Electronic ophthalmic lens for measuring distance using ultrasound time-of-flight

Abstract

A contact lens having an electronic system is described herein to provide lens accommodation using a distance measurement determined from an ultrasound time of flight signal. In at least one embodiment, the contact lens includes an ultrasound module, a system controller, a timing circuit, and an actuator. In at least one embodiment, the ultrasound module includes at least one transducer configured to emit a sound pressure wave outwardly and receive a reflected sound pressure wave from an object. A timer may track an elapsed time between generation and detection of the sound pressure wave by the at least one transducer to determine the distance to the object. In at least one embodiment, lens accommodation is further achieved using a communication link between a pair of contact lenses to determine a convergence angle based on independent distance measurements generated by each contact lens.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0001]The present invention relates to a powered or electronic ophthalmic lens, and more particularly, to a powered or electronic ophthalmic lens having an ultrasound module to provide a distance measurement for lens accommodation, based on the time-of-flight of an emitted / reflected ultrasound signal. The powered or electronic ophthalmic lens further includes a communication link between two ophthalmic lenses. Ophthalmic lenses include contact lenses and intraocular lenses.2. Discussion of the Related Art[0002]As electronic devices continue to be miniaturized, it is becoming increasingly more likely to create wearable or embeddable microelectronic devices for a variety of uses. Such uses may include monitoring aspects of body chemistry, administering controlled dosages of medications or therapeutic agents via various mechanisms, including automatically, in response to measurements, or in response to external control signals, and au...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an electro-active contact lens that includes a power source and an electronic module to control its focus. The electronic module includes an ultrasound module that uses a time of flight measurement to determine the distance between the lens and an object, and a system controller that activates the ultrasound module to measure the distance. The system controller compares the measured distance to a reference value to adjust the focus of the lens. The invention allows for precise focus adjustment based on the distance of an object, making it easier to view and accommodate. The invention also includes a communications module that allows for communication between the lens and another ophthalmic lens. The invention can be used in a variety of ophthalmic lens systems, such as a single-lens system or a multi-lens system.

Problems solved by technology

As electronic devices continue to be miniaturized, it is becoming increasingly more likely to create wearable or embeddable microelectronic devices for a variety of uses.

The proper combination of devices could yield potentially unlimited functionality; however, there are a number of difficulties associated with the incorporation of extra components on a piece of optical-grade polymer.

In general, it is difficult to manufacture such components directly on the lens for a number of reasons, as well as mounting and interconnecting planar devices on a non-planar surface.

It is also difficult to manufacture to scale.

It is also difficult to make a contact lens comfortable and safe for the wearer with the added thickness of additional components.

In addition, because of the complexity of the functionality associated with a powered lens and the high level of interaction between all of the components comprising a powered lens, there is a need to coordinate and control the overall operation of the electronics and optics comprising a powered ophthalmic lens.

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