Variable Transmission Lens Control Using Head Motion Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eyeglass devices with variable transmission ophthalmic lenses automatically adjust to ambient light conditions, leading to undesirable and uncomfortable changes in transmission when the wearer makes transient or abrupt head movements, such as checking mirrors or playing sports.

Innovation Solution

An eyeglass device with a controlling circuit that adjusts the transmission based on both light data and movement data, using sensors to detect head movements and adapt the lens settings accordingly to prevent unwanted changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the transmission is automatically adjusted based on ambient light conditions, then the lens adapts to lighting changes, but unwanted transmission changes occur during transient head movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic adaptation to ambient lightVSAvoidcomfort during head movements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from both light sensors and motion sensors to dynamically adjust lens transmission. The controlling circuit receives signals from light sensors detecting ambient light levels and motion sensors detecting head movement, then processes this feedback to determine whether transmission adjustment is appropriate, preventing unwanted changes during transient movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static light-based control to a dynamic multi-parameter control that considers both light conditions and motion state. The transmission adjustment is made dynamic by continuously monitoring motion parameters and adapting the control response based on the detected movement pattern, duration, and intensity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the transmission changes rapidly in response to light variations, then the lens responds quickly to lighting changes, but disruptive transitions occur during brief mirror checks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speed to light changesVSAvoidglare and discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of motion patterns before executing transmission changes. By detecting head movement in advance and analyzing its characteristics (duration, amplitude, pattern), the system can predict whether a light-induced transmission change would be beneficial or harmful, and preemptively prevent disruptive transitions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic sampling of both light and motion parameters to determine transmission control. By analyzing the temporal pattern and duration of motion events, the system distinguishes between brief mirror-check movements and sustained viewing movements, adjusting transmission only when appropriate based on the periodic analysis of motion characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 device provides comfortable and suitable transmission adjustments by distinguishing between intentional head movements and ambient light changes, minimizing disruptive transitions and enhancing user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a light sensor configured for measuring an amount of light in the environment of the wearer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

Some known variable transmission ophthalmic lenses comprise an electrochromic material... The transmission of an optical element made out of an electrochromic material is controllable by arranging the optical element between two electrodes and by adjusting a difference of potential between the two electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentEP4172689B1Eyeglass device and method for driving a variable transmission ophthalmic lens
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP4172689B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4172689B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The disclosure relates to an eyeglass device comprising a variable transmission ophthalmic lens (101), to a method for driving the transmission of such lens, to a computer program product and to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for implementing such method. The eyeglass device comprises a light sensor (200) configured for measuring an amount of light in the environment of a wearer and a controlling circuit (301) configured for receiving at least light data from said light sensor (200) and for driving the transmission of said ophthalmic lens (101) on the basis of said light data. The controlling circuit (301) is configured for driving the transmission of said ophthalmic lens (101) on the basis further of movement data, said movement data being derived from an estimation of a movement of the wearer's head.