Waveguide Retinal Viewing for Wide Field and Reduced Headset Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viewing apparatuses for optogenetics and retinal prostheses fail to provide a large enough field of view while maintaining comfort and safety, often exceeding temperature limits and causing discomfort due to heat from powerful light sources and control electronics.
Innovation Solution
A viewing apparatus with a first optical line using a projecting system, light signal generator, and waveguide to project light on the retina, combined with a second optical line for environment light, utilizing a total internal reflection prism and digital micromirror device to enhance field of view and reduce heat exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If powerful light sources are used to provide sufficient irradiance for photoreactive protein activation, then light intensity is improved, but temperature increases causing discomfort and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source from the headset device and places it in an external projector. Only the necessary control electronics and waveguide remain in the headset, removing the heat-generating light source while maintaining the required light intensity delivery to the retina through the waveguide component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a waveguide as an intermediary component that transmits light from the external projector to the retina. This allows the light source to be separated from the headset, enabling sufficient light delivery without the heat-generating source being present in the wearable device
2Illumination intensity
If traditional projector designs are used to provide sufficient light, then light intensity is improved, but field of view is limited to less than 10 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a waveguide component that spreads light across a two-dimensional surface area of the retina rather than projecting along a single narrow path. This dimensional expansion enables a wide field of view (20°×30°) while maintaining sufficient light intensity through the extended optical path
3Illumination intensity
If heat-generating light sources and control electronics are placed in the headset, then light delivery is improved, but comfort is worsened due to heat exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the primary heat source (light source) from the headset device and places it in an external projector. The headset contains only minimal control electronics and the waveguide, dramatically reducing heat exposure while maintaining effective light delivery to the retina through the waveguide
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional direct projection mechanism with a waveguide-based optical transmission system. This substitution allows light to be delivered through a transparent waveguide component without requiring the heat-generating light source to be physically present in the headset, eliminating direct heat exposure
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 apparatus achieves a wider field of view (20°×30°) with reduced heat and comfort issues, ensuring sufficient light intensity and safety, suitable for optogenetics and retinal implant applications.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide comprising an input coupler and an exit coupler, the waveguide being adapted to convey light from the input coupler to the exit coupler
Implementation Method 2
a projecting system adapted to project a first light signal on a first area of the retina
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a viewing apparatus comprising:a first optical line comprising:a projecting system adapted to project a light signal on a first area of the retina of an eye of a wearer of the viewing apparatus,a light signal generator generating the light signal to be projected, anda waveguide comprising an input coupler and an exit coupler, the waveguide being adapted to convey light from the input couple to the exit coupler, and optionally a second optical line comprising an optical system adapted to project a light signal of the environment on a second area of the retina of the eye of the wearer, the optical system comprising a part of the waveguide.