U.S. patent application number 12/054299 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-06 for electronic eyeglass frame.
Invention is credited to Ronald D. Blum, Martin Boch, Joshua N. Haddock, William Kokonaski, Volkan Ozguz, Massimo Pinazza, Scott N. Richman, Tiziano Tabacchi.
Application Number | 20080273166 12/054299 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39939277 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080273166 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kokonaski; William ; et
al. |
November 6, 2008 |
ELECTRONIC EYEGLASS FRAME
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.
Inventors: |
Kokonaski; William; (Gig
Harbor, WA) ; Blum; Ronald D.; (Roanoke, VA) ;
Tabacchi; Tiziano; (Pieve di Cadore, IT) ; Boch;
Martin; (Kieselbronn, DE) ; Pinazza; Massimo;
(Pieve di Cadore, IT) ; Richman; Scott N.;
(Irvine, CA) ; Ozguz; Volkan; (Aliso Viejo,
CA) ; Haddock; Joshua N.; (Roanoke, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEARL, COHEN, ZEDEK & LATZER, LLP
1500 BROADWAY, 12TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
39939277 |
Appl. No.: |
12/054299 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60924225 |
May 4, 2007 |
|
|
|
60929419 |
Jun 26, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
351/158 ;
351/159.41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02C 7/083 20130101;
G02C 7/08 20130101; G02C 7/101 20130101; G02C 11/10 20130101; G02C
11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
351/158 ;
351/168 |
International
Class: |
G02C 7/06 20060101
G02C007/06; G02C 11/00 20060101 G02C011/00 |
Claims
1) An eyeglass frame comprising an electronic module, wherein said
module is located within a spatial void of the eyeglass frame
anterior to the hinge.
2) The eyeglass frame of claim 1, wherein the eyeglass frame is
adapted for housing an electro-active lens and said module contains
electronics and a power source for driving the electro-active
lens.
3) An electronic module that contains electronics and a power
source for driving an electro-active lens, wherein said module is
designed to fit within a spatial void of an eyeglass frame directly
connected to the electro-active lens without an intervening
hinge.
4) A method for controlling an electro-active lens wherein said
lens is activated when the wearer's head moves to a first position
angled steeply down relative to the horizon, and wherein said lens,
once activated, remains on until such a time as the wearer's head
moves to a second position at an angle slightly above the
horizon.
5) An electronic module attached to a rimless eyeglass frame
located within a spatial void, wherein the frame has an
electro-active lens to which the module is directly connected.
6) The method of claim 4, wherein said module is moisture
resistant.
7) The module of claim 5, wherein said module is moisture
resistant.
8) The method of claim 4, wherein said module houses a power
source.
9) The module of claim 5, wherein said module houses a power
source.
10) The method of claim 4, wherein said module houses a switch.
11) The module of claim 5, wherein said module houses a switch.
12) The frame of claim 1, wherein said module is sealed from the
outside environment.
13) The frame of claim 1, wherein said module is affixed to a
temple.
14) The module of claim 3, wherein said module is affixed to one of
the group comprising rimless, rimmed, and semi-rimless frames.
15) The module of claim 14, wherein the frame comprises one of the
group comprising zyle, metal, a combination of zyle and metal.
16) The frame of claim 1, wherein said module houses at least one
of the group comprising an antenna, a receiver, a transmitter, a
transceiver, a sensor, a range finder, a power source, a
micro-processor, and a controller.
17) The module of claim 3, wherein said frame is a hinge-less
frame.
18) The method of claim 10, wherein said switch is a tilt
switch.
19) The module of claim 11, wherein said switch is an automatic
switch.
20) The method of claim 10, wherein said switch is a automatic
switch.
21) The module of claim 11, wherein said switch is a manual
switch.
22) The method of claim 10, wherein said switch is a manual
switch.
23) The module of claim 19, wherein said switch is a tilt
switch.
24) The method of claim 20, wherein said switch is a tilt
switch.
25) The frame of claim 16, further comprising a sensor, wherein
said controller provides for timing feed back from said sensor,
wherein said controller turns off the electronic power if said
sensor does not indicate movement within a set period of time.
26) The frame of claim 25, wherein said sensor is a tilt switch
27) The frame of claim 25, wherein said sensor is a range
finder.
28) The frame of claim 16, further comprising a sensor, wherein
said controller provides for a timing delay after receiving a
signal from said sensor.
