Liquid Crystal Eyewear (glasses, Goggles, Etc.) Patents (Class 349/13)
  • Patent number: 9658472
    Abstract: A method of controlling a programmable lens device comprising a programmable lens and an optical function controller, the programmable lens having an optical function and extending between at least one eye of the wearer and the real world scene when the device is used by the wearer, and the optical function controller being arranged to control the optical function of the programmable lens, the method comprising: —an optical function data receiving step during which optical function data relating to the optical function of the programmable lens is received by the optical function controller, —an activity data receiving step during which activity data relating to the activity of the wearer are received by the optical function controller, —an optical function modifying step during which the optical function of the programmable electronic lens device is modified by the optical function controller based on the optical function data and the activity data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Générale d'Optique
    Inventors: Samuel Archambeau, Jerome Ballet, David Escaich, Romain Fayolle, Stephane Perrot, Jean-Paul Cano, Cyril Guilloux, Benoit Callier, Vincent Yquel
  • Patent number: 9645407
    Abstract: Provided is a polarization-dependent lens structure. The lens structure includes an optically-isotropic polymer layer having a reverse lens shape on a first surface and a lens portion where the surface of the optically-isotropic polymer layer is filled with liquid crystalline polymers, nano-scale 1D lattice structures (nano-scale grooves) are formed on an upper surface thereof, and the liquid crystalline polymers are aligned by the nano-scale 1D lattice structures along a direction of long axes of the 1D lattice structures, wherein it is determined according to a polarization direction of incident light whether or not the polarization-dependent lens structure operates as a lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: KYUNGPOOK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Hak-Rin Kim, Kyung-Il Joo
  • Patent number: 9551886
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a liquid crystal lens including a liquid crystal cell including a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first and second substrate. The first substrate includes a first base plate, a plurality of transistors arranged on the first base plate, a first electrode electrically connected to one electrode of each of the transistors, and a first polarizer arranged at a side of the first base plate away from the liquid crystal layer. The second substrate includes a second base plate, and a second polarizer arranged at a side of the second base plate away from the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal lens further includes a second electrode arranged on the first or second base plate. The first and second base plates are opaque, and each includes a plurality of small apertures which are provided in a one-to-one correspondence manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiuxia Yang, Jiantao Liu, Feng Bai
  • Patent number: 9477096
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sunglasses and goggles, and more particularly relates to a system for adjusting optical characteristics such as the color or the optical transmittance of sunglasses or goggles lens and relates to sunglasses and goggles equipped with the adjusting system. Provided is an optical characteristics adjusting system for sunglasses or goggles lenses, the system comprising: lenses equipped with an LCD panel; a lens drive unit equipped with an LCD drive unit for applying a driving voltage to the LCD panel; an illuminance detecting sensor for sensing the ambient illuminance; and a control unit for controlling the action of the lens drive unit in response to a signal from the illuminance detecting sensor. Also provided are sunglasses and goggles equipped with the optical characteristics adjusting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: OTOS WING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Moon-Young Huh, Sung-Won Huh
  • Patent number: 9454288
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media are described herein related to a user interface (UI) for a computing device, such as a head-mountable device (HMD). The computing device can display a first card of an ordered plurality of cards using a timeline display. The computing device can receive a first input and, responsively determine a group of cards for a grid view and display the grid view. The group of cards can include the first card. The grid view can include the group of cards arranged in a grid and be focused on the first card. The computing device can receive a second input, and responsively modify the grid view and display the modified grid view. The modified grid view can be focused on a second card. The computing device can receive a third input and responsively display the timeline display, where the timeline display includes the second card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Hayes Solos Raffle, Nirmal Patel
  • Patent number: 9448446
    Abstract: A liquid crystal optical device of an embodiment includes: a first substrate unit; a second substrate unit; and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate unit and the second substrate unit. The liquid crystal molecules on a side of a first alignment layer of the first substrate unit is aligned perpendicularly to a first principal surface of the first substrate unit while the liquid crystal molecules on a side of a second alignment layer of the second substrate unit are aligned horizontally along a second direction. The opposing electrode includes: a first region and a second region, the first region has N first openings, and the second region includes M second openings, N being an integer of 0 or greater, M being an integer of 1 or greater, M being greater than N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yuko Kizu, Machiko Ito, Hajime Yamaguchi, Ayako Takagi, Shinichi Uehara
  • Patent number: 9442293
