CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a PCT International Application of (and claims priority to) United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/560,670 filed November 16, 201 1 . The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to 3D lenses for eyewear {e.g., a pair of 3D glasses, etc.) and methods of making 3D lenses.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0004] Although three-dimensional (3D) movies have been around for decades, their popularity and demand has increased recently. Indeed, many blockbuster cinematic movies are released in both a two dimensional version as well as a 3D version. In addition to 3D movies, three-dimensional content is also available on 3D televisions, computer screens, video games, etc.

[0005] To view three-dimensional content, special 3D glasses are usually worn that are configured for decoding the three-dimensional content. While in the past, red and green film lenses have been used in disposable cardboard frames. Today's 3D glasses may instead be configured for use with polarization encoding 3D imaging techniques, such as those from RealD, Inc.

[0006] By way of background, RealD, Inc. is an industry and innovative leader in 3D cinematic technologies. Indeed, RealD has a certification process for third party 3D glasses presumably in an effort to optimize the experience for the audience viewing a RealD 3D movie while wearing RealD certified glasses. Notably, RealD's certification requirements are renowned for being stringent and difficult to meet. But even so, many eyewear companies are striving to meet those requirements in order to tout their eyewear as being RealD certified. SUMMARY

[0007] According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of 3D lenses {e.g., resin and/or prescription 3D lenses, curved 3D lenses, etc.) for eyewear {e.g., a pair of 3D glasses, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, a 3D lens generally includes an optical element for decoding three-dimensional content. The optical element is sandwiched, embedded, or encapsulated between or within layers of resin or other suitable lens materials. In another exemplary embodiment, the optical element is attached {e.g., adhesively attached, etc.) to a surface of a lens.

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to methods of making 3D lenses. In an exemplary embodiment, a method generally includes injecting resin or other suitable material into a glass mould. Also included in the glass mould is an optical element for decoding three-dimensional content. The injected resin may flow generally around or about the front and back surfaces of the optical element. Upon curing of the resin, the optical element will be sandwiched, embedded, or encapsulated within or between layers of the cured resin to thereby provide a 3D lens blank which may be processed into a resin 3D lens. In some embodiments, the finished 3D lens may comprise prescription and/or optically correct 3D lens.

[0009] Further aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. In addition, any one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented individually or in any combination with any one or more of the other aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0001] FIG. 1 shows a 3D lens according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0002] FIG. 2 shows the interior side of the 3D lens shown in FIG. 1 ; [0003] FIG. 3 shows the side edge of the 3D lens shown in FIG. 1 , and also shows the exemplary manner in which the 3D optical element is sandwiched, embedded, or encapsulated between or within resin layers;

[0004] FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of making 3D lenses according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0005] FIG. 5 shows a 3D lens according to another exemplary embodiment and showing the 3D optical element on the outside of the lens;

[0006] FIG. 6 shows the inside of the 3D lens shown in FIG. 5;

[0007] FIG. 7 shows the side edge of 3D lens shown in FIG. 5;

[0008] FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of making prescription 3D lenses according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 9 illustrates various material layers from which may be formed the 3D optical elements that may be used in resin and/or prescription 3D lenses according to exemplary embodiments;

[0010] FIG. 10 illustrates the 3D optical element shown in FIG. 9 and a resin lens according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] FIGS. 1 1 , 12, and 13 illustrate various material layers from which may be formed 3D optical elements that may be used in resin and/or prescription 3D lenses according to exemplary embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 14 shows a 3D optical element on the top of a lens thicker than the lens shown in FIGS. 5 through 7 according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 15 shows the bottom of the 3D lens shown in FIG. 14;

[0014] FIG. 16 shows the side of the 3D lens shown in FIG. 14;

[0015] FIG. 17 shows a pair of glasses including 3D lenses in which 3D optical elements are on the outside of the lenses according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 18 illustrates a semi-finished 3D lens having a flat 3D optical element sandwiched, embedded, or encapsulated between or within resin layers, prior to configuring the semi-finished 3D lens to be an optically correct, corrective lens according to another exemplary embodiment; [0017] FIGS. 19A and 19B each illustrate 3D optical elements on a front or outside surface of a lens according to another exemplary embodiment prior the semifinished lens being configured to be an optically correct, corrective; and

