Variable Optical Transmission Device with Adjustable Response Duration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Variable transmission optics, such as photochromic, electrochromic, and liquid crystal lenses, often fail to adapt response duration to wearer preferences, leading to discomfort due to either slow or abrupt changes in optical transmission in response to luminosity changes.

Innovation Solution

A variable optical transmission device that allows for customizable response durations based on wearer preferences, using an ambient light sensor to detect changes in illuminance and a control unit to adjust optical transmission parameters, with different transition durations for increasing or decreasing transmission, and the option to configure these settings remotely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If photochromic components are used for variable transmission optics, then the lens can adapt to luminous environment changes, but the response duration is too slow causing wearer discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to luminous environmentVSAvoidresponse duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the response duration adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the response duration based on the current optical transmission state and target transmission value, allowing the system to optimize between speed and comfort in real-time. This resolves the contradiction by transforming a static, slow photochromic response into a dynamic, adaptable response that can be accelerated when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of response duration from a fixed material property to a controllable variable. By using electrochromic components alongside photochromic ones, and controlling their activation independently, the system can alter the effective response duration parameter based on environmental conditions and user preferences, thus resolving the speed-adaptability contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If liquid crystal components are used for variable transmission optics, then the response duration is fast, but the change in luminosity is too abrupt causing wearer discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse durationVSAvoidabrupt luminosity change
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the response duration based on the current state and target state. When transitioning from high to low transmission, the control unit can extend the response duration to smooth out abrupt changes, while maintaining fast response when transitioning from low to high transmission. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between speed and abruptness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through staged transmission changes. Instead of a single abrupt transition, the control unit divides the transmission change into multiple intermediate steps with different durations, creating a periodic sequence of transmission adjustments that smooths the overall luminosity change while maintaining effective response speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If the response duration is fixed by material composition or control unit settings, then the transmission parameter can be controlled, but it cannot be adapted to wearer preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission controlVSAvoidadaptability to wearer preferences
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed response duration into a dynamic, user-adjustable parameter. The control unit allows wearers to select from multiple response duration settings, and automatically adapts the response duration based on the transition direction and magnitude. This resolves the contradiction by making the system both easy to operate (automatic control) and adaptable to individual preferences (customizable settings).

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

Improves wearer comfort by allowing tailored response durations that align with individual preferences, ensuring transitions in optical transmission occur within a comfortable range, enhancing visual experience and adaptability to environmental changes.

Implementation Method 1

Variable transmission optics may comprise electrochromic components, liquid crystals or photochromic components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotochromism: Photochromism

Implementation Method 2

Variable transmission optics may comprise electrochromic components, liquid crystals or photochromic components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 3

Variable transmission optics may comprise electrochromic components, liquid crystals or photochromic components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystals: Liquid Crystals

Data Source

PatentEP3521910B1Variable optical transmission device and associated control method
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP3521910B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3521910B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3521910B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A variable optical transmission device (2) comprising: - a variable transmission optics (4a, 4b) capable of varying an optical transmission between an initial transmission value (τV(ti)) and a target transmission value (τV,target), and - a control unit (5) configured to control a transmission parameter of the variable transmission optics, wherein the control unit (5) is configured to control a response duration of the variable transmission optics as a function of the initial transmission value (τV(ti)) and the target transmission value (τV,target).