    Abstract: An optical stack includes a first variable element and a second variable element. The first variable element is configured to vary light transmission through the first variable element as a function of a first control signal. The second variable element is in series with the first variable element and is configured to vary light transmission through the second variable element as a function of a second control signal. A controller dynamically supplies the first control signal to the first variable element and supplies the second control signal to the second variable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Alton, Nathan Ackerman
  • Patent number: 9335572
    Abstract: A liquid crystal prism element includes a pair of opposing substrates, a plurality of triangular prisms which have a ridge line extending in a Y axis direction and are arranged between the opposing substrates so as to be aligned along an X axis direction, and a liquid crystal layer formed between the opposing substrates. Each triangular prism has an inclined surface located on a center side of the opposing substrate in the X axis direction, an inclined surface located on a lateral side of the opposing substrate in the X axis direction, and a bottom surface. Both of the two inclined surfaces of a triangular prism provided at least in a portion of a region on the opposing substrate are formed so as to not be perpendicular to the opposing substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kasano, Kouki Ichihashi
  • Patent number: 9069241
    Abstract: A device for optically focusing a projection image projected by a projector includes a detector for controlled creation of at least one observation shot of the projection image over a time period, a processing unit for defining at least one image section within the projection image generated by the projector, where the image section is modulated over the time period with respect to the optical power and/or the optical spectrum thereof, and the at least one image section of the projection image is essentially synchronous compared with the corresponding respective image section of the observation shot, where the processing unit also calculates a variable derived from the comparison of the respective image sections and a control signal derived from the derived variable, and outputs the control signal to a focusing device of the projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Walewski, Michael Bahr
  • Publication number: 20150138454
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control refractive characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, James Daniel Riall, Adam Toner, Frederick A. Flitsch
  • Patent number: 9036097
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical device which includes: an optical component configured to be electrically actuated such that a light transmission state is variable; a driver circuit for the optical component; a power source unit for driving the optical component; a rim for supporting the optical component; a temple having front and rear ends and connected at the front end to the rim; and an earpiece formed at the rear end of the temple. The power source unit includes a secondary battery, a power switch, a power switch control portion, and a use-status sensing portion for sensing the status of use by a user of the optical device. The power switch control portion performs control to turn off the power switch when the use-status sensing portion does not sense any use by the user of the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Kakinuma, Keisuke Yoneda, Fumio Kato
  • Patent number: 9036096
    Abstract: A head mounted display and a method of displaying a content using the head mounted display are disclosed. The head mounted display is disclosed which includes: a display unit displaying a content; and a first lens unit configured by a set of lens elements that refract the content displayed on the display unit in an eyeball direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Joong Ho Lee, Ji Hyung Park
  • Patent number: 9030535
    Abstract: Disclosed are shutter glasses capable of automatically changing brightness according to image characteristics and allowing a viewer to adjust brightness and a color temperature according to his preference, a method for adjusting light characteristics of the shutter glasses, and a display system employing the same. The shutter glasses adaptive to be used for a three-dimensional (3D) display device. The shutter glasses include: a pair of shutter liquid crystal panels prepared to correspond to user's left and right eyes; and a controller configured to turn on and off the shutter liquid crystal panels at a certain frequency and control light transmittance of the shutter liquid crystal panels by a gamma voltage corresponding to a certain level control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seong-Hun Kim
  • Patent number: 9025091
    Abstract: Described are stereoscopic eyewear, methods and systems for manufacturing the same. The stereoscopic eyewear includes right- and left-eye filters for analyzing stereoscopically-encoded polarized light. The filters are made using a roll-type polarizer having an absorption axis. A polymer alignment layer is deposited on a portion of the roll-type polarizer. A liquid crystal polymer (LCP) layer is deposited on the polymer alignment layer. The polymer alignment layer and LCP layer provides at least one retarder having an optic axis at a predetermined angle to the absorption axis of the roll-type polarizer. Described embodiments include a polymer alignment layer that may include at least one of a linearly photopolymerizable polymer (LPP), a brushed or rolled polyimide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9013644
    Abstract: Shuttering eyewear (or shutter glasses) may be used to enable stereoscopic 3D and to provide different images to two viewers using a single display, known as Dual View. The shuttering eyewear may utilize charge recovery circuits. The charge recovery circuits may achieve high charge recovery efficiencies on the order of 80 to 90 percent resulting in a dramatic reduction in power supply battery operating current and a resulting increase in operating time. The charge recovery circuits may utilize switch mode boost conversion to recover most of the charge from a shutter that is being closed to one that is to be opened. Further, a charge recovery method for utilizing energy stored on a capacitive storage device may include closing a first active shutter, moving charge to a converter in buck mode to a capacitor, and pulling charge from the capacitor to open a second shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Rotzoll
