Selective Interferential Filter for Ophthalmic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic devices lack selective filtering capabilities to effectively inhibit specific harmful wavelengths of light that contribute to retinal diseases such as Age-Related Maculopathy (AMD), glaucoma, and other eye disorders, leading to potential distortion of color perception and disruption of circadian rhythms.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with selective interferential filtering means that can be customized to inhibit specific spectral bands of light, taking into account various angles of incidence and user-specific parameters to minimize distortion and protect the retina from harmful wavelengths, configured to address specific eye diseases and their stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If broad long pass absorptive filter of blue light is used, then protection against harmful wavelengths is improved, but yellowish effect and distortion of color perception occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple discrete wavelength bands, each targeting specific harmful wavelengths (400-450nm, 460-480nm, 490-520nm) while preserving transmission in other ranges. This segmentation allows selective blocking of harmful light without the broad suppression that causes yellowish discoloration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical spectrum are treated with different filtering characteristics. The filter applies strong rejection only in specific narrow bands where harmful wavelengths are concentrated, while maintaining high transmission and natural color perception in adjacent regions, thus avoiding the uniform yellowish effect of broad-spectrum blue light filters.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional UV filters are used, then protection against UV radiation is improved, but selectivity in filtering specific harmful wavelengths is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering function is segmented into multiple independent wavelength bands with distinct rejection characteristics. Each band (400-450nm, 460-480nm, 490-520nm) can be independently optimized for specific harmful wavelengths, providing the selectivity that conventional broad-spectrum UV filters lack.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter characteristics are customized by adjusting parameters such as central wavelength, bandwidth, and rejection rate for each spectral band. This allows the filter to be adapted to different users' needs and specific eye conditions, providing versatile selective filtering that conventional fixed-characteristic UV filters cannot achieve.
3Ease of manufacture
If single incidence angle design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but angular sensitivity causes distortion of spectral response
Solution Approach 1:
The design parameters of the interferential filter are optimized to reduce angular sensitivity. By adjusting the layer thicknesses, refractive indices, and optical configurations, the filter maintains its spectral response characteristics over a broader range of incidence angles, reducing distortion without requiring complex multi-angle designs.
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
The optical device provides enhanced protection by selectively filtering out harmful light bands, reducing the progression of retinal diseases, minimizing color distortion, and maintaining normal circadian functions, with adjustable rejection rates tailored to individual needs.
Implementation Method 1
selective interferential filter...inhibit transmission of light in a target wavelength band...by reflection, refraction or diffraction
Implementation Method 2
selective interferential filter...inhibit transmission of light in a target wavelength band...by reflection, refraction or diffraction
Implementation Method 3
selective inhibition of the transmission of incident light in a spectral band of choice
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1F
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
A method of determining configuration of interferential filtering means for an optical device comprising an optical substrate for a user, the method comprising: providing a first set of parameters representative of at least one main line of sight of the user, the distance between the optical substrate and an eye of the user, a size of a retina area and/or the pupil size of the eye of the user; determining a first selected range of angles of incidence based on the first set of parameters; providing a second set of parameters characterising, for the user, a range of wavelengths to be inhibited, at least partially; determining a first selected range of wavelengths of incident light to be inhibited, at least partially, based on the second set of parameters; and configuring a first selective interferential filtering means and a first zone of a surface of the optical substrate based on the first selected range of angles of incidence and the first selected range of wavelengths such that the first selective interferential filtering means is operable to inhibit, at a first rate of rejection, transmission of the first selected range of wavelengths of incident light, incident on the first zone within the first selected range of angles of incidence.