Eyewear device with photosensitive sensors arranged on the temples

Abstract

The invention relates to an eyewear device (1) comprising an electronic frame (3). The electronic frame comprises: - a front frame element (7) arranged to at least partially house an electrochromic lens (5); - a temple (11) connected to the front frame element; - a light-sensitive sensor (15) arranged on the temple to measure, when the electronic frame is worn by a wearer, data relating to light reflected from a portion of the face of the wearer; and - a control circuit (17) configured to control the electrochromic lens as a function of the measured data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of eyewear devices, and more particularly to eyewear devices including electronic frames suitable for electrochromic lenses. Background Technology

[0002] Ophthalmic lenses help correct visual impairments or refractive errors (also known as refractive abnormalities), such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Ophthalmic lenses are manufactured based on the wearer's ophthalmic prescription. This prescription includes various information such as spherical power, cylindrical power, prism power, and additional optical power.

[0003] However, even though ophthalmic lenses are manufactured to suit different wearers’ conditions, especially progressive lenses that can correct both near and far vision, there is still a need for smart glasses with greater adaptability.

[0004] For this purpose, the ophthalmic lens industry has developed electroactive lenses, which are lenses whose certain properties can be modified electronically. These changes can be controlled by the wearer or a healthcare professional (typically an ophthalmologist). These changes can also be automatic, in which case the electroactive lens may include sensors configured to measure certain parameters of the environment, such as light intensity or wavelength of light.

[0005] In particular, electroactive lenses can change light transmittance and can be colored.

[0006] Typically, an electrochromic lens is an optical system comprising a thin film manufactured based on prescription data and an electrochromic unit, thereby making the electrochromic lens suitable for brightness or light intensity. A portion of the prescription may also be provided by the electrochromic unit.

[0007] Typically, an electrochromic unit has a structure comprising two planar or afocal transparent outer layers (e.g., two surfaces made of organic or mineral materials), on which a transparent conductive coating is deposited on the inner surfaces of the two transparent outer layers. The electrochromic component fills the cavity formed between the two conductive coatings. Therefore, the light transmittance of the unit can be changed by applying an electric field between the conductive coatings.

[0008] However, there are some problems with electronic frames suitable for electrochromic lenses.

[0009] In some electronic eyeglass frames, sensors are arranged on the frame to measure ambient light. These sensors are directed toward the external environment and positioned on one side of the front surface of the electrochromic lens to measure incident light, or on one side of the rear surface to measure refracted light. However, ambient light can be significantly different from the light effectively received by the wearer's eye and therefore irrelevant to modifying the light transmission of the electrochromic lens. For example, if sunlight is coming from behind the wearer while they are looking at the screen of an electronic device (such as a computer), the measurements collected by the sensors will be affected by the sunlight, and thus the light transmission of the electrochromic lens will be unsuitable for the screen's brightness.

[0010] Furthermore, sensors are typically positioned on the bridge of the nose, either on the rings or between the rings of the electronic frame. Therefore, since the controller for the electrochromic lens is located on one of the temples of the electronic frame, the electrical components connecting the sensor and controller must pass through the hinge of the electronic frame. However, the path for the electrical components through the hinge is very complex and presents technical difficulties. The presence of the sensor on one side of the front surface also imposes aesthetic limitations.

[0011] This invention attempts to improve this situation. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This invention relates to an eyewear device including an electronic eyeglass frame. The electronic eyeglass frame includes:

[0013] - A front frame element arranged to at least partially accommodate an electrochromic lens;

[0014] - Temple, which is connected to the front frame element;

[0015] - A photosensor, which is arranged on the temples, to measure data related to light reflected from a portion of the wearer's face when the wearer wears the electronic frames; and

[0016] - A control circuit configured to control the electrochromic lens based on measured data.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the eye-wearing device further includes an optical system arranged to deflect light reflected from a portion of the wearer's face to a photosensitive sensor when the wearer wears electronic eyeglasses.

[0018] The optical system includes, for example, deflectors arranged on the temples of the lens.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the eye-wearing device further includes an electrochromic lens, which is at least partially housed in a front frame element, wherein the optical system includes a deflector disposed on the electrochromic lens.

[0020] Advantageously, the deflector arranged on the electrochromic lens includes a coating covering at least a portion of the electrochromic lens.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a photosensitizing sensor is housed in a blind hole in the temple. When the wearer wears the electronic frame, the blind hole is oriented towards a portion of the wearer's face.

[0022] According to an embodiment, when a wearer wears electronic eyeglasses, a photosensor is arranged to measure data related to the light reflected from the wearer's eyes.

[0023] Advantageously, photosensitive sensors are suitable for measuring data related to light in the ultraviolet or near-infrared range.

[0024] More precisely, photosensitive sensors are, for example, suitable for measuring data related to light with wavelengths between 900 nm and 1100 nm.

