Electrochromic Spectacle Lens with Three-Mode Optical Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectacle lenses lack the ability to switch between clear and low light transmission states on demand, fail to filter harmful wavelengths effectively, and often cause color distortion, making them unsuitable for varying lighting conditions and user preferences.
Innovation Solution
A spectacle lens with an activable optical filter that can be switched between three configurations: a clear state for unaltered color perception, a second state for specific filtering of harmful wavelengths or increased contrast, and a third state for glare protection, using electrochromic dye compounds and transparent electrodes to control light transmission and color.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If photochromic lenses are used to automatically darken upon UV exposure, then protection from glare is provided, but the lenses cannot be activated on demand or by artificial light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrochromic technology to create a dynamic optical filter that can change its light transmission properties in real-time based on electrical signals. This allows the lens to transition between clear and darkened states on demand, providing both automatic activation capability and manual control flexibility that static photochromic lenses cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the passive chemical response mechanism of photochromic lenses with an active electrochromic system controlled by electrical fields. This substitution enables precise control over lens activation through electronic means, allowing both automatic sensing-based activation and manual user control, thereby improving adaptability and ease of operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If passive optical filters are used to block harmful wavelengths, then spectral filtering is provided, but the filtering functions cannot be activated at appropriate times and cause color distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic optical filter dynamically adjusts its spectral filtering properties based on electrical activation. This allows the blue light filtering function to be activated only when needed (temporal control), rather than being permanently applied. The lens can switch between filtered and unfiltered states, providing adaptability to different lighting conditions and user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the filter material through electrochromic transformation. By applying electrical voltage, the material's light absorption characteristics are modified, enabling selective wavelength filtering to be activated or deactivated. This parameter change allows temporal control of filtering functions while maintaining color accuracy when filtering is not required.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If high level blue-violet light filtering is applied, then protection against harmful wavelengths is improved, but the residual yellow color degrades aesthetics and color perception
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic filter provides dynamic control over the degree and type of light filtering. Instead of permanent yellow tinting, the system can activate blue-violet light protection only when required, maintaining natural color perception during normal use. The ability to switch states eliminates continuous color distortion while providing protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes electrochromic parameter changes to selectively activate filtering for harmful wavelengths without permanently altering the overall color transmission. By controlling the electrical activation state, the system achieves harmful wavelength protection while minimizing color distortion, as the filtering effect is temporary and controllable rather than permanent.
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
The lens provides customizable light filtering functions, reducing glare and harmful wavelengths while maintaining clear color perception, enhancing visual comfort and aesthetics by allowing users to switch between configurations based on lighting conditions and activities.
Implementation Method 1
the activable optical filter comprises at least one cell comprising two electrochromic dye compounds having different oxidation potentials between two transparent supports
Data Source
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AI summary
Spectacle lens comprising an activable optical filter, the activable optical filter being configured to be actively switched between at least three configurations, wherein - in the first configuration, the color perception of the spectacle wearer is unaltered, - in the second configuration the activable optical filter provides a specific filtering function, - in the third configuration vision of the spectacle wearer is protected against glare.