Fluid optical article having a movable element and method for controlling same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an optical article comprising an optical lens shell (100) having an inner surface (101), a support element (200) mounting the shell (100), disposed in a fixed position, and movably mounting a movable element (300) between a first position and a second position. The optical article further comprises a sealed cavity (401) disposed between the movable element and the inner surface of the shell. The optical article is switchable between a first configuration (CFG1) in which the movable element is passively held relative to the shell, and a second configuration (CFG2) in which the cavity is filled with a predetermined amount of fluid that alters the transmission of visible light, and the movable element is released from the shell due to pressure exerted by the fluid in the cavity. The present disclosure also includes a corresponding method for controlling the optical article.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to optical articles, such as eyewear or eyewear components, and methods for controlling such optical articles. [Background technology]

[0002] There is interest in the optical field in being able to provide optical lenses with variable and controllable light transmission functions.

[0003] In fact, today, the majority of users who own prescription eyeglasses also own sunglasses and alternate between the two depending on the ambient light level.

[0004] It would be desirable to eliminate the need for two glasses and instead use a single pair of glasses for all situations.

[0005] Solutions to this problem are known, and the majority of them are based on the use of liquid crystals. Some suitable liquid crystals may include electrochromic materials. The transmittance of an optical element made from one such material can be controlled by placing the optical element between two electrodes and adjusting the potential difference between the two electrodes.

[0006] Thus, with such an optical device, a user does not have to change their prescription glasses into sunglasses, but instead can simply switch the liquid crystal from a clear to a dark state.

[0007] However, a known drawback of electrochromic dyes is their limited rate of darkening and lightening, especially at low ambient temperatures.

[0008] At the same time, very few known solutions disclose the use of fluid lenses, defined as lenses that use a liquid flow to change the transmittance of the lens.

[0009] Known fluid lenses involve adding or removing fluid to or from a cavity delimited by a spherical membrane. The spherical shape of the membrane is required to avoid inducing undesirable astigmatism.

[0010] The cavity may be filled with, for example, a photochromic dye, and controlling the fluid lens may involve introducing the photochromic dye into the liquid to switch its transmission function from a first state to a second state, and removing the liquid to change its transmission function from the second state back to the first state.

[0011] The rate of change of the transmission function of the photochromic dye in the fluid lens is much faster than that of the electrochromic dye.

[0012] However, the fabrication and control of known fluid lenses is complex because they require precise control and precise manipulation of fluids constrained by small geometrical dimensions. Repeatedly switching known fluid lenses between the clear and dark states can create undesirable residual liquid in the cavity in the clear state or undesirable residual air bubbles in the cavity in the dark state, both of which are detrimental to the optical quality of the lens.

[0013] Another drawback of known fluid lenses relates to the spherical shape of the membrane. In fact, spherical membranes are attached along a closed line having a round shape, and therefore fluid lenses are usually attached on round frames. Other frame shapes are possible, but at the expense of hiding part of the fluid lens inside the frame.

[0014] In this regard, there is a need for an optical article that can be rapidly switched between two states, such as a transparent state and a darker state, while providing a uniform transmission function over a large portion of the lens area in at least one of the two states, e.g., the transparent state, and having very good optical quality.

[0015] Optionally, the optical article should be capable of providing a uniform transmission function in darker conditions.

[0016] Optionally, the optical article should be capable of providing a controllable refractive function.

[0017] Optionally, the optical article should be able to provide a combination of controllable refractive and transmissive functions, for example, for night driving applications it may be desirable to provide a small increase in refractive power compared to normal use, combined with a particular yellow tint.

[0018] Optionally, the optical article should not be limited to any particular frame shape.

[0019] Optionally, the optical article should allow for the optical function to be varied as needed to provide a desired tint, color, transmittance, optical power, etc., as the case may be.

[0020] Optionally, the optical article should continue to provide very good optical quality even after switching between states multiple times.

[0021] The present invention is defined by the accompanying independent claims. Additional features and advantages of the concepts disclosed herein are set forth in the description that follows. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0022] The present disclosure aims to improve this situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] To this end, the present disclosure provides an optical article comprising an optical lens shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, - mounting the optical lens shell, further comprising a support element disposed in a fixed position and movably mounting the movable element between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the movable element abuts the optical lens shell and in the second position the movable element is released from the optical lens shell; the optical article further includes a first sealed cavity disposed between the movable element and an inner surface of the optical lens shell, the first sealed cavity coupled to a fluid inlet adapted to adjust an amount of fluid in the first sealed cavity; - the optical article is switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration; - in the first configuration, the movable element is passively held in a first position; and - describes an optical article in a second configuration, wherein the first sealed cavity is filled with a predetermined amount of a first fluid that alters the transmission of visible light, and the movable element is held in a second position by pressure exerted by the first fluid in the first sealed cavity.

[0024] An optical article is understood to be, for example, an optical lens such as a spectacle lens or an optical device comprising such an optical lens, for example, a pair of glasses comprising a spectacle frame to which two spectacle lenses are attached. The optical lens may be a flat or ophthalmic lens. The optical lens has a front surface and a rear surface. When the optical lens is placed in front of the user's eye, for example, when the optical device is worn by the user, the front surface faces the scene, while the rear surface faces the user's eye.

[0025] An optical lens shell is understood to be an element of an optical lens that is made of a rigid optical material, such as an organic or inorganic glass, and that extends radially over at least the central part of the optical lens to the entire field of view. The outer surface of the optical lens shell coincides, for example, with the front or rear surface of the optical lens. The inner surface of the optical lens shell faces the outer surface.

[0026] A support element may be understood to be a peripheral part of the optical lens, such as a protrusion extending from the optical lens shell or the movable element along its periphery.

[0027] The terms "fixed position", "first position" and "second position" have a relative meaning. In other words, these terms are simply defined relative to each other. An optical lens shell mounted at a fixed position corresponds to said fixed position, which defines the origin of a reference frame. A movable element is movable within said reference frame between a first position and a second position, both of which are fixed positions within said reference frame.

