Fixtureless Lensmeter Using Mobile Camera Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lensmeters for determining corrective lens prescriptions are cumbersome and require specific spacing and arrangements, making them unsuitable for home or field use and prone to transcription errors when conveying prescription information.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device-based lensmeter system that captures images of patterns through corrective lenses, processes the distortion to determine lens characteristics, including spherical power, cylinder power, and astigmatism angle, using a camera and processor to transform images into an ideal coordinate system without the need for precise fixture alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional lensmeter with fixture is used to determine lens prescriptions, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and portability are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex traditional lensmeter fixture. By using a mobile device camera to capture images of test patterns through the corrective lens, the system removes the need for heavy mechanical fixtures, lens holders, and precise alignment mechanisms while maintaining measurement capability through digital image processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system of traditional lensmeters with a digital imaging system. Instead of using mechanical lenses, mirrors, and eyepieces, the system uses a camera to capture images and processes them computationally to determine lens prescriptions, substituting mechanical components with electronic and software-based solutions
2Measurement precision
If a traditional lensmeter with fixture is used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation and portability are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lensmeter function universal by using a mobile device camera that can be found in most smartphones and tablets. This approach allows the same device to serve multiple purposes (photography, messaging, lens measurement) while enabling portability and home use, eliminating the need for specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables individuals to perform lens prescription measurements themselves at home or in the field using their own mobile devices. The automated image capture and processing algorithms allow users to obtain measurements without requiring training or assistance from professionals, making the service self-sufficient
3Loss of information
If manual transcription of prescription information is used, then information can be conveyed, but reliability and accuracy are reduced due to transcription errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the prescription information that can be directly transmitted electronically. Instead of manually writing down or verbally communicating measurements, the system generates digital data that can be shared via text message or email, eliminating transcription errors and ensuring accurate information transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital communication technology as an intermediary between the measurement process and the end user. The prescription information is captured digitally and transmitted through electronic channels, serving as a reliable mediator that preserves measurement accuracy throughout the information transfer process
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
Enables convenient and accurate determination of lens prescriptions in various settings, reducing the need for physical fixtures and minimizing transcription errors, allowing for easy sharing of prescription information.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a captured image of a pattern through a corrective lens
Data Source
AI summary
A process is provided for determining characteristics of a lens, the process including obtaining a captured image of a pattern through a corrective lens; transforming the captured image to an ideal coordinate system; processing the captured image to determine an overall distortion from a reference pattern to the pattern of the captured image; determining a distortion of the captured pattern attributable to the corrective lens; and measuring at least one characteristic of the corrective lens. In some embodiments, the overall distortion is determined by detecting, in the captured image, at least one captured pattern landmark; determining a transformation from at least one ideal pattern landmark to the at least one captured pattern landmark; and determining for the corrective lens, from the transformation, a spherical power measurement, a cylinder power measurement, and an astigmatism angle measurement.