The present invention relates generally to methods of fabricating an electro-active optical structure, such as an electro-active lens or an electro-active lens blank. In some embodiments, the invention relates to fabrication methods that comprise an improved process for delivering an electro-active material into a cavity, resulting in electro-active structures that can be manufactured in less time and with lowered costs.
An ophthalmic lens including an electro-active optical element including a substrate; a liquid crystalline material; and at least one first layer. The at least one first layer can include a layer of silicon oxide (SiOx) disposed between the liquid crystalline material and the substrate, and deposited onto a surface of the substrate at an oblique angle in reference to a plane normal to the mean surface of the substrate facing the liquid crystalline material.
Eyewear including an optical functional member, control electronics, and a sealed electrical connective element connecting the electronics to the optical functional member. The connective element can directly connect the electronics to the optical functional member, or can connect through an intermediate contact, e.g., a plug-and-receptacle. The connective element can be routed from the electronics, around a rimlock of the eyewear to the optical functional member. The connective element can be a conductive compressible member, such as conductive rubber. In some embodiments, the connective element can be a multiconductor cable.
Ophthalmic lenses are described including a deformable layer and a deformable membrane disposed opposite the deformable layer. The lens is configured with at least two regions of adjustable optical power, such as by using a patterned electrode which is used to drive the membrane move axially along an optical path of the lens. A surface of the deformable layer is configured to expand and/or contract based on movement of the membrane along the optical path of the lens, such as by bonding one side of the deformable layer to the membrane and bonding the other side to a fixed optical element layer.
An electro-active optical cell is described including a layer of electro-active material, a front glass substrate member, and a back glass substrate member. The optical cell is capable of independently providing changeable optical power with the application of an electrical potential. The cell is also configured to be affixed to an external surface of a plastic substrate and to provide the changeable optical power, with at least one of the front substrate or the back substrate of the optical cell being an outermost optical layer. The layer of electro-active material may have a thickness less than 10μm, and the glass substrate members may each have a thickness approximately between 20μm and 500μm.
A first method is provided that comprises the steps of: measuring a first surface disposed on a first substrate (101, 600 ), measuring a second surface disposed on a second substrate (102 ), calculating a variable gap between the first surface and the second surface, depositing a variable amount of adhesive (110, 610 ) on the first surface of the first substrate based at least in part on the calculation of the variable gap, and placing the second substrate over the first substrate, wherein the adhesive is disposed between the first surface of the first substrate and the second surface of the second substrate.
An implantable ophthalmic device, such as an intraocular lens, includes two or more apertures whose sizes, shapes, and positions are fixed with respect to the device itself. Each of these static apertures replicates an incident image beam as a shifted image beam, where the direction and magnitude of the shift depend on the static aperture's position with respect to the device's optical axis. The device also includes a prismatic element optically coupled to each static aperture. Each prismatic element receives the shifted image beam from its corresponding static aperture and refracts the shifted image beam such that the resulting refracted beams form a single image at the image plane (retina). Together, the static apertures and the prismatic elements increase the device's effective depth of field (e.g., by up to three Diopters).
An optical device includes a first substrate (201), a liquid crystal alignment layer (202 500) comprising a controlled pattern of features (501-505) each having a dimension of at most 2 micrometers, and a liquid crystal layer (203) disposed adjacent to the alignment layer that includes liquid crystal molecules (509). The optical device can be used as fixed or switchable lens.
G02F 1/1337 - Surface-induced orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, e.g. by alignment layers
G02F 1/29 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
G02C 7/08 - Auxiliary lensesArrangements for varying focal length
Embodiments may provide a first device that comprises eyeglasses, where the eyeglasses may further include a lens housing, a first temple and a second temple coupled to the lens housing, and a first and a second lens supported by the lens housing. The first device may further include a faade that covers the lens housing. The first device may further comprise an electronic component and at least one conductive path may be provided from the electronic component to the first lens having a portion that runs through the lens housing.
Embodiments may provide a first device that includes a frame having a first temple and a second temple. The frame may also comprise a housing module coupled (e.g. attached) to a structural member. The first device may further include a first lens and a second lens coupled to the frame and an electronics module that may be located within the housing module. The electronics module may include at least any two of: a power source; a controller; and/or a sensing mechanism.
A contact lens or an intraocular lens include an electronic component and a dynamic optic, where the dynamic optic is configured to provide a first optical power and a second optical power, where the first and the second optical power are different. The dynamic optic may comprise a fluid lens.
