Micro electromechanical system for lens reposition
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2025/056509
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-17
Smart Images

Figure EP2025056509_17092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
MICRO ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM FOR LENS REPOSITIONTECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to contact lens systems for repositioning a contact lens on a user’s eye.BACKGROUND
[0002] A contact lens goes directly over the pupil to direct light into a user’s retina. One of the challenges is to maintain a stable position of the contact lens relative to the pupil since each time the user’s eye blinks or moves the lens may shift, which can disrupt the viewer's vision if the contact lens does not return to its original position.
[0003] A similar problem exists for toric lenses designed to correct astigmatism. Astigmatism is a vision condition caused by imperfection in the curvature of the cornea. Instead of having a smooth curved shape, the cornea may have an irregular shape that results in light not focusing properly on the retina, leading to distorted vision. Toric lenses need to maintain a specific orientation on the eyeball to correct this distortion. Because of this issue, wearers of toric lenses sometimes find that their vision becomes blurred if the lens moves or rotates out of the correct position. When the lens moves out of the correct position, the user needs to manually adjust the lens with a fingertip or even remove and reinsert it, which can be difficult in many situations.
[0004] The difficulty with maintaining the contact lens stable on the eye is that the lens cannot be permanently stabilized. The lens must still move over the eyeball to allow tear fluid to exchange under the lens and oxygen to the cornea.SUMMARY
[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a contact lens system which includes a contact lens layer, at least one sensor, at least one vibration device, and a controller circuit. The contact lens layer is configured to extend as a layer across a pupil and at least a portion of an iris of an eye of a user. The at least one sensor is within the contact lens layer and is configured to sense an underlying structure of the eye. The at least one vibration device is within the contact lens layer and is configured to generate a vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user. The controller circuit is within thecontact lens layer and is configured to control generation of the vibration force, through the at least one vibration device, to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user based on measurement data received from the at least one sensor that indicates the contact lens layer is misaligned relative to the underlying structure of the eye.
[0006] Some other embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a controller circuit within a contact lens layer that is configured to receive measurement data from at least one sensor within the contact lens layer. The measurement data includes indications of an underlying structure of an eye of a user of the contact lens layer. The controller circuit is further configured to determine whether a position and / or angular orientation, indicated by the received measurement data, of the contact lens layer on an eye of a user deviates from a desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer; determine a vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user based on the determination whether the position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer deviates from the desired position and / or angular orientation; and transmit to the at least one vibration device, within the contact lens layer, instructions to generate the vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user.
[0007] Yet some other embodiments of the present disclosure are direct to a method performed by a controller circuit within a contact lens layer. The method includes receiving measurement data from at least one sensor within the contact lens layer. The measurement data includes indications of an underlying structure of an eye of a user of the contact lens layer. The method further includes determining whether a position and / or angular orientation, indicated by the received measurement data, of the contact lens layer on the eye of the user deviates from a desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer; determining a vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user based on the determination whether the position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer deviates from the desired position and / or orientation; and transmitting to at least one vibration device, within the contact lens layer, instructions to generate the vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user.
[0008] Other contact lens systems and other systems according to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional embodiments be included within this description and protected by the accompanying claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and are not limited by the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a contact lens system that includes a contact lens layer, a sensor, a vibration device, and a controller, according to some embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] Figure 2 illustrates an example contact lens system on an eye of a user, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0012] Figure 3A illustrates an example contact lens system that includes a stabilization unit, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figure 3B illustrates an example contact lens system that includes multiple prescription strengths at space apart locations in the contact lens layer, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0014] Figure 4A illustrates an example contact lens system that includes a display within the contact lens layer, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0015] Figure 4B illustrates an example of the contact lens layer that includes the display on an eye of a user in relation to a desired position / orientation of a contact lens layer and display, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0016] Figure 5 illustrates photodiode pixels within the contact lens layer, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0017] Figure 6 illustrates sensor arrays within the contact lens layer, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0018] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a contact lens system with ridges on a surface of the contact lens layer that is in contact with the eye of the user, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0019] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of operations by a controller to control movement of a contact lens layer on an eye, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0020] Figure 9 illustrates components of a controller which are configured to operate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0021] Figure 10 illustrates another flowchart of operations by the controller to control movement of a contact lens layer on an eye, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Inventive concepts will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of embodiments of inventive concepts are shown. Inventive concepts may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of various present inventive concepts to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Components from one embodiment may be tacitly assumed to be present or used in another embodiment.
[0023] Contact lenses are typically thin clear plastic discs worn on a user’s eye(s). The contact lenses are typically configured to improve vision by correcting refractive errors, such as myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (distorted vision), presbyopia (changes to near vision that normally happen with age). Some contact lenses are configured to improve a plurality of refractive errors.
[0024] Smart contact lenses (i.e., contact lenses that include electronics built-in) are an emerging product in the field of wearable electronics. Smart contact lenses have triggered development of health monitoring and / or medical treatment technologies, diagnostic technologies, etc. Smart contact lenses may be made of poly (2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or poly dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to provide high oxygen permeability for wearer's comfort. Smart contact lenses can include bio sensors and substance distributing capabilities which are configured to measure lactic acid, glucose, intraocular pressure, blood oxygen levels, pulse rate, etc. and other key metabolites detectable in tear fluids and / or by physical eye contact.
[0025] For a smart contact lens, various electronic components within the smart contact lens could add extra weight and bulk to the lens which could potentially lead to uneven weight distribution. For toric contact lenses, a weighting mechanism called a ballast (e.g., prism ballast) may be used to add extra thickness or weight to the bottom of the contact lens to assist in maintaining a vertical orientation through gravitational pull during normal eye and eyelid movements. However, this does not completely prevent rotations and shifts caused by eye movement, blinking, wind, lens not fitting on the eye properly, etc. Additionally, when electronics are added to a smart toric contact lens, the ballas may no longer be the heaviest part of the lens due to the electronics in the smart toric contact lens. This could cause the lens to rotate and shift unpredictably, further impacting the ineffectiveness of the ballast.
[0026] Once the lens is out of alignment, vision becomes blurry and distorted. Currently, when a toric lens misaligns, wearers often have no choice but to manually adjust the lens either by blinking, massaging through the eyelid or using a fingertip to rotate it back into place. In some cases, removal and reapplication of the lens might be necessary, which is inconvenient and not always feasible, such as when outdoors or in the areas where hygiene conditions are not optimal.
