Electrochromic technology— Application to sunglasses —

Electrically controlling transparency

Background

在欧洲和美国,人们often wear sunglasses to protect their eyes.
They use them in a variety of daily environments — driving a car, enjoying sport activities, and more.
An adjustable lens shade can maximize the comfort of using sunglasses. Preferences vary with individuals, and requirements vary with applications.

Solutions

Ricoh has developed a technology to change the lens shade with complete control.

• The lenses can be dark under bright light and clear under dim light electrically.
• The shades are easily adjustable – automatically or with touch of a switch.

Technical highlights

Ricoh has developed an electrochromic material for use in sunglasses whose shades can be electrically adjusted between transparency and tints.

• The electrochromic technology allows transparency to be electrically controlled in tonal gradation while keeping the lens very bright at its maximum transparency.
• The frame has built-in switches and batteries to control transparency conveniently.

Figure 1 Transparent and tinted

Ricoh's vision

Ricoh will expand applications of the technology, exploiting its strengths:

• Technology to process lenses into curved or spherical shapes
• A range of technologies to express colors using original materials

For more information:

Color Reflective Display Technology