Methods suitable for creating patterns on eyeglass lenses

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for applying a pattern (2) to a spectacle lens substrate (1). The method includes: generating a low contact angle surface on a preselected portion (4) of the surface of the spectacle lens; and providing the spectacle lens substrate (1) with a hard coating composition (70) and optionally a primer coating composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method suitable for producing patterns, particularly invisible or semi-invisible patterns, on eyeglass lenses.

[0002] Patterns are provided on the surface of eyeglass lenses for various reasons. Patterns on the lens surface, serving as permanent markings, may contain information such as the manufacturer, batch number, or characteristics of the optical element. Permanent markings can also be used for anti-counterfeiting purposes. Such permanent markings are typically invisible or semi-invisible to the wearer of the lens or during normal use of the lens, and are visible under certain lighting conditions. Furthermore, patterns on the surface of eyeglass lenses can be configured to form optical elements (such as microlenses) on the lens to prevent or control the progression of myopia or hyperopia. Background Technology

[0003] EP 2 184 127 B1 discloses a method for creating permanent markings in optical elements composed of materials that are transparent in the visible spectrum region. The marking region of the optical element is irradiated with laser radiation to generate localized near-surface material alterations, thereby creating the marking. The laser radiation used has an operating wavelength between 1.1 µm and 9.2 µm in this region. The selected operating wavelength should cause the material of the optical element to exhibit partial absorption and a transmittance between 60% and 98%. However, this laser-based method removes a portion of the substrate material, which may lead to drawbacks such as material weakening.

[0004] WO 2010 / 084 272 A1 discloses a method for printing on ophthalmic glass, the method comprising: forming a pattern by depositing a first photopolymerizable ink on the surface of the ophthalmic glass; polymerizing the first ink using a UV visible light source; and creating an overprint on at least a portion of the pattern.

[0005] WO 2010 / 049887 A1, considered the most recent prior art, discloses a method for providing high surface energy markings on the surface of eyeglass lenses already coated with an anti-fouling top coating using a mask. Here, the markings are visible to the wearer through fogging caused by their breath.

[0006] These existing technical documents rely on laser engraving or fogging to apply markings or patterns, thus requiring application to finished eyeglass lenses whose surfaces have already been coated. Therefore, anti-counterfeiting patterns applied via these conventional methods are easily circumvented because the pattern is applied to the finished lens without further steps by the lens manufacturer. Eyeglass manufacturers cannot prevent counterfeiters from placing the same anti-counterfeiting pattern on finished lenses. Eyeglass lenses remain susceptible to counterfeiting even with conventional methods.

[0007] EP 4 091 805 A1 manufactures an optical article having at least one optical element formed as a protrusion or recess, and applies a differentiated coating. However, it fails to recognize the use of the unusual adhesion of the hard coating composition to create a pattern. Furthermore, considering the protrusions or recesses already formed on the lens surface, this method would require complex steps.

[0008] Therefore, obtaining complex and precise patterns often requires a complex process. Thus, a simple and easy method for applying patterns to the surface of eyeglass lenses is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the prior art listed above, an object of the present invention is to provide a method suitable for applying patterns to an eyeglass lens substrate with improved selectivity and precision, a method that can be easily and simply performed. Another object of the present invention is to provide a counterfeit-resistant pattern that is difficult to imitate.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method suitable for applying a pattern, particularly a concealed or semi-concealed pattern, to an eyeglass lens substrate is provided. The method comprises: (i) generating a low contact angle surface on a pre-selected portion of an uncoated surface of the eyeglass lens substrate; and (ii) providing a hard coating composition to the eyeglass lens substrate.

[0011] The contact angle, especially the water contact angle, is an index used to assess whether a surface is hydrophobic or hydrophilic, based on the observation of the intermolecular interactions between the surface and the water droplet when a small droplet encounters it. It affects the adhesion properties of the surface of spectacle lens substrates.

[0012] At low contact angles, the surface of the lens provides properties close to hydrophilicity, while at high contact angles, the surface of the lens provides properties close to hydrophobicity.

