Device and method for altering field of view

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an eyewear device for altering the field of view (FOV) of a wearer The eyewear device comprises a frame, an optical film layer attached to the frame, one or more power sources located in or on the frame, and opacity adjustment means for adjusting the opacity of the optical film for dynamically altering the wearer's field of view visible through the eyewear device. Methods of altering the FOV of a wearer of an eyewear device are also provided.

Description

[0001] DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ALTERING FIELD OF VIEW

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure relates to optical devices, and associated methods of use or implementation, that alter the wearer’s field of view to enhance their focus.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] People often find it difficult to focus in busy or distracting environments due to the variety of sensory stimuli they receive. This is particularly true for persons living with attention regulation challenges or sensory sensitivities such as attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. ADHD is a prevalent medical condition characterised by behavioural problems which can include a difficulty concentrating and focusing for extended periods of time as well as hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Those experiencing symptoms of ADHD often find that this creates a particular challenge in day-to-day activities such as reading, studying, remaining focussed on a given person or object in front of them. In addition, persons with ADHD are in many cases light-sensitive, and prefer to work in environments with dimmed lighting in order to help them better relax and focus. Similarly, a number of autistic individuals find it difficult to filter out sensory stimuli in their surroundings, preventing them from fully focussing on a given task.

[0006] Existing solutions to improve focus, such as Nike® SPARQ glasses and Narbis smart glasses, rely on a pre-installed stroboscopic effect which switches the wearer’s entire field of view between opaque and clear in a repetitive fashion during use, purportedly training the brain to better focus. However, these solutions lack any wearer-driven controllability of opacity, and the stroboscopic effect presents a number of issues such as not being conducive to prolonged focus periods and being unusable by epileptic individuals. Whilst Chamelo Eyewear provides glasses that allow the wearer to selectively change the tint or colour level of the entire field of view of their lenses, these are purely focussed on aesthetic or comfort-based motivations and do not work to improve the wearer’s focus. Another solution, Sparkles ADHD glasses, stimulates a peripheral visual field of the wearer in order to “distract” the wearer’s brain in to focussing. However, this fails to address the underlying issue that focus is often due to over- stimulation and not under-stimulation. It is therefore desirable to provide means and methods which address at least some of these challenges.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure relates to novel eyewear devices designed to enhance user focus and minimize visual distractions by dynamically dimming peripheral vision, simulating the sense of being in a dimmed, closed space within an external environment. In some embodiments, the device includes liquid crystal film applied to optical -grade, curved polymer parts, enabling selective dimming of peripheral vision to reduce distractions without compromising the wearer's frontal vision. In other embodiments, the device includes a liquid crystal film and a transparent conductive film bonded together, once again enabling selective dimming of peripheral vision to reduce distractions without compromising the wearer's frontal vision. Power may be supplied to the liquid crystal film by a power source integrated within the temples of the eyewear device, such as by lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries.

[0009] One unique feature of this disclosure is its visual light transmission (VLT) adjustment capability, allowing users to modify the level of dimming either manually via a mechanism built into the frame or digitally through the interface of a proprietary software application on a user device. This means the user can adjust the opacity of the eyewear device lens to their desired level while also more seamlessly engaging with the environment around them, allowing them to feel less isolated due to a restricted field of view. The user device may comprise a mobile device, a tablet, a smart watch, or a dedicated electronic device suitably configured for wireless communication with the eyewear device. In some embodiments the app interface provides additional customization options, including but not limited to pre-set environmental profiles and real-time adjustments, enhancing the adaptability and user- friendliness of the eyewear device.

[0010] The present disclosure provides a significant advancement in wearable technology for focus enhancement, combining cognitive science based on visual attention mechanisms, innovative material use, ergonomic design, and user-centric functionalities to offer a versatile solution to managing visual distractions in various settings. This is found to be particularly beneficial for persons living with ADHD, who typically experience difficulty in concentrating and focusing. However the benefits can extend to a broader population seeking improved productivity in spaces they find it difficult to focus in. By dimming peripheral vision in their field of view, the wearer is receiving fewer optical stimuli which cause issues with concentration and focussing. By blocking peripheral vision using a dimming technology, the devices of the present disclosure directly reduce the load on automatic attention, which frees up cognitive resources to concentrate more effectively on the main task. The ability to adjust the dimming allows the wearer to more seamlessly engage with the environment around them without feeling temporarily isolated due to a reduced field of view.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an eyewear device comprising a frame; at least one optical film layer attached to the frame, wherein the optical film layer at least partially comprises a material configured to have its opacity adjusted in response to an electrical signal; one or more power sources located in or on the frame; and opacity adjustment means for adjusting the opacity of the material of the optical film layer, for dynamically altering part of the wearer’s field of view visible through the eyewear device. The opacity adjustment means allows a wearer of the eyewear device to selectively control the provision of electrical current to the optical film layer and thus control the opacity of the material of the optical film layer.

[0012] Optionally, the material of the optical film layer that is configured to have its opacity adjusted comprises one of a liquid crystal film, an electrochromic film, a film comprising OLEDs, or an electrophoretic display.

