Eyewear frames

Abstract

An eyewear frame (10) comprises: a central portion (12) configured to receive at least one optical lens (14a, 14b), a first temple (16a) having a first embedded electronic device (18a) and a first battery (20a), a second temple (16b) having a second embedded electronic device (18b) and a second battery (20b), the first temple (16a) being pivotally secured to a first end (22a) of the central portion (12), and the second temple (16b) being pivotally secured to a second end (22b) of the central portion (12), wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device (18a, 18b) are configured to communicate wirelessly, and the first electronic device and the second electronic device (18a, 18b) each include a short-range communication system (24a, 24b) configured to synchronize the first electronic device and the second electronic device (18a, 18b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an eyewear frame including embedded electronics within temples of the eyewear frame and a method for synchronizing the embedded electronics. Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide smart frames in which the lenses are electro-active and which need to carry the electronics that drive these lenses. The two lenses need to receive symmetrical commands simultaneously in order to provide the same optical function.

[0003] In a specific architecture called "clone temples," each side of the frame (i.e., temple or hinge) carries electronics that electrically drive one lens. Each electronics is physically linked to the lens (i.e., wires, flex circuits, direct soldering, or dry contacts). Furthermore, the two electronics must be synchronized to provide the same commands to each lens at the same time.

[0004] Most smart frame devices are embedded with a physical medium, i.e., a flexible circuit line on the bridge of the nose, which physically connects the two electronic devices located in the temples to enable communication between these parts.

[0005] In the specific case where there are no wires or flexible architecture, ie, both electronic devices exchange data via radio waves, the two electronic devices must first be synchronized together before they can exchange data.

[0006] The main issue to address during the manufacturing process is synchronizing only the two electronic devices embedded in the same frame, meaning each system requires pairing between the left and right electronic devices of the same frame. Using radio waves further complicates synchronization because radio waves propagate beyond the eyewear, and without a specific process for synchronizing multiple eyewear, there's a risk of pairing, for example, the right electronic device of one frame with the left electronic device of a second frame.

[0007] The present disclosure proposes an eyewear frame and a synchronization method to overcome this problem and synchronize only electronic devices within the same frame. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To this end, the present disclosure proposes an eyewear frame, comprising:

[0009] - a central portion configured to receive at least one optical lens,

[0010] - a first temple having a first embedded electronic device and a first battery,

[0011] - a second temple with a second embedded electronic device and a second battery,

[0012] The first temple is pivotally secured to a first end of the central portion, and the second temple is pivotally secured to a second end of the central portion,

[0013] wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured to communicate wirelessly,

[0014] The first electronic device and the second electronic device each include a short range communication system configured to synchronize the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0015] Advantageously, the present disclosure provides a simple, autonomous, and secure way to synchronize electronic devices embedded in temples of eyewear frames, both after initial assembly at the production level and after temple replacement, without the use of external devices or specific operator knowledge. A first short-range communication system and a second short-range communication system are configured to communicate with each other when they are respectively brought into proximity with each other, and enable the initiation of a synchronization process between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0016] According to further embodiments which may be considered individually or in combination:

[0017] - the short range communication system is a radio frequency based communication system, for example using the NFC communication protocol; and / or

[0018] - the short range communication system is a radio frequency based communication system with a separation of at most a few millimeters, for example less than 5 mm; and / or

[0019] - the short range communication system is a radio frequency based communication system configured to communicate only when the temples are in a closed position; and / or

[0020] - synchronization of the electronic devices via the near field communication system is based on the identities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, for example at least a part of a MAC address or a unique identifier defining the first electronic device and the second electronic device, respectively; and / or

[0021] - the first electronic device and the second electronic device each further include a medium-range wireless communication system; and / or

[0022] -when the medium-range wireless communication system is used, the first medium-range wireless communication system is configured to communicate with the second medium-range wireless communication system; and / or

[0023] - The medium-range wireless communication systems each include, for example, Near field magnetic induction communication or radio frequency communication of the communication protocol; and / or

[0024] -The short range communication system is configured to:

[0025] o pairing the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and

[0026] o defining a master device and a slave device for the medium-range wireless communication system in the first electronic device or the second electronic device; and / or

[0027] - the eyewear frame comprises a communication activation device configured to activate the near field communication system; and / or

[0028] - the communication activation means comprises at least one motion sensor configured to activate a radio frequency based short range communication system upon detecting a specific motion pattern; and / or

[0029] - the communication activation means comprises at least one battery sensor configured to activate a radio frequency based short range communication system upon detecting charging of at least one of the first battery and the second battery, preferably both batteries.

