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. A pair of electro-active eyeglasses comprising:
a) a frame;
b) electro-active lenses mounted in the frame, the electro-active lenses capable of changing tint upon receipt of an electronic signal;
c) a manual switch located on the frame that, when activated, sends an electronic signal to the electro-active lenses to change their tint; and
d) an electronics module physically attached to the frame.
2. The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1 , wherein the manual switch extends from the frame.
3. The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1 , wherein the manual switch is a capacitive touch switch.
4. The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1 , wherein the manual switch is a membrane switch.
5. The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1 , wherein the electro-active lenses comprise an electro-chromic material.
6. The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1 , wherein the electro-active lenses change tint by tint shuttering.
7. The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1 , wherein the electronics module fits within a front spatial void of the frame anterior to a hinge.
8. The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1 , wherein the electronics module includes at least two of the following: a power source, drive circuit, sensing mechanism, antenna, receiver, transmitter, transceiver, sensor, rangefinder, micro-processor, and controller.
9. The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1 , wherein the electronics module is housed within the frame.
10. The electro-active eyeglasses of claim 1 , wherein the electro-active lens is connected to the electronic module through electrical conductors.
11. A method of changing the tint of a pair of electro-active eyeglasses comprising:
a) providing a frame;
b) providing electro-active lenses mounted in the frame, the electro-active lenses capable of changing tint upon receipt of an electronic signal;
c) providing an electronics module physically attached to the frame;
d) sending an electronic signal from the electronics module to the electro-active lenses to change their tint upon activation of a manual switch that is located on the frame.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the manual switch extends from the frame.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the manual switch is a capacitive touch switch.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the manual switch is a membrane switch.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein the electro-active lenses comprise an electro-chromic material.
16. The method of claim 11 , wherein the electro-active lenses change tint by tint shuttering.
17. The method of claim 11 , wherein the electronics module fits within a front spatial void of the frame anterior to a hinge.
18. The method of claim 11 , wherein the electronics module includes at least two of the following: a power source, drive circuit, sensing mechanism, antenna, receiver, transmitter, transceiver, sensor, rangefinder, micro-processor, and controller.
19. The method of claim 11 , wherein the electronics module is housed within the frame.
20. The method of claim 11 , wherein the electro-active lens is connected to the electronic module through electrical conductors.