Ring-actuated lens having a non-circular lens shaper

Abstract

The present invention relates to lenses (1) comprising a non-circular lens shaper that can be actuator in particular via a moveable structure that comprises a plurality of actuation points (51, 52, 53) or at least one actuation section (51d).

Description

[0001] Ring-actuated lens having a non-circular lens shaper

[0002] The present invention relates to a lens.

[0003] It is often preferable that tunable lenses for head mount wearables such as glasses and AR / VR systems etc. have a non-circular contour. This may be for aesthetic, mass and nose clearance, or other reasons.

[0004] US 2017 / 146700 A1 discloses a deformable membrane assembly comprising a fixed support, a fluid-filled envelope, one wall of which is formed by an elastic membrane that is held under tension around its edge by a flexible membrane supporting member, the supporting member being coupled to the fixed support at a plurality of discrete control points around the supporting member by engaging members for controlling the position of the membrane edge. Furthermore, the assembly comprises at least one pressure adjuster operable to adjust the pressure of the fluid within the envelope, thereby adjusting the shape of the distensible elastic membrane to change the optical power of the optical surface. Furthermore, the plurality of discrete control points comprises at least three hinge points at which the membrane supporting member is hinged to the support at a fixed location relative to the support to prevent displacement of the supporting member on the z-axis relative to the support at each hinge point, the hinge points being situated at spaced locations around the membrane edge that are substantially equidistant from the optical center of the distensible elastic membrane.

[0005] Based on the above, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a lens with a non-circular lens shaper / contour that can be efficiently actuated in a simple manner.

[0006] This problem is solved by a lens having the features of claims 1, 16, 29, and 41. Preferred embodiments of these aspects of the present invention are stated in the corresponding dependent claims and are described below.

[0007] According to claim 1 corresponding to a first aspect of the present invention a lens is disclosed, comprising: a non-circular lens shaper, having an outer diameter, a membrane comprising an optical center through which an optical axis of the lens extends, the membrane further comprising a circumferential edge region attached to the lens shaper, wherein particularly the edge region extends around the optical center, a base structure, a movable structure configured to move relative to the base structure, particularly for deforming the membrane so as to adjust an optical power of the lens, a fluid (e.g., liquid) in contact to the membrane, wherein the movable structure comprises o a plurality (e.g. two or three) of preferably spaced apart actuation points configured to control a movement of the lens shaper in a direction of the optical axis, wherein the respective actuation point is located within a virtual hollow cylinder volume around the optical axis, or o at least one actuation section configured to control a movement of the lens shaper in a direction of the optical axis, wherein the actuation section extends in a circumferential direction of the lens shaper from a first end to a second end of the actuation section and is located within a virtual hollow cylinder volume around the optical axis.

[0008] Particularly, said outer diameter is the maximum outer diameter extending between two opposite points of an outer side of the lens shaper, these opposite points being furthest apart from each other. The fact that the lens shaper is non-circular particularly means that an inner contour / edge of the lens shaper defining an opening of the lens shaper over which the membrane extends is non-circular. Correspondingly also an outer edge / contour of the lens shaper can be non-circular. This applies to all aspects of the present invention described herein. Particularly, the non-circular lens shaper comprises an inner diameter (with respect to an inner edge of the lens shaper) that differs at least by 1%, preferably by at least 2%, more preferably by at least 5% from an inner diameter of the lens shaper at another location.

[0009] Furthermore, the fact that the virtual hollow cylinder volume resides around the optical axis can mean that the cylinder axis of this hollow cylinder volume coincides with the optical axis, but alternatively, the cylinder axis can also comprise a tilt with respect to the optical axis, wherein an angle enclosed by the cylinder axis and the optical axis is smaller than 30°, preferably smaller than 20°, more preferably smaller than 10°. This may also apply to the other aspects of the present invention.

[0010] Particularly, the movable structure can comprise two (particularly exactly two), three (particularly exactly three) or even more actuation points. Further, the movable structure can comprise a single actuation section (i.e. , exactly one actuation section) or a plurality thereof.

[0011] Advantageously, due to the actuation points or the at least one actuation section on a common diameter (or near the common diameter) the actuation points / sections can be connected by a single actuation element, e.g., the movable structure - the position of this moveable structure (which particularly forms a ring) can therefore be used to control the spherical power of the lens. Furthermore, particularly, the response of parts of the lens shaper not on the diameter / virtual hollow cylinder volume may be controlled by the stiffness of the lens shaper, or by elements that are attached to the lens shaper to affect the stiffness of the lens shaper.

[0012] Furthermore, in an embodiment, the lens is configured to sense a position of the moveable structure / single actuation element. Furthermore, as will be described further below in more detail, according to an embodiment, the movable structure may be tilted to allow for an adjustment of a prism shape of the lens (e.g. adjustment of the prismatic power of the lens).

[0013] Particularly, in the aspects and embodiments described herein, the movable structure (single actuation element) may consist of multiple elements that effectively act as a single actuation element / movable structure.

[0014] Particularly, allowing the non-circular lens shaper to be flexible along an axial direction (particularly along the optical axis) allows to efficiently and easily tune the spherical power of the lens, particularly with a single degree of freedom that defines the optical power of the lens (or two degrees of freedom if prism control is also included, see above). Further to this, in certain embodiments, a locking mechanism may be utilized to enable zero power consumption when maintaining a tuning state of the lens.

[0015] Furthermore, preferably, the membrane and the fluid, particularly liquid, are transparent for the passage of light therethrough. Particularly, this also applies to all other aspect of the present invention described herein.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the lens according to the first aspect of the present invention, the respective actuation point or section of the moveable structure is configured to introduce a force into the lens shaper for generating said movement, particularly by pressing against the lens shaper. Furthermore, in an embodiment of the lens, the movable structure can be an (e.g. non-circular) ring-shaped structure. This can also apply to the other aspects of the present invention.

[0017] Furthermore, particularly, the respective actuation point comprises a diameter being smaller or equal to 1% of a circumference of the lens shaper. The lens shaper preferably is a ringshaped structure that extends along the outer edge region of the membrane in a circumferential direction of the lens shaper. In contrast to the respective actuation point, the respective actuation section particularly comprises a length in a circumferential direction of the lens shaper that is larger than 1% of said circumference and particularly smaller than 90% of said circumference. As described above, the respective actuation point or actuation section preferably lies in the vicinity of a common diameter. More precisely, the respective actuation point or section preferably lies in said hollow cylinder volume having an outer radius and an inner radius, wherein particularly a difference between the outer and the inner radius of the hollow cylinder volume is smaller than 5% of said outer diameter of the lens shaper, particularly smaller than 2% of said outer diameter, particularly smaller than 1% of said outer diameter. Alternatively, the actuation points may be located in the vicinity of a common radius from the optical center, wherein a radial distance of the respective actuation point to the optical center I optical axis can vary by about 5 %, particularly 2%, particularly 1% of said outer diameter.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable structure comprises exactly one actuation section, wherein the first and the second end of the actuation section are forming an angle with the optical center as a vertex, wherein the angle is in the range from 10° to 350°, particularly in the range from 90° to 270°, particularly in the range from 135° to 225°.

