Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for the design and manufacturing of electronic eyeglasses and associated components thereof. Electronic eyeglasses consist of electro-active lenses, receiving electrical signals that turn them on and off from an electronic control module. The electronic control module is embedded within a temple of the eyeglass frame, and is powered by a removable power source pack residing at a temple tip through a flexible cable. Various methods describe the interconnection schemes between the components of the electronic eyeglasses.

Abstract: A lens system is presented having a diffractive optical power region. The diffractive optical power region has a plurality of concentric surface relief diffractive structures. A greater portion of light incident on a diffractive structure near the center point contributes to the optical power than light incident on a diffractive structure peripherally spaced therefrom.

Abstract: Eyewear including an optical functional member, control electronics, and a sealed electrical connective element connecting the electronics to the optical functional member. The connective element can directly connect the electronics to the optical functional member, or can connect through an intermediate contact, e.g., a plug-and-receptacle. The connective element can be routed from the electronics, around a rimlock of the eyewear to the optical functional member. The connective element can be a conductive compressible member, such as conductive rubber. In some embodiments, the connective element can be a multiconductor cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electro-active optical systems, such as a pair of spectacles having one or more lenses that employ electro-active optical structures. In some embodiments, the invention relates to electro-active optical systems having a flexible electrically conductive connection between the lens and the frame.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for the design and manufacturing of electronic eyeglasses and associated components thereof. Electronic eyeglasses consist of electro-active lenses, receiving electrical signals that turn them on and off from an electronic control module. The electronic control module is embedded within a temple of the eyeglass frame, and is powered by a removable power source pack residing at a temple tip through a flexible cable. Various methods describe the interconnection schemes between the components of the electronic eyeglasses.

Abstract: Eyewear including an optical functional member, control electronics, and a sealed electrical connective element connecting the electronics to the optical functional member. The connective element can directly connect the electronics to the optical functional member, or can connect through an intermediate contact, e.g., a plug-and-receptacle. The connective element can be routed from the electronics, around a rimlock of the eyewear to the optical functional member. The connective element can be a conductive compressible member, such as conductive rubber. In some embodiments, the connective element can be a multiconductor cable.

Abstract: Eyewear including an optical functional member, control electronics, and a sealed electrical connective element connecting the electronics to the optical functional member. The connective element can directly connect the electronics to the optical functional member, or can connect through an intermediate contact, e.g., a plug-and-receptacle. The connective element can be routed from the electronics, around a rimlock of the eyewear to the optical functional member. The connective element can be a conductive compressible member, such as conductive rubber. In some embodiments, the connective element can be a multiconductor cable.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a first optical device may be provided. The first optical device may include a first substrate, a liquid crystal alignment layer comprising a controlled pattern of features each having a dimension of at most 2 microns, and a liquid crystal layer disposed adjacent to the alignment layer that includes liquid crystal molecules.

Abstract: A low power indicator for electro-active spectacle lenses is presented in which the low power indicator is a part of a controller for the electro-active spectacle lenses or is operably connected to the controller. The low power indicator may generate a signal when the power of the power source for the electro-active spectacle lenses is low. The signal may be used by the controller, or other circuitry to activate an indication to a user of the lenses that the power is low. Such an indication may be periodically activating and deactivating one of an optical power of the electro-active lenses, a vibration source, a visible light source, or an audible sound source.

Abstract: A film suitable for use in an ophthalmic system is provided. The film may selectively inhibit blue light within the wavelength range of 400 nm to 460 nm to reduce phototoxic light to the eye while maintaining photopic vision, and may be color balanced to allow for the system into which the film is incorporated to be perceived as colorless to a viewer observing and/or using the system. The system may have a photopic and scotopic luminous transmission of 85% or more and a phototoxicity ratio of less than 80%. When used in an ophthalmic system or other system disposed between an observer's eye and a light source, the film may reduce the flux of blue light to the internal structures of the eye while reducing or minimizing dilation of the pupil.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens is presented in which the lens includes a progressive addition legion and a dynamic optic. The dynamic optic and the progressive addition region are in optical communication. The progressive addition region has an add power which is less than a user's neat viewing distance add power. The dynamic optic, when activated, provides the additional needed optical power for the wearer to see clearly at a near distance. This combination leads to the unexpected result that not only does the wearer have the ability to see clearly at intermediate and near distances, but the level of unwanted astigmatism, distortion, and vision compromise ale reduced significantly.