[0025] In fact, the eye's reflectance is higher in the ultraviolet and near-infrared ranges than in the visible light range.

[0026] According to an embodiment, when a wearer wears electronic eyeglasses, a photosensor is arranged to measure data related to light reflected from the wearer's skin area.

[0027] Advantageously, photosensitive sensors are suitable for measuring data related to light in the visible or near-infrared range.

[0028] In fact, the skin's reflectance coefficient reaches a higher value in the visible and near-infrared range than in the ultraviolet range.

[0029] In a particular embodiment, the photosensor is arranged to measure data relating to light reflected from the eye and light reflected from the wearer’s skin area, and the photosensor is adapted to measure data relating to light in the near-infrared range, preferably light with wavelengths between 900 nm and 1100 nm.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the control circuit is arranged on the temple and electrically connected to the photosensor via an electrical component that extends only on a portion of the temple.

[0031] In other words, the electrical components connecting the photosensor and the control circuit do not pass through the hinge at one end of the connecting temple 11 and the front frame element of the electronic frame. Therefore, the structure of the electronic frame is less complex and easier to manufacture.

[0032] According to an embodiment, a photosensitive sensor is configured to measure data including the intensity, brightness, wavelength, or polarization of reflected light, and a control circuit is configured to control an electrochromic lens based on this data.

[0033] For example, the control circuit is configured to control at least one of the following characteristics of the electrochromic lens:

[0034] -Based on the intensity or brightness of the reflected light;

[0035] - Filtering one or more spectral bands based on the wavelength of the reflected light; and

[0036] - The uniformity of intensity or illuminance within the polarization range of the reflected light.

[0037] The control circuit can be a closed-loop control circuit with one or more of the following inputs:

[0038] - Used to control light transmission:

[0039] • The intensity or brightness setting that the reflected light should approach.

[0040] • The minimum intensity or brightness that the reflected light must achieve, or

[0041] • The reflected light must not exceed the maximum intensity or brightness.

[0042] - Used to filter one or more spectral bands:

[0043] • The wavelength range of the reflected light to be filtered.

[0044] - Used to change the uniformity of intensity or illuminance within a polarization range:

[0045] • The intensity or illuminance used to measure the polarization degree to which the reflected light should approach.

[0046] According to the embodiment, the closed-loop control circuit is a proportional-integral-derivative controller, also known as a PID controller. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Referring to the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is provided for indicative and not restrictive purposes, in which:

[0048] - Figure 1 A perspective view of an eye-wearing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0049] - Figure 2 A top view of an eye-wearing device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0050] - Figure 3 A partial view of an eye-wearing device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0051] - Figure 4 It demonstrates how the eye's reflectance varies with wavelength;

[0052] - Figure 5 This demonstrates how the skin's reflectance varies with wavelength; and

[0053] - Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates a control circuit configured to control an electrochromic lens of an eye-wearing device based on data measured by a photosensor. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Figure 1 An eye-wearing device 1 is shown.

[0055] The eye-wearing device 1 is adapted to improve the visual comfort of the person wearing the eye-wearing device 1. This visual comfort is particularly related to the brightness and illuminance produced by the environment and ambient light.

[0056] The eye-wearing device 1 can also be adapted to correct the wearer's visual impairment or refractive error (also known as refractive abnormality). For example, the wearer has myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the eye-wearing device 1 includes an electronic frame 3 and at least one electrochromic lens 5.

[0058] The electronic frame 3 is suitable for wear by a wearer. For example, when the eyewear device 1 is suitable for correcting visual impairment, the electronic frame 3 is suitable for wear by a wearer associated with the prescription data used to manufacture the eyewear device 1. In fact, in this case, the electrochromic lens 5 is designed and manufactured based on prescription data characterizing the wearer's visual impairment.

[0059] In a classic manner and similar to non-electronic frames, the electronic frame 3 includes at least one front frame element 7, at least one bridge of the nose 9, at least one temple 11, and (in some embodiments) at least one hinge 13.

[0060] The front frame element 7 is configured to at least partially accommodate a lens 5, such as an ophthalmic lens. Typically, the front frame element 7 includes a retainer configured to accommodate and hold the upper portion of the lens 5 and a bracket configured to at least partially surround the lower portion of the lens 5.

[0061] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the electronic frame 3 includes two front frame elements 7, each of which at least partially accommodates a lens 5. The front frame elements are also referred to as "lens rings" in the literature.

[0062] The front frame components 7 are interconnected via the bridge of the nose 9.

[0063] Similarly, Figure 1 The electronic eyeglass frame 3 shown includes two temples 11.

[0064] Each temple 11 is connected to one end of the front frame element 7 via a hinge 13. More precisely, one temple 11 is connected to one end of the front frame element 7, while the other temple 11 is connected to one end of the other front frame element.