[0028] A support element may be understood as a frame element having a first contact portion configured to cooperate with a corresponding portion of the optical lens shell and a second contact portion configured to cooperate with a corresponding portion of the movable element.

[0029] The movable element abutting the optical lens shell means that at least a part of the movable element contact portion is in contact with at least a part of the optical lens shell, for example, the inner surface of the optical lens shell. Conversely, the movable element being released from the optical lens shell means that the movable element is not in contact with the optical lens shell.

[0030] Thus, the particular arrangement of the above features, and more particularly the movable elements, allows the user to selectively provide a first optical function in a first configuration and a second optical function in a second configuration.

[0031] For example, as a result, a first configuration may correspond to a transparent state and a second configuration may correspond to a dark state, and switching from the first configuration to the second configuration may be faster than switching the electrochromic material from a transparent state to a dark state.

[0032] Moreover, compared to known fluid lenses, the optical article is less prone to generating undesirable residual liquid in the cavity in the first configuration or undesirable residual air bubbles in the cavity in the second configuration. This is due to the specific arrangement of the above-mentioned features, and more particularly, to the first cavity being sealed and its volume being controllable, induced by the displacement or deformation of the movable element between the first and second configurations. For example, the first position may correspond to the movable element being held against the inner surface of the optical lens shell. Thus, extremely good optical quality is obtained, at least in the first configuration. Moreover, the optical article still provides extremely good optical quality even after being switched back and forth between both configurations multiple times.

[0033] The particular arrangement of the above features makes it easy to shape the movable element and optical lens shell to provide at least a uniform transmission function and possibly a uniform refractive function in at least one of two configurations.

[0034] For example, if the movable element and the optical lens shell are both rigid elements having spherical surfaces and uniform thicknesses, the first sealed cavity will also have a uniform thickness in both configurations, and therefore a uniform transfer function will be provided in both configurations.

[0035] For example, if the movable element and the optical lens shell are both rigid elements, include cooperating surfaces, and are held rigidly relative to each other in the first configuration, a uniform optical function is provided in the first configuration.

[0036] For example, if the movable element is deformable, it may be deformed such that it is held firmly against the inner surface of the optical lens shell in the first configuration, in which case a uniform optical function is provided in the first configuration.

[0037] For example, if the movable element is deformable and the optical article is configured such that the movable element is deformed in the second configuration to have the same shape as the inner surface of the optical lens shell, a uniform transmission function is provided in the second configuration.

[0038] In an example, the movable element is a rigid element having an outer surface and an inner surface.

[0039] The movable element is non-deformable, and the optical article is switched between both configurations by translating the movable element along a linear path between the first and second positions. A user can exert pressure on the movable element to displace it from the second position to the first position, thus switching the optical article from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0040] In an example, the first sealed cavity is defined by an inner surface of the rigid element and an inner surface of the optical lens shell.

[0041] The optical function provided by such an optical article in the first and second configurations can be customized simply by manufacturing the movable element to have a desired shape, while all other elements of the optical article can be generic, for example, an optical lens shell can simply have a spherical inner surface and a uniform thickness.

[0042] In an example, the optical device includes a deformable membrane attached to an inner surface of a rigid element and held against an inner surface of an optical lens shell in first and second configurations, and a first sealed cavity is defined by the deformable membrane and the inner surface of the rigid element.

[0043] Since the first cavity is defined by the movable element and the deformable membrane attached to the movable element, the sealing of the first sealed cavity is ensured by connecting the membrane to the movable element. The advantage is that the manufacturing of the optical article is facilitated. In fact, mounting the movable element on the support element does not require precise manipulation and can allow air to flow between the outside of the optical article and the area between the optical lens shell and the membrane, while preventing any risk of fluid leakage during use of the optical article.

[0044] In an example, the movable element is a deformable membrane and the first sealed cavity is defined by the deformable membrane and the inner surface of the optical lens shell.

[0045] The movable element is deformable and the optical article is switched between the first and second configurations by deforming the movable element between the first and second positions, i.e., at least a portion of the membrane is moved between a first position in the first configuration and a second position in the second configuration.

[0046] The deformable membrane may be attached to the support element, for example at its edge, the coupling between the deformable membrane and the support element being such as to ensure sealing of the first sealed cavity.

[0047] In this case, in the first configuration, the membrane rests passively against the inner surface of the optical lens shell, while in the second configuration, the membrane is released from the optical lens shell and deformed, expanding its surface due to the fluid filling the first sealed cavity and increasing its volume, where the shape of the deformable membrane in the second configuration depends on the shape of the support elements and any further constraints.

[0048] For example, the optical article may include a rigid element having an inner surface and an outer surface, mounted on a support element and disposed in a fixed position.

[0049] The inner surface of the rigid element can be positioned to contact the outer surface of the deformable membrane in the second configuration, and the shape of the membrane in the second configuration therefore matches the shape of the inner surface of the rigid element, which shape can be customized to provide a desired optical function in at least the second configuration.

[0050] If such a rigid element is not present and the deformable membrane is not influenced by any further constraints, the shape of the deformable membrane in the second configuration depends only on the shape of the support element, for example, if the support element is a round eyeglass frame, the membrane has a spherical shape in the second configuration.

[0051] In an example, the second sealed cavity is defined by the membrane and the inner surface of the rigid element, and in at least the second configuration, the second sealed cavity is filled with a predetermined amount of counter pressure fluid that exerts a counter pressure on the membrane that counteracts the pressure exerted by the first fluid in the first sealed cavity, and the membrane has a non-uniform thickness.

[0052] In this example, the membrane does not contact the rigid element.

[0053] In the second configuration, the shape of the membrane can be predetermined based on establishing a predetermined pressure differential between the first fluid and the second fluid, which allows for providing a predetermined optical power in the second configuration, which can be set during initialization of the optical article and can be customized for a specific need of a user, such as for a particular type of visual activity.