[0013] Based on the idea that different contact angles can exhibit different surface properties, the inventors have discovered that different contact angles on the surface of an eyeglass lens substrate can cause differences in adhesion of a hard coating composition between surfaces with low contact angles and surfaces with high contact angles. By embodying low contact angle characteristics on a pre-selected surface of the eyeglass lens substrate and subsequently providing a hard coating composition to the substrate, a pattern is formed on the pre-selected surface of the eyeglass lens substrate. This is attributed to the thickness difference of the hard coating composition, which in turn is attributed to the different adhesion characteristics of the surfaces. Thus, by finely adjusting the contact angle, this method can provide a pattern on the surface of the eyeglass lens substrate that meets design requirements. Any known method for reducing the contact angle of a material's surface through surface treatment can be used, i.e., surface treatment methods such as plasma treatment, light radiation (e.g., UV, laser irradiation), etc. Those skilled in the art can appropriately select the surface treatment method while adjusting the conditions to achieve the desired selective adhesion of the hard coating composition and / or primer coating composition.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, a low contact angle surface is selectively generated through selective plasma treatment. Plasma treatment has been used in various applications, such as surface treatment, oxidation, polymer etching, etc. Depending on the type of material being treated, the plasma conditions, or the type of plasma used, plasma treatment can produce different effects.

[0015] Selective plasma treatment results in varying contact angles on the surface of the spectacle lens substrate, as well as other surface modifications, including cross-linking with the surface of the spectacle lens substrate. Compared to other methods used to produce low contact angle surfaces, plasma treatment makes the difference in adhesion between the plasma-treated and untreated surfaces of the spectacle lens substrate more significant. Plasma treatment reduces the contact angle of the pre-selected portions exposed to plasma treatment. On the other hand, the untreated portions of the spectacle lens substrate surface will ultimately have a relatively high contact angle compared to the pre-selected portions exposed to plasma.

[0016] Surprisingly, in the subsequent hard coating step, pre-selected portions of the surface with low contact angles or exposed to plasma treatment exhibited significantly different adhesion to the hard coating composition compared to portions with relatively high contact angles or not subjected to plasma treatment. Due to the higher adhesion to the hard coating composition, the pre-selected portions ultimately achieve a higher height or greater thickness (protrusion) from the surface of the lens substrate, thereby forming a pattern on the surface. Since the entire surface of the lens will be covered with the same hard coating composition, the height or thickness difference will only be visible under certain lighting conditions, thus creating an invisible or semi-invisible pattern. This height or thickness difference can further be used as an anti-counterfeiting mark, or even configured as an optical element (such as a microlens) on the surface of the lens for preventing or controlling the progression of myopia or hyperopia.

[0017] A further advantage of the method is that an extremely thin region of the preselected surface of the lens is altered by plasma, so that the desired surface properties of the lens are essentially unchanged or not damaged.

[0018] Spectacular lenses are ophthalmic lenses worn in front of the eyeball but not in contact with it (DIN ISO 13666:2019, Section 3.5.2), wherein ophthalmic lenses are lenses designed for measuring, correcting and / or protecting the eye, or altering its appearance (DIN ISO 13666:2019, Section 3.5.1). Non-limiting examples of spectacular lenses include corrective and uncorrective lenses (including single-vision or multi-vision lenses, which may be segmented or non-segmented) and other elements, magnifying lenses, and protective lenses or visors for correcting, protecting, or enhancing vision, such as those distributed in eyeglasses, binoculars, goggles, and helmets. In particular, spectacular lenses are lenses designed to fit with eyeglass frames to protect the eye and / or correct vision, and can be uncorrective ophthalmic lenses (also known as plano or afocal lenses, such as those used in sunglasses, sports glasses, or for filtering specific wavelengths) or corrective ophthalmic lenses. Corrective lenses can be monofocal, bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lenses. Accordingly, generally, in the context of this invention, the term "lens" or "multiple lenses" refers to any and more spectacle lenses.

[0019] The spectacle lens of this invention is a "spectacle lens substrate". In the context of this invention, the term "spectacle lens substrate" means any uncoated or pre-coated spectacle lens blank, while the term "semi-finished lens blank" refers to a piece of optical material having an optically finished surface for making spectacle lenses (DIN ISO 13666:2019, Sections 3.8.1 to 3.8.9). In any case, the spectacle lens substrate as used herein presents at least one surface without any coating (e.g., an anti-reflective coating or a hard coating). If one of the surfaces is pre-coated, this method will be applied to the uncoated surface.