[0018] FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate the 3D lenses shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B after the lenses have been configured to be optically correct, corrective lens respectively, having a .5 base curvature and a 2 base curvature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0020] A large number of 3D lenses used around the world for decoding three-dimensional content are made by some polymers or other layers which are bonded together. But the inventors hereof have recognized that these kinds of composite lenses are low-end, have poor optical performance, and do not address or accommodate persons afflicted with myopia. Accordingly, the inventors hereof have developed and disclose 3D lenses that may be made with resin and/or that may also be configured (e.g., originally made, subsequently cut or processed, etc.) to be optically correct as nonprescription lenses or as optically correct, prescription corrective lenses. Exemplary embodiments of the inventors' 3D lenses disclosed herein may provide premium or improved optical performance, may allow greater comfort to the wearer's eyes, may accommodate for use by myopes, and/or may be able to give more choices. Regarding the improved optical performance, exemplary embodiments of the inventors' 3D lenses qualified for RealD certification.

[0021] With reference now to the figures, FIGS. 1 through 3 show an exemplary embodiment of a 3D lens 104 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the 3D lens includes an optical element 105 {e.g., film, etc.) sandwiched, embedded, or encapsulated between or within resin layers 107 {e.g., CR39 monomer resin, allyl diglycol carbonate, other plastic polymers, other resins, other injection moldable materials, other similar/suitable materials, etc.). In FIGS. 1 through 3, the optical element 105 may be a darker, translucent element while the resin layers 107 may be transparent or optically clear. During use, the optical element 105 is operable for decoding 3D content to thereby allow the wearer to view 3D content, such as that displayed while watching a 3D movie at a theater, playing a 3D video game, watching a 3D television, etc.

[0022] As noted below, the optical element 105 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 may be formed from various materials including materials described below and/or as shown in any one of FIGS. 9, 1 1 , 12, or 13. By way of further example, the optical element 105 may be formed from the various materials shown in any one of FIGS. 9, 1 1 , 12, or 13 except that the tri-acetate cellulose (TAC) layers may additionally include cellulose acetate butyrate. Similarly, the lens material 107 supporting or surrounding the 3D optical element may also comprise various materials. Exemplary materials include CR39 monomer resin, allyl diglycol carbonate, other plastic polymers or resins, other similar/suitable materials, etc.

[0023] For the particular embodiment of a lens 100 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the 3D optical element 105 includes a retardation layer (e.g., polycarbonate, cyclo olefin, cyclo olefin polymer, etc.) between a polarized layer or film [e.g., polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), etc.) and a polymeric layer (e.g., tri-acetate cellulose (TAC) and cellulose acetate butyrate, etc.). CR39 monomer resin is injection molded about the 3D optical element such that resin 107 is along the front and back surfaces of the 3D optical element. Accordingly, the 3D optical element 105 may thus be sandwiched, embedded, or encapsulated between or within front and back layers of the CR39 resin 107. In other exemplary embodiments, other resins besides CR39 resin may be used.

[0024] Advantageously, the 3D lens 100 of this exemplary embodiment (as well as other embodiments disclosed herein) may be configured to be optically correct as nonprescription or prescription while also qualifying for RealD certification. For example, the 3D lens may be originally made to be an optically correct, nonprescription lens {e.g., high end eyewear, etc.) or an optically correct lens with a prescription intact without further processing. As another example, a pair of unfinished or semi-finished 3D lenses {e.g., lens 100 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, etc.) may be sent to an optical laboratory which optical laboratory then configures {e.g., cuts, etc.) the 3D lenses with a predetermined prescription tailored for the customer that purchased the 3D eyewear. Accordingly, another advantage possible with exemplary embodiments of the inventors' 3D lenses is their ability to be used with any number of different customized prescriptions and any number of different optical frames (e.g., frame shown in FIG. 17, etc.).