[0054] The deformable membrane may be made of a material that filters at least a portion of the visible light spectrum. In this case, due to its non-uniform thickness, the transmission function of the deformable membrane is non-uniform. Furthermore, due to the non-uniform thickness of the deformable membrane, the width of the first sealed cavity is also non-uniform. Therefore, if the first fluid filters at least a portion of the visible light spectrum, the transmission function of the first sealed cavity is non-uniform. The same applies to the second cavity and the counter-pressure fluid. Therefore, it is possible to provide a non-uniform transmission function, for example, for visual purposes or to accommodate differences in the sensitivity of the user's eyes to light intensity across the field of view.

[0055] Moreover, due to the non-uniform thickness of the deformable membrane, the diopter formed from the membrane and the first fluid does not have a uniform curvature, but instead includes depressions and bumps that can be selected to provide localized optical power deviations. As a result, the optical design of the optical lens can be predetermined, for example according to a user's prescription, simply by customizing the thickness of the deformable membrane across the field of view.

[0056] In the first configuration, counter pressure fluid filling the second sealed cavity can further be used to push the deformable membrane against the inner surface of the optical lens shell, thus ensuring that the first fluid empties from the first sealed cavity and helping to ensure optimal optical quality.

[0057] As already mentioned, the optical function provided by the optical article in the second configuration depends on the optical properties of the optical lens shell, the movable element, the first fluid and, if applicable, the counter-pressure fluid.

[0058] In the following three examples, it is assumed that the optical article includes a rigid element that, together with an optical lens shell, defines a hollow chamber, the optical article further includes a deformable membrane as a movable element that separates the hollow chamber into a first sealed cavity and a second sealed cavity, and the membrane has a non-uniform thickness.

[0059] In the second configuration, the first sealed cavity is filled with a predetermined amount of a first fluid and the second sealed cavity is filled with a predetermined amount of a counter pressure fluid.

[0060] In the first configuration, the first sealed cavity is filled with an amount of the first fluid less than the predetermined amount or is empty of the first fluid, and the second sealed cavity contains at least the predetermined amount of counter-pressure fluid.

[0061] In these three examples, the difference between the optical functions provided by the optical article in the first and second configurations, respectively, is only a function of the nature and optical properties of the first fluid and counter-pressure fluid.

[0062] In an example, one of the first fluid, the counter pressure fluid, and the membrane filters at least a portion of the visible light spectrum such that, in the second configuration, the optical article has a non-uniform transmission function.

[0063] In an example, one of the first fluid, the counter pressure fluid, and the membrane is tinted such that, in the second configuration, the optical article has a non-uniform tint.

[0064] In examples, the first fluid and the counter pressure fluid have substantially different refractive indices such that, in the second configuration, the optical article has a non-uniform refractive function.

[0065] In an example, the fluid inlet is coupled to a controllable element for switching the optical article from the first configuration to the second configuration by moving a predetermined amount of the first fluid from the first fluid tank to the first sealed cavity, and / or from the second configuration to the first configuration by moving a predetermined amount of the first fluid from the first sealed cavity to the first fluid tank.

[0066] The controllable element can be embedded in, for example, a frame element of the optical article. The optical article can include multiple such controllable elements. The same controllable element can be used to both switch the optical article from the first configuration to the second configuration and vice versa, or different controllable elements can be used to switch the optical article from the first configuration to the second configuration and switch the optical article from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0067] Examples of controllable elements may include buttons, sliders, motors coupled to switchable power sources, for example using piezoelectric elements, etc.

[0068] US Patent Application Publication No. 2012087014 discloses examples of possible pumps that may be used herein as controllable elements for injecting or removing fluids from the cavity, although of course other pumps are also applicable.

[0069] The optical lens shell, the deformable element, and the rigid element defined above may each be an example of a controllable element. Indeed, exerting pressure on an element defining a first sealed cavity reduces the volume of the first sealed cavity, inducing the movable element to move from the second position to the first position. In a first configuration, exerting pressure on a deformable element containing a first fluid and coupled to the first sealed cavity reduces the volume of the deformable element, forcing the fluid into the first sealed cavity and inducing the movable element to move from the first position to the second position.

[0070] In examples, the optical article is switchable between a first configuration and a third configuration; - in a third configuration, the first sealed cavity is filled with a predetermined amount of a second fluid, and the movable element is held in the second position by pressure exerted by the second fluid in the first sealed cavity; and The second fluid changes the propagation of visible light differently than the first fluid.

[0071] Indeed, the optical article is not limited to only two configurations, and by replacing the first fluid with another fluid having different optical properties, in particular a different absorption spectrum, it is possible to switch the optical article into additional configurations, each providing additional optical functions.

[0072] In an example, the optical article further comprises a selector configured to selectively couple the fluid inlet with a first fluid tank containing a predetermined amount of a first fluid or a second fluid tank containing a predetermined amount of a second fluid.

[0073] For example, the first fluid and the second fluid may have different shades, allowing a user to switch the shade of the optical article as needed.

[0074] The present disclosure provides a method for controlling an optical article, the optical article comprising: - an optical lens shell having an inner surface and an outer surface; - a support element for mounting the optical lens shell, the support element being arranged in a fixed position and for movably mounting a movable element between a first position and a second position, in which in the first position the movable element abuts the optical lens shell and in the second position the movable element is released from the optical lens shell; a first sealed cavity disposed between the movable element and the inner surface of the optical lens shell, the first sealed cavity coupled to a fluid inlet adapted to adjust the amount of fluid in the first sealed cavity; Including, - the method includes switching the optical article between a first configuration and a second configuration; - in the first configuration, the movable element is passively held in a first position; and - Also described is a method in which, in a second configuration, the first sealed cavity is filled with a predetermined amount of a first fluid that alters the transmission of visible light, and the movable element is held in a second position by pressure exerted by the first fluid in the first sealed cavity.

[0075] In an example, the optical article further includes a selector configured to selectively couple the fluid inlet to a first fluid reservoir containing a predetermined amount of a first fluid or a second fluid reservoir containing a predetermined amount of a second fluid that alters the transmission of visible light differently than the first fluid; - the method includes switching the optical article between a first configuration and a third configuration; In a third configuration, the first sealed cavity is filled with a predetermined amount of a second fluid, and the movable element is held in the second position by pressure exerted by the second fluid in the first sealed cavity.

