used during lens fabrication to accurately position lenses for subsequent frame selections. The system uses this pre-obtained anatomical data to ensure precise lens positioning without requiring complex real-time measurements during fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3788439B1Method for fabricating frames obtaining and utilizing measurements to enable customized eyewear to be purchased online
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 OPTIKAM TECH INC
  • EP3788439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3788439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3788439B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and method for determining the measurements needed to correctly fabricate prescription eyewear for an individual (10) who is purchasing the eyewear. The individual (10) is provided with initial set of frames. The initial set of frames is fitted to the requirements of the individual to obtain fitted frames (45). An eye exam is also conducted to obtain a proper lens prescription for the fitted frames (45). The individual (10) is imaged while fitted frames (45) are being worn. This creates reference images (44). At some point, the individual (10) may select a subsequent set of frames (56). Once subsequent set of frames (56) is selected, a retailer recalls the reference images (44) and obtains fitting measurements from reference images (44). The online retailer can also recall lens prescription for initial fitted frames (45). Utilizing the fitting measurements, the retailer can custom fit subsequent set of frames (56).