Patent Description:
In recent years, a method has been developed that acquires biological information and the like with use of a contact lens.

Incidentally, in a case where data is transmitted from a contact lens to peripheral equipment, wireless communication is typically used. In a case where the contact lens is worn on an eyeball, the area of the contact lens is small, and the contact lens gets wet with tears, which easily causes a decrease in communication sensitivity, and easily causes a slowdown in communication speed by noise superimposed on a signal. In addition, it is difficult to mount a battery having a large capacity on the contact lens, which limits functions implementable in the contact lens, and long-time use of a battery is not expected. It is possible to wirelessly supply electric power to the contact lens. However, it is difficult to dispose an electric power source in proximity to the contact lens, which limits suppliable electric power. As described above, in wireless communication, limitations are put on a communication band, a mounting function, used electric power, supplied electric power, a driving time, and the like. In addition, the contact lens is physically isolated from outside except for an eye; therefore, it is not possible to exchange an object between the contact lens and the outside. As described above, due to various limitations described above, it has been extremely difficult to provide a contact lens as a wearable device that is endurable for practical use. It is therefore desirable to provide a contact lens and a pair of contact lenses that make it possible to reduce limitations on being practically used as a wearable device.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are described below in detail with reference to the drawings. It is to be noted that the description is given in the following order.

An example in which a terminal is provided in a lens section (<FIG>).

Variations of a line that couples a contact lens and an external device to each other (<FIG>).

An example in which a lens section and a terminal are coupled to each other by a line (<FIG>).

Variations of the line that couples the lens section and the terminal to each other (<FIG>).

A wearing device for a contact lens (<FIG>).

Examples in which an antenna is provided in an external device or a contact lens (<FIG>).

Description is given of a contact lens <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates an example of a state in which the contact lens <NUM> is worn on an eyeball <NUM>. The contact lens <NUM> performs wired communication with an external device <NUM> to be described later. The eyeball <NUM> includes a pupil <NUM> and an iris <NUM>. An upper portion and a lower portion of the eyeball <NUM> are covered with an upper eyelid and a lower eyelid, and an upper portion and a lower portion of the contact lens <NUM> worn on the eyeball <NUM> are also covered with the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid.

The contact lens <NUM> includes a lens section <NUM> worn on the eyeball <NUM>, a functional section <NUM> provided in the lens section <NUM>, and a terminal <NUM> that is physically coupled to the functional section <NUM>.

The lens section <NUM> has a curved surface shape that resembles a surface shape of the eyeball <NUM>. The lens section <NUM> has, for example, a circular shape when viewed from front. The lens section <NUM> has a diameter having a value larger than a diameter of the pupil <NUM> when being enlarged in a dark environment. The lens section <NUM> may be a lens having an eyesight correction function intended to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, etc., or may be a light-transmissive substrate not having such an eyesight correction function. The lens section <NUM> includes, for example, a light-transmissive resin, and serves as a supporting substrate that supports the functional section <NUM> and the terminal <NUM>.

The functional section <NUM> is formed, for example, on an outer edge of the lens section <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the functional section <NUM> is formed at a position not opposed to the pupil <NUM> when the contact lens <NUM> is worn on the eyeball <NUM>. The functional section <NUM> may be formed at a position that does not affect light passing through the pupil <NUM> (for example, a position opposed to the iris <NUM>).

The functional section <NUM> may be, for example, a sensor element that acquires biological information of a user wearing the contact lens <NUM> and outputs the biological information as an electrical signal. The sensor element is, for example, a device that detects, for example, specific ingredients contained in tears (for example, salt content, oxygen, lipid, blood glucose values, or hormonal substances). In this case, the electrical signal acquired by being detected by the sensor element includes information about the ingredients of the tears. The sensor element may be, for example, a device that detects a line of sight, a device that detects states of blood vessels inside an eyeball, a device that detects pulses of blood vessels inside an eyeball, a device that detects an eye pressure, or a device that detects opening/closing of an eyelid. The sensor element may acquire information other than the biological information. The sensor element may be, for example, a device that detects outside brightness, a device that detects vibrations, or a device that detects a temperature.

In a case where the sensor element includes a memory, the sensor element may store the acquired biological information in the memory without outputting the electrical signal. The biological information stored in the memory may be read from the memory, for example, when the contact lens <NUM> is removed from the eyeball <NUM> and is contained in a cradle.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the terminal <NUM> is formed on the outer edge of the lens section <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the terminal <NUM> may be formed to protrude outside the outer edge of the lens section <NUM>. The terminal <NUM> is disposed at a position close to an outer corner of an eye when the contact lens <NUM> is worn on the eyeball <NUM>. Accordingly, when an external terminal 2B of an external device <NUM> to be described later is physically coupled to the terminal <NUM>, it is possible to extend a line 2A from the contact lens <NUM> in a horizonal direction and draw the line 2A from the outer corner of the eye to outside. It is to be noted that the terminal <NUM> may be disposed at a position close to an inner corner of the eye when the contact lens <NUM> is worn on the eyeball <NUM>. In this case, when the external terminal 2B of the external device <NUM> is physically coupled to the terminal <NUM>, it is possible to extend the line 2A from the contact lens <NUM> in the horizontal direction and draw the line 2A from the inner corner of the eye to outside.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the functional section <NUM> may be formed at a position not opposed to the pupil <NUM> when the contact lens <NUM> is worn on the eyeball <NUM>. The reason for this is to prevent the functional section <NUM> from blocking a view. In a case where the functional section <NUM> is a sensor element, for example, the terminal <NUM> may output, to the external device <NUM> to be described later, electric power inputted from the external device <NUM> to be described later, or may output, to the external device <NUM> to be described later, an electrical signal outputted from the functional section <NUM>.

The terminal <NUM> is provided on a surface of the lens section <NUM>, and is configured to be physically couplable to the external terminal 2B of the external device <NUM> to be described later. The terminal <NUM> is configured to be couplable to the external terminal 2B by magnetic force, for example. For example, in a case where the external terminal 2B is a pad-shaped electrode including a ferromagnet, the terminal <NUM> is a pad-shaped electrode including a ferromagnet similarly to the external terminal 2B. The terminal <NUM> may be configured to be couplable to the external terminal 2B by mating, for example. In a case where the external terminal 2B includes a general-purpose socket or plug, the terminal <NUM> includes a plug or a socket mated with the external terminal 2B, for example.

