Contact Lens Optical Processing for Compact Head-Mounted Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for optical processing of display and non-display information, such as those used in head-mounted displays, are bulky and unsuitable for applications with limited space, like fighter pilot helmets, due to the need for a large field of view and comfortable eye-to-system distance, resulting in multi-component optical systems that are cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The development of contact lenses with integrated optical components, including curved polymer polarizers, lenslets, and optical filters, which enable imaging of near objects and combine display and non-display information while being compact enough for use in constrained spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-component optical systems are used to achieve large field of view and comfortable eye-to-system distance, then the optical processing capability is improved, but the system size and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (display optics, waveguides, polarizers, beam splitters) into a single integrated contact lens structure. The contact lens serves as both the display interface and the optical processing element, eliminating the need for separate bulky components while maintaining field of view and focus capabilities through micro-scale optical features embedded in the lens
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-component optical systems are used to achieve large field of view and comfortable eye-to-system distance, then the optical processing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens is designed to perform multiple optical functions simultaneously: it acts as a waveguide for displaying information, a beam splitter for combining display and non-display information, and a corrective lens for vision. This multi-functionality is achieved through integrated optical layers and patterns within the single lens structure, reducing the number of separate components needed
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 contact lens systems provide a compact and effective means to process both display and non-display information, enhancing the user's field of view and comfort by integrating optical components directly into the lens, allowing for wider viewing angles and improved focus capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a curved polymer polarizer with an aperture
Implementation Method 2
a lenslet disposed inside the aperture, wherein the lenslet enables imaging near objects
Implementation Method 3
a narrow band optical bandpass filter attached to the lenslet
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and processes for constructing a contact lens. In one embodiment, a contact lens assembly is provided, comprising: a curved polymer polarizer with an aperture; a lenslet disposed inside the aperture wherein the lenslet enables imaging near objects; and a filter attached to the lenslet. In further embodiments, a method for fabricating a flexible contact lens is provided, comprising: fabricating an element having an extrusion; providing a front concave mold, wherein the front mold has an intrusion to accommodate the extrusion of the optical element; affixing the extrusion of the optical element to the intrusion of the front mold; attaching a back convex mold to the front concave mold, thereby forming a mold cavity; and filling the mold cavity with a pre-polymerized liquid, whereby upon polymerization, the pre-polymerized liquid forms the flexible contact lens and the optical element is partially encapsulated within the lens.