Electro-optic lens and frame comprising electro-optic lens

Abstract

A lens comprising: an electro-optical device comprising an active region and an inactive region; and an ophthalmic lens bonded to the electro-optical device wherein a perimeter of the ophthalmic lens is substantially aligned with a perimeter of the active region.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 428,341, filed on November 28, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure relates to eyewear. More particularly, this disclosure relates to an electro-optical lens eyewear and a frame having an electro-optical lens. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure include an ophthalmic lens including an electro-optical device, an eyewear frame including a lens having an electro-optical device, and a method of mounting a lens including an electro-optical device in an eyewear frame.

[0004] In one embodiment, a lens includes: an electro-optical device including an active region and an inactive region; and an ophthalmic lens bonded to the electro-optical device, wherein a perimeter of the ophthalmic lens is substantially aligned with a perimeter of the active region.

[0005] In one aspect, the electro-optical device is electrochromic.

[0006] In one aspect, the ophthalmic lens includes a first ophthalmic lens and a second ophthalmic lens, and the first ophthalmic lens is bonded to a first surface of the electro-optical device, and the second ophthalmic lens is bonded to a second surface of the electro-optical device.

[0007] In one aspect, the electro-optical device further includes a protrusion extending from the inactive region.

[0008] In one aspect, the protrusion includes a connection portion with an electrode of the electro-optical device.

[0009] In one aspect, the electro-optical device is configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state.

[0010] In one aspect, the achromatic control region surrounds the perimeter of the lens outside the active region.

[0011] In one aspect, the electro-optical device is larger than the ophthalmic lens.

[0012] In one aspect, the electro-optical device and the ophthalmic lens are curved.

[0013] In one embodiment, a pair of glasses includes: an electro-optical lens including an active region and an inactive region surrounding a perimeter of the electro-optical lens; and a plurality of frame members including an outer frame member and an inner frame member, at least one of the outer frame member and the inner frame member including a recess configured to mate with the inactive region of the electro-optical lens such that the outer frame member and the inner frame member are joined flush together around the electro-optical lens.

[0014] In one aspect, the outer frame member and the inner frame member are curved.

[0015] The electro-optical device may further include a user control configured to control a voltage applied to the electro-optical lens.

[0016] In one aspect, the electro-optical lens includes an ophthalmic lens bonded to the electro-optical device.

[0017] In one aspect, the electro-optical device is electrochromic.

[0018] In one aspect, the electro-optical lens is a prescription lens.

[0019] In one aspect, the electro-optical device is configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state.

[0020] In one aspect, a portion of the inactive region protrudes from the electro-optical lens.

[0021] In one aspect, the portion of the inactive region that protrudes from the electro-optical lens includes a connection portion to an electrode of the electro-optical lens.

[0022] In one aspect, a perimeter of the ophthalmic lens is substantially aligned with a perimeter of the active region.

[0023] In one aspect, the electro-optical device is larger than the ophthalmic lens.

[0024] The above and other features, elements, characteristics, steps, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2 show examples of electro-optical devices in accordance with some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 3 show examples of lenses including electro-optical devices in accordance with some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 4 and Figure 5Shows an example of a curved lens including an electro-optical device according to some embodiments.

[0028] Figure 6 Shows an example of a lens in an eyewear frame according to some embodiments.

[0029] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Shows an example of a lens installed in an eyewear frame according to some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Shows an example of an eyewear frame according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments by which the concepts of the present disclosure may be practiced. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the concepts disclosed herein, and it is to be understood that various disclosed embodiments may be modified and other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be construed as limiting in nature.

[0032] Disclosed is an eyewear (or a pair of eyewear) in which the lens may include an embedded electro-optical device. The electro-optical device changes the optical properties of an optically active material in response to an electric field or current. The electro-optical device includes waveguides, liquid crystal displays, micro LEDs, organic light-emitting displays (OLEDs) and other emissive displays, light valves, and electrochromic devices. Such optically active materials include liquid crystals and electrochromic materials. Electro-optically modulating the optically active material with an electric field can change the birefringence, polarization, refractive index, transmittance / opacity, color / hue, and clarity / haze of the electro-optical device having the optically active material.

