Electronic adapter for electro-active spectacle lenses

FT FC TRONIC ADAPTER FOR ELECTRO-ACTIVE SPECTACLE LENSES Inventors: Ronald D. Blom, Joshua N. Haddock, and Dwight P- Duston

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application U.S. Serial No. 60/815,870, filed □n June 23, 2006 (and entitled Electronic Adapter For Electro-Active Spectacle Lenses That Enables Near Universal Frame Compatibility) which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention , . . .

[002] The present invention generally relates to an adapter for a spectacle frame housing electro-active lenses. Specifically, this invention relates to an adapter configured for enabling a spectacle fiame to operate and control electro-active lenses housed therein without the need to either uniquely design and manufacture the spectacle frame or to perform undue modifications of an existing spectacle liame. In particular, the spectacle Same may allow electro-active lenses housed therein to focus: and be controlled both automatically and manually with heretofore unrealized results.

Description of the Related Art . .

[003] With the invention of electro-active spectacle lenses that provide dynamic changes in focus there is a desire to engineer these lenses such that they can be compatible with most, if not all, pre-existing spectacle fiame designs. To accomplish such a task, all of the components required to operate the electro-active functionality must be incorporated either internally or׳ externally to the body of the lens so that the lens can be mounted into any unmodified spectacle fiame and still be both aesthetically acceptable and fully functional.

[004] Historically, the optical industry has been structured in such a way that the patient selects his or her eyewear based largely on aesthetics that relate to fiame comfort and appearance. Generally the fiames are the first item selected in picking out prescr iption eyeware. Lenses, including tints, coatings, and optical design are usually picked second. Given the significant number of available frame styles, sizes, and colors, the manner in which the industry has historically functioned, and the desire of the consumer or patient to have a vast selection of fiames to choose from, there is a desire to provide a means and system for near universal compatibility between the new electro-active lenses and existing fiame designs.

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[005] Accordingly, there is now provided with this invention an improved spectacle fiame adapted foi housing electro-active lenses that effectively overcomes the aforementioned difficulties and longstanding problems inherent in the art. These problems have been solved in a simple, convenient, and highly effective way by which to control electro-active lenses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] According to one aspect of the invention, an adapter for an electro-active lens is disclosed, wherein the electro-active lens is housed in a spectacle fiame and the electro-active lens has a first set of electrical contacts. The adapter is a separate element from the electroactive lens and has a serond set of electrical contacts for providing an electrical signal to the electro-active lens through the first set of electrical contacts.

[007] As will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art, a major advantage provided by the present invention is enabling a spectacle frame to operate and control electro-active lenses housed therein without the need to either uniquely design and manufacture the spectacle fiame or to perform undue mrxiifications of an existing spectacle fiame. The spectacle fiame may allow electro-active lenses housed therein to focus and be controlled both automatically and manually with heretofore unrealized results. Additional objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

[008] The method and apparatus of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed discussion of specific embodiments and the attached figures which illustrate and exemplify such embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] A specific embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an example of an elcctro-active lens and its drive components.

[0011] Figure 2A is a front view of a spectacle frame housing the adapter of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2B is a top view of a spectacle fiame housing the adapter of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3A is a top view of the left temporal side of an embodiment of the electro-active spectacle lens of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3B is a top view of the top left temporal side of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention.

