Spectacle Frame Fitting Height Using Photo-Thermal Contour Overlay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining spectacle frame fitting parameters are hindered by difficulty in identifying the bottom edge of the frame in photographs, especially under poor lighting conditions or with rimless frames, leading to inaccurate fitting.
Innovation Solution
A combined photography and thermography method that includes taking a photograph and a thermogram of the wearer's face with spectacles, identifying the spectacles' contour in the thermogram, and overlaying it onto the photograph to obtain fitting parameters like the fitting height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a photograph is taken to determine fitting height, then the method is simple and quick, but the bottom edge of the frame becomes difficult to identify under poor lighting or low contrast conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different imaging modalities - visible light photography and thermal infrared thermography - into a unified measurement system. The photograph provides overall context and color information, while the thermogram provides high-contrast thermal signature of the frame that makes the bottom edge clearly identifiable. By merging these complementary data sources, the system achieves both operational simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermogram acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the simple photographic method and accurate frame edge detection. Instead of trying to improve the photograph itself, the patent introduces a thermal imaging layer that provides the missing contrast information, making the bottom edge detection reliable without complicating the overall measurement process.
2Device complexity
If a photograph is used to identify the frame outline, then the process is straightforward, but the outline becomes barely visible with rimless frames or transparent lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the thermal infrared 'color' (temperature) signature of the frame materials. Different materials emit and absorb thermal radiation differently, creating distinct thermal patterns that make the frame outline clearly visible in the thermogram. This thermal contrast works regardless of the frame's visual appearance in the photograph, solving the visibility problem for rimless and transparent frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional visual detection problem to a three-dimensional solution by adding the thermal dimension. Instead of relying solely on visual contrast in the photograph, the system incorporates thermal infrared information, creating a multi-dimensional data set where the frame outline becomes detectable through thermal properties rather than visual properties.
3Device complexity
If only a photograph is taken, then the equipment requirement is minimal, but the fitting parameter determination becomes unreliable under challenging lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite imaging approach that combines data from two different sensing systems - visible light camera and thermal infrared camera. This composite methodology is analogous to using composite materials, where each modality contributes its strengths (photography for context, thermography for contrast) to create a more reliable overall measurement system that works under various lighting conditions.
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 visibility of the spectacle frame outline, allowing for more accurate determination of fitting parameters such as the fitting height, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal infrared radiation, which is emitted by the whole face of the spectacle wearer
Implementation Method 2
the thermal infrared radiation, which is emitted by the whole face of the spectacle wearer, is blocked in the facial regions that are covered by the spectacles
Data Source
AI summary
A photography and thermography combining method of obtaining, for a chosen spectacle frame model of a spectacle wearer, at least one fitting parameter to fit an ophthalmic lens into the spectacle frame model. The method includes taking a photograph of the wearer's face with spectacles having the chosen spectacle frame model, taking a thermogram of the wearer's face with the spectacles, identifying the spectacles' contour in the thermogram, overlaying the identified contour or a boxing shape derived from the identified contour onto the photograph, thus obtaining a composite image, and obtaining the at least one fitting parameter from the composite image.