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method 201 of making 3D lenses, which method may be used for making the lens shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 or other 3D lenses {e.g., resin and/or prescription 3D lenses, etc.). This exemplary method 201 uses a first convex glass mould and a second concave glass mould B, which are also referred to herein as glass moulds A and B, respectively. The glass mould A has a convex curvature matching or corresponding with the concave curvature of glass mould B. A sealing member {e.g., rubber or elastomeric ring, etc.) is used for locking, hooping, and/or fixing the junction or interface between the glass mould A and glass mould B after a 3D optical element {e.g., a curved 3D film, straight 3D film, etc.) is between the glass mould A and glass mould B.

[0026] As noted below, the 3D film or optical element used in this method shown in FIG. 4 may be formed from various materials including the materials described below and the materials shown in FIGS. 9, 1 1 , 12, or 13. By way of further example, the 3D film or optical element may be formed from the various materials shown in FIGS. 9, 1 1 , 12, or 13 except that the tri-acetate cellulose (TAC) layers may additionally include cellulose acetate butyrate. Also in this example method shown in FIG. 4, CR-39 monomer resin is used although other suitable materials {e.g., other injection moldable materials, etc.).

[0027] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the first illustrated step, operation, or process 209 includes placing a 3D film into or on the convex glass mould A. The 3D film may have a curvature matching or corresponding to the shape of the convex glass mould A. But in other embodiments, a flat 3D optical element {e.g., FIG. 18, etc.) may be used. For example, FIG. 18 illustrates a 3D lens 1 104 having a flat 3D optical element 1 105 sandwiched, embedded, or encapsulated between or within resin layers 1 107. The 3D lens 1 104 is shown in FIG. 18 prior to configuring {e.g., cutting by an optical laboratory, etc.) the 3D lens to be an optically correct, corrective lens with a curved rearward or back portion while the front surface and 3D film remain flat.

[0028] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the glass moulds A and B are closed by positioning the glass mould B over the 3D film to thereby cover the 3D film in a second step, operation, or process 21 1 . The pouring mould is completed in the third step, operation, or process 213 by applying the sealing member (e.g., rubber or elastomeric ring, etc.) circumferential ly around the interface or juncture between the glass moulds A and B. At which point, the sealing member locks, hoops, and/or fixes the junction or interface between the glass moulds A and B.

[0029] The fourth step, operation, or process 215 includes injecting CR39 monomer resin liquid into the pouring mould. In this example, CR39 monomer resin liquid may be injected through a hole in the sealing member by using a spray gun or other suitable dispenser, injection nozzle, etc. The injected CR39 monomer resin liquid may flow between the front and back surfaces of the 3D film and the corresponding inner surfaces of glass moulds A and B, such that CR39 monomer resin liquid is along both the front and back surfaces of the 3D film.

[0030] The fifth step, operation, or process 217 includes curing the CR39 monomer resin liquid. In this example, the pouring mould may be placed into a resin curing oven to cure and solidify the CR39 monomer resin liquid. Also by way of example, this curing process may include keeping the temperature at 85 degrees Celsius for about 22 hours. Alternative curing processes {e.g., higher or lower temperatures, shorter or longer durations, etc.) may also be used depending, for example, on the particular injected moldable material(s) used to form the lens structure or supporting layers about the 3D film.

[0031] After the curing process, the CR39 monomer resin is cured and solidified. At which point, the 3D film will be encapsulated, embedded, or sandwiched between or within the solidified resin. Thus, the pouring mould may then be removed from the curing oven at the sixth step, operation, or process 219.

[0032] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the seventh step, operation, or process 221 includes removing the 3D lens blank (unfinished 3D lens) from the glass moulds A and B. This includes first removing {e.g., pulling down, etc.) the sealing member so that it no longer secures the glass mould A to the glass mould B. Then, the glass moulds A and B are separated or opened and the unfinished or rough CR39 resin 3D blank is removed.

[0033] The eighth step, operation, or process 223 of this example method may include processing the rough CR39 3D blank into a finished resin 3D lens. This processing may include washing, drying, cutting, and polishing the cut edges. At which point, the finished resin 3D lens may be identical or similar to the 3D lens 104 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.

