Electronic eyeglass frame
View Patent ↗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.
1. Eyewear comprising:
a) a frame; and
b) a sealed moisture resistant module attached to the frame, wherein the module comprises any two of: a power source, a drive circuit, and a sensing mechanism,
wherein the sealed moisture resistant module is disposed within the frame.
2. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the eyewear comprises electro-active lenses mounted in the frame, and wherein the electro-active lenses comprise an electro-chromic material.
3. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the eyewear comprises electro-active lenses mounted in the frame, and wherein the electro-active lenses are configured to change tint.
4. The eyewear of claim 3 , wherein the electro-active lenses are configured to change tint by tint shuttering.
5. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a first temple and a second temple, and wherein the module is disposed within the first temple.
6. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the sealed moisture resistant module includes each of a controller, a sensing mechanism, and a power source.
7. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the sealed moisture resistant module further includes any one of, or some combination of: an antenna, a transmitter, a transceiver, or a receiver.
8. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the sealed moisture resistant module includes a sensing mechanism, and wherein the sensing mechanism comprises a manual switch.
9. The eyewear of claim 8 , wherein the manual switch comprises a capacitive switch.
10. The eyewear of claim 8 , wherein the manual switch comprises a membrane switch.
11. A method of changing electro-active eyeglasses comprising:
a) providing a frame;
b) providing electro-active lenses mounted in the frame, the electro-active lenses capable of changing upon receipt of an electronic signal; and
c) sending an electronic signal to the electro-active lenses upon activation of a manual switch that is located on the frame, wherein the manual switch comprises a capacitive touch switch, and
wherein the capacitive touch switch is sealed within a moisture resistant module.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the manual switch extends from the frame.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the electro-active lenses comprise an electro-chromic material.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the electro-active lenses are configured to change tint.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein the module is hermetically sealed.
16. The method of claim 11 , wherein the module is substantially water-proof.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the module is water-proof.
18. The method of claim 11 , wherein the module is substantially wear resistant.
19. The method of claim 11 , wherein the module is substantially water resistant.
20. The method of claim 11 , wherein the module is water resistant.
21. The method of claim 11 , wherein the module is sealed using a water resistant material.
22. The method of claim 11 , wherein the module is sealed using any one of, or some combination of: an epoxy or silicone.
23. The method of claim 11 , wherein the module includes a power source, and wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.
24. The method of claim 11 ,
wherein the eyewear comprises an electro-active lens; and
wherein the module includes electronic components configured to enable any of the following:
dynamically alter focus;
dynamically alter tint; or
tint shuttering.
25. The method of claim 11 , wherein the module includes electronic components configured to enable an electronic display.
26. The method of claim 11 , wherein said frame comprises any of the following:
a metal frame;
a zyle frame;
a rimless frame;
a partially rimless frame;
a hinge-less temple; or
a hinged temple.
27. The method of claim 11 ,
wherein the eyewear comprises at least one electronic component disposed outside of the electronic module; and
wherein the module is electrically connected to the electronic component by a flex circuit.
28. The method of claim 27 , wherein the electronic component comprises an electro-active lens.
29. Eyewear comprising:
a) a frame; and
b) a sealed moisture resistant module attached to the frame, wherein the module comprises any two of: a power source, a drive circuit, and a sensing mechanism,
wherein the sealed moisture resistant module includes a sensing mechanism, and wherein the sensing mechanism comprises a tilt switch.
30. The eyewear of claim 29 , wherein the tilt switch comprises any one of an accelerometer or a gyroscope.