Flexible electronic eyewear system

Abstract

A flexible electronic eyewear system (100) includes a flexible support element (105) having left and right openings (116L,116R) and left and right electronically active lens assemblies (102L,102R). Each electronically active lens assembly (102L,102R) respectively includes a frame structure (103L,103R) attached to a front side of the flexible support element (105) and an electronically active lens (101L,101R) attached to the respective frame structure (103L,103R). The left and right electronically active lens assemblies (102L,102R) are spaced apart from each other and positioned in functional alignment with the left and right openings (116L,116R). The space between the left and right electronically active lens assemblies (102L,102R) corresponds to an eyewear bridge area (106) having at least 5° reversible flexibility in at least a first dimension.

Description

FLEXIBLE ELECTRONIC EYEWEAR SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and any other benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 664,009, entitled FLEXIBLE ELECTRONIC EYEWEAR SYSTEM, filed June 25, 2024, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 672,093, entitled LENS STRUCTURES AND OPTICAL SYSTEMS, filed July 16, 2024, the entire disclosures of which are fully incorporated herein by referenceTECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to flexible electronic eyewear. Such eyewear systems may include goggles that are used by aviators, military personnel, law enforcement, or sports enthusiasts.BACKGROUND

[0003] Eyewear with electronically active lenses have many possible uses. In some cases, electronically active lenses may have a variable light transmission function that allows the user to darken the lens, e.g., in bright sunlight. Not only can this increase the general comfort of the wearer, but such functionality may also be critical in situations requiring keen vision, as may be experienced by aviators, military personnel, law enforcement officers, sports enthusiasts, or the like.

[0004] Functional eyewear with electronically active lenses in some cases may be relatively expensive, particularly for high-pcrformancc devices. As a result, it may be advantageous for a single device to be shared by multiple users. Alternatively, to bring costs down, it may be advantageous if a single product design can be mass-produced that is usable by a large number of people. However, either of these scenarios creates challenges due to the wide variety in the size and proportion of facial features. In some cases, it is necessary for the eyewear to fit snuggly on the face so as to eliminate hazardous environmental elements such as dust, fumes, chemicals, electromagnetic radiation, or the like. Maintaining personal hygiene can also be a challenge with shared eyewear.

[0005] Another common drawback of functional eyewear having electronically active lenses is the positioning and weight of electronic components. In certain situations, there may be limited space available. For example, the functional eyewear may need to fit under a tight-fitting visor or helmet, and the electronics are often housed externally and connected by an inconvenient chord.The external housing is subject to being lost and the chord is at risk of severing or causing discomfort to the user. Sometimes, electronic components arc provided on the eyewear, but in an inconvenient place, or they are simply aesthetically unpleasing.

[0006] Thus, there is a desire for electronic eyewear that can address one or more of the issues noted above.SUMMARY

[0007] At least some of the above identified problems can be solved by features of the present disclosure.

[0008] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a flexible electronic eyewear system includes a flexible support element having left and right openings and left and right electronically active lens assemblies. Each lens assembly includes a frame structure attached to a front side of the flexible support element and an electronically active lens attached to the respective frame structure. The left and right electronically active lens assemblies are spaced apart from each other and positioned in functional alignment with the left and right openings. The space between the left and right electronically active lens assemblies corresponds to an eyewear bridge area having greater than 5° reversible flexibility in at least a first dimension.

[0009] In some aspects, the flexible support may include a flexible circuit board. In some aspects, the flexible electronic eyewear system may be a modular eyewear system including front and rear optical assemblies.

[0010] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a flexible electronic package for use in an electronic eyewear system is provided. The flexible electronic package may include a front flexible support sublayer including left and right openings, a rear flexible support sublayer including left and right openings, in functional alignment with the openings of the front flexible support sublayer; and a flexible circuit board. At least a portion of the flexible circuit board is interposed between the front and rear flexible support sublayers.

[0011] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a modular eyewear system is provided that may include a front optical assembly having a front lens unit, a front frame unit supporting the front lens unit, and a front attachment component. The modular eyewear system may further include a rear optical assembly interposed between the front optical assembly and a wearer’s face. The rear optical assembly may include a rear lens unit, a rear frame unit supporting the rear lens unit, and a rear attachment component. The front attachment component cooperates with therear attachment component to form an attachment mechanism for detachable attachment of the rear optical assembly to the front optical assembly such that, when the rear optical assembly is attached to the front optical assembly, a portion of the rear frame unit is positioned within the front frame unit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of the components of left and right electronically active lens assemblies according to some non-limiting examples.

[0013] FIG. IB is a front view of left and right electronically active lens assemblies according to some non-limiting examples.

[0014] FIG. 2A is a perspective rear-side view of a flexible support element according to some non-limiting examples.

[0015] FIG. 2B is a front view of the flexible support element attached to left and right lens assemblies according to some non-limiting examples.

[0016] FIG. 3A is an exploded view illustrating various components of a flexible electronic eyewear system according to some non-limiting examples.

[0017] FIG. 3B is a top view and FIG. 3C is a perspective side view of a flexible electronic eyewear system according to some non-limiting examples.

[0018] FIG. 3D and FIG. 3E are top views of a flexible electronic eyewear before and after flexing according to some non-limiting examples.

[0019] FIG. 3F is a front view and FIG. 3G is a top view of left and right lens assemblies connected by a hinge mechanism according to some non-limiting examples.

[0020] FIG. 3H is a front view and FIG. 31 is a top view of left and right lens assemblies connected by a flexible coupler according to some non-limiting examples.

[0021] FIG. 3 J is a top view of left and right frame structures that may be touching or connected according to some non-limiting examples.

[0022] FIG. 3K is a top view of another non-limiting example of left and right frame structures that may be touching or connected.

[0023] FIG. 4A is a perspective rear-side view of flexible electronic package according to some non-limiting examples.

[0024] FIG. 4B is perspective, exploded rear-side view of flexible electronic package according to some non-limiting examples.

[0025] FTG. 4C is a perspective rear-side view of a flexible circuit board according to some non-limiting examples.

[0026] FIG. 5A is a perspective front-side view of a left frame structure illustrating frame slide switch as assembled into the frame structure according to some non-limiting examples.

[0027] FIG. 5B is a perspective rear-side view of a left frame structure showing how a battery or other energy storage element may be included according to some non-limiting examples.

[0028] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of a non-limiting example of a modular eyewear system, expanded to illustrate its front optical assembly and rear optical assembly.

[0029] FIG. 6C is an exploded view of a non-limiting example of a rear optical assembly.

[0030] FIG. 6D is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a rear optical assembly.

[0031] FIG. 6E is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a modular eyewear system.

[0032] FIGS. 6F and 6G are cross-sectional schematics showing a non-limiting example of how the front and rear optical assemblies may fit together when in use.

[0033] FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of some other non-limiting examples of modular eyewear systems, expanded to show their respective front and rear optical assemblies.

[0034] FIG. 8 A is an expanded perspective view of a non-limiting example of a multi-lens structure.

[0035] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a multi-lens structure.

[0036] FIGS. 8C - 8F are cross-sectional views along cutline C-C of FIG. 8B illustrating some non-limiting examples multi-lens structures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of the components of left and right electronically active lens assemblies according to some non-limiting examples. FIG. IB is a front view of left and right electronically active lens assemblies. Unless otherwise noted, throughout the present disclosure, the term “front” as used herein generally refers to a position away from a user’s head or face, and similarly, the term “rear” generally refers to a position towards the user’s head or face. Unless otherwise noted, throughout the present disclosure, the terms “left” and “rear'” are from the perspective of the person wearing the eyewear system. The terms “left” and “right” may be substituted with the terms “first” and “second”, respectively. In some examples, a flexible eyewear system includes left and right electronically active lens assemblies, 102L and 102R, respectively. Each lens assembly includes a frame structure (left frame structure 103L and rightframe structure 103R) that supports its respective electronically active lens (left electronically active lens 101L and right electronically active lens 101R). In other words, the left frame structure 103L supports the left electronically active lens 101L, and the right frame structure 103R supports the right electronically active lens 101R. For convenience, the electronically active lens assemblies may sometimes be referred to herein simply as lens assemblies.

[0038] The term “electronically active lens” or “active lens” refers to an electronically active optical element, such as a liquid crystal cell, an electro-chromic cell or any other electronically active optical device whose properties can be altered by application of a current or voltage. Some non-limiting examples include an electronically active tinting lens (e.g., e-tint®), a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) or similar lens, a near-eye display, or the like. The electronically active lens may in some cases include an electronic optical device laminated or otherwise attached to a passive (non-electronic) lens carrier, e.g., made from glass or plastic. If used, a lens carrier may optionally be a prescription lens. The lens carrier may be clear or tinted or act as a polarizer.

[0039] The rear side of the frame structure 103L,103R may optionally include pins 109 or other alignment or attachment features that may be used to align or attach the frame structure to other eyewear elements. The frame structure may optionally include one or more head attachment anchors 104, for example, having one or more slots or other features, that may cooperate with one or more straps (not shown) or other fasteners to provide a head attachment mechanism. Such head attachment mechanism may be used to secure the eyewear to the wearer’s head - either directly (e.g., by attaching directly to the head such as by a strap) or indirectly (e.g. by attaching to a helmet or other head gear). Head and helmet attachment mechanisms are also discussed elsewhere herein.

[0040] FIG. 2A is a perspective rear-side view of a flexible support element 105 according to some non-limiting examples. Flexible support element 105 is discussed elsewhere herein and may include a single layer of material or alternatively have a multilayer structure. In some cases, flexible support element 105 includes a multilayer structure that includes various electrical components. Flexible support element 105 includes left opening 116L and right opening 116R. FIG. 2B is a front view of the flexible support element attached to left and right lens assemblies. Each lens assembly 102L and 102R is attached to the front side of flexible support element 105 in functional alignment with the left and right openings 116L, 116R, and spaced apart from eachother. As used throughout the present disclosure, “functional alignment” may in some cases mean that the flexible support element openings arc sufficiently aligned with the lens or lens assemblies so that the flexible support element does not significantly block light or images coming through the lenses, e.g., as perceived by a wearer, the flexible support element blocks less than 20%, alternatively less than 10%, or alternatively less than 5%, of the light coming through the lens as compared to when the flexible support element is not present. In some cases, functional alignment may mean that alignment or attachment features on the lens assembly and / or flexible support are aligned to provide the function of alignment and / or attachment. Functional alignment does not necessarily require that the left and right lens assemblies are located precisely in the exact center of the left and right openings.

