Electro-active spectacles and associated electronics

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from and incorporates by reference in their entirety the following provisional applications:[0002]U.S. Appl. No. 61 / 143,459, filed on Jan. 9, 2009;[0003]U.S. Appl. No. 61 / 152,140, filed on Feb. 12, 2009;[0004]U.S. Appl. No. 61 / 157,579, filed on Mar. 5, 2009;[0005]U.S. Appl. No. 61 / 157,580, filed on Mar. 5, 2009;[0006]U.S. Appl. No. 61 / 170,222, filed on Apr. 17, 2009;[0007]U.S. Appl. No. 61 / 242,406, filed on Sep. 15, 2009; and[0008]U.S. Appl. No. 61 / 252,770, filed on Oct. 19, 2009.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0009]1. Field of the Invention[0010]The present invention generally relates to electro-active spectacles. More specifically, the present invention provides electronics for operating and synchronizing electro-active lenses compatible with any frame type, style or size, as well as associated charging devices.[0011]2. Background Art[0012]Electro-active lenses generally provide a region of adjustable optica...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]Accordingly, what is needed are electronics for controlling and synchronizing operation of electro-active lenses that can be housed in any type of frame in a cosmetically acceptable and easily implementable manner. Further, power charger devices for recharging electro-active lenses of any frame size, shape or style are also needed.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional electro-active lenses and spectacles fail to provide cosmetically acceptable and practical mechanisms for (a) controlling and synchronizing operation of the electro-active lenses, (b) providing electrical connectivity between controlling electronics and the electro-active lenses, and (c) recharging the electro-active lenses.

Further, conventional devices and techniques for addressing these problems are limited in that they are not generally compatible with any frame size, type or style.

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