Liquid Crystal Eyeglasses for Patient-Specific Light Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light-absorbing eyeglasses fail to adjust for patient-to-patient variations in dark to bright transmission ranges and overall illumination response, leading to impaired visual acuity in individuals with age-related macular degeneration and other ocular conditions, particularly in varying lighting conditions.

Innovation Solution

The development of adjustable variable transmissivity (AVT) eyeglasses featuring liquid crystal lenses that change transmissivity in response to a control signal, integrated with a light sensor and electronic circuit to automatically adjust to ambient light levels, allowing for patient-specific control and override settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed transmissivity light-absorbing eyeglasses are used, then some level of light restriction is achieved, but patient-to-patient variations in dark to bright transmission ranges cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to patient-specific transmission rangesVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustable control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamically adjustable transmissivity through liquid crystal lenses that can change their light-blocking properties in real-time based on patient needs and environmental conditions, replacing fixed transmissivity with variable control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates light sensors that detect ambient light levels and provide feedback to the control circuit, which automatically adjusts lens transmissivity to maintain optimal retinal illumination without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If light-absorbing eyeglasses with fixed transmissivity are used, then some light restriction is provided, but quick response to changing light conditions is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speed to light condition changesVSAvoidcomplexity of automatic control system

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Light sensors continuously monitor ambient illumination levels and provide real-time feedback to the control circuit, enabling automatic and rapid adjustment of lens transmissivity in response to changing light conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system using liquid crystal lenses that can change transmissivity rapidly through electrical signals, eliminating the delay associated with manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If manual control of lens behavior is required, then patient preference for control is satisfied, but ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manual override operationVSAvoidcomplexity of control interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service through automatic light-level detection and transmissivity adjustment, eliminating the need for manual operation while still allowing patient control when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system serves multiple functions: it automatically adjusts transmissivity based on light sensors, allows manual patient control when desired, and adapts to different lighting conditions, making the device versatile and easy to use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 AVT eyeglasses effectively maintain optimal retinal illumination, reducing dark adaptation effects and preventing retinal bleaching, while enabling adaptation to a wide range of lighting conditions from office environments to bright outdoor settings, thereby improving visual acuity and comfort for individuals with age-related macular degeneration and other ocular conditions.

Implementation Method 1

liquid crystal lenses coupled to the frame and configured to assume a transmissivity in response to a lens control signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal transmissivity control: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

a light sensor coupled to the frame and configured to sense light in a field of view and produce a sensor signal in response thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight sensing: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8233102B2Apparatus and method for adjustable variable transmissivity polarized eyeglasses

Publication Date: 2012.07.31 RGB OPTICS

AI summary

Adjustable variable transmissivity (AVT) eyeglasses for patients. In one embodiment, the eyeglasses include: (1) a frame having earpieces coupled thereto, (2) liquid crystal lenses coupled to the frame and configured to assume a transmissivity in response to a lens control signal, (3) a light sensor coupled to the frame and configured to sense light in a field of view and produce a sensor signal in response thereto, (4) a light plug coupled to the frame and configured to define a field of view and (5) an electronic circuit coupled to the frame and configured to employ the sensor signal to generate the lens control signal.