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[0015] Figure 3C is a top view of the top left tempoial side of another embodiment of the adapter of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3D is a top view of the top left temporal side of another embodiment of the adapter of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3E is a top view of the top left temporal side of another embodiment of the adapter of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3F is a top view of the top left temporal side of another׳ embodiment of the adapter of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3G is a top view of the top left temporal side of another embodiment of the adapter of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3H is a top view of the top left temporal side of another embodiment of the adapter of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 31 is a top view of 'the left temporal side of another embodiment of the electroactive spectacle lens of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 31 is a top view of the top left temporal side of another embodiment of the adapter of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the right side of the electro-active spectacle lens and adapter of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 is a front view of another׳ embodiment of the right side of the electro-active spectacle lens and adapter of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 is a front view of another embodiment of the right side of the electro-active spectacle lens and adapter of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] The following preferred embodiment as exemplified by the drawings is illustrative of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention as encompassed by the claims of this application.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, as in all embodiments of the present invention, the electro-active spectacle lenses 100 contain an elcctio-active lens element 101 and drive electronics, including one or more focus sensors 102, all of which are embedded within the body of a lens 103 that act to correct refractive errors of the eye not associated with presbyopia. The drive electronics ate contained within a driver. The drive! may also include all necessary control components for providing the appropriate electrical signal for providing the proper optical power in the electroactive lens. The body of the lens may be either a finished blank (two optical quality surfaces) 01 a semi-finished blank (one optical quality suiface). The focus sensors, drive electronics, and electro-active lens element may be typically attached to the anterior and/οι posterior surface of a flexible but transparent star shaped substrate 104 where electrical connection is made via thin film transparent electrical leads 105 (such as, by way of example only, indium tin oxide, ITO). These thin film transparent electrical leads include connections 106 for an electrical power source. These thin film transparent electrical.leads may also include connections for digital or analog signal transfer. In certain other embodiments, the power source and signal connections may be of a different design where they are connected to the flexible substrate but contain non thin-film conductors, such as, by way of example only, fine gauge metal wire. This alternative design is such that the connection does not significantly interfere with the user’s vision or the aesthetics of the lens. These power source and signal connections as well as the focus sensors and drive electronics are placed near- the edge of the lens, near where the flame eye-wire and temple connect, such that when the lens is fitted within the flame, the power source, drive electronics, and focus sensors do not interfere with the vision of the user. Alternatively, the drive components may be placed distal from the electro-active lenses either in the spectacle frame, the temples, or in the adapter of the present invention[0028] In an embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, the electro-active lens 201 with electro-active region 203 is edged (cut to the shape of the spectacle fiame) using techniques well known in the art. The process of edging the lens acts to either padiafly or fully expose the electrical leads that connect to the power source. This edged lens is then combined with an electrical adapter 202 that, as shown in FIG 3B, may contain one or more electrical power sources 305, one or more electrical switches to provide manual control of the lenses to the user 306, and one or more sensors 307 that acts to detect the presence of the user (determine if spectacles are being worn). As an alternative design, the sensor 307 may also include the drive electronics 102 for the electro-active lens. The sensor 307 may also sense if the fame is opened. ־Ihis adapter has electrical contacts 308 that correspond to the power source and signal electrical contacts in the lens 106 such that when the adapter is placed between the spectacle lens and the eye wire of the spectacle frame, the pressure associated with securing the lens within the fiame acts to make positive electrical contact between the lens and the adapter as well as physically secure the adapter to the spectacles. * Components within die adapter ate connected electrically by means of internal wiring 309. Power sources included within the adapter may be, by way of example only, disposable zinc-air batteries 0! rechargeable Li-ion or Li-polymei batteries. Manual switches included within the adapter may be, by way of example only, pressure switches, capacitive*touch switches or optical proximity switches. Sensors to determine if the spectacles are being worn may be, by way of example only, optical proximity switches or accelerometers which, if activated, instruct the drive electronics to operate the focus sensors •5.

within the body of the lens. In this embodiment each of the lenses would be identical and would each requite an individual adapter. The driver may provide an electrical signal for generating the appropriate amount of optical power in each of the electro-active lenses. The driver may also include a focusing sensor for determining the appropriate signal for the electro-active lenses. ..

[0029] As also shown in FIGS. 3A-31, the use of such an adapter 202 may require, in certain embodiments, other machining steps in addition to edging where, by way of example only, one or more of a slot, groove, 01 notch 301 is machined into the body of the lens 201 such that robust physical and electrical connection is made between the fiame, lens, and adapter. As the adapter would be placed near to where the fiame eye-wire and temple connect, such a machining step may allow the adapter to be located on the posterior surface of the lens 302 and be mostly hidden from view by the temple hinge. Such a placement would be advantageous for preserving the aesthetic quality of the spectacles. It is preferable that the edge profile of the adapter 303 match that of the Jens 304 such that a secure fit is guaranteed between the fiame, lens, and adapter.

[0030] Embodiments of the: adapter of the present invention may contain any of a combination • of components. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the adapter may have an on/off switch, a power source, and a sensor for sensing the presence of the user. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3C, the adapter may only have a power source. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3D, the adapter may only have an on/off switch. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3E, the adapter may only have a sensor׳ for sensing the presence of the user. As shown in FIG. 3F, the adapter may have an on/off switch, and a sensor for sensing the presence of the user. As shown in FIG. 3G, the adapter may have an on/off switch, and a power source. As shown in FIG. 3H, the adapter may have a .power sour ce and a sensor for sensing the presence of the user.