[0013] Advantageously, altering part of the wearer’s field of view visible through the eyewear device comprises only dimming the wearer’s mid-far peripheral vision.

[0014] In some embodiments, the eyewear device comprises a single substrate that substantially spans the width of the frame, wherein the substrate is dimensioned such that it at least partially fills the aperture for each of the lenses of the frame. Alternatively, the eyewear device comprises two substrates, wherein each of the two substrates is dimensioned to at least partially fill an aperture of one of the lenses of the frame. At least partially filling the aperture of each lens optionally comprises filling a region of the aperture corresponding to a wearer’s mid-far peripheral vision.

[0015] Optionally, the optical film layer is located on the substrate or substrates. The one or more substrates may in some embodiments be removably attached to the frame. In some embodiments, the optical film layer comprises a liquid crystal film layer and a substrate layer comprising a transparent conductive film.

[0016] Advantageously, the eyewear device may further comprise a first polarizing layer located on a first side of the optical film, and a second polarizing layer located on a second side of the optical film.

[0017] Optionally, the first polarizing layer comprises a first region that is not configured to polarize light and a second region that is configured to polarize light. The second region of the first polarizing layer is dimensioned and positioning to cover a mid-far peripheral field of view.

[0018] Optionally, the eyewear device may further comprise a first protective layer located on a first side of the optical film layer, and a second protective layer located on a second side of the optical film layer.

[0019] Optionally, the eyewear device may further comprise further comprising a hardening layer located on one side of the optical film layer.

[0020] Optionally, the opacity adjustment means comprises an actuation mechanism integrated into the frame of the eyewear device. In various embodiments the actuation mechanism may comprise an potentiometer such as but not limited to a dial or a sliding switch, or the actuation mechanism comprises a switch having discrete modes. In other embodiments the opacity adjustment means comprises a digital adjustment mechanism operable via an interface of software application on a device in wireless communication with any of the eyewear devices of the present disclosure.

[0021] Optionally, the software application interface provides customization options including, but not limited to, setting profiles for different environmental conditions, battery status updates, and advanced settings for opacity patterns or schedules.

[0022] Optionally, the power source(s) comprise one or more lithium ion batteries or one or more lithium polymer batteries. Optionally, wherein the optical film layer is configured to provide rapid and reversible changes in transparency in response to electrical stimulation from the power source(s).

[0023] Optionally, the power source(s) are connected to the optical film layer via flexible connectors formed of a conducting material sufficiently durable to withstand flexing and bending associated with regular use of the glasses, ensuring a continuous and reliable power supply to the optical film layer.

[0024] Optionally, the power source(s) are rechargeable and configured to optimize the device's energy efficiency and maximize battery life.

[0025] Optionally, the eyewear device further comprises a sensing system integrated within the frame and configured to automatically adjust the opacity of the optical film in response to detected head movements of the wearer and detection of people approaching the wearer. The eyewear device may be further configured to implement one or more machine learning algorithms in order to determine head movements of the wearer and / or people approaching the wearer. The sensing system may include at least one of a gyroscope and an accelerometer for detecting head movements. Optionally, the automatic adjustment of the optical film layer's opacity is customizable, allowing users to set specific head movements that trigger adjustments.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of using an eyewear device, the method comprising: adjusting the transparency of the optical film to dim peripheral vision using a multi-mode tint adjustment mechanism; wherein the adjustment includes manual adjustment via an actuation mechanism and / or digital adjustment via a proprietary app interface.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for automatically adjusting the opacity of peripheral vision dimming in an eyewear device, the method comprising: detecting head movements of the wearer using a sensing system integrated within the frame of the device; automatically adjusting the opacity of an optical film of the device based on the detected head movements to modify the level of peripheral vision dimming. According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided use of an LED built into the device to indicate when the wearer is busy or available to talk.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided use of haptic engines embedded into the device to simulate gentle taps the wearer feels in user-set intervals to remind them of time passing and to stay on task.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an audio accessory device that wirelessly connects to any of the eyewear devices of the present disclosure in order to provide audio functionality in synchronization with the dimming features.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1-3 provide views of an eyewear device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 provides a conceptual diagram depicting communication between an eyewear device and a software application on a user device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5 provides an underside view of an eyewear device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figures 6 and 7 respectively provide isometric and overhead views of a charging device for use with the eyewear device of the previous Figures according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 8 provides a side view of a material stack for eyewear device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 9 provides front-facing views of the layers of a material stack for an eyewear device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 10 provides front-facing views of an exemplary eyewear device of the present disclosure with three different variable light transmission levels (a)-(c).

[0038] Figures 11-17 depict various aspects of an exemplary eyewear device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 18 provides a conceptual view of the workspace of a wearer of an exemplary eyewear device of the present disclosure with three different variable light transmission levels (a)-(c). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The present disclosure will now be made with reference to the accompanying Figures. It will be understood that the Figures are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to be limiting on the scope of the present invention. Reasonable adaptions are envisaged by the inventor.