[0034] Advantageously, a 3D lens made according to this exemplary embodiment (as well as other embodiments disclosed herein) may be configured to be optically correct whether as a nonprescription lens or corrective prescription lens, while also qualifying for RealD certification. For example, the 3D lens may be originally made to be an optically correct, nonprescription lens {e.g., high end eyewear, etc.) or an optically correct lens with a prescription intact without further processing. As another example, a pair of unfinished or semi-finished 3D lenses {e.g., lens 104 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, etc.) may be sent to an optical laboratory which optical laboratory then configures {e.g., cuts, etc.) the 3D lenses with a predetermined prescription tailored for the customer that purchased the 3D eyewear. For example, FIG. 18 illustrates a 3D lens 1 104 having a flat 3D optical element 1 105 sandwiched, embedded, or encapsulated between or within resin layers 1 107. The resin layers may be injection molded about the flat 3D optical element as disclosed above with reference to FIG. 4, or a different injection molding process may be used {e.g., with glass moulds that are not convex or concave, etc.). The 3D lens 1 104 is shown in FIG. 18 prior to configuring {e.g., cutting by an optical laboratory, etc.) the 3D lens to be an optically correct, corrective lens. For example, an optical laboratory may cut the rearward portion of the lens such that the 3D film remains flat.

[0035] Another advantage possible with exemplary embodiments of the inventors' 3D lenses is their ability to be used with any number of different customized prescriptions and any number of different optical frames {e.g., frame 1008 shown in FIG. 17, etc.).

[0036] FIGS. 5 through 7 show an exemplary embodiment of a 3D lens 304 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the 3D lens 304 includes an optical element 305 {e.g., film, etc.) attached to {e.g., adhesively attached to, etc.) a front surface of a lens 304, which may be a resin lens and/or prescription lens. In FIGS. 5 through 7, the optical element 305 may be a darker, translucent element while the lens material 307 may be transparent or optically clear. During use, the optical element 305 is operable for decoding 3D content to thereby allow the wearer to view 3D content, such as that displayed while watching a 3D movie at a theater, playing a 3D video game, watching a 3D television, etc. FIGS. 14 through 16 show an optical element 905 on the top of a lens 904 made of resin 907 such that the lens 904 is thicker than the lens 304 shown in FIGS. 5 through 7, according to another exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate 3D lenses 1204A, 1204B, respectively, according to other exemplary embodiments showing 3D optical elements 1205A, 1205B on the tops of the lenses 1204A, 1204B made of resin 1207A, 1207B. The lenses 1204A, 1204B have been configured (e.g., cut by an optical laboratory, etc.) to be optically correct, corrective lenses respectively, having a .5 base curvature (FIG. 20A) and a 2 base curvature (FIG. 20B).

[0037] As noted below, the optical elements shown in FIGS. 5 through 7, FIGS. 14 through 16, and FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20A, and 20B may be formed from various materials including materials described below and/or as shown in any one FIGS. 9, 1 1 , 12, or 13. By way of further example, the optical element may be formed from materials shown in FIGS. 9, 1 1 , 12, or 13 except that the tri-acetate cellulose (TAC) layers may additionally include cellulose acetate butyrate. Similarly, the lens material to which the 3D optical element is attached may also comprise various materials. Exemplary materials include CR39 monomer resin, allyl diglycol carbonate, other plastic polymers or resins, other similar/suitable materials, etc.

[0038] For the particular embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 through 7, FIGS. 14 through 16, and FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20A, and 20B, the 3D optical element includes a retardation layer (e.g., polycarbonate, cyclo olefin, cyclo olefin polymer, etc.) between a polarized layer or film (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), etc.) and a polymeric layer (e.g., triacetate cellulose (TAC) with hard coating, etc.). A protective film (e.g., polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc.) may be disposed on the outside of the polymeric layer such that the protective film will be facing the 3D screen when worn by a user. In this example, the protective film may be configured to be peeled off from the 3D lenses, such as before the 3D lenses are added to a frame, after the 3D lenses are added to the frame, or just before the eyewear are used to watch a 3D movie, 3D television, 3D videogame, etc. In other embodiments, the protective films or layers may be configured (e.g., sufficiently transparent, etc.) to remain on the 3D lenses even when the eyewear is being used to watch a 3D movie, 3D television, 3D videogame, etc.