[0027] Additionally, a smart contact lens may include a display that fits directly over the pupil of a user to project light onto the user’s retina (e.g., for displaying text to a user, virtual reality (VR) content, or augmented reality (AR) content). One of the challenges is to maintain the display stable relative to the pupil since each time the eye blinks or moves the lens may shift, which can disrupt the viewer's virtual experience if the display will not quickly return to its original position.
[0028] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a contact lens system which operates to dynamically adapt (i. e. , move) a position of the contact lens (e.g. a smart contact lens, smart contact lens with a display, toric contact lens, progressive contact lens, etc.) on the eye of the user to a desired position and / or angular orientation on the eye of the user. Advantages provided by various embodiments of the present disclosure include aligning a display to allow an image shown to the user via the display to be centered with little to no drift in the image in any direction (e.g., up, down, left, or right relative to the surface of the eye) or rotation (e.g., right or left rotation relative to the surface of the eye). This stability may ensure that digital content is overlaid accurately onto the real world, for VR and AR uses, which is essential for applications like navigation, gaming, education, etc. Other advantages may include alignment of multiple prescription strength of a contact lens (e.g., for a progressive contact lens) with the eye of the user. This may automatically set the lens to a desired position and relive users from the need to adjust the lens manually or deal with vision fluctuation.
[0029] Some embodiments of the present disclosure use one or more vibration devices within a contact lens layer of the contact lens system to generate a vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user toward a desired position.
[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a contact lens system 10 that includes a contact lens layer 110, a sensor 120, a vibration device 130, and a controller 100, according to some embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates an example contact lens system 10 on an eye of a user, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0031] The contact lens layer 110 is configured to extend as a layer across a pupil 212 and at least a portion of an iris 210 of an eye of a user. In some embodiments, the contact lens layer 110 includes a plastic disc that is configured to improve vision by correcting one or more refractive errors of the user’s eye. The plastic disc may include changes in thickness of the disc to correct the one or more refractive errors of the user’s eye. The contact lens system 10 includes at least one sensor 120, within the contact lens layer 110, that is configured to sense an underlying structure of the eye. For example, in Figure 2, the contact lens system 10 includes four sensors 120a-d spaced apart within the contact lens layer 110. The sensors 120a-d may generate measurement data that indicates a sensed underlying structure of the eye.
[0032] The contact lens system further includes at least one vibration device 130, within the contact lens layer 110, that is configured to generate a vibration force to move the contact lens layer 110 on the eye of the user. For example, in Figure 2, the contact lens system includes four vibration devices 130a-d spaced apart within the contact lens layer 110. The vibration force generated by the vibration devices 130a-d may move the contact lens layer 110 in a direction (i.e., a lateral direction and / or rotational direction) relative to the surface of the eye.
[0033] For example, asymmetric motion of at least one vibration device 130, due to a vibration frequency the at least one vibration device 130 is instructed (by the controller 100) to perform, can move the contact lens layer 110. The vibration frequency may include a steeper slope (created by faster motion) during a forward stroke and a smoother or slower slope (created by slower motion) during the return stroke to help overcome the forces acting on the contact lens layer (e.g., static / kinetic friction forces on the contact lens layer while on the user’s eye) and to move the contact lens layer 110 in a direction.
[0034] An example analysis of some embodiments will now be explained. There may be two masses, a smaller mass (ml) of a vibration element in a vibration device, and a larger mass (m2) of a contact lens system. For a typical soft contact lens with diameter 14mm, thickness 100pm and density 1.5 g / ml, mass m2 ~ 2.31e-5kg. We may assume that the m2 ~2.31e-4kg, because of the embedded electronics.
[0035] The mass ml of a vibrating element may typically range from le-10 to le-6 kg and can be assumed to ~le-6kg. The mass ml may oscillate at a specified frequency (as instructed by a controller), assumed to 1500 Hz, and undergoes a periodic motion described by an asymmetric forward and return stroke. The forward stroke may be a faster motion of ml from its minimum (xl min) to maximum (xl max) position. The return stroke may be aslower motion of ml from xl max to x2_min. This behavior may be defined by an asymmetry ratio where the return stroke takes three times longer than the forward stroke. This results in a non-symmetrical periodic curve with fast upward and slower downward motion.
[0036] The contact lens mass m2 is subject to static and kinetic friction forces, Fs and Fk, which control whether m2 moves or not. The Fs prevents motion initially, while Fk acts during the motion and slow it down. Friction force F =p*N, where p is coefficient of friction. It may be assumed that ps ~ 0,075 and pk -0,05 for static and kinetic friction coefficient respectively. N=g*m2 and is normal force where g acceleration constant due to gravity -9.81 (m / s2).
[0037] Vibrations of ml applies a periodic force on m2. Static friction holds m2 stationary until the force from ml exceeds the static friction threshold at which point m2 starts to move. Once m2 moves, kinetic friction slows it down until it stops and the process repeats. Under this example analysis, the force generated by ml during the oscillations may be significantly higher than the static friction force of m2. This confirms that ml has the capacity to move m2, and the movement will occur when the applied force exceeds the friction threshold.
[0038] Some vibrations may result in a “stick-slip” behavior of m2 due to the coefficient of friction that introduces sudden starts and stops. Some strategies for smoother, more continuous, and less damped motion of m2 can be achieved by: lubrication that can help the lens to glide more smoothly over the eye, which is also necessary to prevent dryness and irritation of the eyes, making wearing more comfortable; gradually increasing frequency and amplitude of ml rather than starting with a high frequency can smooth the transition between static and kinetic motion - may help to maintain a unidirectional and non-stopping motion; and / or implementing active feedback control using sensors (e.g., sensors 120) to monitor and adjust m2 motion in real-time. Based on feedback, the control system can adjust the input to ml in real-time ensuring that m2 movement is smooth and follows a given trajectory with a directed and continuous motion.
[0039] Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the vibration device(s) 130 includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS). The MEMS vibrator may be a tiny (e.g., pm to mm size) mechanical structure that includes beams, plates, and masses that can be oscillated or vibrated at specific resonant frequencies. These frequencies may include frequencies ranging from kHz to MHz. The vibrations of MEMS vibrators can be induced by electrostatic or piezoelectric actuators.
