TW202411696A - Vision enhancing optical device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a vision enhancing optical device (110), and in particular to an optical device for improving a user’s vision, for example the user’s near vision as required for reading and/or for distance vision. The vision enhancing optical device has a lens (112) with an opaque region (114) and a plurality of apertures (120) in the opaque region, the apertures being of differing dimensions. The apertures can be circular or non-circular (e.g. polygonal). The apertures can have edges which converge to a corner.

Description

Optical devices to enhance vision

The present invention relates to an optical device for enhancing vision, and more particularly, to an optical device for improving a user's myopia and/or hyperopia.

Directional and spatial orientation terms such as “above, top”, “below, bottom” refer to the optical device in the normal usage orientation as shown in Figures 1 to 4. However, the optical device may be used in other orientations.

The human eye has a lens that provides the ability to focus light reflected from viewed objects onto the retina. The lens is flexible and its curvature can be changed as needed to allow for viewing of distant objects or near objects. However, many people have poor vision and need assistance to see distant objects or nearby objects (or in some cases both). An optometrist can measure the extent and type of an individual's eye defects and provide lenses to compensate for or at least reduce the effects of the defects. Lenses are usually provided as part of a pair of glasses or as contact lenses.

Many people's near vision deteriorates with age, and it is often difficult to see close objects, such as text on a book. Therefore, reading glasses that can improve near vision are widely used.

The eye has an iris, which creates an aperture through which light can enter the eye. A healthy iris can dilate in low-light conditions and contract in bright light, optimizing the amount of light that passes through the retina.

Cameras also use a lens (or in most cases multiple lenses) to focus light from an object onto film or a charge-coupled device (CCD). Most cameras also have an adjustable aperture to control the amount of light that passes through the film or CCD.

It will be understood that the word "lens" can be used to describe an element through which light can pass, a lens having opposing surfaces, at least one of which is curved, and which can focus light from an object to a point. For example, the word "lens" can also be used to describe the optical component of a pair of sunglasses, even though the glass in most sunglasses is ordinary and does not focus light. For ease of understanding, the word "lens" in this specification will be used to describe the optical element of the present invention through which light can pass, whether the optical element plays a role in focusing light, and whether the optical element is part of a pair of glasses. When different types of optical elements are distinguished in this specification, lenses that play a role in focusing light are called focusing lenses, while lenses that do not play a role in focusing light are called plano lenses. The term focusing lenses will include lenses that focus light to a point or diverge from a point, both types of lenses being used to correct imperfect vision. Unless the context requires otherwise, when the more general term "lens" is used alone, it refers to both focusing and plano lenses.

It will be appreciated that light from an object travels in waves. The focusing lens causes the wavefront to bend so that the light can be focused at a desired point. Multiple waves pass through the focusing lens from each point on the object to create an image on the retina or film, for example. In order to produce a sharp image, different waves from the same point on the object that pass through different parts of the focusing lens must reach the same point on the retina or film. If the focusing lens is imperfect or not focused properly, light from the same point on the object that passes through different parts of the focusing lens will not reach the same point and the image will be blurred.

A pinhole camera is a device that creates a sharp image without the need for a focusing lens. The camera has a substantially light-proof surface with a very small hole through which light can pass to reach the film or screen. The device operates by limiting the hole through which light can pass, thereby reducing the range of different paths that light can take from each point on the object to the film or screen. Reducing the range of different paths that light can take has the effect of reducing blur, resulting in a sharper image.

As is known, spectacles also use the principle of a pinhole camera (or "pinhole effect"), so the spectacles lens is usually opaque and has a small hole through which light can pass to the user's eye. Some spectacles of this type have multiple holes, but it is understood that the multiple holes are used separately, that is, light only passes through one hole from the object to the retina, and the multiple holes simply make it easier for the user to determine the position of the object. Therefore, the size of the aperture that can effectively bypass the user's iris and through which light can reach the retina is determined by the small hole, rather than by the user's iris. Therefore, the focusing effect of the eye lens is limited and the blur caused by the defect of this focusing effect is reduced. Known spectacles of this type have plano lenses.

An object of the present invention is to provide an optical device for enhancing vision by utilizing the pinhole effect.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical device for enhancing vision that does not require special fitting by an optometrist.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vision enhancing optical device that can be used by different people having different defects in the eye lens, thereby allowing widespread use of an optical device of a single design.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vision-enhancing optical device is provided, comprising a lens having a substantially opaque region and a plurality of holes substantially located in the opaque region, wherein the holes have different sizes.