29) The frame of claim 28, wherein said sensor is a tilt
switch.
30) The frame of claim 28, wherein said sensor is a range
finder.
31) An eyeglass frame, comprising: a) a hinged temple connected to
the frame; and b) a universal eyeglass frame housing positioned
anterior to the hinge, wherein said housing contains an electronic
module.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/796,876 filed on May 3, 2006 and entitled,
"Spectacle Frame Bridge Housing Electronics For Electro-active
Spectacle Lenses" (now U.S. Ser. No. 11/797,210), U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/924,225 filed on May 4, 2007 and entitled,
"Advanced Electro-Active Spectacles, U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/929,419 filed on Jun. 26, 2007 entitled, "Electronic
Eyeglass Frames and Integration Thereof", and U.S. Provisional
Applications No. 60/854,697 and 60/854,677 respectively entitled,
"Advanced Electronic Eyewear" and "Universal Temple End Piece For
Spectacles both of which were filed on Oct. 27, 2006 (now together
as Ser. No. 11/976,199), all of which are incorporated in their
entirety herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to integrating
electronic components into an electronic eyeglass frame for driving
electro-active lenses capable of one or more of dynamic focus,
dynamic changeable tint, and other electronic applications such as,
by way of example only, an electronic display that may or may not
be incorporated within the lens. This is accomplished in a
cosmetically pleasing manner that allows a platform of frame
systems to be built from a single electronic module. 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. In addition, the present invention allows for
a mostly universal electronics module or modules that can be
applied to most eyeglass frames in such a manner (and location)
whereby conductive wiring of the temples and the frame front is
minimized, cosmetics and form factor of the eyeglass frame is
maintained, and complicating issues of connecting electrical
current thru the bridge or hinge of the eyeglass frame are
mitigated.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In today's world, spectacle eyeglass frames are very
fashionable. While the trend for the eyeglass lenses is to make
them thinner, lighter, and less visible, at the same time, it is
the eyeglass frame that makes the fashion statement for the
eyeglass wearer.
[0006] Concurrent with these trends is another concerning including
electronics into spectacle eyewear. By way of example, Oakley.TM.
has commercialized electronic eyewear called the Oakley Thump.TM.
that incorporates a MP3 player into the temple of the eyewear that
can be oriented properly for the wearer. The Oakley Thump is a
prime example of what the invention disclosed here desires to
avoid. That being a thick temple or frame housing electronics that
distracts from the aesthetic appearance of the eyeglass frames.
PixelOptics.TM. is developing electro-active eyewear that allow for
the lens to dynamically focus for the wearer's distance vision
needs without any moving parts. Electronic tints for the lens such
as, by way of example only, electro-chromics, rapid change tint
technology, and tint shuttering are being developed by others as
well. Finally, electronic displays are being developed that fit
within or on the eyeglass lens allowing the user to see an image
floating in front of them in space. The trend of utilizing
electronics in eyewear appears to be accelerating and the
applications being developed by others are expanding.
[0007] As theses trends continue, it is becoming important to find
ways to incorporate electronics into eyewear without harming the
aesthetics and functionality of the eyewear. The challenge is to
not limit the fashion design of the eyeglass frame or limit the
materials which the eyeglass frame can be made of, maintain as few
completed eyeglass frames or eyeglass frame components (frame
fronts, bridges, temples) stock keeping units (SKUs) as possible,
allow for robust placement of the electronics, and in a way that
can be manufactured so that it remains affordable, and
aesthetically desirable.
[0008] Various electronic components have been disclosed in prior
art whereby said components are located in the side of one or both
temples, in or on the end piece of the temple, in or on the
eyeglass frame's bridge, in or on the lens or lenses, or affixed to
the hinge or hinges that attach the frame's temple to the frame's
front. While these approaches allow for enabling electronic frames
and electro-active lenses, to date there has been no way for this
to occur while minimizing the number of frame part SKUs, and
maintaining the aesthetics of the frame.
[0009] The present invention also addresses the integration of
electronic components into an electro-active frame for driving
electro-active lenses for one or more of dynamically altering
focus, tint or other electronic applications such as by way of
example only an electronic display. The invention achieves this
objective in a cosmetically pleasing manner that allows for a
platform of frame systems to be built from one or more electronic
modules.