The external device <NUM> includes, for example, a main body section 2C, the external terminal 2B, and the line 2A that physically couples the main body section 2C and the external terminal 2B to each other, as illustrated in <FIG>. The main body section 2C processes an electrical signal inputted into the contact lens <NUM> through the line 2A, for example. In addition, the main body section 2C supplies electric power to the contact lens <NUM> through the line 2A, for example. The external terminal 2B is physically coupled to the terminal <NUM> of the contact lens <NUM>. The external terminal 2B is configured to be couplable to the terminal <NUM> by magnetic force, for example. In a case where the terminal <NUM> is a pad-shaped electrode including a ferromagnet, the external terminal 2B is, for example, a pad-shaped electrode including a ferromagnet similarly to the terminal <NUM>. The external terminal 2B may be configured to be couplable to the terminal <NUM> by mating, for example. In a case where the terminal <NUM> includes a general-purpose socket or plug, the external terminal 2B includes a plug or a socket mated with the terminal <NUM>, for example.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, it is assumed that a pair of contact lenses <NUM> are worn on both eyes. In this case, the terminal <NUM> of one contact lens <NUM> and the external terminal 2B of the external device <NUM> may be physically coupled to each other, and the terminal <NUM> of the other contact lens <NUM> and the external terminal 2B of another external device <NUM> may be physically coupled to each other.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the line 2A. The line 2A is configured to enable, for example, transmission of an electrical signal from the functional section <NUM> to the main body section 2C and transmission of electric power from the main body section 2C to the functional section <NUM>. The line 2A includes, for example, a conductive line <NUM> and a resin film <NUM> that covers the conductive line <NUM>. The conductive line <NUM> includes, for example, a carbon nanotube, gold, silver, or copper. The resin film <NUM> includes, for example, a resin material that does not easily cause a discomfort feeing, a unpleasant feeing, or an allergic reaction when the line 2A comes into contact with the eyeball <NUM>. The resin film <NUM> preferably includes a resin material that makes it possible to reduce friction at an edge of an eyelid, and preferably includes, for example, silicone, a fluorine resin, or the like.

The line 2A preferably has elasticity enough not to interfere with blinking. The elastic coefficient of the line 2A is preferably <NUM> or less. In addition, the thickness of the line 2A is preferably, for example, <NUM> (a typical thickness of a carbon nanotube) or more and <NUM> (a typical thickness of a head hair) or less.

Next, description is given of effects of the contact lens <NUM> according to the present embodiment.

In a case where data is transmitted from a contact lens to peripheral equipment, wireless communication is typically used. In a case where the contact lens is worn on an eyeball, the area of the contact lens is small, and the contact lens gets wet with tears, which easily causes a decrease in communication sensitivity, and easily causes a slowdown in communication speed by noise superimposed on a signal. In addition, it is difficult to mount a battery having a large capacity on the contact lens, which limits functions implementable in the contact lens, and long-time use of a battery is not expected. It is possible to wirelessly supply electric power to the contact lens. However, it is difficult to dispose an electric power source in proximity to the contact lens, which limits suppliable electric power. As described above, in wireless communication, limitations are put on a communication band, a mounting function, used electric power, supplied electric power, a driving time, and the like. In addition, the contact lens is physically isolated from outside except for an eye; therefore, it is not possible to exchange an object between the contact lens and the outside. As described above, due to various limitations described above, it has been extremely difficult to provide a contact lens as a wearable device that is endurable for practical use.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the functional section <NUM> provided in the lens section <NUM> is physically coupled to the terminal <NUM>. The terminal <NUM> is configured to be physically couplable to the external terminal 2B. This makes it possible for the contact lens <NUM> to be physically coupled to the external device <NUM> including the external terminal 2B through the terminal <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to exchange an object between the contact lens <NUM> and the external device <NUM> without various limitations caused in wireless communication. This makes it possible to reduce limitations on practically using the contact lens <NUM> and the pair of contact lenses <NUM> as a wearable device.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the terminal <NUM> is provided on the surface of the lens section <NUM>, and is configured to be physically couplable to the external terminal 2B by mating or magnetic force, which makes it possible to easily couple the external terminal 2B to the terminal <NUM>. This makes it possible to reduce limitations on practically using the contact lens <NUM> and the pair of contact lenses <NUM> as a wearable device.

In addition, in the present embodiment, electric power is supplied from the external device <NUM> to the functional section <NUM>, and a signal corresponding to information acquired by the functional section <NUM> is outputted from the functional section <NUM> to the external device <NUM>. This makes it possible for the external device <NUM> to make use of the information acquired by the functional section <NUM>.

Next, description is given of modification examples of the contact lens <NUM> according to the first embodiment described above.

In the first embodiment described above, in a case where the external device <NUM> (the main body section 2C) is coupled to the terminal <NUM>, the lens section <NUM> may be displaced from a predetermined position by contact of the line 2A, which physically couples the terminal <NUM> and the external device <NUM> (the main body section 2C) to each other, with an edge of an eyelid, or the like. Accordingly, the lens section <NUM> is preferably configured to be able to return to the predetermined position from a position where the lens section <NUM> is displaced.

For example, when the contact lens <NUM> is worn on an eye, at least one of a thickness distribution and a barycenter of the lens section <NUM> is preferably adjusted to locate the terminal <NUM> at a desired position in the eye. For example, an upper portion of the lens section <NUM> may be relatively thin, and a lower portion of the lens section <NUM> may be relatively thick. In addition, for example, the upper portion and the lower portion of the lens section <NUM> may be relatively thinner than a middle portion of the lens section <NUM>. In addition, the barycenter of the lens section <NUM> may be located in the lower portion of the lens section <NUM>.

In addition, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the pair of contact lenses <NUM> may be provided with a strap-shaped coupling section <NUM> that physically couples the lens section <NUM> of one contact lens <NUM> and the lens section <NUM> of the other contact lens <NUM> to each other while maintaining a space corresponding to a pupil distance. The coupling section <NUM> includes, for example, a resin material that does not easily cause a discomfort feeing, a unpleasant feeing, or an allergic reaction when the coupling section <NUM> comes into contact with the eyeball <NUM>. The coupling section <NUM> preferably includes a resin material that makes it possible to reduce friction at an edge of an eyelid, and preferably includes, for example, silicone, a fluorine resin, or the like.

In the first embodiment described above, the contact lens <NUM> may include, for example, a plurality of terminals <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, the plurality of terminals <NUM> may be provided for one functional section <NUM>, or one of the terminals <NUM> may be provided for each functional section <NUM>, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, each of the terminals <NUM> is physically coupled to the external terminal 2B, and is further coupled to the line 2A through the external terminal 2B, as illustrated in <FIG>.

In the first embodiment described above, the functional section <NUM> may have a configuration that collects tears in an eye, or may be configured to supply a medicine, a liquid such as physiological saline solution, and a gas to the eyeball <NUM>. In this case, it is necessary for the line 2A to have a configuration that is able to carry tears collected by the functional section <NUM> to the main body section 2C and carry a medicine, a liquid such as physiological saline solution, and a gas supplied from the main body section 2C to the functional section <NUM>.

In the present modification example, the line 2A has a hollow structure, and may include a hollow line <NUM> having a cavity section 23A inside, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>. The hollow line <NUM> includes, for example, a resin material that does not easily cause a discomfort feeing, a unpleasant feeing, or an allergic reaction when the hollow line <NUM> comes into contact with the eyeball <NUM>. The hollow line <NUM> preferably includes a resin material that makes it possible to reduce friction at an edge of an eyelid, and preferably includes, for example, silicone, a fluorine resin, or the like.

In the first embodiment described above, the functional section <NUM> may have, for example, a configuration that is able to irradiate a retina with light. The functional section <NUM> may have, for example, a configuration that is able to irradiate the retina with spot-like light, or a configuration that is able to irradiate the retina with image light of a plurality of pixels. The functional section <NUM> may include, for example, a prism or a diffraction element.

In addition, in the first embodiment described above, the functional section <NUM> may be, for example, an optical element that responds to light incident from the terminal <NUM>. Examples of the optical element include a fluorescent element, a wavelength conversion element, and the like.

