Segmented Controller for Variable-Optic Ophthalmic Lens

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of electronic components into contact lenses is hindered by area and volume constraints, manufacturing difficulties on non-planar surfaces, and the need for low-power consumption to extend battery life, while existing microcontrollers are too large and inefficient for ophthalmic devices.

Innovation Solution

A system controller with digital logic state machines, power management circuitry, and sensor integration that minimizes power consumption and is scalable for use in contact lenses, incorporating a master state machine for controlling various functions and optimizing power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional microcontrollers are integrated into contact lenses, then control functionality is provided, but the device area and volume requirements are not met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidcontroller area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is segmented into multiple functional blocks (state machine logic, I/O control, power management) that can be independently designed and integrated. This modular approach allows optimization of each block's area while maintaining overall control functionality in the contact lens system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional planar integration to three-dimensional stacked integration, placing different functional blocks at different vertical levels. This enables significantly higher functional density within the constrained contact lens area by utilizing the third dimension (vertical stacking) rather than only horizontal expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing microcontrollers are used in ophthalmic devices, then control capabilities are achieved, but power consumption is too high for extended battery life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilitiesVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements periodic sampling and event-driven operation rather than continuous processing. Sensors are activated only when needed, and the state machine transitions between active and low-power states periodically, significantly reducing average power consumption while maintaining control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically adjusts its operational parameters (clock frequency, processing speed, sampling rate) based on system state and power availability. This allows the device to operate at minimum necessary performance levels during low-power states and scale up when power is available, optimizing the balance between control capabilities and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If electronic components are integrated into contact lenses, then enhanced functionality is achieved, but manufacturing on non-planar surfaces becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenhanced functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing on non-planar surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the electronic components and circuit boards to conform to the curved surface of the contact lens rather than attempting to flatten the lens surface. This curvature-adapted design allows standard manufacturing techniques to be applied to curved substrates, facilitating integration of electronics while maintaining the necessary contact lens geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

Electronic components are nested within the contact lens structure, with circuit boards and elements integrated into the lens body's curvature. This nesting approach allows manufacturing of components separately and then assembly within the curved lens form factor, avoiding the need to manufacture complex electronics directly on non-planar surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9980810B2System controller for variable-optic electronic ophthalmic lens

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC

AI summary

A system controller for an ophthalmic lens comprising an electronic system which actuates a variable-focus optic is disclosed herein. The system controller is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic lens. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. The controller including multiple state machines configured as digital logic gates.