Fluid Lens Membrane Curvature Control via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid lenses lack efficient methods for real-time adjustment of optical power, relying on manual or slow processes, and struggle with dynamic control and compensation for ambient conditions and aging effects.
Innovation Solution
A fluid lens system incorporating a flexible membrane with integrated electrodes and sensors, utilizing capacitance and light sensors to provide real-time feedback for dynamic control of optical power, allowing adjustments within 10 seconds and compensating for environmental and aging factors through a controller that modifies control signals based on sensor signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If manual or traditional control methods are used for fluid lens optical power adjustment, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustment speed and real-time control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor detects the actual optical power of the fluid lens and sends this information to a controller. The controller compares the detected optical power with the target optical power and automatically adjusts the control signal to the fluid lens actuator to achieve the desired optical power. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid and accurate optical power adjustment while maintaining system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid lens system incorporates integrated sensors and controllers that enable the system to automatically monitor and adjust its own optical power without external intervention. The sensor continuously detects the lens state, and the controller autonomously modifies the actuation signal based on the detected parameters, allowing the system to self-correct and maintain optimal performance in real-time.
2Measurement precision
If real-time sensor feedback is implemented for dynamic control, then control precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into unified components. The fluid lens system incorporates both actuation electrodes and sensing electrodes on the same substrate, allowing the same structural elements to serve dual purposes. The controller is designed to handle both actuation control and sensor signal processing, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and minimizing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sensing and actuation functions within a single integrated system. The sensor is positioned to detect optical power changes caused by the same voltage adjustments that actuate the fluid lens. By merging the control and detection pathways into one unified system with a single controller managing both functions, the patent reduces component count and interconnection complexity while achieving precise real-time optical power measurement and control.
3Reliability
If sensor-based feedback control is used, then compensation for ambient conditions and aging effects is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and control circuitry during the initial manufacturing process rather than adding them as post-processing components. The substrate is designed with integrated electrode patterns that serve both actuation and sensing functions from the outset. The controller is pre-configured with algorithms for environmental compensation and aging correction, allowing the system to maintain reliability without requiring complex assembly operations or specialized manufacturing techniques.
4Productivity
If rapid optical power adjustment is achieved through integrated control, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a real-time feedback control mechanism where the sensor continuously monitors the optical power and the controller dynamically adjusts the actuation signal based on the detected deviations from the target value. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual adjustment delays and achieves rapid optical power changes efficiently. The controller processes sensor data and generates corrected actuation signals in real-time, maintaining high productivity while managing control complexity through algorithmic automation.
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 rapid and precise adjustment of optical power, effectively addressing dynamic control and compensation for ambient conditions and aging effects, enhancing the performance and reliability of fluid lenses in applications such as augmented and virtual reality systems.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor signal is a capacitance sensor signal indicative of the membrane curvature
Implementation Method 2
the sensor signal is based on a light sensor signal provided by the light sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed devices may include a membrane having a membrane curvature, a substrate, an enclosure (defined at least in part by the membrane and the substrate) enclosing a fluid, a peripheral structure configured to adjust the membrane curvature, and a sensor configured to provide a sensor signal that is a function of the membrane curvature. The device may also include a controller configured to control the membrane curvature using a control signal. For example, the control signal may be provided to at least one actuator. The controller may receive a sensor signal from the sensor and modify the control signal based on the sensor signal. Examples also include associated methods and systems.