[0040] While MEMS vibrators are described throughout, a nano-electro-mechanical system (NEMS) may be used in addition to, or as alternative to, the MEMS.
[0041] Vibration is a form of mechanical energy that can be converted into translational or rotational motion. The vibrations from the vibration device(s) 130 can cause the contact lens layer 110 to move on the surface of the eye.
[0042] In some embodiments, the vibration device 130 includes one or more of: a piezoelectric thin film, MEMS actuator, and electrostatic actuator. These components may be integrated directly into a silicon substrate (or other type of substrate) during a manufacturing process, allowing for highly compact and energy-efficient haptic feedback systems.Piezoelectric thin film is configured to generate vibrations when subjected to an electric field, while MEMS actuators are configured to use mechanical structures etched into the silicon substrate. Electrostatic actuators are configured to use charge interactions to create movement. This integration offers space-saving benefits, as it eliminates the need for traditional mechanical components like rotating motors. It also may enable more precise and localized haptic feedback (e.g., vibration). Silicon-integrated vibrators present a promising solution for miniaturized, efficient haptic feedback in contact lens systems.
[0043] The contact lens system may further include the controller circuit (also referred herein as controller 100) within the contact lens layer 110. The controller 100 may be configured to control generation of the vibration force, through the at least one vibration device 130, to move the contact lens layer 110 on the eye of the user based on measurement data received from the at least one sensor (e.g., sensor 120 of Figure 1 or sensors 120a-d of Figure 2) that indicates the contact lens layer is misaligned relative to the underlying structure of the eye. For example, the controller 100a may be configured to control generation of the vibration force, through vibration devices 130a-d, by transmitting instructions to the vibration devices 130a-d to vibrate at a specific frequency. Alternatively, the controller 100 may be configured to generate the charge or electric field that causes the at least one vibration device 130 to vibrate at a specific frequency.
[0044] The controller 100 may receive an indication of which sensor is providing the measurement data and / or a location of the sensor that is providing the measurement data. In embodiments in which the indication provides information on which sensor is providing the measurement data, the controller circuit may obtain the location of the sensor via a look up table stored in a memory of the controller or a memory 140 of the contact lens system 10. Based on the measurement data and / or the location of the sensor that is providing themeasurement data, the controller circuit can determine the positioning of the contact lens layer 110 on the eye of the user.
[0045] The contact lens system 10 may include a single controller 100 or a plurality of controllers (e.g., controllers lOOa-b of Figure 2). Each controller may be configured to receive measurement data from a single sensor or a plurality of sensors and may be configured to control generation of the vibration force through a single vibration device or a plurality of vibration devices. For example, in Figure 2, the contact lens system 10 includes two controllers lOOa-b spaced apart within the contact lens layer. Controller 100a may be configured to receive measurement data from sensors 120a-b and control the generation of the vibration force through the vibration devices 130a-b.
[0046] The at least one sensor 120 may include a plurality of light sensors spaced apart across at least part of the contact lens layer 110. The light sensors may be configured to sense magnitude of light reflected from underlying structure of the eye. The controller 100 may be configured to identify movement of the light sensors relative to the underlying structure of the eye based on changes in the sensed magnitude of light indicated by measurement data from the light sensors, and to control generation of the vibration force, through the at least one vibration device 130, to move the contact lens layer 110 on the eye of the user based on the identified movement. For example, the light sensors may detect a higher magnitude of light when the underlying structure of the eye is the iris 210 than the pupil 212. Additionally, the magnitude of light when the underlying structure of the eye is a sclera of the eye may be higher than when the underlying structure of the eye is the iris 210.
[0047] In some embodiments, the at least one sensor 120 includes photodiode sensor. The photodiode sensor may include a plurality of photodiode pixels, where the plurality of photodiode pixels are arranged in an array. The controller circuit 100 is configured to identify movement of the array relative to the underlying structure of the eye, and to control generation of the vibration force, through the at least one vibration device 130, to move the contact lens layer 110 on the eye of the user based on the identified movement of the array (e.g., to move in the opposite direction from the identified movement).
[0048] The at least one sensor 120 may include a plurality of electrical characteristic sensors spaced apart across at least part of the contact lens layer 110. The electrical characteristic sensors may be configured to sense an electrical characteristic of the underlying structure of the eye. The controller circuit may be configured to identify movement of the plurality of electrical characteristic sensors relative to the underlying structure of the eye based on changes in the sensed electrical characteristics indicated by measurement data fromthe electrical characteristic sensors, and to control generation of the vibration force, through the at least one vibration device 130, to move the contact lens layer 110 on the eye of the user based on the identified movement.
[0049] The electrical characteristic sensors may include capacitive sensors configured to measure movement (e.g., micro-scale movement) through capacitance variations.
[0050] Some or all of the electronic components (e.g., the controller(s), sensor(s), vibration device(s), etc.) of the contact lens system 10 may be located in the contact lens layer 110 in positions that are outside the user’s vision.
[0051] Optionally, the contact lens system 10 may further include a memory 140, an interface 160, and an energy storage 150. The memory 140 is configured to store measurement data from the at least one sensor 120 and / or a look-up-table (LUT) that includes one or more vibration schemes for generation of a vibration force in different directions to move the contact lens layer 110 on the eye of the user. This is discussed in further detail below.
[0052] The interface 160 may be a wired or wireless interface that connects one or more of the electrical components to other electrical components. For example, the interface may connect the controller 100 to the at least one sensor 120 and at least one vibration device 130. In some embodiments, the interface 160 comprises a wireless communication circuitry, e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, RFID, NFC, Zigbee, cellular, etc. and / or a wired communication circuitry, e.g., Ethernet.
[0053] The energy storage device 150 is an energy storage device configured to store energy for powering one or more of the electrical components (e.g., sensor(s), vibration device(s), and / or controller(s)) of the contact lens system 10. The energy storage device 150 may be recharged by inductive coupling to a power source, or through other sources such as aqueous batteries.