[0041] Flexible support element 105 may optionally include alignment or attachment features that are complementary to alignment or attachment features that are optionally provided on the frame structure. The alignment / attachment features on the frame structure and flexible support element may be collectively referred to herein as a set of complementary alignment features or a set of attachment features. For example, the flexible support element 105 may include holes 114 that align with pins 109 of the frame structure that guide and / or aid attachment. The pins and holes collectively constitute a set of complementary alignment or attachment features. Other non-limiting examples sets of complementary alignment / attachment features may include the use of, tabs and slots, hook-and-loop fasteners (“HAL fastener”, commonly referred to as Velcro®), magnets, or the like. In some embodiments, attachment of the frame support structure to the flexible support element may include the use of adhesives, double sided tape, thermal polymers, heat, or the like. In some embodiments, the attachment may be reversible, such that the flexible support element 105 can be detached from the lens assembly (a detachable attachment). Such detachable attachments may include physical, chemical (detachable or tacky adhesive), magnetic, or any other mechanism known in the ail that can detachably attach one component to another. Some non-limiting examples of a physical attachment mechanism include HAL fasteners. This may allow for easy replacement of a damaged or faulty lens assembly or flexible support element. The space or region of the flexible support element between the left and right lens assemblies corresponds to an eyewear bridge area 106. This bridge area allows for flexibility in one or more dimensions as discussed elsewhere herein.

[0042] FTG. 3 A is an exploded view illustrating various components of a flexible electronic eyewear system according to some non-limiting examples. Flexible electronic eyewear system 100 includes flexible support element 105 and left and right electronically active lens assemblies 102L, 102R as previously discussed. FIG. 3A further illustrates a face gasket structure 124 attached to the rear side of the flexible support element 105. In some cases, the face gasket structure 124 may be permanently affixed to the flexible support element, e.g., by use of adhesives, double sided tape, thermal polymers, heat, or the like. In some examples, the attachment may be detachable, such that the face gasket structure 124 may optionally be detached from the flexible support element 105, e.g., to allow for cleaning and reattachment, for replacement with another face gasket structure, or for some other reason. Such detachable attachments may include physical, chemical (detachable or tacky adhesive), magnetic, or any other mechanism known in the art that can detachably attach one component to another. Some non-limiting examples of a physical attachment mechanism include a hook-and-loop (“HAL fastener”) set of materials, for example HAL fasteners commonly referred to as Velcro® or the like. In some cases, the face gasket structure 124 may include holes that align with pins 109 of the frame that (if used) may extend through the flexible support element 105. Although shown as a unitary element, the face gasket structure may instead include separate left and right components.

[0043] A non-limiting example of a detachable attachment is shown in FIG. 3A, where attachment mechanism 108 may be used for attaching and optionally detaching the face gasket structure 124. For example, attachment mechanism 108 may include a first attachment component 118 provided on the rear- side of flexible support element 105, and a second attachment component 128 provided on a front side of the face gasket structure 124. The first and second attachment components cooperate to provide the attachment. FIG. 3A shows the first and second attachment components 118 and 128 are depicted as present on four discrete areas of flexible support element 105 and face gasket structure 124, respectively. However, it should be noted that first and second attachment components, 118 and 128, can have any number and be present in any location, and can cover a partial area, or the full area of flexible support element 105 and / or face gasket structure 124. For detachable versions, attachment mechanism 108 may include physical, chemical (detachable or tacky adhesive), magnetic, or any other mechanism known in the art that can detachably attach one component to another. Some non-limitingexamples of a physical attachment mechanism include a hook-and-loop (“HAL fastener”) set of materials, for example HAL fasteners commonly referred to as Velcro® or the like. Some other non-limiting examples of physical attachment mechanisms may include a snap assembly, a button / hole assembly, a zipper assembly, a tab / slot assembly, a pin / notch assembly, a lace / hole assembly, or the like.

[0044] A desirable feature of the present flexible eyewear system is to include a degree of flexibility to ensure the fit of the system against a wearer’s face. The flexible electronic eyewear system may be designed so that it can be flexed in at least one dimension (e.g., bent or twisted as described below) at least at a bridge area 106. FIG. 3B is a top view and FIG. 3C is a perspective side view of flexible electronic eyewear system 100. Non-limiting XYZ axes are added for additional perspective. The flexible support element 105 and face gasket structure 124 are generally more flexible than the frame structure. For example, in some cases, under a similar load or flexing pressure, the flexible support element and / or face gasket structure, may bend or flex in more dimensions (along more axes) than the frame structure, or may be capable of being flexed more so than the frame structure in at least one dimension or axis, e.g., at least 10% more with respect to an appropriate dimensional metric such as a bend angle or the like. Flexible eyewear bridge area 106 may allow easy lateral flexing (pivoting approximately around the z- axis at eyewear bridge area 106) toward the wearer’s face (arrows 111 in FIG. 3B) or away from the wearer’s face (arrows 112 in FIG. 3B). The lateral flexing direction may correspond to flexibility in a first dimension, which in this non-limiting example, is approximately the x-y plane about the z-axis. This may allow the eyewear system to fit well amongst a variety of wearers having differently sized and shaped faces. Flexible eye wear bridge area 106 may also allow flexing in another dimension, e.g., a twisting flex (arrows 113, FIG. 3C, approximately around the x-axis at eyewear bridge area 106) between the right and left frame segments. Such twisting flex may provide a similar set of advantages as described above with respect to the lateral flexing. In some cases (not shown), the flexible bridge area can flex or be adjustable such that the right and left lens assemblies 102R / 102L can be deliberately moved closer or further apart from each other to fit different face shapes or to accommodate different eye distances. The twisting flex direction may correspond to flexibility in a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension, which in this non-limiting example, is approximately the y-z plane about the x-axis.

[0045] The position or orientation of left and right lens assemblies may sometimes be characterized by a plane. FIG. 3D is a top view of the left and right lens assemblies 102L and 102R according to some non-limiting examples. The lens assemblies may be similar to those illustrated in FIG. 3B, but for clarity, the face gasket structure 124 and some other part labels are omitted or not labelled. The left and right lens assemblies 102L and 102R may be characterized by a plane (151L, 151R) that is, for example, tangential to the center of the corresponding electronically active lens. Note that this is just one example, and many other planes may be created and used to characterize the lens assemblies. The planes may be characterized by an initial intersection angle 0i. FIG. 3E is another top view of the same left and right lens assemblies that have been flexed to a new angle 02. The absolute difference in angle 101- G2I may be referred to as a flexing angle 0fiex.

[0046] In some cases, the eyewear system can be reversibly flexed (have reversible flexibility) in a first dimension by a flexing angle of least 5°, alternatively at least 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, or 150°, or even up to 180°. In some cases, the eyewear system can also be reversibly flexed in a second dimension, e.g., orthogonal to the first dimension, by a second flexing angle of at least 5°, alternatively at least 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90°. Throughout the present disclosure, by “reversibly flexed” or “reversible flexibility” it is meant that the eyewear system can be flexed (e.g., bent or twisted) between a first position and a second position at least twice (alternatively at least 10 times) without functional damage to the eyewear system, i.e., the eyewear system still operates as intended after such flexing. In some cases, the eyewear system may be partially or completely foldable at the bridge area for convenient storage. In some cases, a flex angle may be measured by applying a bending force to the eyewear system (e.g., with a three-point bend test) commensurate with that which would be caused by a user when wearing or attaching the eyewear system.

[0047] FIGS. 3F - 3K are various views of non-limiting examples where the left and right lens assemblies are connected in some way via the frame, but where there is still flexibility in at least one dimension in the bridge region.

[0048] FIG. 3F is a front view and FIG. 3G is a top view of left and right lens assemblies connected by a hinge mechanism. In particular, left electronically active lens lOlL-f is attached to left frame structure 103L-f to form left lens assembly 102L-f. Similarly, right electronically active lens lOlR-f is attached to right frame structure 103R-f to form right lens assembly102R-f. Right lens assembly 102R-f is connected to the left lens assembly 102L-f by a hinge mechanism 107 attached to (or otherwise incorporated into) the left and right frame structures 103L-f, 103R-f. The left and right lens assemblies are spaced apart by bridge area 106f and the hinge mechanism may be provided in correspondence with the bridge area. The left and right lens assemblies can rotate or pivot about the axis of the hinge mechanism 107 (in this case, approximately about the Z axis in FIG. 3F) to provide reversible flexibility in a first dimension. This particular example may in some cases have limited flexibility in a dimension orthogonal to the hinge rotation (first dimension), but in some other cases, the hinge mechanism may in some cases be made of flexible materials or include additional mechanical features to allow reversible flexibility in an orthogonal dimension. In some cases, the hinge mechanism may be a separately manufactured component attached to the frame structures, or alternatively, at least a portion of the hinge mechanism structure is built into the frame structure and made from frame structure material.

[0049] FIG. 3H is a front view and FIG. 31 is a top view of left and right lens assemblies connected by a flexible coupler. In particular, left electronically active lens lOlL-h is attached to left frame structure 103L-h to form left lens assembly 102L-h. Similarly, right electronically active lens lOlR-h is attached to right frame structure 103R-h to form right lens assembly 102R-h. Right lens assembly 102R-h is connected to the left lens assembly 102L-h by flexible coupler 110 attached to the left and right frame structures 103L-h, 103R-h. In some examples, flexible coupler 110 may be a strip of flexible coupler material (as shown here) including, for example, plastic, fabric, leather, thin metal, or any of the materials described with respect to the flexible support element. Alternatively, flexible coupler 110 may take the form of one or more a wire or set of wires (e.g., made from plastic or metal) or some other flexible bridging structure. The left and right lens assemblies are spaced apart by bridge area 106h. Flexible coupler 110 provides reversible flexibility between the left and right lens assemblies in the bridge area 106h in at least a first dimension, and optionally in a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0050] Note that in some cases, a portion of the left and right lens assemblies may touch each other, but where at least a portion of the left and right lens assemblies still spaced apart in a manner that allows reversible flexibility. Similarly, the left and right frame structures may in some cases be part of a unitary frame structure where there is a thin portion of frame materialconnecting the left and right frames, hut where at least a portion of the left and right lens assemblies arc spaced apart in a manner that allows reversible flexibility.

[0051] In a non-limiting example, FIG. 3J is a top view of left and right frame structures that may be touching or connected. In particular, left electronically active lens lOlL-j is attached to left frame structure 103L-j to form left lens assembly 102L-j. Similarly, right electronically active lens lOlR-j is attached to right frame structure 103R-j to form right lens assembly 102R-j. Right lens assembly 102R-j touches or is connected to the left lens assembly 102L-h at region 123j. That is, region 123j may be where the two separate frame structures touch or it may represent a thin (relative to the frame structure) portion of frame material connecting the left and right frame structures in a unitary frame structure. Whether the frame structures are touching or provided as a unitary frame structure, at least a portion of the left and right lens assemblies are spaced apart by bridge area 106j . In the case of a unitary structure, the material of the frame is flexible, at least in region 123j . Region 123j provides reversible flexibility between the left and right lens assemblies in the bridge area 106j in at least a first dimension and, depending on the nature of the region, optionally in a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0052] FIG. 3K is a top view of another non-limiting example of left and right frame structures that may be touching or connected. In particular, left electronically active lens lOlL-k is attached to left frame structure 103L-k to form left lens assembly 102L-k. Similarly, right electronically active lens lOlR-k is attached to right frame structure 103R-k to form right lens assembly 102R-k. Right lens assembly 102R-k touches or is connected to the left lens assembly 102L-k at region 123k. Unlike region 123j of FIG. 3J which is positioned toward the wearer’s face, region 123k here is positioned away from the wearer’s face. Region 123k may be where the two separate frame structures touch or it may represent a thin (relative to the frame structure) portion of frame material connecting the left and right frame structures in a unitary frame structure. Whether the frame structures arc touching or provided as a unitary frame structure, at least a portion of the left and right lens assemblies are spaced apart by bridge area 106k. In the case of a unitary structure, the material of the frame is flexible, at least in region 123k. Region 123j provides reversible flexibility between the left and right lens assemblies in the bridge area 106j in at least a first dimension and, depending on the nature of the region, optionally in a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension.