[0065] The temples 11 are configured to rest on the wearer's ears to ensure the stability of the eyewear device 1 when the wearer wears it. The hinges 13 allow the temples 11 to be unfolded when the wearer wishes to wear the eyewear device 1 and to be folded when the wearer removes the eyewear device 1.

[0066] In the context of this invention, the frame 3 is an electronic frame, and the lens 5 is an electrochromic lens.

[0067] The electrochromic lens 5 is an electroactive lens, meaning that some of its properties can be modified electronically. Specifically, the light transmittance and / or hue of the electrochromic lens 5 can be modified electronically. For example, the electrochromic lens 5 is controlled by the wearer or a healthcare professional (typically an ophthalmologist). Alternatively, the light transmittance can also be modified automatically.

[0068] The electrochromic lens 5 includes an electrochromic unit. Typically, the electrochromic unit has a structure comprising two plano or afocal transparent outer layers (e.g., two surfaces made of organic or mineral materials), on which a transparent conductive coating is deposited on the inner surfaces of the two transparent outer layers. The electrochromic component fills the cavity formed between the two conductive coatings. Therefore, the light transmittance of the unit can be changed by applying an electric field between the conductive coatings.

[0069] It is important to note that electrochromic lenses may also include a thin film designed and manufactured to meet the wearer's ophthalmic prescription. The film is preferably made of a transparent material and is suitable for imparting five ophthalmic properties to the electrochromic lens.

[0070] An ophthalmological prescription for a wearer is a set of data (also known as prescription data) determined by a healthcare professional (such as an ophthalmologist). Prescription data includes various pieces of information relevant to the wearer, such as spherical power, cylindrical power, prism, and (if applicable) additional power. This prescription data is necessary for designing and manufacturing ophthalmic lenses intended for the wearer to correct visual impairment or refractive errors (also known as refractive errors). For example, when a wearer has presbyopia, the prescription data includes additional power to create a progressive ophthalmic lens suitable for this refractive error.

[0071] In this case, the electrochromic lens 5 is an electrochromic ophthalmic lens.

[0072] In this invention, the light transmittance value of the electrochromic lens 5 can be automatically modified. For this purpose, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, the electronic eyeglass frame 3 includes at least one photosensor 15 and a control circuit 17.

[0073] The photosensor 15 is configured to measure data related to light. The data measured by the photosensor 15 includes, for example, the intensity, brightness, wavelength, or polarization of the light arriving at the photosensor 15.

[0074] The photosensor 15 can be an illumination sensor or an illumination microsensor, such as a photodiode. Therefore, the photosensor 15 can measure the luminous flux received per unit surface area (in lux or W·m). -2 Illuminance is expressed in units of light intensity (in luminous flux units). As a variant, the photosensor 15 can also measure other values ​​of luminous flux, such as intensity, or visual or luminous brightness. For example, the photosensor 15 can measure the luminous flux of visible light and / or ultraviolet light.

[0075] The photosensitive sensor 15 can also be a photosensitive sensor suitable for measuring the degree of polarization of light in order to, for example, activate a polarization cutoff function. The photosensitive sensor 15 can also be adapted to measure the visible and / or invisible light spectrum to activate a wavelength-selective cutoff function.

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown, a photosensor 15 is arranged on the temple 11. Furthermore, when the wearer wears the electronic frame 3, the photosensor 15 is arranged to measure data related to light reflected from a portion of the wearer's face.

[0077] More precisely, those skilled in the art should understand here that the photosensor 15 is advantageously arranged to measure data relating to light refracted by the electrochromic lens 5, thus transmitted, and then reflected from a portion of the wearer's face. Therefore, light reflected from a portion of the wearer's face but not passing through the electrochromic lens 5 is stray light, and the photosensor 15 is arranged not to receive such stray light.

[0078] In other words, when the wearer wears the eye-mounted device 1, the temples 11 extend, and the electronic frame 3 is stabilized on the wearer's ears. A photosensor 15 is located on the temples 11, such that the light received by the photosensor 15 is light previously reflected from a portion of the wearer's face. This portion of the face can be a skin area or the eyes.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will know that a sensor can be arranged on one side of the front surface of the electrochromic lens 5 to measure data related to incident light. It is also known that a sensor can be arranged on one side of the rear surface of the electrochromic lens 5 to measure the intensity of light transmitted or refracted by the electrochromic lens 5.

[0080] However, according to the present invention, a photosensitive sensor 15 is arranged on the temple 11 so as to measure data related to light reflected from a portion of the wearer's face when the wearer wears the electronic frame 3.

[0081] In addition, the photosensitive sensor 15 is configured to transmit the measured data to the control circuit 17.

[0082] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the electronic frame 3 includes only one photosensor 15. However, the electronic frame 3 may include multiple photosensors, such as photosensor 15, arranged on each temple 11. In this case, the photosensors may be the same or different.

