Mobile Vision Testing With Camera-Guided Viewing Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vision tests conducted outside traditional settings face challenges in accurately determining the perceived size of characters due to difficulties in ascertaining user distance, leading to reduced accuracy and user confidence.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device-based system that uses a camera and display to guide users to a predetermined distance from a mirror, captures images of a reflection, and interacts with the user to assess vision characteristics through input reception, employing image processing techniques to determine and adjust for distance variations.
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 mobile device's camera to capture images and calculate distance through image processing algorithms, thereby maintaining portability while improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference object of known size into the measurement system, using it as an intermediary to calibrate and determine the actual distance between the user and screen based on the reference object's appearance in captured images
2Measurement precision
If additional equipment such as a measuring tape is used, then distance can be determined, but the complexity of the test procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device perform multiple functions: it serves as both the display screen for the vision test and the measurement instrument for determining user distance, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile device's own camera and processing capabilities to automatically determine viewing distance, making the device self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on external measurement tools
3Measurement precision
If traditional office-based vision tests are conducted, then accurate lens prescription can be determined, but the convenience and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mirror as an intermediary to enable the vision test to be conducted at a distance, allowing the user to view the screen reflection while maintaining proper viewing distance, thus combining accuracy with home-based convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct screen viewing to mirror reflection viewing, adding a spatial dimension to the test setup that allows accurate distance measurement while enabling flexible positioning and home-based administration
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 the 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.