Optical Contact Lens Power Harvesting and Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active contact lenses lack an on-board energy source due to space and power limitations, and existing RF harvesting and communication methods require complex and expensive specialized electronics.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical signals for power generation and communication, employing photodetectors and optical communication devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and modulating retro-reflectors, which harvest ambient light to generate power and transmit data about sensed biological features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If RF harvesting and communication methods are used, then power generation and data transmission are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to specialized electronics requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RF-based electromagnetic coupling with optical coupling mechanisms. Instead of using complex RF electronics for power harvesting and communication, the system employs optical components including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors, and optical waveguides. This substitution simplifies the electronic architecture while maintaining wireless power transfer and data communication capabilities through optical signals transmitted through the contact lens and eye media.
2Device complexity
If optical signals are used for power and communication, then device complexity is reduced, but power generation efficiency may be limited by ambient light availability
Solution Approach 1:
The optical communication device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits data through modulated optical signals and harvests power through photodetectors that detect the same optical signals. The system uses the ambient light and reflected light from the eye as both the communication carrier and the power source, eliminating the need for separate power transmission mechanisms and optimizing energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs the eye's own reflective properties and the natural ambient light to provide both communication and power generation functions. The photodetector harvests power from the optical signals that are inherently present in the environment, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional external power sources or complex power management electronics.
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 reduces the need for RF components, enabling efficient power generation and communication on a small scale, with potential for on-board power savings and simplified designs, while allowing for the sensing and transmission of biological data.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetector, wherein the photodetector is configured to harvest ambient light and to generate power from the harvested light
Implementation Method 2
an optical communication device configured to transmit an optical signal, wherein the optical signal communicates information about the one or more sensed biological features
Implementation Method 3
employing photodetectors and optical communication devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and modulating retro-reflectors
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lens sensors are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least a portion of the body of the contact lens; an optical communication device disposed on or within the substrate; and a photodetector disposed on or within the substrate, wherein the photodetector harvests light emitted from a device and generates power from the harvested light. In some aspects, an apparatus comprises a tag having a circuit including: an optical communication device; and a photodetector that harvests light received and generates power from the harvested light. The tag can be disposed on or within a contact lens in various aspects.