Viewing Distance Estimation via Iris Pixel Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for estimating viewing distance between a target and a person's eye require a range finder, making them complex and bulky, and fail to accurately measure viewing distance without considering image resolution and iris diameter variations.
Innovation Solution
A method using a computer to acquire images, detect iris size, calculate pixel number, and estimate viewing distance based on inherent iris dimensions and image resolution, without a range finder, while correcting for face orientation and iris detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a range finder is used to measure viewing distance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex range finder hardware and implements it through image processing algorithms. By taking out the measurement capability from the physical device and realizing it through computational methods (iris detection, pixel counting, and mathematical calculations), the system achieves viewing distance measurement without requiring a range finder, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical range finder system with an image processing-based measurement system. Instead of using physical sensors and optical instruments to directly measure distance, the system uses camera images, detects iris characteristics, counts pixels, and applies mathematical formulas to calculate viewing distance. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical measurement devices while achieving the same measurement function.
2Ease of manufacture
If iris size detection is performed without considering image resolution, then processing simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of considering image resolution in the iris detection process. By incorporating resolution information as a key parameter, the system adjusts its calculations to account for the relationship between pixel size and actual physical dimensions. This parameter change enables the system to maintain processing simplicity while significantly improving viewing distance estimation precision, as the resolution-aware calculation allows for accurate conversion from pixel measurements to real-world dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A viewing distance estimation method includes: acquiring a first image captured by an image capturing device and including a face of a person who watches a target; detecting a size of an iris of the person from the first image; calculating a first value indicating a pixel number for the detected size of the iris; acquiring a resolution of the first image; calculating, based on the first value and a second value indicating a predetermined inherent dimension for the size of the iris, a third value indicating an actual dimension of one pixel; estimating a viewing distance corresponding to the acquired resolution and the calculated third value, based on relational information representing a relation among the resolution, the third value, and the viewing distance; and outputting estimative information including the estimated viewing distance.