[0076] For a more detailed understanding of the description provided herein and its advantages, reference is now made to the following brief description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0077] [Figure 1] 1 shows an example of an optical instrument including a hard shell as a moving element, positioned in a first configuration. [Figure 2] 2 illustrates the exemplary optical apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a second configuration. [Figure 3] 1 shows an example of an optical instrument including a hard shell containing a soft membrane as a moving element, positioned in a first configuration. [Figure 4] 4 illustrates the exemplary optical apparatus shown in FIG. 3 in a second configuration. [Figure 5] 1 shows an example of an optical instrument including a flexible membrane as a moving element, positioned in a first configuration. [Figure 6] 6 illustrates the exemplary optical apparatus shown in FIG. 5 in a second configuration. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an example of a fluid supply element coupled to a fluid inlet of an exemplary optical instrument in a first configuration. [Figure 8] 8 illustrates the exemplary fluid delivery element shown in FIG. 7 with the optical instrument placed in a second configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0078] In the following description, the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. In particular, the relative dimensions of the cavity with respect to the rigid element may be exaggerated. Certain features may be shown in generalized or schematic form for clarity and conciseness or for informational purposes. In addition, while the making and use of various embodiments are discussed in detail below, it should be understood that, as described herein, many inventive concepts are provided that may be embodied in a variety of contexts. The embodiments discussed herein are merely representative and do not limit the scope of the invention. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that all technical features defined in the context of a process may be substituted for a system, individually or in combination, and conversely, all technical features related to a system may be substituted for a process, individually or in combination.

[0079] Reference is now made to Figure 1, which shows an exemplary optical device comprising at least an optical lens and a support element 200. The optical device can be, for example, a spectacle lens mounted in a spectacle frame.

[0080] The optical lens includes at least an optical lens shell (100) and a movable element (300).

[0081] In this example, the optical lens shell 100 and the movable element 300 are each made of a rigid optical material. Examples of suitable materials include inorganic and organic glass materials. The refractive indices of the materials may be selected to be close to each other, for example, with a difference of 0.10 or less, for example, 0.05 or less, for example, 0.02 or less.

[0082] The optical lens shell (100) is in position relative to the support element (200).

[0083] For example, the optical lens shell 100 and the support element 200 may be separate elements configured to cooperate with one another such that the optical lens shell 100 is attached in said fixed position relative to the support element 200. Alternatively, the optical lens shell 100 and the support element 200 may be defined as different portions of a single monolithic rigid element.

[0084] The optical lens shell 100 includes an inner surface 101 and an outer surface 102 opposite the inner surface 101 of the optical lens shell 100. The shape of each of these surfaces may be selected based on a user's prescription to contribute to providing a desired refractive function for the user.

[0085] The movable element 300 also includes an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface of the movable element. The shape of each of these surfaces can be selected based on a user's prescription to contribute to providing the user with a desired refractive function. For purposes of optimizing the mechanical properties of the movable element 300, the inner and outer surfaces of the movable element can be uniformly spaced apart, in other words, the movable element 300 can have a uniform thickness.

[0086] The movable element (300) is movably mounted on the support element (200) between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the movable element (300) abuts the optical lens shell (100). In the second position, the movable element (300) is released from the optical lens shell (100). For each of the first and second positions, the support element (200) may include an abutment portion arranged to cooperate with a corresponding portion of the movable element (300).

[0087] In both the first and second positions, the inner surface of the movable element (300) faces the inner surface (101) of the optical lens shell (100). A first sealed cavity (401) is defined by the inner surface of the movable element (300) and the inner surface (101) of the optical lens shell (100).

[0088] The inner surfaces of the movable element (300) and the optical lens shell (100) may conform to each other to minimize the volume of the first sealed cavity (401) and therefore the thickness of the optical lens, particularly when the movable element (300) is held against the optical lens shell (100).

[0089] The support element 200 includes a first sealed cavity 401 and a fluid inlet 500 as a channel coupled to a fluid reservoir. The fluid inlet 500 is configured to allow bidirectional fluid transfer between the first sealed cavity 401 and the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir may be embedded in the support element 200, for example, or may be located in an arm of an eyeglass frame to which optical lenses are attached. The fluid reservoir may be attached to the support element 200, for example, removably attached.

[0090] The fluid inlet (500) and / or fluid reservoir may alternatively be embedded in the peripheral area of ​​the optical lens shell or moving element.

[0091] In FIG. 1, the optical apparatus is shown in a first configuration (CFG1) in which the movable element (300) is passively held in a first position relative to the optical lens shell (100).

[0092] A variety of structural elements known to those skilled in the art can be used to passively hold the movable element (300) in the first position.

[0093] For example, the optical device may further include a spring, a block of elastic material, or any other similar element arranged to exert a restoring force on the movable element 300. The restoring force opposes the force exerted by the fluid filling the first cavity 401. In this example, the optical device is placed in the first configuration by setting the pressure in the first cavity 401 below a predetermined threshold. For example, the first cavity 401 may be filled with less than a predetermined amount of fluid selected such that the restoring force is sufficient to passively hold the movable element 300 in the first position.

[0094] For example, the optical device can be configured such that the movable element (300) is positioned between a first cavity (401) on the inner surface of the movable element (300) and an area under atmospheric pressure on the outer surface of the movable element (300). In this example, the position of the movable element (300) can also be controlled by adjusting the pressure within the first cavity (401). The optical device can be placed in the first configuration simply by placing the first cavity (401) under at least a partial vacuum, where atmospheric pressure maintains the movable element (300) against the optical lens shell (100).

[0095] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which shows the same exemplary optical apparatus as FIG. 1, but now in a second configuration (CFG2).

[0096] In the second configuration (CFG2), the first sealed cavity (401) is filled with a predetermined amount of a first fluid that alters the transmission of visible light, i.e., the optical function of the optical device is affected by the presence of the first fluid in the first sealed cavity (401).

[0097] For example, the first fluid may be colored so that the transmission function of the optical lens is significantly affected.

