Blink Detection Algorithm for Electronic Ophthalmic Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered ophthalmic lenses face challenges in manufacturing and integrating electronic components on non-planar surfaces, managing energy consumption, and detecting physiological functions like blinking, which are essential for controlling lens functionality, especially due to size and power constraints.
Innovation Solution
A blink detection algorithm and system that samples light incident on the eye to determine blink patterns, using a light detector, amplifier, and processor to differentiate between normal and intentional blinks, allowing the lens to change refractive power or activate other functions based on predefined sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are integrated into contact lenses to enable powered functionality, then vision enhancement and controlled dosage delivery are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to non-planar surface integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electronic components (light detector, amplifier, processor, power source) into an integrated system that can be incorporated into contact lenses. This merging approach enables vision enhancement functionality while managing the complexity through unified design and manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic system in the contact lens is designed to perform multiple functions including detecting blink patterns, controlling lens focus, and delivering therapeutic agents. This multi-functionality approach allows a single integrated system to address various vision correction and therapeutic needs simultaneously.
2Extent of automation
If blink detection algorithms are implemented to control lens functionality, then automated vision correction is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blink detection system operates by periodically sampling light levels at the eye during natural blink cycles. This periodic sampling approach enables automated detection of blink patterns while minimizing continuous power consumption, as the system only actively measures during the brief blink events rather than continuously monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the eye's own blinking action as the trigger for activation. By detecting the natural blink event itself, the system activates lens functions without requiring separate user commands or continuous power-intensive processing, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining automation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and electronic components are incorporated into contact lenses, then monitoring of physiological functions is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions different electronic components at specific locations within the contact lens structure optimized for their function. The light detector is placed to receive light at the eye, sensors are positioned to detect specific physiological parameters, and components are arranged to minimize interference. This localized optimization enables accurate monitoring while managing manufacturing precision requirements through targeted placement rather than uniform distribution.
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 safe, low-cost, and reliable detection of blinks and blink patterns, optimizing power consumption and scalability for use in electronic contact lenses, allowing for enhanced vision correction and functionality while minimizing bulk and improving comfort.
Implementation Method 1
sampling, at a predetermined rate, light incident on an eye of an individual
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic lens assembly comprising an electronic system with a controller configured to implement a blink detection algorithm is described herein. The electronic system can also include one or more power sources, circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms, and lens driver circuitry. The algorithm can be used to sample, at a predetermined rate, light incident on an eye of an individual and at least temporarily save collected samples, determine when an eyelid is open or closed, determine a time period and pulse width of the blinks from the collected samples, calculate a number of blinks and the duration of the blinks in a given time period, and compare the number of blinks, the durations of the blinks in the given time period, and the time between blinks in the given time period to a stored set of samples to determine blinking patterns.