  • Patent number: 9001282
    Abstract: A variable power optical element is divided into cells which contain two liquid crystals mixed according to different proportions. The proportion of one of the liquid crystals in each cell increases on the basis of the radial distance between a central point of the optical element and said cell. An appropriate selection of the two liquid crystals results in a higher variation of the optical power between two control states of said optical element. More particularly, the optical element may consist of an ophthalmic lens which changes between a convergent lens state and a divergent lens state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignees: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique—CNRS
    Inventors: Samuel Archambeau, Henri Camon, Solon Mias
  • Publication number: 20150092124
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes first and second liquid crystal lenses, a pair of temples, a sensor, and a driver. The first liquid crystal lens includes a first liquid crystal layer and a plurality of first control electrodes on the first liquid crystal layer. The sensor is provided on one of the pair of temples, and detects a contact position on a detector plane. The driver applies a plurality of voltage to the plurality of the first control electrodes. A focal length of the first liquid crystal lens is determined according to an amount of movement of the contact position when the contact position continuously moves along a longitudinal direction of the sensor. Each voltage value is determined according to the focal length of the first liquid crystal lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Hideaki Haruyama
  • Patent number: 8994885
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a pre-edging lens and a method for manufacturing an edged lens, wherein provisions are made to be able to maintain the cell gap of a liquid crystal lens structure constant while, in effect, eliminating the need to incorporate any spacers in the edged lens. More specifically, the invention provides a pre-edging lens and a method for manufacturing an edged lens, wherein the pre-edging lens includes a first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate, a first sealing material which does not contain any spacer, a liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and sealed by the first seal, and a second seal which contains a spacer and which is disposed in a region provided between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and located outwardly of the first seal, the region being removed during edging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ando, Kenji Matsumoto, Ayano Tanabe
  • Patent number: 8994797
    Abstract: A display system comprises a display device for accomplishing 3D displays by displaying images for the left eye and images for the right eye, and a display assistance device for separating them for viewing, and the display assistance device detects the wearing status and inclination of the viewer and sends status information to the display device. The display device determines whether or not the posture of the viewer is within a normal viewing range on the basis of the status information, and if this is within the range, can recognize a 3D display even in a posture other than the horizontal direction by controlling the parallax direction of the display of images in accordance with the inclination direction. When the posture is outside the range, the display device prompts correction of the posture or weakens the effect of the 3D display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20150085213
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to contact lenses. Specifically, this invention relates to contact lenses that change color based on one or more stimuli. The present application provides for a color changing contact lens that can change its color based on one or more stimuli. The color changing contact lens is constructed of an inner layer, an outer layer and a supply of liquid crystal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Ehren Burton
  • Publication number: 20150085212
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to contact lenses. Specifically, this invention relates to contact lenses that change color based on one or more stimuli. The present application provides for a color changing contact lens that can change its color based on one or more stimuli. The color changing contact lens is constructed of an inner layer, an outer layer and a supply of liquid crystal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Ehren Burton
  • Patent number: 8988648
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for creating optical systems and devices that provide through-sight information while enabling the optical systems and devices to maintain a small, lightweight form factor. According to certain embodiments of the invention, an optical assembly can include a liquid-crystal display (LCD) disposed between the two prism elements of a Schmidt-Pechan prism at a focal plane of the optical assembly. This allows the LCD to be used to display information by blocking light passing through the optical assembly. Additionally, a light-emitting display, such as a backlit LCD, light-emitting diode (LED) display, or organic LED (OLED) display, can be coupled at a surface of one of the two prism elements of the Schmidt-Pechan prism to provide additional information in low-light environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Trissel, Tony Maryfield, Mahyar Dadkah, Michael Roes
  • Publication number: 20150077659
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer may comprise droplets that are nano-scaled. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control refractive characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Frederick A. Flitsch, James Daniel Riall, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Adam Toner, Nelson V. Tabirian, Svetiana Serak, Olena Uskova, Luciano De Sio
  • Publication number: 20150077699