[0039] The lens material in the examples shown in FIGS. 5 through 7, FIGS. 14 through 16, and FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20A, and 20B comprises CR39 monomer resin, though other materials may also be used. Advantageously, the 3D lens of these exemplary embodiments (as well as other embodiments disclosed herein) may be configured to be optically correct, prescription lens while also qualifying for RealD certification. For example, the 3D lens may be originally made to be an optically correct, nonprescription lens {e.g., high end eyewear, etc.) or an optically correct lens with a prescription intact without further processing. As another example, a pair of unfinished or semi-finished 3D lenses {e.g., lenses shown in FIGS. 5 through 7, lens shown in FIGS. 14 through 16, lenses shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, etc.) may be sent to an optical laboratory which optical laboratory then configures {e.g., cuts, etc.) the 3D lenses with a predetermined prescription tailored for the customer that purchased the 3D eyewear. For example, the semi-finished lenses shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B have front surfaces to which are attached 3D optical elements. These lenses may be sent to an optical laboratory, which then cuts the rearward portion of the lenses such that the lenses are optically correct, corrective lens respectively having a .5 base curvature (FIG. 20A) and a 2 base curvature (FIG. 20B).

[0040] Another advantage possible with exemplary embodiments of the inventors' 3D lenses is their ability to be used with any number of different customized prescriptions and any number of different optical frames {e.g., frame shown in FIG. 17, etc.).

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary method 425 of making 3D lenses, which method may be used for making the lens shown in FIGS. 5 through 7 or other 3D lenses {e.g., resin and/or prescription 3D lenses, etc.). In the first illustrated step, operation, or process 427 of this exemplary method, layers of materials {e.g., such as shown in FIG. 9, etc.) are glued, bonded, laminated, or otherwise coupled together to form a stack of materials. A second step, operation, or process 429 includes hard coating the outside surface of the TAC layer. [0042] A third step, operation, or process 431 includes applying protective film {e.g., gluing, adhesively bonding, laminating, etc.) to the hard coated surface of the TAC layer. In various embodiments, the protective films or layers {e.g., polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc.) may be configured to be peeled off from the 3D lenses, such as before the 3D lenses are added to a frame {e.g., before the fifth, step, operation, or process of this method, etc.), after the 3D lenses are added to the frame, or just before the eyewear are used to watch a 3D movie, etc. In other embodiments, the protective films or layers may be configured {e.g., sufficiently transparent, etc.) to remain on the 3D lenses even when the eyewear is being used to watch a 3D movie, 3D television, 3D videogame, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, a protective film or layer may thus be used to protect a 3D lens.

[0043] A fourth step, operation, or process 433 includes cutting the stack, blank, or sheet of materials to thereby provide 3D films having a generally flat configuration. Accordingly, in this example method, the 3D films are cut after the hard coating and protective film have been applied. Also by way of example, the 3D films may be laser cut from stack, blank, or sheet of materials into a configuration, e.g., size and shape, to fit into the frames. Accordingly, in this example method, the stack, blank, or sheet of materials are not first cut into smaller sheets, which sheets are then cut into the particular shape and size to fit into a frame.