[0053] Flexible support element

[0054] The flexible support element 105 is generally made from a flexible material, including but not limited to, fabric, leather, plastic, synthetic fiber, paper, felt, silicone, foam, an elastomer, rubber, a gel pad, or some other flexible material. The flexible material may also be compressible. In some cases, the flexible support element should have sufficient flexibility to allow the eyewear system to provide the desired flex angle as described above. In some cases, the flexible support element or a material used to make the flexible support element may be characterized by a flexural modulus of less than 20 GPa, alternatively less than 10 GPa, less than 5 GPa, less than 1 GPa, less than 0.5 GPa, or less than 0.1 GPa, which may be measured, for example using a 3-point bend test.

[0055] A flexible support element may in some cases have a multilayer structure and / or include multiple types of materials. As discussed elsewhere, the flexible support element may optionally include electronic components such as a flexible circuit board. In some cases, at least one of the layers includes leather, synthetic fiber, or plastic. In some cases, one of the layers includes an aramid fiber such as poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), a type of synthetic fiber sometimes referred to as Kevlar®. The layers of a multilayer flexible support may be bonded to each other by any technology pertinent to the materials chosen. For example, they may be connected by a glue, a laser weld, an ultrasonic weld, a HAL fastener, a snap, a button, tape, or even sewn together, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

[0056] hr some cases, the flexible support element, while flexible in at least one dimension, may desirably have limited stretchability. For example, a flexible support element may include a layer of leather that is comfortable to the user and may provide other advantages, but leather can deform or stretch over time as a function of repeated use, temperature, and humidity. That is, the space between the lens assemblies (eyewear bridge area 106) may grow or shrink beyond a tolerable amount. In some cases, the leather or other stretchable material may be used in conjunction with a less stretchable material (e.g., an aramid fiber) in a multilayer format. This may provide some of the advantages of leather while also securing dimensional stability with respect to the space between lens assemblies. In some cases, the space between left and right lens assemblies 102L and 102R changes by less than 20% under various normal operating conditions (temperature, humidity, tension), alternatively less than 15%, 10%, or 5%.

[0057] In some cases, the flexible support element (or a sublayer thereof) may cover at least some facial area not covered by the frame structure or face gasket structure. Such additionalcoverage may help protect the wearer’s face from harsh environmental conditions, exposure to UV light, harmful lasers, or the like. In some examples, at least a portion of the flexible support element is designed to go under or over a breathing apparatus (not shown, but for example, similar to those worn by pilots, aviators, astronauts...etc.), or a gas mask, helmet of a bomb suit, or the like. The flexible support element may in some cases provide additional comfort to a wearer when using a breathing apparatus.

[0058] In some cases, the flexible support element may include or support additional functionality or features. For example, the flexible support element may include, or have attached thereto, electronic features such as flex connectors, electrical wiring, switches, light sensors, antennas, logic circuitry, battery power, or the like. In some cases, the flexible support element may be a flexible electronic package having a multilayer structure that includes a flexible circuit board provided between two sublayers. Such flexible electronic packages are discussed in more detail elsewhere herein.

[0059] Face gasket structure

[0060] In some examples, optional face gasket structure 124 may be one piece (i.e., have a unitary structure), but in other cases may instead include two or more pieces connected by a flexible bridge (not shown), or alternatively may include two or more separate elements that are individually attached to the flexible support element 105 (not shown). In some cases, face gasket structure 124 conforms to the shape of the face to reduce exposure to the environment. In some examples, the face gasket structure may reduce light leakage from the edge of the flexible electronic eyewear system, e.g., from ambient light other than the light incident electronically active lens (“other ambient light”). This may improve the user’s visual acuity. Instead of, or in addition to reducing other ambient light, the face gasket structure may restrict contact with other undesired environmental elements (e.g., debris, water, tear gas, etc.).

[0061] In some cases, a face gasket structure is considered “light tight” when it allows less than 10% of other ambient light through to the user’s eyes, alternatively less than 5%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, or 0.01%. In some cases, a face gasket structure is considered “environment tight” when, relative to a flexible electronic eyewear device without the face gasket structure, it reduces contact with undesired environmental elements (which may, for example, be in the form of a gas, water or some other liquid, airborne particulates, or debris) by at least 90%, alternatively at least 95%, 98%, 99%, or 99.9%, relative to when there is no such face gasket structure.

[0062] In some examples, the face gasket structure may be washable, reusable, or even disposable. In some cases, the face gasket structure includes a flexible or compressible material such as foam, gel pad, felt, leather, suede (or any other animal skin product), plastic, cork, rubber, paper, fabric, synthetic fiber, fur, fleece, etc. or any combination thereof. The face gasket structure may in some cases have a multilayer structure and / or include multiple types of materials.

[0063] In some cases, the face gasket structure 124 has a thickness equal to or less than 1.5 cm, 1 cm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 0.75 mm, or 0.5 mm. In some cases, the face gasket structure 124 has a thickness in a range of 0.1 - 0.5 mm, 0.5 - 1 mm, 1 - 2 mm, 2 - 5 mm, 5 - 10 mm, 10 - 15 mm, 15 - 20 mm, or any combination ranges thereof. The thickness of the face gasket structure can be determined depending on the desired function, e.g., using thinner face gasket structures can result in the front assembly or electronically active lens to sit closer to the wearer’ s eyes to provide increased viewing angle, improved peripheral vision or improved overall profile. In some instances, the thickness of the face gasket structure allows the eyewear system to be considered “low profile” as discussed below.

[0064] Although not illustrated, the face gasket structure may optionally include other functionality such as prescription lenses, another electronically active lens, or the like.

[0065] Low profile

[0066] In some cases, it is desirable to have a low-profile eyewear system. The eyewear system’s profile may correspond to how far the electronically active lens assembly extends from the wearer’s face, e.g., a distance from the user’s eye(s) to the electronically active lens. The eyewear profile can be classified as "low" or "high." The eyewear's profile may in some cases affect the functionality of the eyewear assembly. For instance, relative to a low-profile goggle, a high-profile goggle (i.e., where the electronically active lens is positioned further away from the eye) requires a larger surface to cover a similar viewing angle as the low-profile goggle. The closer the front lens (here the electronic active lens) is to the face, the wider the viewing angle given the size of the lens.

[0067] Another aspect is whether the eyewear assembly is required to fit under a visor or helmet, e.g., an aviator or motorcycle helmet. A low-profile eyewear system is generally one that can fit under a visor or helmet. This allows the visor or helmet front itself to be closer to the face which may provide better protection and / or ergonomic advantages.

[0068] For eyewear systems described throughout the present disclosure, a low profile eyewear system may in some cases be characterized by a front-most point, plane (c.g., 115 in FIG 3B), or arc of the eyewear system that is positioned within 5 cm as measured from the wearer’s face immediately behind the front-most point, plane or arc, e.g., in a range of 0.1 - 0.2 cm, 0.2 - 0.5 cm, 0.5 - 1.0 cm, 1.0 - 1.5 cm, 1.5 - 2.0 cm, 2.0 - 2.5 cm, 2.5 - 3.0 cm, 3.0 - 3.5 cm, 3.5 - 4.0 cm, 4.0 - 4.5 cm, or 4.5 - 5.0 cm, or any combination of ranges thereof. In some cases, a low-profile eyewear system may be characterized by a closest distance between the front of the electronically active lens assembly and a wearer’s eye that is 5 cm or less, e.g., in a range of 0.5 - 1.0 cm, 1.5 - 2.0 cm, 2.0 - 2.5 cm, 2.5 - 3.0 cm, 3.0 - 3.5 cm, 3.5 - 4.0 cm, 4.0 - 4.5 cm, or 4.5 - 5.0 cm, or any combination of ranges thereof. In some examples, a low-profile eyewear system may be characterized by any of the spacings mentioned above, and further characterized as providing a viewing angle through the electronically active lens of at least 45°, e.g., in a range of 45° - 60°, 60° - 75°, 75° - 90°, 90° - 105°, 105° - 120°, or any combination of ranges thereof, or even more than 120°.

[0069] Frame structure

[0070] In order to support the electronically active lens, the frame structure 103L,103R is typically made of a material that has lower flexibility than the flexible support element. In some aspects, the frame structure 103L,103R may have lower flexibility than the electronically active lens which it supports. For example, the frame structure may be made from a relatively rigid material having a Young’s modulus that is greater than the Young’s modulus of the electronically active lens (or the flexible support element). For example, the Young’s modulus of the frame structure may be at least 2x the Young’s modulus of the electronically active lens (or flexible support element), alternatively at least 5x, lOx, 50x, or lOOx. Rather than Young’s modulus, the above analysis may instead apply to the flexural modulus of the frame structure relative to that of the electronically active lens or flexible support element. In some examples, the frame structure deforms by less than 5 degrees in any dimension upon application of forces to the eyewear system caused by a user when wearing or attaching the eyewear system, alternatively, less than 2 degrees.

[0071] In some cases, the frame structure may include or support additional functionality or features. For example, the frame structure may include, or have attached thereto, electronicfeatures such as flex connectors, electrical wiring, switches, sensors, antennas, logic circuitry, an energy storage clement (c.g., a battery or supcrcapacitor), or the like.

[0072] Head / Helmet Atachment

[0073] The eyewear systems herein may be attached to a head or helmet in a variety of ways, depending on their design and intended use. Below are some common attachment methods and structures that may be used in a head attachment mechanism or a helmet attachment mechanism.

[0074] Elastic Straps. Adjustable straps wrap around the head or helmet, often with an HAL fastener or buckles to secure them in place.

[0075] Headband: Some eyewear systems use a more rigid or padded headband that fits around the head, often with adjustable features.

[0076] Clip Systems: Clips or fasteners on the sides of the eyewear system can attach to specific mounting points on a helmet.

[0077] Helmet Mounts: Eyewear systems can be designed with specific mounts that clip into or attach directly to helmet interfaces, sometimes using a rail system or other modular attachment points.

[0078] Magnetic Attachments: Some eyewear systems use magnets to attach to a helmet or headband, allowing for easy removal and adjustment.