[0030] The present disclosure further relates to a method for synchronizing embedded electronics of an eyewear frame, the eyewear frame comprising:

[0031] - a central portion configured to receive at least one optical lens,

[0032] - a first temple having a first embedded electronic device and a first battery,

[0033] - a second temple with a second embedded electronic device and a second battery,

[0034] The first temple is pivotally secured to a first end of the central portion, and the second temple is pivotally secured to a second end of the central portion,

[0035] The first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured to communicate wirelessly,

[0036] The first electronic device and the second electronic device each include a short-range communication system,

[0037] The method comprises:

[0038] - activating the near field communication system,

[0039] - exchanging identifiers of the first electronic device and the second electronic device via the short-range communication system,

[0040] - Synchronizing the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0041] Advantageously, bringing the first short-range communication system and the second short-range communication system into proximity with each other enables communication between the first short-range communication system and the second short-range communication system and provides a simple and secure way to synchronize the first electronic device and the second electronic device, both after the first assembly at the production level and after the temples are replaced, without the need for external third-party devices or specific knowledge of the operator.

[0042] According to further embodiments which may be considered individually or in combination:

[0043] - activation of the short-range communication system is caused by at least one movement pattern detected by a motion sensor; and / or

[0044] - activating the short-range communication system is caused by at least detecting charging of the first battery and / or the second battery; and / or

[0045] - activation of the near field communication system is caused by at least the detection of any sensor embedded in the frame, such as a physical or capacitive or magnetic button, hinge closure detection, light sensor; and / or

[0046] - When synchronizing the first electronic device and the second electronic device, the method further includes defining a master device and a slave device in the first electronic device and the second electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0048] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an eyewear frame according to the present disclosure;

[0049] - Figure 2 shows a rear view of an eyewear frame according to the present disclosure; and

[0050] - Figure 3 A perspective view showing movement patterns when wearing an eyewear frame according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] like Figure 1 As illustrated, the present disclosure is directed to an eyewear frame 10 that includes a central portion 12, a first temple 16a, and a second temple 16b.

[0052] The central portion 12 is configured to receive at least one (e.g., two) optical lenses 14a, 14b. The optical lenses 14a, 14b can be active lenses, more precisely, ophthalmic lenses. The central portion 12 may include a first contour portion 12a and a second contour portion 12b configured to accommodate the first optical lens 14a and the second optical lens 14b. The first contour portion 12a and the second contour portion 12b are linked together by a beam portion 12c. The first temple 16a and the second temple 16b are pivotally fixed to the respective first lateral end 22a and second lateral end 22b of the central portion 12, the first temple 16a being pivotally fixed to the first lateral end 22a and the second temple 16b being pivotally fixed to the second lateral end 22b.

[0053] The first temple 16a includes a first embedded electronic device 18a and a first battery 20a. The first embedded electronic device 18a includes a first short-range communication system 24a and a first mid-range wireless communication system 28a.

[0054] The second temple 16b includes a second embedded electronic device 18b and a second battery 20b. The second embedded electronic device 18b includes a second short-range communication system 24b and a second mid-range wireless communication system 28b.

[0055] The temples 16a, 16b of the eyewear frame 10 include embedded electronics 18a, 18b and a battery 20, such that the eyewear frame as a whole is advantageously a waterproof structure.

[0056] In an embodiment, the first and second batteries 20a, 20b are embedded near the free ends 26a, 26b of the first and second temples 16a, 16b. The free ends 26a, 26b of the temples correspond to the ends of the temples opposite the ends of the temples that are pivotally fixed to the ends 22a, 22b of the central portion 12. This arrangement allows the eyewear frame to be better balanced when worn by the wearer.

