Smartphone Lens Marking Detection for Optical Parameter Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining optical equipment parameters are complex, time-consuming, and costly, requiring specialized devices and personnel, making it difficult for individuals to easily and affordably order new optical equipment without visiting an eye care practitioner.

Innovation Solution

A method using a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to determine optical parameters by detecting permanent markings on the lenses, positioning the device to capture images of patterns through the lenses, and processing these images to extract parameters like pupillary distance and lens orientation, allowing users to order new equipment remotely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical parameter determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a portable electronic device with an image capture module to take photographs of permanent markings on optical lenses, replacing the need for complex lens mappers and lens meters. The optical parameters are extracted by processing these images through a server, achieving accurate measurements without requiring expensive specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement devices (lens mapper and lens meter) with an optical imaging system using a portable electronic device. Instead of mechanical contact measurements, the system captures images of permanent markings and processes them to determine optical parameters, eliminating the need for complex mechanical equipment.

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

2Measurement precision

If complex measurements are carried out to determine wearer's prescription and fitting data, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical parameter determination accuracyVSAvoidtime required for measurements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes permanent markings that are pre-applied to optical lenses during manufacturing. These markings contain encoded optical parameters that can be directly captured and processed, eliminating the need for time-consuming complex measurements. The system simply needs to capture an image of the existing markings to retrieve the parameter information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If lens mapper and lens meter devices are used to determine optical parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical parameter determination accuracyVSAvoidease of determining optical parameters
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to perform their own optical parameter measurements using portable electronic devices they already possess. The system is designed to be user-friendly, allowing individuals to capture images of their own optical lenses and have the parameters automatically extracted and transmitted, eliminating the need to visit eye care practitioners or optical labs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If specialized devices and personnel are used for measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical parameter determination accuracyVSAvoidcost of measurement process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, specialized measurement devices with inexpensive portable electronic devices that users already own. Instead of requiring costly lens mappers and lens meters, the system uses standard smartphone or tablet cameras to capture images of permanent markings, dramatically reducing the cost of optical parameter determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 quick, cost-effective, and accurate determination of optical parameters, enabling individuals to order new optical equipment online without the need for expensive devices or professional assistance, improving accessibility and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

an image of a pattern seen through at least part of the optical lens of the first optical equipment is acquired

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3526642B1Method for determining a parameter of an optical equipment
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP3526642B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3526642B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3526642B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Method for determining a parameter of an optical equipment comprising an optical lens comprising permanent markings and being mounted in a spectacle frame, the method comprising: -an optical equipment positioning step, during which the optical equipment is positioned before a pattern 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 so as to acquire an image showing together the pattern seen through at least part of the optical lenses of the optical equipment in the first position and at least part of the spectacle frame of the optical equipment in the first position, -a permanent marking detection step, during which the at least one permanent marking on the optical lens is detected by using the image acquired by the image acquisition module of the portable electronic device in the second position, -a parameter determining step during which at least one parameter of the optical equipment is determined based on the position of the permanent marking.