Project Overview
I am developing a consumer hardware concept involving a thin optical layer designed to sit flush on a device screen and integrate into a case system. The objective is to reduce near-focus strain for presbyopic users at approximately 16 inches viewing distance while preserving functional full-screen usability.
The product is intended to live on the device most of the time and must meet durability expectations similar to high-quality screen protectors (scratch resistance, coating compatibility, touch responsiveness, long-term wear).
A provisional patent has been filed covering the magnetic removable integration architecture. I am seeking an experienced optical design consultant with consumer electronics experience to evaluate feasibility and recommend an appropriate optical approach.
This is an early-stage feasibility engagement focused on physics, material selection, and practical design direction — not manufacturing or tooling. The concept is intended for potential licensing to established accessory manufacturers pending technical validation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scope of Work – Phase 1 (Feasibility & Direction)
Objective
Assess whether a thin screen-plane optical layer, mounted directly on a handheld smartphone display, can meaningfully reduce accommodation demand for presbyopic users at approximately 16" typical viewing distance while preserving functional full-screen usability.
-------Assistance Requested-------
º Evaluating feasibility of subtle screen-plane optical assistance at ~16" handheld device viewing distance
º Recommending suitable optical architectures (e.g., low-power aspheric, multi-zone, engineered Fresnel alternatives)
º Identifying appropriate focal length / diopter range for this geometry
º Outlining expected magnification, distortion, brightness, and field-of-view tradeoffs
º Advising on practical thickness constraints for flush integration within a smartphone case system
º Recommending material options suitable for consumer electronics durability (optical-grade polycarbonate, PMMA, coatings, etc.)
º Identifying relevant coating considerations (anti-scratch, anti-glare, oleophobic, etc.)
-------Deliverable-------
One or two consultation sessions plus a brief written summary outlining:
Feasibility assessment
Key constraints and tradeoffs
Recommended optical direction
Identified risks or limitations
-------Phase 1 Scope Clarification (for Estimating Hours)-------
For the purpose of estimating hours, please assume Phase 1 includes:
º Reviewing provided geometric constraints (viewing distance, screen dimensions, thickness targets)
º Performing high-level optical calculations to evaluate feasibility
º Assessing likely magnification, field-of-view, and distortion implications
º Identifying practical tradeoff boundaries for thin screen-plane implementation
º Providing structured verbal and written feedback summarizing findings
º Please estimate the number of hours required for this level of feasibility assessment (not full optical modeling or detailed design). If you believe brief simulation would materially improve early-stage confidence, please include that in your estimate and explain why.
-------Ideal Background-------
º Optical engineering experience with consumer electronics or handheld devices
º Experience designing thin lens systems or injection-molded optics
º Familiarity with coatings used in device optics (AR, anti-glare, oleophobic, scratch-resistant)
º Experience balancing optical performance with manufacturability
º Comfortable advising at early concept validation stage
-------Budget-------
Initial Phase 1 engagement anticipated at approximately 2–3 hours.
º Additional hours may be authorized by mutual agreement.
º Target hourly range: $75–$125/hour (negotiable based on experience).
Please estimate the number of hours required for this level of feasibility assessment (not full optical modeling or detailed design). If you believe brief simulation would materially improve early-stage confidence, please include that in your estimate and explain why.