Optical Parameter Determination Using Facial Image Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining optical parameters of eyewear lenses are complex, time-consuming, and require professional assistance, making it difficult for individuals to easily and cost-effectively order new lenses without undergoing tedious measurements, especially when their optical needs have not changed.

Innovation Solution

A method using computer means to determine optical parameters by comparing images of a person's face with and without eyewear, allowing for quick, easy, and low-cost determination of lens parameters using a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, without the need for professional equipment or assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional methods using lens mapper and lens meter are used to determine optical parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical parameter determination accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital images of the eye and lens as copies to determine optical parameters. Instead of using complex physical measurement devices, the system captures images of the eye through the lens and processes these visual copies to extract optical information, thereby replacing expensive hardware with software-based image analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (lens mapper, lens meter) with an optical-digital system. The mechanical devices that physically measure lens parameters are substituted by capturing light through the lens and analyzing the resulting images computationally, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If professional measurements are conducted by eye care practitioners, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical parameter determination accuracyVSAvoidtime for measurements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables individuals to perform optical parameter measurements themselves by capturing images of their own eyes through the lens and processing these images locally or remotely. This self-service approach eliminates the need to schedule appointments with eye care practitioners, allowing measurements to be performed anytime without professional intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary image capture and processing to determine optical parameters before the actual lens ordering process. By pre-determining the optical parameters through automated image analysis, the system eliminates the time-consuming step of professional measurement during the lens ordering appointment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If complex measurements are performed to determine wearer data and fitting data, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearer data accuracyVSAvoidease of determination process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital images as copies of the eye and lens to extract wearer data and fitting data. Instead of requiring complex physical measurements and manual data collection, the system processes visual copies to automatically determine parameters such as pupillary distance, eye dimensions, and lens positioning, making the process simple and intuitive for users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 individuals to accurately and efficiently determine their eyewear lens parameters, facilitating the ordering of new lenses with ease and reducing the need for costly and time-consuming professional measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a second image comprising a front view of the face of the person with said part of the eye of the person being visible through at least part of the lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11262273B2Method for determining an optical parameter of a lens

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)

AI summary

A method implemented by computer means for determining at least one optical parameter of a lens of eyewear adapted for a person, the method comprising: —an image reception step, during which at least a first image and a second image are received, the first image comprising a front view of the face of the person with at least one part of an eye of the person being directly visible, and the second image comprising a front view of the face of the person with said part of the eye of the person being visible through at least part of the lens, and —an optical parameter determination step, during which at least one optical parameter of the lens is determined based on a comparison between said part on the first and the second image.