[0044] In a fifth step, operation, or process 435, the 3D films are curved using a suitable process. The 3D films in this example method may be curved such that they have a curvature falling within the range from base 2 to base 8, or the 3D films may have a curvature greater than base 8 or less than base 2. The base curvatures are provided herein for illustrative purposes only as the particular curvatures of the 3D films may be configured differently. For example, other embodiments may not include a separate process for curving the 3D film. Instead, a flat 3D film may be curved {e.g., manually, etc.) when it is attached to the front curved surface of the lens. In such alternative embodiments, the adhesive or other bonding agent used to attach the initially flat 3D film to the curved lens may provide a sufficient bond strength to retain the 3D film in the curved configuration and prevent (or at least inhibit) detachment of the 3D film from the curved lens. In still other embodiments, a flat 3D film may be attached {e.g. via adhesive or other bonding agent, etc.) to a flat front/outer surface of a lens. In these other embodiments, the lens having the flat 3D film may be configured {e.g., cut by an optical laboratory, etc.) to be an optically correct, corrective lens having a curved rearward or back portion while the lens front surface and 3D film remain flat.

[0045] With continued reference to FIG. 8, a sixth step, operation, or process 437 includes attaching the 3D films to the lenses, which lenses may be curved resin prescription lenses. In this example, any suitable attachment means, bonding agent or adhesive {e.g., 3M optically clear adhesive, etc.) may be used to attach the 3D film to the lens. Also in this example, the 3D films were attached to a resin prescription lenses which were already configured {e.g., cut by an optical laboratory, etc.) to be optically correct, corrective lenses.

[0046] As another example, however, the sixth step 437 of FIG. 8 may instead include attaching the 3D films to lenses that are not curved resin prescription lenses. In such alternative embodiment, a pair of unfinished or semi-finished 3D lenses {e.g., lenses shown in FIGS. 5 through 7, lens shown in FIGS. 14 through 16, lenses shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, etc.) made according to this alternative method may then be sent to an optical laboratory. The optical laboratory may then configure {e.g., cuts, etc.) the 3D lenses with a predetermined prescription tailored for the customer that purchased the 3D eyewear.

[0047] As a further example, the sixth step 437 of FIG. 8 may include attaching flat 3D films to the flat front surfaces of a pair of lenses. In this alternative example, the lenses having the flat 3D films may then be configured {e.g., cut by an optical laboratory, etc.) to be optically correct, corrective lenses having curved rearward or back portions while the front surfaces and 3D films remain flat.

[0048] Exemplary embodiments of the inventors' 3D lenses may advantageously be used with any number of different customized prescriptions and any number of different optical frames {e.g., the frame 1008 shown in FIG. 17, etc.). Also, exemplary embodiments of the inventors' 3D lenses disclosed herein may be used with a wide variety of frames, including frames formed of various materials using various processes {e.g., injection molded plastic frame, etc.) and/or frames configured in various styles, shapes, sizes, colors, etc. For example, exemplary embodiments of the inventors' 3D lenses may be used with frames that are generally flat or generally curved {e.g., frames having a base curvature ranging from base 2 to base 8, frames having a curvature greater than base 8 or less than base 2, etc.).

[0049] As disclosed herein, the exemplary embodiments of the inventors' 3D lenses include optical elements {e.g., films, etc.) operable for decoding three- dimensional content. By way of example, the optical elements may be formed from various materials stacked {e.g., glued, bonded, laminated, etc.) in a layered construction to form sheets or blanks from which 3D optical elements may be cut {e.g., laser cut, etc.). Exemplary materials that may be used to form the layers of the sheet or blank include polarized films or layers {e.g., polyvinyl alcohol linear polarized film, polyethylene terephthalate, other similar/suitable materials, etc.), polymeric material layers {e.g., tri-acetate, tri-acetate cellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, polycarbonate, poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polyamide, cellulose acetate, cellulose diacetate, diacetate, combinations thereof, other similar/suitable materials, etc.), retardant or retardation layers {e.g., polycarbonate, cyclo olefin, cyclo olefin polymer, cyclo olefin copolymer, polyurethanes, cellulose diacetate, other similar/suitable materials, etc.), hard coating materials {e.g., resin, etc.), protective films {e.g., polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc.), anti-reflective coatings {e.g., electroplated metal, etc.), among other suitable materials. For example, the 3D optical elements may be formed from a polyvinyl alcohol linear polarized film having a retarder film laminated thereto to create a circular polarized film. Also, the 3D optical elements may be formed in different thicknesses.

