OPHTHALMIC DEVICE WITH EMBEDDED MICROCONTROLLER

• US 20100110372A1
• Filed: 10/16/2009
• Published: 05/06/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Otts, Daniel B., Pugh, Randall B., Flitsch, Frederick A.
• Granted Patent: US 9,375,886 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 351/177
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 11/00009 Production of simple or compound lenses
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 11/00028 Bifocal lenses; Multifocal lenses
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 11/00038 Production of contact lenses
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 11/00826 with energy receptors for wireless energy transmission
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 11/10 Electronic devices other than hearing aids
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/04 Contact lenses for the eyes disinfection or sterilisation of contact lenses A61L12/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/083 Electrooptic lenses

Abstract

This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing an ophthalmic lens with a microcontroller and an energy source incorporated within the ophthalmic lens. The energy source is capable of powering the microcontroller included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast molded from a silicone hydrogel.

Claims

1. A method of forming an ophthalmic lens, the method comprising:

placing a media insert comprising a microcontroller and an energy source proximate to a first mold part;

depositing a reactive monomer mix into the first mold part;

positioning the insert comprising a microcontroller and an energy source in contact with the reactive monomer mix;

positioning the first mold part proximate to a second mold part thereby forming a lens cavity with the variable optic insert and at least some of reactive monomer mix in the lens cavity; and

exposing the reactive monomer mix to actinic radiation.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the microcontroller comprises a data storage portion.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the microcontroller comprises a microcontroller requiring about 0.1 micro amps or less of electrical energy for random access memory retention.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the microcontroller comprises a microcontroller requiring about 0.8 micro amps or less of electrical energy for real-time clock mode operation.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the microcontroller comprises a microcontroller requiring about 250 micro amps or less of electrical energy for per million instructions per second active operation.

6. The method of claim 2 additionally comprising the step of conformal coating one or both of:

the microcontroller and the media.

7. The method of claim 6 additionally comprising the step of encapsulating coating one or both of:

the microcontroller and the media

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the electrochemical cell comprises a lithium ion battery.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the electrochemical cell comprises a rechargeable material.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein the electrochemical cell comprises a cathode comprising nano-scaled crystals.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the media insert comprises a polyamide flexible circuit.

12. The method of claim 2 wherein the microcontroller additionally comprises an analog to digital converter.

13. The method of claim 12 herein the microcontroller additionally comprises a timer.

14. The method of claim 12 herein the microcontroller additionally comprises a timer.

15. The method of claim 14 additionally comprising the step of storing executable code within the memory which is executable by the processor to change a state of a component comprising the ophthalmic lens.

19. The apparatus for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens of claim 12 additionally comprising:

a processor for controlling the automation;

a digital storage device comprising software, executable upon demand, said software operative with the processor to cause the apparatus to;

place the media insert comprising a microcontroller proximate to, or in contact with, the first mold part.

16. An apparatus for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens, the apparatus comprising:

automation for placing a media insert comprising a microcontroller in one or both of;

proximate to, or in contact with, a first mold part;

a dispenser for depositing a reactive monomer mix into the first mold part; and

a source of actinic radiation for the reactive monomer mix.

17. The apparatus for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens of claim 16 additionally comprising:

automation operative for placing a second mold part proximate to the first mold thereby creating a lens forming cavity with the variable optic insert and at least some of the reactive monomer mix within the lens forming cavity.

18. The apparatus for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens of claim 17 additionally comprising:

a pallet for holding multiple first mold parts; and

automation for moving the pallet proximate to the source of actinic radiation.