Ophthalmic Lens Pupil Convergence Sensor Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic lenses face challenges in integrating electronic components due to manufacturing difficulties on non-planar surfaces, energy efficiency, and coordinating complex functionalities, particularly in detecting physiological functions like blinks and pupil convergence for controlling lens operations.
Innovation Solution
A powered ophthalmic lens with integrated pupil position and convergence detection system, incorporating sensors, power management circuitry, and control algorithms to detect blinks and pupil convergence, allowing for variable focus adjustments and other functionalities while maintaining low power consumption and compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are integrated into ophthalmic lenses to provide enhanced functionality, then the lens can perform multiple functions (vision correction, zooming, health monitoring), but the manufacturing complexity increases due to the non-planar surface of the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is divided into separate functional modules: the ophthalmic lens element for vision correction, and distinct electronic components (sensors, actuators, circuitry) that can be independently manufactured and then integrated. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
Electronic components are nested within or behind the lens structure. Sensors are positioned to detect physiological functions through or near the lens, and control electronics are integrated into the lens housing or frame, allowing the lens to maintain its optical primary function while incorporating additional functionalities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic components are integrated into the lens to enable detection and control functions, then the lens can detect physiological functions and provide enhanced functionality, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to detect multiple physiological functions (blinks, pupil convergence, other eye movements) using a single integrated sensor array, rather than requiring separate sensors for each function. The control system responds to different detected conditions with appropriate lens power adjustments, making the same hardware serve multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated system: the optical lens, sensors for detecting eye physiology, actuators for changing lens power, and control circuitry are combined into one coordinated unit that works together to provide both vision correction and adaptive functionality.
3Extent of automation
If the lens incorporates sensors and electronic components for detecting pupil convergence and controlling lens power, then the lens can automatically adjust focus, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system operates by detecting natural periodic physiological events (blinks, pupil convergence during focusing) rather than requiring continuous active sensing. The lens power is adjusted in response to these periodic physiological signals, reducing the need for continuous power consumption while maintaining automatic focus adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the eye's own physiological responses (blinks, pupil convergence) as the control signal for lens adjustment, rather than requiring external power-intensive sensors or user input devices. The eye essentially serves its own control function, providing natural feedback signals that drive the automated lens power changes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the lens is designed with integrated electronics and sensors, then the lens can provide enhanced functionality and vision enhancement, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for integrating components on the lens surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system separates the high-precision optical element from the electronic components. The optical lens requires high manufacturing precision for its optical surfaces, while the electronic components (sensors, actuators) are manufactured separately with their own precision requirements and then integrated into the lens assembly, allowing each component to be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens system have different quality requirements. The optical zones require high precision for vision correction, while the electronic component areas have different manufacturing considerations. The sensor positions and actuator locations are specifically designed to minimize interference with the high-precision optical regions while maintaining their own functional precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pupil position and convergence detection system for an ophthalmic lens comprising an electronic system is described herein. The pupil position and convergence detection system is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic lens. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. The pupil position and convergence detection system is utilized to determine pupil position and use this information to control various aspects of the ophthalmic lens.