Abstract: A tracking device (6) for controlling the focus of electroactive spectacles (2), the spectacles (2) comprising electroactive lenses (24, 26), the tracking device (6) comprising: a tracking camera (14), a tracking controller (18), and a transmitter (20); wherein the tracking controller (18) is configured to: capture, via the tracking camera (14), an image (16); detect, in the image (16), a pair of eyes; determine, from the image of the eyes, a target focus; and transmit, via the transmitter (20), a focus message (4) to the spectacles (2), the focus message (4) being indicative of the target focus, and instructive to the spectacles (2) to set the focus of the lenses (24, 26) accordingly.

Abstract: A control device (4) controls a varifocal lens (2) having a first substrate (20), a second substrate (22) facing the first substrate (20), and a varifocal component (14) disposed between the first substrate (20) and the second substrate (22). When an off signal is inputted to the varifocal component (14), the control device (4) stops applying voltage to the varifocal component (14), then applies voltage for a specific length of time, and finally stops the voltage. This reduces the duration of hazing that occurs during the switching of voltage application to the varifocal component (14).

Abstract: Systems and methods regarding spectacle systems are provided including base lens units and attachable lens units. A spectacle system may include a base lens unit with a first lens, a frame configured for wearing the base lens unit on a user, and a first attachment mechanism. The spectacle system may also include an attachable lens unit with a second lens and a second attachment mechanism configured to join with the first attachment mechanism. A communication mechanism may also be included that is configured to communicate data, instructions and/or electrical power between the base lens unit and the attachable lens unit. Either or both of the first lens and the second lens may include an electro-active lens. The attachable lens unit may include a variety of additional functions such as an electronic display, a camera, an active shuttering lens, and an active polarizing lens, which may also be powered by the base lens unit.

Abstract: An optical material is described. The optical material includes at least one layer of a metamaterial. Each layer of metamaterial includes a matrix material and a plurality of nano-particles. The plurality of nano-particles are geometrically arranged in an array within the matrix material such that the layer of metamaterial has a high positive refractive index based on a cooperative plasmon effect at a predetermined electro-magnetic radiation (EMR) wavelength relative to the refractive index of the matrix material without the nano-particles.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a focus adjustable apparatus adapted to be disposed on a transparent substrate to modulate a plurality of rays passing through the transparent substrate. The focus adjustable apparatus includes a light modulation device, an eye tracking device, an eyesight status device and a controller. The light modulation device receives the rays from the transparent substrate and adjusts an emergent angle of each ray. The eye tracking device tracks a position of a user and estimates a distance between the user and the focus adjustable apparatus. The eyesight status device obtains an eyesight data of the user. The controller provides a control signal to drive the light modulation device by estimating the emergent angle of the each ray according to the distance between the user and the focus adjustable apparatus and the eyesight data of the user.

Abstract: A fail-safe electro-active lens is presented in which the lens includes a substrate having a diffractive relief surface and an electro-active material in optical communication with the substrate. The electro-active material can include a nematic liquid crystal host. The refractive index of the substrate is equal to the average refractive index of the liquid crystal at a wavelength in the blue light spectrum.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that includes a host lens and a dynamic lens adapted to adjust its optical power based upon an input. The dynamic lens is in optical communication with the host lens. The device further comprises a photosensor, a controller electrically connected to the photosensor, and an actuator electrically connected to the controller. The actuator is also connected to the dynamic lens. The actuator provides an input interface to the dynamic lens, which is actuated based upon a signal received from the photosensor. The dynamic lens having a first zone of changeable optical power adapted to adjust its optical power within the range of ?0.75 D to +0.75 D and an “optional” second zone of changeable optical power adapted to adjust its optical power within the range of +50 D to +1.25 D.

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.

