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| Mark indicating device for optical apparatus |
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| Display element |
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| Optical modulation device |
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| Apparatus for limiting the output signal frequency band of an optical sensor |
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Liquid crystal variable color density lens and eye protective devices incorporating the same
| Details |
Inventors: Sethofer, Nicholas L.; Henderson, deceased, Eric R.;
Assignee:
Primary Examiner: Howell; Janice A.
Assistant Examiner: Gross; Anita Pellman
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hughes; Michael J.
The present invention is a novel and improved variable color/variable density optical system (10) adapted for use in a variety of lens and window applications. The preferred device embodying the invention is a novel optical sunlight protective device (12) incorporating a liquid crystal color lens, a photodetecting sensor component and circuit (18) and oscillating/driving electronic circuit (70), all of the present invention and incorporated in an appropriate frame (24). The lens element (b 14) includes plastic housing (40,42) of a curved shape complementary to any desired fashion design and, a liquid crystalline medium (58) of the novel phase change guest-host type. Combination of the lens construction, homeotropic surface alignment (48, 50) and aforementioned liquid crystal/dye complex brings about the clear, optical distortion-free variable color transmission with broad ranges of color density with incorporated protection against ultraviolet radiation. Two conductive layers of lens elements (44, 46) are connected to the driving electronics (70) of the present invention such that variations in light intensity on the photo-detecting sensor component and circuit (18) result in final corresponding variations in the alignment of liquid crystalline complex (58), thus altering the light transmissivity of the lens element (14). Eyewear products incorporating the optical device (10) function effectively under both bright sunshine and overcast or foggy conditions, including all intermediate and changing light conditions, thus making them useful over a wide range of applications. |
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a sunlight protective optical device that incorporates the ability to vary both chromatic color and color density, and which corresponds exactly to the changes of ambient light conditions.
Another object of the invention is to provide liquid crystal variable color density optical lens, containing a novel liquid crystal layer of optical clarity that reacts either rapidly or gradually, depending on conditions or as the user has specified, to all changes of light intensity in the visible spectrum, be they broad or minute, without optical scattering, typical for state-of-the-art devices.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an embodiment of a liquid crystal variable color density optical lens wherein a liquid crystal optical layer is enclosed and specifically aligned in the plastic optical housing and connected to an integrated electronic driving system.
A further object of the invention is to provide a novel composition of a liquid crystal optical layer which will provide optical clarity of light transmission in all stages of electro-optical saturation and will be well suited for outdoor use, extreme lighting conditions and broad changes in the temperature.
Another object of the invention is to provide a broad range of color density within a liquid crystal optical lens, including the actual color changes (e.
g.
orange or yellow to dark brown, dark gray, dark purple etc.
), this phenomenon being dependent only upon changes in the wavelength and intensity of light in the visible spectrum.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an appropriate plastic housing for the curved shaped lens, inside surface alignment and fabrication methods of thereof.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an integral electronic driver for the operation of the liquid crystal optical lens, consisting of an appropriate photoelectric detector with a variable voltage generator, square wave generating driver circuit, power source and connectors
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LCD 