In a case where the functional section <NUM> is configured as described above, it is necessary for the line 2A to have, for example, a configuration that is able to transmit, to the functional section <NUM>, light outputted from the main body section 2C. The line 2A may be, for example, an optical fiber as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the line 2A includes a stick-shaped core layer <NUM> in a central portion, includes a cladding layer <NUM> that covers a periphery of the core layer <NUM>, and further includes a coating layer <NUM> that protects the cladding layer <NUM>. The core layer <NUM> includes a material having a higher refractive index than the refractive index of the cladding layer <NUM>. The coating layer <NUM> includes, for example, a resin material that does not easily cause a discomfort feeing, a unpleasant feeing, or an allergic reaction when the coating layer <NUM> comes into contact with the eyeball <NUM>. The coating layer <NUM> preferably includes a resin material that makes it possible to reduce friction at an edge of an eyelid, and preferably includes, for example, silicone, a fluorine resin, or the like.

The line 2A may be, for example, a light waveguide as illustrated in <FIG>. The line 2A includes, on a substrate <NUM>, for example, a stick-shaped core layer <NUM>, and a lower cladding layer 29A and an upper cladding layer 29B between which the stick-shaped core layer <NUM> is vertically interposed, as illustrated in <FIG>. The core layer <NUM> includes a material having a higher refractive index than the refractive indices of the lower cladding layer 29A and the upper cladding layer 29B.

Next, description is given of a contact lens <NUM> according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. It is to be noted that common components to those in the embodiment described above are denoted by same reference numerals.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a state in which the contact lens <NUM> is worn on the eyeball <NUM>. The contact lens <NUM> performs wired communication with the external device <NUM>. An upper portion and a lower portion of the eyeball <NUM> are covered with an upper eyelid and a lower eyelid, and an upper portion and a lower portion of the contact lens <NUM> worn on the eyeball <NUM> are also covered with the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid.

The contact lens <NUM> includes the lens section <NUM> worn on the eyeball <NUM>, the functional section <NUM> provided in the lens section <NUM>, a line <NUM> having one end physically coupled to the functional section <NUM>, and the terminal <NUM> physically coupled to another end of the line <NUM>.

The functional section <NUM> may be, for example, a sensor element that acquires biological information of a user wearing the contact lens <NUM> and outputs the biological information as an electrical signal. The sensor element is, for example, an element similar to the sensor element in the first embodiment described above.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the terminal <NUM> is physically coupled to the functional section <NUM> in the lens section <NUM> through the line <NUM>. Accordingly, the line <NUM> is provided at a position apart from the lens section <NUM> and the eyeball <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the functional section <NUM> is formed at a position not opposed to the pupil <NUM> when the contact lens <NUM> is worn on the eyeball <NUM>. The functional section <NUM> may be formed at a position that does not affect light passing through the pupil <NUM> (for example, a position opposed to the iris <NUM>). In a case where the functional section <NUM> is a sensor element, the terminal <NUM> may output, to the functional section <NUM>, electric power inputted from the external device <NUM> or may output, to the external device <NUM>, an electrical signal outputted from the functional section <NUM>.

The terminal <NUM> is configured to be physically couplable to the external terminal 2B of the external device <NUM>. The terminal <NUM> is configured to be couplable to the external terminal 2B by magnetic force, for example. For example, in a case where the external terminal 2B is a pad-shaped electrode including a ferromagnet, the terminal <NUM> is a pad-shaped electrode including a ferromagnet similarly to the external terminal 2B. The terminal <NUM> may be configured to be couplable to the external terminal 2B by mating, for example. In a case where the external terminal 2B includes a general-purpose socket or plug, the terminal <NUM> includes a plug or a socket mated with the external terminal 2B, for example.

The external device <NUM> includes, for example, the main body section 2C, the external terminal 2B, and the line 2A that physically couples the main body section 2C and the external terminal 2B to each other, as illustrated in <FIG>. The main body section 2C processes an electrical signal inputted into the contact lens <NUM> through the line 2A, for example. In addition, the main body section 2C supplies electric power to the contact lens <NUM> through the line 2A, for example. The external terminal 2B is physically coupled to the terminal <NUM> of the contact lens <NUM>. The external terminal 2B is configured to be couplable to the terminal <NUM> by magnetic force, for example. In a case where the terminal <NUM> is a pad-shaped electrode including a ferromagnet, the external terminal 2B is, for example, a pad-shaped electrode including a ferromagnet similarly to the terminal <NUM>. The external terminal 2B may be configured to be couplable to the terminal <NUM> by mating, for example. In a case where the terminal <NUM> includes a general-purpose socket or plug, the external terminal 2B includes a plug or a socket mated with the terminal <NUM>, for example.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, it is assumed that a pair of contact lenses <NUM> are worn on both eyes. In this case, the terminal <NUM> of one contact lens <NUM> and the external terminal 2B of the external device <NUM> may be physically coupled to each other, and the terminal <NUM> of the other contact lens <NUM> and the external terminal 2B of another external device <NUM> may be physically coupled to each other. In this case, both the external devices <NUM> have a communication section that enables wireless communication between both the main body sections 2C, and may synchronously control functions and information of both the contact lenses <NUM> through both the communication sections.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the line <NUM>. The line <NUM> is configured to enable, for example, transmission of an electrical signal from the functional section <NUM> to the main body section 2C and transmission of electric power from the main body section 2C to the functional section <NUM>. The line <NUM> includes, for example, a conductive line <NUM> and a resin film <NUM> that covers the conductive line <NUM>. The conductive line <NUM> includes a carbon nanotube, gold, silver, copper, or a mixture of at least two of these materials. The resin film <NUM> includes, for example, a resin material that does not easily cause a discomfort feeing, a unpleasant feeing, or an allergic reaction when the line <NUM> comes into contact with the eyeball <NUM>. The resin film <NUM> preferably includes a resin material that makes it possible to reduce friction at an edge of an eyelid, and preferably includes, for example, silicone, a fluorine resin, or the like.

The line <NUM> preferably has elasticity enough not to interfere with blinking. The elastic coefficient of the line <NUM> is preferably <NUM> or less. In addition, the thickness of the line <NUM> is preferably, for example, <NUM> (a typical thickness of a carbon nanotube) or more and <NUM> (a typical thickness of a head hair) or less. In addition, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the line <NUM> may be disposed along the eyeball <NUM> not to interfere with blinking. In this case, of the line <NUM>, a portion in contact with the surface of the lens section <NUM> is parallel or substantially parallel to a surface on the eyeball <NUM> side of the lens section <NUM>, for example.

Of the line <NUM>, the portion in contact with the surface of the lens section <NUM> is disposed, for example, at a position close to an outer corner of an eye when the contact lens <NUM> is worn on the eyeball <NUM>. Accordingly, when the external terminal 2B of the external device <NUM> is physically coupled to the terminal <NUM>, it is possible to extend the line <NUM> in a horizontal direction from the contact lens <NUM> and draw the line <NUM> from the outer corner of the eye to outside. It is to be noted that of the line <NUM>, the portion in contact with the surface of the lens section <NUM> may be disposed at a position close to an inner corner of the eye when the contact lens <NUM> is worn on the eyeball <NUM>. In this case, when the external terminal 2B of the external device <NUM> is physically coupled to the terminal <NUM>, it is possible to extend the line <NUM> in the horizontal direction from the contact lens <NUM> and draw the line <NUM> from the inner corner of the eye to outside.