[0010] These problems have been solved in a simple, convenient, and
highly effective way by which to provide an improved electro-active
frame having electronic components for driving electro-active
lenses in a cosmetically pleasing manner that allows for a platform
of frame systems to be built from one or more electronic modules.
The present invention discloses controlling an electro-active lens
in a deliberate, yet optional hands free control manner that
effectively overcomes the aforementioned difficulties and
longstanding problems inherent in electro-active eyewear. The
invention further allows for the electronic module to control the
electronic lens such that if the electronic lens is not in use the
electronics are turned off to conserve battery power.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, an eyeglass frame
is disclosed comprising a hinged temple. The temple further
comprises an electronic module, which is located within a front
spatial void of the eyeglass frame anterior to the hinge.
[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, an electronic
module is disclosed that contains electronics and a power source
for driving an electro-active lens. The module is designed to fit
within a spatial void of an eyeglass frame directly connected to
the electro-active lens without an intervening hinge.
[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
controlling an electro-active lens is disclosed wherein the lens is
activated when the wearer's head moves to a first position angled
steeply down relative to the horizon, and wherein the lens, once
activated, remains on until such a time as the wearer's head moves
to a second position at an angle slightly above the horizon.
[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
turning off the electronics is disclosed wherein after a specified
period of time should the sensor sense there is no movement the
controller will turn off the electrical power.
[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
setting a time delay such to prevent the eyeglasses from switching
their focus as one walks, runs, or moves his or her head while not
intending to read at near.
[0016] According to a still further aspect of the invention, an
electronic module attached to a rimless eyeglass frame near a
rimless spatial void is disclosed wherein the frame has an
electro-active lens to which the module is directly connected.
[0017] The method and apparatus of the present invention will be
better understood by reference to the following detailed discussion
of specific embodiments and the attached figures which illustrate
and exemplify such embodiments.
[0018] According to still another aspect of the invention, a
hinge-less temple is provided such that the electronic module can
be located within the spatial void or any where on the temple
including the end piece behind the ear.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] A specific embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to the following drawings, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1A illustrates a universal frame housing that comprises
the electronic module, electronic connectors, and a hinge.
[0021] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the universal frame housing
of FIG. 1A.
[0022] FIG. 1C is the electronic module of FIG. 1A.
[0023] FIG. 2A illustrates another universal frame housing that
comprising an electronic module, electronic connectors, and a
hinge
[0024] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the universal frame housing
of FIG. 2A.
[0025] FIG. 2C is the electronic module of FIG. 2A.
[0026] FIG. 3A illustrates another universal frame housing
comprising an electronic module, electronic connectors, and a
hinge.
[0027] FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the universal frame housing
of FIG. 3A.
[0028] FIG. 3C is the electronic module of FIG. 3A.
[0029] FIG. 3D illustrates a manual touch switch extending up
though the assembly formed by the front and back electro-active
lens frame component pieces.
[0030] FIG. 4A illustrates another universal frame housing
comprising an electronic module, electronic connectors, and a
hinge.
[0031] FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the hinge FIG. 4A.
[0032] FIG. 4C is the electronic module of FIG. 4A.
[0033] FIG. 5A illustrates an external side view of another
universal frame housing comprising an electronic module, electronic
connectors, and a hinge.
[0034] FIG. 5B is an inside or back view of the universal frame
housing of FIG. 5A.
[0035] FIG. 5C is the module of the universal frame housing of
FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a fully assembled
electronic frame.
[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a fully assembled
electronic frame.
[0038] FIG. 8A illustrates another embodiment of a fully assembled
electronic frame having a hinged temple.
[0039] FIG. 8B illustrates another embodiment of a fully assembled
electronic frame having a hinge-less temple.
[0040] FIG. 9A illustrates the top view of an electro-active
spectacle lenses, rimmed frame and universal frame housings
comprising electronic modules, electronic connectors, and
hinges.
[0041] FIG. 9B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 9A, but with a
rimless style of lens mounting.
[0042] FIG. 9C illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 9A as worn on a
wearer's head and further illustrates the right spatial void and
the left spatial void.
[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates an electronic module of another
embodiment of the present invention which includes a tilt
switch.
[0044] FIG. 11 illustrates a universal frame housing that comprises
the electronic module, electrical connectors, and hinge.
[0045] FIG. 12A illustrates a cross section of an embodiment of the
electronic module of the present invention without a tilt
switch
[0046] FIG. 12B is an isometric view of the module of FIG. 12A.
