Electrically Tunable LC Lenses for Adaptive Vision Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near eye display devices struggle to provide clear vision for users with varying eye characteristics or conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism without the need for prescription glasses.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal (LC) device with a first electrode structure on a substrate, including parallel segments, and control electrodes that form tunable LC lenses based on gaze direction, dynamically adjusting optical power to correct vision issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed lens is used in near eye display devices, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide clear vision for users with varying eye characteristics such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing a fixed lens with a liquid crystal lens that can dynamically change its optical properties. The liquid crystal lens adjusts its refractive index and focal length in real-time based on user eye characteristics and gaze direction, enabling adaptation to different vision conditions (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) without requiring multiple physical lenses or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by electrically controlling the liquid crystal material's refractive index through applied voltage. By changing the electrical parameters (voltage magnitude and distribution), the system dynamically adjusts the lens's optical parameters (focal length, curvature) to match different prescription requirements, transforming a static optical system into one that can continuously adapt its properties.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple physical lenses are used to correct different vision conditions, then vision correction accuracy improves, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single liquid crystal lens that can perform multiple vision correction functions. Instead of requiring separate physical lenses for different prescriptions, the liquid crystal lens can be electrically programmed to provide various focal lengths and corrective powers, making one lens capable of serving multiple vision correction needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise vision correction by dynamically changing the liquid crystal lens's optical parameters through electrical control. By adjusting voltage distributions across the lens surface, the system can precisely tune the refractive index profile to match specific prescription requirements, achieving manufacturing-level precision through electrical parameter control rather than physical manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If traditional vision correction methods require prescription glasses, then optical quality is maintained, but user convenience and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated vision correction system that actively adapts to the user's needs without manual intervention. The system uses eye tracking to monitor gaze direction and automatically adjusts the liquid crystal lens parameters to match the user's prescription requirements, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust glasses or lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through eye tracking sensors that continuously monitor the user's gaze direction and eye characteristics. This feedback information is processed to dynamically adjust the liquid crystal lens parameters in real-time, ensuring that the vision correction remains accurate and reliable as user conditions or viewing requirements 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
Enables clear image projection for users with different eye conditions by dynamically forming LC lenses that correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, enhancing user experience in augmented and virtual reality systems.
Implementation Method 1
The LC device includes a first electrode structure disposed on a first substrate with an elliptical shape. The first electrode structure is transparent and includes parallel first segments connected by second segments. The LC device includes a plurality of first control electrodes that are electrically coupled with the first electrode structure. The plurality of first control electrodes is configured to form LC lenses with different positions.
Implementation Method 2
Each of the LC lenses with the different positions is formed when electrical signals are applied to a subset of the plurality of first control electrodes that is associated with the respective LC lens.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a liquid crystal (LC) device, a head mounted display (HMD) system, and a method of tuning the HMD system. The LC device includes a first electrode structure disposed on a first substrate with an elliptical shape. The first electrode structure includes parallel first segments connected by second segments. The LC device includes a plurality of first control electrodes electrically coupled with the first electrode structure. The plurality of first control electrodes is configured to form LC lenses at different positions. Each of the LC lenses at the different positions is formed when electrical signals are applied to a subset of the plurality of first control electrodes that is associated with the respective LC lens. The LC device includes a second electrode structure disposed on a second substrate and at least one second control electrode electrically coupled with the second electrode structure.