Wide area ophthalmic device for phototherapy

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices related to phototherapy using ophthalmic lenses are disclosed. In one example aspect, an optical device includes at least one light source and a light guiding optical system configured to direct light from the at least one light source to a back portion of a human retina to produce different therapeutic effects. The light into the human retina is configured to cover a field of view horizontally up to about 220 degrees and vertically up to about 135 degrees, and the light from the at least one light source into the human retina is controlled in a manner to avoid a central region from the center of the human retina about ±10 degrees.

Description

Cross-referencing

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 592,214, filed on October 23, 2023, entitled “WIDE FIELD OPHTHALMIC DEVICESFOR LIGHT THERAPY,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This patent document relates to the field of wearable ophthalmic devices for performing different types of phototherapy. Background Technology

[0003] Ophthalmic devices (such as wearable glasses and contact lenses) are used to help correct refractive errors in vision and help people see more clearly. These lenses use materials with different refractive indices to bend light and help the eye focus an image correctly.

[0004] Technological advancements have led to additional uses for ophthalmic devices, such as augmented reality, where films and coatings added to lenses, combined with artificial light, help to overlay images and videos onto normal vision. Another application expanding ophthalmic lenses is in phototherapy, where electronic light sources work in conjunction with the lenses to provide additional light to the user for therapeutic purposes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This patent document specifically describes techniques relating to ophthalmic devices that can deliver therapeutic light to select areas of the retina intended for the activation of photosensitive ganglion cells. Furthermore, methods for ensuring the discreetness of the devices and protecting user privacy from prying eyes by external observers are described.

[0006] In one example aspect, an optical device includes at least one light source; and a light-guiding optical system configured to guide light from the at least one light source to the posterior portion of a human retina to produce various therapeutic effects. The light entering the human retina is configured to cover a field of view horizontally up to about 220 degrees and vertically up to about 135 degrees, and the light entering the human retina from the at least one light source is controlled to avoid a central region approximately ±10 degrees from the center of the human retina.

[0007] In another example, an ophthalmic device has a light source capable of projecting onto the entire surface of the inner surface of a spectacle lens and selectively shutting off its projection in specific areas. A custom-designed reflector system on the inner surface of the lens is used to redirect the light from the light source onto the retina across a wide field of view.

[0008] In another example, some light sources project light directly onto the user's retina from an angled perspective; these light sources can be mounted and hidden within the eyeglass frame or embedded in the eyeglass lenses. Other light sources can project light onto a reflective mirror system that redirects the light back into the user's eyes.

[0009] In another example, light can travel through eyeglass lenses using total internal reflection and be coupled out of the lenses to reach the user's eye. Unlike traditional waveguides, coupling can be performed in a way that does not preserve imaging information of the original light source, but rather in a way that ensures the light reaches a specific target location on the retina for therapeutic purposes.

[0010] In another example, an eye-tracking system can be used independently or in conjunction with an optical projection system, wherein eye tracking can be used as input control for the light and reflector system, allowing eye tracking to adjust the retinal light projection based on eye movement. Examples of reflector system methods include MEMS micromirrors, LCOS, mechanical mirrors, adjustable mirrors (liquid crystals), and / or other types of spatial light modulators.

[0011] In another example, the method described in this patent document can be used in conjunction with other enhanced ophthalmic eyewear technologies, such as waveguides, direct light projection, phased arrays, mirror-based laser scanning, electro-optic modulators, Risley prisms, and / or other reflection-based phototherapy, to create a holistic solution for phototherapy.

[0012] These and other aspects are described in this document. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1A An example optical device according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown, wherein a reflector system is mounted on the inner surface of an eyeglass lens coupled to a light source.

[0014] Figure 1B A ray tracing diagram according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown, illustrating the reflector angle for a suitable retinal projection.

[0015] Figure 2A An example optical system according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown.

[0016] Figure 2B Another example optical system according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 An example optical system according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown, wherein a light source works in conjunction with a reflector system to deliver light at an angle to a wide field-of-view location on the retina.

[0018] Figure 4A A graph is shown, illustrating an example angular distribution of photosensitive cells in the human retina.

[0019] Figure 4B A graph is shown, illustrating an example distribution density of ipRGCs on the human retina.