Abstract: A variable-optic powered or electronic ophthalmic lens may be utilized to augment the eye's natural ability to refract light or focus. The variable-optic powered lens comprises an electronic system that includes a power source, power management circuitry, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry and lens driver circuitry. The ophthalmic lens may also comprise one or more sensors configured to detect ciliary muscle signals and adjust the optics of the lens accordingly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to curved eyewear having an electrically switchable spectral transmittance lens. The lens is curved in orientation, which aids in reducing eyelash contact while increasing a peripheral field of view for a wearer of the curved eyewear. The electrically switchable spectral transmittance lens, in an embodiment, includes a plurality of zones that may be switched in-phase or out-of-phase with each other depending on an activity being performed. Another embodiment utilizes a shatter-resistant material for constructing the lens. Further embodiments utilize a frame member that includes a curved channel for forming the curved orientation of the lens and for maintaining the lens in a desired position relative to a wearer.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a semi-finished blank for a varifocal lens, as well as a varifocal lens and varifocal eyeglasses, with which power consumption can be reduced and a decrease in commercial value can be prevented. The invention comprises a first substrate, a first transparent conductive film that is produced on the front face of this first substrate, a second substrate that is opposite the first substrate, a second transparent conductive film that is produced on the back face of this second substrate, and a varifocal portion that is disposed between the front face of the first substrate and the back face of the second substrate. The first transparent conductive film is separated by laser into a first region that includes a region that is opposite the varifocal portion, and a region other than this first region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to form energization elements upon electrical interconnects on three-dimensional surfaces are described. In some embodiments, the present invention includes incorporating the three-dimensional surfaces with electrical interconnects and energization elements into an insert for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses. In some embodiments, the formed insert may be directly used as an ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: A variable focus ophthalmic device is described. The device comprises a front curve optical portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device comprising a front curve top optical surface and a front curve bottom optical surface and a back curve optical portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device comprising a back curve top optical surface and a back curve bottom optical surface. A cavity is formed by the front curve bottom optical surface of the front curve optical portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device and the back curve top optical surface of the back curve portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device. A first fluid with a first index of refraction and a second fluid with a second index of refraction is provided, wherein the first index of refraction and the second index of refraction are different and the two fluids are immiscible.

Abstract: A variable focus ophthalmic device is described. The device comprises a front curve optical portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device comprising a front curve top optical surface and a front curve bottom optical surface and a back curve optical portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device comprising a back curve top optical surface and a back curve bottom optical surface. A cavity is formed by the front curve bottom optical surface of the front curve optical portion of the variable ophthalmic device and the back curve top optical surface of the back curve portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device. A fluid with a first index of refraction and a dielectric film is in contact with at least a portion of the fluid with a first index of refraction and overlaying an electrode capable of establishing an electric field. A gas with a second index of refraction is provided, wherein the first index of refraction and the second index of refraction are different.

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: 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.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide electronics for controlling and synchronizing operation of electro-active lenses regardless of frame type, size or style. The controlling electronics can be contained within one or more electronic modules positioned within the frame temples and can be removable and reprogrammable and can include inductive charge regions. Conductive links between electronic modules and/or between left and right Sides of the electro active spectacles can include left and right upper and lower rim portions of the frame, the bridge, conductive layers of the electro-active lenses, the upper and lower grooves of the electro-active lenses, and/or wires embedded within any portion of the frame. Aspects of the present invention also provide chargers for recharging electro-active spectacles of any size, shape or style using adjustable inductive charging cradles to inductively charge electro-active spectacles of the present invention.

Abstract: A system controller for an ophthalmic lens comprising an electronic system which actuates a variable-focus optic is disclosed herein. The system controller is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic lens. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. The controller including multiple state machines configured as digital logic gates.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing an ophthalmic lens with diffractive/refractive variable optic structures. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic included within the ophthalmic lens as it may be predetermined. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast molded from a silicone hydrogel.

Abstract: This invention discloses an energized Ophthalmic Device with incorporated low energy consuming modes. In some embodiments, media inserts with incorporated low energy consuming modes are described.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods of manufacture and use of an energized Ophthalmic Device with an incorporated Storage Mode for a power source, the method of manufacturing said device, and a method of activation that may restore the power source to an operational mode.

Abstract: This semi-finished blank for a varifocal lens comprises a first substrate (13), a second substrate (15) that is opposite the first substrate (13), a first transparent conductive film (27) produced on the front of the first substrate (13), a second transparent conductive film (33) produced on the back of the second substrate (15), a varifocal section (5) disposed between the front of the first substrate (13) and the back of the second substrate (15); a first internal electrode (17) of the first transparent conductive film (27), a second internal electrode (19) of the second transparent conductive film (33), a first laser separation film (29) that is opposite the second internal electrode (19) and in which a partial region of the first transparent conductive film (27) is separated with a laser, and a second laser separation film (35) that is opposite the first internal electrode (19) and in which a partial region of the second transparent conductive film (33) is separated with a laser.

Abstract: This invention discloses various designs for rings that make up the functionalized layers in a functional layer insert. More specifically, design parameters for the rings for incorporation into an ophthalmic lens. Additionally, functional aspects of the rings and materials for encapsulating the functional insert into an area outside the optical zone of the ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: Electronic spectacles have a first lens, through which a physical object may be viewed by one eye of a user, having a plurality of zones, each of which having an optical layer arranged in the zone and having an adjustable transmittance; a second lens, through which the physical object may be viewed by another eye of the user, having a plurality of zones, each of which having an optical layer arranged in the zone and having an adjustable transmittance; a controller for respectively adjusting the transmittance of each of the zones of the first and second lenses such that each of the lenses is switched between a viewable status and a masking status; and a communication unit for receiving parameter settings from an external device outside the electronic spectacles to adjust parameters of the controller.