[0041] The main field-of-view (FOV), also known as the central visual field or foveal vision, is characterized by its ability to deliver high-resolution detail, color perception, and focused attention. This region is critical for tasks such as reading, recognizing faces, and identifying fine features. On the other hand, peripheral vision FOV refers to the visual field outside the parafovea of the human eye, typically beyond about 4-5° from the point of fixation, (Vater, C., Wolfe, B. & Rosenholtz, R. Peripheral vision in real-world tasks: A systematic review. Psychon Bull Rev 29, 1531-1557 (2022)). The peripheral FOV provides degraded but useful information essential for tasks such as walking, driving, and aviation. Anatomically, it is processed by areas of the retina with lower photoreceptor density than the fovea, and functionally, it supports motion detection, spatial awareness, and environmental monitoring — even when fine detail and color perception are reduced. In the present disclosure, the objective is generally to allow a wearer of the eyewear device 100, 1100 to partially or entirely obscure or dim the mid-far peripheral FOV, using any of the mechanisms and methods disclosed herein. Due to variations in interpupillary distance, the term ‘mid-to- far peripheral’ is not limited to strict angular bounds and instead refers to regions outside primary fixation of foveal or parafoveal vision as noted above, as this is where changes in environment are more sensitive / salient to attract automatic attention due to not being in central or near-peripheral gaze. However, depending on interpupillary distance the mid-far peripheral FOV approximately corresponds to an angular range of from about 30° to about 110° from the point of fixation, and the eyewear devices 100, 1100 of the present disclosure are configured so as to obscure a wearer’s FOV in this approximate range. When referring to the eyewear devices of the present disclosure obscuring or dimming the peripheral FOV, it will be understood that the inventor is referring to the mid-far peripheral FOV.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated an eyewear device 100 provided in the form of a pair of glasses. The eyewear device 100 includes a frame with temple members to be placed over the ears of the wearer, a pair of apertures generally aligned with the eyes of the wearer, and a bridge connecting the apertures which rests on the wearer’s nose.

[0043] Whilst the apertures may be suitable to receive lenses therein, this is not essential to the present invention. Moreover, whilst the eyewear device 100 depicted in Figure 1 resembles a pair of glasses, it is not intended to limit the implementation of the invention to such an assembly. For example, the invention may alternatively be implemented in other headmounted wearable devices such as but not limited to AR / VR headsets, and tactical headsets that incorporate ocular elements.

[0044] An optical visor 110 is placed generally in line with the apertures of the frame. The visor 110 is dimensioned such that it at least partially covers each of the apertures. In preferred embodiments, the visor 110 includes curved portions positioned at the areas of the apertures corresponding approximately to the mid-far peripheral vision of the wearer.

[0045] Importantly, the visor 110 should be dimensioned or positioned in relation to the apertures of the frame such that the main FOV of the wearer remains clear, such as in the example of Figure 2. The visor 110 may be formed of a polymer or another suitable material, and may comprise a single piece or multiple pieces. In some embodiments, the visor 110 is integrally part of the frame, whilst in other embodiments the visor 110 is removably attached to the frame. For example, the visor 110 may be removably attached via a set of corresponding magnets located on the visor 110 and the frame.

[0046] An optical film is disposed on a substrate of the visor 110, or is embedded as a layer within the visor material in a sandwich-type configuration. In alternative embodiments not involving a separate visor 110, the optical film may be disposed on, or embedded within, one or more substrates of existing glasses lenses. Either way, the optical film is attached to the frame of the eyewear device 100. The optical film at least partially comprises a material configured to have its opacity adjusted in response to an electrical signal. In order to achieve this, the optical film is operably connected to a power source (not pictured) of the eyewear device 100, and an opacity adjustment means 120 for adjusting the opacity of the optical film for dynamically altering the wearer’s FOV visible through the eyewear device 100. When voltage is controllably applied to the optical film via the opacity adjustment means 120, the visual light transmission (VLT) of at least part of the film is altered by rearranging the atomic structure of the film. The opacity of the film can be varied from clear to dimmed by varying the voltage applied to the film by the adjustment means 120. For example, when the voltage is increased the VLT through the optical film decreases, making the film less transparent; when the voltage is decreased the VLT through the optical film increases, making the film more transparent. Figure 10 provides an example of several different VLT levels for the devices of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that these values of light transmission are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting; other values are envisaged by the inventor.

[0047] The optical films in the present disclosure are operable within a voltage range from about 0 volts to about 2.1 volts, corresponding to its standard active mode. For characterization and compatibility purposes, voltages up to about 3.3 volts may be applied to evaluate performance limits, device stability, or integration with standard power architectures.

[0048] In some embodiments, the opacity adjustment means 120 comprises an actuator on the device 100, which the user can intuitively use to change how dim they want the optical film to be. In various embodiments, the actuator 120 may comprise a potentiometer such as a dial, a sliding switch, or tactile-type element such as a sliding capactive touch or a tact button, or the actuator 120 may comprise a switch with multiple discrete modes. In the example of Figures 1-5, the adjustment means 120 is a scroll wheel, however this is only one example embodiment.

