Mirror-Guided Mobile Vision Testing for Precise User Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vision tests conducted outside traditional settings face challenges in accurately determining the perceived size of optotypes due to difficulties in ascertaining user distance, leading to reduced accuracy and user confidence.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a mobile device with a camera and display, guiding the user to a predetermined distance from a mirror, capturing images of a reference pattern, and interacting to assess vision characteristics through input reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a measuring tape or counting steps is used to determine user distance from the screen, then the test can be administered outside the office, but the accuracy of the results diminishes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement tools (measuring tape, step counting) with an optical system using the device's camera to capture images and automatically calculate distance through image processing and geometric relationships, eliminating the need for physical measurement tools while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary element that enables the camera to capture the user's eye position and the screen's position simultaneously, allowing indirect measurement of distance through optical reflection and geometric calculation
2Measurement precision
If additional equipment like a measuring tape is required, then distance can be measured, but the device complexity increases and user confidence may erode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device perform multiple functions: it serves as the display screen, the camera device for capturing images, the processor for calculating distance, and the guide for providing feedback to the user, eliminating the need for separate measurement equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own camera to capture images and its own processor to calculate distance, making the device self-sufficient for measurement without requiring external measurement tools or additional equipment
3Measurement precision
If human intervention is used to determine perceived size of optotypes, then accuracy can be maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images, processes them to determine user distance, and provides real-time feedback by adjusting the displayed optotype size or providing guidance to the user to achieve the correct distance, enabling automatic adaptation without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the human administrator's visual assessment and manual calculations with automated image processing algorithms that calculate distance and determine appropriate optotype sizing based on captured images and geometric relationships
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
Enhances accuracy and reliability of vision tests by ensuring precise distance measurement and reducing human intervention, thereby improving the convenience and efficiency of at-home testing.
Implementation Method 1
capturing, using the camera of the mobile device, at least one image of a reflection of the mobile device in the mirror
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for vision test and uses thereof are disclosed. A method may be implemented on a mobile device having at least a processor, a camera and a display screen. The method may include capturing at least one image of a user using the camera of the mobile device; interactively guiding the user to a predetermined distance from the display screen of the mobile device based on the at least one image; presenting material on the display screen upon a determination that the user is at the predetermined distance from the display screen; and receiving input from the user in response to the material presented on the display screen. The material presented on the display screen may be for assessing at least one characteristic of the user's vision. Mobile devices and non-transitory machine-readable mediums having machine-executable instructions embodied thereon for assessing a user's vision also are disclosed.