Ophthalmic Lens with Integrated Optical Insert for Visual Correction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic lenses with integrated optical inserts for projecting information do not provide optimal vision correction for ametropic wearers, as the optical correction for informative images does not correspond to the wearer's prescribed visual correction, leading to discomfort and fatigue.

Innovation Solution

A single-vision ophthalmic lens with a front and rear face, where the optical insert allows for accommodative effort less than or equal to 2D, ensuring optimized correspondence between ophthalmic and informative pathways, using a combination of correction elements such as pellets and machining on the lens faces to adjust the power and depth of field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the optical correction for informative images is adjusted to match the wearer's prescribed visual correction, then the correspondence between ophthalmic and informative pathways is optimized, but the focus adjustment mechanism becomes bulky and causes discomfort to the wearer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical correction correspondenceVSAvoidhousing bulk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the focus adjustment function directly into the optical insert itself, rather than using a separate housing and adjustment mechanism. The optical insert is manufactured with pre-determined optical powers on its first and second faces that automatically provide the required focus adjustment for informative images while maintaining correspondence with the wearer's visual correction needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical insert serves multiple functions: it guides optical beams, provides focus adjustment for informative images, and maintains optical correction correspondence with the wearer's prescribed visual correction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate bulky adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If the focus adjustment mechanism is miniaturized to reduce bulk, then the housing becomes more compact, but the operating mechanics become fragile and require delicate attention to detail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing volumeVSAvoidmechanism reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical focus adjustment system with an optical solution. Instead of using movable components and mechanical linkages to adjust focus, the optical insert is manufactured with fixed optical faces that provide the required focus adjustment through their geometric and optical properties, eliminating mechanical complexity and fragility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the optical insert geometry is fixed to simplify manufacturing, then the manufacturing process becomes easier, but the device cannot accommodate different focus requirements for different informative images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical insert manufacturingVSAvoidfocus adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different optical properties to different regions or faces of the optical insert. The first face has a specific optical power for receiving and directing optical beams, while the second face has a different optical power for projecting informative images. This local differentiation allows the fixed geometry to provide multiple focus capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters (specifically the optical power) of the optical insert faces during manufacturing to achieve different focus adjustment capabilities. By manufacturing the optical insert with specific optical powers on its faces, the device can accommodate different focus requirements while maintaining a fixed geometric structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If the front face power is increased to provide sufficient optical correction for myopic wearers, then the visual correction is improved, but the accommodative effort required to view informative images increases beyond 2D

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual correction accuracyVSAvoidaccommodative effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical correction function between the spectacle lens and the optical insert. The spectacle lens provides the primary visual correction for the wearer's myopia, while the optical insert provides additional optical power specifically for viewing informative images. This segmentation allows the front face power to be optimized for visual correction without excessively increasing accommodative effort for informative content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The lens provides clear and comfortable vision for both environmental and informative content, reducing accommodative effort and ensuring the optical correction matches the wearer's needs, thereby minimizing fatigue and optimizing visual comfort.

Implementation Method 1

The optical beams are reflected between the two reflection faces of the transparent optical insert

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

optical beams, emitted from an optical beam generation system, are introduced through an entrance surface and directed towards the wearer's eye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2041614B1Ophthalmic lens with integrated optical insert intended for projecting information
Publication Date: 2017.06.21 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP2041614B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2041614B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2041614B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The subject of the invention is a sight-correcting lens which has a front face and a rear face and into which optical beams, emitted by an optical beam generation system, are introduced via an entry surface and directed onto the eye of an individual suffering from ametropia that will wear said lens in order to allow informational content to be displayed, an optical insert being included in the lens, said lens being designed so as to allow the wearer of the said lens to have an accommodating effect of less than or equal to 2D when the informational content is being displayed.