[0019] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable structure comprises a plurality of actuation sections (e.g. two or three or even more sections) configured to control the movement of the lens shaper in a direction of the optical axis, wherein the respective actuation section extends in a circumferential direction of the lens shaper from a first end to a second end of the further actuation section and is located within a virtual hollow cylinder volume around the optical axis. Particularly, the actuation sections (or points) are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the lens shaper.

[0020] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the lens shaper comprises a plurality of portions (e.g., two, three or even more), wherein the lens shaper can be divided by the actuation points into said portions, wherein particularly each portion is defined by two neighboring actuation points so that the portions together essentially make up the whole lens shaper. Particularly, in case the movable structure of the lens comprises two actuation points, the latter divide the lens shaper into a corresponding number of portions, i.e. two portions. In case there are three actuation points, the latter divide the lens shaper into three portions. The same applies in case the lens comprises two or more (e.g. three) actuation sections.

[0021] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, at least two portions (or each two portions) of said plurality of portions comprise a different, preferably constant, stiffness in the direction of the optical axis when compared to one another. Particularly, the stiffness can be different by more than 2%, more than 5%, or more than 10%.

[0022] According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable structure comprises a protrusion protruding inwards over the lens shaper, wherein the protrusion comprises one of the actuation points or comprises the at least one actuation section.

[0023] Further, in an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of actuation points or the plurality of actuation sections is configured to collectively move relative to the base structure.

[0024] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable structure is rigid such that a distance between each two neighboring actuation points or sections stays substantially constant during operation of the lens.

[0025] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of actuation points or the plurality of actuation sections is configured to move parallel to the optical axis.

[0026] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable structure is designed to tilt relative to the base structure.

[0027] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the respective portion is configured to bend freely between the actuation points delimiting the respective portion.

[0028] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the membrane is predominantly spherically curved in an operation state of the lens. Particularly, the Zernike term defocus is at least 1.5, preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 5, even more preferably at least 10, most preferably at least 20 times larger than any other Zernike term of equal or higher order.

[0029] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, for deforming the membrane so as to adjust the optical power of the lens, the lens comprises one of: a shape memory alloy actuator that can be coupled to the actuation points or to the actuation section(s), a direct current motor that can be coupled to the actuation points or to the actuation section(s), a piezo actuator that can be coupled to the actuation points or to the actuation section(s).

[0030] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the shape memory alloy actuator comprises a wire with a diameter between 5 to 500 pm, preferably 25 to 100 pm. Particularly, the SMA wire can be formed out of a copper- aluminium-nickel or nickel-titanium alloy. This can also apply to all other aspects described herein

[0031] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the lens comprises a locking mechanism to fix the movable structure relative to the base structure in a fixed state of the moveable structure, particularly to enable zero power consumption of the lens when maintaining a tuned state of the lens, particularly a certain optical power of the lens. This locking of the moveable structure (actuation element) therefore makes the lens more robust in states or reduces holding power.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a lens is disclosed, the lens comprising: a non-circular lens shaper, a membrane comprising an optical center through which an optical axis of the lens extends, the membrane further comprising an edge region attached to the lens shaper, a base structure, a movable structure configured to move relative to the base structure, a fluid (e.g., liquid) in contact to the membrane, wherein the movable structure comprises a plurality (e.g., two, three, or even more) sections configured to act on the lens shaper, wherein the respective section is intersected by a virtual lateral cylinder surface extending around the optical axis, wherein particularly the optical axis coincides with a cylinder axis of the lateral cylinder surface.

[0033] Particularly, the respective section comprises a length in a circumferential direction of the lens shaper that is larger than 1% of said circumference and smaller than 90% of said circumference. Particularly, the respective section is an elongated section.

[0034] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the respective section is configured to restrict a movement of the lens shaper in the direction of the optical axis and / or to control a movement of the lens shaper in the direction of the optical axis to deform the membrane and to therewith adjust the optical power of the lens.

[0035] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the lens shaper comprises a plurality of portions, wherein particularly the lens shaper is divided by the plurality of sections into the corresponding plurality of portions. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, at least two portions (or each two portions) of said plurality of portions comprise a different (preferably constant) stiffness in the direction of the optical axis. In case the movable structure of the lens comprises e.g. two sections, the sections particularly divide the lens shaper into two portions. In case the movable structure comprises three sections, the latter divide the lens shaper into three portions (see also above).

[0036] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the movable structure comprises a protrusion protruding inwards over the lens shaper, wherein the protrusion comprises one of the sections.

[0037] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of sections is configured to collectively move relative to the base structure or to collectively fix the lens shaper relative to the base structure at the respective section.

[0038] According to yet a further embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the movable structure is rigid such that a distance between each two neighboring sections stays substantially constant during operation of the lens.

[0039] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of sections is configured to move parallel to the optical axis.

[0040] According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the movable structure is designed to be tilted relative to the base structure. Particularly such tilting allows to adjust the lens shape into prism and can thus provide an adjustable prismatic power of the lens.

[0041] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the respective portion is configured to bend freely between two neighboring sections of said plurality of sections.

[0042] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the membrane is predominantly spherically curved in an operation state of the lens (see also above).

[0043] According to yet a further embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, for deforming the membrane so as to adjust the optical power of the lens, the lens comprises one of: a shape memory alloy actuator that can coupled to the sections, a direct current motor that can be coupled to the sections, a piezo actuator that can be coupled to the sections.

[0044] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the shape memory alloy actuator comprises a wire having a diameter between 5 to 500 pm, preferably 25 to 100 pm. Particularly, the wire comprises a shape memory alloy. The wire material can be a copper-aluminium-nickel or nickel-titanium alloy (see also above).

[0045] In yet a further embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention the lens comprises a locking mechanism to fix the movable structure relative to the base structure in a fixed state of the lens, particularly to enable zero power consumption of the lens when maintaining a tuned state of the lens, particularly a certain optical power of the lens.

[0046] Yet another third aspect of the present invention relates to a lens, comprising: a non-circular lens shaper, a membrane comprising an optical center through which an optical axis of the lens extends, the membrane further comprising a circumferential edge region attached to the lens shaper, the edge region particularly extending around the optical center, a fluid (e.g., liquid) in contact to the membrane, a base structure, a movable structure configured to move relative to the base structure, wherein the movable structure comprises a plurality of points or sections for interacting with the lens shaper, wherein the lens shaper comprises a corresponding plurality of portions, wherein at least two portions (or each two portions) of said plurality of portions comprise a different stiffness in a direction of the optical axis, wherein particularly said plurality of points or sections divides the lens shaper into the corresponding plurality of portions.

