James D Hendrickson

US Patent:

7970172, Jun 28, 2011

Filed:

Mar 26, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/691351

Inventors:

James Anthony Hendrickson - Redmond WA, US

International Classification:

G06K 9/00
G05D 1/00
B60R 21/16

US Classification:

382103, 382100, 701 28, 280735

Abstract:

An active device provides protection from the sun or other bright light source for improved vision, using a variable opacity medium that is electronically controlled to cast a shadow on an eye of a user and/or to otherwise reduce the amount of the light incident on the eye, thereby reducing glare. Miniature cameras monitor the user's eye movements and the scene in front of the user. If a bright light is detected, one or more dark spots is created in the variable opacity medium that acts as a shade or light filter for a pupil of the eye. The variable opacity medium, cameras, and associated electronics can be used in connection with eyeglasses (including sunglasses), as part of a device worn by the user (such as a helmet), a windshield, mirror, or other optical element having a view port through which light can be seen by the user.