[0054] In some embodiments, the electrical components are spaced apart in the contact lens system 10 to create a roughly even weight distribution within the contact lens layer 110. Alternatively, the electrical components may be spaced apart in the contact lens system 10 to assist a stabilization unit to urge a specific angular orientation of the contact lens layer 110 or counteract the stabilization unit when moving the contact lens layer 110 on the eye.
[0055] Figure 3 A illustrates an example contact lens system 10 that includes a stabilization unit 300, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The stabilization unit 300 is configured to stabilize the contact lens layer (110) on the eye of the user.
[0056] In some embodiments, the stabilization unit 300 includes a prism ballast or a peri -ballast configured to be subject to a gravitational pull on the contact lens layer 110 to urge a specific angular orientation of the contact lens layer 110 while on the eye of the user.
[0057] Different electrical components may be positioned within the contact lens layer 110 to assist the stabilization unit 300 to urge the specific angular orientation of the contact lens layer 110 while on the eye of the user. For example, the vibration devices 130b-d and the controller 100 may be positioned near the stabilization unit 300 so the weight of these electrical components can assist the stabilization unit 300 to urge the specific angular orientation of the contact lens layer 110. Alternatively, the vibration devices 130b-d may be positioned near the stabilization unit 300 to assist the contact lens layer 110 move more efficiently on the eye of the user by increasing the vibrational force near the stabilization unit 300, thereby counteracting the gravitational pull of the stabilization unit 300 when moving the contact lens layer 110 on the eye.
[0058] In some embodiments, the contact lens system 10 includes a contact lens layer 110 that comprises the stabilization unit 300, multiple prescription strengths, and / or a display within the contact lens layer 110.
[0059] Figure 3B illustrates an example contact lens system 10 that includes multiple prescription strengths 310a-c at space apart locations in the contact lens layer 110, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0060] In Figure 3B, the contact lens system 10 includes a multifocal contact lens layer 110 that includes multiple prescription strengths 310a-c at spaced apart locations in the contact lens layer 110. Having multiple prescription strengths in the contact lens layer 110 may require specific areas of the lens (e.g., first prescription strength 310a) to be in line with the pupil. Misalignment may cause the user to look at the wrong segment, causing blurred vision or difficulty in focusing.
[0061] The controller circuit may be configured to control generation of the vibration force, through the at least one vibration device (e.g., vibration devices 130a-d), to automatically correct any shift in the contact lens layer 110 on the user’s eye. This may allow the user to smoothly switch between different prescription strengths without manually adjusting the contact lens layer 110 on the eye. This could greatly improve convenience for contact lens users during activities that require frequent change in focus, e.g., compute use, reading, driving, etc.
[0062] Figure 5 illustrates photodiode pixels 510a-g within the contact lens layer 110, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In embodiments where the at least onesensor includes photodiode sensors, the photodiode sensors may include one or more photodiode pixels used to sense an underlying structure of the user’s eye.
[0063] In Figure 5, a first photodiode sensor includes photodiode pixels 510a-b, a second photodiode sensor includes photodiode pixels 510c-d, a third photodiode sensor includes photodiode pixels 510e-f, and a fourth photodiode sensor includes a single photodiode pixel 510g. The photodiode pixels may be positioned around the contact lens layer 110 so the movement in a direction (i.e., a lateral direction and / or rotational direction) can be measured by the sensors, and to allow the controller to determine from the measurement data a position / orientation of the contact lens layer 110 on the eye. To be able to measure rotation of the lens at least two photodiode pixels closely gathered may be needed in the direction of the rotation. For example, in Figure 5, photodiode pixels 510a-b may be used by the controller to detect / determine rotation of the contact lens layer 110 along arrow A. Additionally, photodiode pixels 510e-f may be used by the controller to detect / determine movement of the contact lens layer 110 along arrow B.
[0064] The controller is able to use the received measurement data, and optionally a location of each photodiode pixel, to determine a position and / or orientation of the contact lens layer 110 on the eye. For example, if the iris 210 of the eye is detected by the controller to be under the photodiode pixels 510c and 510e but not under photodiode pixels 510a-b, 51 Od, and 51 Of-g, then the controller receiving this measurement information may determine that the contact lens layer 110 is positioned too far to the right and up relative to the surface of the eye. Using this information, the controller can determine how to move the contact lens layer 110 on the eye of the user to position the contact lens layer 110 into a desired position (e.g., move the contact lens layer 110 downward and left relative to the surface of the eye).
[0065] It should be noted that while four photodiode sensors are shown in Figure 5, any number of photodiode sensors may be used herein and each photodiode sensor may include any number of photodiode pixels that would allow the controller to determine a position / orientation of the contact lens layer relative to the user’s eye.
[0066] Figure 6 illustrates sensor arrays 610a-d within the contact lens layer 110, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The at least one sensor may be arranged into one or more sensor arrays (e.g., sensor arrays 610a-d). These sensor arrays 610a-d may allow the controller to detect the position / orientation (or a change thereol) of the contact lens layer 110 with higher accuracy as the closer proximity of the sensors in the array allows the controller to receive information on underlying surfaces of the eye that are in close proximityto each other and can be compared by the controller to each other to detect motion and in which direction(s) the motion occurs.
[0067] Figure 4A illustrates an example contact lens system 10 that includes a display 400 within the contact lens layer 110, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The display 400, within the contact lens layer 110, may be configured to cover at least a portion of the iris of the eye and to project light toward the pupil of the eye of the user.
[0068] The light projected by the display toward the pupil of the eye of the user may include VR or AR content that is overlaid onto positions corresponding to real world objects. By the controller causing the contact lens layer 110 to move on the eye of the user, via the vibration device(s), the controller may be able to maintain an image seen by the user, via the display, in a same position with little to no drift of the image in any direction. This stability may ensure that the image is overlaid accurately onto the real world, for VR and AR uses, which is essential for applications like navigation, gaming, education etc. Additionally, if the contact lens layer 110 does move on the eye, the controller can move the contact lens layer 110 to achieve proper alignment of the display on the eye of the user.
[0069] For example, Figure 4B illustrates a contact lens layer 110 that includes the display 400 on an eye of a user in relation to a desired position / orientation 410 of a contact lens layer 110 and display 400, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, the contact lens layer 110 has shifted translationally along a surface of the user’s eye downward and to the right. Additionally, the contact lens layer 110 has been rotated to the right from a direction that is tangential to the surface of the eye.