[0020] Spectrum lens substrates, including any conventional and known optical materials, can be used in this method. Optical materials are defined as transparent materials capable of being manufactured into optical components, according to Section 3.3.1 of DIN EN ISO 13666:2019-12. Spectrum lens substrates can be made of mineral glass according to Section 3.3.1 of DIN EN ISO 13666:2019-12 and / or of organic hard resins (such as thermosetting hard resins) according to Section 3.3.3 of DIN EN ISO 13666:2019-12; of thermoplastic hard resins according to Section 3.3.4 of DIN EN ISO 13666:2019-12; or of photochromic materials according to Section 3.3.5 of DIN EN ISO 13666:2019-12. For example, spectrum lens substrates can be made of at least one of the optical materials mentioned in the table below.

[0021] Table: Examples of Optical Materials

[0022] Trademark Name Optical materials CR-39, CR-330, CR-607, CR-630, RAV 700, RAV 7NG, RAV 7AT, RAV710, RAV 713, RAV 720 Polyallyl diethylene glycol carbonate ((P)ADC) RAVolution Polyurea / Polyurethane Trivex Polyurea / Polyurethane Panlite, Lexan, Makrolon Polycarbonate (PC) Grilamid, Trogamid, Rilsan Polyamide (PA) MR-6 Polyurethane MR-8 Polyurethane MR-7 Polyurethane MR-10 Polyurethane MR-174 Polycyclic sulfides MGC 1.76 Polycyclic sulfides Spectralite Urethane / methacrylate Mineral 1.5 Mineral 1.6 Mineral 1.7 Mineral 1.8 Mineral 1.9

[0023] Spectrum lenses or lens substrates may include or be composed of optical materials. The term "surface" or "spectacle lens (substrate) surface" refers to any layer of a three-dimensional spectacle lens (substrate) that is in direct contact with the environment. This surface can be considered as its boundary. The surface of a spectacle lens (substrate) includes its front surface, i.e., the front side; the side surfaces, i.e., the edges; and the rear surface, i.e., the rear side.

[0024] The inventors have discovered that spectacle lens substrates, comprising polymer materials, preferably polycarbonate or polyamide, more preferably polyamide as lens materials, exhibit the most distinct adhesion properties to hard coating compositions between surfaces with low contact angles and surfaces with relatively high contact angles, or between plasma-treated surfaces and untreated surfaces.

[0025] Furthermore, this method has the advantage of being applicable to organic hard resin eyeglass lenses, such as those made of polyallyl diethylene glycol carbonate. While the selective coloring method using plasma treatment disclosed in EP 2215978.6 is only applicable to polymeric optical materials (because cross-linking that alters the adhesion of the coloring solution to the lens surface does not occur in other optical materials), this method, based on differences in surface contact angles, can also be applied to non-polymeric optical materials. This broadens the application scope of this method for applying invisible or semi-invisible patterns to eyeglass lenses.

[0026] The term "pre-selected portion" refers to at least a portion of the surface of the spectacle lens that is determined to be part of a pattern. The selection is made prior to the application of this method. At least one pre-selected portion may exist in this method.

[0027] The term "(part of the surface of the lens (substrate))" means a single or distinct part or section of the whole (the surface of the lens (substrate)). The term "at least (towards) part" can refer to a part or section of the whole and / or the whole.

[0028] The phrase "generating a low contact angle surface" refers to providing an energy source to the surface of an eyeglass lens substrate that can reduce the contact angle of the surface. This can be accomplished by any conventional method known for reducing the contact angle of a surface, such as plasma treatment, light irradiation, etc. In this invention, the term "low contact angle surface" refers to an eyeglass lens substrate surface with a contact angle lower than that of other portions of the surface. In other words, the contact angle of the preselected portion will be lower compared to portions other than the preselected portion. In another embodiment, the term "low contact angle" may refer to a contact angle of 50° or less, preferably 40° or less, more preferably 30° or less, and most preferably 20° or less for water.

[0029] The term "irradiation" refers to "light irradiation," that is, the process of exposing an object (in this case, the surface of a spectacle lens) to light radiation. Light irradiation can be accomplished using spatially resolved light (such as laser as defined in Section 3.19 of ISO 11145:2018(E)) or high-intensity light from a 25-band broadband lamp or a photonic curing machine. Preferably, irradiation refers to laser radiation as defined in Section 3.19.4 of ISO 11145:2018(E).

