Mobile Camera Distance Determination for Eye Exams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conducting eye examinations outside traditional office settings is hindered by the difficulty in accurately determining the distance between the user and the examination material, leading to unreliable results and a lack of confidence in self-administered tests.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device-based system that captures images of an object to determine its absolute size and distance, using intrinsic and extrinsic camera properties, and provides guidance for the user to adjust their position to an optimal examination distance, enabling accurate eye examinations without the need for specialized equipment or trained personnel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional office-based eye examination is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and accessibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance determination accuracyVSAvoidexamination system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to perform eye examinations themselves using their mobile devices. The mobile device's camera and processor automatically capture images, calculate distances using intrinsic/extrinsic camera properties, and provide feedback without requiring external equipment or trained personnel, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement tools (measuring tapes, step-counting methods) with an optical-digital system using the mobile device camera. The system uses image processing and camera property calculations to determine distance, substituting mechanical measurement with optical sensing and computational analysis, thereby maintaining precision while reducing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If measuring tape or step-counting methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance determination easeVSAvoiddistance measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical measurement methods (measuring tapes, step-counting) with an automated optical-digital measurement system. The mobile device camera captures images and the processor automatically calculates distance using camera intrinsic/extrinsic properties and image analysis, providing both ease of operation and high measurement precision simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If self-administered eye tests are conducted, then accessibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to distance determination difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexamination location flexibilityVSAvoidtest result reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback to users during the examination process. The mobile device captures images at different distances, calculates the actual distance using camera properties, and guides the user to the optimal examination distance through iterative feedback, ensuring reliable results even in non-traditional settings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for controlled office environments with a portable mobile device system. By using the camera's intrinsic/extrinsic properties and image processing to automatically determine distance, the system maintains test reliability while enabling examinations in diverse locations, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates accurate and reliable eye examinations in non-traditional settings by allowing users to easily determine their distance from the examination material, enhancing accessibility for those who cannot access an optometrist's office or prefer remote testing.

Implementation Method 1

capturing a first image of an object using a camera of a mobile device set to a fixed focusing distance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

capturing a first image of an object using a camera of a mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3402384B1Systems and methods for determining distance from an object

Publication Date: 2022.06.22 WARBY PARKER INC

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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary

A process is provided for conducting an eye examination using a mobile device, the process comprising capturing a first image of an object using a camera of a mobile device set to a fixed focusing distance; determining, with reference to the first image, an absolute size of the object; capturing a second image of the object using the camera of the mobile device; determining, with reference to the second image, a distance from the mobile device to the object; providing an indication via the mobile device to move the mobile device relative to the object; and receiving input from the mobile device in response to an eye examination program.