[0083] The control circuit 17 is configured to electronically control the electrochromic lens 5 and modify certain characteristics of it based on measured data received from the photosensor 15. Specifically, the control circuit 17 is configured to modify the light transmittance value of the electrochromic lens 5. Therefore, the control circuit 17 makes the eyewear device 1 suitable for light.

[0084] like Figure 1 As shown, the control circuit 17 is arranged on the temple 11. Therefore, the control circuit 17 can be electrically connected to the photosensor 15 via an electrical component (not shown) extending only on a portion of the temple 11. In other words, this electrical component can directly connect the photosensor 15 and the control circuit 17 without passing through the hinge 13.

[0085] The following will refer to Figure 6 The function of control circuit 17 will be described in more detail.

[0086] As previously described, a photosensor 15 is arranged on the temple 11 to measure data related to light reflected from a portion of the wearer's face when the wearer wears the electronic frame 3.

[0087] To guide light reflected from a portion of the wearer's face to the photosensor 15, the present invention proposes several embodiments. According to a first embodiment, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the eye-wearing device 1 includes an optical system arranged to deflect light reflected from a portion of the wearer's face to a photosensor 15 when the wearer wears the electronic eyeglass frame 3. Figure 3 The second embodiment shown does not require such an optical system, and the positioning of the photosensor 15 is adjusted accordingly.

[0088] First embodiment:

[0089] According to the first embodiment, the eye-wearing device 1 includes an optical system arranged to deflect light reflected from a portion of the wearer's face to a photosensitive sensor 15 when the wearer wears the electronic eyeglasses 3.

[0090] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the eye-wearing device 1 further includes a deflector 19.

[0091] A deflector 19 is arranged on the temple 11 so that when the wearer wears the electronic frame 3, light reflected from a portion of the wearer's face is deflected to the photosensitive sensor 15.

[0092] For example, deflector 19 only allows light rays from a given direction to be deflected. The deflector is then a holographic deflector, a prism, or a diffraction grating.

[0093] The deflector 19 includes, for example, one or more reflectors adapted to reflect light reflected from a portion of the wearer’s face to the photosensor 15 when the wearer is wearing the electronic eyeglasses frame 3.

[0094] Figure 1 The zoomed-out section illustrates a possible arrangement of the deflector 19 relative to the photosensor 15. The photosensor 15 and the deflector 19 are housed within a cavity in the temple 11. The deflector 19 has a deflecting surface that is tilted relative to the outer surface of the photosensor 15. Therefore, light from a portion of the wearer's face is deflected by the tilted surface of the deflector 19 to the photosensor 15.

[0095] Advantageously, the cavity protects the photosensor 15 from parasitic reflections and prevents additional light from being reflected toward the photosensor 15. Similarly, portions of the deflector 19 are concealed to prevent deflection from sources other than the wearer's face. In other words, the cavity has a specific geometry configured to both avoid reflected light itself and prevent the deflection of light from sources other than the wearer's face toward the photosensor 15.

[0096] Figure 2 An embodiment of the eye-wearing device 1, including an optical system, is also shown.

[0097] In fact, as Figure 2 As shown, the eye-wearing device 1 further includes a deflector 21.

[0098] and Figure 1 In contrast to the embodiments proposed in the present invention, the deflector 21 is not arranged on the temple 11 of the electronic frame 3, but on the electrochromic lens 5. If the electrochromic unit is located on the front surface of the electrochromic lens 5, the deflector 21 is preferably located on a thin sheet on the rear surface of the electrochromic lens 5.

[0099] and Figure 1 Similar to the deflector 19 in the embodiment, the deflector 21 may include one or more reflectors.

[0100] The deflector 21 disposed on the electrochromic lens 5 includes, for example, a coating covering at least a portion of the electrochromic lens 5. This coating may cover the entire electrochromic lens 5 or only a portion thereof.

[0101] The coating must have a sufficiently high reflectivity to reflect light reflected from the wearer's face. However, this reflectivity should not filter all incident radiation transmitted through the electrochromic lens 5.

[0102] For example, deflector 21 is a reflector. Such a reflector can be obtained, for example, with a highly reflective coating in the near-infrared range. In fact, the near-infrared range prevents the wearer from being disturbed by the electrochromic lens 5. In this case, the coating has, for example, high transmittance between 400 and 800 nm and high reflectance above 880 nm.

[0103] More precisely, deflector 21 is a hologram for the near-infrared or visible light range. Advantageously, the hologram has a narrow bandwidth, possibly less than 10 nm, which allows most of the spectrum to pass through the electrochromic lens 5 and maintains the wearer's natural vision. The hologram can be a planar off-axis lens or a curved off-axis lens. A curved off-axis lens may include a focusing effect to improve the efficiency of light collection by the photosensor 15. A curved off-axis lens also allows for greater angular receptivity on one side of the wearer's face.