[0098] For example, the refractive index of the first fluid may be selected to be slightly different from the refractive index of the movable element 300 and / or the optical lens shell 100. For example, the difference may be selected to be 0.02 or more, such as 0.05 or more, so that the refractive function of the optical lens is significantly affected.

[0099] When the optical device is placed in the second configuration (CFG2), the pressure exerted by the first fluid in the first sealed cavity (401) exceeds the pressure in the first sealed cavity when the optical device is placed in the first configuration (CFG1). As a result, the volume of the first sealed cavity (401) expands and the movable element (300) is held in a second position disengaged from the optical lens shell (100).

[0100] The distance between the first position and the second position may be, for example, approximately 20 μm. In practice, a solar, colored, or photochromic solution approximately 20 μm thick is sufficient to absorb light to avoid glare and allow a user to comfortably view scenes under sunlight conditions. The volume of the first sealed cavity (401) can be calculated based on the shape and size of the lens so that it has such a thickness in the second configuration (CFG2). For example, if the optical lens is circular and has a diameter of 70 mm, the volume of the first cavity (401) in the second configuration (CFG2) is approximately equal to 0.07 mL. For example, if the optical lens is circular and has a diameter of 35 mm, the volume of the first cavity (401) in the second configuration (CFG2) is approximately equal to 0.02 mL. This calculated volume is also the minimum required volume of the fluid reservoir or cartridge so that it can be filled with the first fluid in the first configuration (CFG1).

[0101] The optical device is reversibly switchable between a first configuration (CFG1) and a second configuration (CFG2) by controlling the amount of first fluid that can fill the first sealed cavity (401).

[0102] If the amount corresponds to a fluid pressure below a predetermined threshold, the optical device is in a first configuration (CFG1), and if the amount exceeds the predetermined threshold, the optical device is in a second configuration (CFG2).

[0103] For example, in a first configuration (CFG1), a first fluid in an amount at least equal to a predetermined value may be contained in a fluid reservoir coupled to a fluid inlet (500), the fluid reservoir itself being coupled to a first fluid cavity (401) that is empty of the first fluid. The optical instrument may be switched to a second configuration (CFG2) by transferring a quantity of first fluid equal to the predetermined value from the fluid reservoir through the fluid inlet (500) to the first fluid cavity (401). The optical instrument may then be switched back to the first configuration (CFG1) by transferring a quantity of first fluid equal to the predetermined value from the first fluid cavity (401) back to the fluid reservoir through the fluid inlet (500).

[0104] The radius of the inner surface of the optical lens shell (100) may be slightly smaller or slightly different than the radius of the inner surface of the movable element (300), which can facilitate extraction of fluid in the first sealed cavity (401) when switching the optical article from the second configuration (CFG2) to the first configuration (CFG1).

[0105] The optical article may include different types of controllable elements for switching between the first and second configurations (CFG1, CFG2). Indeed, the command may be manual, such as by pressing a button or moving a slider, or electronic. The switching may be limited to a binary selection between the first and second configurations (CFG1, CFG2). Alternatively, the optical article may allow the level of the first fluid in the first sealed cavity (401) to be switched in a discrete or continuous manner to and from one or more intermediate configurations in which the level is greater than in the first configuration (CFG1) but less than in the second configuration (CFG2). For example, the fluid inlet (500) may be coupled to a fluid supply system including a controllable element configured to allow the wearer to vary the level of the first fluid in the first sealed cavity (401) and, in turn, vary the transmission level, for example, if the first fluid absorbs part of the visible light spectrum.

[0106] Reference is now made to Figure 3, which illustrates another exemplary optical device that differs from that shown in Figure 1 in that the optical device includes a deformable membrane (310) attached to the inner surface of the movable rigid element (300). For example, the deformable membrane (310) is a transparent, flexible film.

[0107] In this example, the optical device is adapted to enclose a fluid within a first sealed cavity (401) defined by the inner surface of the movable element (300) and the deformable membrane (310).

[0108] In this example, the fluid inlet (500) coupled to the internal cavity (401) is a channel that traverses not only the support element (200) but also the movable element (300).

[0109] This configuration therefore differs from the configuration of the exemplary optical device shown in Figure 1, which does not include such a deformable membrane, the first sealed cavity (401) is defined by the inner surface of the movable element (300) and the optical lens shell (101), and the fluid inlet (500) does not need to include a channel portion that penetrates the movable element (300).

[0110] Another possible arrangement of the fluid inlet 500 is a channel, such as a grove or bubble, that is fully embedded in the movable element 300 and connects the internal cavity 401 with a fluid reservoir, which may also be embedded in the peripheral part of the movable element 300. The volume of the fluid reservoir is predetermined to allow it to be filled with a predetermined amount of the first fluid.

[0111] Means for maintaining an appropriate pressure in the first sealed cavity and in the fluid tank will not be described here, but various options are known to those skilled in the art and / or can be derived, for example, from the field of ballpoint pens, which also face the problem of maintaining an appropriate pressure in microfluidic systems.

[0112] The surfaces in contact with the first fluid may be hydrophobic to facilitate removal of said fluid when switching the optical article between different configurations. This applies to fluid reservoirs, rigid elements, deformable membranes, support elements, fluid inlets, optical lens shells, etc.

[0113] It may be appropriate to increase the wettability of the surfaces that come into contact with the first fluid so that the surface energy of these surfaces is higher than that of the first fluid, ensuring that droplets and bubbles are absent when the fluid is removed. Oxygen plasma activation techniques may be used for this purpose. Another possibility is to include a surfactant in the composition of the fluid.

[0114] In the example of FIG. 3, the optical device is shown in a first configuration (CFG1) in which the movable element (300) is passively held relative to the optical lens shell (100).

[0115] The respective shapes of the movable element 300, the support element 200, and the optical lens shell 100 can be selected so that in the first configuration, the inner surfaces of the movable element 300 and the optical lens shell 100 cooperate to tightly sandwich the deformable membrane 310. For example, the membrane can be made of a tinted material. In this configuration, the thickness is uniform, and the thickness of the tinted material is uniform across the lens surface, and therefore the tint is uniform.

