Artificial Eye Pupil Dilation via UV Light Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for simulating pupil constriction and dilation in artificial eyes are either mechanically complex or lack the ability to provide selective and automated control of pupil size, failing to achieve a realistic and expressive effect.
Innovation Solution
An eye assembly with a deformable member and a dilation mechanism that uses an actuator to selectively block ultraviolet light on a patterned inner surface, creating the illusion of a functioning iris by varying the pupil size, which can be controlled by ambient light levels or external signals, and includes features like colored liquid to simulate an iris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical shuttering effects or complex electronic circuitry are used to simulate pupil constriction and dilation, then the realism of the eye effect is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical shuttering systems and electronic circuitry with a simple optical absorption mechanism. A light-absorbing material is positioned behind a translucent iris to block ultraviolet light, causing the iris to appear to constrict or dilate based on the amount of light blocked. This substitution of mechanical/electronic systems with a passive optical material dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining the realistic eye effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes light-absorbing materials with specific optical properties that absorb ultraviolet light while allowing visible light to pass through. This selective light absorption creates the visual effect of pupil constriction without requiring mechanical movement or complex electronics. The color/optical property changes of the material enable realistic iris behavior with simple implementation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical shuttering effects are used to simulate pupil movement, then the eye can react to light conditions, but the mechanism becomes mechanically complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical shuttering components by using a light-absorbing material that passively responds to ultraviolet light. The material's optical properties naturally enable the iris to react to light conditions without any moving parts, motors, or mechanical linkages. This eliminates maintenance requirements while preserving the adaptive response to light.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-absorbing material automatically adjusts the appearance of the iris based on ambient ultraviolet light levels without requiring external control systems or mechanical actuation. The material self-regulates the visual effect in response to light conditions, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms and simplifying maintenance.
3Reliability
If existing pupil simulation techniques are used, then some special effects are achieved, but selective and automated control of pupil size is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a light sensor that detects ambient light levels and automatically adjusts the appearance of the pupil by controlling the light-absorbing material. This feedback mechanism enables selective and automated control of pupil size, allowing the eye to respond realistically to changing light conditions without manual intervention while maintaining high-quality special effects.
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 solution provides a realistic and expressive pupil simulation that is simple, inexpensive to fabricate and maintain, effectively mimicking the natural response of human eyes to light conditions, enhancing the realism of artificial eyes in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a dilation mechanism that dynamically or selectively blocks the ultraviolet light from striking the pattern
Implementation Method 2
a pattern on its inner surface that is entirely or partially formed with fluorescent paint or other materials that glow or are illuminated when exposed to ultraviolet or black light
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for simulating the dilating and constricting of a pupil of an eye. The assembly includes a shell that is at least translucent to light and a dilation mechanism with a deformable member positionable to contact an inner surface of the shell. An actuator is provided in the dilation mechanism to move the deformable member toward and away from the inner surface, which causes the size of a contact area between the inner surface and a lip of the deformable member to vary over a preset range. The assembly includes a light source directing light onto the inner surface of the shell. The deformable member dynamically blocks light from reaching the inner surface, creating a pupil or dark hole. The light may be an ultraviolet light and the deformable member contacts a pattern or artwork on the inner surface including portions that glow in ultraviolet light.