[0079] Strap with Retainers: Straps that have retainers or clips to attach to the helmet's attachment points, providing a secure fit while allowing for some adjustment.

[0080] Snap-on or Locking Mechanisms: Certain eyewear systems include snap-on or locking mechanisms that secure them to pre-installed helmet fittings or brackets.

[0081] Integrated Helmet Design: In some cases, eyewear may be integrated directly into the helmet design, with the eyewear’s frame or attachment points built into the helmet structure.

[0082] Electronically active lens

[0083] In some cases, an electronically active has one or more optical response characteristics that may be electronically controlled or adjusted, e.g., by application of a voltage or current. This may in some cases be achieved using an electro-optic material (EOM) sandwiched between a pair of electronically active lens substrates, where the EOM is capable of changing its optical response characteristics upon application of an electric field.

[0084] The optical response characteristic may include light reflection, refraction, absorption, scattering, polarization, or any combination thereof. That is, the term “lens” herein is not limitedto just light bending (refraction). Controlling or adjusting the optical response characteristics may be used to alter one or more properties of the light received by the user’s cyc(s). For example, the brightness, hue (color), or polarization of light received by the user may be changed electronically. In some cases, there may be a spatial component so that the effect is more in one region of electronically active lens than another. A non-limiting example of a spatially variable electronically active lens may be where more light is blocked near the top of the electronically active lens (e.g., where there is more intense sunlight) than at the bottom of the electronically active lens. In some examples, the electronically active lens may alter the focus of light that is transmitted, i.e., it may act as an electronic lensing device.

[0085] The electronically active lens substrate may be independently selected and may include plastic or glass, and may be flexible or non-flexible. Choice of material and its particular properties depends in part on the intended application.

[0086] In some non-limiting examples, an electronically active lens may include one or more of a liquid crystal (LC) device, an electrochromic optical device, a reversible metal electrodeposition device, a switchable polarizer device, a graduated electro-optic device, an electronic lensing device (i.e., that alters the direction or focus of incident light), or a switchable light reflective device. Any one or more LC configurations are contemplated, including Twisted Nematic (TN), Hyper Twisted Nematic (HTN), Super Twisted Nematic (STN), Film Compensated Super Twisted Nematic (FSTN), Wide View Twisted Nematic (WVTN), Vertically Aligned Nematic liquid crystal (VA or VAN), In-Plane Switching (IPS) and Fringe Field Switching (FFS), Multidomain Vertically Aligned (MVA and PVA), Axially Symmetric Vertically Aligned aka Advanced Super View (ASV), Amplified Intrinsic Fringe-Field Multidomain Vertically Aligned (AIFF MVA), and any other LC configuration known in the art. Any of the foregoing devices can also be referred to herein as a type of electronically active optical element.

[0087] In some cases, the LC is a guest-host system, such as the one described in US6239778 or US2022039226, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0088] Electronically active optical elements used in electronically active lenses commonly include passive (non-electrically active) substrates such as plastic or glass. For many applications, the electronically active optical element substrate may be at least partiallytransmissive to visible light. In some aspects electronically active optical element substrate may have higher than 45% transmission to visible radiation having a wavelength between 400 nm and 700 nm, alternatively, higher than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% transmission. In some examples, the electronically active optical element substrate may have high optical clarity so that a person may clearly see through the device. In some cases, the electronically active optical element substrate may optionally have some color or tint. In some examples, the electronically active optical element substrate may have an optical coating on an outer surface.

[0089] As some non-limiting examples, an electronically active optical element substrate may include (alone or in combination with other materials) a polycarbonate (PC), a polycarbonate and copolymer blend, a polyethersulfone (PES), a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cellulose triacetate (TAC), a polyamide, p-nitrophenyl butyrate (PNB), a poly etheretherketone (PEEK), a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), a polyetherimide (PEI), polyarylate (PAR), a polyvinyl acetate, a cyclic olefin polymer (COP) a polyester, a polyurethanes, a polysilicone, a polyacrylate, a polypropylene, a polyethylene, a polystyrene, a polyvinyl chlorides, a polylactic acid, an ABS polymer, or some other polymeric material having the desired properties. An electronically active optical element substrate may include a composite of materials, for example, a polymeric material in combination with a glass, ceramic, or other inorganic additives. In some non-limiting examples, the electronically active optical element substrate may be glass. In some cases, flexible glass including materials such as Coming® Willow® Glass and the like can be used. An electronically active lens substrate may include multiple materials or have a multi-layer structure.

[0090] In some examples, the thickness of an electronically active optical element substrate may be in a range of 10 - 20 pm, 20 - 30 pm, 30 - 40 pm, 40 - 50 pm, 50 - 75 pm, 75 - 100 pm, 100 - 150 pm, 150 - 200 pm, 200 - 250 pm, 250 - 300 pm, 300 - 350 pm, 350 - 400 pm, 400 - 450 pm, 450 - 500 pm, 500 - 600 pm, 600 - 800 pm, 800 - 1000 pm, or greater than 1 mm or any combination of ranges thereof.

[0091] Microelectronics

[0092] An electronic eyewear system typically includes a microelectronic system to control the operation of the electronic lens, and if self-powered (i.e., not plugged into an external power source), may include one or more energy storage elements (e.g., a battery, an ultracapacitor, a fuel cell, or the like). The location of the energy storage element(s) and the various elementsmaking up the microelectronic system has no particular limitation and may exist in multiple locations. In some cases, the energy storage elements and / or microsystem elements may be provided at least in part on or in the frame structure, on or in the flexible support element, or both.

[0093] Flexible Electronic Package

[0094] In some aspects, flexible support element 105 may be a flexible electronic package. FIG. 4A is a perspective rear-side view of flexible electronic package 201 according to some non-limiting examples. FIG. 4B is perspective, exploded rear-side view of flexible electronic package 201 according to some non-limiting examples. FIG. 4C is a perspective rear view of a flexible circuit board according to some non-limiting examples. Flexible electronic package 201 may include a front flexible support sublayer 203 having left and right openings 204L, 204R, a rear flexible support sublayer 208 having left and right openings 209L, 209R, and a flexible circuit board 205 at least partially interposed between the rear and front flexible support sublayers 208 and 203. Flexible electronic package 201 may optionally include a patterned flexible sublayer 206 interposed between flexible circuit board 205 and rear flexible support sublayer 208. The left and right openings of the front and rear flexible support sublayers are designed so that they may functionally align with the left and right lens assemblies (not illustrated here) that attach to the front side of the flexible electronic package 201 (front flexible support sublayer 203).

[0095] Although the flexible circuit board 205 and patterned flexible sublayer 206 are illustrated as also having openings that may functionally align with the lens assemblies, such openings are optional. That is the flexible circuit board and / or the patterned flexible sublayer 206 may not extend entirely around a user’s left and right eyes.

[0096] The materials of the front, rear, and patterned flexible support sublayers may be any of those described elsewhere for use in or as the flexible support element. In a non-limiting example, front flexible support sublayer 203 and patterned flexible support sublayer 206 may include leather, and the rear' flexible support sublayer 208 may include a synthetic fiber such as Kevlar®.

[0097] Flexible circuit board 205 typically includes a polymer support with patterned metal lines provided thereon, e.g., by printing or photolithography. The polymer support is commonly a polyimide, but other polymers and materials known in the art may be used. The metal lines(not illustrated) act as circuitry to connect various microelectronic system elements (e.g., 255, 256, 257, 253) that may be provided or bonded to the flexible circuit board. The optional patterned flexible sublayer 206 may include a pattern of one or more cutouts 207 that align with the microelectronic system elements. This may provide a flatter profile to the rear flexible support sublayer 208 and protect the microelectronic system elements from physical stresses and pressures it may experience during use. In some cases, the rear or front flexible support sublayer may include cutouts to accommodate microelectronic system elements or other eyewear features.

[0098] The microelectronic system elements may, for example, include a microcontroller, logic circuitry, a resistor, a transistor, a capacitor, a switch, a sensor (e.g., a light sensor, a laser sensor, a CMOS sensor, a CCD sensor, a temperature sensor, a biometric sensor, an accelerometer, a vibration sensor, an audio sensor, a GPS sensor, a gyroscope, or a microphone), an LED, a wireless transmission / reception device, a flex connector, electrical wiring, an antenna, or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, this non-limiting example of a flexible circuit board 205 may include a slide switch 256, a button switch 257, and sensors 253. In some examples, a light sensor may detect light and cause the electronically active lens to adjust how it acts on the light. In some cases, the detected light may be ambient light. In some cases, the detected light may be laser light, for example, from a hostile person or device. In some cases, a light sensor may be positioned behind the electronically active lens, but alternatively or in combination, a light sensor may be positioned in front the electronically active lens.

[0099] The various layers of the flexible electronic package 201 may be bonded together by one or more adhesives, by other attachment mechanisms known in the art or a combination. In some cases, an edge portion of flexible electronic package 201 may be sealed to reduce or prevent ingress of contaminants (e.g., water, water vapor, sweat, dirt, or the like) that may negatively affect the performance of the electronic package.

[0100] In some cases, the slide switch 256 and button switch 257 may each be provided on an extension of the flexible circuit board. When constructing the flexible electronic eyewear system, slide switch 256 may be bent forward to interface with the left frame structure 103L and the button switch 257 may be bent forward to interface with the right frame structure 103R. To accommodate the bend, notches 211 may be provided in the front flexible support sublayer 203.

[0101] As a non-limiting example, FIG. 5A is a perspective front-side view of left frame structure 103L illustrating frame slide switch 266 as assembled into the frame structure. FIG. 5Bis a non-limiting example of a rear-side perspective view of left frame structure 103L showing how a battery or other energy storage clement may be included according to some aspects. For example, frame structure 103L may include a cavity 181 for housing a battery 183 along with a screw cover assembly 185 for holding the battery in place. The frame structure 103L may include a battery flex connector structure (not shown) that makes contact with the positive and negative terminals of battery 183 so that power may be provided to components on the flexible circuit board and electronically active lens (directly or indirectly) via connector area 187. The right frame structure may also include a battery and battery flex connector. The size and format of the battery may be different than that shown in FIG. 5B, depending in part on the intended functionality of the eyewear system. The battery may optionally be rechargeable. In some cases, the eyewear system may include a port or contacts for charging.

[0102] Although not illustrated, the flexible electronic package and / or energy storage examples discussed with respect to FIGS. 4 - 5, may be used when the frame has a unitary structure rather than spaced apart left and right segments. In such cases, there still may be left and right electronically active lens, or alternatively, a single electronically active lens extending across both eyes. A unitary frame structure may in some cases still have some flexibility at least at the bridge area of the frame or may include a hinge or other flexible element connecting left and right segments to each other.

[0103] Modular Eyewear System with front and rear optical assemblies

[0104] As mentioned elsewhere, the face gasket structure 124 may optionally include additional functionality (e.g., lenses). However, it may sometimes be advantageous to include additional or alternative structural features to support such functionality. In some cases, the eyewear system may be a modular eyewear system that includes a front optical assembly and a detachable rear optical assembly.