Providing multiple holes of different sizes enables the user to vary the degree of improved vision by viewing the object through holes of different sizes. Specifically, most users will see a clearer image of the object by using a smaller hole. The user can select the hole with the most appropriate size to provide the desired degree of improved vision.

Ideally, there should be two different sized holes. However, it is better to have three or four different sized holes.

Ideally, the size of the holes ranges from about 1 mm to 3 mm. Ideally, the size of the smallest hole is exactly 1 mm. Ideally, the size of the largest hole is exactly 3 mm. For example, in an embodiment with three different sized holes, the sizes may be (approximately) 1 mm/2 mm/3 mm, or 1 mm/1.5 mm/2 mm, or 1.5 mm/2 mm/2.5 mm, or 2 mm/2.5 mm/3 mm. For example, in an embodiment with four different sized holes, the sizes may be (approximately) 1 mm/1.5 mm/2 mm/2.5 mm, or 1.5 mm/2 mm/2.5 mm/3 mm.

Preferably, the relative sizes of the holes of different sizes differ by 0.5 mm. This relative size difference is expected to provide an appropriate differentiated degree of visual improvement. Still smaller or larger differences between the different hole sizes may be provided if desired.

It is understood that an aperture size less than about 1 mm will significantly reduce the amount of light entering the eye. In many cases, the improvement in vision produced by such a small aperture is expected to be more than offset by the reduction in clarity caused by the reduction in light. Therefore, for most people, an aperture size of about 1 mm should be the minimum in a practical device.

It is also understood that some people's irises can shrink to about 3 mm in diameter. Therefore, providing the aperture with a maximum size greater than 3 mm may not impose any restrictions on the user's iris and may have little benefit in practice. Therefore, for most people about 3 mm should be the maximum for a practical device.

Preferably, the present invention provides multiple holes of different sizes. Providing multiple holes of different sizes makes it easier for a user to view objects through holes of selected sizes. This is particularly useful when the optical device is configured as a pair of glasses, wherein the position of the lenses relative to the user's eyes is fixed relatively. Therefore, the glasses do not have to be fitted by an optometrist or other specialist, as would be the case if a single hole in each lens was aligned with each eye of the user. Therefore, the provision of multiple holes of each different size makes a particular optical device more versatile and particularly suitable for people with different distances between their eyes. The present invention also contemplates providing multiple holes of different sizes so that the optical device is suitable for sale with products such as standard reading glasses and can be sold by non-specialty retailers.

The lens may be a focusing lens. When using such an optical device, the user's vision is first improved through the focusing effect of the lens and then through the pinhole effect of the aperture. The optical device may be configured similarly to standard reading glasses, for example with a defined focusing power (such as +1 diopter/+1.5 diopter (for example), as with standard reading glasses). Alternatively, the focusing lens may be a lens with a specific focusing power adapted to the eyes of a particular user. Although such lenses typically require an optometrist to determine the focusing power required to correct the user's eye defect, and the resulting optical device is only suitable for one particular user, the present invention is still applicable to such use if desired.

Preferably, the distance between adjacent holes is close, so the opaque area between adjacent holes is relatively small, and it is easy for the user to determine the position of the object and view the object through the hole.

Ideally, multiple holes of each particular size are arranged in a row, i.e., horizontally, so that the user can move the eyes and/or head left and right to view objects through different holes without changing the size of the hole through which the object is viewed, and therefore without changing the degree of visual improvement.

Ideally, the holes in each row are relatively closely spaced so that the user does not need to move his head and/or eyes much to view objects through different holes. In addition, the close spacing of adjacent holes increases the likelihood that a user can comfortably view objects through holes in both lenses of a pair of glasses (for example) without having to adjust the glasses for their particular eye spacing. A spacing of about 2 mm (edge to edge) between adjacent holes is expected to be suitable, but smaller or larger spacings are also within the scope of the present invention. If desired, the spacing between adjacent holes in each row can be varied depending on the size of the holes in that row. Preferably, if the holes are smaller, the spacing between adjacent holes will be smaller (and vice versa).

Preferably, the holes of different sizes are arranged vertically (i.e., the holes of the first size are above the holes of different sizes). Thus, the user can move the eyes and/or head up and down to change the size of the hole through which the object is viewed, thereby changing the degree of visual improvement. If desired, the holes of the first size can be directly above the holes of different sizes (i.e., vertically aligned).

