Variable Transmittance Optical Filter for Dynamic Light Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eyewear devices require frequent lens changes to adapt to varying light conditions, which is impractical and can pose safety hazards due to delayed pupil adjustment in rapidly changing environments, such as skiing between bright and shaded areas.
Innovation Solution
A variable transmittance optical filter assembly controlled by a system comprising a light sensor, controller, and memory, which applies a pulse width modulated voltage signal to adjust the optical filter's transmittance based on detected light levels, allowing seamless transitions between light and dark states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional eyewear devices use fixed transmittance lenses, then manufacturing and operation are simple, but the device cannot adapt to varying light conditions requiring frequent lens changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from fixed transmittance lenses to a variable transmittance optical filter assembly that can dynamically adjust its light transmission properties. The optical filter assembly's transmittance is modulated by applying voltage signals, allowing the eyewear to adapt to varying light conditions in real-time, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the transmittance parameter of the optical filter assembly through voltage control. By varying the voltage applied to the optical filter assembly, the transmittance can be adjusted continuously to match different lighting environments, enabling adaptability without requiring multiple physical lens changes.
2Reliability
If lens changes are delayed in rapidly changing light conditions, then device operation remains simple, but safety is compromised due to inappropriate light filtration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through a light sensor that continuously monitors the ambient light conditions and provides this information to a controller. The controller then adjusts the voltage applied to the optical filter assembly based on the sensor feedback, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adapts to changing light conditions, thereby improving safety without requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The eyewear device performs self-service by automatically detecting and responding to light condition changes without user input. The light sensor and controller work together to autonomously adjust the optical filter assembly's transmittance, eliminating the need for manual lens changes and ensuring continuous optimal protection.
3Illumination intensity
If frequent lens changes are required to adapt to varying light conditions, then light filtration accuracy is maintained, but productivity and user convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining continuous monitoring of light conditions through the light sensor and continuous adjustment of the optical filter assembly's transmittance via voltage control. This eliminates the discontinuous interruptions caused by manual lens changes, thereby maintaining accurate light filtration while improving productivity and user convenience.
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 dynamic adjustment of light transmittance to match changing environmental conditions, reducing the need for frequent lens changes and enhancing safety by maintaining optimal visibility in rapidly shifting light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor communicatively coupled to the controller to provide a detector output signal, the light sensor being positioned to receive light transmitted through the optical filter assembly and towards an eye of a person wearing the eyewear device, the detector output signal being set in dependence on an amount of light received by the light sensor
Implementation Method 2
the controller varies a voltage across the load terminals in dependence on the detector output signal to vary an amount of light transmitted through the optical filter assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An eyewear control system for a variable transmittance optical filter assembly configurable to cover at least a portion of a lens of an eyewear device. The eyewear control system includes a controller communicatively coupled to a pair of load terminals. The eyewear control system also includes a light sensor communicatively coupled to the controller to provide a detector output signal, the light sensor being positioned to receive sunlight transmitted through the optical filter assembly and towards an eye of a person wearing the eyewear device, the detector output signal being set in dependence on an amount of sunlight received by the light sensor. The eyewear control system also includes a memory communicatively coupled to the controller and having encoded thereon computer program code executable by the controller to transition the optical filter assembly between operating states when coupled to the pair of load terminals. The controller is operable to vary a voltage across the load terminals in dependence on the detector output signal to vary an amount of sunlight transmitted to the eye by the optical filter assembly.