Lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism

Abstract

A lens stack comprising one or more cylindrical adjustable lenses for producing adjustable astigmatism.

Description

Technical Field

[0008] , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens stack for generating adjustable coma and an electronic device comprising a lens stack for generating adjustable coma.

Background Art

[0002] Consumer, medical, ophthalmic, and industrial applications are markets that increasingly require more adjustable optical performance. Variable focus lenses have been developed through various technologies over the past few decades to meet the requirements of diverse applications.

[0003] Ophthalmology and human vision correction have produced ideas and solutions for correcting and compensating for astigmatism.

[0004] Recent developments in AR-VR (augmented reality and virtual reality applications) glasses and displays have revived interest in solutions for adjustable coma, because AR-VR devices are related to solutions required by human vision that are compact, small, fast, and low power consuming.

[0005] Correction of coma using a lens stack may be complex and inaccurate and may generally not be feasible under mass production conditions.

[0006] More importantly, current solutions for generating adjustable coma may not be suitable for future applications created by the trends in AR-VR glasses / displays.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an effective means for correcting coma, a low-cost, mass-producible, compact, accurate, and low-power consuming solution.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism.

[0009] Another object of the present invention may be considered to be the provision of a lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism that produces adjustable amplitude astigmatism within a range of + / -3 diopters in any orientation.

[0010] A further object of the present invention may be considered to be providing a solution to the current lens stack problem.

[0011] In particular, it may be considered an objective of the present invention to provide a precise and dynamic lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism by combining at least two cylindrical adjustable lenses.

[0012] The above objectives and several other objectives are intended to be achieved by a lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism in a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] A lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism comprises a first cylindrical adjustable lens, which includes a lens body sandwiched between a first transparent film and a second transparent film, and one or more actuators positioned on the first transparent film or on the second transparent film.

[0014] The first cylindrical adjustable lens has a first longitudinal axis, meaning that, during operation, one or more actuators positioned on the first transparent film or on the second transparent film define the cylindrical lens having the first longitudinal axis.

[0015] A lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism may further include a second lens comprising a lens body sandwiched between a first transparent film and a second transparent film, and one or more actuators positioned on the first transparent film or on the second transparent film.

[0016] The second lens may be a second cylindrical adjustable lens comprising a lens body sandwiched between a first transparent film and a second transparent film, and one or more actuators positioned on the first transparent film or on the second transparent film.

[0017] The second cylindrical adjustable lens has a second longitudinal axis, meaning that, during operation, one or more actuators positioned on the first transparent film or on the second transparent film define the cylindrical lens having the second longitudinal axis.

[0018] In this specification, "cylindrical adjustable" means a lens that can be adjusted to a cylindrical shape by actuation through one or more actuators.

[0019] The lens stack is characterized by having a first cylindrical adjustable lens positioned on a second cylindrical adjustable lens at a certain angle, such as a predetermined or fixed angle.

[0020] The angle of the aforementioned location or position may be 0° to 90°, such as 30° to 60°, for example, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, or 55°.

[0021] The predetermined or fixed angle, defined by the positions of the first and second cylindrical adjustable lenses, is the angle between the second longitudinal axis of the second cylindrical adjustable lens and the first longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical adjustable lens.

[0022] The positioning of the first and second lenses enables the generation of adjustable astigmatism, such as correction of astigmatism.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first or second film of the first cylindrical adjustable lens or the second cylindrical adjustable lens is a rigid structure, such as a rigid substrate like a back window.

[0024] The rigid substrate has a flat or curved surface.

[0025] In some other embodiments, the second cylindrical adjustable lens is connected to the first cylindrical adjustable lens via a rigid assembly.

[0026] The rigid assembly may be a metal, plastic or ceramic structure that supports a non-flexible connection between the first and second cylindrical adjustable lenses and has no or very low flexibility such as flexibility in bending.

[0027] The rigid assembly may also be referred to as a structure having high rigidity, through which the first and second cylindrical adjustable lenses are connected.

[0028] High rigidity is defined as having a Young's modulus of 1 gigapascal to 500 gigapascals.

[0029] The rigid assembly is attached to the first and second cylindrical adjustable lenses by fixing means such as glue or by joining means such as welding.

[0030] In some other embodiments, the second cylindrical adjustable lens is joined to the first cylindrical adjustable lens.

[0031] Joining may refer to being glued or simply in contact, that is, at least one outer surface such as a surface along the edge of the adjustable lens is in contact.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second transparent film of the first cylindrical adjustable lens is the first film of the second cylindrical adjustable lens.

[0033] The first cylindrical adjustable lens and the second cylindrical adjustable lens may be integrated into a single lens stack assembly, within which one of the transparent films is shared by the two cylindrical adjustable lenses. This embodiment has the effect of enabling a compact structure that reduces the overall thickness of the lens stack. This embodiment also has the effect of reducing the complexity of the lens stack by combining the functions of a rigid substrate within a single film or substrate.