An apparatus for molding at least one side of an ophthalmic diffractive lens The apparatus includes a first mold (110), wherein the first mold includes a least a first portion (112) made of plastic, and wherein the first portion includes a first pattern on a surface thereof, the first pattern configured impart a diffractive optical pattern on a surface on the at least one side o the ophthalmic diffractive lens molded using the first mold.
A first device is provided. The first device includes a lens comprising at least a first electrical contact and a lens housing holding the lens. The lens housing includes at least a second electrical contact. The first device further comprises a compliant conductive element disposed between the first and the second electrical contact. The compliant conductive element electrically connects the first and second electrical contacts.
A first device is provided. The first device comprises a frame, where the frame further comprises: a lens housing adapted to support a first lens and a second lens, a first temple coupled to the lens housing, and a second temple coupled to the lens housing. The first device further comprises a first conductive path provided by one or more frame elements from the first temple to the lens housing and a second conductive path provided by one or more frame elements from the first temple to the lens housing. The first conductive path is electrically isolated from the second conductive path
A first device is provided that comprises a frame. The frame further comprises a lens housing adapted to support a first lens and a second lens, a first temple movable coupled to the lens housing, and a second temple movably coupled to the lens housing. The first device further comprises a first spring mechanism coupled to the first temple and the lens housing. A first conductive path is provided from the first temple to the lens housing for at least one position of the first temple relative to the frame
An embryonic optical apparatus including a first lens component including a first surface and a second surface on an opposite side of the first lens component from the first surface, and a second lens component comprising a flexible element, wherein the flexible element of the second lens component comprises a first region that is variably movable towards and away from the first surface, thereby dynamically adjusting an optical power of the embryonic optical apparatus with respect to a light path through the first region and the first surface, and wherein the embryonic optical apparatus is configured such that at least a portion of the second surface is permanently alterable to permanently define an optical power of the first lens at at least a second region of the second surface, the second region being optically aligned with the first region, thereby resulting in a prescription-quality ophthalmic optical apparatus.
Embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are directed to apparatuses and systems for reducing the image jump from a dynamic lens component. The apparatuses and systems disclosed herein may be used in ophthalmic devices, such as eye glasses or contact lenses, as well as any other suitable application. Embodiments provide a first apparatus that comprises a dynamic power zone having a periphery. The first apparatus further comprises a static power zone in optical communication with at least a portion of the dynamic power zone. The static power zone has a negative optical power at a first portion of the periphery of the dynamic power zone.
G02C 7/08 - Auxiliary lensesArrangements for varying focal length
G02F 1/1335 - Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
G02F 1/29 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
Lens processing and testing systems are provided various forms of marking and/or holding lens components, such as lens substrates and the like including electro-active elements. A lens testing system may include, for example, a light source, a first polarizer, a second polarizer, and a camera. The device may be configured to hold a test lens between the first and second polarizers and to shine light from the light source through the first polarizer, through the test lens, and through the second polarizer, and to receive the light in the camera. Exemplary systems may also include various holding and/or marking features to properly align the lens component to be tested or processed. For example, a lens including an electro-active element may be marked according to a predetermined offset from the center of the electro-active element and may be aligned based on the offset marks.
B24B 9/14 - Machines or devices designed for grinding edges or bevels on work or for removing burrsAccessories therefor characterised by a special design with respect to properties of materials specific to articles to be ground of non-metallic inorganic material, e.g. stone, ceramics, porcelain of glass of optical work, e.g. lenses, prisms
B24B 13/005 - Blocking means, chucks or the likeAlignment devices
G01B 11/24 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures
Systems and methods regarding spectacle systems are provided including base lens units and attachable lens units. A spectacle system may include a base lens unit with a first lens, a frame configured for wearing the base lens unit on a user, and a first attachment mechanism. The spectacle system may also include an attachable lens unit with a second lens and a second attachment mechanism configured to join with the first attachment mechanism. A communication mechanism may also be included that is configured to communicate data, instructions and/or electrical power between the base lens unit and the attachable lens unit. Either or both of the first lens and the second lens may include an electro-active lens. The attachable lens unit may include a variety of additional functions such as an electronic display, a camera, an active shuttering lens, and an active polarizing lens, which may also be powered by the base lens unit.
