Adjustable Lens Systems with Liquid Crystal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing lenses for eyewear that can accurately correct vision defects for users with different prescriptions is challenging, especially when users may not know or provide accurate prescription information.
Innovation Solution
Eyeglasses with adjustable lenses containing liquid crystal cells, controlled by circuitry that determines the user's prescription through a vision characterization process by adjusting optical power based on user input and distance measurements to objects, ensuring proper focus and correction for vision defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed prescription lenses are used, then manufacturing and distribution is simple, but the system cannot adapt to users with different prescriptions or inaccurate prescription information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable lenses using liquid crystal technology that can change optical power in real-time based on user needs, transforming static prescription lenses into adaptive optical systems that respond to user input and automatically adjust focus
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters of the lens by applying different voltages to liquid crystal cells, which alters the refractive index and focal length of the lens material, enabling continuous adjustment of prescription strength without physical replacement of lens elements
2Measurement precision
If a vision characterization process is implemented to determine user prescription, then prescription accuracy is improved, but the operation time and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically presenting visual targets at different distances, detecting user gaze or focus responses through sensors, and algorithmically determining prescription parameters without requiring professional optometrist intervention or complex manual testing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The vision characterization process incorporates real-time feedback loops where the system monitors user responses to visual stimuli, adjusts lens power accordingly, and iteratively refines prescription determination until optimal focus is achieved, minimizing time through automated adaptive optimization
3Device complexity
If manual prescription input is relied upon, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of prescription deteriorates due to user ignorance or inaccurate information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual prescription input mechanisms with automated optical measurement systems that use liquid crystal lens adjustment combined with sensor-based eye tracking or focus detection to objectively determine prescription parameters, eliminating reliance on user-provided information
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 effectively adjusts optical power to correct vision defects, ensuring clear vision for users with different prescriptions by determining and accommodating their specific needs during the vision characterization process.
Implementation Method 1
Each liquid crystal cell may include a layer of liquid crystal material interposed between transparent substrates. Control circuitry may adjust the optical power of the lens by applying control signals to an array of electrodes in the liquid crystal cell to adjust a phase profile of the liquid crystal material.
Data Source
AI summary
Eyeglasses may include one or more lenses and control circuitry that adjusts an optical power of the lenses. The control circuitry may be configured to determine a user's prescription and accommodation range during a vision characterization process. The vision characterization process may include adjusting the optical power of the lens until the user indicates that an object viewed through the lens is in focus. A distance sensor may measure the distance to the in-focus object. The control circuitry may calculate the user's prescription based on the optical power of the lens and the distance to the in-focus object. The control circuitry may adjust the optical power automatically or in response to user input. The object viewed through the lens may be an electronic device. The user may control the optical power of the lens and/or indicate when objects are in focus by providing input to the electronic device.