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a radially dependent manner. The patterning may allow for the index of refraction of the optic device to vary in a gradient indexed or GRIN manner. At least a first layer of dielectric material that may vary in thickness at least across the optic zone of the device may aid in defining an electric field across the liquid crystal layer. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Luciano De Sio, Frederick A. Flitsch, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Randall Braxton Pugh, James Daniel Riall, Svetlana Serak, Nelson V. Tabirian, Adam Toner, Olena Uskova
  • Publication number: 20150077662
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer may comprise polymer networked regions of interstitially located liquid crystal material. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control refractive characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Frederick A. Flitsch, Adam Toner, James Daniel Riall, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Nelson V. Tabirian, Svetlana Serak, Olena Uskova, Luciano De Sio
  • Publication number: 20150077661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer may comprise polymer networked regions of interstitially located liquid crystal material. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control refractive characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Frederick A. Flitsch, Adam Toner, James Daniel Riall, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Nelson V. Tabirian, Svetlana Serak, Olena Uskova, Luciano De Sio
  • Publication number: 20150077664
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical device which includes: an optical component configured to be electrically actuated such that a light transmission state is variable; a driver circuit for the optical component; a power source unit for driving the optical component; a rim for supporting the optical component; a temple having front and rear ends and connected at the front end to the rim; and an earpiece formed at the rear end of the temple. The power source unit includes a secondary battery, a power switch, a power switch control portion, and a use-status sensing portion for sensing the status of use by a user of the optical device. The power switch control portion performs control to turn off the power switch when the use-status sensing portion does not sense any use by the user of the optical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Akira KAKINUMA, Keisuke YONEDA, Fumio KATO
  • Publication number: 20150077663
    Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a hybrid manner. The patterning may allow for the lowering of the minimum electrical potential required to cause a shift in orientation of liquid crystal molecules within the ophthalmic device. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Frederick A. Flitsch, Adam Toner, James Daniel Riall, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Nelson V. Tabirian, Svetlana Serak, Olena Uskova, Luciano De Sio
  • Publication number: 20150077658
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing an ophthalmic lens of variable optical power. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. The variable optic insert may also comprise polarizing elements. In some embodiments, the variable optic insert may affect polarization components of light differently and enable a bifocal type ophthalmic device. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control refractive characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Frederick A. Flitsch, James Daniel Riall, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Adam Toner, Nelson V. Tabirian, Svetlana Serak, Olena Uskova, Luciano De Sio
  • Publication number: 20150077660
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer may comprise droplets that are nano-scaled. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control refractive characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Frederick A. Flitsch, James Daniel Riall, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Adam Toner, Stephen R. Beaton, Nelson V. Tabirian, Svetlana Serak, Olena Uskova, Luciano De Sio
  • Patent number: 8976306
    Abstract: The present invention discloses shutter glasses and a 3D display system. The shutter glasses include a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a normally-white LCD panel, and a normally-black LCD panel. A thickness of the normally-white LCD panel is not the same as a thickness of the normally-black LCD panel, and an optical compensation film is installed between the first polarizer and the liquid crystal layer of the normally-black LCD panel and/or between the second polarizer and the liquid crystal layer of the normally-black LCD panel in order to compensate for a dispersion occurred when the liquid crystal layer of the normally-black LCD panel is in a dark mode. In this way, the present invention can not only shorten the response time of the shutter glasses to reduce the power consumption, but also reduce the 3D crosstalk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jhen-Wei He
  • Patent number: 8970797
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid crystal display, comprising: a color filter substrate; an array substrate, disposed to face the color filter substrate; and a liquid crystal lens structure, disposed between the array substrate and the color filter substrate, the liquid crystal lens structure comprising in sequence along a direction from the color filter substrate to the array substrate: a first surface alignment layer, a liquid crystal layer and a second surface alignment layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: Boe Technology Group Co., Ltd., Hefei Boe Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yunbok Lee
  • Patent number: 8964136
    Abstract: The present invention provides active shutter glasses including shutters in which orientations of their components are freely determined, and provides a stereoscopic image projection system. The present invention provides active shutter glasses for a stereoscopic image projection system, the active shutter glasses comprising: a right-eye shutter; and a left-eye shutter, wherein the right-eye shutter and the left-eye shutter each include a liquid crystal layer and a linear polarizing element, at least one of the right-eye shutter and the left-eye shutter includes a layer adopted to change a vibration direction of polarized light, the linear polarizing element is provided at the outer side of the liquid crystal layer, and the layer adapted to change a vibration direction of polarized light is provided at the outer side of the linear polarizing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Nakahara, Shun Ueki, Kozo Nakamura, Akira Sakai