[0030] The term "plasma" refers to a cluster of particles containing equal amounts of positive ions and electrons, free radicals, and natural matter, generated by exciting a gas in an electromagnetic or electric field. It is a state of matter in which ionized matter becomes highly conductive, to the point that long-range electric and magnetic fields dominate its behavior. Plasma comprises a significant portion of charged particles, namely ions and / or electrons. Plasma can be artificially generated by heating a neutral gas or subjecting it to a strong electromagnetic field. The terms "plasma treatment" or "performing plasma treatment" refer to treating an object under plasma conditions using plasma generation methods. Artificial plasma can be generated by applying an electric and / or magnetic field through a gas. Generation methods can be, but are not limited to, low-pressure discharges such as glow discharge plasma, capacitively coupled plasma (CCP), cascaded arc plasma sources, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and wave-heated plasma; or atmospheric pressure, such as arc discharge, corona discharge, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), capacitive discharge, atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD), and piezoelectric direct discharge plasma; or even ion guns (oxygen, argon, etc.).

[0031] The phrase "selective plasma treatment" or "selective plasma treatment" means that plasma treatment is applied only to specific desired (preselected) portions of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate, while the remaining surface is not treated with plasma.

[0032] Creating a surface with a low contact angle or selectively performing plasma treatment on a pre-selected portion of the uncoated surface of the spectacle lens substrate to enhance the adhesion of the hard coating composition and / or primer coating composition, thereby forming a pattern thereon.

[0033] The process of creating a surface with a low contact angle or performing plasma treatment is carried out on the surface of a spectacle lens substrate having a surface without any coating (such as an anti-reflective coating or a hard coating), specifically the front surface, side surface, and / or rear surface. In particular, the process of creating a surface with a low contact angle or performing plasma treatment is performed on the spectacle lens substrate or its surface, preferably on the surface of the spectacle lens, more preferably perpendicular to the center of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate.

[0034] Here, the lens substrate is uncoated or pre-coated. That is, creating a surface with a low contact angle or performing plasma treatment is performed on the surface of the lens substrate without any additional lens coating or lens layer. In the prior art, an additional coating must have been applied before further application, which makes the prior art processes (e.g., laser beam treatment or fogging marking) inefficient. Unlike the prior art, which still allows counterfeiters to apply patterns after the manufacturing process is complete, applying plasma treatment to the uncoated surface of the lens substrate directly applies the pattern to the surface of the lens substrate, thus preventing others from easily counterfeiting the pattern.

[0035] To achieve differentiated adhesion to the hard coating composition, thereby forming unique and high-quality patterns, the energy generation conditions or plasma conditions for producing low contact angle surfaces should be appropriately selected. Since different lens materials with different properties can be combined within the scope of this invention, it is impossible to specify specific conditions that can be used for any possible lens material and any possible device for generating energy or plasma to produce low contact angle surfaces. Nevertheless, those skilled in the art will be able to determine a suitable set of conditions by considering the following limitations. In one embodiment, differentiated adhesion of the pre-selected portion and portions other than the pre-selected portion to the hard coating composition can be achieved by making the pre-selected surface exhibit hydrophilic characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, plasma treatment can be applied until the contact angle of the pre-selected portion becomes lower than that of the portions other than the pre-selected portion. In a more preferred embodiment, plasma treatment can be applied until the contact angle of the pre-selected portion against water becomes 50° or less, preferably 40° or less, more preferably 30° or less, and most preferably 20° or less.

[0036] In this regard, in embodiments where plasma treatment is used to produce low contact angle surfaces, it is preferred that the DC current of the plasma can be 50 to 1,000 mA, more preferably 50 to 500 mA, and most preferably 100 to 300 mA. Further, in preferred embodiments, the DC voltage can be 100 V to 10,000 V, more preferably 100 V to 1,000 V. In another embodiment, the pressure during plasma treatment can be 0.001 Pa to 100 Pa, preferably 0.001 Pa to 50 Pa, more preferably 0.001 Pa to 10 Pa. The pressure during plasma treatment can vary depending on the type of plasma generating equipment and / or the DC current or voltage of the plasma. Plasma conditions weaker than these ranges will not achieve surface property changes and will not allow excessive adhesion of the hard coating composition or primer coating composition to the preselected portion, thus failing to produce selective and varied surface heights for the spectacle lens substrate. On the other hand, excessively strong plasma conditions may cause damage or deterioration to the properties of the desired preselected portion of the spectacle lens. Furthermore, it has been found that excessive exposure to plasma may lead to a deterioration in the weather resistance of hard coatings.

