Printed three-dimensional optical component with embedded functional foil and corresponding manufacturing method

1. A printed three-dimensional optical component built up from layers of printing ink wherein the three-dimensional optical component comprises a stack of foils constituting a display between two consecutive layers;

wherein the three-dimensional optical component comprises an input unit that is coupled to at least one foil of the stack of foils;

wherein at least one foil of the stack of foils comprises an active liquid crystal element,

wherein the three-dimensional optical component comprises a lens;

wherein the lens is a spectacle lens;

wherein the three-dimensional optical component comprises a frame in which the input unit and/or a power supply unit are contained;

wherein the frame is a spectacle frame;

wherein the three-dimensional optical component comprises electrical connectors that connect the at least one foil and the input unit and/or the power supply unit contained in the frame.

2. The printed three-dimensional optical component according to claim 1 , wherein at least one foil of the stack of foils is a colored foil.

3. The printed three-dimensional optical component according to claim 1 , wherein at least one foil of the stack of foils is a polarizing foil.

4. The printed three-dimensional optical component according to claim 1 , wherein at least one foil of the stack of foils is a photochromatic foil.

5. The printed three-dimensional optical component according to claim 1 , wherein the input unit comprises a sensor.

6. The printed three-dimensional optical component according to claim 1 , wherein the active liquid crystal element changes its refractive index upon exposure to ultraviolet light.

7. The printed three-dimensional optical component according to claim 1 , wherein the active liquid crystal element changes its transparency and/or color upon application of electric voltage.

8. The printed three-dimensional optical component according to claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional optical component comprises a power supply unit.

9. The printed three-dimensional optical component according to claim 1 , wherein the electrical connectors comprise electrical circuits printed inside the optical component.

10. The printed three-dimensional optical component according to claim 9 , wherein the electrical connectors comprise transparent conductive tracks printed from transparent conductive polymers.

11. The printed three-dimensional optical component according to claim 1 , wherein the printing ink comprises a UV curable liquid monomer becoming a polymer if being cured.

12. The printed three-dimensional optical component according to claim 1 , wherein the layers of printing ink are formed by deposited droplets, and wherein the droplets are at least partially cured after depositing.