Gradient Polarized Lens Coating for Glare and LCD Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional polarizing sunglasses often interfere with the visibility of liquid crystal displays due to cross-polarization, limiting their effectiveness in environments with varying light conditions.

Innovation Solution

The development of optical articles with gradient tint and polarization properties achieved through the application of anisotropic coating layers containing dichroic and photochromic-dichroic materials, aligned to provide varying polarization and tint effects across different zones of the lens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional linearly polarized sunglasses are used, then glare reduction is improved, but visibility of liquid crystal displays deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglare reductionVSAvoidvisibility of liquid crystal displays
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different polarization properties to different zones of the lens. The upper portion has strong horizontal polarization for glare reduction, while the lower portion has reduced polarization or different orientation to allow viewing of liquid crystal displays. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing zone-specific optical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lens is divided into multiple zones with distinct optical characteristics. The gradient transition from highly polarized upper region to less polarized lower region creates segmented functional areas that simultaneously address glare reduction and display visibility needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed polarization is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different light conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different light conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the lens are assigned different polarization strengths and orientations to suit different viewing conditions. The upper zone maintains fixed strong polarization for horizontal glare, while the lower zone adapts with reduced polarization for digital display viewing, providing environmental adaptability within a single lens structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The gradient polarization creates a dynamic transition zone where optical properties change continuously from top to bottom, allowing the lens to adapt to varying light conditions and viewing angles without requiring multiple separate lenses or adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances vision in multiple environments by allowing seamless interaction with both polarized and unpolarized light sources, improving visibility of liquid crystal displays while maintaining glare reduction.

Implementation Method 1

The optical article comprises a first light influencing zone with a high degree of horizontal polarization and a second light influencing zone with no polarization or a different degree of polarization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDichroism: Dichroic Filter

Implementation Method 2

Photochromic dyes generally provided reversible tinting, meaning that the lenses are tinted when exposed to actinic radiation, and revert to being untinted in the absence of actinic radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotochromism: Photochromism

Implementation Method 3

application of anisotropic coating layers containing dichroic and photochromic-dichroic materials, aligned to provide varying polarization and tint effects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnisotropy: Anisotropy

Data Source

PatentEP3368285B1Method of making optical articles having gradient light influencing properties
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 TRANSITIONS OPTICAL INC
  • EP3368285B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3368285B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3368285B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method of making an optical article having a gradient tint and a gradient polarization. The method includes contacting one or more dye compositions including at least one of a dichroic dye, a photochromic-dichroic dye, or any combination thereof, with an optical element having a continuous coating including at least one alignment zone. At least a portion of the dye composition diffuses into the coating at a predetermined concentration gradient along at least a portion of the coating.