Smart Glasses with Liquid Crystal Polarization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sunglasses can hinder the visibility of in-vehicle displays and other objects due to excessive glare from sunlight, with no effective solutions available to address this issue.
Innovation Solution
The development of smart glasses equipped with a processor, camera, and multi-layer polarization technology, which uses liquid crystal units to dynamically adjust the polarization angle of lenses, allowing for anti-glare on windshields while optimizing the brightness of in-vehicle displays through eye tracking and object recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sunglasses are worn to block sunlight, then UV protection is improved, but visibility of in-vehicle displays deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple independently controllable liquid crystal units that can be selectively adjusted in different regions. This allows the sunglasses to block glare in certain areas while maintaining visibility in other areas where in-vehicle displays are located.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable liquid crystal units that can change their polarization state in real-time based on detected conditions. The system transitions from a static filter to a dynamic control mechanism that adapts to varying light conditions and user needs.
2Ease of operation
If conventional sunglasses are worn to reduce glare, then comfort is improved, but visibility of objects in field of view deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the lens are assigned different functions through selective control of liquid crystal units. Areas experiencing glare can be darkened while areas requiring visibility (such as where displays are located) maintain their transparency, creating localized quality variations across the lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses cameras to detect the user's field of view and the brightness of objects, then feeds this information back to the processor which adjusts the liquid crystal units accordingly. This feedback loop enables the sunglasses to automatically adapt to maintain comfort and visibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed polarization angle is used in lenses, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different viewing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed polarization filters with dynamically controllable liquid crystal units that can adjust their polarization angle in real-time. This transforms the lens from a static optical element to an adaptive system that responds to changing lighting conditions and viewing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the polarization angle parameter of the liquid crystal units based on detected conditions such as sunlight direction, display brightness, and user gaze. This dynamic parameter adjustment enables the lens to adapt to various viewing conditions while maintaining a relatively simple base manufacturing process.
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 clear visibility of in-vehicle displays and reduces glare from windshields by dynamically controlling the brightness of different lens regions, maintaining consistent brightness perception despite user movement and varying light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The lens includes first and second polarizers and a first liquid crystal unit juxtaposed between the first and second polarizers
Implementation Method 2
with the at least one lens comprising plural liquid crystal units controllable by the processor
Implementation Method 3
The instructions are executable by the processor to receive input from the first camera and identify, based on input from the first camera, at least the first liquid crystal unit to control for permitting light to pass through the at least one lens
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, glasses include a frame, a processor coupled to the frame, and a lens accessible to the processor and coupled to the frame. The lens includes first and second polarizers and a first liquid crystal unit juxtaposed between the first and second polarizers, with the lens including plural liquid crystal units controllable by the processor. The glasses also include a camera accessible to the processor and coupled to the frame, as well as storage accessible to the processor and bearing instructions executable to receive input from the camera and identify, based on input from the camera, the first liquid crystal unit to control for permitting light to pass through the at least one lens. The instructions are also executable to control the first liquid crystal unit to permit a first amount of light to pass through the lens.