A device and/or apparatus that comprises a dynamic optical lens is provided. A first apparatus includes a first lens component having a first surface and a second surface. The first apparatus further includes a second lens component that comprises a flexible element. The first apparatus also includes a fluid that may be applied between at least a portion of the first lens component and at least a portion of the second lens component. The flexible element of the second lens component is such that it conforms to the first surface of the first lens component when an amount of fluid between the first surface of the first lens component and the second lens component is sufficiently low. The flexible element of the second lens component is also such that it does not conform to the first surface of the first lens component when an amount of fluid between the first surface of the first lens component and the second lens component is sufficiently great.
G02C 7/10 - Filters, e.g. for facilitating adaptation of the eyes to the darkSunglasses
G02B 3/14 - Fluid-filled or evacuated lenses of variable focal length
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
Aspects of the present invention provide an ophthalmic lens comprising at least one regressive and at least one non-regressive rotationally symmetric optical design element. The regressive and non-regressive optical design elements can be combined so as to form a desired optical power profile for the lens while simultaneously exploiting the different relative orientation of the astigmatic vectors of the constituent regressive and non-regressive design elements, thereby resulting in reduced unwanted astigmatism. The regressive and non-regressive rotationally symmetric optical design elements can be positioned on different lens surfaces and in optical communication or can be collapsed onto the same lens surface. The regressive and non-regressive rotationally symmetric optical design elements can each contribute to the total add power of an ophthalmic lens. The regressive and non-regressive rotationally symmetric optical design elements can be combined with any other optical design feature positioned on the same or a different surface of the lens.
C09J 133/00 - Adhesives based on homopolymers or copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, each having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond, and at least one being terminated by only one carboxyl radical, or of salts, anhydrides, esters, amides, imides, or nitriles thereofAdhesives based on derivatives of such polymers
Aspects of the present invention provide a lens comprising a non- rotationally symmetric aspheric optical element, surface or feature and a rotationally symmetric aspheric optical element, surface or feature. The non- rotationally symmetric aspheric optical feature can be a progressive power region. The non-rotationally symmetric aspheric optical feature and rotationally symmetric aspheric optical feature can be in optical communication when located on different surfaces of a lens or can be collapsed to occupy a single surface of a lens. The non-rotationally symmetric aspheric optical feature and rotationally symmetric aspheric optical feature can each contribute to the add power of a lens. Distortion (e.g., astigmatism) of a lens of the present invention can be reduced (e.g., globally and/or locally) by optically combing the non-rotationally symmetric aspheric optical feature with the rotationally symmetric aspheric optical feature. Accordingly, the effective or useable vision zones of a lens of the present invention can be increased.
Aspects of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for conducting pupil height measurements. A multifocal measurement device of the present invention can comprise a base member and first and second adjustable measurement members. The multifocal measurement device can be connected to eyeglasses worn by a patient. A first knob can be used to adjust a vertical positioning of the first adjustable measurement member and a second knob can be used to adjust a vertical positioning of the second adjustable measurement member. The adjustable measurement members can each comprise pupillary alignment reference areas - such as transparent lines, opaque lines, or prisms - that can be positioned substantially in front of the pupils of the patient by adjusting the knobs. Pupil height measurements can subsequently be made by measuring the distances between the first and second pupillary alignment reference areas and the bottom of the eyeglasses worn by the patient.
Aspects of the present invention provide electronics for controlling and synchronizing operation of electro-active lenses regardless of frame type, size or style. The controlling electronics can be contained within one or more electronic modules positioned within the frame temples and can be removable and reprogrammable and can include inductive charge regions. Conductive links between electronic modules and / or between left and right sides of the electro-active spectacles can include left and right upper and lower rim portions of the frame, the bridge, conductive layers of the electro-active lenses, the upper and lower grooves of the electro-active lenses, and / or wires embedded within any portion of the frame. Aspects of the present invention also provide chargers for recharging electro-active spectacles of any size, shape or style using adjustable inductive charging cradles to inductively charge electro-active spectacles of the present invention.
Devices suitable for charging implanted electronic devices are provided. A device suitable for charging one or more implanted electronic devices, specifically implanted ophthalmic devices, may include a wearable frame, one or more conductive coils, and a power source to provide a current to the conductive coil. When placed in proximity to an implanted device having a second conductive coil, the current in the conductive coil causes an induced current in the second conductive coil, which may be used to power the implanted electronic device.