[0105] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a modular eyewear system. Modular eyewear system 600 includes a front optical assembly 610 and a rear optical assembly 620 interposed between the front optical assembly and a wearer’s face. In use, the front and rear optical assemblies are designed to fit together such that a portion of the rear optical assembly may be positioned within the front optical assembly. FIG. 6B is another perspective view of modular eyewear system 600 showing its front optical assembly 610 and rear optical assembly,where for clarity, fewer part labels are provided. FIG. 6E is a perspective view of the modular eyewear system 600 in its assembled state.

[0106] Front optical assembly 610 may include a front lens unit 601, which in this nonlimiting example, may include left and right front lenses 601L, 601R. Front optical assembly 610 further includes a front frame unit 603 supporting the front lens unit 601. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6A, front frame unit 603 includes left and right front frame structures 603L, 603R. In some cases, the front optical assembly 610 may include a front flexible support element 605 attached to the front frame unit, e.g., to left and right front frame structures 603L, 603R. The left front lens 601L and left front frame structure 603L may collectively be referred to as left lens assembly 602L. Similarly, the right front lens 601R and right front frame structure 603R may collectively be referred to as right lens assembly 602R. The front optical assembly 610 may further include a front attachment component 618 that cooperates with a rear attachment component 628 located on the rear optical assembly 620 to form an attachment mechanism for detachable attachment of the rear optical assembly to the front optical assembly. In some cases, the front attachment component may be located on, or form part of, the front frame unit 603. Alternatively, or in addition, the front attachment component may be located on, or form part of, the front flexible support element 605. In the example of FIG. 6A, front attachment component 618 is provided on the front flexible support element 605, in particular on its back surface toward the wearer’s face. The front attachment component may sometimes include a plurality of attachment components (e.g., a plurality of HAL pads, magnets, or any other type of attachment component described elsewhere herein), but for convenience, it is referred to in the singular.Only a single front attachment component is visible in FIG. 6A due to the perspective, but others can be present that are designed to align and / or cooperate with a corresponding rear attachment component 628. In some other examples, rather than rounded in shape, the attachment component may be in the form of strips or other shapes. Although shown as occupying relatively small areas in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in some cases, a substantial area (e.g., more than 50%, more than 75%, or even more than 90%) of the back surface of the front flexible support element may act as or support the front attachment component.

[0107] The front frame unit may further include one or more head attachment anchors 604 that may have a form or function as described elsewhere with respect to head attachment anchors 104.

[0108] In some cases, left and right front lenses 601L, 601R may be electronically active lenses and analogous to, or even the same as, electronically active lenses 101L, 101R discussed elsewhere herein with respect to flexible eyewear systems. However, in some other cases relating to modular eyewear systems, one or both of the left and right front lenses 601L, 601R may be passive lenses. For example, they may act as an impact resistant lens, a polarizer, a color filter, a neutral density filter, a refracting lens (prescription, scene magnification, scene compression, or the like), or some other passive optical element that is not controlled electronically. In some cases, the left and right front frame structures 603L, 603R may be analogous to, or even the same as, frame structures 103L, 103R described elsewhere herein. Similarly, the front attachment component 618, rear attachment component 628, and attachment mechanisms may be analogous to, or even the same as, those described elsewhere with respect attachment components 118 and 128.

[0109] The front flexible support element 605 may be analogous to, or even the same as, flexible support element 105, and may in some cases have a multilayer structure and / or include a flexible circuit board, as described elsewhere herein.

[0110] In some non-limiting examples, front optical assembly 610 and its assembly may be analogous to, or even the same as, flexible electronic eyewear system 100 discussed elsewhere herein. However, as described in some other figures below, the front optical assembly may alternatively have a substantially different structure, e.g., the frame unit may have a unitary structure across the wearer’s face (rather than separate left and right frame structures) and / or the lens unit may be a single lens extending across both eyes (rather than left and right lenses).

[0111] Referring still to the present non-limiting example of modular eyewear system 600, rear optical assembly 620 may include a rear lens unit 621, which in this non-limiting example, may include left and right rear lenses 621L, 621R. Rear optical assembly 620 further includes a rear frame unit 623. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6A, rear frame unit 623 includes left and right rear frame structures 623L, 623R. In some cases, the rear optical assembly 620 may include a rear flexible support element 625 attached to the real' frame unit 623, e.g., to left and right rear frame structures 623L, 623R. For additional perspective, FIG. 6C is an exploded view of rear optical assembly 620. Rear flexible support element 625 may include an opening in functional alignment with the rear lens unit, e.g., left and right openings 636L, 636R in functionalalignment with left and right rear lenses 621L, 621R. FIG 6D provides another perspective view of rear optical assembly 620.

[0112] The rear optical assembly 620 may further include a rear attachment component 628 that, as mentioned, cooperates with the front attachment component 618 on the front optical assembly 610 to form an attachment mechanism for detachable attachment of the rear optical assembly to the front optical assembly. In some cases, the rear attachment component may be located on, or form part of, the rear frame unit 623. Alternatively, or in addition, the rear attachment component may be located on, or form part of, the rear flexible support element 625. In FIGS. 6 A - 6D, the rear attachment component 628 is shown provided on the rear flexible support element 625, in particular on its front surface away from the wearer’s face. As illustrated, the rear attachment component may sometimes include a plurality of attachment components (e.g., a plurality of HAL pads, magnets, or any other type of attachment component described elsewhere herein), but for convenience, it is referred to in the singular. In some other examples, rather than rounded in shape, the attachment component may be in the form of strips or other shapes. Although shown as occupying relatively small areas in FIGS. 6 A - 6D, in some cases, a substantial area (e.g., more than 50%, more than 75%, or even more than 90%) of the font surface of the rear flexible support element may act as or support the rear attachment component.

[0113] The rear optical assembly 620 may in some cases further include a face gasket 624, which may have similar properties, or be formed from similar materials, relative to those described elsewhere for face gasket structure 124. Assembly of the various parts of rear optical assembly 620 may in some cases be similar to that described with respect to flexible electronic eyewear system 100 (e.g., the rear frame unit 623 may optionally include pins that align with holes in the rear flexible support element 625 and / or face gasket 624). Face gasket 624 may in some examples be readily removable or replaceable, e.g., for improved hygiene or tailoring the fit between different users.

[0114] In some examples, the modular eyewear system, such as modular' eyewear' system 600, may be characterized as having a low profile as described elsewhere herein.

[0115] FIG. 6E is a perspective view of modular eyewear system 600. For clarity, the individual parts are not labelled. Basically, the perspective is like that of rear optical assembly 620 in FIG. 6D, but now with the front optical assembly fitted over it. The head attachmentanchors on the front frame unit may be used to secure the modular eyewear system to a wearer’s head (directly or indirectly as described elsewhere). In some other cases (not shown), the rear frame unit may instead, or in addition, include head attachment anchors.

[0116] FIGS. 6F and 6G are cross-sectional schematics showing a non-limiting example of how the front and rear optical assemblies may fit together when in use. In particular, FIG. 6F shows the rear optical assembly 620 generally aligned to front optical assembly 610. FIG. 6G shows the assembled modular eyewear system 600 such that a portion of the rear frame unit 623 (in this case, a portion of left rear frame structure 623L) is positioned within the front frame unit 603 (in this case, a portion of left front frame structure 603L). That is, one or more cross sections of the assembled modular eyewear system will include both the front frame unit and rear frame unit, when such cross section is taken in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the front or rear optical unit (for example, plane 690 in FIG. 6G). For clarity, the part numbers of FIG. 6G are not provided, but the components are clear by reference to FIG. 6F. FIG. 6G also shows the front attachment component 618 aligned to and cooperating with rear attachment component 628 to provide an attachment mechanism for detachable attachment of the rear optical assembly to the front optical assembly.

[0117] FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of some other non-limiting examples of modular eyewear systems, 700A and 700B, respectively. In FIG. 7A, front optical assembly 710 includes a front frame unit 703 supporting front lens unit 701. In this case, the front frame and front lens unit each have a unitary structure, i.e., there are not left and right openings or physically separate left and right lenses. Rear optical assembly 620 and its various components have been described elsewhere and so are not labeled in this figure. Although not visible in this view, in a manner similar to that described elsewhere with respect to attachment components 618 / 628 and 118 / 128, the front optical assembly includes a front attachment component that cooperates with the rear attachment component to form an attachment mechanism that allows for detachable attachment of the rear optical assembly to the front optical assembly. Front frame unit may include one or more head attachment anchors 704. Although not shown in FIG. 7A, the front optical assembly may optionally include a flexible support element. In use, a portion of the rear frame unit may be positioned within the front frame unit in a manner as described elsewhere herein, e.g., having a structure that may be similar to FIG. 6G.

[0118] FTG. 7B is similar to FIG. 7 A except that modular eyewear assembly 700B includes a rear optical assembly 720 having a unitary structure rear frame unit 723 supporting a unitary structure rear lens unit 721. The rear’ optical assembly may include rear attachment component 728 which cooperates with front attachment component (not visible in this view) on the front optical assembly to form an attachment mechanism allowing detachable attachment of the rear optical assembly to the front optical assembly, as previously described. Rear optical assembly may further include a rear flexible support element 725 and / or a face gasket 724. Such rear flexible support element and face gasket have been described elsewhere. In use, a portion of the rear frame unit may be positioned within the front frame unit in a manner as described elsewhere herein, e.g., having a structure that may be similar to FIG. 6G.

[0119] In some cases, the front and rear- optical assemblies of the modular eyewear system may be flexible, e.g., each having flexibility similar to that described elsewhere for flexible electronic eyewear system 100. In some cases, both the front and rear optical assemblies have a reversible flexibility of at least 5° in a first dimension in a region corresponding to a bridge area as described elsewhere. In the case of eyewear having a unitary lens, the first dimension flexibility may correspond to a nose bridge region that is generally aligned to the wearer’s nose. In cases where the front or rear frame unit has a unitary structure, it may be formed of a relatively flexible material, or at least a central portion between the wearer’s eyes is flexible. Similarly, when the front or rear lens unit has a unitary structure, it is generally formed of a flexible material. In some aspects, the front optical assembly has relatively low flexibility (having a flexing angle of less than 5 degrees in any dimension upon application of forces to the eyewear system caused by a user when wearing or attaching the eyewear- system), whereas the rear optical assembly is flexible to ensure good fit to the wearer. In some other cases, both the front and rear optical assemblies may have relatively low flexibility.

[0120] In a manner that may be similar to flexible electronic eyewear system, the modular eyewear system may in some cases include one or more: sensors, solar cells, batteries, switches, electronic controllers, antennas, or wireless communication elements, or any combination thereof. In some examples, attachment of the rear optical assembly to the front optical assembly may engage electrical communication between the rear and front assemblies. For example, in some cases, the front optical assembly may partially or completely power or control the rear optical assembly, or vice versa.