[0057] The first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b are configured to communicate with each other wirelessly.

[0058] The short-range communication systems 24a, 24b are configured to allow communication when the communication systems 24a, 24b are in contact or quasi-contact. If the interval of the communication range is greater than the maximum distance communication range (which can be 5mm, for example), the first short-range communication system and the second short-range communication system cannot communicate together. Bringing the first short-range communication system and the second short-range communication system into contact or quasi-contact enables communication between the first short-range communication system and the second short-range communication system. The term "quasi-contact" means that the electronic devices 18a, 18b can be completely embedded, and the temples can have at least one contact area or an area in which the portion of each temple 16a, 16b that accommodates the short-range communication system 24a, 24b is at most a few millimeters apart, for example, less than 5mm.

[0059] In an embodiment, the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b may be radio frequency based communication systems using, for example, the NFC communication protocol. The maximum communication distance of the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b using the NFC protocol is 10 cm.

[0060] The intertragus width corresponds to an average distance of 14.5 cm for men and 13.8 cm for women. The intertragus width is the width of the head from the right tragus point to the left tragus point. The tragus point is the cartilage notch at the front of the ear. The first percentile, corresponding to the smallest intertragus width, is 13.1 cm for men and 12.5 cm for women.

[0061] The maximum communication distance of the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b using the NFC protocol is configured so that communication is not possible when the temples 16a, 16b are in the open position. The open position of the temples 16a, 16b corresponds to a position in which the temples 16a, 16b are parallel and the free ends of each temple 16a, 16b are spaced apart from the central portion 12.

[0062] Relative to the open position, the closed position is defined as the temples 16a, 16b pivoted toward the central portion 12. The free end of each temple 16a, 16b is adjacent to the central portion 12, and the temples touch or quasi-touch, with a spacing of at most a few millimeters, for example 5 millimeters.

[0063] In an embodiment, synchronization of the electronic devices 18a, 18b via the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b is based on the identities of the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b, i.e., identifiers of the first electronic device 18a, 18b and the second electronic device 18b, such as at least a portion of a MAC address or a unique identifier defining the first electronic device 18a, 18b and the second electronic device 18b, respectively. The MAC addresses to be exchanged via the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b may be the MAC addresses of the electronic devices 18a, 18b or the MAC addresses of the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b. In an embodiment, the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b further include medium-range wireless communication systems 28a, 28b, respectively, and the MAC addresses to be exchanged via the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b may be the MAC addresses of the medium-range wireless communication systems 28a, 28b.

[0064] In an embodiment, the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b further include medium-range wireless communication systems 28a and 28b, respectively. In order to distinguish the short-range communication systems 24a and 24b from the medium-range wireless communication systems 28a and 28b, the medium-range wireless communication systems 28a and 28b are capable of communicating when the devices 28a and 28b are spaced apart by more than a few millimeters, for example, more than 10 mm. Preferably, the medium-range wireless communication systems 28a and 28b are capable of communicating when they are spaced apart by a few centimeters, for example, more than 10 cm. If the first medium-range communication system 28a and the second medium-range communication system 28b are connected by In order to communicate with each other, the first mid-range communication system 28a and the second mid-range communication system 28b can communicate with each other when they are spaced apart by about 20 cm to 30 cm or even farther. The mid-range wireless communication systems 28a, 28b can be configured to communicate with each other when they are spaced apart by the width of the wearer's head.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the mid-range wireless communication systems 28a, 28b each include a system based on, for example, The communication protocol is near-field magnetic induction communication or radio frequency communication.

[0066] In an embodiment, the short range communication systems 24a, 24b are configured to:

[0067] - pairing the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b, and

[0068] - defining a master device and a slave device for the medium-range wireless communication system 28a, 28b in the first electronic device 18a or the second electronic device 18b.