In the present embodiment, the terminal <NUM> is physically coupled to the functional section <NUM> provided in the lens section <NUM>. More specifically, the terminal <NUM> is physically coupled to the functional section <NUM> through the line <NUM>. The terminal <NUM> is configured to be physically couplable to the external terminal 2B. This makes it possible for the contact lens <NUM> to be physically coupled to the external device <NUM> including the external terminal 2B through the terminal <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to exchange an object between the contact lens <NUM> and the external device <NUM> without various limitations caused in wireless communication. This makes it possible to reduce limitations on practically using the contact lens <NUM> and the pair of contact lenses <NUM> as a wearable device.

In addition, in the invention the line <NUM> includes the conductive line <NUM> including a carbon nanotube, gold, silver, or copper. This makes it possible to transmit, to the external device <NUM>, an electrical signal from the contact lens <NUM> and transmit electric power from the external device <NUM> to the contact lens <NUM>. As described above, in the present embodiment, an electrical signal is exchanged between the contact lens <NUM> and the external device <NUM> by wire. This eliminates various limitations caused in wireless communication.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the conductive line <NUM> is covered with the resin film <NUM>. Accordingly, selecting the resin film <NUM> makes it possible not to easily cause a discomfort feeing, a unpleasant feeing, or an allergic reaction when the line <NUM> comes into contact with the eyeball <NUM>.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the elastic coefficient of the line <NUM> is <NUM> or less, which makes it possible to provide the line <NUM> without interfering with blinking. This makes it possible to reduce limitations on practically using the contact lens <NUM> and the pair of contact lenses <NUM> as a wearable device.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the line <NUM> has a hollow structure. This makes it possible to carry, to the external device <NUM>, a liquid and a gas from the contact lens <NUM> and carry a liquid from the external device <NUM> to the contact lens <NUM>. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to exchange an object between the contact lens <NUM> and the external device <NUM>. This makes it possible to reduce limitations on practically using the contact lens <NUM> and the pair of contact lenses <NUM> as a wearable device.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the line <NUM> includes an optical fiber or a light waveguide. This makes it possible to transmit, to the external device <NUM>, light from the contact lens <NUM>. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to exchange light between the contact lens <NUM> and the external device <NUM>. This makes it possible to reduce limitations on practically using the contact lens <NUM> and the pair of contact lenses <NUM> as a wearable device.

Next, description is given of modification examples of the contact lens <NUM> according to the second embodiment described above.

In the second embodiment described above, in a case where the external device <NUM> (the main body section 2C) is coupled to the terminal <NUM>, the lens section <NUM> may be displaced from a predetermined position by contact of the line <NUM>, which physically couples the terminal <NUM> and the functional section <NUM> to each other, with an edge of an eyelid, or the like. Accordingly, the lens section <NUM> is preferably configured to be able to return to the predetermined position from a position where the lens section <NUM> is displaced.

For example, when the contact lens <NUM> is worn on an eye, at least one of a thickness distribution and a barycenter of the lens section <NUM> is preferably adjusted to locate the functional section <NUM> at a desired position in the eye. For example, an upper portion of the lens section <NUM> may be relatively thin, and a lower portion of the lens section <NUM> may be relatively thick. In addition, for example, the upper portion and the lower portion of the lens section <NUM> may be relatively thinner than a middle portion of the lens section <NUM>. In addition, the barycenter of the lens section <NUM> may be located in the lower portion of the lens section <NUM>.

In addition, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the pair of contact lenses <NUM> may be provided with the strap-shaped coupling section <NUM> that physically couples the lens section <NUM> of one contact lens <NUM> and the lens section <NUM> of the other contact lens <NUM> to each other while maintaining a space corresponding to a pupil distance. The coupling section <NUM> includes, for example, a resin material that does not easily cause a discomfort feeing, a unpleasant feeing, or an allergic reaction when the coupling section <NUM> comes into contact with the eyeball <NUM>. The coupling section <NUM> preferably includes a resin material that makes it possible to reduce friction at an edge of an eyelid, and preferably includes, for example, silicone, a fluorine resin, or the like.

In the second embodiment described above and modification examples thereof, the contact lens <NUM> may include, for example, a plurality of terminals <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, a plurality of lines <NUM> and a plurality of terminals <NUM> may be provided for one functional section <NUM>, or one of the lines <NUM> and one of the terminals <NUM> may be provided for each functional section <NUM>, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, each of the terminals <NUM> is physically coupled to the external terminal 2B, and is further coupled to the line 2A through the external terminal 2B. In this case, the contact lens <NUM> may further include a coating section <NUM> that bundles the plurality of lines <NUM>. The external terminal 2B may include a plurality of lines 2A and further include a coating section <NUM> that bundles the plurality of line 2A. The coating section <NUM> and the coating section <NUM> include, for example, a resin material that does not easily cause a discomfort feeing, a unpleasant feeing, or an allergic reaction when the coating section <NUM> comes into contact with the eyeball <NUM>. The coating section <NUM> preferably includes a resin material that makes it possible to reduce friction at an edge of an eyelid, and preferably includes, for example, silicone, a fluorine resin, or the like. In such a case, the external device <NUM> and the contact lens <NUM> are easily coupled to each other.

In the second embodiment described above and the modification examples thereof, the functional section <NUM> may have a configuration that collects tears in an eye, or may be configured to supply a medicine, a liquid such as physiological saline solution, and a gas to the eyeball <NUM>. In this case, it is necessary for the line 2A and the line <NUM> to have a configuration that is able to carry tears collected by the functional section <NUM> to the main body section 2C and carry a medicine, a liquid such as physiological saline solution, and a gas supplied from the main body section 2C to the functional section <NUM>.

In the present modification example, the line 2A has a hollow structure, and may include the hollow line <NUM> having the cavity section 23A inside, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>. The hollow line <NUM> includes, for example, a resin material that does not easily cause a discomfort feeing, a unpleasant feeing, or an allergic reaction when the hollow line <NUM> comes into contact with the eyeball <NUM>. The hollow line <NUM> preferably includes a resin material that makes it possible to reduce friction at an edge of an eyelid, and preferably includes, for example, silicone, a fluorine resin, or the like.

In the present modification example, the line <NUM> also has a hollow structure, and may include a hollow line <NUM> having a cavity section 53A inside, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>. The hollow line <NUM> includes, for example, a resin material that does not easily cause a discomfort feeing, a unpleasant feeing, or an allergic reaction when the hollow line <NUM> comes into contact with the eyeball <NUM>. The hollow line <NUM> preferably includes a resin material that makes it possible to reduce friction at an edge of an eyelid, and preferably includes, for example, silicone, a fluorine resin, or the like.