[0047] FIG. 12C illustrates the module of FIG. 12A in an eyeglass
frame behind its frame stem section.
[0048] FIG. 13A illustrates another embodiment of the electronic
module of the present invention which contains two batteries.
[0049] FIG. 13B is a cross section of the module of FIG. 13A.
[0050] FIG. 13C illustrates a combined electronic module which
includes a tilt switch.
[0051] FIG. 13D illustrate the module of FIG. 13A placed in an
eyeglass frame anterior to the hinge and connecting to the
lens.
[0052] FIG. 14 illustrates one possible electrical contact into the
lens from the frame.
[0053] FIG. 15A illustrates a wearer of an eyeglass frame having a
tilt switch looking straight ahead approximately even with the
horizon.
[0054] FIG. 15B illustrates a wearer of an eyeglass frame having a
tilt switch with his head in a position where he is looking
downward at angle .alpha. from the horizontal.
[0055] FIG. 15C illustrates a wearer of an eyeglass frame having a
tilt switch with his head in a position where he is looking upward
at angle .beta. above the horizontal.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0056] The following definitions for elements referred to in this
application are set forth below.
DEFINITIONS
[0057] a) Frame: A complete wearable housing that secures both
spectacle lenses and aligns them in the proper place relative to
the wearer's eyes when being worn.
[0058] b) Hinged temple: The side piece of a frame that connects to
the frame front by way of a hinge attachment mechanism, and further
provides stability by resting on the wearer's ears when worn.
[0059] c) Hinge-less temple: The side piece of a frame that
connects to the frame front without a hinge attachment mechanism,
and further provides stability by resting on the wearer's ears when
worn.
[0060] d) Temple end piece: The part of the temple that is found
farthest away from the frame front. The end piece usually begins
behind the ear of the wearer and ends at the end of the temple that
is located farthest away from the frame front.
[0061] e) Frame front end piece: The part of the frame front
farthest away from the bridge and spatial to the bridge. Each frame
has two, frame front end pieces; one on the spatial side of the
right lens and/or right eye-wire and one on the spatial side of the
left lens and/or eye-wire.
[0062] f) Bridge: The part of the frame front that fits
over/superior to the wearer's nose. The bridge is usually found
between the eye-wires that holds the right and left lenses, or the
right and left lenses themselves.
[0063] g) Hinge: The part of the frame that allows for connecting
the frame front and the temples in such away that the frame front
and the temple can open and close against the frame front on its
posterior side when not being worn.
[0064] h) Eye-wire: The part of the frame front that holds one lens
(a right or a left). There are two eye-wires to each frame. However
in a completely rimless frame there are no eye wires.
[0065] i) Frame front: The part of the frame to which the temples
attach and which holds the lenses and if not a rimless frame front
comprises both eye-wires.
[0066] j) Rimless frame: A frame that is designed without
eye-wires.
[0067] k) Partially rimless: A frame that has a partial frame front
and/or may have a nylon monofilament wire or similar feature that
secures the lenses to the frame.
[0068] l) Zyle frame: A frame made out of largely plastic
[0069] m) Metal frame: A frame made out of mostly metal
[0070] n) Right spatial void: The space created where the right
frame front that is within the plane of the front of the wearers
face turns back to meet the right temple. The angle formed between
the right frame front and the right temple is approximately (but
not always) 90 degrees. This space is further defined as that which
is bounded on three sides: On a first side by an imaginary line
that is provided on the inside back surface of the right lens or
inside right frame front, on a second side by that of an imaginary
line that is located in the middle of the right temple not
including any electronics affixed thereto, and on a third side
which is bounded by the right side of the face and/or head of the
wearer.
[0071] o) Left spatial void: The space created where the left frame
front that is within the plane of the front of the wearers face
turns back to meet the left temple. The angle formed between the
left frame front and the left temple is approximately 90 degrees.
This space is further defined as that which is bounded on three
sides: On a first side by an imaginary line that is provided on the
inside back surface of the left lens or inside left frame front, on
a second side by that of an imaginary line that is located in the
middle of the left temple not including any electronics affixed
thereto, and on a third side which is bounded by the left side of
the face and/or head of the wearer.
[0072] The following preferred embodiment as exemplified by the
drawings is illustrative of the invention and is not intended to
limit the invention as encompassed by the claims of this
application. An electronic module for eyeglass frames containing
electro-active lenses is disclosed herein.