[0049] In other embodiments, the opacity adjustment means 120 comprises a software application on a user device configured for wireless communication with the eyewear device 100. It will be understood that wireless communication between the software application and the eyewear device 100 may be accomplished by a variety of known means, such as but not limited to WiFi or Bluetooth®. Figure 4 provides a conceptual example of the adjustment means 120 as a software application in communication with the eyewear device 100.

[0050] In some embodiments, the frame of the device 100 may further comprise a touch-capacitive surface suitably configured to instantly turn off the dimming effect of the optical film in response to the wearer tapping or rubbing the surface. The optical film is preferably a liquid crystal film, such as bi-axial liquid crystal film. In other embodiments, the optical film may comprise single-curvature liquid crystal film, electrochromic film, a film comprising organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), an electrophoretic display or similar bi-stable technology. It will be appreciated that other optical film materials may be selected, provided that their opacity can be controllably altered between clear and dimmed. Embodiments with a bi-axial liquid crystal film permit a double curvature lens shape, thus allowing increased surface area control of peripheral dimming with liquid crystal and producing a more aesthetically pleasing design and adapting well to the curved visor 110 shape in Figures 1-4.

[0051] The power source 130 may comprise one or more batteries. In preferred embodiments, the power source 130 is placed in one or both of the temples of the eyewear device 130, however alternative configurations are envisaged. The power source 130 may comprise one or more lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, or another long-life power source.

[0052] The eyewear device 100 may optionally comprise sensors 130 suitably configured to track biometric data of the wearer including biometrics linked to focus, such as but not limited to heart rate variability and pupil size. It some embodiments, the sensors 130 are textile sensors, but are not limited to textile sensors. It has been found that biometric data relating pupil activity of a subject may indicate their degree of focus on a given subject. The sensors 130 are preferably placed in or on one or both temples of the frame of the eyewear device 100 such that they are in abutment with the wearer’s head.

[0053] In some embodiments, the eyewear device 100 may comprise a gyroscope 310 and / or accelerometers 310 configured to track head movement to automatically turn the device 100 on and off. A sudden head movement may be indicative of a person approaching the wearer from beyond their peripheral vision causing the wearer to react and need full use of their FOV.

[0054] In some embodiments, the eyewear device 100 may comprise one or more light emitting elements 320 configured to indicate when the wearer is busy or available to talk. When the optical film is dimmed either at all or by a predefined threshold amount, the more light emitting element(s) 320 may emit light constantly, at a predefined frequency, or of a given colour in order to indicate that the optical film is dimmed and the wearer is busy. In addition or alternatively, when the optical film is not dimmed at all or only dimmed by a predefined threshold amount, the more light emitting element(s) 320 may emit light constantly, at a predefined frequency, or of a given colour in order to indicate that the optical film is dimmed and the wearer is not busy. The light emitting elements 320 may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), such as micro LEDs, organic LEDs (OLEDs), or quantum dot LEDs (QLEDs).

[0055] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, an example charging device 600 for the eyewear device 100 is depicted. The charging device 600 should have an interior volume appropriately dimensioned to accommodate the eyewear device 100 therein, and should be configured with a first portion 610 configured to be opened and closed with respect to a second portion 620. Preferably the first portion 610 is attached to the second portion 620 via a hinge mechanism on one side. Optionally a button 630 be provided to open the charging device 600.

[0056] In various embodiments the charging device 600 and the eyewear device 100 may configured to permit wireless charging of the eyewear device 100 when the eyewear device 100 is located in the interior volume of the charging device 600. For example, the interior volume and the eyewear device 100 may comprise one or more surfaces with a charging substrate thereon. In other embodiments, the eyewear device 100 is charged via a physical, wired connection such as but not limited to a USB-C cable or proprietary pogo pin connectors.

[0057] In some embodiments the charging device 600 comprises a display 640 on an exterior surface. The display 640 may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an LED display. In various embodiments the display 640 may be configured together with the charging device 500 to indicate various information including but not limited to: a charge level of the eyewear device 100, device 100 usage, the time of day, and / or task information defined by the software application on the user device.

[0058] Referring to Figure 8, a material stack 810-870 for an eyewear device is illustrated. The stack may be implemented in an eyewear device, such as the eyewear device 1100 in Figure 11, or the eyewear device 100 in Figures 1-3. Figure 11 provides an example view of an eyewear device 1100 implementing part or all of the material stack 810-870. The stack at least comprises one or more optical film layers 850 that each at least partially comprise a material configured to have its opacity adjusted in response to an electrical signal. Additional layers in the stack provide various advantages which will now be discussed. The stack, which is not depicted to scale, optionally comprises seven layers 810-870 from distal to proximal positioning in relation to the wearer as follows: a first polarizing layer 810, a hardening layer 820, an adhesive layer 830, a first protective layer 840, an optical film layer 850, a second protective layer 860, and a second polarizing layer 870. It will be appreciated that the ordering may be reversed in relation to the wearer, and that not all layers are essential as will now be explained.