In the second embodiment described above and the modification examples <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, the functional section <NUM> may have, for example, a configuration that is able to irradiate a retina with light. The functional section <NUM> may have, for example, a configuration that is able to irradiate the retina with spot-like light, or a configuration that is able to irradiate the retina with image light of a plurality of pixels. The functional section <NUM> may include, for example, a prism, a mirror, or a diffraction element.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a state in which the contact lens <NUM> according to the present modification example is worn on an eye. <FIG> illustrates an example of a cross-sectional configuration taken along a line A-A of the contact lens <NUM> in <FIG>. In the present modification example, at least one of one or a plurality of functional sections <NUM> provided in the contact lens <NUM> includes a light guiding section 20A extending from an end of the lens section <NUM> to the middle of the lens section <NUM>. One end of the light guiding section 20A is provided, for example, in a middle portion of the contact lens. Th functional section <NUM> provided with the light guiding section 20A includes, for example, a light-emitting element that emits light L toward the light guiding section 20A. This light-emitting element operates (emits light) on the basis of a control signal inputted through the line 2A and the line <NUM>. It is to be noted that in a case where the line 2A and the line <NUM> each include a light waveguide or an optical fiber as described later, it is possible to supply the light L from the external device <NUM>; therefore, the light-emitting element described above may be omitted from the functional section <NUM>.

The light guiding section 20A is a light waveguide, and includes, on a substrate 21a, for example, a strap-shaped core layer 21b, and a lower cladding layer 21c and an upper cladding layer 21d between which the strap-shaped core layer 21b is vertically interposed, as illustrated in <FIG>. The core layer 21b includes a material having a higher refractive index than the refractive indices of the lower cladding layer 21c and the upper cladding layer 21d. The light guiding section 20A further includes, in the core layer 21b, for example, a mirror element 21e that reflects the light L having propagated through the core layer 21b toward a retina, as illustrated in <FIG>. It is to be noted that the light guiding section 20A may include, in the substrate 21a, a diffraction element that controls the amount of diffusion of the light L reflected by the mirror element 21e. Providing the diffraction element makes it possible for a user to perceive that only a portion of a view shines.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a state in which the contact lens <NUM> according to the present modification example is worn on an eye. <FIG> illustrates an example of a cross-sectional configuration taken along a line A-A of the contact lens <NUM> in <FIG>. In the present modification example, at least one of one or a plurality of functional sections <NUM> provided in the contact lens <NUM> includes, for example, a light guiding section 20B extending from an end of the lens section <NUM> to the middle of the lens section <NUM>. One end of the light guiding section 20B is provided, for example, in a middle portion of the contact lens <NUM>. The functional section <NUM> provided with the light guiding section 20B includes a light-emitting element that emits the light L toward the light guiding section 20B. The light-emitting element operates (emits light) on the basis of a control signal inputted through the line 2A and the line <NUM>. It is to be noted that in a case where the line 2A and the line <NUM> each include a light waveguide or an optical fiber as descried later, it is possible to supply the light L from the external device <NUM>; therefore, the light-emitting element described above may be omitted from the functional section <NUM>.

The light guiding section 20B is a light waveguide, and includes, on the substrate 21a, for example, the strap-shaped core layer 21b, and the lower cladding layer 21c and the upper cladding layer 21d between which the strap-shaped core layer 21b is vertically interposed, as illustrated in <FIG>. The core layer 21b includes a material having a higher refractive index than the refractive indices of the lower cladding layer 21c and the upper cladding layer 21d. It is to be noted that the mirror element 21e described above is not provided in the functional section <NUM>, and the light L having propagated through the light guiding section 20B enters a light control section 20C. That is, the functional section <NUM> includes the light guiding section 20B and the light control section 20C. The light control section 20C is physically coupled to the light guiding section 20B, and is formed integrally with the light guiding section 20B. The light control section 20C is an element that responds to light incident through the light guiding section 20B.

The light control section 20C is provided in a middle portion of the lens section <NUM>. The light control section 20C is a light waveguide similarly to the light guiding section 20B, and includes, on the substrate 21a, for example, a circular light control layer 21f that is provided in the same layer as the core layer 21b and is physically coupled to the core layer 21b, as illustrated in <FIG>. The light control section 20C further includes, for example, a circular lower cladding layer <NUM> that is provided in the same layer as the lower cladding layer 21c and is physically coupled to the lower cladding layer 21c, and a circular upper cladding layer <NUM> that is provided in the same layer as the upper cladding layer 21d and is physically coupled to the upper cladding layer 21d, as illustrated in <FIG>. The light control layer 21f includes a material having a higher refractive index than the refractive indices of the lower cladding layer <NUM> and the upper cladding layer <NUM>.

The light control layer 21f, the lower cladding layer <NUM>, and the upper cladding layer <NUM> may have a shape different from a circular shape. In addition, the light control layer 21f, the lower cladding layer <NUM>, and the upper cladding layer <NUM> may have a size enough to cover the pupil <NUM> when the contact lens <NUM> is worn on the eyeball <NUM>, or may have a size enough to cover a portion of the pupil <NUM> when the contact lens <NUM> is worn on the eyeball <NUM>. In addition, in a case where the lens section <NUM> is a stacked body, the lower cladding layers 21c and <NUM>, the upper cladding layers 21d and <NUM>, and the core layer 21b may be components of the stacked body of the lens section <NUM>.

The light control layer 21f includes, for example, a material that performs color development, coloring, and light emission by absorbing the light L. Examples of the material that performs color development or coloring by absorbing the light L include photochromic materials (such as cyanine, phthalocyanine, azobenzene, and a diarylethene derivative). The light control layer 21f is caused to perform color development, coloring, or light emission to present a color in a view, which makes it possible to inform a user of change in a peripheral environment or a peripheral situation in an easy-to-understand manner. In addition, in a case where the light control layer 21f includes the material that performs color development or coloring by absorbing the light L, the light control layer 21f is caused to perform color development or coloring in the glare of outside light (such as sunlight and a light) to decrease light transmittance of the contact lens <NUM>, which makes it possible to provide an effect like sunglasses to the contact lens <NUM>.

In addition, in the present modification example, the light control section 20C may have a configuration other than the configuration described above, and may be, for example, an element that responds to light incident from the terminal <NUM>, such as a fluorescent element or a wavelength conversion element.

In a case where the functional section <NUM> has a configuration as described above, it is necessary to configure the line 2A to enable, for example, transmission of light outputted from the main body section 2C to the line <NUM>. The line 2A may be, for example, an optical fiber as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the line 2A includes the stick-shaped core layer <NUM> in a central portion, includes the cladding layer <NUM> that covers a periphery of the core layer <NUM>, and further includes the coating layer <NUM> that protects the cladding layer <NUM>. The core layer <NUM> includes a material having a higher refractive index than the refractive index of the cladding layer <NUM>. The coating layer <NUM> includes, for example, a resin material that does not easily cause a discomfort feeing, a unpleasant feeing, or an allergic reaction when the coating layer <NUM> comes into contact with the eyeball <NUM>. The coating layer <NUM> preferably includes a resin material that makes it possible to reduce friction at an edge of an eyelid, and preferably includes, for example, silicone, a fluorine resin, or the like.