[0050] FIGS. 9, 1 1 , 12, and 13 illustrate various material layers that may be used to form an optical element, which optical element may be used in the methods shown in FIGS. 4 and 8 and/or used in the lenses shown in FIGS. 1 -3 and FIGS. 5-7. By way of further example, the optical element may be formed from various materials shown in FIGS. 9, 1 1 , 12, or 13 except that the tri-acetate cellulose (TAC) layers may additionally include cellulose acetate butyrate. Also by way of example, an optical element used in the exemplary method of FIG. 4 may be made from materials shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 12 but without any protective films. The specific materials listed in FIGS. 9 through 13 are examples only as other suitable/similar materials may be used in other embodiments, such as those mentioned in the immediately preceding paragraph.

[0051] With continued reference to FIG. 9, there is shown a stack of material layers 538 that includes a retardation layer (e.g., polycarbonate or cyclo olefin, cyclo olefin polymer, etc.) between a polarized layer or film [e.g., polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), etc.) and a tri-acetate cellulose (TAC) layer. There is also a hard coating material on the triacetate cellulose layer. The hard coating may be a liquid resin that is coated onto the lens surface and then dried and hardened. The stack of material layers shown in FIG. 9 also includes a protective film on an outer side of the tri-acetate cellulose layer facing the 3D screen. The tri-acetate cellulose layer may be adjusted to increase the thickness of the 3D film, such as before it is placed into a glass mould {e.g., FIG. 4, etc.) or before it attached (e.g., adhesively attached, etc.) to a curved lens (e.g., FIG. 8, etc.).

[0052] The protective film in this example, may be configured to be peeled off from the 3D lenses, such as before the 3D lenses are added to a frame, after the 3D lenses are added to the frame, or just before the eyewear are used to watch a 3D movie, 3D television, 3D videogame, etc. In other embodiments, the protective films or layers may be configured (e.g., sufficiently transparent, etc.) to remain on the 3D lenses even when the eyewear is being used to watch a 3D movie, 3D television, 3D videogame, etc. Also in the exemplary method of FIG. 4, the 3D optical element may, for example, include the materials shown in FIG. 9 but without any protective film or the protective film may be removed before it is placed in a glass mould.

[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates the exemplary manner in which the 3D film 538 shown in FIG. 9 may be attached to the front surface of a curved resin lens 507. In this example, any suitable adhesive (e.g., 3M optically clear adhesive, etc.) may be used between the polarized layer and the front surface of the resin lens to attach the 3D film to the resin lens. The 3D film may be curved by any suitable process before it is attached to the resin lens. Alternatively, the 3D film may be initially flat before it is added to the resin lens such that the 3D film is curved (e.g., manually, etc.) when it is attached to the front curved surface of the resin lens. In such alternative embodiments, the adhesive or other bonding agent used to attach the initially flat 3D film to the curved resin lens may provide a sufficient bond strength to retain the 3D film in the curved configuration and prevent (or at least inhibit) detachment of the 3D film from the curved resin lens. In still other embodiments, a flat 3D film may be attached (e.g. via adhesive or other bonding agent, etc.) to a flat front/outer surface of a lens, etc. In these other embodiments, the lens having the flat 3D film may be configured {e.g., cut by an optical laboratory, etc.) to be an optically correct, corrective lens having a curved rearward or back portion while the lens front surface and 3D film remain flat.

[0054] FIG. 1 1 illustrates another exemplary stack of material layers 638 from which a 3D film may be formed. This example includes a tri-acetate cellulose (TAC) layer between a polarized layer or film {e.g., polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), etc.) and a retardation layer {e.g., polycarbonate or cyclo olefin, cyclo olefin polymer, etc.). The stack of material layers shown in FIG. 1 1 also includes a tri-acetate cellulose layer on an outer side of the retardation layer facing the 3D screen, and a tri-acetate cellulose layer on an inner side of the polarization layer that will be facing the wearer. One or more of tri-acetate cellulose layers may be adjusted to increase the thickness.

