Head-Mounted Optical System Encapsulation for Vision Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method to provide a head-mounted see-through optical system adapted to a wearer's prescription while maintaining industrial mass-production efficiency, as existing solutions are costly and complex.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves providing a generic electro-optical system, encapsulating it in a transparent capsule customized for individual vision needs, decoupling electro-optical element mounting from vision correction, and delaying customization in the production process to simplify production lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If head-mounted see-through systems are customized to each wearer's prescription, then vision correction accuracy is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevision correction accuracyVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent parts: a generic electro-optical system (display, optics, electronics) and a customized ophthalmic lens component. The electro-optical system can be mass-produced without customization, while the lens is customized separately based on wearer prescription. This segmentation allows independent optimization of both mass production efficiency and customization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The customization function is extracted from the electro-optical system and transferred to the ophthalmic lens component. The lens is designed to carry the prescription-specific optical power and is mounted as a separate element in front of the electro-optical system, thereby isolating the customization requirement from the mass-producible electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If head-mounted see-through systems are customized to each wearer's prescription, then vision correction accuracy is improved, but production complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevision correction accuracyVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The production process is segmented into two independent streams: mass production of generic electro-optical systems and separate customization of ophthalmic lenses. This eliminates the need to customize entire assemblies, reducing production complexity while maintaining vision correction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electro-optical system is prepared in advance as a generic platform that can accommodate various lens prescriptions. The system includes pre-designed mounting structures and optical paths that are ready to receive customized lenses, eliminating the need for complex reconfiguration during customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If customization is performed early in the production process, then vision correction accuracy is improved, but production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevision correction accuracyVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of customizing the electro-optical system for each wearer, the invention inverts the approach by using a generic electro-optical system and customizing only the passive ophthalmic lens component. This reversal allows mass production of the complex electronic parts while keeping customization to simple optical elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 approach allows for the provision of customized head-mounted systems using generic electro-optical components, reducing production costs and simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring accurate vision correction for wearers.

Implementation Method 1

stacked with and adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

at least one face of the optical system or one face of the transparent capsule is customized according to the wearer data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2992382B1Method for providing a head mounted optical system

Publication Date: 2021.10.27 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)

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Figure 1g~1i

AI summary

Method for providing a head mounted optical system, the method comprising: - an optical system providing step (S1), during which an optical system with an active function is provided and, - an encapsulating step (S8), during which the optical system is at least partly encapsulated in a transparent capsule by stacking in close contact the optical system with at least one substrate of the transparent capsule and made integral with an adhesive.