Aspects of the present invention provide an electro-active lens and method for manufacturing the same that encapsulates liquid crystal using solid transparent optical material using an improved liquid crystal seal feature. The seal feature greatly reduces the visibility of the liquid crystal seal feature in an assembled electro-active lens. The seal feature is also structurally robust such that the electro-active lens can be processed to fit a spectacle frame without disturbing containment of the liquid crystal and without disrupting electrical connectivity to the lens used to alter the refractive index of the liquid crystal, thereby ensuring fabrication of a commercially viable electro- active lens.
A lens is presented in which the lens includes a substrate and an electrode layer. The electrode layer is positioned upon the substrate. The electrode layer has radially alternating rings of electrodes and resistive material. When voltage is applied across two adjacent electrodes the profile of the electric field therebetween is linear. When voltage is applied to the rings of electrodes, the optical phase profile of the lens closely approximates the optical phase of ideal spherical aberration correction.
Optical devices having a dynamic aperture and/or an apodization mask are provided. The aperture and/or mask may be provided by one or more electro-active elements, and may be used in an ophthalmic device that that is spaced apart from but in optical communication with an intraocular lens, a corneal inlay, a corneal onlay, or a spectacle lens that provide an optical power.
Aspects of the present invention provide multiple-layer composite lenses comprising two or more materials and methods for making the same. A multi-layer composite lens of the present invention can use multiple surfaces to form optical elements that can contribute to a total desired add power. The multiple contributing elements can be aligned so as to be in optical communication to form multiple stable vision zones to enhance optical performance and vision experience of the wearer. Distributing the total desired add power across multiple appropriately aligned optical elements that are in optical communication with one another can reduce the total distortion of the lens, minimize the number of optical discontinuities introduced and reduce the visibility of any introduced optical discontinuity. A surface of the multiple-layer composite lens can comprise a combined progressive structure and substantially constant optical power structure or a cropped progressive structure.
Aspects of the present invention provide multifocal lenses having one or more multifocal inserts comprising one or more diffractive regions. A diffractive region of a multifocal insert of the present invention can provide a constant optical power or can provide a progression of optical power, or any combination thereof. A multifocal insert of the present invention can be fabricated from any type of material and can be inserted into any type of bulk lens material. A diffractive region of a multifocal insert of the present invention can be positioned to be in optical communication with one or more optical regions of a host lens to provide a combined desired optical power in one or more vision zones. Index matching layers of the present invention can be used to reduce reflection losses at interfaces of the host lens and multifocal insert.
Aspects of the present invention provide multiple-layer (multi-layer) composite lenses comprising two or more materials and methods for making the same. A multi-layer composite lens of the present invention can use multiple surfaces (internal or external) to form optical elements that can contribute to a total desired add power. The multiple contributing optical elements can be aligned so as to be in optical communication to form multiple stable vision zones to enhance optical performance and the vision experience of the wearer. Distributing the total desired add power across multiple appropriately aligned optical elements that are in optical communication with one another can reduce the total distortion of the lens, minimize the number of optical discontinuities introduced, can reduce optical power jump as experienced by the wearer's eye when traversing any discontinuity, and can reduce the visibility of any introduced optical discontinuity as perceived by an observer looking at the wearer.
Aspects of the present invention provide patterned electrodes with substantially reduced or removed residue. Aspects of the present invention for removing residue are applicable to any fabricated structure including transparent electrodes. By substantially reducing or removing residue typically associated with methods used to form patterned electrodes, an improvement in performance can be realized by ensuring that the deposition of subsequent materials onto a substrate is not adversely affected by any such residue. In turn, better interconnects can be formed and better coverage of subsequent layers can be achieved. The method for producing patterned electrodes with substantially reduced or removed residue in accordance with the present invention can be used in conjunction with any known method for patterning conductors or electrodes.
An alignment layer may align molecules of a liquid crystalline material to a surface of a substrate having a diffractive optical power region using a nonlinear alignment. The alignment layer may align the molecules of the liquid crystalline material in one of a tangential alignment, a piecewise tangential alignment, a perpendicular alignment, a piecewise perpendicular alignment, a continuous intra-zone alignment, or a piecewise continuous intra-zone alignment. The nonlinear alignment may result in optimal or near optimal alignment of the liquid crystalline material thereby resulting in improved optics and fewer vision compromises.
