Wearable Optical Device with Pixelated Active Element for Vision Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating vision impairments, such as myopia, hyperopia, and amblyopia, using optical devices are limited by discomfort, compliance issues, and inefficiencies in adapting to pupil size and viewing conditions, and existing solutions like contact lenses can be invasive and uncomfortable, especially for children.
Innovation Solution
A wearable optical device with a transparent lens and a pixelated active optical element that creates an image mask based on gaze direction and pupil size, modifying the image formed on the retina to treat refractive errors, amblyopia, and macular degeneration, while being non-invasive and adaptable to individual eye conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact lenses are used to modify the image formed on the retina, then treatment effectiveness for vision impairments is improved, but comfort and compliance deteriorate due to invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wearable optical device with a transparent lens and pixelated active optical element as an intermediary between the environment and the eye. This device modifies the image formed on the retina without direct contact with the eye, combining treatment effectiveness with comfort. The transparent lens allows light to pass through while the pixelated element selectively modifies specific regions of the visual field to achieve therapeutic effects.
2Reliability
If traditional optical devices are used, then treatment is provided, but adaptability to pupil size and viewing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through a controller that receives input from an eye tracker about gaze direction and pupil size, then dynamically adjusts the optical properties of the pixelated active optical element. This allows the device to adapt to changing viewing conditions and pupil sizes in real-time, maintaining treatment effectiveness across various scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates an eye tracker that continuously monitors gaze direction and pupil size, providing feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust the optical properties of the pixelated element, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to individual eye conditions and viewing circumstances.
3Area of stationary object
If the lens is positioned close to the eye, then visual field coverage is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a transparent lens that can be positioned at a comfortable distance from the eye while maintaining adequate visual field coverage. The use of a transparent lens in a wearable frame allows light to pass through with minimal obstruction, providing both comfort and sufficient coverage of the visual field for effective treatment.
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 device effectively treats refractive errors, amblyopia, and macular degeneration by creating a therapeutic image mask that can improve vision quality and reduce the progression of conditions like myopia, with improved comfort and compliance compared to traditional methods, especially suitable for children.
Implementation Method 1
each one of the pixels having an optical property with a changeable value, the active optical element physically associated with the frame and/or the lens so that at least part of the visual field of the first eye is covered by both the lens and the active optical element
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a wearable optical devices for a human subject, comprising: a transparent lens; a wearable frame configured to maintain the lens in front of an eye of a human subject; a transparent pixelated active optical element where the pixels of the active optical element have an optical property with a changeable value; an eye tracker; and a controller configured to set a value for an optical property of the pixels of the active optical element so as to create an image mask through which at least some of the light reaching the feye passes through, thereby modifying the image formed on the retina of the first eye.