[0070] The controller receives measurement data from each of the sensors 120a-d. The controller is configured to detect when the measurement data indicates a position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer 110 that deviates from a desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer 110. The controller may be configured to control the generation of the vibration force, through the at least one vibration device 130a-b, based on determining that the measurement data indicates that a position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer 110 deviates from the desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer 110.
[0071] In this example, the measurement data from the sensors 120a, 120c, and 120d indicates that each sensor is sensing an edge of the iris 210 of the eye. The measurement data from the sensor 120b indicates that the sensor is sensing a sclera of the eye. The controller may know a desired position / orientation 410 of the contact lens layer 110 relative to the eye. Using the known desired position / orientation of the contact lens layer 110 and the currentposition / orientation indicated by the measurement data from the sensors 120a-d, the controller may determine a direction that the contact lens layer 110 is to move to place the contact lens layer 110 in the desired position / orientation 410. The controller may use this information and compare the information to a predefined rule, algorithm, or a look-up-table (LUT) that is stored either in the memory of the controller or the memory of the contact lens system to determine a vibration force to generate with at least one of the vibration devices 130a-b. Alternatively, a delta (distance and angle) between the current position of the contact lens layer 110 and the desired position / orientation of the contact lens layer 110 may be calculated. The resulting calculation may be used to determine the direction to move the contact lens layer 110 (e.g., compare the delta to a predefined rule or LUT to determine a vibration force to generate with at least one of the vibration devices 130a-b).
[0072] In some embodiments, one or more of the sensors (e.g., sensors 120a-d) may include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that is configured to measure movement and orientation of the contact lens layer 110 on the eye of the user, radio frequency based sensors configured to measure changes in radio frequency signals, and / or infrared thermal sensors configured to measure a temperature change of the underlying structure of the eye. For example, the controller may receive measurement data from the IMU(s) to calculate a delta between the current position of the contact lens layer 110 and a desired position / orientation (e.g., a previous position / orientation) of the contact lens layer 110, to determine a direction to move the contact lens layer 110.
[0073] The desired position / orientation of a contact lens layer may be based on at least one of: a position and / or angular orientation of a display (400) within the contact lens layer; a position and / or angular orientation of a stabilization unit (300) configured to stabilize the contact lens layer on an eye of the user; and a position and / or angular orientation of multiple prescription strengths locations in the contact lens layer. For example, the display 400 may be required to maintain a specific position / orientation 410 in order to properly display content to the user of the contact lens. In another example, a contact lens with multiple prescription strengths may need to be in a specific position / orientation to allow the user of the contact lens to receive the benefits of the multiple prescription strengths (i.e., have clear vision).
[0074] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a contact lens system with ridges 700 on a surface of the contact lens layer 110 that is in contact with the eye of the user, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. At least one ridge may allow for the movement of the contact lens layer (while being vibrated by vibration devices) to be controlled moreefficiently by increasing friction in certain direction(s) while decreasing friction in other direction(s).
[0075] The contact lens layer 110 of Figure 7 includes three ridges 700 that are configured to increase friction with a surface of the eye when the contact lens layer is moved in one or more directions while being vibrated by the at least one vibration device and decrease friction with the eye when the contact lens layer is moved in one or more other directions while being vibrated. For example, the at least one ridge 700 may include a smooth curved surface on surfaces that are pointing toward a center of the contact lens layer 110 and a sharp (or jagged) edge pointing in an opposite direction from the center of the contact lens layer 110. This may allow for a decrease in friction between the contact lens layer 110 and the eye when the contact lens layer 110 is vibrated to move in a first direction that points toward the center of the contact lens layer while increasing the friction between the contact lens layer 110 and the eye when vibrated in a second direction away from the center of the contact lens layer. The positioning of the ridges may be toward an edge of the contact lens layer 110. In some embodiments, each ridge may include a same or different shape.
[0076] Figure 9 illustrates components of a controller 910 which are configured to operate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The controller 910 can include at least one processor circuit 920 (processor) and at least one memory circuit 930 (memory). Optionally, the controller 910 can further include an energy storage device 950 (e.g., a battery) and an interface 940. The interface 940 may include wireless communication circuitry, e.g., Bluetooth , WiFi, RFID, NFC, Zigbee, cellular, etc. and / or wired communication circuitry, e.g., Ethernet. The processor 920 is connected to communicate with the other components. The processor 920 may include one or more data processing circuits, such as a general purpose and / or special purpose processor (e.g., microprocessor, digital signal processor, and / or field-programmable gate array (FPGA)). The processor 920 is configured to execute instructions in the memory 930 (e.g., a computer readable medium) to perform some or all of the operations and methods for one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein for a controller. The energy storage device 950 is configured to store energy for powering one or more of the electrical components. The energy storage device 950 may be recharged by inductive coupling to a power source, or through other sources such as aqueous batteries.
[0077] Although the components are illustrated as separate blocks for ease of illustration, any two or more of them may be integrated into a common circuit package.
[0078] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of operations by a controller (e.g., controller 100, 910) to control movement of a contact lens layer (e.g., contact lens layer 110 of Figure 2) on an eye, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is directed to broader embodiments and will be described first. Further embodiments are described above, and yet further embodiments are described below with reference to Figure 10 which is directed to example operations that may be performed in accordance with one or more of the operations described in Figure 8 or above.
[0079] With reference to Figure 8, in operation 800, the controller within a contact lens layer (e.g., contact lens layer 110 of Figure 2) may receive measurement data from at least one sensor (e.g., sensors 120a-d of Figure 2) within the contact lens layer. The measurement data may include indications of an underlying structure of an eye of a user of the contact lens layer. For example, the measurement data may include one or more indications of whether the underlying structure of the eye below the sensor includes one of a pupil, iris, sclera, etc. In some embodiments, receiving (in operation 800) the measurement data from the at least one sensor is responsive to receiving an indication from the at least one sensor that indicates movement of the contact lens layer over a threshold distance and / or a threshold rotation. This may be a trigger to the controller that misalignment might have occurred, and the controller may then determine if misalignment has occurred.