[0073] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a specific embodiment of an eyeglass
frame containing an electronic module 101. The module is
specifically illustrated as a cylinder and a block section attached
to the side of the cylinder in FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, the
cylinder portion of the electronic module may contain both the
power source and the drive circuit. The block portion may contain a
sensing mechanism, for example a tilt switch. The module may also
house an antenna, a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a
sensor, a range finder, a micro-processor, and a controller.
[0074] The module 101 is shown housed between an upper
electro-active lens frame component piece 102 and a lower
electro-active lens frame component piece 103 that contains a
receptacle 104 for the module 101. The lower electro-active lens
frame component piece 103 also contains a receptacle 105 for
electrical conductors connecting an electro-active lens to the
module. The electrical conductors may conduct for example, via a
set of conductive wires or a flex circuit. A manual touch switch
106 extends up though the upper electro-active lens frame component
piece 102. In some embodiments, the battery or other electronic
components may be accessed via a lower module receptacle cover 107.
The lower module receptacle cover 107 may be threaded and thereby
opened and closed with a small screw driver. Screws 109 are used
for attaching the upper and the lower electro-active lens frame
component pieces together to form an electronic frame piece. The
electronic frame piece may be attached to a frame temple 110 with a
temple screw 108, and bonded or otherwise attached to the edge of
the eye-wire 111 to complete half of the frame. In a similar
manner, the corresponding other half of the frame can be
assembled.
[0075] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate another embodiment of the present
invention wherein the electronic frame contains an electronic
module 201. The module is more particularly illustrated as a
cylinder with a block section attached to the back of the cylinder
in FIG. 2C. In some embodiments, the cylinder portion of the module
may contain both the power source and the drive circuit. The block
portion may contain a sensing mechanism. For example, a tilt switch
may be used as a type of sensing mechanism. The electronic module
201 is housed between an upper electro-active lens frame component
piece 202 and a lower electro-active lens frame component piece 203
that contains a receptacle 204 for the module 201. The lower
electro-active lens frame component piece 103 also contains a
receptacle 205 for electrical conductors connecting electro-active
lens to the module. The electrical conductors may conduct for
example, via a set of conductive wires or a flex circuit. A manual
touch switch 206 extends up though the upper electro-active lens
frame component piece 202. In some embodiments, the battery or
other electronic components may be accessed via a lower electronics
module receptacle cover 207, which may threaded on the sides and
opened and closed with a small screw driver. Screws 209 are used
for attaching upper and lower electro-active lens frame component
pieces together. The electronic frame piece may be attached to a
frame temple 210 with a temple screw 208, and bonded or otherwise
attached to the edge of the eye-wire 111 to complete half of the
frame. In a similar manner, the corresponding other half of the
frame can be assembled.
[0076] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two possible ways of configuring
the electronics to fit them neatly into the frame. Although a
cylinder and block arrangement have been specifically illustrated,
other dimensional shapes may alternatively be used to form the
module that will be preferably placed in a cavity and perhaps
molded therein to form an electronic frame component that is
hermetically sealed to prevent water from contacting the
electronics.
[0077] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate another inventive embodiment wherein
the electronic frame contains a electronic module 301. The module
is particularly illustrated as a cylinder with a block portion
which is, in turn, attached to the back of the cylinder. As with
the module of the previous figures, the module may contain a wide
variety of similar electronic components and features. The
electronic module 301 is housed between a front electro-active lens
frame component piece 302 and a back electro-active lens frame
component piece 303. Together, these pieces form a receptacle 304
for the electronics module 301. The front electro-active lens frame
component piece 302 also contains a receptacle 305 for electrical
conductors connecting electro-active lens to electronics module via
way a set of conductive wires or a flex circuit. A manual touch
switch 306 extends up though the assembly formed by the front and
back electro-active lens frame component pieces. As with other
embodiments, the battery or other electronic components may be
accessed via a lower electronics module receptacle cover 307. The
electronic frame piece is attached to a frame temple 310 with a
temple screw 308. In this embodiment, the electronic frame piece is
shown as attached to the frame temple 310 near the edge of the edge
of electro-active spectacle lens 311. A threaded rod 313 is
positioned through the front convex surface 312 of electro-active
spectacle lens for the rimless mounting of the assembled front and
back electro-active lens frame component pieces to an
electro-active lens.