Preferably, adjacent rows of holes are relatively closely spaced so that the user does not need to move the head and/or eyes much to view objects through adjacent rows of holes. A spacing of about 2 mm (side to side) between adjacent rows of holes is expected to be suitable, but smaller or larger spacings are also within the scope of the present invention. The spacing between adjacent rows can also vary depending on the size of the holes in those rows.

Ideally, the smaller hole is located below the larger hole. This is a particularly beneficial feature when the optical device is used for reading, etc., where the user is able to lower his or her sight to view nearby objects (such as a book). Conversely, the user is also able to raise his or her sight to view more distant objects.

The opaque area can occupy the entire lens outside the hole. With such a lens, objects can only be viewed through the lens through the hole. Such an embodiment would be suitable for sunglasses, ski goggles, etc. where it is desired to limit the amount of light entering the eye. The present invention can be arranged so that the largest hole is smaller than the user's contracted iris, and since objects can only be viewed through the hole, the amount of light entering the eye will be reduced. The lens at the hole can also be polarized and/or have a color to further reduce the amount of light entering the eye through the hole. Ski goggles (for example) incorporating the present invention can have a reflective coating applied to the entire outer surface of the lens (usually a plano lens) so that the reflective coating covers the opaque area and all of the holes.

Preferably, however, the lens also has a light-transmitting zone, i.e., a zone without holes, through which objects can be seen without the use of the pinhole effect. With such a lens, a user can view objects through the light-transmitting zone (for "normal" vision) or through the holes (for improved vision). For example, if the optical device is configured as a pair of glasses, the user may wish to have normal vision through the lens for some objects (e.g., viewing distant objects while driving or when looking at a computer screen), and improved vision for viewing nearby objects (e.g., reading). Ideally, the light-transmitting zone will be located above the opaque zone, so the user can see more distant objects through the upper light-transmitting zone, and see nearby objects through the lower zone (with multiple holes).

Ideally, the holes are at least about 10 mm from the outer edge of the lens. This may be particularly helpful when the device is configured as a pair of glasses, as most people find it more difficult to view objects with holes near the edge of the lens (and thus near the frame around the lens, if any). Alternatively, at least the lowermost hole should preferably be at least about 10 mm from the lower edge of the lens of a pair of glasses.

It will be appreciated that positioning the apertures away from the edge of the lens limits the area of the lens where the apertures can be positioned, and may thus limit the number of apertures that can be provided. For example, the opaque region and apertures may be substantially centered in the lens, with a translucent region above and/or below the opaque region, or surrounded by a translucent region, as desired.

The light-transmitting area of the lens can be a focusing lens or a plano lens as desired. Thus, so-called "normal" vision can include vision corrected or improved through the focusing lens. As described above, the plurality of holes in the light-opaque area can be formed in the focusing lens or the plano lens as needed or desired.

The light-transmitting area can be polarized and/or have a color, such as when configured as sunglasses. In addition, coloring the light-transmitting area can help color-blind users, for example, by viewing objects through lenses of a certain color, the color blindness of some users can be reduced.

The optical device may be wearable, for example the lens may be one or both lenses of a pair of glasses or a pair of goggles (e.g. ski goggles, swimming goggles, work goggles/safety goggles, etc.). Alternatively, the optical device may be portable, that is, the lens may be an article (or part of an article), such as a keychain, etc., which is carried by the user and placed in front of the user's eyes when needed. The article may be suitably formed as a remote key so that it is easily accessible when needed.

It will be appreciated that a portable (as opposed to wearable) optical device will benefit less from having multiple apertures of each size. Thus, a user can more easily move the portable optical device to align the single aperture with the eye. Thus, a portable optical device may only have a single aperture of different sizes.

If desired, the portable optical device may include luminous and/or fluorescent and/or brightly colored elements to assist in its correct orientation and alignment. Because the portable optical device must be correctly aligned with the user's eyes, it is helpful to provide means to facilitate alignment. For example, the portable optical device (or each aperture) may have luminous, fluorescent or brightly colored markings that the user can use in practice to reliably align the aperture with his or her eyes. If desired, the portable optical device may further include luminous and/or fluorescent and/or brightly colored borders or edges to enable the user to better align the optical device when necessary.

A hole may be circular, in which case the "size" of the hole will be equivalent to the "diameter". Alternatively, a hole may be non-circular (e.g. elliptical) or polygonal (e.g. square, diamond, rectangular, or triangular). In these alternative shaped holes, references to "size" will generally be equivalent to the distance between the opposing edges of a particular hole.

