ELECTRONIC EYEGLASS FRAME

• US 20100271588A1
• Filed: 07/12/2010
• Published: 10/28/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: E-Vision Optics LLC
• Original Assignee: Pixeloptics Incorporated
• Inventors: Boch, Martin, Richman, Scott N., Pinazza, Massimo, Tabacchi, Tiziano, Blum, Ronald D., Kokonaski, William, Haddock, Joshua N., Ozguz, Volkan
• Granted Patent: US 8,337,014 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 351/158
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 11/00 Non-optical adjuncts; Attachment thereof G02C7/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 11/10 Electronic devices other than hearing aids
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/08 Auxiliary lenses; Arrangements for varying focal length
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/083 Electrooptic lenses
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/101 having an electro-optical light valve electro-optical elements per se G02F

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to integrating electronic components into an electro-active frame for driving electro-active focusing lenses. This is accomplished in a cosmetically pleasing manner that allows a platform of frame systems to be built from a single electronic module. Specifically, the present invention discloses controlling an electro-active lens in a deliberate, hands free manner that gives the user control of the electro-active lens.

Claims

1. ) A pair of electro-active eyeglasses comprising:

a) a frame;

b) electro-active lenses mounted in the frame, the electro-active lenses capable of changing tint upon receipt of an electronic signal;

c) a manual switch located on the frame that, when activated, sends an electronic signal to the electro-active lenses to change their tint.

2. ) The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the manual switch extends from the frame.

3. ) The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the manual switch is a capacitive touch switch.

4. ) The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the manual switch is a membrane switch.

5. ) The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the electro-active lenses comprise an electro-chromic material.

6. ) The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the electro-active lenses change tint by tint shuttering.

7. ) A method of changing the tint of a pair of electro-active eyeglasses comprising:

a) providing a frame;

b) providing electro-active lenses mounted in the frame, the electro-active lenses capable of changing tint upon receipt of an electronic signal;

c) sending an electronic signal to the electro-active lenses to change their tint upon activation of a manual switch that is located on the frame.

8. ) The method of claim 7, wherein the manual switch extends from the frame.

9. ) The method of claim 7, wherein the manual switch is a capacitive touch switch.

10. ) The method of claim 7, wherein the manual switch is a membrane switch.

11. ) The method of claim 7, wherein the electro-active lenses comprise an electro-chromic material.

12. ) The method of claim 7, wherein the electro-active lenses change tint by tint shuttering.