[0034] In some other embodiments of this configuration, the membrane separating the first cylindrical adjustable lens from the second cylindrical adjustable lens allows at least partial contact between the lens body of the first cylindrical adjustable lens and the lens body of the second cylindrical adjustable lens. This membrane may be a rigid structure with an opening, such as a ring structure.

[0035] Therefore, in some embodiments, the second transparent film of the first cylindrical adjustable lens or the first film of the second cylindrical adjustable lens is a rigid substrate with openings, such as a ring structure, i.e., a structure having through holes.

[0036] In these embodiments, the independent formation of the two lens bodies is achievable because a rigid structure with an opening exists that acts as a membrane between the two lens bodies during actuation to the first film of the first cylindrical adjustable lens and the second film of the second cylindrical adjustable lens.

[0037] In some further embodiments, the lens stack further comprises one or more additional lenses, such as at least a third lens.

[0038] The third lens is an adjustable lens comprising a transparent, deformable lens body sandwiched between a first transparent film and a second transparent film, and one or more actuators positioned on the first transparent film or on the second transparent film of the third lens.

[0039] The third lens provides an effective focusing function to the lens stack, thereby enhancing the performance of the lens stack.

[0040] The third lens may be connected to the second cylindrical adjustable lens via a rigid assembly.

[0041] The rigid assembly connecting the third lens to the second cylindrical adjustable lens may be a metal, plastic, or ceramic structure that is completely inflexible or has very low flexibility, such as bendability, and supports the inflexible connection between the first cylindrical adjustable lens and the second cylindrical adjustable lens.

[0042] A rigid assembly connecting the third lens to the second cylindrical adjustable lens may be described as a highly rigid structure through which the third lens and the second cylindrical adjustable lens are connected.

[0043] High rigidity is defined as having a Young's modulus of 1 gigapascal to 500 gigapascals.

[0044] The rigid assembly is attached to the third lens and the second cylindrical adjustable lens by fastening means such as glue or by joining means such as welding.

[0045] In some other embodiments, the first cylindrical adjustable lens, the second cylindrical adjustable lens, and the third lens are stacked and held in place by the use of adhesive means.

[0046] In some embodiments, the third lens is bonded to the second cylindrical adjustable lens by contacting it or leaning it against it.

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more actuators of the first cylindrical adjustable lens are connected to the first or second transparent film of the first cylindrical adjustable lens by adhesive means.

[0048] One or more actuators of the first cylindrical adjustable lens may be connected to the first or second transparent membrane of the first cylindrical adjustable lens by pressurizing means.

[0049] In some other embodiments, one or more actuators of the second cylindrical adjustable lens are connected to the first or second transparent membrane of the second cylindrical adjustable lens by adhesive means.

[0050] One or more actuators of the second cylindrical adjustable lens may be connected to the first or second transparent membrane of the second cylindrical adjustable lens by pressurizing means.

[0051] In some further embodiments, one or more actuators of the third lens are connected to the first or second transparent film of the third lens by adhesive means.

[0052] One or more actuators of the third lens are also connected to the first or second transparent membrane of the third lens by pressurizing means.

[0053] The connection between one or more actuators and the corresponding first and second transparent films of the first cylindrical adjustable lens, the second cylindrical adjustable lens, and the third lens may be achieved by at least partial adhesion between the discontinuous regions of these films. For example, one or more actuators may be deposited on at least two edges of the first or second film.

[0054] The one or more actuators may be deposited onto a film by vapor deposition such as chemical or physical vapor deposition (CVD or PVD), or by other printing techniques such as screen printing.

[0055] The lens body may be a fluid, such as a liquid lens body.

[0056] In some embodiments, the lens body of the first cylindrical adjustable lens has a refractive index greater than 1.29, such as 1.29 to 1.35 (e.g., 1.33).

[0057] In some other embodiments, the lens body of the second cylindrical adjustable lens has a refractive index greater than 1.29, such as 1.29 to 1.35 (e.g., 1.33).

[0058] In some further embodiments, the lens body of the third lens has a refractive index greater than 1.29, such as 1.29 to 1.35 (e.g., 1.33).

[0059] In some embodiments, an advantage is that all lenses, i.e., the first cylindrical adjustable lens, the second cylindrical adjustable lens, and the third lens, have refractive indices greater than 1.29, such as 1.29 to 1.35 (e.g., 1.33).

[0060] In some embodiments, the lens body of the first cylindrical adjustable lens has an elastic modulus greater than 300 Pascals.

[0061] In some other embodiments, the lens body of the second cylindrical adjustable lens has an elastic modulus greater than 300 Pascals.

[0062] In some embodiments, the lens body of the third lens has an elastic modulus greater than 300 Pascals.