[0047] Also, here, in an embodiment of the third aspect, the movable structure can comprise two (particularly exactly two), three (particularly exactly three), or even more than three points or sections, wherein these points or sections divide the lens shaper in a corresponding number of portions (e.g. two, three or even more portions, see above). At least two portions or each two considered portions of these multiple portions can than have a different stiffness in the direction of the optical axis.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the movable structure comprises at least one protrusion protruding inwards over the lens shaper, wherein the protrusion comprises one of said points or sections.

[0049] Further, in an embodiment of the third aspect, the plurality of points or sections is configured to collectively move relative to the base structure. In an alternative embodiment, the respective point or section is configured to fix the lens shaper relative to the base structure at the respective point or section.

[0050] Further, in an embodiment of the third aspect, the movable structure is rigid such that a distance between each two neighboring points or sections stays substantially constant during an operation of the lens, e.g. when the optical power of the lens is changed from one state to a different second state.

[0051] In yet another embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the respective point or section is configured to move parallel to the optical axis for adjusting the optical power of the lens, particularly by deforming the membrane correspondingly.

[0052] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the movable structure is designed to be tilted relative to the base structure, particularly to allow to adjust the prism shape (or prismatic power) of the lens as described before.

[0053] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the respective portion is configured to bend freely between two neighboring points or sections of said plurality of points or sections.

[0054] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the membrane is predominantly spherically curved in an operation state of the lens (see also above).

[0055] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, for deforming the membrane to thereby adjust the optical power of the lens, the lens comprises one of: a shape memory alloy actuator that can be coupled to the points or to the sections, a direct current motor that can be coupled to the points or to the sections, a piezo actuator that can be coupled to the points or to the sections.

[0056] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the shape memory alloy actuator comprises a wire having a diameter between 5 to 500 pm, preferably 25 to 100 pm (see also above).

[0057] Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the lens comprises a locking mechanism to fix the movable structure relative to the base structure in a fixed state of the lens, particularly to enable zero power consumption of the lens when maintaining a tuned state of the lens, particularly a certain optical power of the lens.

[0058] Furthermore, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a lens is disclosed, the lens comprising: a fluid (e.g.. a liquid), a membrane, which is in direct contact with the fluid, a non-circular lens shaper connected to a circumferential edge region of the membrane, a movable structure being movable in a direction of an optical axis of the lens, wherein the movable structure comprises at least one protrusion protruding inwards over the lens shaper, particularly to interact with the lens shaper.

[0059] Particularly, in an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention the protrusion comprises a surface facing towards the lens shaper and having a normal direction that differs at most by 45 degrees from a direction of the optical axis of the lens.

[0060] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the fourth aspect, said surface of the protrusion is configured to introduce a force into the lens shaper, particularly via an intermediate portion of the membrane or by pressing against the lens shaper, i.e., in direct contact.

[0061] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the movable structure comprises a plurality of protrusions protruding inwards over the lens shaper to interact with the lens shaper, wherein preferably the respective protrusion comprises a surface facing the lens shaper and having a normal direction that differs at most by 45 degrees from the direction of the optical axis. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the surface of the respective protrusion of said plurality of protrusions is configured to introduce a force into the lens shaper, particularly via an intermediate portion of the membrane or by pressing against the lens shaper, i.e., in direct contact. Such multiple protrusion can also be used in embodiments of all other aspects of the present invention.

[0062] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the lens shaper comprises a plurality of portions, wherein particularly the surfaces of said plurality of protrusions divide the lens shaper into a corresponding plurality of portions. Particularly, the lens shaper may comprise two protrusions the surfaces of which then divide the lens shaper into two portions. In case of three protrusions, the lens shaper is divided by their surfaces into three portions.

[0063] Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, at least two portions of said plurality of portions comprise a different (preferably constant) stiffness in the direction of the optical axis. In case of more than two portions, at least two portions or each two portions of said multiple portions can comprise a different stiffness in the direction of the optical axis when compared to one another. According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the lens comprises a base structure. In an embodiment, said surfaces of the protrusions are configured to collectively move relative to the base structure.

[0064] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the movable structure is rigid such that a distance between the surfaces of each two neighboring protrusions stays substantially constant during an operation of the lens.

[0065] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, said surfaces of the protrusions are configured to move parallel to the optical axis.

[0066] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the movable structure is designed to be tilted relative to the base structure. Particularly, as described before, this allows to adjust the prism shape / prismatic power of the lens.

[0067] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the respective portion is configured to bend freely between the surfaces of two neighboring protrusions of the plurality of protrusions.

[0068] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the membrane is predominantly spherically curved in the operation state (see also above).

[0069] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, for deforming the membrane, the lens comprises one of: a shape memory alloy actuator, a direct current motor, a piezo actuator.

[0070] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the lens comprises a locking mechanism to fix the movable structure relative to the base structure in a fixed state of the lens, particularly so as to enable zero power consumption of the lens when maintaining a tuned state of the lens, particularly a certain optical power of the lens.

[0071] In the following embodiments of the present invention as well as further features and advantages of the present invention shall be described with reference to the Figures, wherein Fig. 1 A shows a lens shaper of an embodiment of a lens according to the present invention, wherein the lens shaper can be controlled via three actuation points of a moveable structure of the lens,

[0072] Fig. 1 B shows a lens shaper of an embodiment of a lens according to the present invention, wherein the lens shaper can be controlled via three actuation sections of a moveable structure of the lens,

[0073] Fig. 1C shows a modification of the embodiments shown in Figs. 1A and 1 B, wherein here two actuation points and a single actuation section are used for interacting with the lens shaper,

[0074] Fig. 1 D shows a lens shaper of an embodiment of a lens according to the present invention, wherein the lens shaper can be controlled via two actuation sections of a movable structure, the sections having a different length in the circumferential direction of the lens shaper,

[0075] Fig. 1 E shows a lens shaper of an embodiment of a lens according to the present invention, wherein the lens shaper can be controlled via a single actuation section of a moveable structure of the lens,

[0076] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a lens according to the present invention having a structure comprising three protrusions having actuation points or sections for controlling a movement of the lens shaper along the optical axis of the lens,

[0077] Fig. 3 shows a cross section an embodiment of a lens according to the present invention having a movable structure comprising three protrusions having actuation points or sections for controlling a movement of the lens shaper along the optical axis of the lens, wherein a membrane connected to the lens shaper is in a flat state.