[0104] also, Figure 2 A top view is shown with the eye-wearing device 1 stabilized on the wearer's ear. It is important to note that certain parts of the wearer's face are shown, namely the left eye (LE), the right eye (RE), and the skin area (SA).

[0105] As shown in the figure, light L1 is transmitted through the electrochromic lens 5 and reaches the skin area SA of the wearer's face. This light L1 is reflected by the skin area SA into light L2. More precisely, it is diffuse reflection from the skin area SA. Then, light L2 reaches a deflector 21 arranged on the electrochromic lens 5. Light L2 is then deflected into light L3. The deflector 21 has a deflection surface such that light L3 generated by the deflection of light L2 is directed toward a photosensor 15 arranged on the temple 11. The configuration of the deflector 21 corresponds, for example, to a specific orientation of its deflection surface.

[0106] In this example, the photosensor 15 receives light reflected from the skin region SA of the wearer's face. However, the photosensor 15 may receive light reflected from the wearer's left eye LE or right eye RE, instead of or in addition to light reflected from the skin region SA of the wearer.

[0107] Regarding this first embodiment of the present invention, in which the eye-wearing device 1 includes an optical system, those skilled in the art will understand... Figure 1 Deflector 19 and Figure 2 The deflectors 21 in the diagram can obviously be combined to form more complex optical systems. For example, in this case and referring to... Figure 2 The light L3 is deflected toward deflector 19 by deflector 21 arranged on electrochromic lens 5, which deflects the light L3 toward photosensitive sensor 15.

[0108] Second embodiment:

[0109] According to the second embodiment, an optical system is not required, and the positioning of the photosensor 15 is adjusted accordingly.

[0110] like Figure 3 As shown, the photosensitizer 15 is housed in a blind hole 23 in the temple 11. When the wearer wears the electronic frame 3, the blind hole 23 is oriented towards a portion of the wearer's face.

[0111] A blind hole 23 is formed in the temple 11 of the electronic frame 3. The size of the blind hole 23 is determined to accommodate the photosensor 15.

[0112] Advantageously, only one outer surface of the photosensor 15 is exposed to the outside, to the air. This outer surface is oriented toward the opening of the blind hole 23, and thus toward a portion of the wearer's face. Conversely, the other surfaces of the photosensor 15 are hidden and protected by the electronic frame 3.

[0113] This configuration allows for the avoidance of parasitic radiation, i.e., light reflected from the face of the unworn person (here, the left eye LE). To limit the amount of light received by the photosensor 15, an aperture (not shown here) can be placed at the opening of the blind hole 23.

[0114] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, light L1 is transmitted through the electrochromic lens 5 and reaches the wearer's left eye LE. Light L1 is reflected by the left eye LE into light L2. Light L2 then passes through the correctly oriented blind hole 23 to reach the photosensor 15.

[0115] In this example, the photosensor 15 receives light reflected from the wearer's left eye (LE) on their face. However, the photosensor 15 may also receive light reflected from the wearer's right eye (RE) or skin area (SA), instead of light reflected from the wearer's left eye (LE).

[0116] As described above, in this second embodiment, there is no need for an optical system to guide light reflected from a portion of the wearer's face to the photosensor 15. However, the first and second embodiments are not incompatible, but can be used in combination. In particular, the photosensor 15 can be housed in the blind aperture 23 to receive light at the output of an optical system (such as the optical system described earlier in the first embodiment).

[0117] About photosensors:

[0118] As described above, a photosensitizer 15 is arranged on the temple 11 of the electronic eyeglass frame 3 to measure data related to light reflected from a portion of the wearer's face when the wearer wears the electronic eyeglass frame 3. This portion of the wearer's face may be the wearer's eyes or a skin area.

[0119] More specifically, the photosensitive sensor 15 is configured to measure data including the intensity, brightness, wavelength, or polarization of the reflected light.

[0120] However, the reflectance coefficient C varies with wavelength. Furthermore, the variation of reflectance coefficient C with wavelength differs for the eye and skin areas.

[0121] Figure 4 This demonstrates how the eye's reflectance coefficient C varies with wavelength.

[0122] Figure 4 The curve E shown can determine the reflectance C of the wearer's eye (whether it is the left eye LE or the right eye RE) at a given wavelength value.

[0123] It is known that the reflectance coefficient C reaches higher values ​​in the ultraviolet and near-infrared ranges than in the visible light range. The ultraviolet range is generally understood to correspond to wavelengths between 100 and 400 nm, while the near-infrared range corresponds to wavelengths between 780 and 2500 nm.

[0124] Therefore, in embodiments where the photosensor 15 is arranged to measure data relating to light reflected from the wearer's eye when the wearer wears the electronic eyeglasses, the photosensor 15 is advantageously adapted to measure data relating to light in the ultraviolet or near-infrared range. Obviously, the photosensor 15 can also be adapted to measure data relating to light in the visible light range, except for or not in the ultraviolet or near-infrared range.