[0059] The optical film layer 850 preferably comprises two sub-layers bonded to each other using any suitable optical grade adhesive. The first sub-layer is a liquid crystal film or other liquid crystal material layer that is configured to have its opacity adjusted in response to an electrical signal. The second sub-layer is a substrate layer comprising a transparent conductive film (TCF) formed of any suitable optically transparent conductive materials. The TCF provides the combined advantages of increased structural integrity to the liquid crystal layer and a substrate permitting voltage to be evenly applied across the liquid crystal layer. The material stack should therefore include one or more electrical connection points (not pictured) to electrically couple the adjustment means to the optical film layer 850 either directly or indirectly. Electrical coupling may be accomplished using a flex cable or other appropriate wiring configurations. The ordering of the two sub-layers of the optical film layer 850 is reversible.

[0060] In some embodiments, in order to protect the optical film layer 850 against material damage or degradation such as moisture, impacts and so on, the optical film layer 850 is optionally sandwiched between first and second protective layers 840, 860. The first and second protective layers 840, 860 may be formed of the same or different materials. In preferred embodiments the protective layers 840, 860 are both formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In order to improve light transmission the protective layers 840, 860 may in some embodiments comprise an anti-reflective coating disposed thereon or may themselves comprise a material with anti-reflective properties. The addition of anti -reflective coating or materials may have an added benefit of reducing a haze effect and improve lens clarity through the material stack.

[0061] In some embodiments, the material stack in Figure 8 further comprises a hardening layer 820 formed of an at least partially resilient or rigid material in order to improve the strength of the material stack. The hardening layer 820 may comprise a transparent or substantially transparent Triacetyl Cellulose (TAC) or polycarbonate lens. The hardening layer 820 may be bonded to the first protective layer 840 by an adhesive layer 830 comprising any appropriate optically adhesive material. The other layers of the material stack may either be bonded during the manufacture process or using an adhesive layer.

[0062] First and second polarizers 810, 870 are preferably provided, such as at the most distal and proximal positions of the material stack in the relation to the wearer respectively. The first and second polarizers 810, 870 comprise any suitable material that is pre-configured with inherent polarizing properties. The first polarizer 810 is selected to be a linear polarizer such that it converts natural light in to linearly polarized light. Advantageously in some embodiments the second polarizer 870 may further comprise optical filtering properties such as tinting to further reduce the VLT of the light that is incident on the wearer’s eyes.

[0063] When the eyewear device 100, 1100 is switched off, the linearly polarized light that has passed through first polarizer 810 then passes through the liquid crystal film layer 850 with a VLT value that the device has been pre-configured with, such as the VLT value in view (a) of Figure 10. For example, the VLT value when the eyewear device is switched off may be the result of the tinting properties of the second polarizer 870 which provides a base level VLT of 36% or more. When the eyewear device is switched on, the linearly polarized light is at least partially deflected by the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal film layer 850. The result of this deflection in the switched on state is that some amount of light incident on the second polarizer 870 will not pass through the second polarizer 870, to a degree which varies dependent on the voltage applied to the liquid crystal film layer 850, thus decreasing the VLT value. The wearer of the eyewear device 100, 1100 decreases and increases the VLT value in the switched on state by controlling the opacity adjustment means 120 which varies the voltage applied to the liquid crystal film layer 850. The second polarizer 870 may be configured such that when the eyewear device 100, 1100 is switched off the linearly polarized light is parallel to the second polarizer's 870 optical axis and can pass through with a given VLT range, and when the eyewear device is switched on at least some amount of the linearly polarized light is not parallel to the second polarizer's 870 optical axis due to deflection in the liquid crystal film layer 850 and cannot pass through, presenting a substantially or completely darkened mid-far peripheral FOV with a VLT as low as 0.1% corresponding to view (c) in Figure 10. As illustrated in Figure 9, the first and second polarizers 810, 870 may comprise a first region 810a, 870a, and a second region 810b, 870b. In each of the polarizers 810, 870 the first region 810a, 870a is preferably de-activated material that does not polarize. Alternatively, the first region 810a, 870a is empty of material (i.e., an aperture or hole). In each of the polarizers 810, 870 the second region 810b, 870b is activated material that is configured to polarize light in a desired manner. The dimensions of the second region 810b, 870b are selected such that they substantially correspond to the mid-far peripheral vision FOV of a wearer of the eyewear device. The dimensions of the first region 810a, 870a are selected such that they substantially correspond to at least the main vision FOV of a wearer of the eyewear device. An advantage of providing the polarizers 810, 870 with de-activated regions rather than simple apertures or holes is to improve the robustness of the overall structure.

[0064] The layers 810-870 should preferably be shaped such they correspond to the shape of the eyewear device they will be implemented in. For example, the layers 810-870 in Figure 9 are shaped such they are properly accommodated within the frame of the eyewear device illustrated in Figures 10-12.