[0033] The eyewear may include a frame and a prescription lens that includes the electro-optical device. The included electro-optical device may allow the wearer to electronically switch between a first state, which may be a transparent state, and a second state, which may be a dark state, using the electrochromic effect. This situation is similar to that of a traditional pair of glasses (in the first state or transparent state) and a typical pair of sunglasses (in the second state or dark state). It should be understood that while two states are cited, additional states are possible. For example, a third state or a fourth state may allow various degrees of darkening between the transparent state and the dark state. The disclosed frame having a lens that includes an electro-optical device may be wearable throughout the day and differs from existing eyewear with transition lenses by providing sufficient transmittance in the transparent state for wear in low-light (dark) environments. The combination of the electro-optical device, the prescription lens, and the electronic-equipped frame drives the creation of new lens manufacturing and insertion techniques.

[0034] Figure 1 An electro-optical device 10 is shown, such as an electrochromic device. As shown, the electro-optical device 10 can be defined in the shape of an eyeglass lens. The electro-optical device 10 can include an electro-optical material 12 sandwiched between two substrates or encapsulating materials 14. For example, the electro-optical material 12 can be an electrochromic gel. The encapsulating material 14 can be glass as the outermost layer of the electro-optical device 10 to provide an oxygen barrier for the electro-optical material 12. In some embodiments, the encapsulating material 14 can be plastic, laminate, or any other suitable material. The encapsulating material 14 also provides a structural base to which other lens components are attached and for mechanically mounting the lens to an eyeglass frame. The inner encapsulating material surface can be coated with a transparent electrode material. For example, the electrode can be indium tin oxide (ITO) or other suitable material. The peripheral edge of the electro-optical device 10 can be sealed with a sealing material 16 to join the encapsulating materials 14 together and protect the electro-optical material 12.

[0035] Although not shown, a power source (such as a battery) can be connected to the electrodes of the electro-optical device 10. The power source can be used to provide a voltage potential across the two electrodes. The optical properties of the electro-optical material between the two electrodes can be changed or controlled by varying the voltage potential and / or current across the electrodes.

[0036] In some embodiments, regions of an electro-optical device including an electrochromic material can be controlled to change the optical properties. For example, in Figure 2 the lens 20 shown, the portion inside the sealing material 26 can be an active region, and the outer perimeter of the lens 20 can have an uncontrollable portion, e.g., an inactive region. This portion surrounds the perimeter of the lens 20 where there is no electro-optical material but includes the sealing material 26. It should be understood that in some embodiments the active region can extend to the entire outer perimeter of the lens 20.

[0037] Figure 3 An example of an electro-optical device 30 that can be included as part of an ophthalmic lens is shown. In one embodiment, the electro-optical device 30 can be an electrochromic device. For example, Figure 3It is shown that two lens halves 38, 39 (or portions) can be optically bonded or laminated to the outer surface of the substrate 34, with one lens half (or one portion) on each substrate 34. In some embodiments, only one of the substrates 34 can be bonded to the ophthalmic lens. As shown, the ophthalmic lens portions 38, 39 can be smaller than the electro-optic device 30 to which they are attached. The perimeters of the ophthalmic lens portions 38, 39 can be substantially aligned with the perimeter of the electro-optic material 32, where "substantially" is within manufacturing tolerances. This arrangement results in a lens that does not require edging after final assembly and also creates new opportunities for assembly / mounting. Lamination or bonding (such as by using an optical-grade adhesive) can be used to combine the layers 30, 38, and 39.

[0038] Although Figure 3 a lens produced with the electro-optic device 30 is shown, it should be understood that the electro-optic device 30 can be an electrochromic device, a waveguide, an electronic display, a light valve, etc. Although Figures 1-3 the electro-optic device is shown as being flat, it should be understood that the electro-optic device can be curved, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown in.

[0039] Figure 4 and Figure 5 it is shown that the ophthalmic lens can also be curved to match or conform to the curve of the electro-optic device (i.e., the embedded film). For example, Figure 4 it is shown that the curve of the electro-optic device 40 matches the two halves of the curved ophthalmic lens (ophthalmic lens 48 before bending and ophthalmic lens 49 after bending). Figure 5 it is shown that an oversized (e.g., larger) electro-optic device 50 can be laminated to one surface (the front surface or the back surface) of the ophthalmic lens 59. However, the electro-optic device 50 does not need to mimic the shape of the ophthalmic lens.

