US 2,010,315,693 · Filed 2010-06-10
The Smart Glass That Darkens in Sunlight and Lightens at the Flip of a Switch
Imagine sunglasses that automatically darken when you step outside into bright UV light, then instantly brighten when you want them to—all without you touching anything. This patent covers the special material inside those lenses that can switch between light and dark states using both sunlight and electrical signals.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers optical filters made with a special switching material containing chromophores—molecules that can change how much light they let through. What's protected is the dual ability: the material darkens on its own when hit by UV radiation, and it lightens again when you apply an electric voltage to it. The combination of these two properties working in the same material is what the patent locks down.
Why it matters
This technology sits at the intersection of smart glass and dynamic eyewear markets. By embedding both photochromic (light-triggered) and electrochromic (electric-triggered) properties into one material, the patent enables glasses and windows that respond to environmental conditions automatically while also giving users manual control. This could reduce reliance on separate tinted and clear lenses, streamline manufacturing, and create new products that adapt in real time.
Real-world use
When you wear these smart glasses outdoors on a sunny day, they automatically darken to protect your eyes, then you press a button or signal to brighten them instantly when you step indoors or want to see more clearly.
Original USPTO abstract
Variable transmittance optical filters capable of transitioning from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV radiation and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage are provided. The optical filters comprise a switching material that comprises one or more chromophores that have electrochromic and photochromic properties.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 2,010,315,693
- Filing date
- 2010-06-10
- Grant date
- Application — not yet granted
- Assignee
- Switch Materials, Inc.
- Inventor(s)
- LAM DUHANE, BRANDA NEIL R.
- CPC class
- G02F1/0126
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