Dynamic Lens Control via Segmented Electrodes and Polarization Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically-tunable lenses face challenges in providing dynamic and accurate vision correction over the entire field of view, especially for individuals with limited distance accommodation, due to limitations in sensor accuracy and the zone structure of multifocal lenses, which can result in uncertain focal adjustments and reduced field of view.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical devices with an electro-optical layer and conductive electrodes, including an array of excitation electrodes with segmented stripes, where control circuitry applies different voltage waveforms to generate a specified phase modulation profile, allowing for dynamic adjustment of focal lengths and optical axes, and the use of polarization rotators to ensure effective refractive index modulation regardless of initial light polarization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a grid array of electrodes is used to define pixels in the liquid crystal, then the phase modulation profile can be controlled, but the device complexity increases and the field of view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous electrode stripes into multiple independent segments along each stripe. This segmentation allows independent control of different regions within a stripe, enabling precise phase modulation profiles without requiring a dense grid of pixels. Each segment can be controlled individually through control circuitry, achieving the desired phase profile while reducing overall device complexity compared to a full grid array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different segments of the same stripe to have different voltage waveforms applied to them, creating locally optimized phase modulation characteristics. This enables the lens to achieve complex phase profiles by combining simple segment control, rather than requiring complex global control of a dense electrode grid.
2Measurement precision
If sensor accuracy is limited, then the focal adjustments become uncertain, but increasing sensor precision increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the control circuitry receives distance information from sensors and dynamically adjusts the voltage waveforms applied to electrode segments to compensate for measurement uncertainties. The system continuously monitors distance and modifies the phase modulation profile accordingly, ensuring accurate focal adjustment even with limited sensor precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage waveforms) applied to the electrode segments based on sensed distance variations. By dynamically adjusting voltage amplitude, frequency, or phase of the waveforms applied to different segments, the system achieves precise focal control without requiring extremely accurate distance sensors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multifocal lenses use a zone structure, then different focal lengths can be provided, but the field of view is reduced and focal adjustments become uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the multifocal lens by allowing real-time adjustment of voltage waveforms applied to different electrode segments. This enables the lens to dynamically switch between different focal lengths and to smoothly transition between focal states, providing adaptability without the fixed zone structure limitations. The dynamic control maintains a larger effective field of view compared to static multifocal designs.
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 enables flexible and accurate multifocal performance, enhancing vision correction by dynamically adjusting focal powers and optical axes, and ensuring effective light refraction across various polarizations, thereby improving the depth of field and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optical layer, having an effective local index of refraction at any given location within an active area of the electro-optical layer that is determined by a voltage waveform applied across the electro-optical layer at the location
Implementation Method 2
the use of polarization rotators to ensure effective refractive index modulation regardless of initial light polarization
Data Source
AI summary
Optical apparatus includes an electrically-tunable lens, including an electro-optical layer, having, for a given polarization of light incident on the layer, an effective local index of refraction at any given location within an active area of the electro-optical layer that is determined by a voltage waveform applied across the electro-optical layer at the location. Conductive electrodes extend over opposing first and second sides of the electro-optical layer and include an array of excitation electrodes. Control circuitry applies control voltage waveforms to the excitation electrodes. A polarization rotator is positioned and configured to intercept incoming light that is directed toward the lens and to rotate a polarization of the intercepted light so as to ensure that the light incident on the electro-optical layer has a component of the given polarization regardless of an initial linear polarization of the intercepted light.