Further, it is also necessary to configure the line <NUM> to enable, for example, transmission of light having propagated through the line 2A to the functional section <NUM>. The line <NUM> may be, for example, an optical fiber as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the line <NUM> includes a stick-shaped core layer <NUM> in a central portion, includes a cladding layer <NUM> that covers a periphery of the core layer <NUM>, and further includes a coating layer <NUM> that protects the cladding layer <NUM>. The core layer <NUM> includes a material having a higher refractive index than the refractive index of the cladding layer <NUM>. The coating layer <NUM> includes, for example, a resin material that does not easily cause a discomfort feeing, a unpleasant feeing, or an allergic reaction when the coating layer <NUM> comes into contact with the eyeball <NUM>. The coating layer <NUM> preferably includes a resin material that makes it possible to reduce friction at an edge of an eyelid, and preferably includes, for example, silicone, a fluorine resin, or the like.

The line 2A may be, for example, a light waveguide as illustrated in <FIG>. The line 2A includes, on the substrate <NUM>, for example, the lower cladding layer 29A and the upper cladding layer 29B between which the stick-shaped core layer <NUM> is vertically interposed, as illustrated in <FIG>. The core layer <NUM> includes a material having a higher refractive index than the refractive indices of the lower cladding layer 29A and the upper cladding layer 29B.

Further, the line <NUM> may be, for example, a light waveguide as illustrated in <FIG>. The line <NUM> includes, on a substrate <NUM>, for example, a lower cladding layer 59A and an upper cladding layer 59B between which a stick-shaped core layer <NUM> is vertically interposed, as illustrated in <FIG>. The core layer <NUM> includes a material having a higher refractive index than the refractive indices of the lower cladding layer 59A and the upper cladding layer 59B.

In the second embodiment described above and the modification examples thereof, for example, the line <NUM> may be disposed not in contact with the eyeball <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, of the line <NUM>, a portion in contact with the surface of the lens section <NUM> forms a predetermined angle θ with respect to a plane parallel to the surface on the eyeball <NUM> side of the lens section <NUM>. The angle θ is, for example, an angle within a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>° both inclusive. This makes it possible to prevent the line <NUM> from constantly coming into contact with the surface of the eyeball <NUM>.

In the present modification example, the contact lens <NUM> may include, for example, a protruding section <NUM> that protrudes from an outer edge of the lens section <NUM> on the outer edge of the lens section <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, the protruding section <NUM> supports a portion in proximity to the surface of the lens section <NUM> in the line <NUM> to cause a portion in contact with the surface of the lens section <NUM> to form the predetermined angle θ with the plane parallel to the surface on the eyeball <NUM> side of the lens section <NUM>. The protruding section <NUM> includes, for example, a resin having elasticity, and has flexibility enough to be bent by blinking. This makes it possible to surely prevent the line <NUM> from constantly coming into contact with the surface of the eyeball <NUM>.

According to the invention, the conductive line <NUM> is relatively thick in proximity to the terminal <NUM>, as compared with in proximity to the functional section <NUM>, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>. This makes it possible to prevent the line <NUM> from interfering with blinking while reducing wiring resistance of the line <NUM>.

Next, description is given of a wearing device <NUM> according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a front view of an example of the wearing device <NUM>. <FIG> is a back view of an example of the wearing device <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration taken along a line A-A of <FIG>.

The wearing device <NUM> is a device for wearing the pair of contact lenses <NUM> on both eyes. The wearing device <NUM> includes, for example, a lens holding section <NUM> that holds the lens section <NUM> provided in one contact lens <NUM>, and a lens holding section <NUM> that holds the lens section <NUM> provided in the other contact lens <NUM>. The lens holding section <NUM> corresponds to a specific example of a "lens holding section" and a "first lens holding section" in the present disclosure. The lens holding section <NUM> corresponds to a specific example of a "lens holding section" and a "second lens holding section" in the present disclosure. The lens holding section <NUM> holds the contact lens <NUM> that is worn on a right eye, for example. The lens holding section <NUM> holds the contact lens <NUM> that is worn on a left eye, for example.

The lens holding sections <NUM> and <NUM> each have, for example, a concave curved surface for easily holding the contact lens <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, and hold the contact lens <NUM> by the curved surface, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, surface tension by a preservative solution (for example, water) of the contact lens <NUM> makes it possible to develop a force of holding the contact lens <NUM> by the lens holding sections <NUM> and <NUM>. It is to be noted that the force of holding the contact lens <NUM> may be achieved by giving low adhesiveness to the curved surfaces of the lens holding sections <NUM> and <NUM>. In this case, the curved surfaces of the lens holding sections <NUM> and <NUM> include, for example, a silicone resin or the like. The lens holding sections <NUM> and <NUM> may include a flexible raw material (for example, a gel or the like) that has no influence even if the eyeball <NUM> touches the raw material.

The wearing device <NUM> further includes, for example, a line holding section <NUM> that holds one or a plurality of lines <NUM> of the contact lens <NUM> held by the lens holding section <NUM>, and a line holding section <NUM> that holds one or a plurality of lines <NUM> of the contact lens <NUM> held by the lens holding section <NUM>. The line holding section <NUM> corresponds to a specific example of a "line holding section" and a "first line holding section" in the present disclosure. The line holding section <NUM> corresponds to a specific example of a "line holding section" and a "second line holding section" in the present disclosure. The line holding sections <NUM> and <NUM> include, for example, a material having low adhesiveness.

The wearing device <NUM> further includes, for example, a lens section <NUM> that supports the lens holding section <NUM>, a lens section <NUM> that supports the lens holding section <NUM>, and a spectacle frame-shaped frame section <NUM> that supports the lens sections <NUM> and <NUM> and the line holding sections <NUM> and <NUM>. The lens sections <NUM> and <NUM>, the line holding sections <NUM> and <NUM>, and the frame section <NUM> correspond to specific examples of a "supporting section" in the present disclosure. The lens section <NUM> corresponds to a specific example of a "lens section" and a "first lens section" in the present disclosure. The lens section <NUM> corresponds to a specific example of a "lens section" and a "second lens section" in the present disclosure. The frame section <NUM> corresponds to a specific example of a "frame section" in the present disclosure. The lens section <NUM> is provided in one opening 41A of the frame section <NUM>. The lens section <NUM> is provided in another opening 41B of the frame section <NUM>. The lens sections <NUM> and <NUM> are supported by the frame section <NUM>, and each include, for example, a light-transmissive resin plate or glass pate. The line holding sections <NUM> and <NUM> are supported by the frame section <NUM>, and are fixed at or in proximity to both end portions of the frame section <NUM>, for example. The frame section <NUM> has a spectacle frame shape, and has a shape in which two frame sections having an elliptical ring shape or a long and thin polygonal ring shape are physically coupled to each other. The frame section <NUM> includes, for example, a resin material.

It is to be noted that in a case where the pair of contact lenses <NUM> to be worn with the wearing device <NUM> include the coupling section <NUM>, the wearing device <NUM> may further include, for example, a line holding section <NUM> fixed in a portion of a space between two openings 41A and 41B of the frame section <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, the line holding section <NUM> holds the coupling section <NUM>. The line holding section <NUM> includes, for example, a material having low adhesiveness.