[0069] In an embodiment, the eyewear frame includes a communication activation device embedded in each of the temples 16a, 16b configured to activate the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b. The activation device is an electronic device configured to determine whether an activation event has occurred and, upon detection of the activation event, enable the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b to communicate with each other. The activation event can be, for example, pivoting the two temples 16a, 16b toward the central portion 12 of the frame, and / or performing a specific motion pattern while holding the frame, and / or charging at least the first battery 20a and / or the second battery 20b. Other activation events are contemplated, such as pressure on a mechanical button, contact with a capacitive button, or activation of a magnetic button.

[0070] Upon detecting one of the activation events, the communication activation device enables the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b to communicate together, for example, for a given period of time. This given period of time is sufficient to enable data exchange between the two short-range communication systems 24a, 24b. During the data exchange, the communication activation device and the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b can be deactivated. In this way, since the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b are only activated during the given period of time required to continue data exchange, synchronization of the electronic devices 18a, 18b is also very low-power. Having a low-power device is particularly useful when the device is embedded.

[0071] In an embodiment, the communication enabling device comprises at least one motion sensor configured to detect a specific motion pattern 30 (e.g. Figure 3 The motion sensor may be an accelerometer, a gyroscope or any passive / active motion sensor capable of identifying motion patterns.

[0072] In an embodiment, the communication activation means comprises at least one battery sensor configured to activate the radio frequency based short range communication system 24a, 24b upon detecting charging of at least one of the first and second batteries 20a, 20b, preferably both batteries.

[0073] The present disclosure further relates to a method for synchronizing embedded electronic devices 18a, 18b of an eyewear frame 10, the eyewear frame comprising:

[0074] a central portion 12 configured to receive at least one optical lens 14a, 14b,

[0075] a first temple 16a having a first embedded electronic device 18a and a first battery 20a,

[0076] - a second temple 16b with a second embedded electronic device 18b and a second battery 20b,

[0077] The first temple 16a is pivotally secured to the first end 22a of the central portion 12, and the second temple 16b is pivotally secured to the second end 22b of the central portion 12.

[0078] The first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b are configured to communicate wirelessly.

[0079] The first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b each include a short-range communication system 24a, 24b,

[0080] The method comprises:

[0081] - activating the short range communication systems 24a, 24b,

[0082] - exchanging identifiers of the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b via the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b,

[0083] - Synchronizing the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b.

[0084] Advantageously, the method provides a simple and safe way to synchronize the electronics 18a, 18b embedded in the two temples 16a, 16b, both after first assembly at production level and after temple replacement, without requiring external devices or specific knowledge of the operator.

[0085] In an embodiment, activation of the short range communication system 24a, 24b is caused by at least detection of a motion pattern 30 by a motion sensor.

[0086] In an embodiment, when synchronizing the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b, the method further includes defining a master device and a slave device in the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b.

[0087] Before allowing each electronic device 18a, 18b to synchronize with each other, the first mid-range wireless communication system 28a of the first electronic device 18a and the second mid-range wireless communication system 28b of the second electronic device 18b must know each other's identifiers.

[0088] In the case of two medium-range wireless communication systems 28a, 28b that do not have a human-machine interface and do not know each other's identifiers, it is advantageous to provide them with each other's identifiers before pairing.

[0089] The solution proposed here is a method to enable a first electronic device 18a and a second electronic device 18b of the same frame to be coupled together in a secure manner and through easy and limited human interaction without knowing each other's identifiers.

[0090] The embedded first electronic device 18a and the embedded second electronic device 18b each include an additional radio protocol device, which is a short-range communication system 24a, 24b designed to allow the exchange of identifiers between the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b. These short-range communication systems 24a, 24b are configured to allow the exchange of identifiers only when they are in contact or quasi-contact (e.g., less than 5 mm apart). These short-range communication systems 24a, 24b can use NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.

[0091] Compared to the short-range communication systems 24a and 24b that require contact or quasi-contact to communicate, the medium-range wireless communication systems 28a and 28b can communicate together from a greater distance (eg, greater than or equal to 10 cm).

