Electrochromic Lens Tint Control via Light Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochromic glasses require a burst of electricity to change transparency levels, and once changed, they remain stable without further electricity, limiting user control over tint adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Smart glasses with ambient light sensors and control circuitry that allow users to customize tint changes based on light intensity, using a mobile application to adjust sensitivity, rate, and delay of tint transitions, and include a voltage source to reversibly change optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional electrochromic glasses use a burst of electricity to change transparency levels, then the transparency change is achieved, but user control over tint adjustments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using ambient light sensors to detect light conditions and automatically adjusting the electrochromic lenses accordingly. The system continuously monitors the environment and adjusts tint levels based on detected light intensity, providing automatic control while maintaining user override capability through a mobile application interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting ambient light conditions and adjusting the lens tint without requiring manual user intervention. The control circuitry autonomously manages the electrochromic elements based on sensor input, freeing the user from manual adjustment while preserving the ability to customize settings when desired.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrochromic properties remain stable after voltage removal, then energy is saved, but the ability to dynamically adjust tint levels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by applying voltage in controlled bursts to change tint levels rather than maintaining continuous voltage. The electrochromic lenses are adjusted periodically based on changing light conditions detected by sensors, consuming energy only when transitions are needed while maintaining stability between adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves dynamics by enabling real-time adjustment of tint levels through controlled voltage application. The electrochromic elements can transition between different transparency states on demand, allowing the system to adapt to varying environmental conditions while consuming minimal energy during stable states.
3Ease of operation
If automatic tint adjustment is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by integrating multiple functions into a single device: ambient light sensing, automatic tint control, manual override capability, and customizable settings all within one pair of glasses. The mobile application serves as a universal interface for both automatic and manual control modes, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables highly customizable and automatic tint adjustments based on user preferences and ambient light conditions, providing enhanced user control and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromic glass, and devices made with the technology, devices such as lenses, change their light transmission properties in response to an applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
an ambient light sensor operably connected to the lenses that causes the tint to change based on the change in intensity of detected light
Data Source
AI summary
A system with a pair of glasses, such as sunglasses, having a frame and at least one lens mounted in the frame, a light sensor mounted on the frame, and a receiver and circuitry present in the frame. The system also has app (e.g., on a cell phone) having control logic that is configured to send a command to the glasses to change the lens to a first or “dark” tint setting when a reading of the light sensor exceeds a high threshold and to send a command to change the lens to a second or “light” tint setting when a reading of the light sensor drops below a low threshold. The tint settings may change the transmittance or opacity of the lenses or the color of the lenses.