In the present embodiment, the lens section <NUM> is held by the lens holding section <NUM> or the lens holding section <NUM>, and one or a plurality of lines <NUM> is held by the line holding section <NUM> or the line holding section <NUM>. Accordingly, for example, holding the wearing device <NUM> up in front of eyes and pressing the wearing device <NUM> against a face makes it possible to wear the lens section <NUM> on an eye in a state in which the one or plurality of lines <NUM> is maintained at a desired position. Thus, in the present embodiment, using the wearing device <NUM> makes it possible to easily wear the contact lens <NUM> on the eye. This makes it possible to reduce limitations on practically using the contact lens <NUM> as a wearable device.

In the present embodiment, the line holding section <NUM> or the line holding section <NUM> is supported by the frame section <NUM> having an elliptical ring shape or a long and thin polygonal ring shape, and the lens holding section <NUM> or the lens holding section <NUM> is supported by the lens section <NUM> or the lens section <NUM>. Accordingly, for example, holding the wearing device <NUM> up in front of eyes similarly to glasses and pressing the wearing device <NUM> against a face makes it possible to wear the lens section <NUM> on an eye in a state in which the one or plurality of lines <NUM> is maintained at a desired position. Thus, in the present embodiment, using the wearing device <NUM> makes it possible to easily wear the contact lens <NUM> on the eye. This makes it possible to reduce limitations on practically using the contact lens <NUM> as a wearable device.

In addition, in the present embodiment, two lens sections <NUM> are held by the lens holding section <NUM> and the lens holding section <NUM>, and one or a plurality of lines <NUM> is held by the line holding section <NUM> and the line holding section <NUM>. Accordingly, for example, holding the wearing device <NUM> up in front of eyes and pressing the wearing device <NUM> against a face makes it possible to wear the two lens sections <NUM> on both eyes in a state in which the one or plurality of lines <NUM> is maintained at a desired position. Thus, in the present embodiment, using the wearing device <NUM> makes it possible to easily wear the pair of contact lenses <NUM> on both eyes. This makes it possible to reduce limitations on practically using the pair of contact lenses <NUM> as a wearable device.

In the present embodiment, the line holding section <NUM> and the line holding section47 are supported by the spectacle frame-shaped frame section <NUM>, and the lens holding section <NUM> and the lens holding section <NUM> are supported by the lens section <NUM> and the lens section <NUM>. Accordingly, holding the wearing device <NUM> up in front of eyes similarly to glasses and pressing the wearing device <NUM> against a face makes it possible to wear the lens sections <NUM> on the eyes in a state in which the one or plurality of lines <NUM> is maintained at a desired position. Thus, in the present embodiment, using the wearing device <NUM> makes it possible to easily wear the contact lenses <NUM> on the eyes. This makes it possible to reduce limitations on practically using the contact lens <NUM> as a wearable device.

It is to be noted that in the present embodiment, the wearing device <NUM> may be a device for wearing one contact lens <NUM> on one eye. In this case, the wearing device <NUM> includes, for example, the lens holding section <NUM>, the line holding section <NUM> that holds one or a plurality of lines <NUM> of the contact lens <NUM> held by the lens holding section <NUM>, the lens section <NUM> that supports the lens holding section <NUM>, and a ring-shaped frame section (for example, corresponding to a left-half portion of the frame section <NUM>) that supports the lens section <NUM> and the line holding section <NUM>. The lens section <NUM>, the line holding section <NUM>, and the frame section corresponds to specific examples of a "supporting section" in the present disclosure. The lens section <NUM> corresponds to a specific example of a "first lens section" in the present disclosure. The lens section <NUM> corresponds to a specific example of a "lens section" in the present disclosure. The frame section corresponds to a specific example of a "frame section" in the present disclosure. In such a case, for example, holding the wearing device <NUM> for a single eye up in front of one eye and pressing the wearing device <NUM> against a face makes it possible to wear one lens section <NUM> on the one eye in a state in which the one or plurality of lines <NUM> is maintained at a desired position. Further, it is possible to wear one lens section <NUM> on the other eye by a similar method. Thus, using the wearing device <NUM> for a single eye makes it possible to easily wear the pair of contact lenses <NUM> on both eyes. This makes it possible to reduce limitations on practically using the pair of contact lenses <NUM> as a wearable device.

It is to be noted that the effects described herein are merely exemplified. The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described herein. For example, in the third embodiment, the wearing device <NUM> has a configuration for both eyes, but may have, for example, a configuration for a single eye. The present disclosure may have effects other than the effects described herein.

For example, in the first embodiment described above, the external device <NUM> may further include, for example, an antenna line <NUM> that functions as an antenna (for example, a monopole type, a helical type, a sleeve type, or the like) as illustrated in <FIG>. The antenna line <NUM> is disposed in parallel with the line 2A with a predetermined space interposed therebetween. In this case, the external device <NUM> includes a signal source 2F that is physically coupled to the antenna line <NUM>, and a wireless circuit 2E that controls the signal source 2F. Examples of a communication system in the wireless circuit 2E include LTE (Long Term Evolution), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), BT (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), LPWA (Low Power, Wide Area), and the like. The external device <NUM> may further include, for example, an operation section 2D that processes a signal acquired from the contact lens <NUM> through one or a plurality of lines 2A and outputs a thus-acquired signal. In this case, the external device <NUM> converts the signal outputted from the operation section 2D into a signal of a predetermined communication system in the wireless circuit 2E, and sends the signal as a radio wave from the antenna line <NUM> to outside. In such a case, the external device <NUM> is able to perform wireless communication with another electronic device through the antenna line <NUM>. As a result, for example, another electronic device is able to take charge of signal processing with a large load, and the external device <NUM> is able to take charge of necessary minimum signal processing only, which makes it possible to downsize the external device <NUM>.

The external device <NUM> may include, for example, the coating section <NUM> that bundles the antenna line <NUM> together with one or a plurality of lines 2A as illustrated in <FIG>. In such a case, coupling between the external device <NUM> and the contact lens <NUM> becomes easy. In addition, it is possible to make the length of the antenna line <NUM> equal to the length of the line 2A, which makes it possible to form the antenna line <NUM> with a long length, as compared with a case where the antenna line <NUM> is contained in the main body section 2C. As a result, it is possible to stabilize communication through the antenna line <NUM>.

The external device <NUM> may include, for example, a plurality of antenna lines <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The plurality of antenna lines <NUM> is bundled together with one or a plurality of lines 2A by the coating section <NUM>, for example. Each of the antenna lines <NUM> is disposed in parallel to the line 2A with a predetermined space interposed therebetween. In this case, each of the antenna lines <NUM> may be directly coupled to the signal source 2F, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>. In addition, the plurality of antenna lines <NUM> may be coupled to the signal source 2F through wiring in which the plurality of antenna lines <NUM> are coupled to each other in parallel, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>.

In addition, for example, in the second embodiment described above, the contact lens <NUM> may further include, for example, an antenna line <NUM> that functions as an antenna (for example, a monopole type, a helical type, a sleeve type, or the like), and a terminal <NUM> that is physically coupled to an end on a side opposite to the lens section <NUM> of the antenna line <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The antenna line <NUM> is disposed in parallel with the line <NUM> with a predetermined space interposed therebetween. The antenna line <NUM> is not coupled to the functional section <NUM> in the lens section <NUM>, and is electrically separated from the functional section <NUM> in the lens section <NUM> in the contact lens <NUM>.

