Video Centering System for Optical Parameter Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining optical parameters of a subject, such as spectacle wearers, are inefficient and prone to errors due to manual processes and limitations in 2D projection-based methods, which require multiple recordings and can lead to inaccuracies and increased measurement time.

Innovation Solution

A video centering system using a stereo camera system for automatic and iterative determination of optical parameters, combining computer-assisted image processing with user-defined manual selection steps, allowing for faster and more accurate calculation of parameters like pupillary distance, frame angles, and centering data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement methods are used to determine optical parameters, then measurement flexibility is maintained, but measurement time increases and measurement precision decreases due to parallax errors and human dependency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical parameter measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated video centering system that uses digital imaging and computer-assisted image processing. The system captures images of the subject's head and spectacles, then automatically processes these images to determine optical parameters such as pupillary distance, frame angles, and centering data, eliminating manual measurement errors and reducing measurement time

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the measurement scene by capturing images with a video camera system. Instead of direct manual measurement, the system works with digital image copies that can be processed automatically through image processing algorithms to extract optical parameters, improving both precision and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If 2D projection-based methods are used to determine optical parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to information loss from projection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical parameter measurement precisionVSAvoidvideo centering system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D projection-based measurement to 3D spatial analysis by capturing images from multiple viewpoints and using stereo vision techniques. The system processes image data to reconstruct three-dimensional positions of key features, preserving depth information and eliminating the information loss inherent in single-plane projection methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If multiple recordings are required to determine all optical parameters, then measurement completeness is improved, but productivity decreases and measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of parameter determinationVSAvoidparameter determination speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated video centering system that captures all necessary optical parameters simultaneously. The system processes a single set of images to extract pupillary distance, frame angles, lens centering data, and other parameters, eliminating the need for multiple separate recordings and significantly improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If manual image selection steps are required for evaluation, then measurement accuracy can be maintained with fewer automated assumptions, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter determination accuracyVSAvoidevaluation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic evaluation process where the system automatically performs image processing and parameter extraction, then allows optional manual verification steps. The number of manual selection steps can be adjusted based on user needs, creating a flexible workflow that balances automation speed with accuracy requirements for different application scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3443409A1Method for determining optical parameters of a test subject and computer program product for performing the method
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 RODENSTOCK GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining optical parameters of a test subject and to a computer program product for performing the method. The method comprises the following steps: producing image data (1) at least of partial regions of a system of the head of the test subject and of an eyeglass frame arranged thereon in the usage position; and iteratively determining the optical parameters by means of an evaluation (2) of the produced image data, wherein the evaluation (2) of the produced image data comprises computer-assisted automatic image processing (BV10-BV26) of the image data and the performance of a number of a plurality of specified manual image selection steps (BS10-BS22), which number can be defined by a user of the video centering system, and wherein the number of iteration steps performed in the iterative determination of the optical parameters depends on the number of manual image selection steps performed by the user.