Active Multifocal Lens with Addressable Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic lenses, particularly multifocal and varifocal lenses, face challenges in providing efficient and stable focal length control, often resulting in vision artefacts like halos and reduced contrast due to their dependence on pupil diameter and complex mechanical designs.
Innovation Solution
An optical lens device with addressable optical elements that can change transmittance in response to a control signal, allowing for selective adjustment of focal lengths across different regions, independent of pupil diameter, using materials like rigid gas permeable or soft materials, and incorporating liquid crystal technology or electro-optic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multifocal contact lenses use concentric lens zones with different dioptric powers, then multiple focal lengths are provided simultaneously, but the effective lens powers depend on the diameter of the pupil and vision artefacts such as halos and reduced contrast occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple discrete zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) with different dioptric powers arranged non-concentrically. Each zone can be independently controlled to provide specific focal lengths, eliminating the dependency on pupil diameter and reducing vision artefacts while maintaining multiple focal capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are assigned different optical properties (different dioptric powers) in a non-concentric arrangement. The first zone has a first dioptric power, the second zone has a second dioptric power, and the third zone has a third dioptric power, allowing localized optical control independent of pupil size
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual focal contact lenses provide two dioptric powers simultaneously, then both nearby and remote focus are achieved, but vision artefacts such as halos, ghost vision and reduced contrast occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing two dioptric powers simultaneously across the entire lens, the invention segments the lens into multiple zones with different powers. The controller selectively activates specific zones based on the desired focal length, providing dual focal capability without the harmful artefacts of simultaneous dual-power lenses
Solution Approach 2:
The lens system dynamically switches between different zones (first, second, and third zones) based on control signals. The controller can selectively enable different zone combinations to provide different focal lengths, allowing dynamic adaptation without fixed simultaneous dual-power configuration that causes artefacts
3Adaptability or versatility
If translational dual focal contact lenses require eye ball movements to select dioptric zones, then different focal lengths can be selected, but the learning curve is very steep and use is not obvious especially for older people
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system automatically selects and switches between different zones based on control signals without requiring user action. The controller manages the selection of first, second, or third zones autonomously, eliminating the need for users to learn complex eye movement techniques while maintaining focal length selection capability
4Ease of operation
If aspheric front or back surface lenses provide smooth transition between focal points, then focal transition is improved, but the lenses are still prone to halos, ghost vision and reduced contrast
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a continuous aspheric transition that inherently causes optical artefacts, the invention uses discrete non-concentric zones with distinct dioptric powers. The controller selectively activates specific zones to provide smooth functional transition between focal points while avoiding the optical artefacts (halos, ghost vision) caused by continuous aspheric designs
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
Enables simple and efficient focus control for ophthalmic lenses, reducing vision artefacts and allowing for seamless switching between focal distances without mechanically moving parts, suitable for both contact lenses and intra-ocular implants.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating liquid crystal technology or electro-optic components
Implementation Method 2
incorporating liquid crystal technology or electro-optic components
Implementation Method 3
an optical element with lensing effect which comprises a plurality of regions. Each such region has a corresponding lensing power for providing a corresponding focal length
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical lens device (1) having an actively controllable focal length. This device comprises an element with lensing effect (2) comprising a plurality of regions (3a,3b). Each such region has a corresponding refractive power for providing a corresponding focal length distinct from the focal length of at least one other region of this plurality of regions. The device further comprises at least one non-centric addressable optical element (4) integrated in or provided on the element with lensing effect (2). This at least one addressable optical element (4) is adapted for changing the transmittance of at least one of the plurality of regions in response to a control signal. The device also comprises a control means (5) for generating the control signal.