Virtual Glasses Frame Calibration for Precise Ophthalmic Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current online spectacle frame selection systems cannot precisely adjust virtual frames on a user's face in virtual representation, preventing the accurate determination of ophthalmic parameters needed for manufacturing corrective lenses, thus requiring physical validation by an optician.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that use a calibration mark to precisely position a virtual frame on a face by determining the vertical alignment with a standard frame's image, allowing for accurate superimposition and measurement of ophthalmic parameters, enabling the precise positioning of corrective lenses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a virtual frame is superimposed on a face image for aesthetic selection, then the user can remotely choose spectacle frames, but the vertical positioning of the virtual frame remains uncertain and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote frame selectionVSAvoidvertical position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A calibration mark is introduced as an intermediary element between the virtual frame and the face image. The calibration mark serves as a reference marker that is detected in both the reference image (with standard frame) and the user image, enabling precise calculation of the vertical position offset. This intermediary allows the system to bridge the gap between aesthetic selection and measurement precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs a preliminary calibration action by first capturing a reference image of a standard frame on a face and detecting the calibration mark position. This preliminary measurement establishes a reference vertical position that can be used to accurately position virtual frames on subsequent user images, even before the actual frame selection occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If online services provide virtual frame simulation for information purposes, then users can view aesthetic options, but the system cannot precisely determine ophthalmic parameters needed for corrective lens manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevirtual simulation capabilityVSAvoidophthalmic parameter determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration mark acts as an intermediary that enables the system to transition from purely aesthetic simulation to precise measurement capability. By detecting the calibration mark's position in the reference image and user image, the system can calculate accurate vertical offsets and determine ophthalmic parameters such as pupillary distance and frame positioning, which are essential for corrective lens manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical/physical measurement process (requiring physical trial of frames and manual measurement by opticians) with an optical/digital measurement system. By using image processing and calibration marks, the system can digitally determine ophthalmic parameters with precision equivalent to physical measurement, eliminating the need for physical validation.

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

3Measurement precision

If physical validation by an optician is required for frame adjustment, then precise ophthalmic parameters can be determined, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires in-person visits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe adjustment accuracyVSAvoidvalidation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a digital copy (virtual representation) of the frame adjustment process. By capturing images and using calibration marks to establish precise vertical positioning in the digital domain, the system can replicate the measurements that would otherwise require physical trial and adjustment. This digital copying eliminates the need for physical validation while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system substitutes the mechanical process of physical frame adjustment and manual measurement by opticians with an automated optical measurement system. By using image processing, calibration marks, and computational algorithms, the system can automatically determine ophthalmic parameters and validate frame positioning remotely, eliminating time loss associated with in-person visits.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2251734B1Method and system for on-line selection of a virtual glasses frame
Publication Date: 2014.10.15 ACEP FRANCE
  • EP2251734B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for online selection of a virtual eyeglass frame, of the type in which the virtual frame is an image intended to be superimposed on a first image of a face, said images being recorded at the same scale to be displayed simultaneously so as to obtain a representation of said face wearing the virtual frame, characterized in that a second image (12) of said face wearing a standard frame (50) is recorded, a calibration reference (R) of the vertical position of said standard frame (50) on said face is determined by processing said second image viewed at said scale, and in that said image of virtual frame is superimposed on said first image of said face according to said calibration reference, so that the relative vertical positions of said virtual frame and said face, on the one hand, and of said standard frame and said face, on the other hand, correspond precisely.