Reading Distance Determination via Facial and Tablet Marker Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining reading distance are approximate and do not account for individual posture and orientation, lacking precision and comfort in measurement, which is crucial for optimal reading conditions and spectacles production.

Innovation Solution

A method involving image capture of the individual reading a marked tablet, with facial and tablet markers, allowing precise calculation of reading distance by vector subtraction and angular adjustments, enabling comfortable and unrestricted reading position without specific equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If image capture and marker identification methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading distance measurement precisionVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a camera to capture images of markers on the reading tablet and facial markers, creating visual copies of the physical positions. These image copies are then processed through coordinate transformation to calculate reading distance, replacing direct physical measurement tools with optical copying and computational analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement tools with an optical-digital system. Instead of using rulers or physical gauges, the system uses image capture, coordinate identification, and mathematical transformation to determine reading distance, substituting mechanical measurement with computational geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If precise posture and orientation tracking is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading distance measurement precisionVSAvoidreading position constraint
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically captures images, identifies marker positions, performs coordinate transformations, and calculates reading distance without requiring manual intervention. The individual simply needs to hold the tablet and read, while the equipment autonomously completes all measurement and computation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct physical measurement to optical coordinate analysis. By capturing images and transforming coordinates between different reference frames (camera frame to tablet frame), the system extracts reading distance information without constraining the natural reading posture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automatic restoration of reading distance information is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidimage processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs image capture, marker identification, coordinate transformation, and reading distance calculation in a continuous automated sequence. The measurement process flows without interruption from the moment the individual reads until the result is displayed, eliminating manual measurement steps and waiting periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate feedback by automatically displaying the calculated reading distance to the individual after image processing. This closed-loop feedback allows the individual to understand their measurement result instantly, enabling quick adjustments or re-measurement if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2704620B1Method for determining reading distance
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP2704620B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2704620B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP2704620B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining the reading distance for a person (7) viewing a reading area (28), said method including the following steps: positioning the person (7) in front of an apparatus (2) designed for acquiring at least one facial image of said person (7), and for then processing said image and outputting information enabling the person (7) to know the reading distance thereof; the person (7) reading said area (28), which is provided on a portable tablet (13) and which comprises at least one reference marker (20, 21), while assuming a natural posture and adjusting the position of said tablet (13); the apparatus (2) acquiring at least one image for displaying at least one facial reference (15) of the person (7) and each marker (20, 21) on the reading tablet (13); processing said at least one image by means of calculations, while taking into account the position of the facial reference (15) of the person (7) and the position of each marker (20, 21) of said tablet (13); and the apparatus (2) outputting the information indicating the reading distance.