[0037] Preferably, the duration of plasma treatment is about 10 minutes or less, preferably 10 seconds to 5 minutes, because prolonged exposure to plasma may lead to a deterioration in the properties of the spectacle lenses. However, the duration can vary depending on the type and / or intensity of the applied plasma (e.g., plasma current and plasma voltage). Plasma treatment can be performed by any conventionally used industrial apparatus for generating plasma, provided that the apparatus can provide the conditions described above.

[0038] Plasma can be generated by any known means, such as gas discharge, corona discharge, atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, vacuum plasma surface treatment, etc. Particularly preferred plasma generation devices are not limited to these, but can be those that use gas discharge. Preferably, the gas can be at least one selected from the group consisting of oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), argon (Ar), carbon dioxide (CO2), helium (He), xenon (Xe), and air, preferably oxygen (O), argon (Ar), and air. Although not specifically limited thereto, in one embodiment, glow discharge plasma, which is plasma formed by passing an electric current through a gas, can be used. In another embodiment, a more compact ion gun plasma can also be used.

[0039] In this invention, a plasma treatment step is performed before the hard coating composition is applied to the spectacle lens. This plasma treatment step causes a difference in characteristics between the plasma-treated pre-selected portions of the surface and the untreated portions. This makes spectacle lenses manufactured by this method more difficult to counterfeit. Furthermore, since the differentiated adhesion of the hard coating composition that produces the desired pattern is achieved through the different characteristics of the corresponding portions of the spectacle lens surface, the quality of the pattern is less affected by the masking itself (but rather by the plasma treatment conditions) compared to prior art where the quality and fineness of the pattern depend on the sealing performance of the masking device.

[0040] After creating a low contact angle surface or performing plasma treatment, a hard coating composition is provided to the spectacle lens substrate. The hard coating composition can be provided to the surface of the spectacle lens substrate treated in a previous step. In one embodiment, the entire lens, including the front, side, and rear surfaces, is treated with the hard coating composition. The term "hard coating composition" refers to a composition that produces a hard coating as defined in Section 3.18.2 of ISO 13666:2019. The hard coating composition (typically a monomer) is applied to the outer surface of the spectacle lens, and then the monomer coating composition is cured to form a coating that is more abrasion-resistant than the plastic material forming the optical element. This process is commonly referred to as applying a hard coating to the lens and provides durability and extends the lifespan of the spectacle lens.

[0041] This method is not dependent on a specific type of hard coating process. Hard coating can be performed, for example, by dip coating or spin coating. For example, the spectacle lens substrate is passed through a liquid bath based on a hard coating composition, where the coating composition adheres to both the convex and concave sides of the lens. The hard coating is then allowed to cure at a high temperature. In one embodiment, the hard coating composition can be applied to the entire surface of the lens, for example, by immersing the entire lens in a bath containing a solution based on the hard coating composition. This is possible because the surface characteristics of preselected portions of the spectacle lens substrate surface, which have been selectively treated in previous steps to present a low contact angle surface or have been plasma-treated, will be altered, resulting in a significantly larger amount of hard coating composition adhering to the preselected portions compared to the portions of the surface other than the preselected portions. In another embodiment, the hard coating composition can be provided by spin coating. A liquid hard coating solution containing the hard coating composition is applied to the surface of the spectacle lens substrate using a spin coating process, and the lens is cured under UV light. Due to the change in surface characteristics with respect to the contact angle, no separate masking process or mask application is required in the hard coating step.

[0042] A hard coating composition refers to a composition containing any hard coating material suitable for applying a hard coating to eyeglass lenses.

[0043] For example, the hard coating composition may comprise at least one of the hard coating materials disclosed in US 2005 / 0171231 A1, US 2009 / 0189303 A1, or US2002 / 0111390A1. Alternatively, the hard coating composition may be based on the wear-resistant coating composition disclosed in WO2007 / 070976 A1. These patent documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] The hard coating composition is preferably based on the hard coating composition disclosed in claim 1 of EP 2 578 649 A1, particularly EP 2 578 649 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. The hard coating composition comprises:

[0045] A)

[0046] a) At least one silane derivative having the formula (I) Si(OR1)(OR2)(OR3)(OR4), wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 may be the same or different, selected from alkyl, acyl, alkylene acyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or alkylene aryl, each of which may optionally be substituted, and / or