[0092] The identifiers exchanged between the short-range communication systems 24a can be the MAC addresses of the embedded electronic devices 18a, 18b, the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b or the medium-range wireless communication systems 28a, 28b, or any unique identifiers of the respective first electronic devices 18a and second electronic devices 18b via a short-range radio protocol such as NFC.

[0093] To begin the method of the present disclosure, one may simply rotate each temple 16a, 16b of the eyewear frame 10 toward the central portion 12 (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown). This rotational movement of the temples 16a, 16b toward the central portion 12 of the eyewear frame 10 can be referred to as closing the temples 16a, 16b. Once the temples 16a, 16b are closed, a person can reproduce the motion pattern 32 of holding the eyewear frame 10 to activate the near field communication system 24a, 24b due to the communication activation device embedded in each temple 16a, 16b. The motion pattern 32 can be, for example, shaking, rotating, or any other movement of the eyewear frame 10 that can be sensed by a motion sensor such as a gyroscope or accelerometer.

[0094] Alternatively, the communication activation device may be configured to activate the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b when charging at least one of the first battery 20a and the second battery 20b, for example both batteries.

[0095] In order to avoid random synchronization of the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b, synchronization may occur only when the temples 16a, 16b mounted on the central portion 12 are closed and the movement pattern 30 is performed, for example, by a person holding the eyewear frame 10. In order to achieve communication of the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b, a double activation step may be required, namely, by either:

[0096] - closing each temple 16a, 16b towards the central portion 12 and reproducing the movement pattern 30, and / or

[0097] - closing each temple 16a, 16b towards the central portion 12 and charging at least one of the first battery 20a and the second battery 20b.

[0098] Having a specific multi-handling method makes pairing between the electronic devices 18a, 18b more secure and avoids pairing between electronic devices 18a, 18b belonging to different eyewear frames 10. Synchronization is optimally ensured while still being extremely user-friendly for anyone handling the eyewear frame 10 during the manufacturing and assembly steps.

[0099] NFC identifier exchange requires the two temples 16a, 16b to be as close to each other as possible. The short-range communication system 24a, 24b is cleverly embedded in the first temple 16a and the second temple 16b so that they are in quasi-contact when the temples 16a, 16b are closed. In this way, the temples 16a, 16b are stacked on top of each other at their respective central portions, where the short-range communication system 24a, 24b is embedded. This closing and stacking allows the first temple 16a and the second temple 16b to be centered relative to each other in the area of ​​the short-range communication system 24a, 24b. This stacking and centering shortens the distance between the two short-range communication systems 24a, 24b.

[0100] Communication between the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b can be allowed only through direct contact between the temples. Once the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b are activated and communication is enabled, the short-range communication devices 24a, 24b transmit their identifiers to each other. The purpose here is to prevent unintended synchronization, device malfunction, or unauthorized access to the device by a third party. Thus, this multi-step synchronization method provides a simple way to ensure both correct use and safety of the eyewear frame.

[0101] Another way to activate synchronization between the first and second electronic devices 18a, 18b can rely on pre-existing, implemented functionality. The smart eyewear frame 10 already has embedded motion sensors, such as an IMU (Inertial Motion Unit), such as at least one accelerometer. This specific new use of pre-existing components means no additional costs are incurred.

[0102] In an embodiment, the eyewear frame also embeds at least one human-machine interface, such as at least one button. The at least one button type can be mechanical, capacitive, or magnetic. After closing the first temple 16a and the second temple 16, the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b can synchronize based on the pressure and release of the at least one mechanical button. If the at least one button is capacitive, then contact with a finger for a given period of time (e.g., for at least 3 seconds) will synchronize the first temple 16a and the second temple 16b. In a similar manner, a magnetic button can be activated by a nearby magnet. The magnet can be located in the eyewear case or any other support at a specific location. This action associated with pressing or contacting the button is very simple, extremely comprehensive, and easy for the wearer to perform.

[0103] This simple temple synchronization method simplifies the replacement of at least one temple 16a, 16b of the eyewear frame 10 while still achieving synchronization of the electronics 18a, 18b of the at least one replaced temple 16a, 16b.