Abstract: This invention discloses various designs for rings and ring segments that make up functionalized layers in a functional layer insert, for incorporation into an ophthalmic lens. The layer insert which can include substrate layers that are intact full rings, segmented rings or a combination of both. Segmented rings may include Arc-Matched and Non Arc-Matched arcuate segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of fabricating an electro-active optical structure, such as an electro-active lens or an electro-active lens blank. In some embodiments, the invention relates to fabrication methods that comprise an improved process for delivering an electro-active material into a cavity, resulting in electro-active structures that can be manufactured in less time and with lowered costs.

Abstract: Antennas and antenna systems may be designed and configured for incorporation into mechanical devices, including medical devices, such as ophthalmic devices, including contact lenses. These antennas and antenna systems may be utilized to transmit data from the mechanical device to a receiver, to receive data from a transmitter, and/or to inductively charge an electromechanical cell or the like incorporated into the mechanical device.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments enable an enhanced direct-viewing optical device to make customized adjustments that accommodate optical aberrations of a current user. In some instances a real-time adjustment of the transformable optical elements is based on known corrective optical parameters associated with a current user. In some implementations a control module may process currently updated wavefront measurements as a basis for determining appropriate real-time adjustment of the transformable optical elements to produce a specified change in optical wavefront at an exit pupil of the direct-viewing device. Possible transformable optical elements include refractive and/or reflective and/or diffractive and/or transmissive characteristics that are adjusted based on current performance viewing factors for a given field of view of the direct-viewing device.

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.

Abstract: An optical apparatus (1) for wearing by a human user comprises one or more variable power lenses (4), means (10) for adjusting the power of the variable power lens (4), means (26) for capturing data representative of said adjustments, and means (28) for recording or transmitting the captured data.

Abstract: Ophthalmic lenses, including contact lenses may be enhanced through the incorporation of both active and passive electrical components. Electrical interconnects and die attachment configurations are required to ensure electrical connectivity between the components and the optic portion of the lens as well as providing a means for mounting planar devices on spherical surfaces. Electrical interconnects and die attachment for powered ophthalmic devices, including contact lenses includes realizing conductive traces on optical plastic, attaching planar dies to spherical surfaces and underfilling, overmolding and light blocking to complete the lens.

Abstract: An adapter for a spectacle frame is disclosed which is configured for enabling the spectacle frame to operate and control electro-active lenses housed therein. In particular, the spectacle frame may allow electro-active lenses housed therein to focus and be controlled both automatically and manually with heretofore unrealized results.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens including an electro-active optical element including a substrate; a liquid crystalline material; and at least one first layer. The at least one first layer can include a layer of silicon oxide (SiOx) disposed between the liquid crystalline material and the substrate, and deposited onto a surface of the substrate at an oblique angle in reference to a plane normal to the mean surface of the substrate facing the liquid crystalline material.

Abstract: This semi-finished blank for a varifocal lens comprises a first substrate (13), a second substrate (15) that is opposite the first substrate (13), a first transparent conductive film (27) produced on the front of the first substrate (13), a second transparent conductive film (33) produced on the back of the second substrate (15), a varifocal section (5) disposed between the front of the first substrate (13) and the back of the second substrate (15); a first internal electrode (17) of the first transparent conductive film (27), a second internal electrode (19) of the second transparent conductive film (33), a first laser separation film (29) that is opposite the second internal electrode (19) and in which a partial region of the first transparent conductive film (27) is separated with a laser, and a second laser separation film (35) that is opposite the first internal electrode (19) and in which a partial region of the second transparent conductive film (33) is separated with a laser.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmic lens arrangement (10) comprising a polariser (11) for polarising light in a polarisation axis; at least one lens cell (13) including a switchable light rotator; a lens member (15) having birefringence properties such that incident light encounters a first refractive index n on an ordinary axis or a second refractive index on an extraordinary axis according to the rotation of the incident light; and a sub lens member (17) having a refractive index n; characterized in that: the or each rotator is operable to rotate incident light by 0° or by 90°, and the polariser is arranged such that the polarisation axis coincides with either the ordinary axis or the extraordinary axis of the or each lens member. The invention further relates to an apparatus for and a method for demonstrating a plurality of optical functions.