Apertures that are not circular can have the added benefit of allowing the user to effectively improve vision by viewing an object through a specific portion of the aperture. For example, viewing an object through a portion of a triangular aperture near a corner requires a smaller aperture than viewing an object through a portion of the aperture far from the corner (and similarly for other polygonal apertures).

Preferably, if the hole is polygonal, it will be oriented with the corners at the bottom so that the user can effectively reduce the hole size by looking through the bottom of the hole.

Thus, a polygonal aperture has edges that taper or converge toward a corner, and the tapering tendency may change the effective size of (a portion of) the aperture through which an object is viewed.

All holes in a particular optical device need not have the same shape, but this is preferred because it is expected that the design will be more aesthetically pleasing. However, two or more different shapes in holes in different columns, as well as two or more different shapes in holes in the same column, are still within the scope of the present invention.

The holes may be actual holes, i.e. holes that pass through the material of the lens. Preferably, however, the holes are spaces in a light-impermeable region, e.g. having a light-impermeable region printed or otherwise formed on the surface or material of the lens, and the holes are not limited to being formed by printing. The light-impermeable region and (and therefore) the holes in the light-impermeable region may be permanent or non-permanent, e.g. the lens may have an electrochromic or photochromic coating (or, e.g., formed as a liquid crystal display (LCD)) that darkens to form a light-impermeable region.

If the apertures are actual holes through the lens material, the apertures do not have to be of uniform size to pass through the material. Alternatively, the apertures may be flared or tapered. It is expected that tapered apertures are particularly advantageous for portable optical devices because the device is oriented with the larger end of the aperture toward the user's eye. This is expected to aid in properly aligning the aperture with the eye. The use of elements (e.g., luminescent, fluorescent, or brightly colored elements) in such portable optical devices is particularly advantageous in aiding proper orientation of the device relative to the eye, especially in practice.

Ideally, some or all of the opaque area can be patterned. Since this area of the lens is opaque, a selected pattern can be applied without impairing the user's vision. For example, the opaque area can have an image such as a logo, a symbol, an emoticon, or other pattern as desired, which can be seen by others when the device is in use.

It will be understood that "opaque" as mentioned in this specification includes areas of the lens that are almost opaque, i.e., 0% of the incident light may not pass through. In order for the pinhole effect to work effectively, it is necessary that only a small amount of light passes through the opaque area, and almost all light that passes through the user's retina passes through the hole. However, materials that allow a small amount of incident light to pass through the user's retina may be useful and therefore fall under the term "opaque".

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a vision-enhancing optical device is provided, comprising a lens having a light-proof area and at least one hole in the light-proof area, wherein the edge of the hole converges at a corner.

Due to the converging (or tapering) sides, the effective size of the aperture decreases towards the corner. The user can vary the effective size of the aperture by changing the line of sight through the aperture towards and away from the corner, thereby varying the degree of visual improvement provided.

Preferably, the edges are linear and always converge towards the corners. However, the invention can be practiced with non-linear edges, although the edges are preferably straight enough to converge smoothly towards the corners.

It will be understood that the corners can be points or vertices to which the edges reach, or can be rounded instead. It will also be understood that the holes can be triangles, squares, diamonds or other polygons (and possibly irregular polygons) as desired.

The angle between the sides is preferably no more than 90°, and ideally no more than 60°. It will be appreciated that the 60° angle is provided by an equilateral triangle, and a smaller angle can be provided by an isosceles triangle. Holes with blunt angles between the sides can also be used, but are not preferred.

To avoid unnecessary repetition, optional features described with respect to any aspect of the present invention may be used with other aspects of the present invention with which it is compatible, as required.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention according to a first aspect. This is a wearable optical device, in particular a pair of glasses 110 with two lenses 112. In this embodiment, the lenses 112 are symmetrical and identical, but in alternative designs, the lenses are not symmetrical and are ideally mirrored.

Each lens 112 has a light-proof area 114. In this alternative embodiment, the light-proof area 114 is substantially located in the center (in the vertical direction), and each lens 112 has a light-transmitting area 116a at its upper portion and a separate light-transmitting area 116b at its lower portion. Boundaries 118a, 118b are located between the light-proof area 114 and the corresponding light-transmitting areas 116a, 116b.

In an alternative embodiment, the opaque area is also approximately centrally located in the horizontal direction, with the transparent area located on either side of the opaque area, thereby surrounding the opaque area. However, it is generally preferred to provide the opaque area as a continuous band extending completely across the lens.