[0080] The controller, in operation 802, can determine whether a position and / or angular orientation, indicated by the received measurement data, of the contact lens layer on the eye of the user deviates from a desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer. The desired position and / or angular orientation may be a predefined position and / or angular orientation for the specific contact lens layer, a position and / or angular orientation that the contact lens layer positioned / oriented in a period of time after being placed on the eye (e.g., after the contact lens layer has settled onto the eye, after placement on the eye).
[0081] In some embodiments, the desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer is based on at least one of: a position and / or angular orientation of a display within the contact lens layer; a position and / or angular orientation of a stabilization unit configured to stabilize the contact lens layer on an eye of the user; and a position and / or angular orientation of multiple prescription strengths location in the contact lens layer.
[0082] In operation 804, the controller can determine a vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user based on the determination whether the position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer deviates from the desired position and / or orientation. In some embodiments, the determining (in operation 804) the vibration force tomove the contact lens layer on the eye of the user includes querying a look-up-table (LUT) using the received (operation 800) measurement data or a calculated delta between a current position and / or orientation of the contact lens layer - indicated by the measurement data -and the desired position and / or orientation. The LUT comprises one or more vibration schemes for generation of the vibration force in the direction to move the contact lens layer.
[0083] For example, the controller may compare the measurement data to a predefined rule or a LUT that is stored either in the memory of the controller, or a physically separate memory of the contact lens system, to determine a vibration force or vibration scheme to generate with at least one of the vibration devices. In an alternative example, a delta (i. e. , distance and angle) between the current position of the contact lens layer and the desired position / orientation of the contact lens layer may be calculated. The resulting calculation may be used to compare to an algorithm, a predefined rule, or a LUT to determine a vibration force or vibration scheme to generate with at least one of the vibration devices.
[0084] In operation 806, the controller can transmit to at least one vibration device (e.g., vibration devices 130a-d of Figure 2), within the contact lens layer, instructions to generate the vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user.
[0085] After transmitting (in operation 806) to the at least one vibration device instructions to generate the vibration force, the controller may receive updated measurement data from the at least one sensor. The updated measurement data may indicate a positions and / or orientation of the contact lens layer on the eye after movement caused by the vibration device(s). The controller may determine whether another measured position and / or angular orientation, indicated by the received updated measurement data, of the contact lens layer on the eye of the user deviates from the desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer. This may provide the benefit of allowing the controller to determine if the generated vibration force from the at least one vibration device has moved the contact lens layer to the desired position and / or angular orientation. If the controller determines that the contact lens layer has moved to the desired position and / or angular orientation, the controller may return to operation 800. If the controller determines that the contact lens layer has not moved to the desired position and / or angular orientation, the controller may perform the operations 804 and 806 again (and may continue to perform these operations until the contact lens layer is moved to the desired position and / or angular orientation.
[0086] Figure 10 illustrates another flowchart of operations by a controller (e.g., controller 100, 910) to control movement of a contact lens layer on an eye, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0087] The operations may start when the contact lens is powered on when removed for a charging case (e.g., lens cleaning case). The lens may be put into the eye of the user. Once the lens is inserted onto the eye, there may be a time period until the controller and / or other electrical components in the contact lens layer is activated (operation 1001) so the user has time to adjust it properly and / or the contact lens layer has time to settle in place on the eye. When the lens is activated (operation 1001), the controller may continuously read the at least one sensor or some of the at least one sensor to detect if the lens has moved or not. The controller may alternatively read the at least one sensor (or some thereol) a set time interval that could range, for example, from a few milliseconds to a few seconds.
[0088] At operation 1002, a controller may determine whether it detects a sensor trigger (operation 1002) - senses a movement via the at least one sensor that is over a threshold distance and / or a threshold rotation or detects a part of the user’s eye (e.g., the pupil). For example, in operation 1002, when one or more sensors (e.g., sensors 120a-d of Figure 2) are determined by the controller to sense an edge between the iris and the pupil a trigger is sent to the controller that includes information on which sensor(s) that is triggered.
[0089] If the controller does not detect a sensor trigger, the operations continue at operation 1002. If the controller does detect a sensor trigger, then the controller may move to operation 1003 which includes gathering sensor data from the at least one sensor (e.g., sensors 120a-d of Figure 2). Gathering sensor data may include receiving or otherwise obtaining measurement data from at least one sensor within the contact lens layer. The measurement data including indications of an underlying structure of an eye of a user of the contact lens layer.
[0090] In operation 1004, the controller determines if the contact lens layer is misaligned based on the measurement data received from the at least one sensor. If the contact lens layer is determined to not be misaligned, then the controller goes to operation 1002. The controller may determine misalignment based on a difference between the current position / orientation of the contact lens layer and a desired position / orientation of the contact lens layer.Alternatively, the controller may determine misalignment based on a difference between the current position / orientation of the contact lens layer and prior position / orientation of the contact lens layer. The prior lens position can be determined based on previous measurement data from sensor(s) (e.g., photodiode sensors) to keep track of positional / orientation changes. The sensors can be used by the controller for real-time monitoring of a shift in the contact lens layer’s position / orientation. The sensors may continuously monitor the lens orientation and position and communicate the measurement data to the controller. The controller canprocess the data to determine whether the detected position is misaligned (i.e., deviating from the desired position and / or angular orientation) and determine the necessary adjustment delta.
[0091] If the contact lens layer is determined to be misaligned (e.g., not in a desired position and / or angular orientation), then the controller may use the measurement data or the calculated adjustment delta to query a LUT. In some embodiments the position of the sensor(s) that the measurement data was received from may also be used. The LUT may be queried for the controller to determine a vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user to a desired position and / or angular orientation. The LUT may include one or more vibration schemes for generation of the vibration force in the direction to move the contact lens layer (110) on the eye of the user. For example, if a sensor located near a top of the contact lens layer sends a trigger to the controller, the controller may receive and analyze the measurement data from all the sensors and determine that the lens needs to move up. The controller may query the LUT for upward movement(s) and selects a vibration scheme (e.g., a sequence of commands to generate a vibration force(s) at the at least one vibration device) to enable movement of the contact lens layer in an upward direction.
[0092] Alternatively, in operation 1005, the controller may use the measurement data, a portion of the measurement data, or the calculated adjustment delta as input to an algorithm to determine a vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user to a desired position and / or angular orientation.