[0078] Fig. 4 shows a cross section an embodiment of a lens according to the present invention having a structure comprising three protrusions having actuation points or sections for controlling a movement of the lens shaper along the optical axis of the lens, wherein a membrane connected to the lens shaper is in a convex state by pressing with the actuation points / sections against the lens shaper,

[0079] Fig. 5 shows a detail of a cross section of an embodiment of a lens according to the present invention, Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of a lens according to the present invention having a structure comprising three protrusions having actuation points or sections for controlling a movement of the lens shaper along the optical axis of the lens, wherein the lens comprises a shape memory alloy actuator to move the movable structure and therewith the lens shaper,

[0080] Fig. 7 shows a lens shaper of an embodiment of a lens according to the present invention, wherein the lens shaper comprises two opposing elements arranged on a base element of the lens shaper to increase a stiffness of the lens shaper,

[0081] Fig. 8 shows a lens shaper of an embodiment of a lens according to the present invention, wherein the lens shaper comprises two regions of reduced thickness in a radial direction of the lens shaper to reduce the stiffness of the lens shaper in these regions,

[0082] Fig. 9 shows a lens shaper of an embodiment of a lens according to the present invention, wherein the lens shaper comprises three regions of reduced thickness in the direction of the optical axis to reduce the stiffness of the lens shaper in these regions,

[0083] Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention in form of glasses, wherein each lens of the glasses is formed by a lens according to the present invention

[0084] Figs. 11-12 shows that a non-circular lens shaper according to the present invention can deflect the membrane in a spherical fashion, and

[0085] Fig. 13 shows a locking mechanism of an embodiment of a lens according to the present invention for locking the lens shaper in a certain state / position.

[0086] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a lens 1 as shown, e.g., in Fig. 1 to 13 comprising a non-circular lens shaper 2 that extends in a ring-shaped fashion along a circumferential direction II. The lens shaper 2 comprises an outer diameter D that is the maximum outer diameter extending between two opposite points of an outer side of the lens shaper 2, in particular (cf. e.g., also Fig. 7). The lens 1 further comprises a transparent membrane 3 comprising an optical center 30 through which an optical axis A of the lens 1 extends. Particularly, in the framework of the present invention, the optical center 30 is the point of the membrane 3 which is able to move the furthest out of plane in a diopter state. The membrane 3 further comprises a circumferential edge region 3a attached to the lens shaper 2, wherein the edge region 3a extends around the optical center 30, in particular. Further, the lens 1 comprises a base structure 4 and a movable structure 5 configured to move relative to the base structure 4 for deforming the membrane 3 to adjust an optical power of the lens 1. Further, the lens 1 forms a container filled with a fluid F that is in contact to the membrane 3, wherein the movable structure 5 comprises a plurality (e.g. two or three) spaced apart actuation points 51 , 52, 53 (cf. e.g. Fig. 1A showing a schematic illustration of the actuation points 51, 52, 53) configured to control a movement of the lens shaper 2 in a direction of the optical axis A, wherein the actuation points 51, 52, 53 are located within a virtual hollow cylinder volume V around the optical axis A which volume V is indicated in the detail on the right hand side of Fig. 1A. Particularly, the volume V comprises a thickness corresponding to the difference of the radius R of the outer cylinder surface and the radius r of the inner cylinder surface.

[0087] Particularly, actuation point means that the movable structure 5 comprises a structure such as a projection in the direction of the optical axis A that forms a point like end via which the movable structure 5 can press against the lens shaper 2 to introduce a force into the lens shaper for moving the latter. Since a constant fluid, particularly liquid, volume is accommodated in the lens 1 adjacent the membrane 3, pushing the movable structure 5 towards the base structure 4 allows to deform the membrane 3 from a flat state as shown e.g., in Fig. 3 to a spherically curved state as shown in Fig. 4. Particularly, the detail shown in Fig. 5 indicates an actuation point 51 for pressing against the lens shaper 2. Particularly, an actuation point 51 comprises a diameter being smaller or equal to 1% of the circumference of the lens shaper 2 (in the circumferential direction II).

[0088] Alternatively or in addition, the lens 1 can comprise one or several actuation sections 51a, 52a, 53a, particularly a single actuation section 51 d as shown in Fig. 1E, configured to control a movement of the lens shaper 2 in a direction of the optical axis A, wherein the respective actuation section 51a, 52a, 53a or 51 d extends in a circumferential direction II of the lens shaper 2 from a first end to a second end of the respective actuation section 51a, 52a, 53a or 51 d and is also located within a virtual hollow cylinder volume V around the optical axis A. Particularly, the respective actuation section 51a, 52a, 53a or 51 d is particularly formed as an elongated projection comprising a length in the circumferential direction II of the lens shaper 2 that is larger than 1% of said circumference of the lens shaper 2 and particularly smaller than 90% of said circumference of the lens shaper 2. As an alternative, the respective actuation point 51 , 52, 53 or section 51a, 52a, 53a or 51d can also be located in the vicinity of a common radius V’ or lateral cylinder surface around the optical center 30.

[0089] Particularly, regarding the aspects and embodiments described herein, a difference T (thickness of hollow cylinder) between an outer radius R and an inner radius r of the hollow cylinder volume V (c.f. Fig. 1 A right-hand side) is preferably smaller than 5% of the outer diameter D of the lens shaper 2, particularly smaller than 2% of said outer diameter D, particularly smaller than 1% of said outer diameter D. As described before, alternatively, the actuation points may be located in the vicinity of a common radius V’ from the optical center 30 wherein a radial distance of the respective actuation point to the optical center 30 / optical axis A can preferably vary by about 5 %, particularly 2%, particularly 1% of said outer diameter D.

[0090] By locating the actuation points 51, 52, 53 or sections, e.g. 51a, 52a, 53a or 51 d in the vicinity of said volume V or common radius V’, the membrane 3 connected to the noncircular lens shaper 2 can be deformed so as to assume a spherically curved state by acting via the movable structure 5 and its actuation points / sections on the lens shaper 2 along the optical axis A despite the fact that the lens shaper 2 is non-circular regarding its contour (particularly also the edge region 3a of the membrane 3 is non-circular). This can be further supported by varying, particularly reducing, the stiffness of the lens shaper 2 in regions that are spaced apart from said volume V or common radius V’. The spherically curved shape S’ of the membrane 3 is particularly indicated in Figs. 11 and 12 showing the movable structure 5 and the membrane 3 overlaid on a sphere S.

[0091] The lens 1 can further comprise a transparent rigid optical element 32 such as a plate, particularly glass plate, being arranged opposite the membrane 3. Particularly, the rigid optical element 32 can be connected to the base structure 4 which in turn can be connected via a lateral wall 31 to the lens shaper 2. Thus, the membrane 3, the rigid optical element 32 and the lateral wall 31 delimit a volume of the lens 1 for accommodating said fluid F, particularly a transparent liquid F.