A plurality of apertures 120 are substantially located in the opaque region 114. The apertures 120 are gaps or spaces in the opaque region through which a user can see objects. The apertures may be solid holes (holes) through the opaque region material, but in this embodiment, the opaque region 114 is printed onto the surface of each lens 112, and the apertures are spaces in the print.

The opaque area 114 is arranged to be sufficiently opaque so that an object can be clearly seen only through the holes 120 in the opaque area 114. Although the holes 120 do not need to allow 100% of the incident light to pass through the lens 112, and the opaque areas between the holes do not need to allow 0% of the incident light to pass through, the difference in light transmission must be sufficient to ensure that the holes can effectively fully determine whether the user can see the object, so that the user can benefit from the pinhole effect.

The holes 120 have different sizes. In this alternative embodiment, the holes 120 are formed into four horizontal lines, each with nine holes. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to this number of columns (and see the alternative embodiment of Figures 2 to 4 with three columns of holes), nor to the number of holes in each column, nor to the same number of holes in each column.

A similar array of holes 120 is shown in the enlarged view of Figure 5. Although the hole arrangement between Figures 1 and 5 is slightly different, this is accidental and therefore the same reference numerals are used for the holes in both figures.

As seen more clearly in FIG. 5 , the holes 120a in the top row are all the same size, the holes 120b in the second row are all the same size, the holes 120c in the third row are all the same size, and the holes 120d in the bottom row are all the same size.

The holes 120 in the first embodiment are circular. In this embodiment, hole 120a has a diameter of 3.0 mm, hole 120b has a diameter of 2.5 mm, hole 120c has a diameter of 2.0 mm, and hole 120d has a diameter of 1.5 mm. In an alternative embodiment, the holes are 2.5 mm/2.0 mm/1.5 mm/1.0 mm. In both embodiments, the difference between the diameters of the holes in all adjacent columns is 0.5 mm, but this is not necessarily the case.

In another embodiment, there are three columns of holes; in yet another embodiment, there are two columns of holes. It is expected that in most applications, only four columns of holes can be provided in the available space.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 5 , the spacing Sv between the sides of adjacent holes 120 in each column is 2 mm. The spacing Sh between the sides of adjacent columns of holes is also 2 mm. In other embodiments, the spacings Sv and Sh are different. In still other embodiments, the vertical spacing between adjacent columns varies depending on the size of the holes in those columns. In addition, if desired, the spacing between adjacent holes in each column can vary throughout the column, for example, with the holes spaced closer toward the center of the lens (or vice versa).

As described above, providing multiple holes of different sizes enables a user to change the image of an object by viewing the object through holes of different sizes. Specifically, it is expected that most users will obtain the clearest image of nearby objects by viewing the object through hole 120d (i.e., the smallest hole). However, less light will pass through the smallest hole, and in certain circumstances, hole 120c (or 120b, 120a) may provide a clear enough image (e.g., allowing a user to read a set of ingredients on a food package in a supermarket). The user can move the object up and down (or can otherwise move the head and/or eyes up and down) to view the object through the selected row of holes 120 of the most appropriate size to provide the desired degree of visual improvement. For example, a user may actually view distant objects through holes 120a or 120b in the row, and view nearby objects through holes 120d or 120c in the row.

The user can also move the object left or right (or alternatively or additionally move the head and/or eyes left or right) to view the object through one of the holes in the selected column. Also as described above, providing multiple holes in each column makes it easier for the user to align the holes in each lens with both eyes and reduces or avoids the need for an optometrist or other specialist to fit the glasses 110 to the user.

It can be seen that the center holes 120a, 120b, 120c and 120d in each column are vertically aligned, while the holes on either side of the center are slightly offset (the side-to-side spacing is consistent with the different hole sizes). Alternatively, if desired, the layout can be such that the side-to-side spacing varies so that the holes in each column are vertically aligned.

Optionally, the glasses 110 are equipped with focusing lenses (applicable to the light-transmitting area 116 and the opaque area 114). In one example, the glasses 110 are used as reading glasses, and the lenses have a focusing power of +1 diopter. Therefore, the user's vision of near objects will first be improved through the focusing effect of the lens (in the light-transmitting area 116 and the hole 120). Secondly, the pinhole effect of the hole 120 will enhance the user's vision of near objects.