[0020] Figure 4C It shows about Figure 4A and Figure 4B The example shown is a reference to the degree of matching between the angle and the cross-section of the human eyeball.

[0021] Figure 5 An example optical system according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown, wherein a light source and a reflection system work in conjunction with sensors on the device to enable eye tracking.

[0022] Figure 6 This is an example optical system including a frame according to one or more embodiments of the present technology.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating an example computing system in which at least some of the operations described herein can be implemented. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Wavelength-based reflection and transmission can have specific uses in phototherapy. For example, different wavelengths of light can have different therapeutic effects on a user. This patent document discloses techniques that can be implemented in various embodiments to provide optical devices for providing different types of phototherapy (e.g., helping to maintain proper sleep-wave cycles, regulating mood, and / or improving performance) without interfering with the user's daily activities.

[0025] Human vision begins with the capture of photons by the retina, a delicate layer of cells located at the back of the eyeball. Cone cells within the eye are responsible for high-accuracy central color vision. There are three types of cone cells, each responding to different portions of the visible spectrum (also known as wavelengths). In addition to the cone cells responsible for color vision, the eye also has rod cells that provide low-light and peripheral vision. When these photosensitive cells capture photons, the photons trigger a complex series of reactions that convert the light from the external world into neural signals in the brain.

[0026] In addition to cone and rod cells, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) are also important cells responsible for most of the effects of phototherapy, and have been shown to have a significant impact on human circadian rhythms, mood, and sleep. Figure 4AAn example distribution of ipRGCs on the temporal-nasal (horizontal) axis of the eye is shown compared to cone and rod cells. Figure 4B An example distribution of ipRGCs on a flattened human retina is shown. Figure 4C Provided Figure 4A and Figure 4B A reference example of the matching angle between the image and the cross-section of the human eyeball. Given that the cone cells responsible for color vision and working vision are generally located within ±10 degrees of the human retina (fovea region), it is generally a good idea that a pair of light therapy glasses would limit the amount of light entering this area. This is because a large number of ipRGCs (such as...) exist over a wide range. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the remaining 200 degrees of the retina, which covers the entire human horizontal field of vision, provides an excellent location for the therapeutic light.

[0027] Conventional augmented reality waveguides used in smart glasses can provide a field of view of up to ±25 degrees, with a theoretical limit of ±30 degrees. However, these waveguides cannot cover the range of ±30 to 100 degrees that the human eye can see, and any light introduced within the ±25-degree range is very close to the fovea region, which may be a visual disturbance for the user.

[0028] Therefore, compared to conventional augmented reality waveguides, high-quality phototherapy devices that project light onto the retina can cover a wider field of view. A wide field of view is analogous to the range of light seen by a person standing on a mountaintop under a blue sky; theoretically, this is the ideal condition for phototherapy, covering the entire field of view of the human retina, approximately 220 degrees horizontally and 135 degrees vertically. Furthermore, high-quality phototherapy devices possess the ability to project light onto the user's retina in a manner that does not interfere with the user's task or color vision. Moreover, the phototherapy device is discreet; an external observer cannot distinguish that the user is wearing glasses that are not ordinary glasses. Based on the above design intent, this paper discloses various methods to achieve precise wide-field-of-view light projection onto the user's eyes, thereby achieving therapeutic purposes.

[0029] Methods, systems, and apparatuses related to phototherapy using ophthalmic devices are disclosed. Optical devices with at least one light source and light guiding mechanism system achieve precise control over the position of light projected onto the retina over a wide field of view, while avoiding the central task visual area of ​​the retina, and also possess the ability to maintain anonymity from the observer. The optical device can use a light source that selectively projects light onto the interior of an ophthalmic lens having an off-axis mirror that guides the light into the user's retina. The optical device can utilize total internal reflection to allow light to pass through the ophthalmic lens and use coupling elements (including partial mirrors, holographic films, or surface reliefs) to guide the light toward the user's retina. The optical device can also use a mirror system that works with the light source to guide light onto the retina at an angle. The optical device can include an eye-tracking system to adjust the light projection based on the gaze direction, wherein sensors work in conjunction with the therapeutic light projection and the light guiding mechanism to achieve energy-efficient and anonymous eye tracking. Any combination of the above systems can be implemented in a single optical device in conjunction with conventional waveguide and projection systems.

