Optical Parameter Determination Using Smartphone Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining optical parameters of eyewear equipment are complex, time-consuming, and require expensive equipment and qualified personnel, making it difficult for individuals to easily and cost-effectively assess their current optical needs when ordering new eyewear.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow individuals to determine optical parameters of their current eyewear using a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet, by positioning the device to acquire images of a pattern seen through the eyewear lenses, allowing for the calculation of optical parameters like power, cylinder, and prism without the need for specialized equipment or professional assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical measurement devices (lens mapper, lens meter) are used to determine optical parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a portable electronic device with an image acquisition module to capture images of a pattern seen through the optical lenses, creating a digital copy of the optical effect. This replaces expensive specialized measurement devices with a common smartphone or tablet camera system, achieving sufficient measurement precision without complex equipment
Solution Approach 2:
A pattern (test chart) is introduced as an intermediary object between the optical lenses and the image acquisition module. This pattern serves as a reference that, when viewed through the lenses and captured imaged, enables extraction of optical parameters through image analysis, simplifying the measurement system while maintaining accuracy
2Measurement precision
If traditional optical measurement devices are used, then optical parameters can be determined accurately, but time consumption increases due to complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is accelerated by using digital image capture and automated image analysis algorithms. The pattern image captured through the lenses is processed computationally to extract optical parameters, replacing time-consuming manual measurement procedures with rapid automated analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern is pre-designed with specific features (known geometry, contrast, and arrangement) that facilitate rapid parameter extraction. This preliminary preparation of the test chart enables the image analysis algorithm to quickly determine optical parameters without requiring complex real-time adjustments or multiple measurement steps
3Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used, then optical parameters can be determined, but accessibility decreases due to requirement of qualified personnel and expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables individuals to perform their own optical measurements using a portable electronic device they already possess. The automated image analysis and parameter extraction eliminate the need for qualified personnel to operate complex equipment, allowing users to independently determine their optical parameters and place orders online
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a portable electronic device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) with an image acquisition module, which is a universal device already owned by most people for other purposes. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for specialized measurement equipment, dramatically improving accessibility while maintaining measurement capability through software-based image analysis
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 quickly, easily, and cost-effectively determine their optical parameters, facilitating the ordering of new eyewear without the need for in-person visits to eye care practitioners, thereby improving accessibility and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
acquire an image of a distant element seen through at least part of the optical lenses of the optical equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for determining a parameter of an optical equipment, the method comprising: -an optical equipment positioning step, during which an optical equipment comprising a pair of optical lenses mounted on a spectacle frame is positioned in a first position, -a portable electronic device positioning step, during which a portable electronic device comprising an image acquisition module is positioned in a second position determined and/or known relatively to the first position so as to acquire an image of a distant element seen through at least part of the optical lenses of the optical equipment in the first position, -a parameter determining step, during which at least one optical parameter of the optical equipment is determined based on the image of a distant element seen through at least part of the optical lenses of the optical equipment in the first position.