Vision Assistive Device Using Corneal Reflectors for Low-Light Enhancement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies fail to effectively enhance light intensity for human eyes in low-light environments, particularly for individuals with night blindness, making it difficult to see in dark or low-light settings.
Innovation Solution
A visual assistive device comprising three reflectors - two positioned at the edges of the cornea and one in front of the eye - that reflect and focus external light to enhance its intensity, allowing it to be more effectively received by the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional optical devices are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the light intensity received by the human eye in low-light environments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into three separate reflectors (first reflector at peripheral position, second reflector at another peripheral position, and third reflector at front position) that work together to collect and focus light. This segmentation allows each reflector to perform a specific function in the light collection process, achieving enhanced light intensity while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces reflectors positioned at peripheral locations of the cornea, adding spatial dimensions to light collection beyond the traditional front-facing optical path. This multi-dimensional arrangement enables the system to capture light from multiple angles and focus it effectively onto the retina
2Reliability
If no light enhancement device is used, then the device complexity remains low, but patients with night blindness cannot effectively receive light in dark environments
Solution Approach 1:
The reflectors are designed to work with the eye's existing optical structure, using the cornea and natural eye anatomy as part of the light collection system. The peripheral reflectors utilize the eye's own geometry and light path, reducing the need for additional complex components while improving light reception reliability
3Illumination intensity
If traditional optical correction is used, then the manufacturing process remains simple, but the light intensity amplification is insufficient for night blindness patients
Solution Approach 1:
The reflectors are designed with specific geometric parameters (curvature, size, position) that can be adjusted during manufacturing to optimize light collection and focusing. These parameter variations allow the device to be adapted for different users and lighting conditions while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process using conventional optical fabrication techniques
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 device enhances light intensity, enabling patients with night blindness to see more clearly in low-light environments by amplifying and focusing external light through the cornea, effectively addressing the challenge of limited light reception.
Implementation Method 1
The first reflector and the second reflector are configured to reflect external light such that the external light is focused at the third reflector
Implementation Method 2
the external light is reflected again by the third reflector to the human eye, thereby enhancing a light intensity of the external light received by the human eye
Implementation Method 3
external light is incident to the cornea, which is located at a back end of an eye, to form images
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a vision assistive device, including: a first reflector, a second reflector and a third reflector. The first reflector is disposed at a first position of a cornea of a human eye. The second reflector is disposed at a second position of the cornea of the human eye. The third reflector is directly disposed in front of the cornea of the human eye. The first reflector and the second reflector are configured to reflect external light such that the external light is focused at the third reflector. Then, the external light is reflected again by the third reflector to the human eye, thereby enhancing a light intensity of the external light received by the human eye.