Fast response liquid crystal glasses

Abstract

The consequences of misadaptation when suddenly exposed to bright light can by minimised by gradually darkening (photochromic) glasses and this permits better vision. However, the reaction time of such glasses is of the order of a few seconds which is slow enough to cause visual discomfort when the lighting changes rapidly. The current invention presents an eye device with a fast response time, designed to proportionately filter electromagnetic radiation. This system, consisting of a photo-sensitive sensor, an electronic circuit and two liquid crystal lenses, inserted into an eyeglass frame, gives reaction times in the range 50–100 ms. Such liquid crystal electro-optic filters enhance global visual comfort and can also improve the security of users, e.g. by avoiding the glare to a driver at the exit of a tunnel, as well as being useful during outdoor activities and maybe in some medical conditions.