[0065] Figure 10 shows an eyewear device of Figures 1-4 or Figure 11, comprising the material stack of Figure 8, with three levels (a)-(c) of VLT. The material stack in Figure 10 does not necessarily include all layers 810-870, but should at least include optical film layer 850 and polarizing layers 810, 870. In view (a), the eyewear device is switched off, providing a base VLT level in which the wearer can comfortably see their surroundings in the mid-far peripheral FOV region. For example, the VLT level in view (a) may be no less than about 36%, nor less than 40%, or no less than 50%. A VLT level of 36% would mean that 36% of light is transmitted through the mid-far peripheral FOV region corresponding to the second region 810b, 870b in the first and second polarizers 810, 870. In view (b), the eyewear device is switched on, and the wearer of the eyewear device has used adjustment means such as opacity adjustment means 120 to lower the VLT level such that the mid-far peripheral FOV is further dimmed whilst still allowing the user to see what is around them. For example, in view (b) the VLT level is in the range of about 8-16%. In view (c), the user has used opacity adjustment means 120 to lower the VLT level to a value such that the user effectively cannot see anything in their mid-far peripheral FOV. For example, the VLT level in view (c) may be in the region of less than 5%, less than 2%, less than 1%, or equal to 0.1%. As described above in relation to the eyewear device 100 of Figures 1-4, the eyewear device may be configured such that a wearer can adjust the opacity or VLT level using opacity adjustment means 120, either continuously or discretely. In some embodiments, the views (a)-(c) in Figure 10 correspond to three discrete options that the wearer can select from using opacity adjustment means 120, or they may simply be representative of three possible configurations from a continuous, “sliding scale” range of options using the opacity adjustment means 120.

[0066] Referring to Figure 11, the optical film 850, optionally the material stack 810-870, is illustrated as being attached to a frame 1110 of an eyewear device 1100. The frame 1110 optionally comprises temple portions 1110a which abut the wearer’s temple during use, and a main portion 1110b which rests across the wearer face during use. In the embodiment of Figure 11, the main portion 1110b comprises a two-part housing 1210a, 1210b, best present in the exploded view of Figure 12, with the optical film layer 850 or material stack 810-870 housed between the two portions 1210a, 1210b. The eyewear device 1100 further includes opacity adjustment means (not visible) and the power source 130 along the template portions 1110a of the frame 1110. It will be understood that the location of the opacity adjustment means and the power source 130 on or in the frame 1110 may differ from that depicted in Figure 11. In some embodiments the opacity adjustment means in the eyewear device 1100 in Figure 11 is located in the same position as the opacity adjustment means in Figures 1 and 3.

[0067] In the embodiment of Figure 11, the eyewear device 1100 optionally includes a detachable frame accessory 1120. The frame accessory 1120 may be detachable either by a magnetic mechanism whereby magnetic portions 1710a, 1720b visible in Figure 17 are provided on the frame 1110 and the frame accessory 1120. Removable attachment of the visor 110 to the frame has the advantage of allowing for interchangeable prescriptions, and the introduction of additional materials such as but not limited to blue light filters. The frame accessory 1120 may comprise any of a variety of different accessories such as a blue light filtering lenses, UV-filtering lenses (“sunglasses”), and so on. Other optional features of the eyewear device 1100 include ear grips 1140 and magnetic ear tips 1150. Figure 16 demonstrates an optional removable attachment functionality of the ear grips and magnetic ear tips 1150 from the temple portions 1110a of the frame 1110. The removable attachment may be achieved by magnetic coupling, or by purely mechanical coupling such as a friction fit mechanism. Also visible in Figure 11 are central hinge member 1130a and hinges 1130b, 1130c, 1130d, 1130e connecting the temple portions 1110a, the central hinge member 1130a, and the main portion 1110b of the frame 1110. The hinges 1130b, 1130c, 1130d, 1130e permit movement of the template portions 1110a and the main portion 1110b with respect to each other and the central hinge member 1130a, in order to adapt the eyewear device 1100 dimensions based on a wearer’s head size. This hinge mechanism is best illustrated in Figure 13 which includes a magnified view 1300 of the mechanism and arrows conceptually demonstrating the multiple axes of rotation made possible by this hinge mechanism.

[0068] Light emitting element 1160 visible in Figure 11 may serve a number of functions. For example, the light emitting element 1160 may indicate the power on / off state and / or battery level. In addition or alternatively, the light emitting element 1160 may double as a power switch or opacity adjustment means.

[0069] Whilst the frame 1100 in Figure 11 resembles a pair of glasses, it will be appreciated that this may alternatively comprise another eyewear device such as but not limited to an AR / VR headset.