[0093] In operation 1006, the controller may transmit a control signal (e.g., instructions) to a vibrator (e.g., vibration device 130a of Figure 2) or a plurality of vibrators. In the example above, the controller may transmit the selected scheme that moves the contact lens layer up relative to the eye. One or more schemes may be selected and transmitted to the at least one vibration devices to move the contact lens layer to a desired position / orientation. In some embodiments, a vibration device may receive the same or different vibration control from the controller as another vibration device, and the vibration device may perform the vibration at the same time or a different time than the another vibration device.
[0094] The schemes could continuously be transmitted to the vibration devices for a time period or after each scheme is performed by the vibration device(s). The sensor(s) are checked (i.e., new measurement data is received by the controller from the sensor(s) in operation 1007), a new interpretation is done (i.e., the controller determines if there is misalignment in operation 1004), a LUT is checked (i.e., the controller queries the LUT based on the new measurement data in operation 1005), and a new scheme is sent to the at least one vibration device (i.e., the controller transmits a control signal to the vibrators inoperation 1006, based on the scheme selected in operation 1005). For example, after transmitting the control signal or instructions to the vibrator, the controller (in operation 1007) may receive new / updated measurement data from the at least one sensor. Then the controller may move to operation 1004 to determine if there is still misalignment. If there is, the controller may send a same control signal, as used before, to the vibrator or the controller may go to operation 1005 to determine a new vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user to a desired position and / or angular orientation.
[0095] Once the contact lens layer is removed from the eye the controller may sense this from the sensor measurement data and the controller deactivates itself and / or the other electronic components in the contact lens layer, in operation 1008 (e.g., turned off, put into a sleep mode, or prepares for being charged).
[0096] Further Definitions and Embodiments:
[0097] In the above-description of various embodiments of present inventive concepts, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of present inventive concepts. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which present inventive concepts belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense expressly so defined herein.
[0098] When an element is referred to as being "connected", "coupled", "responsive", or variants thereof to another element, it can be directly connected, coupled, or responsive to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected", "directly coupled", "directly responsive", or variants thereof to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, "coupled", "connected", "responsive", or variants thereof as used herein may include wirelessly coupled, connected, or responsive. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0099] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements / operations, these elements / operations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element / operation from another element / operation. Thus, a first element / operation in some embodiments could be termed a second element / operation in other embodiments without departing from the teachings of present inventive concepts. The same reference numerals or the same reference designators denote the same or similar elements throughout the specification.
[0100] As used herein, the terms "comprise", "comprising", "comprises", "include", "including", "includes", "have", "has", "having", or variants thereof are open-ended, and include one or more stated features, integers, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof. Furthermore, as used herein, the common abbreviation "e.g.", which derives from the Latin phrase "exempli gratia," may be used to introduce or specify a general example or examples of a previously mentioned item, and is not intended to be limiting of such item. The common abbreviation "i.e.", which derives from the Latin phrase "id est," may be used to specify a particular item from a more general recitation.
[0101] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations of computer-implemented methods, apparatus (systems and / or devices) and / or computer program products. It is understood that a block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions that are performed by one or more computer circuits. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor circuit of a general purpose computer circuit, special purpose computer circuit, and / or other programmable data processing circuit to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer and / or other programmable data processing apparatus, transform and control transistors, values stored in memory locations, and other hardware components within such circuitry to implement the functions / acts specified in the block diagrams and / or flowchart block or blocks, and thereby create means (functionality) and / or structure for implementing the functions / acts specified in the block diagrams and / or flowchart block(s).
[0102] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a tangible computer-readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the functions / acts specified in the block diagrams and / or flowchart block or blocks. Accordingly, embodiments of present inventive concepts may be embodied in hardware and / or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) that runs on a processor such as a digital signal processor, which may collectively be referred to as "circuitry," "a module" or variants thereof.
[0103] It should also be noted that in some alternate implementations, the functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the flowcharts. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved. Moreover, the functionality of a given block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams may be separated into multiple blocks and / or the functionality of two or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams may be at least partially integrated. Finally, other blocks may be added / inserted between the blocks that are illustrated, and / or blocks / operations may be omitted without departing from the scope of inventive concepts. Moreover, although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows.
[0104] Many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of the present inventive concepts. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of present inventive concepts. Accordingly, the above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended examples of embodiments are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the spirit and scope of present inventive concepts. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of present inventive concepts are to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the present disclosure including the following examples of embodiments and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.
Claims
23CLAIMS:
1. A contact lens system (10) comprising:a contact lens layer (110) configured to extend as a layer across a pupil and at least a portion of an iris of an eye of a user;at least one sensor (120) within the contact lens layer (110) and configured to sense an underlying structure of the eye;at least one vibration device (130) within the contact lens layer (110) and configured to generate a vibration force to move the contact lens layer (110) on the eye of the user; and a controller circuit (100, 910) within the contact lens layer (110) and configured to control generation of the vibration force, through the at least one vibration device (130), to move the contact lens layer (110) on the eye of the user based on measurement data received from the at least one sensor (120) that indicates the contact lens layer (110) is misaligned relative to the underlying structure of the eye.
2. The contact lens system (10) of Claim 1, wherein each of the at least one vibration device (130) comprises a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS).
3. The contact lens system (10) of Claim 2, wherein the MEMS comprises at least one of a MEMS actuator, a piezoelectric thin film, and an electrostatic actuator.
4. The contact lens system (10) of any of Claims 1 to 3, further comprising:a display (400), within the contact lens layer (110), configured to cover at least a portion of the iris of the eye, wherein the display (400) is configured to project light toward the pupil of the eye of the user.
5. The contact lens system (10) of any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one sensor (120) comprises:a plurality of light sensors spaced apart across at least part of the contact lens layer (110), the light sensors configured to sense magnitude of light reflected from underlying structure of the eye,wherein the controller circuit (100, 910) is configured to identify movement of the light sensors relative to the underlying structure of the eye based on changes in the sensed magnitude of light indicated by measurement data from the light sensors, and to controlgeneration of the vibration force, through the at least one vibration device (130), to move the contact lens layer (110) on the eye of the user based on the identified movement.