[0078] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate another embodiment of the present
invention wherein the frame has an electronic module 401. The
module is illustrated as a cylinder with a block portion attached
to the back of the cylinder. As referred to in other embodiments
disclosed herein, the module has a cylinder portion and a block
portion and may contain a wide variety of similar electronic
components and features. The electronic module 401 is housed
between a front electro-active lens frame component piece 402 and a
back electro-active lens frame component piece 403 that together
form a receptacle 404 for the electronics module 401. The front
electro-active lens frame component piece 302 also contains a
receptacle 405 for electrical conductors connecting an
electro-active lens to the module via way of set of conductive rods
or pins. A manual touch switch 406 extends up though the assembly
formed by the front and back electro-active lens frame component
pieces. As with other embodiments, the battery or other electronic
components may be accessed via a lower electronics module
receptacle cover 407. The electronic frame piece is attached to a
frame temple 410 with a temple screw 408. In this embodiment, the
electronic frame piece is shown as attached to the frame temple 410
near the edge of the edge of electro-active spectacle lens 411.
Threaded and electrically conductive rods 413 and 414 are
positioned through their respective front convex surfaces the of
electro-active lens for rimless mounting of the assembled front and
back electro-active lens frame component pieces to the
electro-active lens. Application of a first voltage to the
electro-active lens through rod 413 and a second voltage through
414 to the respective edges of the electro-active lens is thereby
accomplished.
[0079] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the electronic frame contains a
electronic module 501. The module has a cylinder portion and a
block portion as before described. The module 501 is housed between
a front electro-active lens frame component piece 502 and a back
electro-active lens frame component piece 503 that together form a
receptacle 504 for the module 501. The front electro-active lens
frame component piece 502 also contains a receptacle 505 for
electrical conductors connecting electro-active lens to electronics
module via way of set of conductive pins or rods. A manual touch
switch 506 extends up though the front electro-active lens frame
component pieces. As with other embodiments, the battery or other
electronic components may be accessed via a lower electronics
module receptacle cover 507, which may be threaded on the sides and
opened and closed with a small screw driver. Screws 409 are used
for attaching front and back electro-active lens frame component
pieces together. The electronic frame piece is attached to a frame
temple 510 with a temple screw 508. In this embodiment the frame
piece is attached to the frame temple 510 near the edge of the edge
of electro-active spectacle lens 511. Threaded and electrically
conductive rods 513 and 514 are positioned through their respective
front convex surfaces the of electro-active lens for rimless
mounting of the assembled front and back electro-active lens frame
component pieces to the electro-active lens. Application of a first
voltage to the electro-active lens through rod 513 and a second
voltage through 514 to the respective edges of the electro-active
lens is thereby accomplished.
[0080] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a fully assembled
electro-active frame. This frame is constructed from an upper
electro-active lens frame component piece 602 and a lower electro
active frame component piece 603. A manual touch switch 606 is
shown extending from the upper electro-active lens frame component
piece 602. Two temples 610 are attached the combinations of the
upper and lower electro-active lens frame component pieces with
temple screws 608. The temple assemblies are then mounted to the
eye wires 611 of the front of the frame that contains the
electro-active lenses 612.
[0081] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a fully assembled
electro-active frame. This frame is constructed from a front
electro-active lens frame component piece 702 and a back electro
active frame component piece 703. A manual touch switch 706 is
shown extending from the front electro-active lens frame component
piece 702. Two temples 710 are attached the combinations of the
upper and lower electro-active lens frame component pieces with
temple screws 708. The temple assemblies are then mounted to
directly to the electro-active lenses 712 in a rimless fashion by
one of the methods described earlier.
[0082] FIG. 8A illustrates another embodiment of a fully assembled
electro-active frame having a hinged temple. This frame is
constructed from a front electro-active lens frame component piece
802 and a back electro active frame component piece 803. A manual
touch switch 806 is shown extending from the front electro-active
lens frame component piece 802. Two temples 810 are attached to the
combinations of the upper and lower electro-active lens frame
component pieces by a hinge with temple screws 808. The temple
assemblies are then mounted to directly to the electro-active
lenses 812 in a rimless fashion by one of the methods described
earlier.