[0125] In particular, if the selected photosensitive sensor 15 is suitable for measuring data related to light in the ultraviolet range, then a silicon carbide (SiC) photodiode is suitable because its detection range is 215 to 330 nm.

[0126] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, from a part of the wearer's face ( Figure 2 skin areas SA and Figure 3 The light reflected from the left eye (LE) and then received by the photosensor 15 is typically generated by the refraction and transmission of light through the electrochromic lens 5. This refracted light then... Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is referred to as L1. Typically, the electrochromic lens 5 is configured to filter ultraviolet light. In this case, the photosensor 15 will not receive light in the ultraviolet range, so the photosensor 15 only needs to measure data related to light in the near-infrared range.

[0127] Several photosensitive sensors are suitable for the near-infrared range. For example, silicon (Si) photodiodes can be used. The detection range of silicon photodiodes corresponds to the interval of 200 to 1200 nm, with lower efficiency at both ends and the highest efficiency from 800 to 1000 nm. Above 1100 nm, indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) photodiodes can also be used, which detect wavelengths between 800 and 1700 nm.

[0128] like Figure 4 As shown, the eye's reflectance coefficient C reaches a local maximum (peak) between 900 and 1100 nm in the near-infrared range. Therefore, the photosensor 15 can be advantageously adapted to measure data related to light with wavelengths between 900 nm and 1100 nm.

[0129] Figure 5 This demonstrates the variation of the skin's reflectance coefficient C with wavelength.

[0130] More specifically, Figure 5 It shows two different curves depending on skin tone.

[0131] Curve DS illustrates the variation in reflectance C for dark skin, while curve FS illustrates the variation in reflectance C for fair skin. Specifically, for a given wavelength value, the reflectance C for fair skin is generally higher than that for dark skin.

[0132] Furthermore, for the ultraviolet range, the skin has a very low reflectance coefficient C, while the eye has a very high reflectance coefficient C.

[0133] More generally, curves DS and FS indicate that, in embodiments where the photosensor 15 is arranged to measure data relating to light reflected from the wearer's skin region SA when the wearer is wearing electronic eyeglasses, the photosensor 15 is advantageously adapted to measure data relating to light in the visible or near-infrared range. Clearly, the photosensor 15 can also be adapted to measure data relating to light in the ultraviolet range, or other than the visible or near-infrared range.

[0134] As is well known, the visible light range corresponds to the wavelength range between 400 and 780 nm.

[0135] In the field of photosensitive sensors in the visible light range, silicon (Si) photodiodes and ambient light sensors (ALS) are particularly suitable. Ambient light sensors are silicon (Si) photodiodes with a photosensitive filter designed to simulate human vision.

[0136] Furthermore, as previously mentioned, a photosensor 15 may be arranged on the temple 11 of the electronic frame 3 to measure data related to light reflected from the wearer's eyes and data related to light reflected from the wearer's skin area SA.

[0137] For example, in Figure 2 In this case, light L3 originates from the reflection of light L1 by the wearer's skin region SA. However, it is also possible that the light is reflected from the wearer's right eye RE to the deflector 21 arranged on the electrochromic lens 5, and then deflected again by the deflector 21 to the photosensor 15. In this case, the light received by the photosensor 15 is the light reflected by the skin region SA and the wearer's right eye RE. Similarly, in Figure 3 In the example shown, light can also be reflected from the wearer's skin area SA and reach the photosensor 15 through the blind hole 23.

[0138] Therefore, according to an embodiment, the photosensor 15 is arranged to measure data related to light reflected from the eye and light reflected from the wearer's skin area. In this case, the photosensor 15 is adapted to measure data related to light in the near-infrared range, preferably light with wavelengths between 900 nm and 1100 nm.

[0139] In fact, the near-infrared range corresponds to the high reflectance coefficient C of the eyes (e.g., Figure 4 (as shown by curve E) and the skin's high reflectance coefficient C (as shown by curve E) Figure 5 (As shown by the curves DS and FS).

[0140] Regarding the control circuit:

[0141] The control circuit 17 is configured to control the electrochromic lens 5 based on the data MSR measured by the photosensitive sensor 15.

[0142] The electrochromic lens 5 can be viewed as an active multilayer system having one or more features controlled by the control circuit 17 based on data MSR measured by the photosensitive sensor 15. The electrochromic lens 5 has at least one of the following features: a light-transmitting layer, a spectral band filtering layer, and a polarizing layer.

[0143] Advantageously, such as Figure 1 As shown, the control circuit 17 is arranged on the temple 11 of the electronic frame 3. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The control circuit 17 is not shown in the image; however, those skilled in the art will understand that in these embodiments, the control circuit 17 may also be arranged on the temple 11.

[0144] In this case, as described above, the control circuit 17 is electrically connected to the photosensor 15 via an electrical component that extends only on a portion of the temple 11, thus eliminating the need to pass through the hinge 13.