Abstract: This invention discloses a device comprising multiple functional layers formed on substrates, wherein at least one functional layer comprises an electrical energy source. In some embodiments, the present invention includes an insert for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses that has been formed by the stacking of multiple functionalized layers.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a media insert with an energy source to an ophthalmic lens. The energy source is capable of powering a component included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast molded from a silicone hydrogel and the component includes an electro-optical lens portion.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may provide an electro-active lens. The electro-active lens may comprise a first substrate, a second substrate, and an electro-active element disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The electro-active element may be configured to alter the optical power of at least a portion of the electro-active lens. The first substrate may comprise a different material than the second substrate.

Abstract: A pair of eyewear has transparent waveguides in each eyewear lens. An illumination subsystem directs a beam of light through the waveguides onto a wearer's eyes. A First Purkinje point imaging subsystem for each lens uses light reflected from the eyes through the waveguides. A controller calculates from the positions of the First Purkinje points the wearer's gaze parallax angle and/or the distance to an object of interest on which the gaze of the wearer's eyes converges. The output of the controller may drive variable-focus eyeglass lenses to enable a presbyopic wearer to focus on the object. Modified Alvarez variable-focus lenses are described.

Abstract: Curable adhesive compositions comprising a urethane pre-polymer are provided that exhibit a high refractive index.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a semi-finished blank for a varifocal lens, as well as a varifocal lens and varifocal eyeglasses, with which power consumption can be reduced and a decrease in commercial value can be prevented. The invention comprises a first substrate 19, a first transparent conductive film 21 that is produced on the front face of this first substrate 19, a second substrate 41 that is opposite the first substrate 19, a second transparent conductive film 43 that is produced on the back face of this second substrate 41, and a varifocal portion 5 that is disposed between the front face of the first substrate 19 and the back face of the second substrate 41. The first transparent conductive film 21 is separated by laser into a first region 31 that includes a region that is opposite the varifocal portion 5, and a region 33 other than this first region 31.

Abstract: Described is an electro-optical apparatus and method for correcting myopia that includes at least one adaptive lens, a power source, and an eye tracker. The eye tracker includes an image sensor and a processor operatively connected to the adaptive lens and the image sensor. The processor is configured to receive electrical signals from the image sensor and to control the correction power of the adaptive lens to correct myopia, with the correction power dependent on a user's gaze distance and myopia prescription strength. A lower-power-consumption method of eye glint tracking is further described.

Abstract: A pair of spectacles that can automatically change its power so that a fixation region of interest (ROI) of the user is always in focus. The automatic accommodative spectacle device includes focusing elements, scene sensors, scene analyzer, focus engine, focusing element controller, and power supply. The scene analyzer determines the fixation ROI in the scene by analyzing the scene images. The fixation ROI is used to determine powers for the focusing elements in order to bring the fixation ROI into focus. The focusing element controller carries out the needed optical power adjustment to apply to the focusing elements. Optional light sources may be provided to the scene sensors. Additional optional eye sensor(s), eye light source and line of sight detector can be used to help the scene analyzer extract the fixation ROI.

Abstract: A vision prosthesis includes a first detector disposed to detect a polarization state of light reflected from a retina, and a controller in communication with the first detector. The controller is configured to receive, from the detector, a measurement signal indicative of the polarization state. In response thereto, the controller generates a control signal for causing a change to an optical property of an optical system in optical communication with the retina.

Abstract: A first recess (102) of a lower substrate (100) is coated with conductive ink to form a first auxiliary electrode layer (104), a lower electrode pattern (105) is formed thereon by vacuum deposition, a second recess (202) of an upper substrate (200) is coated with the conductive ink to form a second auxiliary electrode layer (204), an upper electrode pattern (205) is formed thereon by vacuum deposition, the upper and lower substrates are bonded to each other with an electric element (300) interposed between the lower substrate (100) and the upper substrate (100), and the upper and lower substrates are cut at positions on the overlap portion of the first auxiliary electrode layer (104) and the lower electrode pattern (105) and the overlap portion of the second auxiliary electrode layer (204) and the upper electrode pattern (205) so as to expose the cut surfaces of the substrates.

Abstract: A first recess (102) of a lower substrate (100) is coated with conductive ink to form a first auxiliary electrode layer (104), a lower electrode pattern (105) is formed thereon by vacuum deposition, a second recess (202) of an upper substrate (200) is coated with the conductive ink to form a second auxiliary electrode layer (204), an upper electrode pattern (205) is formed thereon by vacuum deposition, the upper and lower substrates are bonded to each other with an electric element (300) interposed between the lower substrate (100) and the upper substrate (100), and the upper and lower substrates are cut at positions on the overlap portion of the first auxiliary electrode layer (104) and the lower electrode pattern (105) and the overlap portion of the second auxiliary electrode layer (204) and the upper electrode pattern (205) so as to expose the cut surfaces of the substrates.