Electro-active Lens Convergence Sensing via Rotating Magnetic Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatically-focusing intraocular and contact lenses face challenges in determining the correct focus point due to high power consumption and impracticality of existing convergence sensing methods, such as magnet-based systems and complex accelerometer implementations.
Innovation Solution
An electro-active lens system with focus sensors and processors that generate and detect electromagnetic signals to determine the relative convergence angle between two lenses, allowing each lens to independently adjust its focal setting without digital communication, using nonparallel coils and alternating current to produce rotating magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnet-based convergence sensing is used, then orientation relative to external magnetic field can be determined, but electrical power demand becomes large and implant volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnet-based electromagnetic sensing system with an optical sensing system. Instead of using magnets to generate electromagnetic fields for convergence sensing, the invention uses optical sensors (such as cameras or photodetectors) to detect the relative orientation between lenses through optical field interactions. This substitution eliminates the high power consumption associated with generating and detecting strong electromagnetic fields while maintaining the ability to measure convergence angles accurately.
2Measurement precision
If magnet-based convergence sensing is used, then orientation can be determined, but device complexity and implant size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex magnet-based electromagnetic sensing system with a simpler optical sensing system. The optical sensors can determine relative lens orientation through optical field interactions without requiring complex electromagnetic field generation and detection circuits. This reduces both the device complexity and the implant volume while maintaining measurement precision.
3Reliability
If accelerometer is added to magnet-based system, then head orientation issues are addressed, but device complexity and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the combined magnet-based system with accelerometer supplementation with a pure optical sensing system. The optical sensors directly measure the relative orientation between lenses through optical field interactions, providing reliable convergence sensing without requiring additional inertial measurement units or complex sensor fusion algorithms. This eliminates the need for accelerometers while maintaining reliability.
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 accurate and efficient measurement of convergence angles, reducing power consumption and complexity, ensuring high-quality vision over various distances without the need for digital eye-to-eye communication.
Implementation Method 1
The first focus sensor is configured to periodically generate first electromagnetic signals and detect second electromagnetic signals generated by the second focus sensor
Implementation Method 2
the at least two coils in each of the first and second focus sensors may be energized with an alternating current (AC) to produce a first and second rotating magnetic field, thereby generating respective first and second electromagnetic signals
Data Source
AI summary
A lens system comprises a first electro-active lens comprising a first focus sensor coupled to a first processor and a second electro-active lens comprising a second focus sensor coupled to a second processor. The first focus sensor periodically generates electromagnetic signals and detects electectromagnetic signals generated by the second focus sensor. The second focus sensor periodically generates electromagnetic signals and detects electectromagnetic signals generated by the second focus sensor. The first processor receives an indication of the second electromagnetic signals and, based on the received indication of the second electromagnetic signals, determines a relative convergence angle between the first and second electro-active lenses. Based on the determined relative convergence angle, the first processor determines a focal setting for the first electro-active lens and controls an electroactive element in the first electro-active lens, based on the determined focal setting.