Shielded Contact Lens Electrode for Noise-Resistant Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Contact lenses used for wireless communication suffer from reduced sensitivity and speed due to their small size and exposure to tears, leading to noise interference in signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a shield layer to reduce the adverse effects of external electric and magnetic fields, and using a mesh-shaped communication electrode with transparent conductive materials like ITO, ITiO, IZO, or carbon nanotubes to improve visibility and communication capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless communication is used in a contact lens, then data transmission capability is achieved, but communication sensitivity deteriorates and communication speed degrades due to noise interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication sensitivityVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shield layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the communication electrode and the external environment. This shield layer acts as a mediator that blocks external electric fields and magnetic fields from directly interfering with the communication signal, thereby reducing noise interference while allowing the wireless communication function to operate reliably

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the contact lens area is kept small for wearability, then comfort on the eyeball is maintained, but communication sensitivity deteriorates due to limited space for electrode formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication sensitivityVSAvoidcontact lens area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The shield layer is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the communication electrode, facing the electrode from the opposite side. This dimensional arrangement allows the shield layer to protect the electrode without occupying the same plane, thus maintaining the compact size of the contact lens while improving communication sensitivity through noise reduction

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

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

Enhances communication sensitivity and speed by minimizing noise interference and allowing wider electrode formation, ensuring reliable data transmission from the contact lens to peripheral equipment.

Implementation Method 1

the shield layer is provided at a position facing the communication electrode. This allows for reduction of an adverse influence exerted by external electric field and magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

using a mesh-shaped communication electrode with transparent conductive materials like ITO, ITiO, IZO, or carbon nanotubes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3730996B1Contact lens and communication system
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3730996B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3730996B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3730996B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A contact lens according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a lens section to be worn on an eyeball. The contact lens further includes a communication electrode, a sensor device, a controller, and a shield layer in the lens section. The controller supplies electric power to the communication electrode, and outputs a signal corresponding to information acquired by the sensor device to the communication electrode. The shield layer is provided at a position facing at least one of the sensor device, the controller, or the communication electrode.