  • Publication number: 20150029424
    Abstract: An adjustable focal length lens structure comprising a first adjustable focal length lens. The first adjustable focal length lens comprises an inner surface of a first side having a first curvature. The first adjustable focal length lens also comprises a first transparent conducting electrode on the first side. The first adjustable focal length lens also comprises an inner surface of a second side having a second curvature. The first adjustable focal length lens also comprises a second transparent conducting electrode on the second side. The first adjustable focal length lens also comprises one or more layers of a first liquid crystal material disposed between the inner surface of the first side and the inner surface of the second side, wherein the first liquid crystal material has two or more effective indices of refraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Michael S. Gordon, John U. Knickerbocker, Minhua Lu, Robert J. Polastre
  • Publication number: 20150015814
    Abstract: A spatial focal field type glasses display product can present virtual images at different distances simultaneously. The product is a frame type glasses or corneal contact lens and comprises a projection component and a display control device. The projection component comprises a plurality of projection units, each projection unit projects a plurality of elementary beams. The elementary beams projected by the same projection unit diverge and do not intercept with each other. The elementary beams projected by different projection units intersect near the retina after passing through the crystalline lens. The intersection point is a cluster focus. All cluster focuses form a spatial focal field which envelop the retina. When the diopter of the crystalline lens changes, the spatial focal field displaces and deforms accordingly, so different cluster focuses fall on the retina to be seen clearly, while the other cluster focuses tend to disperse and cannot be seen clearly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Zheng Qin
  • Patent number: 8922722
    Abstract: A projection apparatus for providing multiple viewing angle images is disclosed. The projection apparatus includes a light source module, a polarizing light splitting element, a first and a second reflective light valve and a light combining element. The polarizing light splitting element has a light incident surface, a first light exiting surface and a second light exiting surface. The light incident surface optically couples with the light source module, while the first and the second light exiting surfaces optically couple with the first and the second reflective light valves respectively. The light combining element optically couples to the reflective light valves. Further, the light source module sequentially provides a first light beam and a second light beam. The light beams are transferred via the polarizing light splitting element, the reflective light valves and the light combining element to provide at least four viewing angle images to the viewers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Junejei Huang
  • Patent number: 8922724
    Abstract: Disclosed are active shutter glasses and a three-dimensional image recognition unit capable of visually recognizing a three-dimensional image with excellent display quality. The active shutter glasses are active shutter glasses for three-dimensional image recognition. The active shutter glasses comprise a right temple, a left temple, a right-eye lens, and a left-eye lens. The right-eye lens and the left-eye lens comprise liquid crystal cells. The right-eye lens and the left-eye lens have an inclination with respect to a state where the right-eye lens and the left-eye lens are arranged on the same plane, and are arranged on a surface orthogonal to a horizontal surface including the top surfaces of the right temple and the left temple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shun Ueki, Kozo Nakamura, Takahiro Nakahara
  • Patent number: 8922723
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical device which includes: an optical component configured to be electrically actuated such that a light transmission state is variable; a driver circuit for the optical component; a power source unit for driving the optical component; a rim for supporting the optical component; a temple having front and rear ends and connected at the front end to the rim; and an earpiece formed at the rear end of the temple. The power source unit includes a secondary battery, a power switch, a power switch control portion, and a use-status sensing portion for sensing the status of use by a user of the optical device. The power switch control portion performs control to turn off the power switch when the use-status sensing portion does not sense any use by the user of the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Kakinuma, Keisuke Yoneda, Fumio Kato
  • Patent number: 8917222
    Abstract: A display device includes: a liquid crystal panel including a display surface on which frame images are displayed; a conversion portion for converting a frame image signal into a first image signal representing an image having a lower resolution and a second image signal representing an image having a higher resolution; and a liquid crystal driver for driving the liquid crystal panel with performing first and second scanning operations of the first and second image signals over pixels of the entire display surface. The liquid crystal driver performs the second scanning operation with targeting a drive luminance value which is set in response to an expected value of an achieved luminance value during the first scanning operation for the pixel of the display surface before the second scanning operation commences, and target luminance value for the pixels defined by the frame image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Liquid Crystal Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Kobayashi, Yoshio Umeda
  • Patent number: 8902125
