Mobile Device Visual Acuity Evaluation Using Mirror Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating visual acuity are inaccessible and prone to measurement errors due to the need for professional intervention, calibration procedures, and limitations in assessing both near and far vision without proper distance control.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile device with a front camera and screen that allows users to position themselves at a predefined distance, measure the distance to a virtual image in a mirror, display optotypes, and evaluate visual acuity without requiring a professional, enabling remote assessment and adaptive optotype sizing based on measured distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If professional intervention is used to evaluate visual acuity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but accessibility and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform self-measurement of visual acuity using their mobile device and a mirror. The mobile device captures images of the user's reflection in the mirror, and the system automatically processes these images to evaluate visual acuity without requiring professional intervention. This allows users to conduct evaluations independently at home, significantly improving accessibility while maintaining measurement accuracy through automated image processing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/professional evaluation process with an automated digital system. Instead of requiring an eye care professional to physically administer tests, the system uses mobile device cameras to capture reflections, processes images computationally, and automatically determines visual acuity metrics. This substitution eliminates the need for professional presence while preserving measurement reliability through algorithmic analysis.
2Measurement precision
If calibration procedures are used to control distance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic distance measurement and control without requiring user calibration. The mobile device's camera captures the mirror reflection, and the system automatically calculates the distance between the device and the user based on image analysis. This eliminates the need for manual calibration procedures using external objects like credit cards or shoe sizes, reducing complexity while maintaining precise distance control through automated computational methods.
3Ease of operation
If self-measurement is performed at arm's length, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited vision range assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the mirror to create a virtual image that extends the effective measurement distance. By capturing the reflection of optotypes displayed on the mobile device in the mirror, the system effectively doubles the optical path length, allowing far vision assessment while keeping the device within arm's length of the user. This dimensional approach through mirror reflection enables both near and far vision evaluation without requiring the user to physically move the device to different distances.
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
This method allows for easy, accurate, and convenient visual acuity evaluation at home, eliminating the need for professional visits and reducing measurement errors by using mobile device data to control distance and adapt optotype size in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
a distance d between the front camera of the mobile device and a virtual image of the mobile device in the mirror is measured
Data Source
AI summary
A method for evaluating the visual acuity of a person using a mobile device having at least a front camera and a screen, the method including a user positioning step during which the user of a mobile device positions himself in front of a mirror at a predefined distance d/2, a mobile device positioning step during which the mobile device is positioned with the front camera of the mobile device facing the mirror, a distance measuring step during which a distance d between the front camera of the mobile device and a virtual image of the mobile device in the mirror is measured, a displaying step during which the screen of the mobile device displays optotypes, and an evaluation step during which the visual acuity of the user is evaluated.