[0063] In some embodiments, an advantage is that all lenses, namely the first cylindrical adjustable lens, the second cylindrical adjustable lens, and the third lens, may have an elastic modulus greater than 300 Pascals.

[0064] In some embodiments, the lens body of the first cylindrical adjustable lens comprises a polymer network of a crosslinked polymer or a partially crosslinked polymer and a miscible oil or a combination of oils.

[0065] In some other embodiments, the lens body of the second cylindrical adjustable lens comprises a polymer network of a crosslinked polymer or a partially crosslinked polymer and a miscible oil or a combination of oils.

[0066] In some further embodiments, the lens body of the third lens comprises a polymer network of a crosslinked polymer or a partially crosslinked polymer and a miscible oil or a combination of oils.

[0067] In some embodiments, an advantage is that all lenses, namely the first cylindrical adjustable lens, the second cylindrical adjustable lens, and the third lens, consist of a polymer network of a crosslinked polymer or a partially crosslinked polymer and a miscible oil or a combination of multiple oils.

[0068] The lens stack of the present invention may also have more than three lenses, that is, by adding more lenses to the lens stack, improved functionality and performance can be provided.

[0069] The lens stack of the present invention may include a driver configured to manipulate the lenses of the stack through an FPC (flexible printed circuit board) and a PCB (printed circuit board) in order to generate adjustable astigmatism.

[0070] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to an electronic device comprising a lens stack according to the first aspect, wherein the electronic device is one of the following: a display for a portable computer device such as a smartphone, a watch, or a tablet such as an iPad®; eyeglasses; AR-VR glasses / eyeglasses; a measuring device; an image projector arranged to generate an image by a scanning light beam; a camera module; a collimated laser diode device; or another electronic device.

[0071] The first, second, and other aspects and embodiments of the present invention may each be combined with any of the other aspects and embodiments. These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from and will be clarified by the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0072] A lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism and an electronic device comprising the lens stack will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings illustrate one method for carrying out the present invention, but should not be construed as being limited to other possible embodiments within the scope of the accompanying set of claims. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a lens stack comprising two cylindrical adjustable lenses according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a front view of a lens stack comprising two cylindrical adjustable lenses according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a lens stack comprising two cylindrical adjustable lenses and a third lens, according to some other embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a lens stack comprising two cylindrical adjustable lenses and a third lens, according to some other embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a front view of a lens stack comprising two cylindrical adjustable lenses and a third lens, according to some other embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a side view of one adjustable lens, such as a third lens, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a side view of a lens stack comprising two cylindrical adjustable lenses stacked on top of each other, according to some embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]Figure 8 shows a side view of a lens stack comprising two cylindrical adjustable lenses and a rigid assembly, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a side view of a lens stack comprising two cylindrical adjustable lenses having a common film, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a side view of a lens stack comprising two cylindrical adjustable lenses and a rigid structure or substrate with an aperture, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a lens stack comprising two cylindrical adjustable lenses and a rigid structure or substrate with an aperture, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0073] Figures 1 and 2 show a cross-sectional view and a front view of a lens stack 3 comprising a first cylindrical adjustable lens 1 and a second cylindrical adjustable lens 2.

[0074] The second cylindrical adjustable lens 2 is positioned on top of the first cylindrical adjustable lens 1 such that the longitudinal axis 5 of the first cylindrical adjustable lens 1 forms an angle 4 with respect to the longitudinal axis 6 of the second cylindrical adjustable lens 2.

[0075] In Figure 2, angle 4 is shown as 45°, but in other embodiments, angle 4 may be between 30° and 90°.

[0076] During operation, the first cylindrical adjustable lens 1 and the second cylindrical adjustable lens 2 work synergistically to generate or correct astigmatism.

[0077] Figures 3, 4, and 5 show a cross-sectional view, a three-dimensional schematic view, and a front view of a lens stack 7 comprising a first cylindrical adjustable lens 8, a second cylindrical adjustable lens 9, and a third lens 10.

[0078] The third lens 10 has a focus adjustment function, while the first cylindrical adjustable lens 8 and the second cylindrical adjustable lens 9 work synergistically to generate or correct astigmatism.

[0079] Figure 6 shows a side view of a third adjustable lens 10, which comprises a deformable lens body 13 sandwiched between a first transparent film 11 and a second transparent film 12, and an actuator 14 positioned on the first transparent film 11.

[0080] During operation, the first transparent film 11 curves and deforms during actuation via the actuator 14, taking on a desirable shape to provide the lens with a desired degree of focus.

[0081] Figure 7 shows a side view of a lens stack 15 comprising a first cylindrical adjustable lens 16 and a second cylindrical adjustable lens 17 stacked on top of each other, such that the second transparent film 18 of the first cylindrical adjustable lens 16 contacts the first film 19 of the cylindrical adjustable lens 17.