[0121] Multi-Lens Structure

[0122] In any of the foregoing examples where a single lens is shown, there may optionally be one or more additional lenses to form a multi-lens structure. For example, the electronically active lens assemblies as described with respect FIGS. 1A - 3K each includes at least one electronically active lens that may be part of a multi-lens structure. The additional lens of such multi-lens structure may be another electronically active lens or a passive lens, e.g., any such active or passive lenses as described elsewhere herein. Similarly, each lens unit of the front or rear unit, e.g., as described with respect to FIGS. 6A - 7B, may have a multi-lens structure. A multi-lens structure may provide additional functionality to the lens unit or lens assembly.

[0123] FIG. 8A is an expanded perspective view of a non-limiting example of a multi-lens structure. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a multi-lens structure. FIGS. 8C - 8F are cross-sectional views along cutline C-C of FIG. 8B illustrating some nonlimiting examples multi-lens structures.

[0124] In some examples, a frame 803 is provided that may optionally include a frame opening 865 as shown in FIG. 8A. In this example, a multi-lens structure includes a front lens 831 and a rear lens 832 that, relative to the front lens, is positioned closer to the wearer’s face. The front and rear lenses, 831,832 may each be attached to frame 803, and in some cases, form a gap 840 between the lenses (FIGS. 8C - 8E), such gap being including air or some other gas.

[0125] Attachment of a lens to a frame may in some cases be functionally permanent, e.g., by using permanent adhesives, or alternatively, the lens may be detachable using any of the detachable attachment feature technologies described elsewhere herein (tacky adhesive, HAL fasteners, double-sided tape, or the like). Note that this applies not only with respect to FIGS. 8A - 8F, but also to other examples throughout the present application where a lens is attached to a frame or frame structure.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 8C, one or both of the front and rear lenses 831, 832 may be attached to the outside surface of frame 803.

[0127] In some cases, as shown in FIG. 8D, one or both of the front and rear lenses 831, 832 may be provided into a frame recess so that the lens surface is approximately flush with the outside surface of frame 803.

[0128] In some cases, as shown in FIG. 8E, one or both of the front and rear lenses 831, 832 may be provided into a frame recess so that the lens surface is recessed relative to the outside surface of frame 803.

[0129] In some cases, as shown in FIG. 8F, one or both of the front and rear lenses 831, 832 may be provided into a frame recess so that the lens surface is recessed relative to the outside surface of frame 803. The frame may further include a flap or slot feature 835 that the front lens may fit into. Although not illustrated, an additional slot feature may be provided at the bottom of the frame for the front lens, or alternatively or in addition, frame may include a slot feature(s) for the rear lens. In some cases, the slot may reduce or eliminate the need for an adhesive or other attachment means since the lens is positioned securely by the slot. The slot feature may in some cases allow improved replaceability of the lens.

[0130] Although not illustrated, a multi-lens structure may include a front lens attached directly to a rear lens, and only one of the front or rear lenses is attached to the frame. Such attachment of the front lens to the rear lens may include an adhesive or any of the detachable attachment technologies discussed elsewhere herein. In some cases, the front and rear lenses of a multi-lens structure may be laminated directly together, for example, using an optical adhesive having low visible light absorbance, where there is no air / gas gap between the lenses (i.e., the space is filled with the optical adhesive).

[0131] Although there is no particular- limitation on the front and rear lenses of a multi-lens assembly, in some non-limiting examples, the front lens of a multi-lens structure may be an impact resistant lens and the rear lens of the multi-lens structure may be an electronically active lens.

[0132] Users

[0133] In some non-limiting examples, the flexible and / or modular electronic eyewear systems disclosed herein may be worn by an aviator, an armed forces member, a law enforcement officer, a skier, a sports enthusiast, a motorcyclist, or an ATV operator.

[0134] Enumerated Aspects

[0135] Still further non-limiting examples of the present disclosure include the following enumerated aspects. To aid in understanding the benefits of the present disclosure, some potential technical effects and / or advantages are provided with respect to a few of the enumerated aspects. This is non-limiting, and not every example that is embodied by anenumerated aspect necessarily possesses all of the listed potential technical effects and / or advantages, or it may possess different or additional technical effects and / or advantages not listed.

[0136] Enumerated aspect 1. A flexible electronic eyewear system including: a flexible support element including left and right openings; and left and right electronically active lens assemblies, each lens assembly respectively including a frame structure attached to a front side of the flexible support element and an electronically active lens attached to the respective frame structure, wherein the left and right electronically active lens assemblies are spaced apart from each other and positioned in functional alignment with the left and right openings, wherein the space between the left and right electronically active lens assemblies corresponds to an eyewear bridge area (106) having at least 5° reversible flexibility in at least a first dimension. Relative to existing electronic eyewear systems, one or more non-limiting technical effects and / or advantages of the present aspect may include flexible electronic eyewear that: is more comfortable to wear, is usable or adjustable by wearers having a variety of facial sizes and proportions, fits under (or can be incorporated into) visors or helmets, has lower weight, or can be flexed or folded for storage.

[0137] Enumerated aspect 2. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 1, further including a face gasket structure attached to a rear side of the flexible support element. The face gasket structure may in some cases offer, for example, additional comfort to the wearer, additional ability to tailor the system to a user’s facial profile, improved blocking of light (e.g., at a wearer’s visual periphery), improved blocking of environmental elements (which may, for example, be in the form of a gas, water or some other liquid, airborne particulates, or debris), or some other advantage.

[0138] Enumerated aspect 3. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 2, wherein the face gasket structure is detachable from the flexible support element. A detachable face gasket structure may in some cases offer, for example, improved personal hygiene (for use by one user or by multiple users), additional ability to tailor the eyewear system for different users, or inexpensive replacement if damaged.

[0139] Enumerated aspect 4. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 2 or 3, wherein, the face gasket structure is light tight or environment tight when the eyewear system is engaged with a wearer’s face.

[0140] Enumerated aspect 5. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 2 -4, wherein the face gasket structure includes fabric, leather, suede, plastic, synthetic fiber, cork, felt, fleece, foam rubber, a gel pad, or any combination thereof.

[0141] Enumerated aspect 6. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 2 -5, wherein the face gasket structure has a thickness of less than 5 mm. A face gasket structure of such dimensions may in some cases allow the electronic lens assemblies to sit closer to the user’s eyes.

[0142] Enumerated aspect 7. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 1 -6, wherein the eyewear bridge area has at least 5° reversible flexibility in a second dimension orthogonal to the first. Reversible flexibility in multiple dimensions may in some cases offer additional comfort to the wearer, additional ability to tailor the eyewear system to a user’s face, or improved ability to conform the eyewear system to fit under (or otherwise interface with) a visor or helmet.

[0143] Enumerated aspect 8. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 1 -7, wherein the eyewear bridge area has at least 15° reversible flexibility in the first dimension. In some cases, such reversible flexibility may offer additional ability to tailor the fit of the eye wear system to a user’s face, improved ability to conform the eyewear system to fit under (or otherwise interface with) a visor or helmet, or fold or flex for storage.

[0144] Enumerated aspect 9. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 1 -8, wherein one or both electronically active lens assemblies are detachable from the flexible support element. In some cases, this aspect may allow easy or low-cost replacement of the flexible support element or of an electronically active lens assembly.

[0145] Enumerated aspect 10. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 1 -9, further including a microelectronic system and an energy storage element to power the microelectronic system. In some cases, incorporating the microelectronic system or energy storage element may improve portability of the eyewear system by making it less reliant upon external electronics or power.

[0146] Enumerated aspect 11. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 10, wherein the microelectronic system is incorporated at least in pail into the left electronically active lens assembly, the right electronically active lens assembly, or both. In some cases, incorporating at least part of the microelectronic system into the lens assembly may allow ready access by a userfor convenient operation or repair, or improve form factor of the eyewear system by reducing or eliminating the use of bulky extra or external microelectronic system components.

[0147] Enumerated aspect 12. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 10 or 11, wherein the microelectronic system is incorporated at least in part into the flexible support element. In some cases, incorporating at least part of the microelectronic system into the flexible support element can improve the form factor of the eyewear system by reducing or eliminating the use of bulky extra or external microelectronic system components, reduce the complexity of the lens assembly, or improve the weight distribution of such microelectronic system elements.

[0148] Enumerated aspect 13. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 12, wherein the flexible support element includes a flexible circuit board.

[0149] Enumerated aspect 14. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 13, wherein the flexible support element has a multilayer structure including the flexible circuit board interposed between a front flexible support sublayer and a rear flexible support sublayer. In some cases, the flexible sublayers can help protect the flexible circuit board from damage or provide a more comfortable surface when handled or used by a wearer.

[0150] Enumerated aspect 15. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 14, wherein the flexible support element further includes a patterned flexible sublayer interposed between the flexible circuit board and i) the rear flexible support sublayer, ii) the front flexible support sublayer, or iii) both (i) and (ii), wherein the patterned flexible sublayer has a pattern of one or more cutouts corresponding to one or more microelectronic system elements. In some cases, the patterned flexible sublayer may provide additional protection to the microelectronic system elements or help smooth out the flexible support element surface for improved comfort or handling by a user.

[0151] Enumerated aspect 16. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 14 or 15, wherein at least one sublayer of the flexible support element includes leather, an aramid fiber, a synthetic fabric, plastic, or rubber.

[0152] Enumerated aspect 17. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 10 - 16, wherein the microelectronic system includes a microcontroller, a switch, a sensor, an LED, a wireless transmission / reception device, a flex connector, electrical wiring, an antenna, or any combination thereof.

[0153] Enumerated aspect 18. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 10 - 17, wherein the energy storage clement includes a battery.

[0154] Enumerated aspect 19. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 10 - 18, wherein the energy storage element is housed in one or both frame structures.

[0155] Enumerated aspect 20. The eye wear system according to any of enumerated aspects 1 -19, wherein the eyewear system is characterized as having a low profile. In some cases, a low profile (e.g., when a front-most point, plane or arc of a front lens assembly is within 5 cm from the wearer’s face) may allow the eyewear system to have an improved viewing angle or an improved ability to fit under a visor or helmet.

[0156] Enumerated aspect 21. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 1 -20, wherein the flexible support element is designed to go over or under a breathing apparatus.

[0157] Enumerated aspect 22. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 1 -21, further including a head attachment mechanism for holding the eyewear system against a wearer’s face.

[0158] Enumerated aspect 23. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 22, wherein the head attachment mechanism includes two or more head attachment anchors. In some cases, two or more head attachment mechanisms may improve the adjustability of the eyewear system to fit effectively or comfortably for variety of user head sizes or shapes.