[0116] The film can be designed to prevent the formation of folds that would degrade the optical quality of the optical article, whatever its configuration, and for this purpose the thickness of the film can be chosen to be greater than a certain threshold, which is a function of the material from which the film is made, so as to provide sufficient stiffness.

[0117] Alternatively, the respective shapes of the movable element 300, the support element 200, and the optical lens shell 100 can be selected such that, in the first configuration (CFG1), a hollow chamber is formed between the inner surface of the movable element 300 and the inner surface of the optical lens shell 100. The position of the deformable membrane 310 within the hollow chamber in the first configuration (CFG1) can be predetermined. For example, the pressure within the first sealed cavity 401 can be selected to allow the deformable membrane 310 to rest on the inner surface 101 of the optical lens shell 100. Alternatively, the pressure within the first sealed cavity 401 can be set to a slight vacuum to hold the deformable membrane 310 against the inner surface of the movable element 300.

[0118] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which shows the same exemplary optical apparatus as FIG. 3, but now in a second configuration (CFG2).

[0119] In the second configuration (CFG2), the first sealed cavity (401) is filled with a predetermined amount of a first fluid, similar to the exemplary optical device shown in FIG.

[0120] The volume of the first sealed cavity (401) is larger in the second configuration (CFG2) than in the first configuration (CFG1). In the second configuration, the deformable membrane (310) is released from the inner surface of the movable element (300) and is supported on the inner surface (101) of the optical lens shell (100). Due to the pressure exerted by the first fluid in the first sealed cavity (401), the movable element (300) is therefore released from the optical lens shell (100).

[0121] Controlling the optical article to switch between the first configuration (CFG1) and the second configuration (CFG2) can be performed either manually, such as by manually exerting pressure on the movable element (300), or electronically using a piezoelectric controller.

[0122] In this example, the deformable membrane may have a uniform or non-uniform thickness.

[0123] The uniform thickness of the film (300) allows it to provide the desired optical function over the entire field of view without having to compensate for the inherent optical properties, such as the transmission properties, of the film (300).

[0124] The non-uniform thickness of the membrane (300) and / or the aspherical shape of the inner surface of the movable element (200) can be selected so that the width of the first sealed cavity (401) is also non-uniform. Thus, depending on the optical properties of the first fluid, in the second configuration (CFG2) it is possible, for example, to provide a non-uniform tint over the entire field of view or to introduce local optical power deviations.

[0125] In general, the shape of the membrane is a parameter that can be predetermined to help provide a desired optical function. Indeed, it can be useful for optical lens manufacturers to manufacture deformable membranes with non-uniform thicknesses. Indeed, designing membranes with non-uniform thicknesses allows optical lens manufacturers to provide optical devices with optical functions that are fine-tuned to fit specific customer needs, even if the shape and thickness of the optical lens shell (100) and movable element (300) are common.

[0126] Reference is now made to Figure 5, which shows another exemplary optical device that differs from that shown in Figure 1 in that the movable element (300) is a deformable membrane (310) rather than a rigid element.

[0127] The membrane (310) is attached to the support element (200) and is deformable between a first position and a second position.

[0128] The membrane (310) has an inner surface that defines a first sealed cavity (401) with the inner surface (101) of the optical lens shell (100). The membrane (310) further has an outer surface opposite the inner surface.

[0129] The optical device may further include a rigid element (110) mounted on the support element (200) and disposed in a fixed position relative to the optical lens shell (100). When the optical device includes such a rigid element (110), the rigid element (110) has an inner surface (111) that defines the second sealed cavity (402) together with the outer surface of the membrane (310). The rigid element (110) further has an outer surface (112) opposite the inner surface (111).

[0130] Moreover, the sum of the volumes of the first cavity (401) and the second cavity (402) can be fixed as a result of the optical lens shell (100), the rigid element (110) and the support element all being non-deformable, so any deformation of the membrane (310) that increases the volume of the first cavity (401) will also decrease the volume of the second cavity (402) and vice versa.

[0131] The optical device may further include another fluid inlet 510 as a channel traversing the support element 200 and connecting the second sealed cavity 402 with the exterior of the optical lens. The exterior of the optical lens may here define, for example, a valve within the support element 200 to maintain the second sealed cavity under ambient air pressure. Alternatively, the exterior of the optical lens may define a sealing element such as a fluid reservoir that may be attached, e.g., embedded in or removably attached to the support element 200.

[0132] In the example of FIG. 5, the optical device is shown in a first configuration (CFG1) in which the inner surface of the membrane (310) is passively held against the inner surface (101) of the optical lens shell (100).

[0133] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, in which the optical arrangement shown in FIG. 5 is placed in a second configuration (CFG2).

[0134] The amount of first fluid filling the first cavity (401) is increased in the second configuration (CFG2) compared to the first configuration (CFG1). As a result, the membrane (310) deforms and releases from the inner surface (101) of the optical lens shell (100), allowing the volume of the first cavity (401) to expand.

[0135] If the optical device includes a second cavity (402), the second sealed cavity (402) may be filled with a predetermined amount of counter-pressure fluid that exerts a counter-pressure on the membrane (310) that counteracts the pressure exerted by the first fluid in the first sealed cavity (401). Switching the optical device from the first configuration (CFG1) to the second configuration (CFG2) is performed by controlling the pressure difference between the first cavity (401) and the second cavity (402) or by controlling the amount of the first fluid in the first cavity (401) and / or the counter-pressure fluid in the second cavity (402), respectively.

[0136] The difference between the respective optical functions provided by the optical device in the first configuration (CFG1) and the second configuration (CFG2) is affected by the optical properties of the first fluid and the counter-pressure fluid and the shape of the membrane (310).

[0137] For simplicity, the following examples assume that in each configuration, only one of the cavities is filled with fluid.

[0138] More precisely, in the first configuration (CFG1), the first cavity (401) is devoid of any fluid and the second cavity is filled with a counter-pressure fluid.

