Progressive Lens Simulator System for Patient-Centric Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for prescribing progressive lenses lack patient-centric, modern optoelectronic technologies, leading to inadequate simulation of progressive lens experiences before purchase, incomplete data collection, and inefficient lens design optimization, resulting in high return rates and suboptimal patient satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A Progressive Lens Simulator system that includes an Eye Tracker, Off-Axis Progressive Lens Simulator, and Axial Power-Distance Simulator, allowing patients to interactively explore and test progressive lens designs with both eyes, using modern optoelectronic technology and artificial intelligence to gather extensive data for optimal lens design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional analog optical systems are used for lens prescription, then the system is simple and well-established, but it cannot provide comprehensive progressive lens simulation before purchase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the progressive lens experience through computer-generated simulations. The system renders images through simulated progressive lens optics, allowing patients to experience the actual visual effects before purchase without requiring physical lens prototypes or complex optical benches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical systems with computer-generated imagery and software-based optical simulations. Instead of using physical lenses and mechanical adjustment devices, the system uses algorithms to simulate light propagation through progressive lenses and renders the visual experience digitally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only two distances (near and distance) are tested, then the testing process is quick and simple, but it does not capture patient's unique usage patterns at multiple distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic distance adjustment where the simulated viewing distance changes continuously based on patient feedback and usage patterns. The system can dynamically transition between near, intermediate, and far viewing distances, and adjust the simulation parameters in real-time to match the patient's actual visual needs and activities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If eyes are tested individually by blocking one eye, then the testing procedure is simplified, but it misses binocular coordination and vergence effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a unified simulation environment that simultaneously handles monocular and binocular vision testing. The same system can test each eye individually when needed, or both eyes together to evaluate binocular coordination, vergence, and stereopsis, making the system universally applicable to different testing requirements without needing separate dedicated devices.
4Manufacturing precision
If progressive lens prescriptions are under-defined with only 2-3 parameters, then the prescription process is fast, but the lens design optimization cannot achieve true optimality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements iterative feedback loops where patient responses to simulated lens experiences are continuously fed back into the optimization algorithm. The system adjusts lens parameters based on patient feedback about visual comfort, clarity, and preference, gradually converging on optimal designs that truly match patient needs rather than relying on limited initial parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary simulations and optimizations before final lens manufacturing. The system pre-evaluates multiple lens design options through virtual simulations, identifies the most promising candidates, and prepares optimized prescriptions in advance, reducing the need for multiple return visits and adjustments.
5Manufacturing precision
If more parameters are determined through additional tests, then lens design accuracy improves, but treatment time per patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to actively participate in their own vision assessment by providing real-time feedback during the simulation. Patients can indicate their visual preferences and comfort levels directly, reducing the need for extensive optometrist-led testing procedures and allowing the system to gather comprehensive data more efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A Progressive Lens Simulator comprises an Eye Tracker, for tracking an eye axis direction to determine a gaze distance, an Off-Axis Progressive Lens Simulator, for generating an Off-Axis progressive lens simulation; and an Axial Power-Distance Simulator, for simulating a progressive lens power in the eye axis direction. The Progressive Lens Simulator can alternatively include an Integrated Progressive Lens Simulator, for creating a Comprehensive Progressive Lens Simulation. The Progressive Lens Simulator can be Head-mounted. A Guided Lens Design Exploration System for the Progressive Lens Simulator can include a Progressive Lens Simulator, a Feedback-Control Interface, and a Progressive Lens Design processor, to generate a modified progressive lens simulation for the patient after a guided modification of the progressive lens design. A Deep Learning Method for an Artificial Intelligence Engine can be used for a Progressive Lens Design Processor. Embodiments include a multi-station system of Progressive Lens Simulators and a Central Supervision Station.