[0030] Figure 1A An example optical system according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown. The presented optical system can be implemented in a pair of eyeglasses. In this embodiment, a light source 100 and a reflector system 101 work together to guide light toward a lens 102 of the human eye, such that the light falls on a precise location on the retina 103.

[0031] In some embodiments, the light source 100 includes a light-emitting diode (LED) with or without imaging optics for shaping the beam output. The light source can be turned off or blocked at certain locations so that it does not project light onto selected surfaces on the lens.

[0032] In some embodiments, the light source includes multiple individually controllable sources, allowing for the selective opening or closing of individual light segments illuminating the rear surface of the lens. One specific method for achieving this is to use a pixelated display as the light source and position beam-shaping optics in front of the pixelated display.

[0033] In some embodiments, the light source 100 includes a scanning beam that scans the surface of the lens. The beam can scan at a high speed and be turned on and off at selected times, so that certain locations on the lens do not receive light, thereby achieving a masking effect.

[0034] In some embodiments, the reflector system 101 can be implemented as local mirrors mounted on a lens, these local mirrors having specific angles to control reflected light. The mirrors can be on-axis or off-axis parabolic mirrors or plane mirrors. The mirrors can be, but are not limited to, silvered or semi-silvered mirrors, dichroic mirrors, micro or nano-surface mirrors, diffractive optical elements, blazed gratings, holographic films, electrochromic reflectors, or Fresnel reflectors. The mirror / reflection system can cover a portion of the lens. The mirrors on the reflector system 101 can also be selectively adjusted so that the reflection angle of each mirror pixel can be different, for example, in a digital light processor. In some embodiments, the mirrors can be selectively turned on or off. The mirrors on the reflector system can have diffusing elements, such as those for softening / diffusing light entering the eye.

[0035] Figure 1B A ray tracing diagram according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown, illustrating the reflector angle for appropriate retinal projection. A scanning beam 104 is emitted from a light source and reflected by a reflector system comprising at least reflector elements 105 and 106. In this example, reflector element 105 covers a portion of the lens, while reflector element 106 is mounted at an angle relative to the lens to control the reflected light, such that light from the reflector system is guided to a desired location (e.g., 107, 108) on the retina and avoids the central region 109 to minimize visual disturbance to the user.

[0036] An example method for producing such a reflector system involves first taking a lens and creating a fine ridge pattern on its surface, then placing the lens in a vapor deposition chamber where a reflective surface is deposited onto selected locations on the post-processed lens. The ridges on the lens can be produced by, but is not limited to, injection molding, CNC machining, photolithography, chemical etching, or a combination of these processes.

[0037] Figure 2AAn example optical system according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is illustrated. In this example, light from source 200 can pass through beam shaper element 201 and be guided or coupled into lens 203 via coupler 204, such that the light undergoes total internal reflection and is guided out in a manner that achieves the aforementioned wide-angle precision treatment effect. Before reaching the lens, a portion of the light can be directly redirected to the eye via mechanism 202 to achieve the treatment effect. For the light passing through the lens, a portion can be guided out of the lens via surface decoupling mechanisms 205, 208, which redirect the light from the internal reflection toward the user's eye. Decoupling mechanism 205 can be, for example, a surface grating, a holographic film, or a coating. In some embodiments, a portion of the light can be redirected via beam splitters 206, 207, which can be semi-silvered mirrors or dichroic mirrors. In some embodiments, a portion of the light can be redirected via mirror element 209. This design differs from conventional waveguide implementations in that the input and output mechanisms are not limited to retaining image information of the source. By overcoming this limitation, these facilities can be designed to provide spatially controlled, wide-field retinal projection focused on phototherapy.

[0038] In some embodiments, it can be achieved through, as shown in Figure 2B The multi-layered lens stacking design shown is used to achieve the prescription. For example... Figure 2B As shown, cladding materials 210 and 212 can be used between lenses 211 and 213. Compared to the lens substrate, the cladding material can have a lower refractive index to ensure total internal reflection is maintained when other substrate material layers supporting prescription correction are attached.