[0070] Figure 12 shows an exploded view of the eyewear device 1100 in Figure 11. The optical film layer 850, or material stack 810-870, is advantageously provided in a two-part housing 1210a, 1210b to further secure it in place and provide additional protection against damage. The housing may be formed of any suitable material such as a polymer, carbon fibre, or a metal. The power source 130 is shown located in one of the temple portions 1110a of the frame 1110. The power source 130 may comprise any suitable battery such as a lithiumpolymer battery, and a lithium ion battery, and so on. The power source 130 may be made accessible by configuring a temple portion 1110a with a movable door 1110c that either partially or entirely detaches from the temple portion 1110a. Electronics including one or more processors 1220 and memory 1230 may be located in the same or the other of the temple portions 1110b. The processor(s) 1220 and memory 1230 are configured for carrying out the various methodologies disclosed herein in response to wearer input. For example, when a wearer interacts with the opacity adjustment means 120 a signal from this part of the circuitry is interpreted by the processor(s) 1220 which then actuates the change in the VLT level of the eyewear device 1100. Wiring 1240, such as a flex cable, connects the circuitry in the template portions 1110a with the optical film layer 850.

[0071] Figure 14 provides an underside view of the eyewear device 1100 of Figure 11. An optional but advantageous feature of the eyewear device 1100 is a charging port 1410 configured to receive a charging cable in order to charge the power source 130. The charging port 1410 may comprise any known charging port such as but not limited to USB-A, USB-B, Mini- USB, Micro-USB, USB-C, Lightning, Barrel Jack, Qi wireless, PMA wireless, or another connection port type.

[0072] A power switch 1420 is also visible in Figure 14, and is configured for powering on or off the eyewear device 1100. The power switch 1420 may comprise a mechanical button, switch, or wheel, or any form of touch sensor. In some embodiments, the opacity adjustment means 120 and the power switch 1420 may be one and the same interactive element. In such embodiments the length, frequency, and / or number of presses of the power switch 1420 can control the eyewear device 100, 1100 between on and off states as well as controlling the VLT level. In other embodiments, a separate opacity adjustment means 120 may be provided on the eyewear device 1100.

[0073] A nose piece 1430 is dimensioned to rest on the bridge of a wearer’s nose. In some embodiments the nose piece 1430 is configured to be movable with respect to the main portion 1110b of the frame 1110 in response to application of a moderate force. In addition or alternatively, the noise piece 1430 may be formed of a partially resilient material such that it can be reshaped based on a wearer’s particular nose shape for comfort and stability. In other embodiments the nose piece 1430 may comprise a magnetic material for removable attachment to the main portion 1110b of the frame 1110; in such an embodiment the main portion 1110b is partially or entirely formed of a magnetic material or may comprise one or more magnetic attachment points.

[0074] The eyewear device 1100 of Figures 10-15 may comprise any of the other optional features of the eyewear device in Figures 1-4, such as the gyroscope 310, accelerometers 310, and / or the light emitting element(s) 320. The eyewear device 1100 may also be suitably configured for wireless communication with an application on a user electronic device in the manner described in relation to Figure 4. Further, the eyewear device 1100 may be configured to charge using the devices in Figures 6-7.

[0075] It will be appreciated that in order to execute various functionalities of the eyewear devices 100, 1100 described in the present disclosure and depicted in the Figures, the eyewear devices 100, 1100 will be configured with one or more suitably configured microcontrollers (not pictured) that act as an interface connecting various components of the devices 100, 1100 in operation. Similarly, the charging device 600 will comprise one or more suitably configured processors (not pictured). The microcontroller(s) may operate machine learning algorithms that implement sensor data to control various device functionalities such as but not limited to automated dimming and collect biometric user data displayed in the software application such as the application illustrated in Figure 4. The microcontrollers are preferably configured to operate Bluetooth connections to other devices and manage various components of the devices 100, 1100 such as the opacity adjustment mechanism 120. The microcontrollers may also manage haptic engines(s) embedded into the devices 100, 1100 to simulate gentle taps the wearer feels in user-set intervals to remind them of time passing and to stay on task.

[0076] Figure 18 provides a wearer’s view of a workspace through an eyewear device of Figures 1-4 or Figure 11, comprising the material stack of Figure 8, with three levels (a)-(c) of VLT. In the example embodiment of Figure 18, the user can adjust the VLT to three levels by interacting with the opacity adjustment means 120 of the eyewear device 100, 1100. However, it will be appreciated that other numbers of settings are possible or that the VLT can be adjust in a continuous rather than discrete manner. In view (a), the eyewear device 100, 1100 is switched off and the VLT level is greater than about 36%, such as between 37- 40% but not limited to those values. In view (b), the eyewear device 100, 1100 is switched on and the VLT level is lower than in the switched off state. For example, in view (b) the VLT level is less than 36%, such as between 16% and 8% but not limited to those values. The VLT level in view (b) will substantially obstruct the wearer’s mid-far peripheral vision whilst still allowing them to see what is around them. Finally, in view (c) the VLT level is further darkened compared with view (b), such as to a VLT level of about 0.1%. In view (c) the wearer’s mid-far peripheral vision FOV is effectively opaque. In all views (a)-(c), the wearer’s main FOV remains clear by merit of the first and second polarizers 810, 870 having activated and de-activated regions.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An eyewear device comprising: a frame; at least one optical film layer attached to the frame, wherein the optical film layer at least partially comprises a material configured to have its opacity adjusted in response to an electrical signal; one or more power sources located in or on the frame; and opacity adjustment means for adjusting the opacity of the material of the optical film layer, for dynamically altering part of the wearer’s field of view visible through the eyewear device.

