Contact Lens Geometry Communication via Control Point Angles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for communicating the geometry of contact lenses, particularly corneal refractive therapy lenses with multiple zones, face difficulties in accurately specifying the radii of curvature, leading to potential discomfort and reduced efficacy due to restricted shape choices and complex geometric computations.
Innovation Solution
A method that describes the shape of each zone by specifying geometric parameters and angles of orientation relative to a reference point, allowing for empirical and patient-specific data-driven determination and communication of the lens geometry to manufacturers, eliminating the need to specify points of origin for radii of curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems require specification of points of origin for radii of curvature along the central axis, then the lens geometry can be defined, but the lens fitter's choice of shape is limited and complex geometric computation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used to define lens geometry from traditional radius of curvature specifications to a control point coordinate system. Instead of specifying points of origin for radii of curvature, the system uses (x, y) coordinates of control points that directly define the shape of each zone. This parameter transformation eliminates the need for complex geometric computations and allows lens fitters to freely specify shapes by simply adjusting control point positions.
2Ease of operation
If points of origin are restricted to the central axis, then the communication system is simple, but the connecting and peripheral zones cannot achieve optimal shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lens into distinct zones (central, connecting, peripheral), each with its own set of control points that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized separately with its own shape parameters while maintaining a unified communication system. The control points for each zone can be specified relative to that zone's geometry rather than being constrained to the central axis, enabling precise control over each zone's shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional central axis reference system to a two-dimensional coordinate system for specifying control points. Instead of restricting points to the central axis (1D), the system allows control points to be positioned anywhere in the (x, y) plane (2D), providing the freedom needed to define complex zone shapes while maintaining systematic communication of the geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
In exemplary embodiments, this invention comprises a method for communicating the geometry of a contact lens to a manufacturer. The method includes describing the shape of a first zone of a contact lens and describing the shape of a second zone of the contact lens by providing an angle of orientation from a reference point located on the first zone. The method may further include describing the shape of one or more additional zones by providing angles of orientation from a reference point on another zone.