Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for capturing an image of a persons head, or other object, positioned in front of a camera and accurately scaling the head based on the distance of the head from the camera. A sonar system is used determine the distance of the object to the camera. The sonar system can include a first sonar device which is operated to measure the distance of the object to a predetermined point and a second sonar device which is used to measure the distance of the camera to the predetermined point. A calculation of the distance from the object to the camera is based upon the sonar measurements. The image created by the camera can be scaled according to the distance of the object to the camera as determined with the sonar. An image created by the camera can be displayed on a screen of a computer associated with the imaging system.

Abstract: A method for determining one or more dimensions of an object in a two-dimensional image, wherein the image includes the iris of a human being. A size ratio is estimated between the dimension of the object and the diameter of the visible iris, by analyzing the two-dimensional picture. Then, the dimension of the object is approximated based upon the size ratio and also based upon the invariant iris diameter. Use is made of the fact that the diameter of a human iris is substantially identical for all humans above the age of two, and thus an image which includes someone's iris furnishes a measuring device for determining other dimensions in the image. The present invention is especially suited for examining, virtually trying on, and purchasing eyewear from a remote location.

Abstract: A system and method for shopping, using a personal computer operated from a convenient location such as home, for fitted eyeglasses that can include either prescription or non-prescription lenses. A customer visits one of possibly several different customer diagnostic locations where digital images of the customer's head and face are acquired using various known techniques so as to obtain size and image data with respect to the customer. The customer then receives a password and information on how to connect to a computer (remote electronic store) associated with the various customer diagnostic locations. When the customer later connects a personal computer to the remote electronic store using the password issued by the customer diagnostic location, the remote electronic store provides images to the personal computer of how the customer would appear wearing different eyeglasses having frames fitted precisely to the customer's head based on the size and image data acquired at the customer diagnostic location.