[0039] Figure 3 Another example system according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is illustrated. In this example, a light source 300, along with reflector systems 301, 304, 305, 306 mounted on an eyeglass frame and reflectors 302, 303 mounted to the eyeglass lenses, directs light into the user's eyes. The reflector systems 301, 304, 305, 306 may also be light sources that project light directly into the user's eyes, or they may work in conjunction with other reflectors in the system that ultimately direct light to the retina at an angle. In some embodiments, the light source 300 may be a single light source or have the ability to selectively project light to multiple locations.

[0040] Reflectors 302 and 303 on the lens may include a partially dichroic coating or a silver-plated coating. For concealment, the light source 300 (or 301, 304, 305, 306) may be a narrowband wavelength output source (e.g., a laser, a superluminescent diode, or an LED) with another bandpass filter window that allows only the desired narrowband wavelength to pass through. Reflectors 302 and 303 may be fabricated to achieve near 100% reflection of the desired wavelength, thus shielding the light source from external observers. For any light that might leak through the coating, another coating or material layer may be added to block any residual light, achieving concealment.

[0041] In some embodiments, a circuit-controlled electrochromic coating can be used to allow users to adjust its transmittance from up to 100% to as low as 0%. Dynamic control of transmittance improves design and user experience, especially in situations where light blocking is needed to aid melatonin production.

[0042] In some embodiments, the eye-tracking system can be used in conjunction with an optical system to better control light projection, thereby adapting to eye movement and rotation. Standard eye-tracking methods may include camera-based eye tracking, time-of-flight sensors, and / or ultrasonic sensors. Furthermore, the light source used in the design can also be used as part of the eye-tracking system to provide illumination and optimize power consumption. In some embodiments, a combination of light sources can be controlled to sweep across the system, thereby scanning light across the eye at different time intervals. Light sensors on the frame can use the temporal information from the scanning light sources to calculate the eye's gaze direction.

[0043] Figure 5 An example implementation of an eye-tracking system with an optical system according to one or more embodiments of the present technology is shown. This example includes a light source 501 and sensors 502, 503, which are mounted to receive direct light scattered from the cornea. An additional sensor 504 may be configured to receive light that is first reflected from the user's eye onto a reflector system on a device lens, and then the reflector system reflects the light back to the sensor. In some embodiments, a coupler 505 may be used to couple or direct light reflected from the user's cornea toward an ophthalmic lens such that the light undergoes total internal reflection. An output coupler 506 may be used to direct internally reflected light toward a sensor 507.

[0044] In some embodiments of the design, all the methods described above in this invention can be used in any combination with each other, or in combination with other systems, such as waveguide displays or other phototherapy systems compatible with the design.

[0045] Figure 7This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computing system 700 capable of implementing at least some of the operations described herein (e.g., a controller for controlling an optical device for coatings and / or sensors). As shown, the computing system 700 may include: one or more processors 702 communicatively connected to a bus 716, a main memory 706, a non-volatile memory 710, a network interface device 712, a video display device 718, an input / output device 720, a control device 722 (e.g., a keyboard and indicator device), a drive unit 724 including a storage medium 726, and a signal generation device 730. The bus 716 represents one or more physical buses and / or point-to-point connections connected via suitable bridges, adapters, or controllers. For simplicity, Figure 7 Various common components (e.g., cache memory) are omitted. Instead, the computing system 700 is intended to illustrate a hardware device on which the components shown or described with reference to the accompanying drawings, as well as any other components described in this specification, can be implemented.

[0046] The computing system 700 can take any suitable physical form. For example, the computing system 700 can share an architecture similar to that of a server computer, personal computer (PC), tablet computer, mobile phone, game console, music player, wearable electronic device, network-connected (“smart”) device (e.g., a television or home assistant device), AR / VR system (e.g., a head-mounted display), or any electronic device capable of executing a set of instructions specifying actions to be taken by the computing system 700. In some implementations, the computing system 700 can be an embedded computing system, a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a single-board computer system (SBC), or a distributed system (such as a grid of computing systems), or include one or more cloud components in one or more networks. Where appropriate, one or more computing systems 700 can operate in real-time, near real-time, or batch processing mode.

