Luxexcel recently launched its VisionPlatform 7, a technology that enables 3D printing prescription lenses for smart glasses.
Smart glasses are certainly making their way into the mainstream, but the emerging technologies are still lacking in key elements. That is especially true when it comes to prescription lenses. Instead of bulky, ill-fitting devices worn over glasses, Netherlands-based Luxexcel is bringing the smart part straight to the lenses.
Founded in 2009, the company has pioneered the art of 3D-printed prescription lenses.
After partnering with WaveOptics, it has made the leap to 3D printing smart lenses with its VisionPlatform 7 technology.
“The launch of VisionPlatform 7 begins a new era in the manufacturing of prescription smart lenses,” said Fabio Esposito, Luxexcel CEO. “To compete in the race to launch consumer-ready smart glasses, eyewear manufacturers need to address prescription in their smart glasses devices. Luxexcel provides a disruptive solution where smart technology is seamlessly combined with a prescription lens, rather than adding prescription power to the smart device as an afterthought.”
Designed for use by smart glasses manufacturers, VisionPlatform 7 integrates the hardware needed for augmented reality (AR), such as holographic optical elements and liquid crystal foils, into the 3D printing process while still allowing for prescription lenses. It incorporates WaveOptics’ technology to project images from electronics to a waveguide in the lens, which transports them across the lens to the eye. With the new platform, the projector, the waveguide, and the prescription lens are all one part.
Earlier this year, the company held a product demonstration that highlighted the benefits of using the technology. It has proven to have strong adhesion properties, which allow the optical elements and waveguides to bond with the prescription material. Along with eliminating extra assembly, VisionPlatform 7 creates thin, lightweight lenses that are customizable.
The platform has the capability to print a range of powers from low to high on lens diameters from 1 to 65 mm. That allows for printing of custom lens that correct refractive errors, such as prisms and multifocal progressive designs. The method also factors in the air gap that a waveguide requires to ensure that light rays aren’t split and polarized. Also, during the process, a hard coat is evenly layered on the surface to protect the integrated technologies.
While it has proven to produce quality, reliable lenses with a high yield, seeing is believing. The platform prints lenses that meet ISO, ANSI, and FDA requirements.
“To manufacture a device that combines prescription and smart functions requires a combination of skills in technology and optics,” said Guido Groet, Luxexcel chief strategy officer. “It can be difficult to find this combination of skill sets in one team, so we offer this experience to our partners. We provide our customers with a complete solution to manufacture prescription smart lenses so that they can focus on developing the technologies and content for the device.”
For manufacturers using the VisionPlatform 7, it means having one integrated solution to produce prescription lenses. The platform includes the proprietary materials, software, hardware and optimized printing processes. This may lead to new innovations and designs when it comes to eyewear, perhaps finally making smart glasses as stylish and natural feeling as ordinary prescription eyewear.
Interested in other AR eyewear advances? Check out Smart Contacts and AR Glasses Aim to Help Visually Impaired and Invisible Computing: Mojo Vision Is Developing an AR Contact Lens.