[0145] The function of control circuit 17 is as follows: Figure 6 As shown.

[0146] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, when the wearer wears the electronic eyeglass frame 3, the photosensor 15 is arranged to measure data MSR related to the light reflected from the wearer's right eye RE. Typically, the measured data MSR includes the intensity, brightness, wavelength, or polarization of the reflected light.

[0147] The measured data MSR is then transmitted from the photosensor 15 to the control circuit 17.

[0148] For example, the control circuit 17 is configured to control at least one of the above-described features of the electrochromic lens 5:

[0149] -Based on the intensity or brightness of the reflected light;

[0150] - Filtering one or more spectral bands based on the wavelength of the reflected light; and

[0151] - The uniformity of intensity or illuminance within the polarization range of the reflected light.

[0152] Advantageously, the control circuit 17 is a closed-loop control circuit. In this embodiment, the operation of the control circuit 17 is controlled not only by the data MSR measured by the photosensor 15, but also by one or more inputs. As previously described, the control unit 17 controls one or more features of the electrochromic lens 5.

[0153] For example, the input used to control the light transmission of the electrochromic lens 5 is as follows:

[0154] - The intensity or brightness setting that the reflected light should approach.

[0155] -The minimum intensity or brightness that the reflected light must achieve, or

[0156] - The reflected light must not exceed the maximum intensity or brightness.

[0157] The input used to filter one or more spectral bands is, for example, the wavelength range of reflected light that is to be filtered.

[0158] Finally, the input used to change the uniformity of intensity or illuminance within the polarization range of the reflected light is, for example, the light intensity or illuminance of a given polarization direction or degree of polarization that the reflected light should approach.

[0159] As previously described, the electronic frame 3 may include multiple photosensors 15. For example, each temple 11 of the electronic frame 3 has one photosensor 15. The data MSR measured by the multiple photosensors 15 can be compared together. The measured values ​​MSR can also be processed to determine the minimum, maximum, or average value of the measured values ​​MSR. In the case where each photosensor 15 acquires several measured values ​​MSR (e.g., illuminance or intensity within different polarization ranges), the measured data MSR can be processed to determine the polarization with the maximum illuminance or intensity, and the corresponding excess illuminance or intensity defined as the difference between its measured illuminance or intensity and the average illuminance or intensity of all polarizations.

[0160] Furthermore, if the photosensitive sensor measures error data, these measurements can be excluded based on the MSR value collected by another photosensitive sensor.

[0161] Typically, the closed-loop control circuit is a proportional-integral-derivative controller, also known as a PID controller.

[0162] like Figure 6 As shown in the functional diagram (or block diagram), control circuit 17 receives input data MSR measured by photosensor 15 and a target value (also referred to as setpoint SP) for intensity or illuminance. Control circuit 17 is then configured to measure the difference between the measured intensity or illuminance and the target intensity or illuminance. In the embodiment described herein, control circuit 17 is therefore configured to determine the proportional response, integral response, and derivative response to this difference.

[0163] Of course, PID controllers are also suitable for filtering wavelengths. Control circuit 17 can receive one or more wavelength ranges (e.g., ultraviolet or infrared ranges) that must be filtered by electrochromic lens 5 as input. In this case, the setpoint is not necessarily an exact wavelength, but rather a wavelength range corresponding to the visible light domain.

[0164] Furthermore, the setpoint can be related to the uniformity of intensity or illuminance within the polarization degree range. Then, for each polarization degree, the control circuit 17 calculates the difference between the measured intensity or illuminance and the average intensity or illuminance within the polarization degree range. In an embodiment where the control circuit 17 is a PID controller, the proportional, integral, and derivative responses to this difference are determined. The difference calculated for a given polarization degree characterizes the uniformity of intensity or illuminance within the polarization degree range and is compared, for example, to a predetermined threshold.

[0165] The settings can be set by the user. Furthermore, the settings can be automatically updated by considering several parameters, such as the wearer's sensitivity and ambient light. For example, if a wearer has been in a dark environment for a long time and then finds themselves in a brighter environment, the settings can be automatically adjusted without the wearer's intervention. For instance, a change in the settings is triggered when the difference between a measured value of light intensity or illuminance from one instant to another exceeds a predetermined threshold. Therefore, the updated settings are calculated based on the previous settings, the detected difference, and the previous illuminance.

[0166] In a PID controller, each response (i.e., proportional response, integral response, and derivative response) is characterized by a coefficient (also referred to as gain in the literature).

[0167] Furthermore, using fuzzy logic to configure the operation of a PID controller can be advantageous. In one embodiment, the gain or weighted sum of the control terms (i.e., proportional, integral, and derivative terms) is replaced by a fuzzy logic function. The inputs to the fuzzy logic function are the error, the error variation, and the total error. Alternatively, the gain or weighted sum of the PID controller is also determined using fuzzy logic. Of course, other uses of fuzzy logic are also possible.