The terminal <NUM> is configured to be physically couplable to an external terminal 2I (to be described later) of the external device <NUM>. The terminal <NUM> is configured to be couplable to the external terminal 2I by magnetic force, for example. In a case where the external terminal 2I is a pad-shaped electrode including a ferromagnet, the terminal <NUM> is, for example, a pad-shaped electrode including a ferromagnet similarly to the external terminal 2I. The terminal <NUM> may be configured to be couplable to the external terminal 2I by mating, for example. In a case where the external terminal 2I includes a general-purpose socket or plug, the terminal <NUM> includes a plug or a socket mated with the external terminal 2I, for example.

In the second embodiment described above, the contact lens <NUM> may further include, for example, a plurality of antenna lines <NUM> and a plurality of terminals <NUM>, each of which is physically coupled to an end on the side opposite to the lens section <NUM> of each of the antenna lines <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Each of the antenna lines <NUM> is disposed in parallel with the line <NUM> with a predetermined space interposed therebetween. Each of the antenna lines <NUM> is not coupled to the functional section <NUM> in the lens section <NUM>, and is electrically separated from the functional section <NUM> in the lens section <NUM> in the contact lens <NUM>.

In the second embodiment described above, the contact lens <NUM> may further include, for example, the coating section <NUM> that bundles one or a plurality of lines <NUM> and one or a plurality of antenna lines <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In such a case, coupling between the external device <NUM> and the contact lens <NUM> becomes easy.

Here, in a case where the contact lens <NUM> is configured as illustrated in <FIG>, the external device <NUM> may further include the external terminal <NUM> and the antenna line <NUM> that is physically coupled to the external terminal 2I as illustrated in <FIG>. The external terminal 2I is configured to be physically couplable to the terminal <NUM> of the contact lens <NUM>. The external terminal 2I is configured to be couplable to the terminal <NUM> by magnetic force, for example. In a case where the terminal <NUM> is a pad-shaped electrode including a ferromagnet, the external terminal 2I is, for example, a pad-shaped electrode including a ferromagnet similarly to the terminal <NUM>. The external terminal 2I may be configured to be couplable to the terminal <NUM> by mating, for example. In a case where the terminal <NUM> includes a general-purpose socket or plug, the external terminal 2I includes a plug or a socket mated with the terminal <NUM>, for example.

In a case where the contact lens <NUM> is configured as illustrated in <FIG>, the external device <NUM> may further include, for example, a plurality of external terminals 2I, each of which is physically coupled to each of the antenna lines <NUM>, and a plurality of antenna line <NUM>, each of which is physically coupled to each of the external terminals 2I, as illustrated in <FIG>.

In a case where the contact lens <NUM> is configured as illustrated in <FIG> and the external device <NUM> is configured as illustrated in <FIG>, the antenna line <NUM> and the antenna line <NUM> are coupled to each other by coupling the contact lens <NUM> and the external device <NUM> to each other. In this case, for example, the external device <NUM> may further include, for example, the operation section 2D that processes a signal acquired from the contact lens <NUM> through one or a plurality of lines 2A and one or a plurality of lines <NUM> and outputs a thus-acquired signal. In this case, the external device <NUM> converts the signal outputted from the operation section 2D into a signal of a predetermined communication system in the wireless circuit 2E, and sends the signal as a radio wave from one or a plurality of antenna lines <NUM> and one or a plurality of antenna lines <NUM> to outside. In such a case, the external device <NUM> is able to perform wireless communication with another electronic device through the one or plurality of antenna lines <NUM> and the one or plurality of antenna lines <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to increase the length of an antenna of the external device <NUM>, as compared with a case where the antenna of the external device <NUM> includes only the antenna line <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to further stabilize communication through the antenna lines <NUM> and <NUM>.

The external device <NUM> may include, for example, the coating section <NUM> that bundles the antenna line <NUM> together with one or a plurality of lines 2A, as illustrated in <FIG>. In such a case, coupling between the external device <NUM> and the contact lens <NUM> becomes easy. In addition, it is possible to make the length of the antenna line <NUM> equal to the length of the line 2A, which makes it possible to form the antenna line <NUM> with a long length, as compared to a case where the antenna line <NUM> is contained in the main body section 2C. As a result, it is possible to stabilize communication through the antenna line 2F.

It is to be noted that in the external device <NUM>, the antenna line <NUM> may be folded back, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>. In such a case, it is possible to increase the length of the antenna of the external device <NUM> as much as the the antenna line <NUM> is folded back. As a result, it is possible to further stabilize communication through the antenna line <NUM>.

In addition, in the external device <NUM>, two external terminals 2I may be coupled to each other by a wiring line 2J, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, the antenna line <NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM>) coupled to one external terminal 2I may be directly coupled to the signal source 2F, and the antenna line <NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM>) coupled to the other external terminal 2I may be electrically coupled to the signal source 2F through the two external terminals 2I and the antenna line <NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM>). In such a case, it is possible to increase the length of the antenna of the external device <NUM> by the antenna line <NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM>). As a result, it is possible to further stabilize communication through the antenna lines <NUM>.

It is to be noted that in a case where the antenna of the external device <NUM> is configured as illustrated in <FIG>, in the contact lens <NUM>, two terminals <NUM> coupled to two external terminals 2I may be, for example, dummy terminals that are not coupled to the antenna line <NUM> and the functional section <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

In addition, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the external device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the wiring line 2J that couples two external terminals 2I coupled to the antenna lines <NUM> to each other may be omitted. In this case, in the contact lens <NUM>, two terminals <NUM> coupled to the two external terminals 2I may be coupled to each other by an antenna line <NUM>, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>. The antenna line <NUM> is disposed in parallel with the line <NUM>, for example, and has a U-like shape extending in an extending direction of the line <NUM>. In such a case, it is possible to increase the length of the antenna of the external device <NUM> by the antenna lines <NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. As a result, it is possible to further stabilize communication through the antenna lines <NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

In addition, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in a case where the conductive line <NUM> is provided that couples two functional sections <NUM> (20a and 20b) of a plurality of functional sections <NUM> to each other, one of the two functional sections <NUM> (20a and 20b) may include a signal source and a wireless circuit that controls the signal source. In this case, the antenna line <NUM> that is disposed in parallel with the line <NUM> with a predetermined space interposed therebetween may be provided in the functional section 20b. In such a case, it is possible to output a signal outputted from the functional section 20a to outside through the antenna line <NUM> even in a case where the external device <NUM> does not have a wireless function.

It is to be noted that the effects of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited to the effects described herein, and may be any of effects described in the present specification.

This application claims the benefits of Japanese Priority Patent Application <CIT>.

Claim 1:
A contact lens comprising:
a lens section that is worn on an eyeball;
one or a plurality of functional sections that is provided in the lens section; and
one or a plurality of terminals that is physically coupled to the one or plurality of functional sections, and is configured to be physically couplable to an external terminal; wherein
the contact lens further comprises one or a plurality of lines that has one end physically coupled to the one or plurality of functional sections, wherein
at least one of the one or plurality of terminals is physically coupled to another end of the one or plurality of lines;
at least one of the one or plurality of lines includes a conductive line including a carbon nanotube, gold, silver, copper, or a mixture of at least two of these materials; and
the conductive line is thicker in proximity to the terminal, as compared with in proximity to the functional section.