[0047] Network interface device 712 enables computing system 700 to mediate data in network 714 with entities outside computing system 700 via any communication protocol supported by computing system 700 and external entities. Examples of network interface device 712 include network adapter cards, wireless network interface cards, routers, access points, wireless routers, switches, multilayer switches, protocol converters, gateways, bridges, bridging routers, hubs, digital media receivers and / or repeaters, and all wireless elements mentioned herein.

[0048] Memory (e.g., main memory 706, non-volatile memory 710, machine-readable medium 726) can be local, remote, or distributed. Although shown as a single medium, machine-readable medium 726 can include multiple media (e.g., centralized / distributed databases and / or associated caches and servers) storing one or more sets of instructions 728. Machine-readable (storage) medium 726 can include any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by computing system 700. Machine-readable medium 726 can be non-transitory or includes non-transitory means. In this context, non-transitory storage medium can include tangible means, meaning that the means has a concrete physical form, although the means can change its physical state. Thus, for example, non-transitory means that the means remains tangible despite the change in state.

[0049] Although implementations have been described in the context of a full-featured computing device, various examples can be released as program products in various forms. Examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or computer-readable media include recordable media such as volatile and non-volatile memory device 710, removable flash memory, hard disk drives, optical disks, and transmission media such as digital and analog communication links.

[0050] Generally, routines executed to implement the examples herein can be implemented as part of an operating system or a particular application, component, program, object, module, or sequence of instructions (collectively, a “computer program”). A computer program typically includes one or more instructions (e.g., instructions 704, 708, 728) set in various memories and storage devices in a computing device at various times. When read and executed by processor 702, the instructions cause computing system 700 to perform operations to execute elements relating to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0051] Example solutions for implementing the disclosed technology include at least the following:

[0052] Option 1: An optical device comprising: at least one light source; and a light-guiding optical system configured to guide light from the at least one light source to the posterior portion of a human retina to produce various therapeutic effects, wherein the light entering the human retina is configured to cover a field of view horizontally up to about 220 degrees and vertically up to about 135 degrees, and wherein the light entering the human retina from the at least one light source is controlled to avoid a central region approximately ±10 degrees from the center of the human retina.

[0053] 2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the light guiding optical system is configured to guide the light to intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) located in the human retina at a horizontal angle of approximately 220 degrees and a vertical angle of approximately 135 degrees.

[0054] 3. The optical device according to Scheme 2, wherein the optical device is configured to project light corresponding to the wide field of view of the ipRGC on the human retina, while selectively avoiding specific central working visual areas of the human retina.

[0055] 4. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the different therapeutic effects include at least one of the following: a first therapeutic effect related to circadian rhythm or sleep, or a second circadian rhythm related to depression.

[0056] 5. An optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical device further comprises: an ophthalmic lens; and a frame including a front portion of the frame configured to support the ophthalmic lens, the frame including two temples configured to allow a user to wear the optical device, wherein the at least one light source is coupled to the front portion of the frame or the two temples to guide light toward the ophthalmic lens, wherein the light-guiding optical system is mounted to the front portion of the frame or the ophthalmic lens such that light from the at least one light source is guided toward the user's eye in a manner that allows a large angle of incidence relative to the normal axis of the eye (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 6 (As shown).

[0057] 6. The optical device according to claim 5, wherein the at least one light source includes an LED, wherein the at least one light source is turned off or blocked at a specific location to avoid projecting light onto a selected surface on the ophthalmic lens.

[0058] 7. The optical device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the at least one light source comprises a plurality of individually controllable light sources, such that each light segment illuminating the rear surface of the ophthalmic lens is selectively turned on or off.

[0059] 8. The optical device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the at least one light source is configured to emit a scanning beam that scans the surface of the ophthalmic lens, wherein the scanning beam is configured to scan at a high speed and to turn on and off at selected times such that a specific location on the ophthalmic lens is blocked from receiving light.

[0060] 9. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one light source comprises a pixelated display having a beam-shaping optical element in front of it.