[0092] A further second aspect of the present invention as e.g. shown in Figs. 1 to 13 relates to a lens 1 comprising a non-circular lens shaper 2, a membrane 3 comprising an optical center 30 through which an optical axis A of the lens 1 extends, wherein the membrane 3 further comprises an edge region 3a attached to the lens shaper 2. Furthermore, the lens 1 comprises a base structure 4 and a movable structure 5 configured to move relative to the base structure 4. The lens 1 forms a container for accommodating a fluid (e.g. transparent liquid) F in contact to the membrane 3, wherein the movable structure 5 comprises a plurality of sections 51a, 52a, 53a (cf. e.g. Fig. 1B or Figs. 2 to 6) or 51c, 52c (cf. e.g. Fig. 1 D) configured to act on the lens shaper 2, wherein the respective section 51a, 52a, 53a, 51c, 52c is intersected by a virtual lateral cylinder surface V’ extending around the optical axis A, wherein particularly the optical axis A coincides with a cylinder axis of the lateral cylinder surface V’. Alternatively, the respective actuation section 51a, 52a, 53a, or 51c, 52c is arranged in a hollow cylinder volume V as indicated on the right-hand side of Fig. 1A.

[0093] Preferably, the respective section 51a, 52a, 53a or 51c, 52c is an elongated section, particularly projection, of the moveable structure 5 that comprises a larger extension in the circumferential direction II than in a radial direction of the lens shaper 2. Particularly, the respective actuation section 51a, 52a, 53a, or 51 d comprises a length in the circumferential direction II of the lens shaper 2 that is larger than 1% of said circumference and smaller than 90% of said circumference.

[0094] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the respective section 51a, 52a, 51c, 52c is configured to restrict a movement of the lens shaper 2 in the direction of the optical axis A and / or to control a movement of the lens shaper 2 in the direction of the optical axis A to deform the membrane 3 and to therewith adjust the optical power of the lens.

[0095] Furthermore, a third aspect of the present invention relates to a lens 1 as shown e.g. in Figs. 2 to 6 in conjunction with Figs. 7 to 9, wherein the lens 1 comprises in turn a non-circular lens shaper 2, a transparent membrane 3 comprising an optical center 30 through which an optical axis A of the lens 1 extends, wherein the membrane 3 further comprises a circumferential edge region 3a attached to the lens shaper 2, wherein the edge region 3a extends around the optical center 30 in said circumferential direction II. The lens 1 further accommodates a fluid (e.g., transparent liquid) F in contact to the membrane 3, and comprises a base structure 4 as well as a movable structure 5 configured to move relative to the base structure 4. The movable structure 5 comprises a plurality of points 51, 52, 53 or a plurality of sections 51a, 52a, 53a, or 51c, 52c for interacting with the lens shaper 2, wherein said plurality of points 51, 52, 53 or said plurality of sections 51a, 52a, 53a, or 51c, 52c divide the lens shaper 2 into a corresponding plurality of portions 20, 21, 22, wherein at least two portions 20, 21 of said plurality of portions comprise a different stiffness in a direction of the optical axis A.

[0096] Furthermore, a fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a lens 1 as shown, e.g., in Figs. 2 to 6 in conjunction with Figs. 7 to 9, wherein the lens 1 comprises a fluid (e.g., transparent liquid) F accommodated in the lens adjacent a membrane 3 which is contacted by the fluid. Furthermore, the lens 1 comprises a non-circular lens shaper 2 connected to a circumferential edge region 3a of the membrane 3, and a movable structure 5 being movable in a direction of an optical axis A of the lens 1 , wherein the movable structure 5 comprises at least one protrusion 61 protruding radially inwards over the lens shaper 2 to interact with the lens shaper 2. Preferably, as e.g. indicated in Fig. 5 the at least one protrusion 61 comprises a surface 61a forming an actuation point 51 or section 51a in form of a projection of the surface 61a and facing towards the lens shaper 2. Away from the actuation point 51 or section 51a the surface 61a comprises a normal N that differs at most by 45 degrees from a direction of the optical axis A

[0097] Particularly, Fig. 1 A shows a schematic illustration of a lens shaper 2 according to an embodiment of particularly the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the movable structure 5 of the lens 1 comprises at least two, particularly three actuation points 51, 52, 53 being spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction II of the lens shaper 2 and arranged in the afore-described volume V or in the vicinity of common radius V’ from the optical center 30. These points 51, 52, 53 of the movable structure 5 of the lens 1 are configured to press against the lens shaper 2 to deform the membrane 3 and thereby adjust the (spherical) optical power of the lens 1 (cf. also Fig. 4).

[0098] Furthermore, Fig. 1 B shows a schematic illustration of a lens shaper 2 according to an embodiment of particularly the first and second aspect of the present invention, wherein the movable structure 5 of the lens 1 comprises at least two, particularly three actuation sections 51a, 52a, 53a that are arranged in the afore-described volume V or intersect said cylinder or are arranged in the vicinity of said common radius V’, and are configured to press against the lens shaper 2 to deform the membrane 3 and thereby adjust the (spherical) optical power of the lens 1 (cf. also Fig. 4). Particularly, the sections 51a, 52a, 53a are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction II of the lens shaper 2 and can be formed as elongated projections of the movable structure 5 that each extend in the circumferential direction II as indicated in Fig. 1 B.

[0099] Furthermore, Fig. 1C shows a schematic illustration of a lens shaper 2 according to an embodiment of particularly the first and the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the movable structure 5 of the lens 1 comprises two actuation points 51b, 52b combined with an opposing single actuation section 53b, wherein these points and section are preferably arranged in the afore-described volume V (or intersect said cylinder) or are arranged in the vicinity of the common radius V’ from the optical center. Also, here, the points 51b, 52b and section 53b are configured to press against the lens shaper 2 to deform the membrane 3 and thereby adjust the (spherical) optical power of the lens 1 (cf. also Fig. 4). Particularly, the points / section 51b, 52b, 53b are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction II of the lens shaper 2, wherein particularly the single section 53b can be formed as an elongated projection of the movable structure 5 that extends in the circumferential direction II as indicated in Fig. 1C.

[0100] Furthermore, Fig. 1 D shows a schematic illustration of a lens shaper 2 according to an embodiment of particularly the first and the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the movable structure 5 of the lens 1 comprises two actuation sections 51c, 52c that are arranged in the afore-described volume V (or intersect said cylinder) or are arranged in the vicinity of said common radius V’, and are furthermore configured to press against the lens shaper 2 to deform the membrane 3 and thereby adjust the (spherical) optical power of the lens 1 (cf. also Fig. 4). Particularly, the sections 51c, 52c are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction II of the lens shaper 2 and can be formed as elongated projections of the movable structure 5 that each extend in the circumferential direction II as indicated in Fig. 1 B wherein the two sections comprise a different length in the circumferential direction II.