In an alternative embodiment, the glasses have focusing lenses configured to correct the imperfect vision of a particular user. For example, the entire lens 120 (or at least the light-transmissive area 116) can be configured to allow a particular user to clearly see distant objects and therefore be suitable for driving, etc. As with all such glasses, the refractive power of each lens in a pair of glasses is not necessarily the same.

Since the opaque area 114 in this embodiment is printed, it may be most cost-effective for the entire lens to have the same focusing power. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light-transmitting area may be a focusing lens and the opaque area may be a plano lens (or vice versa) as desired. In addition, a bifocal lens may be provided, in which the focusing power in the light-transmitting area is different from the focusing power in the opaque area. It is also possible that all lenses are plano lenses.

The size of the holes 120 in each column need not be the same, and in alternative embodiments, the size of the holes is different in one or more columns. For example, the size of the holes may decrease as they move away from the center of the lens.

It is also not necessary to arrange the holes in rows, but rather in a circle or part of a circle. In such an embodiment, it may be advisable to have a set of the largest holes in the center, with concentric rings (or part rings) around the center hole having gradually decreasing hole sizes as they move away from the center.

As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the size of the aperture 120 decreases from the top to the bottom of the opaque region 114. Therefore, the user must lower their sight to view objects through the smallest aperture. This is expected to be the most comfortable arrangement and matches the arrangement of known bifocal lenses and contact lenses, so that the user raises their sight to view farther objects and lowers their sight to view near objects.

The holes 120 in FIG. 1 are spaced approximately 10 mm from the top and bottom edges of the lens 112 (in this embodiment of an elliptical lens, the spacing is measured from the highest and lowest portions of the lens edge, respectively). It is anticipated that some users will find it difficult to view objects with holes that are too close to the top or bottom edges of the lens, and in this embodiment, the holes are spaced from the top and bottom edges. If desired, in other embodiments, the holes may also be spaced farther from the side edges of the lens. The number of columns of holes that the present invention can provide, and the number of holes in each column, is determined at least in part by the overall size of the lens 112.

2-4 show different embodiments of eyeglasses 210, 310, and 410. In each of these alternative embodiments, the opaque region (214 in FIG. 2) is located at the lower portion of the lens, while the light-transmissive region (216 in FIG. 2) above the border (218 in FIG. 2) is larger. Specifically, the larger light-transmissive regions (216, etc.) in the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4 allow the user to have "normal" vision above the border (218, etc.) and improved vision below the border.

The embodiment of Figures 2 to 4 also has three columns of holes, reflecting the reduction in available space compared to Figure 1, while maintaining the desired spacing from the bottom edge.

The pair of glasses 210 of Figure 2 further differs from the glasses of Figure 1 in having a square aperture 220. For a square aperture, the term "size" most appropriately refers to the length of each side of the square.

The pair of glasses 310 of FIG3 further differs from the glasses of FIG1 in having a diamond-shaped hole 320. For the diamond-shaped hole, the term "size" may also refer to the length of each side, but more appropriately refers to the shorter of the two distances between the relative vertices (in this embodiment, the length of the horizontal line connecting the relative vertices).

The pair of glasses 410 of Figure 4 further differs from the glasses of Figure 1 in having a rectangular aperture 420, the major axis of the rectangle being horizontal. For a rectangular aperture, the term "size" most appropriately refers to the length of the shorter edge (in this embodiment, the vertical edge).

These other embodiments also demonstrate that the invention is not limited by the shape of the holes, and holes of shapes other than those shown may be used. Although all embodiments have holes of similar shapes, it is within the scope of the invention to have holes of different shapes in different rows, and if desired, it is within the scope of the invention to have holes of different shapes in one or more holes.

Figure 6 illustrates the advantages of an aperture with convergent edge angles. Figure 6 shows only a single aperture according to the second aspect of the invention. However, a practical device may include multiple apertures of the same size. It will be appreciated that providing multiple apertures of the same size has the advantage that the optical device may be more versatile, particularly when the optical device is configured as a pair of spectacles, there is less likelihood of needing, for example, an optician to position the aperture to match the user's eye. Alternatively or additionally, according to the first aspect of the invention, the practical device may have multiple apertures of different sizes.

FIG6 shows a triangular hole 620. The hole 620 is an equilateral triangle, which appears to be an isosceles triangle in this figure (although the hole can actually be an isosceles triangle). The hole has a side 622 at the top and a corner 624 at the bottom. For ease of understanding, the hole 620 is shown artificially enlarged.

For triangular holes, the term "size" refers to the length of a side, such as side 622 (if the triangle is not equilateral, the shortest side is most appropriate).