[0061] 10. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light-guiding optical system comprises a mirror system covering part or all of the area of ​​an ophthalmic lens, wherein the mirror system comprises at least one of the following: a silver-plated or semi-silver-plated mirror, a dichroic mirror, a micro or nano-surface mirror, a diffractive optical element, a blazed grating, a holographic film, a Fresnel reflector, and / or any combination thereof.

[0062] 11. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the light guiding optical system includes a diffuser element configured to soften or diffuse light entering the user's eye.

[0063] 12. An optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: an ophthalmic lens; a frame including a front portion of the frame configured to support the ophthalmic lens, the frame including two temples configured to allow a user to wear the optical device (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 6 (as shown); at least one input coupling mechanism is configured to direct light from the at least one light source toward the ophthalmic lens to achieve total internal reflection of the light; and at least one output coupling mechanism is configured to direct the light after total internal reflection toward the user's pupil.

[0064] 13. The optical device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one light source includes an LED, and wherein the optical device further includes a light-shaping optical element positioned in front of the LED.

[0065] 14. The optical device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the at least one light source comprises an LED array or a pixelated display, wherein the optical device further comprises a light-shaping optical element positioned in front of the LED array or the pixelated display.

[0066] 15. The optical device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a portion of the light from the at least one light source is projected onto the user's eye without undergoing total internal reflection.

[0067] 16. The optical device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the at least one decoupling mechanism comprises at least one of a surface grating, a thin film, a coating, a dichroic coating, and a holographic thin film located on the inner or outer surface of the ophthalmic lens.

[0068] 17. The optical device according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the at least one decoupling mechanism comprises a mirror or a partial mirror, the mirror or partial mirror being embedded in the ophthalmic lens and at an angle to the inner or outer surface of the ophthalmic lens.

[0069] 18. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the optical device is configured not to retain imaging information of the at least one light source.

[0070] 19. An optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising: an ophthalmic lens; a frame including a front portion of the frame configured to support the ophthalmic lens, the frame including two temples configured to allow a user to wear the optical device; and a reflector system mounted or positioned on the ophthalmic lens or the frame, wherein the reflector system is configured to direct light from the at least one light source to the user.

[0071] 20. The optical device according to claim 19, wherein the at least one light source is configured to project light directly to the user, or partially to the user, while other light passes through the reflector system.

[0072] 21. The optical device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the reflector system is configured to reflect light from the source directly toward the human retina, or to work with other reflectors in the system to ultimately guide light to the human retina.

[0073] 22. The optical device according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the reflector system includes a diffuser element configured to soften the light.

[0074] 23. The optical device according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the reflector system is positioned on the frame of the device.

[0075] 24. The optical device according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the reflector system is positioned on the ophthalmic lens.

[0076] 25. The optical device according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the reflector system comprises one or more semi-silvered mirrors or dichroic mirrors.

[0077] 26. The optical device according to any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the reflector system is configured to reflect light of substantially 100% wavelength from the at least one light source to prevent an observer from seeing the presence of the at least one light source.

[0078] 27. The optical device according to any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein an additional material layer is added to the ophthalmic lens to prevent light leakage through the reflector system.

[0079] 28. An optical device according to any one of claims 19 to 27, comprising a coupler configured to couple light reflected from a user's cornea toward the ophthalmic lens such that the light undergoes total internal reflection.

[0080] 29. An optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the at least one light source includes a narrowband wavelength output source that outputs wavelengths within a selected range, and the narrowband wavelength output source includes at least one of a laser, a superluminescent diode, or an LED.

[0081] 30. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 29, comprising an eye-tracking system, the eye-tracking system comprising one or more sensors configured to work in conjunction with light or reflected light to track the gaze direction of a user's eyes.

[0082] 31. The optical device according to claim 30, wherein the eye-tracking system includes a camera-based eye-tracking sensor, a time-of-light sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0083] 32. The optical device according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the at least one light source is turned on and off, or is configured to emit light that sweeps across the eye at a high frequency so that the user cannot observe it, and wherein the one or more sensors are configured to use time processing to determine the gaze direction of the eye based on the amount of reflected light received by them at a certain moment.

[0084] 33. The optical device according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein at least a portion of the one or more sensors is positioned to directly receive light reflected from the cornea of ​​the eye.