[0040] For example, Figure 6 it is shown that the ophthalmic lens 69 includes protrusions 61, 62 in the electro-optic device 60 (i.e., the electrochromic film). Such protrusions 61, 62 can be used for mounting / operation purposes and provide access points for electrodes on the substrate of the electro-optic device 60. One of the protrusions 61, 62 can be connected to one electrode on one substrate of the electro-optic device 60, and the other of the protrusions 61, 62 can be connected to the other electrode on the other substrate of the electro-optic device 60. Figure 6 It is also shown how the ophthalmic lens 69 having the protrusions 61, 62 defined in the electro-optic device 60 can be mounted within the spectacle frame 65 such that the protrusions 61, 62 can be buried or hidden within the contour of the frame 65.

[0041] It should be understood that instead of laminating the ophthalmic lens to the electro-optical device, the ophthalmic lens can be co-molded, 3D printed, or otherwise directly fabricated onto the electro-optical device. This method can allow for the production of a lens that is overall thinner.

[0042] Figure 7 and Figure 8 shows how an ophthalmic lens 70 including an electro-optical device can be mounted in a spectacle frame 78 / 79. For example, the spectacle frame 78 / 79 can be defined to include at least two components 78 and 79. Figure 7 shows that at least one of the outer frame member 78 and the inner frame member 79 can correspondingly include a groove, cavity, or recess 781 and 791, which are sized and configured to receive a protrusion of the electro-optical device 71 around the perimeter of the lens 70. As shown, portions of the frame members 78, 79 can include corresponding cavities or recesses 781, 791 around the edge of the lens, and thus allow the two frame members 78, 79 to be arranged flush with each other, as Figure 8 shown. The benefit of this method is that there is no need to edge the lens 70 to ensure that the lens 70 fits in the frame 78 / 79. Additionally, there is no risk of damaging the internal components or interconnects of the electro-optical device by snapping the lens into the frame. Additionally, at least a portion of the frame 78 / 79 can include channels or grooves for routing wiring to the electrodes of the electrochromic device.

[0043] Figure 8 shows that the two frame members 78, 79 can be fixedly secured together flush with the lens 70 between the two frame members 78, 79. Since the lens 70 is placed within a recess in one or both of the frame members 78, 79, the frame members 78, 79 can be joined without a gap therebetween. The frame members 78, 79 can be joined using a press fit, fasteners (such as screws or rivets 81), adhesives, or by any suitable technique. Although shown as flat, the frame members 78 and 79 can be curved.

[0044] Figure 9 and 10 is a view showing a spectacle frame 99 including an ophthalmic lens 90 having an electro-optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a front view of the spectacle frame 99, where a portion of the frame 99 is cut away so that the peripheral portion of the lens 90 is visible. The protrusion 91 of the electro-optical device is shown as the outermost peripheral feature.

[0045] Figure 10is a side view of the eyewear frame 99, showing that the user control 100 can be located on the temple. For example, the user control 100 can be a physical control such as a switch, potentiometer, slider, dial, knob, rotary control, touch control (e.g., capacitive or resistive sensor), or any other suitable device that allows the user to control the voltage or power applied to the electro-optical device included in the lens 90 using physical contact. Although not shown, a power source (such as a battery that powers the electro-optical device) can be provided within the frame 99 and operated via the user control 100.

[0046] In one aspect, the user control can be omitted from the eyewear frame, and the electro-optical device can be controlled via short-range wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), to name just a few examples). For example, a software application running on a mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet) or on a computer can be used to control the electro-optical device. In one aspect, the electro-optical device can be controlled based on the output from an ambient light sensor mounted to the frame. In one aspect, the electro-optical device can be controlled based on the output from a sensor (e.g., an image sensor) that detects changes or the size of the wearer's pupil.

[0047] For example, in one embodiment, the image sensor can be designed to capture the size of the user's pupil, and the captured image can be analyzed to determine when the size of the user's pupil (e.g., diameter or circumference) changes over a period of time. In another example, the image obtained from the image sensor can be analyzed to identify the size of the user's pupil. The determined size can be compared with a reference value, which can be a predetermined average pupil size (e.g., nominally 12 mm) or a predetermined pupil size for a particular user. In some embodiments, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the predetermined pupil size of the user can be obtained and configured during an initial setup period under one or more light conditions.