[0101] Furthermore, Fig. 1 E shows a schematic illustration of a lens shaper 2 according to an embodiment of particularly the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the movable structure 5 of the lens 1 comprises a single actuation section 51 d that is arranged in the afore-described volume V or in the vicinity of said common radius V’ and is configured to press against the lens shaper 2 to deform the membrane 3 and thereby adjust the (spherical) optical power of the lens 1 (cf. also Fig. 4). Particularly, the single actuation section 51d comprises a length in the circumferential direction II of the lens shaper 2 such that it spans an angle a as indicated in Fig. 1E which is preferably in the range from 10° to 350°, particularly in the range from 90° to 270°, more particularly in the range from 135° to 225°. The actuation section 51d can be formed as elongated projection of the movable structure 5 that extends in the circumferential direction II as indicated in Fig. 1E.

[0102] Further, Fig. 2 shows in conjunction with Figs. 3, 4 and 5 a perspective view of a lens 1 according to an embodiment of particularly the first, second and fourth embodiment, wherein the lens shaper 2 can be formed according to the third aspect of the present invention as will be described in more detail below.

[0103] As shown in Fig. 2, particularly, the lens 1 can comprise a ring-shaped movable structure 5 comprising e.g. three protrusions 61, 62, 63 that are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction II. The respective protrusion 61 , 62, 63 protrudes inwards in the radial direction of the movable structure 5 over the lens shaper 2 to allow interacting with the lens shaper 2. To this end, as shown with respect to protrusions 61, 62 in e.g. Figs. 4 and 5, the respective protrusion 61 , 62, 63 comprises a surface 61a, 62a facing the lens shaper 2. This surface now forms the respective actuation point 51 , 52, 53 (or section 51a, 52a, 53a) that can be a projection of the respective surface 61a, 62a and thus allows to press against the lens shaper 2 in the direction of the optical axis A to change a spherical curvature of the membrane 3 and therewith the optical power of the lens 1. In this regard, Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the lens 1 of Fig. 2 with the membrane 3 in a flat state. In contrast thereto, Fig. 4 shows the membrane 3 in a convex state achieved by moving the movable structure 5 and thereby all actuation points 51, 52, 53 (or alternatively sections 51a, 52a, 53a) in the direction of the optical axis A towards the base structure 4. Due to the constant volume of the fluid (particularly liquid) F adjacent the membrane 3, the deformable membrane 3 bulges outwards into a convex state. Moving of the movable structure 5 with respect to the base structure 4 can be achieved with the actuators disclosed herein. Furthermore, in all embodiments / aspects of the present invention, the respective lens 1 can also be configured to tilt the movable structure 5 with respect to the base structure 4 to adjust the prism shape / prismatic power of the lens 1.

[0104] The detail shown in Fig. 5 illustrates said projections of the surfaces 61a, 62a of the protrusions 61, 62, 63 that form the actuation points 51, 52, 53. In case of the alternative actuation sections 51a, 52a, 53a, these projections extend in an elongated fashion in the circumferential direction II of the movable structure 5.

[0105] Fig. 5 also reveals different embodiments regarding the lens shaper 2 and further shows the circumferential base structure 4 to which the rigid optical element 32 attaches that is arranged opposite the membrane 3 and accommodates the fluid (particularly transparent liquid) F, together with the circumferential lateral wall 31 that connects the rigid optical element 32 to the lens shaper 2.

[0106] Particularly, the non-circular lens shaper 2 can comprise a single-layer design (cf. e.g. Fig. 8) wherein in relation to Fig. 5 the lens shaper 2 can be arranged below the edge region 3a or on top of it. In the first case the actuation points 51, 52, 53 or sections 51a, 52a, 53a press via the edge region 3a of the membrane 3 against the lens shaper 2. In the second case, the actuation points 51, 52, 53 or sections 51a, 52a, 53a contact the lens shaper 2 itself.

[0107] However, as actually indicated in Fig. 5, the lens shaper 2 can comprise multiple layers, here two layers, with the edge region 3a arranged in between these layers of the lens shaper 2. Particularly, the lens shaper 2 can comprise a circumferential base element / layer 2a comprising a top side to which the edge region 3a of the membrane 3 is bonded and e.g. at least one stiffening element 2b arranged on top of the edge region 3a of the membrane 3. Also here, in principle, all elements 2a, 2b can be arranged below or on top of the membrane 3 in alternative embodiments. Furthermore, the lateral wall 31 can be deformable (e. g. a bellow) and can be inclined outwards owing to the fact that the movable structure 5 can comprise a larger diameter than the base structure 4. This allows the movable structure 5 to move closer to the base structure 4 giving the lens 1 a larger range of an adjustable optical power.

[0108] In order to move the movable structure 5 with respect to the base structure 4, Fig. 6 depicts an embodiment of a lens 1 according to the present invention, particularly according to one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the lens comprises an actuator 7, particularly in form of a shape memory alloy actuator 7. The latter comprises a wire 70 that is preferably formed out of or comprises a shape memory alloy and has, e.g., a diameter between 5 to 500 pm, preferably 25 to 100 pm. The wire 70 extends between the movable structure 5 and the base structure 4 and can be deflected on the base structure 4 via deflection elements 40 that protrude from the base structure 4. Further deflection elements can be arranged / formed on the movable structure 5. In case a pulling force is generated by the wire 70 by means of applying an electrical current, which generates heat within the wire 70, the moveable structure 5 can be pulled towards the base structure 4 which results in a curvature change of the membrane 3 from a state as, e.g., shown in Fig. 3 to a state shown in Fig. 4.

[0109] According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 13, which may apply to all aspects of the present invention, the lens 1 can comprise a locking mechanism 8 that is configured to fix the movable structure 5 relative to the base structure 4, particularly so as to enable zero power consumption of the lens 1 when maintaining a tuned state of the lens 1, particularly a certain optical power of the lens (as e.g. shown in Fig. 4).

[0110] Particularly, the lens shaper 2 can freely bend in the portions between the sections / points. A flexible wall section 9 (e.g., a membrane) can be used to seal a corresponding gap between the lens shaper 2 and the moveable structure 5 to completely enclose the fluid (e.g., liquid) volume of the lens 1. The movable structure 5 moves relative to the base structure (for the sake of simplicity only the rigid optical element 32 is shown). The locking mechanism 8 comprises at least one movable member 81, 82 that is movable towards the movable structure 5 and to fixes the movable structure 5 (arrows indicate the movement direction of the movable members 81 , 82). Furthermore, the lateral wall 31 can be formed as a bellow. The movable element(s) 81 , 82 is / are mechanically attached to the base structure 4. The locking mechanism 8 can thus lock the movable structure 5 in each operation state, particularly with respect to the base structure 4.

