Ophthalmic Lens Eyelid Position Sensor Array for Sleep Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a mechanically and electrically robust electronic contact lens that can efficiently detect eyelid position and blink patterns to prevent sleepiness in wearers, especially in jobs requiring constant alertness, as existing systems are not suitable for incorporation into contact lenses due to size and power consumption constraints.

Innovation Solution

A powered ophthalmic lens with an integrated eyelid position sensor system, including a sensor array and a system controller, that detects eyelid position and provides an output control signal for alert mechanisms to wake the wearer or log sleep data, using a combination of individual sensors and a continuous pressure/capacitance sensor, and can operate for extended periods on a single charge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing eyelid position detection systems are used, then eyelid position can be detected, but the system is too large and consumes too much power for contact lens incorporation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeyelid position detectionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into multiple discrete photosensors arranged in an array across the contact lens. Each photosensor independently monitors light levels in its specific zone, allowing the system to detect eyelid position through distributed sensing rather than a single complex sensor, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The photosensor array serves multiple functions: detecting eyelid closure, determining blink patterns, and monitoring wear status. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function, reducing total system complexity and power consumption while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If existing eyelid position detection systems are used, then eyelid position can be detected, but the system size is too large for contact lens incorporation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeyelid position detectionVSAvoidsensor system area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into multiple discrete photosensors arranged in an array across the contact lens. Each photosensor independently monitors light levels in its specific zone, allowing the system to detect eyelid position through distributed sensing rather than a single complex sensor, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact lens itself serves as the substrate for mounting the photosensor array. The sensors are integrated directly onto the thin, flexible lens material, allowing the entire sensor system to conform to the contact lens form factor and maintain extreme miniaturization suitable for ocular wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Measurement precision

If a sensor array with multiple individual sensors is used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeyelid position detectionVSAvoidsensor array complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photosensor array serves multiple functions: detecting eyelid closure, determining blink patterns, and monitoring wear status. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function, reducing total system complexity and power consumption while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensing functions are merged into a single photosensor array system. The same set of photosensors that detect eyelid position are also used to identify blink patterns and determine lens wear status, consolidating what would otherwise require separate sensor systems into one integrated solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables the detection of eyelid position and blink patterns within the constraints of a contact lens, providing effective alerts to prevent sleepiness and logging sleep data, while maintaining low power consumption and scalability for long-term use.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of discrete photosensors positioned across a contact lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10101581B2Electronic ophthalmic lens with eye closed sensor with open eye prompt and data logging

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC

AI summary

An eyelid position sensor system for an ophthalmic lens comprising an electronic system is described herein for determining at least one of drowsiness or sleep onset of the wearer. The eyelid position sensor system is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic lens. The electronic system in at least one embodiment includes a power source, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and an alert mechanism. The eyelid position sensor system is utilized to determine eyelid position and use this information to determine if the wearer is asleep or awake.