Electronically switchable optical device with a multi-functional optical control apparatus and methods for operating the same

An electronically controllable eyewear device, comprising:

• a cell comprising at least one liquid crystal material able to change between a first state having maximum light transmittance (Tmax) when no voltage (V0) is applied, a second state having minimum light transmittance (Tmin) when a maximum voltage (Vmax) is applied, and one or more intermediate states having intermediate light transmittance (Tmin) between Tmax and Tmin when one or more intermediate voltages (Vn) are applied, wherein the cell can be operated in an auto or a manual mode;
• a photosensor electronically connected to the cell for generating a light input signal based on an ambient light level to trigger an automatic application of voltage when the device is in the auto mode, wherein detection of an ambient light level above a threshold value triggers the automatic application of voltage to the cell and wherein detection of an ambient light level below the threshold value results in no voltage being applied;
• a switch capable of being actuated in a series of actuation sequences each to select a distinct function;
• and
• a control circuit responsive to each said actuation sequence and said light input signal to operate the cell in a corresponding one of a plurality of functions;
• wherein the actuation sequences comprise:
• (i) a first actuation sequence for affecting an ON/OFF function such that when OFF, no voltage is applied to the cell and when ON, a voltage is applied to the cell;
• and
• (ii) a second actuation sequence for affecting a system change from the manual mode to the auto mode.

An electronically controllable eyewear device, comprising:

• a cell comprising at least one liquid crystal material able to change between a first state of maximum light transmittance (Tmax) when no voltage (V0) is applied and a second state of minimum light transmittance (Tmin) when a maximum voltage (Vmax) is applied, wherein the cell can be operated in an auto or a manual mode;
• a photosensor electronically connected to the cell for generating a light input signal based on an ambient light level to trigger an automatic application of voltage when the device is in the auto mode, wherein detection of an ambient light level above a threshold value triggers the automatic application of voltage to the cell and wherein detection of an ambient light level below the threshold value results in no voltage being applied;
• a switch attached to said device capable of being actuated in a series of actuation sequences each to select a distinct function;
• a remote switch coupled to said device and capable of producing one or more remote signals to enable one or more user commands;
• a control circuit responsive to each said actuation sequence and light input signal to operate the cell in a corresponding one of a plurality of functions comprising;
• (i) an ON/OFF function such that when OFF, no voltage is applied to the cell and when ON, a voltage is applied to the cell;
• and
• (ii) a system change from the manual mode to the auto mode;
• and wherein the control circuit is further programmed to receive each said remote signal and produce appropriate instructions to carry out the one or more user commands.