[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the stack of material layers 738 includes the same materials as shown in FIG. 1 1 . But the FIG. 12 example also includes hard coating material(s) and protective films. Before the protective films are added {e.g., glued, adhesively bonded, etc.), one or more hard coating materials are applied to the exposed surfaces of the tri-acetate cellulose layers as represented by the layers identified as Hard-coated TAC in FIG. 12. The hard coating may be a liquid resin that is coated onto the lens surface and then dried and hardened. The protective films may then be added to form the stack of material layers.

[0056] The protective films in this example, may be configured to be peeled off from the 3D lenses, such as before the 3D lenses are added to a frame, after the 3D lenses are added to the frame, or just before the eyewear are used to watch a 3D movie, 3D television, 3D videogame, etc. In other embodiments, the protective films or layers may be configured {e.g., sufficiently transparent, etc.) to remain on the 3D lenses even when the eyewear is being used to watch a 3D movie, 3D television, 3D videogame, etc. Also in the exemplary method of FIG. 4, the 3D optical element may, for example, include the materials shown in FIG. 12 but without any protective film or the protective film may be removed before it is placed in the glass mould.

[0057] The stack of material layers 838 shown in FIG. 13 includes the same materials as shown in FIG. 1 1 . But the FIG. 13 example also includes anti-reflective coatings added to (e.g., via electroplating plating metal ions, etc.) the exposed surfaces of the tri-acetate cellulose layers as represented by the layers identified as AR Coating in FIG. 13. By way of example, the anti-reflective coatings may be configured such that the transparency of the lenses increases by 5%-15% in this exemplary embodiment. Alternative embodiments may not include any such anti-reflective coatings.

[0058] The various materials shown in FIGS. 9, 1 1 , 12, and 13 may be glued, bonded, laminated, or otherwise coupled together to form a stack, sheet, or blank of material layers from which one or both lenses may be cut [e.g., laser cut, etc.). In addition, any one or more of the tri-acetate cellulose layers may be adjusted to increase the thickness. In some embodiments, the lenses may be cut from different sheets or blanks of the layered materials. In still other embodiments, the materials themselves may first be cut into the shape of the lenses before they are attached {e.g., glued, adhesively bonded, etc.) to each other to form the stack of material layers.

[0059] In some embodiments, the 3D lenses may be configured with ultraviolet (UV) protection {e.g., UV400, UV380, etc.). For example, some embodiments may include 3D lenses that are configured to be photochromic such that the 3D lenses darken on exposure to UV radiation. But the 3D lenses will gradually return to their clear state when the UV radiation is removed.

[0060] Eyewear and lenses disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with any of a wide range of 3D content, such as 3D movies, 3D televisions, 3D video games, etc. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to use with any particular three-dimensional content associated with any particular display media or device. In addition, aspects of the present disclosure may also be used in conjunction with a wide range of eyewear in addition to or besides eyewear having the traditional construction in which are pair of lenses are set in a frame and worn on the nose and ears. For example, other embodiments may be configured for use as clip-on eyewear which is intended to be clipped onto existing eyewear being worn by the viewer of the three-dimensional content. Additional exemplary embodiments may also include one or more transitional lenses made from the materials and/or by the processes disclosed herein. [0061] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. In addition, advantages and improvements that may be achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for purpose of illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentioned advantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapes disclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values and particular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the given parameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first and second values could also be employed for the given parameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1 - 10, or 2 - 9, or 3 - 8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1 - 9, 1 - 8, 1 - 3, 1 - 2, 2 - 10, 2 - 8, 2 - 3, 3 - 10, and 3 - 9.

[0063] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0064] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "engaged to", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion {e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0065] The term "about" when applied to values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by "about" is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. For example, the terms "generally", "about", and "substantially" may be used herein to mean within manufacturing tolerances. Or for example, the term "about" as used herein when modifying a quantity of an ingredient or reactant of the invention or employed refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can happen through typical measuring and handling procedures used, for example, when making concentrates or solutions in the real world through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make the compositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term "about", the claims include equivalents to the quantities.

[0066] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0067] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0068] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements, intended or stated uses, or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.