[0139] In the second configuration (CFG2), the first cavity (401) is filled with a first fluid, while the second cavity is devoid of any fluid.

[0140] Furthermore, assume that both the first fluid and the counter pressure fluid have different but varying transmissions of visible light, for example, their refractive indices or their visible light absorption spectra may be different.

[0141] Further, for simplicity, the inner surface (101) of the optical lens shell (100) is - if the membrane (310) is designed to have a uniform thickness, then in a second configuration (CFG2), the inner surface of the membrane (310) coincides with the inner surface (101) of the optical lens shell (100) and the width of the first cavity (401) is uniform; - If the membrane (310) is designed to have a non-uniform thickness, then in a second configuration (CFG2) the inner surface of the membrane (310) is assumed to be spherical, including convex and concave portions that do not match the inner surface (101) of the optical lens shell (100), and the width of the first cavity (401) is non-uniform.

[0142] For example, the first fluid and, optionally, the counter-pressure fluid can be selected based on their transmission spectra to filter at least a portion of the visible light spectrum. As a result, in the second configuration (CFG2), at least a portion of the visible light spectrum is filtered by the optical device. In addition, the membrane (310) can have a non-uniform thickness, resulting in a non-uniform width of the first cavity (401) containing the first fluid that filters at least a portion of the visible light spectrum. As a result, in the second configuration (CFG2), the optical device has a non-uniform transmission function.

[0143] For example, the first fluid and, optionally, the counter-pressure fluid may be colored. As a result, in the second configuration (CFG2), the optical article is colored. If the membrane (310) has a non-uniform thickness, the width of the first cavity (401) will also be non-uniform, and the optical device will have a non-uniform color. Furthermore, if the refractive indices of the counter-pressure fluid, the membrane (310), and the first fluid are approximately equal, the refractive function provided by the optical article in both configurations (CFG1, CFG2) will not change even if the membrane (310) has a non-uniform thickness.

[0144] For example, the first fluid and the counter-pressure fluid may have substantially different refractive indices. In this context, substantially different refractive indices are defined as exhibiting a difference of 0.03 or more, possibly 0.06 or more, and possibly 0.10 or more. As a result, in the second configuration (CFG2), the optical article has a different refractive function than in the first configuration (CFG1). In addition, the film (310) may have a non-uniform thickness to introduce localized refractive power variations in the second configuration (CFG2).

[0145] To illustrate this last point, consider, for example, that the refractive indices of the first fluid and membrane (310) are approximately equal, and the refractive index of the counterpressure fluid is approximately different from both of them.

[0146] In this example, in the first configuration (CFG1), due to the difference in refractive index between the counter pressure fluid and the membrane (310) and the non-uniform thickness of the membrane (310) held on the optical lens shell (100), the overall optical power provided by the optical article is a function of the shapes of the optical lens shell (100) and the membrane (310).

[0147] In the second configuration (CFG2), due to the refractive index of the film (310) and the refractive index of the first fluid being approximately equal and the absence of any counter-pressure fluid in the second sealed cavity, the overall optical power provided by the optical article is a function only of the shape of the optical lens shell (100).

[0148] More generally, by using a first fluid with refractive index n2 in the first cavity (401) and a counter-pressure fluid with refractive index n4 different from n2 in the second cavity (402), combined with the use of a membrane (310) with non-uniform thickness and refractive index n3, it is possible to control the optical power provided as follows: - In the first configuration (CFG1), P(x,y) = (n2-n3).C(x,y) and P(x,y) = (n2-n3).C(x,y). - In the second configuration (CFG2), Px(x,y)=(n3-n4).C(x,y) and P(x,y)=(n3-n4).C(x,y).

[0149] These equations are established with respect to a reference frame that includes a first direction X and a second direction Y that is perpendicular to the first direction X, and any location on the surface of the optical article is identified by its abscissa x and ordinate y.

[0150] P(x,y) denotes the refractive power provided by the optical article in a first direction X at a position (x,y). P(x,y) denotes the refractive power in a second direction Y at a position (x,y). C(x,y)=d 2 E(x,y) / d 2 and C(x,y)=d 2 E(x,y) / d 2 and E(x,y) is the thickness of the film at position (x,y).

[0151] Of course, by combining a membrane (310) with a non-uniform thickness with a fluid with a tint, it is possible to obtain a change in refractive power and a change in transmission function between both configurations (CFG1, CFG2).

[0152] Reference is now made to Figure 7, which illustrates an example of a fluid supply element that may be coupled to the fluid inlet (500) of any of the exemplary optical instruments described above. The fluid supply element may, for example, be embedded within the support element (200).

[0153] The fluid supply element includes at least a first fluid reservoir (701). In a first configuration (CFG1) of the optical instrument, the first fluid reservoir is filled with at least a predetermined amount of a first fluid.

[0154] The first fluid tank (701) contains a controllable element (601), such as a piston, that pushes fluid from the fluid tank (701) towards the fluid inlet (500) or sucks fluid from the fluid inlet (500) back into the fluid tank (701).

[0155] Another possible configuration is described below. In this configuration, the fluid reservoir 701 and the movable element 300 themselves can be used as the controllable element 601. The fluid reservoir 701 can be made of a deformable material. A user can therefore simply exert pressure on the fluid reservoir 701, reducing its volume and forcing the fluid initially filling the reservoir toward the fluid inlet 500, thereby switching the optical device from the first configuration (CFG1) to the second configuration (CFG2). In addition, an optical lens arrangement such as the exemplary optical lens shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can allow a user to exert pressure on the movable element 300 to compress the first cavity 401 and force the first fluid back into the first fluid reservoir 701, thereby switching the optical device from the second configuration (CFG2) back to the first configuration (CFG1).

[0156] The fluid supply element may further include a second fluid reservoir (702). In the first and second configurations (CFG2) of the optical instrument, the second fluid reservoir is filled with at least a predetermined amount of a second fluid selected to alter the transmission of visible light differently than the first fluid.

[0157] The fluid supply element may further include several additional fluid reservoirs, limited only by volume requirements.

[0158] Some examples of tank volumes and dimensions are disclosed below.