[0048] For example, in one embodiment, the image sensor can be designed to capture the vergence of the user's pupil and track it in real time to determine whether the user is looking near or far. This information can be used to control the electro-optical device and / or control the diopter of the prescription ophthalmic lens.

[0049] In another example, the user control may include a microphone in communication with a processor, the processor configured to identify one or more sounds. For example, a user's voice may control the electro-optical device. In another example, a camera or other image sensor(s) may be supported by a frame and configured to image the pupil of the user (wearer). Image processing may be performed on the acquired images to determine the size of the pupil and control the electro-optical device based on the pupil size, which may be related to the ambient light level. Examples of algorithms that may be used to determine the pupil size are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 426,929, filed on November 21, 2022, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0393121, titled "System and Method for Measuring Pupillary Distances and Uses Thereof", which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0050] In some embodiments, a camera or image sensor(s) and a processor may be used to acquire multiple images and the multiple images may be configured to detect when the user blinks, and blinking in a specific pattern or at a specific frequency may be detected and used to control the electro-optical device. In some embodiments, the processor may be configured to process one or more images to detect when the user squints (e.g., the distance between the upper and lower eyelids decreases) and may control the electro-optical device, for example, by darkening an electrochromic material. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other suitable methods of controlling the electro-optical device using sound, touch, and / or vision or imaging may be implemented.

[0051] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative of the present invention. Without departing from the present invention, those skilled in the art may devise various alternatives and modifications. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lens, the lens comprising: An electro-optical device, the electro-optical device including an active control region and an inactive region; And An ophthalmic lens bonded to the electro-optical device, wherein a periphery of the ophthalmic lens is substantially aligned with a periphery of the active region.

2. The lens according to claim 1, wherein, The electro-optical device is electrochromic.

3. The lens according to claim 1, wherein, The ophthalmic lens includes a first ophthalmic lens and a second ophthalmic lens, and The first ophthalmic lens is bonded to a first surface of the electro-optical device, and the second ophthalmic lens is bonded to a second surface of the electro-optical device.

4. The lens according to claim 1, wherein, The electro-optical device further includes a protrusion extending from the inactive region.

5. The lens according to claim 4, wherein, The protrusion includes a connection portion to an electrode of the electro-optical device.

6. The lens according to claim 1, wherein, The electro-optical device is configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state.

7. The lens according to claim 1, wherein, The inactive region surrounds a periphery of the lens outside the active region.

8. The lens according to claim 1, wherein, The electro-optical device is larger than the ophthalmic lens.

9. The lens according to claim 1, wherein, The electro-optical device and the ophthalmic lens are curved.

10. A pair of glasses, the pair of glasses comprising: An electro-optical lens, the electro-optical lens including an active region and an inactive region surrounding a periphery of the electro-optical lens; And A plurality of frame members, the plurality of frame members including an outer frame member and an inner frame member, at least one of the outer frame member and the inner frame member including a recess configured to mate with the inactive region of the electro-optical lens such that the outer frame member and the inner frame member are joined together flush around the electro-optical lens.

11. The glasses according to claim 10, wherein, The outer frame member and the inner frame member are curved.

12. The pair of glasses according to claim 10, further comprising a user control that controls a voltage to the electro-optical lens.

13. The glasses according to claim 10, wherein, The electro-optical lens includes an ophthalmic lens bonded to an electro-optical device.

14. The glasses according to claim 10, wherein, The electro-optical device is electrochromic.

15. The glasses according to claim 10, wherein, The electro-optical lens is a prescription lens.

16. The glasses according to claim 10, wherein, The electro-optical device is configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state.

17. The glasses according to claim 10, wherein, A portion of the inactive region protrudes from the electro-optical lens.

18. The glasses according to claim 17, wherein, The portion of the inactive region protruding from the electro-optical lens includes a connection portion to an electrode of the electro-optical lens.

19. The glasses according to claim 13, wherein, A periphery of the ophthalmic lens is substantially aligned with a periphery of the active region.

20. The glasses according to claim 13, wherein, The electro-optical device is larger than the ophthalmic lens.

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