Eyeglasses Patents: Everything You Need to Know
Eyeglasses patents are granted to inventors who desire to protect an idea or invention relating to eyewear, glasses, spectacles, and other forms relating to vision. 3 min read updated on September 19, 2022
Eyeglasses patents are granted to inventors who desire to protect an idea or invention relating to eyewear, glasses, spectacles, and other forms relating to vision. Here a few noteworthy eyeglass patents filed in the past.
Patents by the Inventor of Glasses
Reginald Henry Bradshaw invented glasses, monocles, and spectacles with many improvements beginning in 1919. His vision was to aid in the improvement of eyesight in the aged and those born with poor eyesight.
He obtained the following patents:
- Patent number 1337818, issued in April 1920 for rimless spectacles and eyeglasses.
- Patent number GB356832, obtained in England in June of 1930 for a new method of manufacturing graduated tinted glass.
- Patent number GB463000, obtained in England in November of 1935 for improving glasses, spectacles, monocles, etc.
His rimless eyeglasses offered better visibility. The new method for graduated tinted glass was used to create eyeglasses with tinted lenses and even thickness throughout the glass, as well as to improve their durability. His improvements of spectacles included the ability to remove lenses from frames easily.
Eyeglasses Augmented by Computer
When an individual's optic nerve is damaged, he or she is left with a dull sight with colors turned to gray, blurred lines and edges, and details difficult to make out. Standard glasses do not improve the sight of such individuals. This is because the issue has to do with the transferring of information to the brain regarding light intake, not the focus and size of objects or print.
Optometrist and inventor, Ronald Siwoff, patented an idea for glasses that employ the help of a computer to enhance what a person sees through the glasses with improvements in contrast, brightness, and sharpness of surroundings.
A small video camera found in the frame of the glasses uses basic technology to take in a picture. A computer will then change the image to computer code, so the system can read the image and improve visibility for the wearer. The instantly enhanced image is then projected on the lens right in front of the eye, providing improved vision for those with optic nerve damage.
It's easy to make images appear sharper when contrast is increased by putting pure white or black in place of any gray area for added boldness.
The tougher improvements come with the attempt to aid in the vision of individuals with deficiencies in specific colors. Those who can't see the color green well might have it replaced with the color red. These smart glasses would be specially made for each individual's visual deficiencies.
This patent led to later inventions of smart glasses and products like NuEyes.
Patent for an Eyeglass Interface System
The idea for a pair of glasses with a full interface system integrated was invented by Mark B. Spitzer and filed for a patent in 1998. This invention paved the way for developing technology for smart glasses today.
In Spitzer's original invention, audio and visual technologies were mounted directly onto the frames of the glasses. One side of the frames would house the display, which could project an image onto the lens to be seen by the person wearing the glasses. The opposite side of the glasses would hold the audio or video technology used to communicate with the display side.
The side of the frames with the audio or visual technology might use a microphone or small camera to take in information or speakers to provide information.
If a video camera is used here, it would record what the user sees. Another integrated system could track the position of his or her head. Other systems such as telephones, surveillance, and more could also be integrated into this invention.
This invention was designed to be compact for ease and hands-free use with a sleek design, hiding all the technologies inside the glasses frames and lenses.
Patent for Binocular Viewing System
The same inventor, Mark Spitzer, along with Gregory Hunter and Paul Zavracky, also patented an invention for a binocular-viewing system in 2003. They sought to create binoculars that could display images electronically.
Different users could make adjustments for their particular visual needs. This invention was designed not only for technological advancements but also for comfort for the consumer. The system is molded around the shapes and curves of the face to fit comfortably.
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