FIG. 6 shows two nearby objects 626a and 626b as seen through hole 620. FIG. 6 shows that corresponding light rays 628a, 628b pass through hole 620 from each object 626a, 626b to the user's eye 630. It can be seen that light 628a passes through a relatively wide portion of hole 620 (i.e., near edge 622), while light 628b passes through a relatively narrow portion of hole 620 (i.e., near corner 624). It will be understood that the pinhole effect is more significant for light 628b than for light 628a. In other words, the blur caused by the user's visual impairment will be less for light 628b than for light 628a, so in practice, the user will generally see nearby object 626b more clearly than nearby object 626a.

It will be appreciated that the user can move the head and/or eyes up and down relative to a single near object so that the path of light from the near object will follow a path similar to light 628a or light 628b, allowing the user to adjust the degree of visual improvement provided by the single aperture 620.

It will also be appreciated that the user's ability to adjust the visual improvement by adjusting the line of sight through the tapered aperture is not limited to triangular apertures, and applies to both diamond apertures 320 and square apertures 220. Although the user can easily raise or lower the head and/or eyes to adjust the line of sight through apertures 620 and 320, the user must still adjust the line of sight left or right to see through the corners of square aperture 220, which is somewhat odd in practical application, but the effect is the same.

Although the hole 620 is shown as having linear sides that intersect at a point to define a triangular corner, it will be understood that the corner 624 can be rounded. It will also be understood that the sides 622 (and the sides defining the corner 624) need not be linear, but can be curved. However, the hole must taper, i.e., the sides converge toward the corner 624, and preferably the sides converge smoothly toward the corner. Therefore, any curvature of the sides should preferably be small.

It will be appreciated that the sides of an equilateral triangle converge to corner 624 at a relative angle of 60°. For isosceles triangles, the convergence angle may be smaller, with a convergence angle of 90° for squares and rectangles. Pentagonal and hexagonal apertures have larger convergence angles, and such (blunt) convergence angles are not preferred for this aspect of the invention. In particular, smaller convergence angles generally make it easier for the user to control the degree of visual improvement provided.

The triangular aperture 620 is shown with a top side 622 and a bottom corner 624, which is expected to be the most practical orientation. However, if desired, the triangular aperture can be oriented (e.g., inverted) in a different orientation. In an alternative embodiment with one or more diamond-shaped apertures oriented similarly to FIG. 3 , the user can raise or lower the view toward the corner.

The optical devices of Figures 1 to 4 are pairs of glasses that can be worn by a user. In an alternative embodiment of Figure 7, the optical device 710 is a portable item, specifically a lens 712 designed to be carried in a user's pocket in the manner of a remote control key. The lens 712 is generally a diamond-shaped piece of material, and in actual embodiments generally has more rounded corners than shown in the figures. The lens has a solid hole 732 near one corner, which can accommodate items such as a key ring.

Most lenses are opaque, either made of opaque material or coated or printed with opaque material. The opaque surface can be colored or patterned as needed. Three holes 720a, 720b and 720c are formed in the opaque material. In this embodiment, the holes are solid holes through the material sheet, but in other embodiments, they are light-transmitting areas in opaque areas.

It will be appreciated that lens 712 may be a focusing lens having a printed opaque surface and having holes formed by gaps in the opaque surface, so that, if desired, these holes may provide a pinhole effect in addition to the focusing effect.

In this embodiment, region 740 of the lens is light-transmissive, and region 740 can act as a focusing lens independent of the aperture. In an alternative embodiment, only region 740 is a focusing lens, and the opaque region is a plano lens. As previously described, region 740 can be polarized and/or have a color to reduce glare (such as from the sun) and/or attempt to compensate for color blindness.

Also in this embodiment, the holes 720a, 720b, 720c are circular, but in other embodiments, the holes may be elliptical or polygonal as described above and/or as shown in the previous figures.

It will be appreciated that the lens 712 benefits less from having multiple apertures of each size, since the user can easily move the lens to align the selected aperture 720a, 720b, 720c with the eye. Thus, the lens 712 has only three apertures 720a, 720b, 720c of three different diameters. It is of course possible to provide apertures of more than one diameter.

In this embodiment, the diameter of hole 720a is 2.0 mm, the diameter of hole 720b is 1.5 mm, and the diameter of hole 720c is 1.0 mm. Different embodiments have two, four, or more than four holes, and different embodiments have different specific diameters to provide the desired degree of visual improvement.

