Eyeglass Systems with Dynamic Optical Power Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eyeglasses with fixed optical powers, such as bifocals and trifocals, require users to manually adjust lenses to view distant or near objects, which can be inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An eyeglass system that automatically adjusts optical power based on the distance between the user's eyes and the object being viewed, using liquid-crystal or liquid lenses that change focal length with applied voltage or current, and sensors to determine the convergence angle between the eyes, allowing for dynamic optical power adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed optical power lenses are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different viewing distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed optical power lenses to dynamically adjustable lenses. The liquid crystal lenses change their optical power in real-time based on the convergence angle detected by sensors, allowing the eyeglasses to adapt to different viewing distances (near, mid-range, distant) without requiring multiple separate lens sets. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing versatility while maintaining a single integrated device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the optical power of the lenses through electrical control of liquid crystal materials. By changing the voltage applied to the liquid crystal lenses based on detected convergence angles, the system dynamically adjusts focal length and optical power to match different viewing scenarios. This parameter-based control enables adaptability across multiple viewing distances without increasing mechanical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual lens adjustment is required, then device simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the eyeglasses to automatically adjust their optical power without user intervention. Sensors detect the user's convergence angle and automatically trigger appropriate lens adjustments, eliminating the need for manual switching between different lens segments or power settings. This autonomous operation significantly improves ease of use while the integrated sensor-lens system maintains acceptable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor the user's eye convergence angle and provide real-time data to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the liquid crystal lens optical power to the appropriate setting for the current viewing distance. This closed-loop feedback control enables seamless, hands-free operation that greatly enhances ease of use.
3Reliability
If mechanical adjustment parts are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electrical/optical system based on liquid crystal technology. Instead of using moving parts, gears, or mechanical switches to adjust optical power, the system uses voltage-controlled liquid crystal lenses that change their refractive properties electrically. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and failure points, improving reliability while actually reducing device complexity by removing mechanical components.
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
Enables seamless switching between optical powers for distant, mid-range, and near objects, enhancing user experience by eliminating the need for manual adjustments and improving visual clarity without mechanical parts.
Implementation Method 1
using liquid-crystal or liquid lenses that change focal length with applied voltage or current
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes, in part, eyeglass systems configured to automatically adjust an optical-power value, or optical power, of lenses of the eyeglass system based on the distance between eyes of a user wearing the eyeglass system and an object that the user is looking at. In some instances, the eyeglass system may determine a degree-of-convergence (DoC) or convergence angle between the left eye and the right eye of the user to determine the distance between the eyes of the user and the object the user is viewing. Further, the eyeglass system may include a power source and lenses that change their optical-power value based on different voltage or current values provided to the lenses by the power source.