Electronic eyeglass frame

• US 9,028,062 B2
• Filed: 12/16/2013
• Issued: 05/12/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 05/04/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Carl Zeiss Vision International GMBH (Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung)
• Original Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals Incorporated (Mitsui Chemicals)
• Inventors: Kokonaski, William, Blum, Ronald D., Tabacchi, Tiziano, Boch, Martin, Pinazza, Massimo, Richman, Scott, Ozguz, Volkan, Haddock, Joshua
• Primary Examiner(s): DANG, HUNG XUAN
• Application Number:
  US14/107,793
• Publication Number:
  US 20140104566A1
• Time in Patent Office: 512 Days
• Field of Search: 351/158, 351/41, 351/49, 351/168, 351/169, 351/228, 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. 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; and

d) an electronics module physically attached to the frame.

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. The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the electronics module fits within a front spatial void of the frame anterior to a hinge.

8. The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the electronics module includes at least two of the following:

a power source, drive circuit, sensing mechanism, antenna, receiver, transmitter, transceiver, sensor, rangefinder, micro-processor, and controller.

9. The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the electronics module is housed within the frame.

10. The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the electro-active lens is connected to the electronic module through electrical conductors.

11. 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) providing an electronics module physically attached to the frame;

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

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

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the manual switch is a capacitive touch switch.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the manual switch is a membrane switch.

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

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the electro-active lenses change tint by tint shuttering.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the electronics module fits within a front spatial void of the frame anterior to a hinge.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the electronics module includes at least two of the following:

a power source, drive circuit, sensing mechanism, antenna, receiver, transmitter, transceiver, sensor, rangefinder, micro-processor, and controller.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the electronics module is housed within the frame.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the electro-active lens is connected to the electronic module through electrical conductors.