2. The eyewear device of claim 1, wherein the material of the optical film layer configured to have its opacity adjusted comprises one of a liquid crystal film, an electrochromic film, a film comprising OLEDs, or an electrophoretic display.

3. The eyewear device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein altering part of the wearer’s field of view visible through the eyewear device comprises only dimming the wearer’s mid-far peripheral vision.

4. The eyewear device of claims 1-3, comprising a single substrate that substantially spans the width of the frame, wherein the substrate is dimensioned such that it at least partially fills the aperture for each of the lenses of the frame.

5. The eyewear device of claims 1-3, comprising two substrates, wherein each of the two substrates is dimensioned to at least partially fill an aperture of one of the lenses of the frame.

6. The eyewear device of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein at least partially filling the aperture of each lens comprises filling a region of the aperture corresponding to a wearer’s mid-far peripheral vision.

7. The eyewear device of claims 4-6, wherein the optical film layer is located on the substrate or substrates.

8. The eyewear device of claims 1-7, wherein the one or more substrates are removably attached to the frame.

9. The eyewear device of claims 1-3, wherein the optical film layer comprises the liquid crystal film layer and a substrate layer comprising a transparent conductive film.

10. The eyewear device of claim 1-3 or 9, further comprising a first polarizing layer located on a first side of the optical film layer, and a second polarizing layer located on a second side of the optical film layer.

11. The eyewear device of claim 10, wherein the first polarizing layer comprises a first region that is not configured to polarize light and a second region that is configured to polarize light.

12. The eyewear device of claim 11, wherein the second region is dimensioned and positioning to cover a mid-far peripheral field of view.

13. The eyewear device of claims 1-3 or claims 9-12, further comprising a first protective layer located on a first side of the optical film layer, and a second protective layer located on a second side of the optical film layer.

14. The eyewear device of claims 1-3 or 9-12, further comprising a hardening layer located on one side of the optical film layer.

15. The eyewear device of claims 1-14, wherein the opacity adjustment means comprises an actuation mechanism integrated into the frame of the eyewear device, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises an potentiometer such as but not limited to a dial or a sliding switch, or the actuation mechanism comprises a switch having discrete modes.

16. The eyewear device of claims 1-15, wherein the opacity adjustment means comprises a digital adjustment mechanism operable via an interface of software application on a device in wireless communication with the eyewear device.

17. The eyewear device of claim 16, wherein the software application interface provides customization options including, but not limited to, setting profiles for differentenvironmental conditions, battery status updates, and advanced settings for opacity patterns or schedules.

18. The eyewear device of claims 1-17, wherein the power source(s) comprise one or more lithium ion batteries or one or more lithium polymer batteries.

19. The eyewear device of claims 1-18, wherein the optical film layer is configured to provide rapid and reversible changes in transparency in response to electrical stimulation from the power source(s).

20. The eyewear device of claims 1-19, wherein the power source(s) are connected to the optical film via flexible connectors formed of a conducting material sufficiently durable to withstand flexing and bending associated with regular use of the glasses, ensuring a continuous and reliable power supply to the optical film layer.

21. The eyewear device of claims 1-20, wherein the power source(s) are rechargeable and configured to optimize the device's energy efficiency and maximize battery life.

22. The eyewear device of claims 1-22, further comprising a sensing system integrated within the frame and configured to automatically adjust the opacity of the optical film in response to detected head movements of the wearer and detection of people approaching the wearer.

23. The eyewear device of claim 22, being configured to implement one or more machine learning algorithms in order to determine head movements of the wearer and / or people approaching the wearer.

24. The eyewear device of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the sensing system includes at least one of a gyroscope and an accelerometer for detecting head movements.

25. The eyewear device of claims 22-24, wherein the automatic adjustment of the optical film layer’s opacity is customizable, allowing users to set specific head movements that trigger adjustments.

26. A method of using an eyewear device according to claims 1-25, the method comprising:adjusting the transparency of the optical film layer to dim peripheral vision using a multimode tint adjustment mechanism; wherein the adjustment includes manual adjustment via an actuation mechanism and / or digital adjustment via a proprietary app interface.

27. A method for automatically adjusting the opacity of peripheral vision dimming in an eyewear device, the method comprising: detecting head movements of the wearer using a sensing system integrated within the frame of the device; automatically adjusting the opacity of an optical film layer of the device based on the detected head movements to modify the level of peripheral vision dimming.

28. Use of an LED built into the device to indicate when the wearer is busy or available to talk.

29. Use of haptic engines embedded into the device to simulate gentle taps the wearer feels in user-set intervals to remind them of time passing and to stay on task.

30. An audio accessory device that wirelessly connects to the eyewear device of any previous claim in order to provide audio functionality in synchronization with the dimming features.

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