[0168] Fuzzy logic is particularly suitable when the electrochromic lens 5 exhibits nonlinear behavior. In fact, when measured values ​​approach set values—that is, when intensity, brightness, or polarization sometimes falls below and sometimes exceeds the target value within a very short time interval—oscillations in light transmission or polarization may occur. This is uncomfortable for the wearer. Therefore, it is meaningful to improve the function of the control circuit 17 by incorporating fuzzy logic and other predictive filters (such as Kalman filters) to smooth the response of the electrochromic lens 5.

[0169] This invention has several advantages.

[0170] First, data related to the light reflected from a part of the wearer's face (such as the eyes or skin area) is measured, making it possible to obtain relevant data because these data relate to the light actually reaching the wearer's face. Therefore, the measurement sensors are less affected by ambient light. Consequently, the control circuitry's control over the electrochromic lens is improved and more suitable for correcting the wearer's visual discomfort.

[0171] Furthermore, positioning the photosensor on the temple allows for simplified electrical connections to the control circuitry. In fact, the electronic components that electrically connect the photosensor and control circuitry do not pass through the hinge, thus avoiding complexity during the manufacturing of eye-wearing devices.

[0172] Finally, the choice of photosensor allows for adaptation to different configurations, especially when the light received by the photosensor is reflected from the wearer's skin or eyes. In fact, the reflectivity of the eyes and skin is not the same, and the photosensor must be calibrated according to the wavelength reflected from a portion of the selected wearer's face.

Claims

1. An eye-wearing device (1) comprising an electronic frame (3). in, The electronic eyeglass frame includes: - Front frame element (7), which at least partially accommodates an electrochromic lens (5); - Temple (11), the temple being connected to the front frame element; - A photosensitive sensor (15), the photosensitive sensor being disposed on the temple to measure data relating to light refracted by the electrochromic lens and reflected from a portion of the wearer's face when the wearer wears the electronic frame; and - Control circuit (17), the control circuit being configured to control the electrochromic lens based on measured data. The data measured by the photosensitive sensor includes data on the intensity, brightness, wavelength, or polarization degree of the reflected light, and the control circuit is configured to control the electrochromic lens based on the data. The control circuit is configured to have at least one of the following characteristics of the electrochromic lens: -Based on the intensity or brightness of the reflected light; - Filtering one or more spectral bands based on the wavelength of the reflected light; and - The uniformity of intensity or illuminance within the polarization range of the reflected light.

2. The eye-wearing device of claim 1, further comprising an optical system arranged to deflect light reflected from a portion of the wearer's face to the photosensor when the wearer wears the electronic eyeglasses.

3. The eye-wearing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The optical system includes a first deflector (19) disposed on the temple.

4. The eye-wearing device as described in claim 2, in, The optical system includes a second deflector (21) disposed on the electrochromic lens.

5. The eye-wearing device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The second deflector (21) disposed on the electrochromic lens includes a coating covering at least a portion of the electrochromic lens.

6. The eye-wearing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The photosensitive sensor is housed in a blind hole (23) in the temple, and when the wearer wears the electronic frame, the blind hole is oriented toward the portion of the wearer's face.

7. The eye-wearing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When the wearer wears the electronic eyeglasses, the photosensor is arranged to measure data related to the light reflected from the wearer's eyes (LE, RE).

8. The eye-wearing device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The photosensitive sensor is suitable for measuring data related to light in the ultraviolet or near-infrared range.

9. The eye-wearing device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The photosensitive sensor is suitable for measuring data related to light with wavelengths between 900 nm and 1100 nm.

10. The eye-wearing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When the wearer wears the electronic eyeglasses, the photosensor is arranged to measure data relating to light reflected from the wearer's skin area (SA).

11. The eye-wearing device as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The photosensitive sensor is suitable for measuring data related to light in the visible or near-infrared range.

12. The eye-wearing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The photosensor is arranged to measure data relating to light reflected from the eye (LE, RE) and light reflected from the wearer's skin area (SA), and wherein the photosensor is adapted to measure data relating to light in the near-infrared range.

13. The eye-wearing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is arranged on the temple and is electrically connected to the photosensor via electrical components that extend only on a portion of the temple.

14. The eye-wearing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control circuit is a closed-loop control circuit having one or more of the following inputs (SP): - Used to control light transmission: • The intensity or brightness setting that the reflected light should approach. • The minimum intensity or brightness that the reflected light must achieve, or • The reflected light must not exceed the maximum intensity or brightness. - Used to filter one or more spectral bands: • The wavelength range of the reflected light to be filtered - Used to change the uniformity of intensity or illuminance within a polarization range: • The intensity or illuminance used to measure the polarization degree to which the reflected light should approach.

15. The eye-wearing device as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The closed-loop control circuit is a proportional-integral-derivative controller, also known as a PID controller.

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