[0111] In the embodiments and aspects described above, the stiffness of the lens shaper 2 along the circumferential direction II can be varied / selected to support formation of a spherical curvature of the membrane 3 when this curvature is adjusted by moving the lens shaper 2 via the actuation points 51, 52, 53 or sections 51a, 52a, 53a of the movable structure 5. Different embodiments to this end are shown in Fig. 7 to 9. These lens shapers 2 can in principle be used with the different lenses 1 described in conjunction with Figs. 2 to 6.

[0112] Particularly, according to Fig. 7, the lens shaper 2 can comprise a circumferential (ringshaped) non-circular base element 2a to which two opposing stiffening elements 2b and 2c are connected. In case the actuation points 51 , 52, 53 or sections 51a, 52a, 53a are arranged as indicated they divide the lens shaper 2 effectively into portions 20, 21 , 22 extending between each two neighboring actuation points or sections, wherein a first portion 20 of the lens shaper 2 comprises a larger stiffness in the direction of the optical axis A than the second and third portions 21 , 22.

[0113] According to a further embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the lens shaper 2 can be monolithic and consist of a single circumferential material layer 2 which comprises two opposing regions 2d where the lens shaper 2 has a reduced thickness in the radial direction of the lens shaper 2. Due to this decreased cross section, the lens shaper 2 comprises a reduced stiffness in these regions 2d. Correspondingly, in case the actuation points 51, 52, 53 or sections 51a, 52a, 53a that divide the lens shaper into portions 20, 21, 22 are arranged as indicated in Fig. 8, the portion 20 of the lens shaper 2 comprises a higher stiffness in the direction of the optical axis than the portions 21 and 22.

[0114] According to a further embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the lens shaper 2 can be in turn monolithic and consist of a single circumferential material layer 2 which now comprises three regions 2e of reduced thickness in the direction of the optical axis A and correspondingly three regions 2f of increased thickness in the direction of the optical axis A. Accordingly, in case the actuation points 51 , 52, 53 or sections 51a, 52a, 53a that divide the lens shaper into portions 20, 21, 22 are arranged as indicated in Fig. 9, the stiffness of the portion(s) 20, 21 , 22 depends on the distribution of regions 2e and 2f in the respective portion 20, 21, 22.

[0115] Furthermore, Fig. 10 discloses yet another aspect of the present invention relating to glasses 100 comprising two lenses 1 according to one of the various aspects of the present invention. Particularly, a frame 101 of the glasses 100 can comprise the base structures 4 as integral components. The movable structures 5 can then be movable with respect to the base structures 4 / frame 101. However, the present invention does not necessarily require moveable structures 5 that move with respect to the base structure 4. Alternatively, it is possible to maintain the moveable structure 5 fixed and to move other parts of the lens to enable adjusting the optical power of the lens 1. Particularly in such cases the (actuation) points or sections can be used to restrict / hold the lens shaper in a defined position at the respective point or section.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above, a reaction of the lens shaper to forces introduced via the respective points and / or sections of the moveable structure can be influenced by the geometry, particularly stiffness of the lens shaper 2 as described herein.

Claims

Claims1. A lens (1), comprising:- a non-circular lens shaper (2), having an outer diameter (D),- a membrane (3) comprising an optical center (30) through which an optical axis (A) of the lens (1) extends, the membrane (3) further comprising a circumferential edge region (3a) attached to the lens shaper (2),- a base structure (4),- a movable structure (5) configured to move relative to the base structure (4),- a fluid (F) in contact to the membrane (3), wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a plurality of actuation points (51, 52, 53) configured to control a movement of the lens shaper (2) in a direction of the optical axis (A), wherein the respective actuation point (51, 52, 53) is located within a virtual hollow cylinder volume (V) around the optical axis (A), or at least one actuation section (51a; 53b; 51c; 51 d) configured to control a movement of the lens shaper (2) in a direction of the optical axis (A), wherein the actuation section extends in a circumferential direction of the lens shaper (2) from a first end (500) to a second end (501) of the actuation section and is located within a virtual hollow cylinder volume (V) around the optical axis (A).

2. The lens according to claim 1, wherein the movable structure (5) comprises exactly one actuation section (51 d) wherein the first and the second end (500, 501) are forming an angle (a) with the optical center (30) as a vertex, wherein the angle (a) is in the range from 10° to 350°.

3. The lens according to claim 1, wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a plurality of actuation sections (51a, 52a 53a; 51c, 52c) configured to control the movement of the lens shaper (2) in a direction of the optical axis (A), wherein the respective actuation section extends in a circumferential direction (II) of the lens shaper (2) from a first end to a second end and is located within a virtual hollow cylinder volume (V) around the optical axis (A).

4. The lens according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of actuation points (51, 52, 53) divides the lens shaper (2) into a corresponding plurality of portions (20, 21, 22).

5. The lens according to claim 4, wherein at least two portions (20, 21) of said plurality of portions comprise a different stiffness in the direction of the optical axis (A).

6. The lens according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a protrusion (61) protruding inwards over the lens shaper (2), wherein the protrusion comprises one of said plurality of actuation points (51, 52, 53) or comprises the at least one actuation section (51a; 53b; 51c, 51 d).

7. The lens according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of actuation points (51, 52, 53) or the plurality of actuation sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) is configured to collectively move relative to the base structure (4).

8. The lens according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable structure (5) is rigid such that a distance between each two neighboring actuation points (51, 52, 53) of said plurality of actuation points or between each two actuation sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) of said plurality of actuation sections stays constant during operation of the lens (1).

9. The lens according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of actuation points (51, 52, 53) or the plurality of actuation sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) is configured to move parallel to the optical axis (A).

10. The lens according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable structure (5) is designed to tilt relative to the base structure (4).

11. The lens according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the respective portion (20, 21, 23) of said plurality of portions is configured to bend freely between two neighboring actuation points (51, 52, 53) of said plurality of actuation points.

12. The lens according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the membrane (3) is predominantly spherically curved in an operation state of the lens (1).

13. The lens according to one of the preceding claims, wherein for deforming the membrane (3) the lens (1) comprises one of: a shape memory alloy actuator (7), a direct current motor, a piezo actuator.

14. The lens according to claim 13, wherein the shape memory alloy actuator (7) comprises a wire (70) with a diameter between 5 to 500 pm, preferably 25 to 100 pm.

15. The lens according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lens (1) comprises a locking mechanism (8) to fix the movable structure (5) relative to the base structure (4).

16. A lens comprising: a non-circular lens shaper (2), a membrane (3) comprising an optical center (30) through which an optical axis (A) of the lens (1) extends, the membrane (3) further comprising an edge region (3a) attached to the lens shaper (2), a base structure (4), a movable structure (5) configured to move relative to the base structure (4), a fluid (F) in contact to the membrane (3), wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a plurality of sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) configured to act on the lens shaper (2), wherein the respective section (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) is intersected by a virtual lateral cylinder surface (V’) extending around the optical axis (A)17. The lens according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) divides the lens shaper (2) into a corresponding plurality of portions (20, 21, 22).

