Self-Powered Contact Lens Light Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical devices and contact lenses lack effective miniaturization and power-free solutions for improving vision, especially in complex visual environments, and existing technologies are inadequate for managing light in a way that enhances perception without processors or power supplies.
Innovation Solution
The development of a contact lens and window system with light-controlling elements that manage light intensity, direction, and wavelength without the need for processors or power, using photovoltaic layers and light-directing elements to selectively control light passage based on sensor inputs and angle of incidence, allowing for real-time visual enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If contact lenses and optical devices are miniaturized to improve wearability and integration, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens is divided into multiple functional layers including a first array of see-through light sensitive elements and a second array of light controlling elements, each layer performing specific functions. This segmentation allows complex functionality to be achieved through simple, manufacturable layers while maintaining miniaturization
Solution Approach 2:
The light controlling elements serve multiple functions: they control light passage based on sensor inputs, provide visual enhancement, and protect from harmful wavelengths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining small size
2Adaptability or versatility
If processors and power supplies are added to enable dynamic light control, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light controlling elements are directly responsive to inputs from the light sensitive elements without requiring external processors or power supplies. The system is self-contained, with each light controlling element autonomously adjusting light passage based on local sensor inputs, eliminating complex control electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing and light control functions are merged into a single integrated structure where light sensitive elements and light controlling elements are positioned in close proximity. This integration eliminates the need for separate processing units and communication interfaces, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If light control functionality is added to manage intensity and wavelength, then visual protection improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the contact lens have different optical properties. The light controlling elements are selectively activated based on local light conditions detected by the light sensitive elements, providing targeted protection against harmful wavelengths only where needed, rather than uniform control across the entire lens
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
This solution provides effective light management for improved vision in various environments, including bright and complex conditions, without the need for processors or power, enhancing visual perception and protecting the eyes from harmful wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
using photovoltaic layers and light-directing elements to selectively control light passage
Data Source
AI summary
Optical devices and cognitive prosthetics based on novel components for enhanced human vision, selective video/television display, digital processing and/or unique image analysis to modify the image that a user sees and significantly improve the perception of that user are disclosed. What the user sees is responsive to specific perceptual and informational needs of the user in real time. Devices from the parent patents are herein made both more useful in practical day-to-day use and are more widely applicable to improving the ability of a user to perceive visual stimuli.