Temporary Progressive Lens Fitting Using Wear Data Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and limited availability of multifocal and progressive lenses, coupled with the challenge of adapting to their optical design, make them less appealing for younger patients and necessitate a more efficient and cost-effective method for determining personalized lens designs.
Innovation Solution
A temporary progressive lens system using a base lens and additional lens combination, equipped with sensors, collects data on user activity to optimize the optical design, allowing for quicker manufacturing and adaptation to individual needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional bespoke manufacturing techniques are used for progressive lenses, then manufacturing precision and optical quality are improved, but cost and manufacturing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the progressive lens manufacturing process into two distinct phases: (1) production of standardized base lenses with common optical parameters that can be mass-produced using automated injection molding, and (2) customization of individual lens parameters (such as addition power, corridor length, and inset) through digital optimization algorithms. This segmentation allows the majority of the lens to be manufactured using low-cost automated processes while only the specific personalized parameters require additional processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-manufacturing and stocking large quantities of base lenses with standardized optical designs before customer orders are placed. These base lenses contain the fundamental progressive corridor structure and can be rapidly customized later by adjusting specific parameters based on the customer's prescription and usage patterns, eliminating the need to manufacture each lens from scratch.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of optical design combinations are available, then adaptability to individual patient needs is improved, but inventory complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a standardized base lens design that can serve multiple different customer needs through parameter adjustment. A single base lens mold can produce lenses suitable for various prescriptions by modifying digital parameters such as addition power, corridor length, and optical center position, allowing one physical template to fulfill multiple customization requirements without requiring separate inventories for each design variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes to achieve customization from a standardized base design. By digitally adjusting key optical parameters (addition power, corridor length, inset distance, and optical center position) of the base lens, the system can generate personalized progressive lenses for different patients without changing the fundamental lens structure or requiring new physical molds for each prescription.
3Manufacturing precision
If progressive lenses are manufactured on a bespoke basis, then optical quality is improved, but delivery time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-manufacturing and maintaining inventory of standardized base lenses before customer orders are received. These base lenses contain the essential progressive corridor structure and can be rapidly distributed to optical retailers. When a customer orders progressive lenses, the personalized parameters are optimized and applied to an existing base lens from inventory, enabling delivery within days rather than weeks required for traditional bespoke manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lens delivery process into rapid distribution of standardized base lenses and subsequent quick customization at the retail location. The base lenses can be immediately shipped to optical stores using efficient logistics, while the personalized parameters are optimized and applied locally using digital tools, separating the time-consuming manufacturing phase from the customization phase to overall accelerate delivery.
4Reliability
If traditional extensive pre-fitting evaluations are conducted, then lens suitability and optical quality are improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by providing patients with temporary progressive lenses that they can use at home to evaluate their adaptation to the optical design. The lenses contain sensors that automatically track usage patterns, viewing distances, and wearing habits without requiring continuous professional supervision. This allows patients to self-assess lens suitability in their natural environment over several days, replacing lengthy in-clinic trial periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes feedback mechanisms through sensors embedded in the temporary progressive lenses that automatically collect data on patient usage patterns, including when and how the lenses are worn, viewing distances, and head movements. This objective data is transmitted to the optimization system, which uses it to refine the personalized optical parameters, providing continuous feedback that improves lens suitability without requiring repeated professional evaluations.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described, including providing a temporary progressive lens (20) that is configured for a subject's temporary use, based upon an initial progressive-lens optical design. The lens is composed of a base lens (22) and an attached additional and removable progressive lens part (24) for test purposes. Data that are indicative of suitability of the optical design for activities that are performed by the subject are received, the data being generated during use of the temporary progressive lens by the subject. Based upon the received data, the optical design for a progressive lens for the subject is optimised, and the optimised optical design in output.

