Spatially-Variable Optical Power Active Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical apparatuses, such as multifocal lenses and focus-tunable lenses, face challenges in providing flexible and efficient vision correction for age-related vision degradation, particularly in accommodating multiple optical powers and requiring high electrical power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The optical apparatus incorporates an active optical element with an active material encased between transparent substrates, allowing for selective control of the active material in a central portion and sectors around an optical axis, driven by a processor to generate specific optical powers as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multifocal lenses incorporate multiple optical centers for distance and reading vision, then both distance and reading vision can be corrected, but distortion and prismatic artifacts occur in the area between optical centers
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple independently controllable zones (first zone for distance vision, second zone for reading vision, and intermediate zones) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows each zone to function independently without creating distortion artifacts at boundaries, as the patent applies continuous gradient index transitions within each zone rather than abrupt changes between zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are assigned different optical properties - the first zone has optical parameters optimized for distance vision, the second zone for reading vision, and intermediate zones with gradient transitions. This local differentiation allows each region to provide its specific function while the gradient transitions eliminate sharp boundaries that cause distortion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional focus-tunable lenses provide reading power over their entire area, then reading vision can be corrected, but a lot of electrical power is required to operate the lens
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying reading power across the entire lens area, the patent applies reading power only to the second zone when needed, while the first zone maintains distance power. This partial action approach significantly reduces the volume of active material that requires electrical actuation, thereby reducing overall power consumption while still providing full reading correction in the required field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens dynamically adjusts which zones are active for reading power based on user needs. The system can switch between having only the second zone active for reading, having both zones active for extended range, or switching to distance vision mode. This dynamic configuration allows power consumption to match actual usage requirements rather than continuously powering the entire lens.
3Speed
If conventional focus-tunable lenses switch between reading power and distance power, then vision correction for different distances is achieved, but the switching speed must be very fast (order of milliseconds) which increases power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lens uses periodic or pulsed actuation to switch between reading and distance power modes. Rather than maintaining continuous high-power states, the system applies electrical power in controlled pulses to transition between states, then maintains positions with minimal holding power. This periodic action reduces average power consumption while achieving the required switching speeds for natural vision transitions.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the active optical element is divided into a central portion and multiple sectors for selective control, then spatially-variable optical power can be produced with low power requirements, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active optical element is segmented into a central portion and multiple surrounding sectors, each with independent control electrodes. This segmentation enables selective actuation of only the required zones for any given viewing condition, minimizing power consumption. The control complexity is managed through a processor that selectively activates only the necessary sectors based on detected viewing distance and direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented structure with central portion and sectors provides multi-functionality - the same basic structure can provide distance vision, reading vision, and intermediate vision by selectively activating different sector combinations. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate lens elements or complex mechanical switching mechanisms, thereby managing overall device complexity while achieving versatile vision correction.
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
This solution enables the production of spatially-variable optical power, allowing users to focus on a wide range of distances efficiently and reproducibly, while maintaining low power requirements and reducing distortion and prismatic artefacts.
Implementation Method 1
an active material which changes its optical power in response to an applied voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus includes an active optical element including an active material encased between a first substrate and a second substrate. Means for selectively controlling the active material in a central portion and a plurality of sectors of the active optical element is employed. The central portion and the plurality of sectors are arranged around an optical axis of the active optical element, wherein the plurality of sectors surround the central portion. A processor of the optical apparatus is configured to generate a drive signal to drive said means to selectively control the active material in at least one of: the central portion, at least one of the plurality of sectors to produce a given optical power thereat.