Mobile 3D Face Mapping for Ophthalmic Measurement Without External Scales

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic parameter measurement devices, such as Frame Reference Devices (FREDs), are cumbersome, expensive, and prone to damage or loss, and there is a need for a more versatile and affordable solution that can perform centration measurements without external scales on mobile platforms like tablets or smartphones.

Innovation Solution

A mobile apparatus and process using a device comprising a projector, camera, and processing unit to project a pattern of optical radiation, record a depth map, and determine ophthalmic parameters like pupillary distance without external scales, allowing measurements at normal and far sightseeing distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Frame Reference Devices (FREDs) are used for ophthalmic parameter measurement, then measurement functionality is provided, but the device becomes cumbersome and prone to damage or loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measurement functionality from the physical FRED accessory and integrates it into the mobile device's software system. The FRED's scale and measurement functions are replaced by using the mobile device's camera, processor, and built-in display to perform measurements, eliminating the need for separate physical reference devices that are cumbersome and prone to loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the measurement reference system within the mobile device. Instead of relying on a physical FRED scale, the system uses software-generated reference markers and image processing algorithms to replicate the measurement functionality, making the system more reliable and portable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If FREDs are used for centration measurements, then measurement capability is achieved, but the device becomes expensive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentration measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical FRED reference system with a digital image processing system. Instead of using physical scales and mechanical measurement components, the system uses camera imaging, software algorithms, and computational geometry to achieve precise centration measurements, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as the reference system, the camera, the processor, and the display simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate FRED components, reducing overall device complexity while providing comprehensive measurement capabilities including centration, vertex distance, and frame parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If FREDs are used for ophthalmic measurements, then measurement function is provided, but the device is not versatile and requires external scales

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveophthalmic parameter measurementVSAvoidversatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device integrates multiple measurement functions into a single platform. The same camera and processing system used for centration measurements can also determine vertex distance, frame parameters, and other ophthalmic measurements, making the device highly versatile without requiring external FRED accessories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device performs all measurement functions using its own built-in components (camera, processor, display) without requiring external reference devices. The system self-provides the reference framework through software-generated markers and algorithms, enabling autonomous measurement of various ophthalmic parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 precise ophthalmic parameter determination, including pupillary distance, without the need for external scales, using a mobile device like a tablet or smartphone, providing a versatile and cost-effective solution.

Implementation Method 1

a first projecting mean able to project a pattern of optical radiation onto the face of the wearer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical radiation projection: Light

Implementation Method 2

The peaks of the cornea of the patient's eyes reflect light from a known source and produce two reflections in the form of two well defined lighter colored dots

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a processing device able to process the image of the pattern in order to generate a depth map of the face of the wearer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage processing: Image Processing

Data Source

PatentUS20250268469A1Process for determining ophthalmic parameters by 3D mapping
Publication Date: 2025.08.28 ACEP FRANCE
  • US20250268469A1 patent drawing
  • US20250268469A1 patent drawing
  • US20250268469A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for determining ophthalmic parameters for a given frame and a given wearer, including: a) the given wearer is fitted with said given frame; b) providing a device including a first projecting mean able to project a pattern of optical radiation onto the face of the wearer, a first camera able to record said pattern of optical radiation, a processing device able to processes the image of the pattern in order to generate a depth map of the face of the wearer, a screen able to display the images recorded by said first camera and a light source able to illuminate the pupils of the wearer, c) recording simultaneously a depth map of the face of the wearer and a picture of the face of the wearer while said light source is illuminating the pupils of the wearer.