[0085] 34. The optical device according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein at least a portion of the one or more sensors is configured to receive light reflected first from a user's eye to a reflector system, the reflector system being configured to reflect the light to the at least a portion of the one or more sensors.

[0086] 35. The optical device according to claims 1 to 34 includes a plurality of prescription lens layers, wherein a cladding material with a low refractive index is sandwiched between the plurality of prescription lens layers to ensure total internal reflection even in the case of the plurality of prescription lens layers.

[0087] Any combination of the above schemes can be implemented in a single optical device in conjunction with conventional waveguide or projection systems, phased arrays, mirror-based laser scanning, electro-optic modulators, any other combination of Risley prisms.

[0088] The various operations disclosed herein can be implemented using a processor / controller configured to include or be coupled to memory storing processor-executable code that enables the processor / controller to perform various computations and information processing. The processor / controller can also generate appropriate information and send / receive appropriate information from / from various system components, as well as appropriate input / output (I / O) capabilities (e.g., wired or wireless) to send and receive commands and / or data.

[0089] The various information and data processing operations described herein can be implemented in one embodiment by a computer program product embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, that are executed by a computer in a networked environment. The computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), optical disc (CD), digital versatile optical disc (DVD), etc. Therefore, the computer-readable medium described herein includes non-transitory storage media. Typically, a program module may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for performing steps of the methods disclosed herein. A particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding actions for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0090] While this patent document contains numerous details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any invention or claimable content, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of a particular invention. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments in this patent document may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claimed in this way, in some cases one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may be for sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0091] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or to perform all the shown operations to achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described in this patent document should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

[0092] Only a few implementation methods and examples are described, and other implementation methods, enhancements and variations can be made based on what is described and shown in this patent document.

Claims

1. An optical device, comprising: At least one light source, and A light-guiding optical system is configured to guide light from the at least one light source to the posterior portion of the human retina for various therapeutic effects; The light entering the human retina is configured to cover a field of view that is horizontally up to approximately 220 degrees and vertically up to approximately 135 degrees. The light entering the human retina from the at least one light source is controlled to avoid the central region approximately ±10 degrees from the center of the human retina.

2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein, The light-guiding optical system is configured to direct the light to intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) located in the human retina at approximately 220 degrees horizontally and approximately 135 degrees vertically.

3. The optical device according to claim 2, wherein, The optical device is configured to project light corresponding to the wide field of view of the ipRGC on the human retina, while selectively avoiding specific central working visual areas of the human retina.

4. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein, The different therapeutic effects include at least one of the following: a first therapeutic effect related to circadian rhythm or sleep, or a second circadian rhythm related to depression.

5. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein, The optical device further includes: Ophthalmic lenses; and The frame includes a front portion configured to support the ophthalmic lens, and two temples configured to allow a user to wear the optics. The at least one light source is integrated into the front of the frame or the two temples to direct light toward the ophthalmic lens. The light-guiding optical system is mounted on the front of the frame or the ophthalmic lens to guide light from the at least one light source toward the user's eye in a manner that allows for a large angle of incidence relative to the eye's normal axis.

6. The optical device according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one light source includes an LED, wherein the at least one light source is turned off or blocked at a specific location to avoid projecting light onto a selected surface on the ophthalmic lens.

7. The optical device according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one light source includes multiple individually controllable light sources, such that each light segment illuminating the rear surface of the ophthalmic lens is selectively turned on or off.

8. The optical device according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one light source is configured to emit a scanning beam that scans the surface of the ophthalmic lens, wherein the scanning beam is configured to scan at a high speed and to turn on and off at selected times such that specific locations on the ophthalmic lens are blocked from receiving light.

9. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one light source includes a pixelated display with beam-shaping optics in front.

10. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein, The light-guiding optical system includes a mirror system covering part or all of the area of ​​an ophthalmic lens, wherein the mirror system includes at least one of the following: a silver-plated or semi-silver-plated mirror, a dichroic mirror, a micro or nano-surface mirror, a diffractive optical element, a blazed grating, a holographic film, a Fresnel reflector, and / or any combination thereof.

11. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein, The light-guiding optical system includes a diffuser element configured to soften or diffuse light entering the user's eye.