[0104] After each temple replacement, the electronic devices 18a, 18b can continue to synchronize. To reassure the frame user that he has completed the method correctly, a signal can be sent by the actuator, for example, a short light signal (such as an LED), a vibration, an audio signal, or a specific display within a smartphone application connected to the frame, or any other means for the frame user to confirm that synchronization is complete and the eyewear frame 10 is functioning properly.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, communication between the short range communication systems 24a, 24b is limited to a given time period to limit power consumption. This limited time period can prevent possible malfunctions or security breaches.

[0106] In an embodiment, to limit power consumption, short range communication exchanges are allowed only when the two embedded electronic devices 18a, 18b are out of sync.

[0107] The short range communication systems 24a, 24b can exchange their respective Bluetooth Low Energy Bluetooth Low Energy Identifier. The topology enforces the definition of at least a master device and a slave device between the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b.

[0108] At first startup, neither the first electronic device 18a nor the second electronic device 18b knows which must be the master or slave. After the identifier exchange, the master and slave roles can be based on a comparison between the identifier numbers, where the slave can be the lowest number and the master the highest number. After the identifier number exchange, each electronic device 18a, 18b knows that it is in the Bluetooth Low Energy mode. The role in the communication process, that is, master or slave.

[0109] Each of the first and second electronic devices 18a, 18b embedded in the first and second temples 16a, 16b may implement firmware capable of acting as a master or a slave. The same firmware is used for both the first and second embedded electronic devices 18a, 18b.

[0110] In an embodiment, Bluetooth Low Energy The slave or master role of the device is predefined in the firmware, but this means that, for example, each right temple will be a master device and the left temple will be a slave device. In another embodiment, each left temple will be a master device and the right temple will be a slave device. The self-determination of roles allows for more flexible management of the life cycle of the eyewear frame 10, more precisely the first temple 16a and the second temple 16b, at minimal cost.

[0111] Alternatively, once the mid-range wireless communication systems 28a, 28b are synchronized, the mid-range wireless communication systems 28a, 28b may communicate via near-field magnetic induction and the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b may be turned off to minimize power consumption and prevent security breaches.

[0112] Once the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b perform an identifier exchange, each of the temple's electronic devices 18a, 18b stores the identifier of the other temple's short-range communication system 24a, 24b in an internal memory storage device for use the next time the electronic device 18a, 18b is turned on. A master-slave role is then defined on the two electronic devices 18a, 18b. The exchanged identifiers can be the MAC addresses of the electronic devices 18a, 18, the short-range communication devices 24a, 24b, or the mid-range communication devices 28a, 28b. The master device begins advertising, and the slave device scans for and connects to the designated master device identifier. Then, when the two mid-range wireless communication systems 28a, 28b are synchronized, the short-range communication systems 24a, 24b are powered off to prevent overconsumption, malfunctions, and security vulnerabilities. A signal is provided to the user via the frame to confirm that the frame is operating.

[0113] Once the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b are synchronized, the next time the eyewear frame 10 is opened, the eyewear frame can be used without synchronization of the temples 16a and 16b. When the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b are synchronized, a master and slave role is defined for each of the first electronic device 18a and the second electronic device 18b.

[0114] Active communication between these two medium-range wireless communication systems 28a, 28b in the temples 16a, 16b can be used to define the state of their ecosystem, such as the remaining autonomy of the batteries 20a, 20b, the charge state of the batteries 20a, 20b, the on / off state of the eyewear frame 10, or the exchange of data related to its sensors or related to its actuators.

[0115] In an embodiment, embedded electronic devices 18a, 18b drive a binocular optical system comprising two electronically controlled optical lenses, such as tinted optical lenses. It may be desirable to synchronize the control of these two optical lenses. Therefore, near-real-time data exchange between the two embedded electronic devices 18a, 18b is preferred to enhance visual comfort for the wearer.

[0116] The present invention has been described above by means of embodiments without limiting the overall inventive concept. Many further modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the foregoing illustrative embodiments, which are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is determined solely by the appended claims.

