ADJUSTABLE FOCUS LENSES

摘要

A lens unit with two lens elements each having special surfaces such that an adjustment of the position of one of the two lens elements relative to the other in a direction generally perpendicular to a viewing direction changes the focusing power of the lens unit. In preferred embodiments two lens units are mounted in a frame to provide eyeglasses with adjustable focus. Several frame designs are described. In preferred embodiments two lens units, each lens unit having two lens elements are mounted in a frame to provide eyeglasses with adjustable focus. Several designs are described. Some designs provide for movement side to side movement of the lens elements relative to each other. In other designs the relative motion is up and down. A simple technique is a thumbscrew adjustment that is operated by the wearer. Another design is based on finger force against a friction force. In some preferred embodiments separate frames holding the lens elements pivot about pivot points on the earpiece of a support frame. In other designs two rear lens elements are mounted in a support frame and the front lens elements are mounted in a separate frame that pivots about a point on the earpiece of the support frame. Another design includes a torsion bar assures that the movements of each lens element in one of the lens units is the same as the movements of the lens elements in the other lens unit. Techniques for automatic focusing of the lenses are also disclosed. Techniques for automatic focusing of the lenses are also disclosed.