Electronic eyeglass frame

• US 8,337,014 B2
• Filed: 07/12/2010
• Issued: 12/25/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: E-Vision Optics LLC
• Original Assignee: Pixeloptics Incorporated
• Inventors: Kokonaski, William, Blum, Ronald, Tabacchi, Tiziano, Boch, Martin, Pinazza, Massimo, Richman, Scott N., Ozguz, Volkan, Haddock, Joshua N.
• Primary Examiner(s): DANG, HUNG XUAN
• Application Number:
  US12/834,526
• Publication Number:
  US 20100271588A1
• Time in Patent Office: 897 Days
• Field of Search: 351/158, 351/41, 351/49, 351/168, 351/169, 351/228, 351/246, 351/215, 351/216, 351/232, 351/159, 359/652, 359/655, 359/665, 359/666, 359/494, 359/245, 359/254
• 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. Eyewear comprising:

a) a frame; and

b) a sealed moisture resistant module attached to the frame, wherein the module comprises any two of;

a power source, a drive circuit, and a sensing mechanism,

wherein the sealed moisture resistant module is disposed within the frame.

2. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein the eyewear comprises electro-active lenses mounted in the frame, and wherein the electro-active lenses comprise an electro-chromic material.

3. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein the eyewear comprises electro-active lenses mounted in the frame, and wherein the electro-active lenses are configured to change tint.

4. The eyewear of claim 3, wherein the electro-active lenses are configured to change tint by tint shuttering.

5. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first temple and a second temple, and wherein the module is disposed within the first temple.

6. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein the sealed moisture resistant module includes each of a controller, a sensing mechanism, and a power source.

7. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein the sealed moisture resistant module further includes any one of, or some combination of:

an antenna, a transmitter, a transceiver, or a receiver.

8. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein the sealed moisture resistant module includes a sensing mechanism, and wherein the sensing mechanism comprises a manual switch.

9. The eyewear of claim 8, wherein the manual switch comprises a capacitive switch.

10. The eyewear of claim 8, wherein the manual switch comprises a membrane switch.

11. A method of changing electro-active eyeglasses comprising:

a) providing a frame;

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

c) sending an electronic signal to the electro-active lenses upon activation of a manual switch that is located on the frame, wherein the manual switch comprises a capacitive touch switch, and

wherein the capacitive touch switch is sealed within a moisture resistant module.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the manual switch extends from the frame.

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

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the electro-active lenses are configured to change tint.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the module is hermetically sealed.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the module is substantially water-proof.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the module is water-proof.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the module is substantially wear resistant.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the module is substantially water resistant.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the module is water resistant.

21. The method of claim 11, wherein the module is sealed using a water resistant material.

22. The method of claim 11, wherein the module is sealed using any one of, or some combination of:

an epoxy or silicone.

23. The method of claim 11, wherein the module includes a power source, and wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

24. The method of claim 11,

wherein the eyewear comprises an electro-active lens;

and

wherein the module includes electronic components configured to enable any of the following;

dynamically alter focus;

dynamically alter tint;

or

tint shuttering.

25. The method of claim 11, wherein the module includes electronic components configured to enable an electronic display.

26. The method of claim 11, wherein said frame comprises any of the following:

a metal frame;

a zyle frame;

a rimless frame;

a partially rimless frame;

a hinge-less temple;

or

a hinged temple.

27. The method of claim 11,

wherein the eyewear comprises at least one electronic component disposed outside of the electronic module;

and

wherein the module is electrically connected to the electronic component by a flex circuit.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the electronic component comprises an electro-active lens.

29. Eyewear comprising:

a) a frame; and

b) a sealed moisture resistant module attached to the frame, wherein the module comprises any two of;

a power source, a drive circuit, and a sensing mechanism,

wherein the sealed moisture resistant module includes a sensing mechanism, and wherein the sensing mechanism comprises a tilt switch.

30. The eyewear of claim 29, wherein the tilt switch comprises any one of an accelerometer or a gyroscope.