Active Diffractive Phase Lens for Variable Optical Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic and augmented reality lenses lack a convenient and efficient mechanism for fine adjustment of optical power in response to lighting conditions and physiological changes, such as fatigue, with current technologies being unsuitable due to size limitations, polarization dependence, or inefficiencies in power distribution across the lens surface.
Innovation Solution
An active optical system comprising a base lens with a stacked structure of active diffractive phase lenses, each having variable optical power and a minimum variation of 0.25 diopters, which can be adjusted through activation means, ensuring a total thickness of less than 1 mm and a diameter of at least 15 mm, with a transmission greater than 50% in the visible spectral range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If liquid lenses or electrowetting lenses are used to achieve variable optical power, then the optical power can be adjusted, but the lens size is limited and not suitable for ophthalmic spectacle glasses
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple independent controllable zones or segments, each capable of adjusting its optical power independently. This segmentation allows the lens to achieve variable optical power across different regions while maintaining an overall large aperture size suitable for spectacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens incorporates dynamic elements that can change shape, position, or refractive index in response to control signals. This dynamic capability enables continuous adjustment of optical power while preserving the large physical dimensions of the spectacle lens.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nematic liquid crystal lenses are used to achieve variable optical power, then the optical power can be adjusted, but the optical transmission is less than 50% due to polarization dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the liquid crystal material, specifically using宾主型（guest-host）liquid crystal modes or achieving gray scale control through refractive index modulation. This approach maintains high optical transmission (>50%) while enabling variable optical power adjustment by changing the liquid crystal orientation state rather than relying on polarization-dependent effects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Alvarez lenses are used to achieve variable optical power, then the optical power can be adjusted, but there is no indication on the obtained power and the power is not constant across the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system incorporates feedback mechanisms including optical sensors that detect the actual optical power being delivered and control systems that adjust the lens parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures accurate indication and maintenance of the desired optical power across the lens surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements zone-based control where different regions of the lens can be independently adjusted to achieve uniform optical power distribution across the aperture. Each zone's properties are optimized locally to contribute to the overall uniform power distribution.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing variable power lenses are used, then optical power adjustment is possible, but they lack ultra-thin and ultralight characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms (such as moving lens elements or adjusting screws) with field-based control methods using electricity, magnetism, or light. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components while maintaining variable optical power capability, resulting in ultra-thin and ultralight lenses.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides continuous or discrete adjustment of optical power, addressing the limitations of existing lenses by offering ultra-thin, lightweight, and high-transmission solutions suitable for ophthalmic and augmented reality applications, capable of adapting to varying lighting conditions and physiological states.
Implementation Method 1
active diffractive phase lens having a variable optical power
Implementation Method 2
active diffractive phase lens presenting in cross-section a plurality of discrete phase levels
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an active optical system (100) for an ophthalmic spectacle lens or for an augmented reality device. According to the invention, the active optical system (100) comprises a base lens (10) and a stacked structure, the stacked structure comprising at least one active diffractive phase lens (20) having a variable optical power with a minimum optical power variation of at least 0.25 diopter, the stacked structure having a variable total optical power, said active diffractive phase lens presenting in cross-section a plurality of discrete phase levels (21, 22, 23, 24) and activation means (30) for varying the variable optical power of said at least one active diffractive phase lens, the variable total optical power of the stacked structure varying continuously over a determined optical power range or having at least three different values in the determined optical power range, said stacked structure having a total thickness lower than 1 mm.