18. The lens according to claim 17, wherein the at least two portions (20, 21) of said plurality of portions comprise a different stiffness in the direction of the optical axis (A).

19. The lens according to one of the claims 16 to 18, wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a protrusion (61) protruding inwards over the lens shaper (2), wherein the protrusion comprises one section of said plurality of sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c).

20. The lens according to one of the claims 16 to 19, wherein the plurality of sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) is configured to collectively move relative to the base structure (4) or to collectively fix the lens shaper (2) relative to the base structure (4) at the respective section.

21. The lens according to one of the claims 16 to 20, wherein the movable structure (5) is rigid such that a distance between each two neighboring sections of the plurality of sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c; 52c) stays constant during operation of the lens (1).

22. The lens according to one of the claims 16 to 21, wherein the plurality of sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) is configured to move parallel to the optical axis (A).

23. The lens according to one of the claims 16 to 22, wherein the movable structure (5) is designed to be tilted relative to the base structure (4).

24. The lens according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the respective portion (20, 21 , 22) is configured to bend freely between two neighboring sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) of said plurality of sections.

25. The lens according to one of the claims 16 to 24, wherein the membrane (3) is predominantly spherically curved in an operation state of the lens (1).

26. The lens according to one of the claims 16 to 25, wherein for deforming the membrane (3) the lens (1) comprises one of: a shape memory alloy actuator (7), a direct current motor, a piezo actuator.

27. The lens according to claim 26, wherein the shape memory alloy actuator (7) comprises a wire having a diameter between 5 to 500 pm, preferably 25 to 100 pm.

28. The lens according to one of the claims 16 to 27, wherein the lens (1) comprises a locking mechanism (8) to fix the movable structure (5) relative to the base structure (4).

29. A lens, comprising: a non-circular lens shaper (2), a membrane (3) comprising an optical center (30) through which an optical axis (A) of the lens (1) extends, the membrane (3) further comprising a circumferential edge region (3a) attached to the lens shaper (2), a fluid (F) in contact to the membrane (3), a base structure (4), a movable structure (5) configured to move relative to the base structure (4), wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a plurality of points (51, 52, 53) or aplurality of sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) for interacting with the lens shaper (2), wherein said plurality of points or said plurality of sections divide the lens shaper (2) into a corresponding plurality of portions (20, 21, 22), wherein at least two portions (20, 21) of said plurality of portions comprise a different stiffness in a direction of the optical axis (A).

30. The lens according to claim 29, wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a protrusion (61) protruding inwards over the lens shaper (2), wherein the protrusion (61) comprises one point of said plurality of points (51, 52) or one section (51a, 52a; 51c, 52c) of said plurality of sections.

31. The lens according to one of the claims 29 or 30, wherein the plurality of points (51, 52, 53) or the plurality of sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) is configured to collectively move relative to the base structure (4), or wherein the plurality of points or the plurality of sections is configured to fix the lens shaper (2) relative to the base structure (4) at the respective point or section.

32. The lens according to one of the claims 29 to 31, wherein the movable structure (5) is rigid such that a distance between each two neighboring points of said plurality of points (51, 52, 53) or between each two neighboring sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) of said plurality of sections stays constant during an operation of the lens (1).

33. The lens according to one of the claims 29 to 32, wherein the plurality of points (51, 52) or the plurality of sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) is configured to move parallel to the optical axis (A).

34. The lens according to one of the claims 29 to 33, wherein the movable structure (5) is designed to be tilted relative to the base structure (4).

35. The lens according to one of the claims 29 to 34, wherein the respective portion (20, 21) is configured to bend freely between two neighboring points (51, 52) of said plurality of points or between two neighboring sections (51a, 52a; 51c; 52c) of said plurality of sections.

36. The lens according to one of the claims 29 to claim 35, wherein the membrane (3) is predominantly spherically curved in an operation state of the lens (1).

37. The lens according to one of the claims 29 or 36, wherein for deforming the membrane (3) the lens (1) comprises one of: a shape memory alloy actuator (7), a direct current motor, a piezo actuator.

38. The lens according to claim 37, wherein the shape memory alloy actuator (7) comprises a wire (70) having a diameter between 5 to 500 pm, preferably 25 to 100 pm.

39. The lens according to one of the claims 29 to 38, wherein the lens (1) comprises a locking mechanism (8) to fix the movable structure (5) relative to the base structure (4).

40. A lens, comprising:- a fluid (F), a membrane (3), which is in contact with the fluid (F), a non-circular lens shaper (2) connected to a circumferential edge region (3a) of the membrane (3), a movable structure (5) being movable in a direction of an optical axis (A) of the lens (1), wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a protrusion (61) protruding inwards over the lens shaper (2)41. The lens according to claim 40, wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a plurality of protrusions (61, 62, 63), the respective protrusion (61, 62, 63) protruding inwards over the lens shaper (2), wherein particularly the respective protrusion comprises a surface (61a, 62a) facing the lens shaper (2).

42. The lens according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the surfaces of said plurality of protrusions divide the lens shaper (2) into a corresponding plurality of portions (20, 21 , 22).

43. The lens according to claim 42, wherein at least two portions (20, 21) of said plurality of portions comprise a different stiffness in the direction of the optical axis (A).

44. The lens according to one of the claims 40 to 43, wherein the lens (1) comprises a base structure (4).

45. The lens according to claims 41 and 44, wherein said surfaces (61a, 62a) of the plurality of protrusions (61, 62, 63) are configured to collectively move relative to the base structure (4).

46. The lens according to one of the claims 41 to 45, wherein the movable structure (5) is rigid such that a distance between the surfaces (61a, 62a) of each two neighboring protrusions of said plurality of protrusions (61 , 62, 63) stays constant during operation of the lens (1).

47. The lens according to one of the claims 41 to 46, wherein said surfaces (61a, 62a) of the plurality of protrusions (61, 62, 63) are configured to move parallel to the optical axis (A).

48. The lens according to one of the claims 44 to 47, wherein the movable structure (5) is designed to be tilted relative to the base structure (4).

49. The lens according to one of the claims 42 to 48, wherein the respective portion (20, 21 , 22) is configured to bend freely between the surfaces (61a, 62a) of two neighboring protrusions (61 , 62) of said plurality of protrusions.

50. The lens according to one of the claims 40 to 49, wherein the membrane (3) is predominantly spherically curved in an operation state of the lens.

51. The lens according to one of the claims 40 to 50, wherein for deforming the membrane (3), the lens (1) comprises one of: a shape memory alloy actuator (7), a direct current motor, a piezo actuator.

52. The lens according to one of the claims 44 to 51, wherein the lens (1) comprises a locking mechanism (8) to fix the movable structure (5) relative to the base structure (4).

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