    Abstract: A reconfigurable handheld device includes a housing; a processor disposed within the housing; and a display system coupled to the processor and including a display area. The display system is configured to selectively provide one of a first image viewable via the display system at a normal viewing distance; a second image viewable via the display system proximate at least one eye of a user; and a third image generated by the display system and viewable via a remote surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Robbins, Francois Raynal
  • Publication number: 20140347581
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Joshua N. HADDOCK, William KOKANASKI, Roger CLARKE, Philip RAWLINS, Peter CROSSLEY, James JOHN
  • Publication number: 20140350372
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for an energizable Ophthalmic Lens with an event coloration mechanism. The event coloration mechanism may color or change color based on some predefined event. For example, a predefined constituent or predefined condition of the tear fluid may be indicative of the predefined event, and the event coloration mechanisms may interact with the tear fluid, accordingly. The event coloration mechanism may provide the energizable functionality of the Ophthalmic Lens in some embodiments. In others, the event coloration mechanism may be passive but may interact and interface with the electrical components of the Ophthalmic Lens, such as, for example, those included within the Media Insert. Event coloration mechanisms may be combined with additional functionalities that may be included in an energizable Ophthalmic Lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Karson S. Putt, Camille Higham, Sharika Snook
  • Patent number: 8891030
    Abstract: A display method of forming an image by using a plurality of pixels includes projecting light beams from the plurality of pixels on a pupil of an eye of an observer, and each diameter of the light beams which are incident on the pupil is smaller than a diameter of the pupil. Moreover, a display apparatus which displays an image having a plurality of pixels includes a micro lens array having a lens corresponding to each pixel, and a plurality of light exit points is formed corresponding to each pixel. Furthermore, an electronic equipment has the display apparatus installed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Horikawa
  • Patent number: 8885139
    Abstract: An adjustable focusing electrically controllable electroactive lens is provided. The adjustable focusing electrically controllable electroactive lens can adjust the focal length discretely or continuously. The lens can be incorporated in a variety of optical devices including spectacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care
    Inventors: Nasser Peyghambarian, Guoqiang Li, Pekka Ayras
  • Patent number: 8836870
    Abstract: A pair of viewing glasses, a three-dimensional (3D) display system and an image beam adjustment method are provided. The adjustment method includes determining an adjustment angle according to an image beam emitted by a display screen; detecting a relative spatial orientation of the viewing glasses and the display screen; determining a compensation angle according to the relative spatial orientation; and adjusting the polarization direction of the image beam according to at least one of the adjustment angle and the compensation angle, so as to change the polarization direction of the image beam to a target polarization direction parallel or perpendicular to the polarization axis direction of a polarizer of the viewing glasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Chueh-Pin Ko, Dong-Hsing Su
  • Patent number: 8830408
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: HPO Assets LLC
    Inventors: Joshua N. Haddock, William Kokonaski, Roger Clarke, Philip Rawlins, Peter Crossley, James John
  • Patent number: 8817196
    Abstract: An optical shuttering device is provided, which includes an optical cell with a liquid crystal material between first and second transparent substrates and controlled by an electronic switching circuit. The switching circuit includes a power supply module, providing a control voltage, and a switching element mounted in series between the power supply module and the cell, making it possible to switch the cell between an on state and an off state. The electronic switching circuit furthermore includes a current source mounted in series between the power supply module and the switching element. The substrates preferably have different thickness and material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Institut Telecom/Telecom Bretagne
    Inventors: Jean-Louis De Bougrenet De La Tocnaye, Bertrand Caillaud, Emmanuel Daniel, Robert Bellini, Olivier Castany
  • Publication number: 20140218647
    Abstract: A spectacle lens is disclosed. The disclosed lens provides a vision correcting area for the correction of a wearer's refractive error. The viewing correction area provides Correction for non-conventional refractive error to provide at least a part of the Wearer's vision correction. The lens has a prescription based on a wave front analysis of the wearer's eye and the lens can further be modified to fit within an eyeglass frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: e-Vision Smart Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, William Kokonaski
  • Publication number: 20140218646
    Abstract: An optical loupe assembly includes mechanical or electromechanical apparatus for varying the magnification of objects viewed through the loupe and or varying a working distance of the loupe. In another embodiment, an optical loupe may include a lens system comprising one or more liquid lens assemblies or liquid crystal lens assemblies for providing variable magnification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: KERR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Brian L. Wilt
  • Patent number: 8797468
    Abstract: A liquid crystal shutter glasses comprises a liquid crystal shutter placed within the view angle of the observer of a display apparatus wherein the liquid crystal shutter has an effective shutter region in which the transmission or shielding of incident light is controllable and a light attenuation region positioned outside the effective shutter region for attenuating incident light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Goroh Saitoh, Masao Imai, Fujio Okumura