Markings 734a, 734b, 734c are located near each hole 720a, 720b, 720c. These markings are brightly colored and of different sizes, corresponding to the holes of different sizes. These markings help the user find the selected hole 720a, 720b, 720c. In an alternative embodiment, these markings can be luminescent and/or fluorescent.

Although not apparent in the accompanying figures, the edge 736 of the remote key is also luminous, fluorescent, or brightly colored to make it easier to find the remote key when needed.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view through a portion of lens 712, particularly through the smallest hole 720c. It can be seen that hole 720c has a flared or tapered upper end 738, so that the hole adjacent to mark 734c is slightly larger than the desired hole diameter D (as described above in this embodiment, the diameter D of the smallest hole 720c is 1 mm). The other holes are similarly flared. The flared opening of holes 720 makes it easier for the user to find the selected hole when the remote key is located close to the eye. Mark 734c (together with marks 734a and 734b) can remind the user of the correct orientation of the remote key so that the flared end is facing the eye.

In one embodiment, the remote key is approximately 5 mm thick and the unflared length of the hole is approximately 1 mm.

In alternative embodiments, the remote key has other functions, in particular providing a light or flashlight on the remote key.

Although the remote control key 712 is a diamond shape in the figure, it can also be changed into different shapes as needed. Although many shapes are suitable, a diamond or round remote control key with rounded corners is more comfortable to use and carry, and is therefore accepted by many users.

110: glasses 112: lenses 114: opaque area 116a, 116b: translucent area 118a, 118b: borders 120, 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d: holes 210, 310, 410: glasses 214: opaque area 216: translucent area 218: borders 220: holes 320, 420, 620: holes 622: edges 624: corners 626a, 626b: objects 628a, 628b: light 630: eyes 710: optical device 712: lenses (remote control key) 720a, 720b, 720c: holes 734a, 734b, 734c: Mark 736: Edge 738: Top 740: Area D: Diameter Sh, Sv: Spacing

FIG. 1 is a pair of glasses with lenses showing a first embodiment of an optical device for enhancing vision according to the first aspect of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a pair of glasses with lenses showing a second embodiment of an optical device for enhancing vision according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a pair of glasses with lenses showing a third embodiment of an optical device for enhancing vision according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a pair of glasses with lenses showing a fourth embodiment of an optical device for enhancing vision according to the present invention; FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a hole array similar to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a view showing two objects passing through a triangular hole; FIG. 7 is a portable optical device for enhancing vision according to the present invention; and FIG8 is a cross-section showing a portion of the optical device of FIG7 .

110: Glasses

112: Lens

114: opaque area

116a,116b: light-transmitting area

118a,118b:Boundary

120: hole

Claims (30)

An optical device for enhancing vision comprises a lens having a light-proof area and a plurality of holes located in the light-proof area, wherein the holes have different sizes. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in claim 1, wherein the holes have at least three different sizes. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the smallest of the holes has a size of approximately 1 mm. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the largest of the holes has a size of approximately 3 mm. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the relative sizes of at least two of the holes of different sizes differ by 0.5 mm. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the holes are circular. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the holes are elliptical. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the holes are polygonal. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein all of the holes are of the same shape. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the holes are spaces in the opaque area. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the opaque area is non-permanent. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the holes are actual holes through the lens. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lens is a plano lens. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lens is a focusing lens. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any of claims 1 to 14, having multiple holes, each of which is a different size. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in claim 15, wherein the plurality of holes, each having a specific size, are arranged in a row. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in claim 16, wherein the holes in each row are spaced approximately 2 mm apart. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in claim 16 or 17, wherein adjacent rows of holes are spaced approximately 2 mm apart. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any of claims 1 to 18, configured as a pair of glasses. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in claim 19, wherein the hole of a single size is located above the hole of another different size. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in claim 20, wherein the smaller hole is located below the larger hole. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the lens also has a light-transmitting area. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in claim 22, wherein the light-transmitting area is a focusing lens. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in claim 22 or 23, wherein the light-transmitting area is located above the opaque area. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any of claims 19 to 24, wherein each of the holes converges to a corner, and wherein the holes are oriented with the corner at the bottom. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in claim 25, wherein a plurality of edges converge at the angle at a relative angle of 90° or less. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any of claims 1 to 18, configured as a portable component. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in claim 27, comprising a mark. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in claim 28, wherein the mark is luminescent and/or fluorescent. An optical device for enhancing vision as described in any of claims 27 to 29, wherein the holes are trumpet-shaped.