6. The contact lens system (10) of any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one sensor (120) comprises a photodiode sensor with a plurality of photodiode pixels where the plurality of photodiode pixels are arranged in an array,wherein the controller circuit (100, 910) is configured to identify movement of the array relative to the underlying structure of the eye, and to control generation of the vibration force, through the at least one vibration device (130), to move the contact lens layer (110) on the eye of the user based on the identified movement of the array.
7. The contact lens system (10) of any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one sensor (120) comprises:a plurality of electrical characteristic sensors spaced apart across at least part of the contact lens layer (110), the electrical characteristic sensors configured to sense an electrical characteristic of the underlying structure of the eye, wherein the controller circuit (100, 910) is configured to identify movement of the plurality of electrical characteristic sensors relative to the underlying structure of the eye based on changes in the sensed electrical characteristics indicated by measurement data from the electrical characteristic sensors, and to control generation of the vibration force, through the at least one vibration device (130), to move the contact lens layer (110) on the eye of the user based on the identified movement.
8. The contact lens system (10) of any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller circuit (100, 910) is further configured to:detect when the measurement data indicates a position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer (110) that deviates from a desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer (110); andfurther control the generation of the vibration force, through the at least one vibration device (130), based on determining that the measurement data indicates that a position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer (110) deviates from the desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer (110).
9. The contact lens system (10) of any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the contact lens layer (110) comprises a stabilization unit (300) configured to stabilize the contact lens layer (110) on an eye of the user, wherein the stabilization unit (300) comprises:a prism ballast or a peri -ballast configured to be subject to a gravitational pull on the contact lens layer (110) to urge a specific angular orientation of the contact lens layer (110) while on the eye of the user.
10. The contact lens system (10) of any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the contact lens layer (110) comprises multiple prescription strengths at spaced apart locations in the contact lens layer (110),wherein the controller circuit (100, 910) is configured to control generation of the vibration force, through the at least one vibration device (130), to maintain position of the spaced apart locations aligned with the underlying structure of the eye.
11. The contact lens system (10) of Claim 8, wherein the desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer is defined based on at least one of:a position and / or angular orientation of a display (400) within the contact lens layer; a position and / or angular orientation of a stabilization unit (300) configured to stabilize the contact lens layer on an eye of the user; anda position and / or angular orientation of multiple prescription strengths locations in the contact lens layer.12 The contact lens system (10) of any of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the contact lens layer (110) comprises at least one ridge (700) configured to increase friction with the eye when the contact lens layer is moved in one or more directions while being vibrated by the at least one vibration device (130) and decrease friction with the eye when the contact lens layer is moved in one or more other directions while being vibrated.
13. A controller circuit (100, 910) within a contact lens layer (110) and configured to:receive measurement data from at least one sensor (120) within the contact lens layer (110), wherein the measurement data includes indications of an underlying structure of an eye of a user of the contact lens layer (110); determine whether a position and / or angular orientation, indicated by the received measurement data, of the contact lens layer (110) on an eye of a user26deviates from a desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer (110);determine a vibration force to move the contact lens layer (110) on the eye of the user based on the determination whether the position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer (110) deviates from the desired position and / or angular orientation; andtransmit to the at least one vibration device (130), within the contact lens layer (110), instructions to generate the vibration force to move the contact lens layer (110) on the eye of the user.
14. The controller circuit (100, 910) of Claim 13, wherein receiving the measurement data from the at least one sensor (120) is responsive to receiving an indication from the at least one sensor (120) that indicates movement of the contact lens layer (110) over a threshold distance and / or a threshold rotation.
15. The controller circuit (100, 910) of any of Claims 13 to 14, further configured to: after transmitting to the at least one vibration device (130) instructions to generate the vibration force, receive updated measurement data from the at least one sensor (120); and determine whether another measured position and / or angular orientation, indicated by the received updated measurement data, of the contact lens layer (110) on an eye of a user deviates from the desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer (110).
16. The controller circuit (100, 910) of any of Claims 13 to 15, wherein the desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer is based on at least one of:a position and / or angular orientation of a display within the contact lens layer;a position and / or angular orientation of a stabilization unit configured to stabilize the contact lens layer on an eye of the user; anda position and / or angular orientation of multiple prescription strengths locations in the contact lens layer.
17. The controller circuit (100, 910) of any of Claims 13 to 16, wherein the determination of the vibration force to move the contact lens layer (110) on the eye of the user comprises querying a look-up-table (LUT) using the received measurement data, wherein the LUT27comprises one or more vibration schemes for generation of the vibration force in the direction to move the contact lens layer (110) on the eye of the user.
18. A method performed by a controller circuit within a contact lens layer comprising: receiving (800) measurement data from at least one sensor within the contact lens layer, wherein the measurement data includes indications of an underlying structure of an eye of a user of the contact lens layer;determining (802) whether a position and / or angular orientation, indicated by the received measurement data, of the contact lens layer on the eye of the user deviates from a desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer;determining (804) a vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user based on the determination whether the position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer deviates from the desired position and / or orientation; andtransmitting (806) to at least one vibration device, within the contact lens layer, instructions to generate the vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user.
19. The method of Claim 18, further comprising:after transmitting (806) to the at least one vibration device instructions to generate the vibration force, receiving updated measurement data from the at least one sensor; and determining whether another measured position and / or angular orientation, indicated by the received updated measurement data, of the contact lens layer on an eye of a user deviates from the desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer.
20. The method of any of Claims 18 to 19, wherein the desired position and / or angular orientation of the contact lens layer is based on at least one of:a position and / or angular orientation of a display within the contact lens layer;a position and / or angular orientation of a stabilization unit configured to stabilize the contact lens layer on an eye of the user; anda position and / or angular orientation of multiple prescription strengths location in the contact lens layer.
21. The method of any of Claims 18 to 20, wherein receiving (800) the measurement data from the at least one sensor is responsive to receiving an indication from the at least onesensor that indicates movement of the contact lens layer over a threshold distance and / or a threshold rotation.
22. The method of any of Claims 18 to 21, wherein determining (804) the vibration force to move the contact lens layer on the eye of the user, comprises querying a look-up-table (LUT) using the received (800) measurement data, wherein the LUT comprises one or more vibration schemes for generation of the vibration force in the direction to move the contact lens layer.