Many attempts have been made to create electronic glasses with a switch-mode function. Finally, the idea received its commercial implementation. TouchFocus is a Japanese startup that has begun selling adaptive glasses. They allow you to change the modes: “for distance” and “for reading”.
The essence of the development is a radically new approach to the creation of lenses. Everyone knows that they are manufactured strictly by the prescription of an ophthalmologist. In case of vision deterioration, lenses with new dioptres will have to be re-ordered. However, engineers are working on radical changes in the approach to creating glasses. However, it has turned out to be a challenging task.
Seven years ago, the PixelOptics starter demonstrated a prototype of glasses with liquid-crystal grating built into the lens. The latter changed the focal length. Switching to a shorter version, you could turn the glasses into an accessory for reading. However, these adaptive glasses did not go into production. Two years later, the company went bankrupt.
TouchFocus from Japan is the first manufacturer to manage the release and start selling adaptive glasses. The Japanese have also applied the liquid crystal technology to switch the modes. The button on the right temple pad switches the modes. There are two options: normal and the reading mode. You need power supply to operate the reading mode. It is provided with built-in rechargeable batteries. You can charge them through a USB connector. Four hours is enough for full charge. After that you can read for ten hours.
The user will not need two recipes. The focal length is automatically adapted by the system – to match the user’s eyesight parameters. The recommended retail price in Japan is $ 2,200. There are two dozen types of frames available.