[0159] A 50 μm thick cavity extending over the entire surface of an optical lens with a diameter of 70 mm requires a fluid volume of 0.19 mL. This volume can fill a cylindrical cartridge with dimensions of 2.8 × 30 mm placed in the reservoir tube or the arm of an eyeglass frame, or a spherical reservoir with a radius of 75 μm placed inside the moving element. The force and power required to move the fluid in the reservoir are 321 mN and 9.6 mW, respectively.

[0160] A 50 μm thick cavity extending across the entire surface of an optical lens with a diameter of 35 mm requires a fluid volume of 0.05 mL. This volume can fill a reservoir tube or a cylindrical cartridge with dimensions of 1.4 × 30 mm. The force and power required to move the fluid within the cartridge are 80 mN and 2.4 mW, respectively.

[0161] A 20 μm thick cavity extending over the entire surface of an optical lens with a diameter of 70 mm requires a fluid volume of 0.07 mL. This volume can fill a reservoir tube or a cylindrical cartridge with dimensions of 1.8 × 30 mm or a spherical reservoir with a radius of 47 μm placed inside the moving element. The force and power required to move the fluid in the cartridge are 128 mN and 3.85 mW, respectively.

[0162] A 20 μm thick cavity extending across the entire surface of an optical lens with a diameter of 35 mm requires a fluid volume of 0.02 mL. This volume can fill a reservoir tube or a cylindrical cartridge with dimensions of 0.9 × 30 mm. The force and power required to move the fluid within the cartridge are 32 mN and 0.96 mW, respectively.

[0163] The fluid supply element may further include a selector (800) configured to selectively couple the fluid inlet (500) with either the first fluid reservoir (701) or the second fluid reservoir (702).

[0164] The fluid supply element may further be switchable between a first configuration (CFG1) and a third configuration, in which the first sealed cavity (401) is filled with a predetermined amount of a second fluid and the movable element (300) is held in a second position by pressure exerted by the second fluid in the first sealed cavity (401). [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 100 Optical Lens Shells 101 Inside 102 Exterior 110 Rigidity Element 111 Inside 112 External surface 200 Support Elements 300 moving elements 310 Deformable Membrane 400 First sealed cavity 401 First sealed cavity 402 Second Sealed Cavity 500 fluid inlet 510 Fluid inlet 601 Controllable Elements 701 First fluid tank 702 Second Fluid Tank 800 Selector

Claims

1. - An optical lens shell having an inner surface and an outer surface; a support element on which the optical lens shell is mounted, the support element being arranged in a fixed position and movably mounting a movable element between a first position and a second position, in which the movable element is released from the optical lens shell; a first sealed cavity arranged between the movable element and the inner surface of the optical lens shell, the first sealed cavity being coupled to a fluid inlet adapted to adjust the amount of fluid in the first sealed cavity; An optical article comprising: - the optical article is switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration; in said first configuration, said movable element is passively held in said first position; in said second configuration, said first sealed cavity is filled with a predetermined amount of a first fluid that is colored and that modifies the transmission of visible light, and said movable element is held in said second position by pressure exerted by said first fluid in said first sealed cavity; - said movable element is a rigid element having an outer surface and an inner surface; a deformable membrane is attached to the inner surface of the rigid element and is held in contact and pressed against the inner surface of the optical lens shell in the first configuration; an optical article, wherein the first sealed cavity is defined by the deformable membrane and an internal surface of the rigid element.

2. 2. The optical article of claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet is coupled to a controllable element for switching the optical article from the first configuration to the second configuration by moving a predetermined amount of the first fluid from a first fluid tank to the first sealed cavity, and / or from the second configuration to the first configuration by moving the predetermined amount of the first fluid from the first sealed cavity to the first fluid tank.

3. switchable between the first and third configurations; in the third configuration, the first sealed cavity is filled with a predetermined amount of a second fluid, and the movable element is held in the second position by pressure exerted by the second fluid in the first sealed cavity; and 2. The optical article of claim 1, wherein the second fluid alters the propagation of visible light differently from the first fluid by having a refractive index different from that of the first fluid and / or a visible light absorption spectrum different from that of the second fluid.

4. - An optical article as described in claim 3, further comprising a selector configured to selectively couple the fluid inlet with a first fluid tank (701) containing the predetermined amount of the first fluid or a second fluid tank containing the predetermined amount of the second fluid.

5. The optical article of claim 1 , wherein in the first configuration, the pressure inside the first sealed cavity is set to a value below atmospheric pressure.

6. 1. A method for controlling an optical article, the optical article comprising: an optical lens shell having an inner surface and an outer surface; a support element on which the optical lens shell is mounted, the support element being arranged in a fixed position and movably mounting a movable element between a first position and a second position, in which the movable element is released from the optical lens shell; a first sealed cavity disposed between the movable element and the inner surface of the optical lens shell, the first sealed cavity being coupled to a fluid inlet adapted to adjust the amount of fluid in the first sealed cavity; Including, the method comprises switching the optical article between a first configuration and a second configuration; in said first configuration, said movable element is passively held in said first position; in said second configuration, said first sealed cavity is filled with a predetermined amount of a first fluid that is colored and that modifies the transmission of visible light, and said movable element is held in said second position by pressure exerted by said first fluid in said first sealed cavity; - said movable element is a rigid element having an outer surface and an inner surface; a deformable membrane is attached to the inner surface of the rigid element and is held in contact and pressed against the inner surface of the optical lens shell in the first configuration; and - the method, wherein the first sealed cavity is defined by the deformable membrane and an inner surface of the rigid element.

7. the optical article further comprises a selector configured to selectively couple the fluid inlet with a first fluid reservoir containing the predetermined amount of the first fluid or a second fluid reservoir containing a predetermined amount of a second fluid that modifies the transmission of visible light differently than the first fluid; the method comprises switching the optical article between the first and third configurations; 7. The method of claim 6, wherein in the third configuration, the first sealed cavity is filled with the predetermined amount of the second fluid, and the movable element is held in the second position by pressure exerted by the second fluid in the first sealed cavity.

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