[0031] As further illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 31, the electrical connection made between the fiame, lens, and adapter may include a physical connection in which mating elements between the lens and the adapter are screwed to one another. As shown, the adapter may include screw threads 311 which secure into mating threads 310 in the lens. Of course, as is well known in the art, such physical connections can further include a wide variety of equivalents, for example, a bayonet-type connection, a detent, snap-like connection and etc. As is also well known in the art, the electrical connection may be made with a wide variety of electrical mating elements, for example, male/female connectors, plugs, sockets, pins, and the like.

[0032] The adapter may be positioned so that it simultaneously contacts the lens and the fiame or, alternatively, it may be positioned so that it only contacts the lens and does not contact the fiame. The adapter may be positioned so that it is located under and above the surface of the ־6lens when it is in contact therewith. The adapter may be fuithci positioned so that it is located neai a periphery of the surface of the lens when it is in contact therewith.

[0033] One issue with the above embodiments is that each lens operates independently from the other. Therefore, the possibility exists that under certain operational conditions one lens may be triggered to operate while the other is not. To eliminate this problem a means for synchronizing the operation of the two lenses must be devised such that when one of the two lenses is activated, the other will be activated by default In another embodiment of the invention the electrical adapters of the two lenses are connected by means of discrete signal conduit such as, by way of example only, one or more of a small gauge metal wire or optical fiber. Such signal conduits could be hidden in the gap between the frame eye wire and the lens as well as behind the br idge that joins the two lenses.

[0034] In another embodiment the two lenses are synchronized by means of a wireless optical connection designed to transmit data across the bridge as shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment an infrared optical transceivei unit 401 is tethered to each adapter 202 by means of a flex circuit 402, which may be hidden between the supeiior eye-wire of the frame and the edged electroactive spectacle lens 201. The transceivei unit is preferred to be located at the location of where the supeiior vertical distance of each eye-wire allows for the best, unhindered optical communication between the 1R transceivers. As with the adaptei, an additional machining step may be required where, by way of example only, one ot more of a slot, groove, or notch 403 is machined into the body of the lens such that a robust physical connection is made between the transceiver unit and the spectacles. Furthermore, such machining steps would allow the transceiver unit to be mounted to either the ante! ior or posterior sui face of the lens.

[0035] In another embodiment the two lenses are synchronized by means of a wireless, radio frequency (RF) communication system as shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment the electrical adapter 202 contains circuitiy for an RF transceiver that is tethered to a flex circuit antenna 501 (f_OI example only). This flex circuit antenna may be hidden between the Same eye wire and the edged spectacle lens 201.

[0036] In another embodiment the two lenses are synchronized by means of inductive coupling as shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment the electi teal adapter 202 contains circuitiy for a pulsed cuirent source that is tethered to multiple-turn coils of an electrical conductor made using flex circuit 601 (for example only). These flex circuit coils may be hidden between the flame eye wire and the edged spectacle lens. In this approach, cunent pulses in the coils of lens 1 generates a magnetic field which, by way of Faraday’s law of induction, generates a current in the coils oflens 2, which is then be detected by the circuitiy of the electrical adaptei of lens 2. In this manner communication between the two lenses is enabled.

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[0037] In another embodiment, the two lenses may be synchronized by means of ultrasonic signals transmitted over fiiee space. In this embodiment the electrical adapter .contains circuitry (bi an ultrasonic transceiver. Such an approach is advantageous in that no additional components are required to be tethered to the electi leal adapter.

[0038] In yet another embodiment, the two lenses may be synchronized by means of vibrations transmitted through the spectacle flame. In this embodiment the electrical adapter contains a vibration transducer and detector that makes physical contact to the flame when the lenses, adapters, and flames are assembled. Transducers and detectors of vibrations may be made from, by way of example only, piezoelecti ic matei ials. Such an approach is advantageous in that no additional components are required to be tethered to the electrical adapter.

[0039] In order to simplify any of the above embodiments, only one lens could be outfitted with one or more focus sensors and a synchronization transmitter while the other lens would not include any focus sensors and only a synchronization receiver. In such an embodiment the lens with the focus sensors) would operate as the “master while the other lens would operate as the slave” and only operate when directed by the master. Such a one-way communication system would reduce power consumption (by eliminating synchronization transmitters and a focus sensors) and simplify synchronization, but at the expense of eliminating redundancy in the focus sensors.

[0040] Although the particular embodiments shown and described above will prove to be useful in many applications in the spectacle art and the electro-active lens art to which the present invention pertains, further modifications of the present invention will occut to persons skilled in the art. All such modifications are deemed to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.