Enhanced electro-active lens system

• US 20080024718A1
• Filed: 06/18/2007
• Published: 01/31/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/15/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: E-Vision Optics LLC
• Original Assignee: e-Vision, LLC (New Smart Optics, Inc.)
• Inventors: Dusion, Dwight, Kokonaski, William, Blum, Ronald
• Granted Patent: US 7,490,936 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 351/176
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/011 comprising device for correcting geometrical aberrations, distortion
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0123 comprising devices increasing the field of view
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0178 Eyeglass type eyeglass details G02C
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/06 for controlling the phase of light G02B26/08 takes precedence , measuring optical phase difference G01J9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0172 characterised by optical features
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 2202/22 Correction of higher order and chromatic aberrations, wave front measurement and calculation
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/083 Electrooptic lenses
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/088 Lens systems mounted to spectacles

Abstract

A lens system and optical devices that provide enhanced vision correction are disclosed. The lens system includes an electro-active layer that provides correction of at least one higher order aberration. The higher order correction changes dynamically based on a user of the lens system'"'"'s needs, such as a change by the user'"'"'s gaze distance, pupil size, or changes in tear film following blinking, among others. Optical devices are also described that use these and other lens systems to provide correction of higher order aberrations. An optical guide is also described that guides the user'"'"'s line of sight to see through a lens region having a correction for a higher order aberration.

Claims

1. ) A lens having an electro-active element, comprising:

a sensor for sensing a change in pupil size; and

a controller in communication with the sensor for adjusting voltage applied to the electro-active element when the sensor senses a change in pupil size for correcting a higher order aberration.

2. ) The lens of claim 1, wherein the lens is a spectacle lens.

3. ) The lens of claim 1, wherein the higher order aberration comprises a spherical aberration.

4. ) The lens of claim 1, wherein the sensing is performed by a photo-detector.

5. ) The lens of claim 1, wherein the electro-active element comprises an electro-active material.

6. ) A lens having an electro-active element, comprising:

a sensor for sensing varying ambient light conditions; and

a controller in communication with the sensor for adjusting voltage applied to the electro-active element based on sensed ambient light conditions for correcting an aberration in the eye.

7. ) The lens of claim 6, wherein the aberration in the eye comprises a higher order aberration.

8. ) The lens of claim 6, wherein the lens is a spectacle lens.

9. ) The lens of claim 7, wherein the higher order aberration comprises a spherical aberration.

10. ) The lens of claim 6, wherein the sensing is performed by a photosensor.

11. ) The lens of claim 6, wherein the electro-active element comprises an electro-active material.