[0159] Enumerated aspect 24. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 1 - 23, wherein at least one frame structure includes a rigid material having a Young’s modulus that is greater than a Young’s modulus of the corresponding electronically active lens attached to the at least one frame structure. In some cases, the electronically active lens may itself be flexible (such flexibility can provide manufacturing benefits for both the electronically active lens and the electronically active lens assembly), and having a frame structure that is more rigid can protect the flexible electronically active lens from excessive bending.

[0160] Enumerated aspect 25. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 24, wherein the Young’s modulus of the at least one frame structure is at least 2x the Young’s modulus of the corresponding electronically active lens.

[0161] Enumerated aspect 26. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 1 - 25, further including a hinge mechanism connecting the left and right electronically active lens assemblies, wherein the hinge mechanism allows rotation of the left and right electronicallyactive lens assemblies about a hinge axis, and wherein the rotation corresponds to the first dimension.

[0162] Enumerated aspect 27. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 1 -26, further including a flexible coupler connecting the left and right electronically active lens assemblies, wherein the flexible coupler is reversibly flexible in the first dimension, and optionally wherein the flexible coupler includes a strip of flexible coupler material.

[0163] Enumerated aspect 28. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 1 -27, wherein at least one electronically active lens includes a liquid crystal device, an electrochromic optical device, a reversible metal electrodeposition device, a polarizer-based electro optical device, a graduated electrooptic device, or an electronic lensing device.

[0164] Enumerated aspect 29. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 28, wherein the liquid crystal device includes a guest-host mixture including a liquid crystal host and a dichroic or photodichroic dye guest.

[0165] Enumerated aspect 30. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 28 or 29, wherein the at least one electronically active lens includes a glass or plastic lens carrier to which an electronically active optical element is laminated.

[0166] Enumerated aspect 31. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 1 - 30, wherein at least one electronically active lens assembly includes a multi-lens structure, the multi-lens structure having a front lens and a real' lens that is interposed between the wearer’s face and the front lens, and wherein at least one of the front lens and rear lens is the electronically active lens.

[0167] Enumerated aspect 32. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 31, wherein the front lens is a passive lens or a second electronically active lens of the at least one electronically active lens assembly.

[0168] Enumerated aspect 33. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 31, wherein the front lens is a passive impact resistant lens, and the rear lens is the electronically active lens.

[0169] Enumerated aspect 34. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 1 - 33, wherein the flexible support element and the left and right electronically active lens assemblies form at least a portion of a front optical assembly, and wherein the eyewear system further includes a rear optical assembly attached to the front optical assembly such that the rear optical assembly is interposed between the front optical assembly and a wearer’s face, the rearoptical assembly including a rear frame unit supporting a rear lens unit and a rear flexible support element attached to the rear frame unit. In some cases, providing a rear optical assembly can add functionality to the eyewear system or improve the ability to tailor the eyewear system for use by multiple users.

[0170] Enumerated aspect 35. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 34, wherein i) the rear frame unit includes left and right rear frame structures provided in functional alignment with left and right openings of the rear flexible support element, ii) the rear lens unit includes left and right lenses respectively supported by the left and right rear frame structures, and iii) a portion of the left and right rear frame structures are positioned within the respective left and right frame structures of the front optical assembly. In some cases, such positioning may provide for a low profile eyewear system or simplify the alignment of the front and rear frame structures.

[0171] Enumerated aspect 36. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 34 or 35, wherein the front optical assembly includes a front attachment component, and wherein the rear optical assembly includes a rear attachment component that cooperates with the front attachment component to form an attachment mechanism for detachable attachment of the rear optical assembly to the front optical assembly. In some cases, the detachable attachment may provide for easy replacement of the front or rear optical assemblies, e.g., between different users, for different functionality, or when one fails.

[0172] Enumerated aspect 37. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 34 - 36, wherein the rear lens unit includes a passive lens, an electronically active lens, or a combination thereof.

[0173] Enumerated aspect 38. A flexible electronic package for use in an electronic eyewear system, the electronic package including: a front flexible support sublayer including left and right openings; a rear flexible support sublayer including left and right openings in functional alignment with the openings of the front flexible support sublayer; and a flexible circuit board at least a portion of which is interposed between the front and rear flexible support sublayers.

[0174] Enumerated aspect 39. The electronic package of enumerated 38, further including a patterned flexible sublayer interposed between the flexible circuit board and one of the flexible sublayers, wherein the patterned flexible sublayer has a pattern of one or more cutouts (207) corresponding to one or more microelectronic system elements.

[0175] Enumerated aspect 40. The electronic package of enumerated aspect 38 or 39, wherein the flexible circuit board includes a microcontroller, a switch, a sensor, an LED, a wireless transmission / reception device, a flex connector, electrical wiring, an antenna, or a combination thereof.

[0176] Enumerated aspect 41. The electronic package of enumerated aspect 40, wherein at least one switch is provided on an extension of the flexible circuit board that is bendable to interface with a frame structure of an electronically active lens assembly.

[0177] Enumerated aspect 42. A method of making an eyewear system, the method including:

[0178] providing the flexible electronic package according to any of enumerated aspects 38 - 41; and attaching an electronically active lens assembly to the front support sublayer.

[0179] Enumerated aspect 43. The method of enumerated aspect 42, further including attaching a face gasket structure to the rear flexible support sublayer.

[0180] Enumerated aspect 44. The method of enumerated aspect 42 or 43, wherein the electronically active lens assembly includes a frame structure and an electronically active lens.

[0181] Enumerated aspect 45. The method of enumerated aspect 44, wherein the frame structure and flexible electronic package include a set of complementary attachment features or complementary set of alignment features.

[0182] Enumerated aspect 46. The method of enumerated aspect 44 or 45, wherein the frame structure includes pins that align with holes in the flexible electronic package.

[0183] Enumerated aspect 47. The method according to any of enumerated aspects 44 - 46, wherein the flexible electronic package includes at least one switch provided on an extension of the flexible circuit board.

[0184] Enumerated aspect 48. The method of enumerated aspect 47, further including bending the extension to engage the switch with a recess in the frame structure.

[0185] Enumerated aspect 49. An electronic eyewear system including: the flexible electronic package according to any of enumerated aspects 38 - 41; an electronically active lens assembly including a frame structure and an electronically active lens attached to the frame structure, wherein the frame structure is attached to the front side of the flexible electronic package; and a face gasket structure attached to the rear side of the flexible electronic package.

[0186] Enumerated aspect 50. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 49, wherein the frame structure has a unitary structure.

[0187] Enumerated aspect 51 . The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 49 or 50, wherein there is a single electronically active lens that extends over both eyes of a user.

[0188] Enumerated aspect 52. The eyewear system of enumerated aspect 49 or 50, wherein the electronically active lens includes a left electronically active lens segment and a right electronically active lens segment.

[0189] Enumerated aspect 53. The eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 49 - 52, wherein the face gasket structure is detachable.

[0190] Enumerated aspect 54. A component for a flexible electronic eyewear system, the component including an electronically active lens constructed to be connectable to a frame structure, wherein the frame structure is constructed to be attachable to a flexible support element, the flexible support element including a flexible circuit board that at least in part controls the eyewear system.

[0191] Enumerated aspect 55. A component for a flexible electronic eyewear system, the component including: left and right electronically active lens assemblies, wherein each lens assembly respectively includes a frame structure and an electronically active lens attached to the respective frame structure, wherein the frame structure is constructed to be attachable to a flexible support element, the flexible support element including a flexible circuit board that at least in part controls the eyewear system.

[0192] Enumerated aspect 56. A modular eyewear system including: a front optical assembly including a front lens unit, a front frame unit supporting the front lens unit, and a front attachment component; and a rear optical assembly interposed between the front optical assembly and a wearer’s face, the rear optical assembly including a rear lens unit, a rear frame unit supporting the rear lens unit, and a rear attachment component, wherein the front attachment component cooperates with the rear attachment component to form an attachment mechanism for detachable attachment of the rear optical assembly to the front optical assembly such that, when the rear optical assembly is attached to the front optical assembly, a portion of the rear frame unit is positioned within the front frame unit.

[0193] Enumerated aspect 57. The modular eyewear system of enumerated aspect 56, wherein at least one of the front lens unit and the rear lens unit includes an electronically active lens.

[0194] Enumerated aspect 58. The modular eyewear system of enumerated aspect 56, wherein the front lens unit includes a passive lens, an electronically active lens, or a combination thereof.

[0195] Enumerated aspect 59. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 58, wherein the front lens unit includes a passive lens including an impact resistant lens, a polarizer, a color filter, a neutral density filter, a prescription lens, or a combination thereof

[0196] Enumerated aspect 60. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 59 wherein the front lens unit includes an electronically active lens including a liquid crystal (LC) device, an electrochromic optical device, a reversible metal electrodeposition device, a switchable polarizer device, a graduated electro-optic device, an electronic lensing device, or a switchable light reflective device or a combination thereof.

[0197] Enumerated aspect 61. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 Enumerated aspect 60, wherein the front lens unit includes a right front lens and a left front lens, separate from the right front lens.

[0198] Enumerated aspect 62. The modular eyewear system of enumerated aspect 61, wherein the front frame unit includes a right front frame structure supporting the right front lens and a left front frame structure supporting the left front lens.

[0199] Enumerated aspect 63. The modular eyewear system of enumerated aspect 62, wherein front optical assembly further includes a front flexible support element attached to the right and left front frames.

[0200] Enumerated aspect 64. The modular eyewear of enumerated aspect 63, wherein the front flexible support element includes left and right openings in functional alignment with the right and left front lenses.

[0201] Enumerated aspect 65. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 60, wherein the front frame unit has a unitary structure, and wherein the front lens unit (701) includes a single lens extending across both eyes.

[0202] Enumerated aspect 66. The modular eyewear system of enumerated aspect 65, wherein the front optical assembly further includes a front flexible support element attached to the front frame unit.

[0203] Enumerated aspect 67. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspect 56 - 66, wherein the rear lens unit includes a passive lens, an electronically active lens, or a combination thereof

[0204] Enumerated aspect 68. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 67, wherein the rear lens unit includes a passive lens including an impact resistant lens, a polarizer, a color filter, a neutral density filter, a prescription lens, or a combination thereof

[0205] Enumerated aspect 69. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 68 wherein the rear lens unit includes an electronically active lens including a liquid crystal (LC) device, an electrochromic optical device, a reversible metal electrodeposition device, a switchable polarizer device, a graduated electro-optic device, an electronic lensing device, or a switchable light reflective device or a combination thereof.

[0206] Enumerated aspect 70. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 69, wherein the rear lens unit includes a right rear lens and left rear lens, wherein the left rear lens is separate from the right rear lens.

[0207] Enumerated aspect 7E The modular eyewear system of enumerated aspect 70, wherein the rear frame unit includes a right rear frame structure supporting the right rear lens and a left rear frame structure supporting the left rear lens.

[0208] Enumerated aspect 72. The modular eyewear system of enumerated aspect 71, wherein the rear optical assembly further includes a rear flexible support element attached to the right and left rear frame structures.

