Progressive Ophthalmic Lens Optimization via Directional Derivative Minimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current progressive ophthalmic lens designs fail to effectively minimize undesired astigmatism distribution, particularly due to the lack of consideration for the directional derivative of astigmatism and power gradients, leading to suboptimal vision correction for users with prescription astigmatism.

Innovation Solution

The method optimizes progressive lens design by incorporating terms related to the directional derivatives of astigmatism and power gradients into the minimization function, allowing for asymmetric distributions and weighting based on the angle and prescription cylinder, thereby minimizing astigmatism gradients in specific directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional progressive lens designs are used, then the lens provides basic vision correction, but undesired astigmatism distribution is not effectively minimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveastigmatism distribution controlVSAvoidvision correction quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the optimization function to include directional derivatives of astigmatism and power gradients. This involves changing the mathematical parameters from simple power distribution to incorporating directional components (first and second directional derivatives) that account for astigmatism orientation and magnitude in different regions of the lens, thereby achieving better astigmatism control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces another dimension by adding directional derivative components to the optimization function. Instead of only considering scalar power values, the solution incorporates vector-like directional information (gradients in x and y directions), effectively moving from a one-dimensional power optimization to a multi-dimensional optimization that includes spatial orientation of astigmatism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If asymmetric distributions and weighting based on angle and prescription cylinder are incorporated, then astigmatism gradients are minimized in specific directions, but the design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveastigmatism gradient minimizationVSAvoidlens design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing asymmetric weight distributions in the optimization function. Different regions of the lens (near zone, distance zone, intermediate zone) receive different weighting factors based on their specific optical requirements and astigmatism characteristics. This allows tailored optimization for each zone rather than applying a uniform approach across the entire lens surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by introducing angle-dependent weighting and prescription cylinder-based adjustments to the optimization function. The weights w1i, w2i, w3i are modified to account for local astigmatism orientation and magnitude, creating a more complex but region-specific optimization approach that adapts to local optical conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the minimization function includes directional derivatives of astigmatism and power gradients, then vision correction is improved, but the computational complexity of the optimization process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevision correction qualityVSAvoidoptimization function complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the directional derivatives of astigmatism and power gradients during the lens design phase. These pre-computed values are then used in the optimization function, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations during manufacturing or fitting. The directional information is prepared in advance to facilitate smoother optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optimization function that acts as a mediator between the complex optical parameters and the final lens design. This function F incorporates multiple terms (power errors, astigmatism, directional derivatives) with adjustable weights, serving as an intermediate computational layer that simplifies the overall optimization process by breaking it down into manageable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11287671B2Method for optimising a progressive ophthalmic lens and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2022.03.29 HORIZONS OPTICAL S L U
  • US11287671B2 patent drawing
  • US11287671B2 patent drawing
  • US11287671B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for optimising a progressive ophthalmic lens and to a method for producing same. Further disclosed it a method for optimising a progressive ophthalmic lens the distribution of power and undesired astigmatism along an optical surface is optimised by minimising the function:F⁢⁢·=·⁢⁢∑i=1n⁢⁢w⁢⁢1i⁢(Asti)2+w⁢⁢2i⁢(Powi-TargetPow)2wherein w1i and w2i are 0 or positive, and wherein the subscript i indicates the different points of the optical surface. Summation additionally comprises a term from the group formed byw⁢⁢4⁢mi·(∂Asti∂x)m,w⁢⁢5⁢mi·(∂Asti∂y)m,w⁢⁢6⁢mi·(∂Powi∂x)m,w⁢⁢7⁢mi·(∂Powi∂y)mand multiplications thereof,m being greater than or equal to 1,and w4mi, w5mi, w6mi and w7mi being greater than or equal to 0,wherein if any of the terms of the group formed by(∂Asti∂x)m,(∂Asti∂y)m,(∂Powi∂x)m,(∂Powi∂y)mand multiplications thereof is less than 0, then same is substituted by the absolute value thereof, and wherein, if m=2 and w42i=w52i, neither being 0, then summation additionally includes at least one other term from the group.