12. The optical device according to claim 1, comprising: Ophthalmic lenses; The frame includes a front portion configured to support the ophthalmic lens, and the frame includes two temples configured to allow a user to wear the optics. At least one coupling mechanism is configured to direct light from the at least one light source toward the ophthalmic lens to achieve total internal reflection of the light; as well as At least one outcoupling mechanism is configured to direct the light that has undergone total internal reflection toward the user's pupil.

13. The optical device according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one light source includes an LED, wherein the optical device further includes a light-shaping optical element positioned in front of the LED.

14. The optical device according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one light source includes an LED array or a pixelated display, wherein the optical device further includes a light-shaping optical element positioned in front of the LED array or the pixelated display.

15. The optical device according to claim 12, wherein, A portion of the light from the at least one light source is projected onto the user's eye without undergoing total internal reflection.

16. The optical device according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one decoupling mechanism includes at least one of the following: surface grating, thin film, coating, dichroic coating, and holographic thin film located on the inner or outer surface of the ophthalmic lens.

17. The optical device according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one decoupling mechanism includes a reflector or a partial reflector, which is embedded in the ophthalmic lens and at an angle to the inner or outer surface of the ophthalmic lens.

18. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein, The optical device is configured not to retain imaging information of the at least one light source.

19. The optical device according to claim 1, comprising: Ophthalmic lenses; The frame includes a front portion configured to support the ophthalmic lens, and the frame includes two temples configured to allow a user to wear the optics. as well as A reflector system, mounted or positioned on the ophthalmic lens or the frame, wherein the reflector system is configured to direct light from the at least one light source to the user.

20. The optical device according to claim 19, wherein, The at least one light source is configured to project light directly to the user, or partially to the user, while other light passes through the reflector system.

21. The optical device according to claim 19, wherein, The reflector system is configured to reflect light from the source directly toward the human retina, or to work with other reflectors in the system to ultimately direct light toward the human retina.

22. The optical device according to claim 19, wherein, The reflector system includes a diffuser element configured to soften the light.

23. The optical device according to claim 19, wherein, The reflector system is positioned on the frame of the optical device.

24. The optical device according to claim 19, wherein, The reflector system is positioned on the ophthalmic lens.

25. The optical device according to claim 19, wherein, The reflector system includes one or more semi-silvered or dichroic reflectors.

26. The optical device according to claim 19, wherein, The reflector system is configured to reflect light of substantially 100% wavelength from the at least one light source to prevent an observer from seeing the presence of the at least one light source.

27. The optical device according to claim 19, wherein, An additional layer of material is added to the ophthalmic lens to prevent light from leaking through the reflector system.

28. The optical device of claim 19, further comprising a coupler configured to couple light reflected from a user's cornea toward the ophthalmic lens such that the light undergoes total internal reflection.

29. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one light source includes a narrowband wavelength output source that outputs wavelengths within a selected range, and the narrowband wavelength output source includes at least one of a laser, a superluminescent diode, or an LED.

30. The optical device of claim 1, further comprising an eye-tracking system, the eye-tracking system including one or more sensors configured to work in conjunction with light or reflected light to track the gaze direction of a user's eyes.

31. The optical device according to claim 30, wherein, The eye-tracking system includes a camera-based eye-tracking sensor, a time-of-light sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor.

32. The optical device according to claim 30, wherein, The at least one light source is turned on and off, or configured to emit light that sweeps across the eye at a high frequency without being observed by the user, and wherein the one or more sensors are configured to use time processing to determine the gaze direction of the eye based on the amount of reflected light received by the one or more sensors at a certain moment.

33. The optical device according to claim 30, wherein, At least a portion of the one or more sensors is positioned to directly receive light reflected from the cornea of ​​the eye.

34. The optical device according to claim 30, wherein, At least a portion of the one or more sensors is configured to receive light that is first reflected from a user's eye to a reflector system configured to reflect the light to the at least a portion of the one or more sensors.

35. The optical device of claim 1, comprising a plurality of prescription lens layers, wherein, A cladding material with a low refractive index is sandwiched between the multiple prescription lens layers to ensure total internal reflection even with the multiple prescription lens layers.

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