[0083] FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment similar to the embodiment
of FIG. 8A, but for having a hingless temple. This frame is
constructed from a front electro-active lens frame component piece
802 and a back electro active frame component piece 803. A manual
touch switch 806 is shown extending from the front electro-active
lens frame component piece 802. Two temples 810 are directly
attached to the combinations of the upper and lower electro-active
lens frame component pieces with temple screws 808. The temple
assemblies are then mounted to directly to the electro-active
lenses 812 in a rimless fashion by one of the methods described
earlier.
[0084] FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of a electro-active spectacle
lenses and rimmed frame. The rimmed frame can be made of zyle,
metal, or any combination thereof. Both right front spatial void
910 and left frame front spatial void 920 is shown. Within either
or both of these voids, a module may be placed. As particularly
shown in FIG. 9A, modules 930 and 940 are placed on the frame and
attached to the frame stems 970 and 980 with temple screws 950 and
960. The modules are then connected to the eye wires 994 and 995
and are connected to the nose bridge 930. The eye wires support the
electro-active lenses 996 and 998.
[0085] FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment of the electro-active
spectacle lenses and frame as similar to that shown in FIG. 9A but
in a rimless style of lens mounting. Rimless right spatial void 910
and rimless left spatial void 920 are shown.
[0086] FIG. 9C depicts the embodiment of FIG. 9A worn on the head
of a wearer. The spatial voids created by the space between the
joint of the frame and temple on the one hand, and the curve of the
wearer's head, on the other is clearly shown.
[0087] FIG. 10 illustrates an electronic module 1000 of another
embodiment of the present invention. The module includes a flex
circuit 1010 with two conductive buses 1020 and 1030 for making
electrical contact to the front surface of an electro-active lens.
The module includes a drive circuit 1040 placed above a
rechargeable battery 1050. Below the battery is a recharging coil
1060. The charging coil is used to inductively recharge the battery
without direct contact. In this way, the module may be hermetically
sealed while still allowing the battery to be recharged without
breaking a moisture resistant seal. A tilt sensor 1070 is also
attached to the electronic module. A manual switch 1080 is attached
to the top of the electronic module and is integrated with a
sealing diaphragm 1090. This module is sealed with an epoxy,
silicone, or similar water resistant material to prevent water from
contacting the electronic components. This module is shaped to fit
into a universal frame electronic component as illustrated in FIG.
11.
[0088] In FIG. 11, a universal electronic frame component 1100 is
shown. The universal electronic frame component comprises a housing
1110 for holding the electronic module described in FIG. 10. A set
of thread hinge bolt 1120 and 1130 are mounted on the housing for
accommodating a wide variety of frame stem styles to be attached to
the universal electronic frame component. The top of the housing
1110 has an aperture to allow a manual switch 1140 to extend
outward so as to be accessed by the wearer. Extending out of an
opening in the housing are two electrical contacts 1150 and 1160
from the buses described in FIG. 10. Near these contact points,
there is a through hole 1170 to allow a mounting pin to pass
through the front of the universal electronic frame component for
attaching to an electro-active lens.
[0089] The module 1200, as illustrated schematically FIG. 12A and
in cross section in FIG. 12B, contains a battery 1230 for powering
an electro-active lens and related drive circuitry, a printed
circuit board 1220 with drive and control electronics, and a switch
1210. The module may also contain a membrane switch to allow for
manual control of the electro-active lens.
[0090] FIG. 12C illustrates the module 1200 placed in an eyeglass
frame 1250. The frame has a frame stem section 1240 near the front
of the frame but also well in front of a frame hinge 1260 that
connects a stem 1280 to the front of the frame. The module is
preferably placed behind the frame stem section, provided that the
frame is not of a full rimless design. In the event of a full
rimless design, the inventive electronic module or modules would
fit within or near the space (right spatial void and left spatial
void) anterior to the hinge and would then attach to the lens. In
certain other inventive embodiments where there is no hinge
(hinge-less temples) and eyeglass frames that have a continuous
temple that attaches directly to the frame front or directly to the
lens, the module would preferably be located within or near the
space (right spatial void and left spatial void). In fact, the
module can be located anywhere within these two spatial voids.
[0091] Although in most embodiments of the invention, the modules
are preferably located interior to that of the frame front or
temple and closer to the wearer, there are other inventive
embodiments where the module may be located on the side of the
frame front, on the temple farthest away from the wearer, on both
the inside of the temple closest to the wearer, on the outside of
the temple away from the wearer, located within the temple, or any
combination thereof.
[0092] When a hinge-less temple is used, the module can be located
on or in the temple end piece behind the ear of the wearer.