Aspects of the present invention provide multi-focal electro-active lenses having one or more multi-focal electro-active inserts. The electro-active inserts can provide multiple optical power regions each capable of providing a desired optical power. An electro-active power region of the insert is capable of providing a variable optical power upon application of an electrical signal such as a time-varying voltage waveform. Electro-active inserts can be fabricated from any type of material and can be inserted into any type of bulk lens material. The electro-active inserts can be thin and flexible and can function independently of other optical components of the overall electro-active lens. Consequently, the electro-active inserts can be fabricated according to a uniform design using uniform materials, independent of the supplementing portions of the final lens. Index matching layers of the present invention can be used to reduce reflection losses between bulk lens material and electro-active insert interfaces.
A lens system is presented having a diffractive optical power region. The diffractive optical power region has a plurality of concentric surface relief diffractive structures. A greater portion of light incident on a diffractive structure near the center point contributes to the optical power than light incident on a diffractive structure peripherally spaced therefrom.
A multi-focal spectacle lens is presented having far distance, intermediate distance, and near distance vision correction, in which the lens includes a progressive addition surface with a progression of optical power. The lens further includes a multi-order diffractive surface relief structure with an optical add power. The multi-order diffractive structure reduces chromatic aberration as compared to a conventional diffractive structure of equivalent optical power. The lens may also include a wavefront splitting device diffractive structure for generating multiple optical powers simultaneously. When the progressive addition surface and the multi-order diffractive surface relief structure are in optical communication an overall progression of optical add power may be provided by the combination of the progressive addition surface with the multi-order surface relief diffractive structure.
The present invention generally relates to integrating electronic components into an electro-active frame for driving electro-active focusing lenses. This is accomplished in a cosmetically pleasing manner that allows a platform of frame systems to be built from a single electronic module. Specifically, the present invention discloses controlling an electro-active lens in a deliberate, hands free manner that gives the user control of the electro-active lens.
An electro-active lens has a first substrate with a surface relief diffractivβ topological profile and a second substrate positioned opposit to the first substrate having a substantially smooth topological profile A first electrode is positioned along the surface relief diffractive topological profile of the first substrate, and a second electrode is positioned between the first electrode and second substrates An electro-active material is positioned between the first and second electrodes The surface relief diffractive topological profile of the first substrate has been modified to eliminate nearly vertical side walls and/or sharp, nearly discontinuous changes in the surface profile, to instead be characterized by sloped side walls and smooth changes in the surface profile, i e, rounded corners.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a multifocal lens having a diffractive optical power region and a progressive optical power region. Embodiments of the present invention provide for the proper alignment and positioning of each of these regions, the amount of optical power provided by each of the regions, the optical design of the progressive optical power region, and the size and shape of each of the regions. The combination of these design parameters allows for an optical design having less unwanted astigmatism and distortion as well as both a wider channel width and a shorter channel length compared to conventional PALs. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide a new, inventive far-intermediate distance zone and may further provide for increased vertical stability of vision within a zone of the lens.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a multifocal lens having a mostly spherical power region and a progressive optical power region. Embodiments of the present invention provide for the proper alignment and positioning of each of these regions, the amount of optical power provided by each of the regions, the optical design of the progressive optical power region, and the size and shape of each of the regions. The combination of these design parameters allows for an optical design having less unwanted astigmatism and distortion as well as both a wider channel width and a shorter channel length compared to conventional PALs. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide a new, inventive far-intermediate distance zone and may further provide for increased vertical stability of vision within a zone of the lens.
An electro-active lens has a first substrate with a surface relief diffractive topological profile and a second substrate positioned opposite to the first substrate having a substantially smooth topological profile. A first electrode is positioned along the surface relief diffractive topological profile of the first substrate and a second electrode is positioned between the first electrode and the second substrate. The smallest distance between the electrodes is less than or equal to about 1 micron An electro-active material is positioned between the first and second electrodes and a first insulating layer is positioned between the first and second electrodes.
