Attachable electro-active lens systems

• US 8,678,581 B2
• Filed: 04/13/2011
• Issued: 03/25/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: E-Vision Optics LLC
• Original Assignee: Pixeloptics Incorporated
• Inventors: Blum, Ronald D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Collins, Darryl J
• Application Number:
  US13/085,562
• Publication Number:
  US 20110249230A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,077 Days
• Field of Search: 351/159.39, 351/159.4, 351/158, 359237-324, 359630-633, 345/7, 345/8
• US Class Current: 351/158
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 11/10 Electronic devices other than hearing aids
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/083 Electrooptic lenses
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 9/00 Attaching auxiliary optical parts auxiliary optical parts per se G02C7/08 - G02C7/16

Abstract

Systems and methods regarding spectacle systems are provided including base lens units and attachable lens units. A spectacle system may include a base lens unit with a first lens, a frame configured for wearing the base lens unit on a user, and a first attachment mechanism. The spectacle system may also include an attachable lens unit with a second lens and a second attachment mechanism configured to join with the first attachment mechanism. A communication mechanism may also be included that is configured to communicate data, instructions and/or electrical power between the base lens unit and the attachable lens unit. Either or both of the first lens and the second lens may include an electro-active lens. The attachable lens unit may include a variety of additional functions such as an electronic display, a camera, an active shuttering lens, and an active polarizing lens, which may also be powered by the base lens unit.

Claims

1. An spectacle system comprising:

a base lens unit including a first lens, a frame configured for wearing the base lens unit on a user, and a first attachment mechanism; and

an attachable lens unit including a second lens and a second attachment mechanism configured to join with the first attachment mechanism; and

a communication mechanism configured to communicate at least one of data, instructions and electrical power between the base lens unit and the attachable lens unit,

wherein, the first lens includes an electro-active lens,

the base lens unit further includes an electrical power source, and

the communication mechanism is configured to provide electrical power from the base lens unit to the attachable lens unit.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the second lens includes an electro-active lens.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein:

the second lens includes at least one of an electronic display, a camera, an active shuttering lens, and an active polarizing lens; and

the communication mechanism is configured to provide instructions and electrical power from the base lens unit to the attachable lens unit.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the second lens includes an electro-chromatic lens.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the base lens unit and the attachable lens unit are configured to communicate with a remote computer system.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the communication mechanism includes at least one of a Standard, Mini, and Micro USB plug.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein first attachment mechanism joins with the second attachment mechanism via a magnet, and the communication mechanism is configured to communicate electrical power between the base lens unit and the attachable lens unit via an electrical contact joined by the magnet.

8. The device of claim 1, the base lens unit is configured to provide the user with at least one of a hearing aid capability and a radio communication capability.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the second lens is configured to provide 3D viewing capability.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the second lens is configured to provide the 3D viewing capability based on a detected 3D projection.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the second lens is configured to provide different 3D viewing capabilities based on different detected 3D projections.

12. An spectacle frame device comprising:

a base lens attachment mechanism configured to hold a first lens;

a removable lens attachment mechanism configured to removably join a removable lens unit including a second lens to the spectacle frame device;

a communication mechanism configured to communicate at least one of data, instructions and electrical power between the spectacle frame device and the attachable lens unit; and

an electrical power source, wherein the first lens is an electro-active lens powered by the electrical power source.

13. The device of claim 12, further comprising a control device, wherein the communication mechanism is configured to provide instructions from the spectacle frame device to the attachable lens unit.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the second lens is an electro-active lens powered by the electrical power source.

15. The device of claim 12, wherein the communication mechanism is configured to provide electrical power from the spectacle frame device to the attachable lens unit.

16. The device of claim 15, further comprising a control device, wherein the communication mechanism is further configured to provide instructions from the spectacle frame device to the attachable lens unit.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the communication mechanism is further configured to receive data from the attachable lens unit.

18. The device of claim 12, wherein the frame is configured to support a second lens that provides a 3D viewing capability.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the second lens is configured to provide the 3D viewing capability based on a detected 3D projection.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the second lens is configured to provide different 3D viewing capabilities based on different detected 3D projections.