[0082] Figure 8 shows a side view of a lens stack 22 comprising a first cylindrical adjustable lens 23 and a second cylindrical adjustable lens 24 stacked on top of each other, such that the second transparent film 25 of the first cylindrical adjustable lens 23 contacts the first film 26 of the second cylindrical adjustable lens 24.

[0083] The two cylindrical adjustable lenses 23 and 24 are connected through a rigid assembly 27.

[0084] Figure 9 shows a side view of a lens stack 20 comprising two cylindrical adjustable lenses having a common film 21.

[0085] The film 21 may be a rigid structure, such as a back window, acting as a common film between two cylindrical adjustable lenses.

[0086] Figure 10 shows a side view of a lens stack 28, which includes two cylindrical adjustable lenses 29 and 30.

[0087] The two cylindrical adjustable lenses 29 and 30 each have two separate lens bodies 31 and 32, and a rigid substrate with an opening that has an internal ring structure 33 that separates the lens bodies from each other through the opening 34.

[0088] Figure 11 shows a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a lens stack 28, which comprises two cylindrical adjustable lenses and a rigid structure 33 with an opening between the lens bodies.

[0089] The opening in the rigid structure 33 allows the lens bodies of the two cylindrical adjustable lenses 29 and 30 to be in at least partial contact with each other.

[0090] While the present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, it should not be construed as being limited to the examples presented in any aspect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended set of claims. In the context of the claims, the terms “comprising” or “comprises” do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Nor should references such as “a” or “an” be construed as excluding plurals. The use of reference numerals in the claims with respect to elements shown in the drawings also does not mean that the scope of the present invention is limited. Furthermore, individual features shown in different claims may be effectively combined, and showing these features in different claims does not exclude the possibility and effectiveness of such combinations.

Claims

1. A lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism, wherein the lens stack is - A first cylindrical adjustable lens comprising a lens body sandwiched between a first transparent film and a second transparent film, and one or more actuators disposed on the first transparent film or on the second transparent film, wherein the first cylindrical adjustable lens has a first longitudinal axis, - A second adjustable lens comprising a lens body sandwiched between a first transparent film and a second transparent film, and one or more actuators disposed on the first transparent film or on the second transparent film. Equipped with, The second adjustable lens is a second cylindrical adjustable lens having a second longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis of the second cylindrical adjustable lens being at an angle of 0° to 90°, for example 45°, or 30° to 60° with respect to the first longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical adjustable lens, and the lens body of the first cylindrical adjustable lens and / or the second cylindrical adjustable lens is a lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism, comprising a polymer network of crosslinked polymers or partially crosslinked polymers and a miscible oil or a combination of oils.

2. A lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism according to claim 1, wherein the first or second film of the first cylindrical adjustable lens or the second cylindrical adjustable lens is a rigid structure.

3. A lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism according to any one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein the second transparent film of the first cylindrical adjustable lens is the first film of the second cylindrical adjustable lens.

4. A lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the second transparent film of the first cylindrical adjustable lens or the first film of the second cylindrical adjustable lens is a rigid substrate having an opening such as a ring structure.

5. A lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the second cylindrical adjustable lens is connected to the first cylindrical adjustable lens via a rigid assembly.

6. The second cylindrical adjustable lens is bonded to the first cylindrical adjustable lens, forming a lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5.

7. A lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least a third lens, the third lens being an adjustable lens comprising a transparent, deformable lens body sandwiched between a first transparent film and a second transparent film, and one or more actuators disposed on the first transparent film or on the second transparent film.

8. A lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism according to claim 7, wherein the third lens is connected to the second cylindrical adjustable lens via a rigid assembly, or the third lens is bonded to the second cylindrical adjustable lens.

9. A lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more actuators of the first cylindrical adjustable lens, the second cylindrical adjustable lens, or the third lens are connected to the first or second transparent film of the first cylindrical adjustable lens, the second cylindrical adjustable lens, or the third lens, respectively, by adhesive means or by pressurizing means.

10. The lens body of the first cylindrical adjustable lens and / or the second cylindrical adjustable lens and / or the third lens has a refractive index greater than 1.29, and is a lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism as described in any of the preceding claims.

11. A lens stack for generating adjustable astigmatism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lens body of the first cylindrical adjustable lens and / or the second cylindrical adjustable lens and / or the third lens has an elastic modulus greater than 300 Pascals.

12. An electronic device comprising a lens stack according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic device is - Displays of portable computing devices such as smartphones, watches, and tablets like iPads. - glasses, - AR-VR glasses / eyeglasses, - Measuring device, - An image projector positioned to generate an image using a scanning light beam, - Camera module, - Collimated laser diode device, - Another electronic device An electronic device that is one of the following.

Images