Several devices for determining a distance of an object a user of an electro-active lens is looking at are presented. Once the distance is determined, the devices may alter the optical power of the electro-active lens to ensure that the object is correctly focused. Optical range finding is a possible means for carrying out this task. An active rangefinder may emit optical radiation from a transmitter directed at the object. The optical radiation may then be reflected off the object. The reflected optical radiation may then be received with an appropriate receiver. The received optical radiation may then be processed by appropriate circuitry to determine a distance to the object. A passive rangefinder works without a transmitter. Instead, an appropriate receiver receives ambient sources of light from the object. The received light may then be processed by appropriate circuitry to determine a distance to the object.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electro-active element having a dynamic aperture. The electro-active element provides increased depth of field and may be used in a non- focusing ophthalmic device that that is spaced apart from but in optical communication with an intraocular lens, a corneal inlay, a corneal onlay, a contact lens, or a spectacle lens that provide an optical power. The electro-active element provides increased depth of field and may also be used in a focusing or non-focusing device such as an intraocular optic, an intraocular lens, a corneal inlay, a corneal onlay, or a contact lens which may or may not have an optical power. By changing the diameter of dynamic aperture either increased depth of field or increased light reaching the retina may be achieved.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cholesteric liquid crystalline material which may be usable in an electro-active element for providing fail safe operation, polarization insensitivity, low electrical power consumption requirements, and a small number of electrical connections. The cholesteric liquid crystalline material may be usable in an electro-active element for providing a diffractive efficiency or focusing efficiency above 90% in an activated state of the electro-active element and a diffractive efficiency or focusing efficiency below 10% in a deactivated state of the electro-active element.
G02F 1/13 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
This invention relates to temples or end-pieces of temples for eyeglass frames. The temples are disclosed as having a wide variety of electrical and/or electronic components housed therein. Temples and hinges are also disclosed which attach to either the eyeglass frame itself or to the surface of a lens and which break apart from its attachment upon an impact without damage to the temple, the hinge, the frame, or the surface of the lens. A hinge is also disclosed for connecting a temple having a power source to an eyeglass frame and for providing an electrical connection with the frame only when the temple is opened.
This invention relates to temples or end-pieces of temples for eyeglass frames. The temples are disclosed as having a wide variety of electrical and/or electronic components housed therein. Temples and hinges are also disclosed which attach to either the eyeglass frame itself or to the surface of a lens and which break apart from its attachment upon an impact without damage to the temple, the hinge, the frame, or the surface of the lens. A hinge is also disclosed for connecting a temple having a power source to an eyeglass frame and for providing an electrical connection with the frame only when the temple is opened.
This invention relates to temples or end-pieces of temples for eyeglass frames. The temples are disclosed as having a wide variety of electrical and/or electronic components housed therein. Temples and hinges are also disclosed which attach to either the eyeglass frame itself or to the surface of a lens and which break apart from its attachment upon an impact without damage to the temple, the hinge, the frame, or the surface of the lens. A hinge is also disclosed for connecting a temple having a power source to an eyeglass frame and for providing an electrical connection with the frame only when the temple is opened.
This invention relates to temples or end-pieces of temples for eyeglass frames. The temples are disclosed as having a wide variety of electrical and/or electronic components housed therein. Temples and hinges are also disclosed which attach to either the eyeglass frame itself or to the surface of a lens and which break apart from its attachment upon an impact without damage to the temple, the hinge, the frame, or the surface of the lens. A hinge is also disclosed for connecting a temple having a power source to an eyeglass frame and for providing an electrical connection with the frame only when the temple is opened.
A low power indicator for electro-active spectacle lenses is presented in which the low power indicator is a part of a controller for the electro-active spectacle lenses or is operably connected to the controller. The low power indicator may generate a signal when the power of the power source for the electro-active spectacle lenses is low. The signal may be used by the controller or other circuitry to activate an indication to a user of the lenses that the power is low. Such an indication may be periodically activating and deactivating one of an optical power of the electro-active lenses, a vibration source, a visible light source, or an audible sound source.
G02F 1/29 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
51.
ELECTRONIC ADAPTER FOR ELECTRO-ACTIVE SPECTACLE LENSES
An adapter ( 202 ) for a spectacle frame ( 104 ) is disclosed which is configured for enabling the spectacle frame to operate and control electro-active lenses ( 201 ) housed therein. In particular, the spectacle frame may allow electro-active lenses housed therein to focus and be controlled both automatically and manually with heretofore unrealized results.
G02C 1/00 - Assemblies of lenses with bridges or browbars
G02F 1/29 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
52.
STATIC PROGRESSIVE SURFACE REGION IN OPTICAL COMMUNICATION WITH A DYNAMIC OPTIC
An ophthalmic lens is presented in which the lens includes a progressive addition region and a dynamic optic. The dynamic optic and the progressive addition region are in optical communication. The progressive addition region has an add power which Is less than a user's neat viewing distance add power. The dynamic optic, when activated, provides the additional needed optical power for the wearer to see clearly at a near distance. This combination leads to the unexpected result that not only does the wearer have the ability to see clearly at intermediate and near distances, but the level of unwanted astigmatism, distortion, and vision compromise are reduced significantly.
patents