[0209] Enumerated aspect 73. The modular eyewear system of enumerated aspect 72, wherein rear flexible support element includes left and right openings in functional alignment with the right and left rear lenses.

[0210] Enumerated aspect 74. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 69, wherein the rear lens unit includes a single lens extending across both eyes.

[0211] Enumerated aspect 75. The modular eyewear system of enumerated aspect 74, wherein the rear optical assembly further includes a rear flexible support element attached to the rear frame unit.

[0212] Enumerated aspect 76. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 75, wherein at least one of the front lens unit and the rear lens unit includes a multilens structure, the multi-lens structure including an electronically active lens and a second lens positioned, relative to a wearer’s face, in front of or behind the electronically active lens.

[0213] Enumerated aspect 77. The modular eyewear system of enumerated aspect 76, wherein the second lens is a passive lens or a second electronically active lens.

[0214] Enumerated aspect 78. The modular eyewear system of enumerated aspect 76, wherein the second lens is an impact resistant lens positioned in front of the electronically active lens.

[0215] Enumerated aspect 79. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 78, wherein the rear optical assembly further includes a face gasket provided adjacent to a wearer’s face.

[0216] Enumerated aspect 80. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 79, wherein one or both of the front and rear optical assemblies includes a polarizer.

[0217] Enumerated aspect 8E The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 80, wherein one or both of the front and rear optical assemblies absorbs or reflects narrow band radiation.

[0218] Enumerated aspect 82. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 81, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a hook-and-loop (HAL) fastener, a snap assembly, a button / hole assembly, a zipper assembly, a tab / slot assembly, a pin / notch assembly, a lace / hole assembly, a magnetic assembly, or a tacky adhesive layer, or any combination thereof.

[0219] Enumerated aspect 83. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 82, wherein one or both of the front and rear optical assemblies includes one or more: sensors, solar cells, batteries, switches, electronic controllers, antennas, or wireless communication elements, or any combination thereof.

[0220] Enumerated aspect 84. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 83, wherein attachment of the rear optical assembly to the front optical assembly engages electrical communication between the rear and front assemblies.

[0221] Enumerated aspect 85. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 84, further including means for attachment to a user’s head, helmet, or other head gear.

[0222] Enumerated aspect 86. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 85, wherein the eyewear system is characterized as having a low profile.

[0223] Enumerated aspect 87. The modular eyewear system according to any of enumerated aspects 56 - 86, wherein the eyewear system is designed to fit underneath a visor, a headmounted display, or a safety face-shield.

[0224] The specific details of particular embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the invention. However, other embodiments of the invention may be directed to specific embodiments relating to each individual aspect, or specific combinations of these individual aspects.

[0225] The above description of example embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above.

[0226] In the preceding description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous details have been set forth in order to provide an understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that certain embodiments may be practiced without some of these details, or with additional details.

[0227] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Additionally, a number of well-known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Additionally, details of any specific embodiment may not always be present in variations of that embodiment or may be added to other embodiments.

[0228] As used herein, a phrase that recites a range of values is inclusive of the end values, for example, “between X and Y,” “range of X to Y,” “from X to Y,” includes X and Y, or the phrase “up to Y” includes Y. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither, or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated rangeincludes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included.

[0229] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a method” includes a plurality of such methods and reference to “the layer” includes reference to one or more layers and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. The invention has now been described in detail for the purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

[0230] All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. None is admitted to be prior art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A flexible electronic eyewear system (100) comprising: a flexible support element (105) comprising left and right openings (116L, 116R); and left and right electronically active lens assemblies (102L, 102R), each lens assembly respectively comprising a frame structure (103L, 103R) attached to a front side of the flexible support element (105) and an electronically active lens (101L, 101R) attached to the respective frame structure (103L, 103R), wherein the left and right electronically active lens assemblies (102L, 102R) are spaced apart from each other and positioned in functional alignment with the left and right openings (116L, 116R), wherein the space between the left and right electronically active lens assemblies corresponds to an eyewear bridge area (106) having at least 5° reversible flexibility in at least a first dimension.

2. The eyewear system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a face gasket structure (124) attached to a rear side of the flexible support element (105).

3. The eyewear system (100) of claim 2, wherein the face gasket structure (124) is detachable from the flexible support element (105).

4. The eyewear system (100) of claim 2 or 3, wherein the face gasket structure (124) is light tight or environment tight when the eyewear system is engaged with a wearer’s face.

5. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 2 - 4, wherein the face gasket structure (124) comprises fabric, leather, suede, plastic, synthetic fiber, cork, felt, fleece, foam rubber, a gel pad, or any combination thereof.

6. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 2 - 5, wherein the face gasket structure (124) has a thickness of less than 5 mm.

7. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 1 - 6, wherein the eyewear bridge area (106) has at least 5° reversible flexibility in a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension.

8. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 1 - 7, wherein the eyewear bridge area (106) has at least 15° reversible flexibility in the first dimension.

9. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 1 - 8, wherein one or both electronically active lens assemblies (102L, 102R) are detachable from the flexible support element (105).

10. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 1 - 9, further comprising a microelectronic system and an energy storage element to power the microelectronic system.

11. The eyewear system (100) of claim 10, wherein the microelectronic system is incorporated at least in part into the left electronically active lens assembly (102L), the right electronically active lens assembly (102R), or both.

12. The eyewear system (100) of claim 10 or 11, wherein the microelectronic system is incorporated at least in part into the flexible support element (105, 201).

13. The eyewear system (100) of claim 12, wherein the flexible support element (105, 201) comprises a flexible circuit board (205).

14. The eyewear system (100) of claim 13, wherein the flexible support element (105, 201) has a multilayer structure comprising the flexible circuit board (205) interposed between a front flexible support sublayer (203) and a rear flexible support sublayer (208).

15. The eyewear system (100) of claim 14, wherein the flexible support element (105, 201) further comprises a patterned flexible sublayer (206) interposed between the flexible circuit board (205) and i) the rear flexible support sublayer (208), ii) the front flexible support sublayer (203), or iii) both (i) and (ii), wherein the patterned flexible sublayer (206) has a pattern of one or more cutouts (207) corresponding to one or more microelectronic system elements.

16. The eyewear system (100) of claim 14 or 15, wherein at least one sublayer (203, 206, 208) of the flexible support element (105, 201) comprises leather, an aramid fiber, a synthetic fabric, plastic, or rubber.

17. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 10 - 16, wherein the microelectronic system comprises a microcontroller, a switch, a sensor, an LED, a wireless transmission / reception device, a flex connector, electrical wiring, an antenna, or any combination thereof.

18. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 10 - 17, wherein the energy storage element comprises a battery.

19. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 10 - 18, wherein the energy storage element is housed in one or both frame structures (103L, 103R).

20. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 1 - 19, wherein the eyewear system is characterized as having a low profile.21 . The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 1 - 20, wherein the flexible support element (105) is designed to go over or under a breathing apparatus.

22. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 1 - 21, further comprising a head attachment mechanism for holding the eyewear system against a wearer’s face.

23. The eyewear system (100) of claim 22, wherein the head attachment mechanism comprises two or more head attachment anchors (104).

24. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 1 - 23, wherein at least one frame structure (103L, 103R) comprises a rigid material having a Young’s modulus that is greater than a Young’s modulus of the corresponding electronically active lens (101L, 101R) attached to the at least one frame structure (103L, 103R).

25. The eyewear system (100) of claim 24, wherein the Young’s modulus of the at least one frame structure (103L, 103R) is at least 2x the Young’s modulus of the corresponding electronically active lens (101L, 101R).

26. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 1 - 25, further comprising a hinge mechanism (107) connecting the left and right electronically active lens assemblies (102L-f, 102R-f), wherein the hinge mechanism (107) allows rotation of the left and right electronically active lens assemblies (102L-f, 102R-f) about a hinge axis, and wherein the rotation corresponds to the first dimension.

27. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 1 - 26, further comprising a flexible coupler (110) connecting the left and right electronically active lens assemblies (102L-h, 102R-h), wherein the flexible coupler (110) is reversibly flexible in the first dimension, and optionally wherein the flexible coupler (110) comprises a strip of flexible coupler material.

28. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 1 - 27, wherein at least one electronically active lens (101L, 101R) comprises a liquid crystal device, an electrochromic optical device, a reversible metal electrodeposition device, a polarizer-based electro optical device, a graduated electrooptic device, or an electronic lensing device.

29. The eyewear system (100) of claim 28, wherein the liquid crystal device comprises a guest-host mixture including a liquid crystal host and a dichroic or photodichroic dye guest.

30. The eyewear system (100) of claim 28 or 29, wherein the at least one electronically active lens (101L, 101R) comprises a glass or plastic lens carrier to which an electronically active optical element is laminated.

31. The eyewear system (100) according to any of claims 1 - 30, wherein at least one electronically active lens assembly (102L, 102R) comprises a multi-lens structure, the multi-lens structure comprising a front lens (831) and a rear lens (832) that is interposed between the wearer’s face and the front lens (831), and wherein at least one of the front lens (831) and rear lens (832) is the electronically active lens (101L, 101R).

32. The eyewear system (100) of claim 31, wherein the front lens (831) is a passive lens or a second electronically active lens of the at least one electronically active lens assembly.

33. The eyewear system (100) of claim 31, wherein the front lens (831) is a passive impact resistant lens and the rear lens (832) is the electronically active lens (101L, 101R).

34. The eyewear system (100, 600) according to any of claims 1 - 33, wherein the flexible support element (105, 605) and the left and right electronically active lens assemblies (102L, 102R, 602L, 602R) form at least a portion of a front optical assembly (610), and wherein the eyewear system (100, 600) further comprises a rear optical assembly (620) attached to the front optical assembly (610) such that the rear optical assembly (620) is interposed between the front optical assembly (610) and a wearer’s face, the rear optical assembly (620) comprising a rear frame unit (623) supporting a rear lens unit (621) and a rear flexible support element (625) attached to the rear frame unit (623).

35. The eyewear system (100, 600) of claim 34, wherein i) the rear frame unit (623) comprises left and right rear frame structures (623L, 623R) provided in functional alignment with left and right openings of the rear flexible support element (625), ii) the rear lens unit (621) comprises left and right lenses (621L, 621R) respectively supported by the left and right rear frame structures (623L, 623R), and iii) a portion of the left and right rear frame structures (623L, 623R) are positioned within the respective left and right frame structures (103L, 103R, 603L, 603R) of the front optical assembly (610).

36. The eyewear system (100) of claim 34 or 35, wherein the front optical assembly (610) comprises a front attachment component (618), and wherein the rear optical assembly (620) comprises a rear attachment component (628) that cooperates with the front attachmentcomponent (618) to form an attachment mechanism for detachable attachment of the rear optical assembly (620) to the front optical assembly (610).

37. The eyewear system (100, 600) according to any of claims 34 - 36, wherein the rear lens unit (621) comprises a passive lens, an electronically active lens, or a combination thereof.

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