Varifocal Eyeglass Optics With Eye Tracking for Focus Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eyeglasses, such as reading glasses, bifocals, and progressives, fail to provide seamless focus adjustment for varying distances, leading to reduced field of view, visual discomfort, and the need for multiple pairs due to presbyopia, a condition where the eye loses its accommodative amplitude with age.
Innovation Solution
Eyeglass devices equipped with a varifocal optical element, eye-tracking element, and depth-sensing element that automatically adjust optical power in response to gaze direction and distance changes, enhancing accommodative adjustments to improve focus at various depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional reading glasses or bifocals are used, then focus correction is provided for specific distances, but field of view is reduced and visual discomfort occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable focal length lens that can dynamically change its optical power based on the distance of the object being viewed. This dynamic adjustment allows the lens to provide appropriate focus correction for different distances while maintaining a wide field of view, eliminating the need for multiple pairs of glasses with fixed focal lengths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (focal length) of the lens based on the distance to the object. By adjusting the focal length parameter dynamically, the system provides accurate focus correction for near, intermediate, and far distances without the visual discomfort and limited field of view associated with traditional bifocals or progressives
2Reliability
If multiple pairs of glasses are used for different distances, then focus correction is improved, but device complexity and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal lens that can perform multiple focus correction functions for different distances (near, intermediate, far) within a single device. The variable focal length capability allows one pair of glasses to replace multiple pairs, improving user convenience while maintaining accurate focus correction across all viewing distances
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment of focal length based on object distance allows a single lens to provide the focus correction functionality that previously required multiple static lenses. This eliminates the need for users to switch between different pairs of glasses, reducing device complexity from the user perspective
3Adaptability or versatility
If progressive lenses are used, then continuous focus adjustment is provided, but visual distortion and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/structural approach of progressive lenses (which use fixed gradient refractive indices causing peripheral distortion) with a dynamic optical system that adjusts focal length based on object distance. This substitution eliminates the inherent visual distortion of progressive lenses while maintaining continuous focus adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates distance sensing capability that provides feedback about the object being viewed, allowing the lens to adjust its focal length accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the lens to provide the correct focus without the peripheral distortion and visual discomfort associated with progressive lenses, as the adjustment is based on actual viewing conditions rather than fixed gradient patterns
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 eyeglass devices enhance visual clarity and comfort by dynamically adjusting optical power, reducing the need for multiple pairs of glasses and minimizing visual distortions associated with traditional lenses.
Implementation Method 1
an eye-tracking element mounted to the frame, wherein: the eye-tracking element is configured to track a gaze direction of the user's eye
Implementation Method 2
the varifocal optical element includes a substantially transparent actuator positioned at least partially within an optical aperture of the varifocal optical element and configured to alter a shape of the varifocal optical element upon actuation
Data Source
AI summary
Eyeglass devices may include a frame shaped and sized to be worn by a user at least partially in front of the user's eyes, a varifocal optical element mounted to the frame, and an eye-tracking element mounted to the frame. The varifocal optical element may include a substantially transparent actuator positioned at least partially within an optical aperture of the varifocal optical element and configured to alter a shape of the varifocal optical element upon actuation. The eye-tracking element may be configured to track at least a gaze direction of the user's eyes, and the varifocal optical element may be configured to change, based on information from the eye-tracking element, in at least one optical property including a focal distance. Various other devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.