Adjustable Lens BIST Circuitry for In-Device Health Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for testing the optics of ophthalmic devices, such as smart lenses, are costly and time-consuming, making large-scale manufacturing and in-field testing impractical.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating built-in self-test (BIST) circuitry within ophthalmic devices, such as smart contact lenses and intraocular lenses, to perform electrical impedance measurements of adjustable lenses to assess their health status, allowing for efficient manufacturing and operational monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external optical equipment is used to test ophthalmic devices, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ophthalmic device performs self-testing of its optical components using integrated test circuitry and light sources built into the device itself, eliminating the need for external optical testing equipment. The device includes test LEDs, photodetectors, and control circuitry that enable autonomous optical parameter measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex external optical measurement systems with simplified electrical testing methods. Instead of using optical coherence tomography or custom camera solutions, the device uses electrical signals and impedance measurements to assess lens health and optical performance.
2Measurement precision
If external optical equipment is used to test ophthalmic devices, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs optical testing during the manufacturing process itself, before the product leaves the factory. Test circuitry is integrated into the device architecture, allowing automated testing at assembly stations without requiring separate post-manufacturing optical testing phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The ophthalmic device autonomously performs optical parameter measurements using built-in test components, enabling rapid self-assessment during manufacturing without requiring slow, complex external testing equipment. This self-testing capability significantly reduces the time needed per unit.
3Reliability
If conventional testing methods are used, then optical performance can be verified, but cost and time consumption make large-scale manufacturing impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes integrated test circuitry and optical components that enable autonomous verification of optical performance. The test system uses built-in light sources, photodetectors, and control electronics to automatically assess lens parameters without requiring expensive external equipment or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical parameter measurements (impedance, capacitance, resistance) as proxies for optical performance verification. By measuring electrical characteristics of the lens and associated components, the system infers optical health status without requiring direct optical measurement, simplifying the manufacturing process.
4Productivity
If built-in self-test circuitry is integrated into ophthalmic devices, then manufacturing efficiency and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions: it can test optical parameters, monitor lens health over time, and provide feedback for adjustments. The same integrated components used for normal device operation also serve as test fixtures, eliminating the need for separate dedicated test hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses its own operational components (light sources, photodetectors, electrodes) as the test system. The same hardware that enables the device to function also performs the testing when activated through control circuitry, avoiding duplication of components and minimizing added complexity.
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 rapid identification of defective lenses during manufacturing and ongoing health monitoring, reducing waste and ensuring device reliability by detecting defects early, thus optimizing resource utilization and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
perform electrical impedance measurements of adjustable lenses to assess their health status
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic device includes an enclosure that is compatible for wearing in or on an eye. An adjustable lens is disposed within the enclosure. Driver circuitry is disposed within the enclosure and coupled to drive the adjustable lens and change its optical power. Built-in-self-test (BIST) circuitry is disposed within the enclosure and coupled to the adjustable lens. The BIST circuitry includes an impedance measurement circuit coupled to selectively measure an impedance of the adjustable lens. A controller is disposed within the enclosure and includes BIST control logic that measures the impedance of the adjustable lens with the impedance measurement circuit to determine a health status of the adjustable lens.