Alternatively, the module may be split such that one module is
located behind the ear and another module is located within the
right or left temple spatial void that is common to a side of the
wearer's head.
[0093] By sizing the module to be no higher than the width of the
front of the frame stem section 1240, the module is completely
undetectable by an observer. Power is preferably provided to the
lens via a two conductor flex circuit 1270 extending from the
module through the frame stem 1240.
[0094] In some embodiments in which a hinge-less temple is used the
hinge-less temple may be made of titanium which is conductive to
electrical current. In this case, the titanium may be used as one
of the electrical leads. Another lead may be affixed onto or into
the frame. A very thin conductor may be adhesively applied to the
inside of the temple and sealed by way of a lacquer or polymer that
is cured over the thin conductor. In this embodiment, since the
temple is hinge-less, the electronics can be located anywhere along
or in said temple. The temple itself becomes, in part, a conductor
of electrical current from the module or modules to where the
hinge-less temple connects to either the lens or to the front of
the eyeglass frame.
[0095] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate another embodiment of the
present invention. This embodiment has a module 1240 containing two
batteries 1220 and 1230. In this embodiment, the height of the
module may be too large to accommodate the printed circuit board
that is used to drive the electro-active lenses. In such cases, a
second module will be required to provide for the space required
for the printed circuit board.
[0096] FIG. 13C illustrates a module 1370 that combines 1350 and
1300. The modules 1350 and 1300 may be electrically connected to
each other via means of a flex circuit connector, or other means
known in the art.
[0097] FIG. 13D illustrates the combined module 1370 placed in the
frame 1250 near the front of the frame but behind the frame stem
section 1240 of the frame. This arrangement of the electronics in
the frame allows for a cosmetically acceptable placement of the
electronics and battery that is needed for powering an
electro-active lens.
[0098] The module may further include one or more of the following:
a manual switch (for example, a touch button, photo-detector,
motion detector, capacitive touch sensor), a controller and/or
micro-processor, a power source (for example, a small battery), a
sensor (for example, one or more miniature or micro tilt switches,
accelerometer, micro gyro, range finder, view detector, imager), an
antenna, a transmitter, a transceiver or a receiver. The module
preferably houses any of the aforementioned electrical components
in a substantially water-proof and wear resistant/moisture
resistant environment and is preferably hermetically sealed. In the
event of a malfunction of one or more of the electronic components
housed within the module, the module can be replaced without having
to repurchase a complete pair of new electronic eyewear (lenses and
frames) or just the frames. It should be pointed out that in
certain applications, a single inventive electronic module may be
sufficient, and in others, two or more modules may be needed. The
embodiments described in FIGS. 12 and 13 allow for modification of
any number of existing frames that otherwise were not originally
designed to support electronics for driving electro-active
lenses.
[0099] FIG. 14 illustrates one possible electrical contact into the
lens from the frame. Pins or bolts 1410 and 1420 provide electrical
power from the drive circuit into the lens 1400.
[0100] FIGS. 15A through 15C illustrate a method of controlling the
electro-active lens using a tilt switch that may be contained in
the module. The tilt switch should preferably have a wide angle for
making contact and a smaller angle for breaking contact. In
particular, FIG. 15A illustrates the wearer looking on a straight
level ahead substantially to the horizon. In this position, the
lens would be preferably switched off. As wearer lowers his head
passed angle .alpha., the electro-active lens would be deliberately
turned off. In this illustration, the angle .alpha. may be a large
angle, perhaps as large as 45 degrees or more. In preferred
embodiments, angle .alpha. may be in a range of from about 25 to
about 85 degrees, with a most preferred range of 35 to 75 degrees.
When the switch has been activated, because the wearer has
deliberately moved his head to past angle .alpha., the
electro-active lens would remain in its on state until the person
raises his head above the angle .beta., as illustrated in FIG. 15C.
In preferred embodiments, angle .beta. may be in a range of from
about 0 to about 45 degrees with a most preferred range of 0 to 25
degrees. By having a tilt switch of an electro-active lens operate
in this manner, a person can control his lens without having to
manually touch a switch on the frame.
[0101] Although the particular embodiments shown and described
above will prove to be useful in many applications in the
ophthalmic and the electronic eyewear art to which the present
invention pertains, further modifications of the present invention
will occur to persons skilled in the art. All such modifications
are deemed to be within the scope and spirit of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
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