Abstract: A nose bridge for a fashion spectacle lens frame adapted for housing electro-active lenses is presented. The nose bridge may include a body which may further include electronic components. The nose bridge may further include a connecting element for connecting the electronic components with the electro-active lenses for altering optical properties of the electro-active lenses. The nose bridge may be adapted to fit a variety of frame sizes, shapes, and styles as well as lenses of a variety of sizes and shapes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an ophthalmic system that performs effective blue blocking for an ophthalmic lens while at the same time providing a cosmetically attractive product, normal or acceptable color perception for a user, and a high level of transmitted light for good visual acuity.

Abstract: Techniques and assemblies for light ray steering are described. A method includes receiving solar rays onto a surface of an electro-optic prism. The electro-optic prism includes a first electrode positioned on a first substrate, a second electrode positioned on a second substrate, and an electro-optic material positioned between the first and second electrodes. The first electrode includes multiple substantially parallel linear electrodes. The method further includes applying multiple voltages to some or all of the substantially parallel linear electrodes to generate a refractive index gradient across the electro-optic prism. The method further includes controlling the refractive index gradient so that the solar rays exit the electro-optic prism in a direction substantially normal to a light focusing element, and utilizing the light focusing element to focus the solar rays on a solar energy collector.

Abstract: An improved device and method for manufacturing electro-active spectacle lenses comprising electronic, electro-active optical, and bulk refractive optical elements is presented. In this method, electronic and electro-active optical elements are mounted to an optically transparent and mechanically flexible integration insert which is separate from any bulk refractive optical element(s). This method is advantageous for the manufacture of such spectacle lenses in that it allows for the mass production of many of the individual elements and enables the integration of the insert with the bulk refractive optical element(s) by multiple means. One such approach involves attaching the insert with a transparent adhesive to a rigid optical substrate and then encapsulating it by means of surface casting. Alternatively, the insert may be placed between the surfaces of a mold filled with an optical resin and encapsulated within the bulk refractive element as the resin is cured.

Abstract: Techniques and assemblies for steering light rays are described. A system includes an electro-optic prism configured to provide controllable steering of solar rays and a photovoltaic device. The electro-optic prism includes a first electrode including multiple substantially parallel linear electrodes positioned on a first substrate and a reference electrode positioned on a second substrate. An electro-optic material is positioned between the first electrode and the reference electrode. The prism is operable to disperse light in a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band. The photovoltaic device is arranged in optical communication with the electro-optic prism. The photovoltaic device includes a first light-absorbing material and a second light-absorbing material arranged such that the first light-absorbing material receives the first wavelength band light and the second light-absorbing material receives the second wavelength band light.

Abstract: Techniques and assemblies for steering light rays are described. An electro-optic prism includes a variable resistance electrode on a first substrate, a reference electrode positioned on a second substrate and an electro-optic material positioned between the variable resistance electrode and the reference electrode. The electro-optic prism is operable for generating an internal electrical field by providing a variable voltage to the variable resistance electrode, such that a dynamic refractive index of the electro-optic prism is provided.

Abstract: Techniques and assemblies for light ray steering are described. A method for directing light rays includes steering the light rays using a static prism and controllably steering the light rays using an electro-optic prism, such that the combination of the light ray steerings from the static prism and the electro-optic prism substantially steer the light rays to impinge on a light focusing element at a predetermined angle. The electro-optic prism includes a first electrode positioned on a first substrate, a second electrode positioned on a second substrate, and an electro-optic material positioned between the first and second electrodes. The first electrode includes multiple substantially parallel linear electrodes. Applying multiple voltages to some or all of the multiple substantially parallel linear electrodes generates a refractive index gradient across the electro-optic prism. The direction of solar rays exiting the electro-optic prism is controllable by controlling the refractive index gradient.