[0117] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An eyewear frame (10), comprising: - a central portion (12) configured to receive at least one optical lens (14a, 14b), - a first temple (16a) having an embedded first electronic device (18a) and a first battery (20a), - a second temple (16b) having an embedded second electronic device (18b) and a second battery (20b), The first temple (16a) is pivotally fixed to the first end (22a) of the central portion (12), and the second temple (16b) is pivotally fixed to the second end (22b) of the central portion (12), wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured to communicate wirelessly, and The first electronic device and the second electronic device each include a short range communication system (24a, 24b) configured to synchronize the first electronic device and the second electronic device, The short-range communication systems (24a, 24b) are configured to allow communication when the communication systems (24a, 24b) are in contact or quasi-contact, wherein quasi-contact is a distance of less than 5 mm.

2. The eyewear frame according to claim 1, wherein: The short range communication system (24a, 24b) is a radio frequency based communication system.

3. The eyewear frame according to claim 1, wherein: Synchronization of the electronic devices via the short range communication system (24a, 24b) is based on the identities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

4. The eyewear frame according to claim 1, wherein: The first electronic device and the second electronic device further include a medium-range wireless communication system (28a, 28b) respectively.

5. The eyewear frame according to claim 4, wherein: The medium-range wireless communication systems (28a, 28b) each include near-field magnetic induction communication or radio frequency communication.

6. The eyewear frame according to claim 4, wherein: The short range communication system (24a, 24b) is configured to: - pairing the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and - defining a master device and a slave device for the medium-range wireless communication system (28a, 28b) in the first electronic device or the second electronic device.

7. The eyewear frame according to claim 1, wherein: The eyewear frame (10) includes a communication activation device configured to activate the short-range communication system (24a, 24b).

8. The eyewear frame according to claim 7, wherein: The communication activation device includes at least one motion sensor configured to activate a radio frequency based short range communication system (24a, 24b) upon detecting a specific motion pattern (30).

9. The eyewear frame according to claim 7, wherein: The communication activation device includes at least one battery sensor configured to activate a radio frequency-based short-range communication system (24a, 24b) upon detecting charging of at least one of the first battery and the second battery.

10. The eyewear frame according to claim 7, wherein: The communication activation device includes at least one capacitive button or physical button configured to activate a radio frequency based short range communication system (24a, 24b) upon contact of the capacitive button or pressure of the physical button.

11. The eyewear frame according to claim 7, wherein: The communication activation device includes at least one battery sensor configured to activate a radio frequency-based short-range communication system (24a, 24b) upon detecting charging of both of the first battery and the second battery.

12. A method for synchronizing embedded electronics of an eyewear frame (10), the eyewear frame comprising: - a central portion (12) configured to receive at least one optical lens (14a, 14b), - a first temple (16a) having an embedded first electronic device (18a) and a first battery (20a), - a second temple (16b) having an embedded second electronic device (18b) and a second battery (20b), The first temple (16a) is pivotally fixed to the first end (22a) of the central portion (12), and the second temple (16b) is pivotally fixed to the second end (22b) of the central portion (12), The first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured to communicate wirelessly, The first electronic device and the second electronic device each include a short-range communication system (24a, 24b), The method comprises: - activating the short range communication system (24a, 24b), - exchanging identifiers of the first electronic device and the second electronic device via the short range communication system (24a, 24b), - synchronizing said first electronic device and said second electronic device, The short-range communication systems (24a, 24b) are configured to allow communication when the communication systems (24a, 24b) are in contact or quasi-contact, wherein quasi-contact is a distance of less than 5 mm.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Activation of the short-range communication system (24a, 24b) is caused at least by the motion sensor detecting a motion pattern (30).

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Activation of the short-range communication system (24a, 24b) is caused at least by detection of charging of the first battery and / or the second battery.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Activation of the short-range communication system (24a, 24b) is caused by at least contact of a capacitive button, pressure of a physical button, or sensing of a magnetic element.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein: When synchronizing the first electronic device and the second electronic device, the method further includes defining a master device and a slave device in the first electronic device or the second electronic device.

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