[0047] b) at least one hydrolysis product of the at least one silane derivative having formula (I), and / or

[0048] c) at least one condensation product of the at least one silane derivative having formula (I), and / or

[0049] d) Any mixture of its components a) to c);

[0050] B)

[0051] a) At least one silane derivative of formula (II) R6R7 3-nSi(OR5)n, wherein R5 is selected from alkyl, acyl, alkylene acyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or alkylene aryl, each of which may be optionally substituted; R6 is an organic group containing at least one epoxy group; R7 is selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or alkylene aryl, each of which may be optionally substituted; and n is 2 or 3; and / or

[0052] b) at least one hydrolysis product of the at least one silane derivative having formula (II), and / or

[0053] c) at least one condensation product of the at least one silane derivative having formula (II), and / or

[0054] d) Any mixture of its components a) to c);

[0055] C) At least one colloidal inorganic oxide, hydroxide, oxide hydrate, fluoride and / or fluorine oxide;

[0056] D) At least one epoxy compound having at least two epoxy groups; and

[0057] E) At least one catalyst system comprising at least one Lewis acid and at least one latent Lewis acid-base adduct.

[0058] In the subsequent hard coating step, while normal and conventional amounts of the hard coating composition suitable for hard coating will adhere to the untreated surface of the lens (i.e., the portion other than the pre-selected portion), excess hard coating composition will adhere to the plasma-treated pre-selected portion of the lens substrate surface. This excess hard coating composition causes a height difference between the pre-selected portion and the portion other than the pre-selected portion, thereby forming a pattern. Excess hard coating composition refers to the amount that achieves the height or thickness difference between the pre-selected and unpre-selected portions. Specifically, the amount of hard coating composition adhering to the pre-selected portion can be 5% to 30% greater than the amount adhering to the unpre-selected portion. The pre-selected portion will be determined based on the desired pattern, while it is important to remember that the pre-selected portion will form the desired pattern.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the hard coating composition is a solvent-based hard coating composition. In this case, the hard coating composition further comprises a solvent, which is at least one selected from the group consisting of alcohols, ethers, esters, and water. It has been found that solvent-based hard coating compositions can provide a more pronounced pattern on the surface of spectacle lens substrates because the solvent-based hard coating composition exhibits relatively greater adhesion to pre-selected portions of the spectacle lens substrate surface that have been treated to have a low contact angle or have been plasma-treated, compared to the remaining portions of the spectacle lens substrate surface with a higher contact angle or that have not been plasma-treated. This is because, compared to other types of hard coatings, solvent-based hard coating compositions have a higher affinity for low-contact-angle surfaces with higher hydrophilicity.

[0060] Hard coating compositions that produce hard coatings are applied to the uncoated surface of spectacle lens substrates by dip coating or spin coating.

[0061] In another embodiment, the method may further include the step of providing a primer coating composition prior to providing the hard coating composition. This means that if the spectacle lens substrate is coated with both the hard coating composition and the primer coating composition, the primer coating layer will be closer to the surface of the spectacle lens than the hard coating layer. The term "primer coating" applies to any coating applied to a spectacle lens substrate that increases the impact resistance by >1 times according to the repeated drop ball test of ISO 16936-1:2020 compared to a spectacle lens substrate with a hard coating (i.e., a spectacle lens substrate including the hard coating as described above).

[0062] In addition to the hard coating composition, the primer coating composition also adheres excessively to the pre-selected surface compared to the amount of primer coating composition adhering to the surface other than the pre-selected surface. This contributes to an additional thickness difference between the pre-selected portion and the portion other than the pre-selected portion of the surface. Therefore, a more pronounced pattern can be obtained on the surface of the spectacle lens substrate. Excess primer coating composition refers to the amount that enables a height or thickness difference between the pre-selected and unpre-selected portions. Specifically, the amount of primer coating composition adhering to the pre-selected portion can be 5% to 30% greater than the amount of primer coating composition adhering to the unpre-selected portion.

[0063] The primer coating composition may preferably comprise: i) at least one aqueous aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, or heteroaromatic polyurethane dispersion, at least one aqueous aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, or heteroaromatic polyurea dispersion, at least one aqueous aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, or heteroaromatic polyurethane-polyurea dispersion, and / or at least one aqueous aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, or heteroaromatic polyester dispersion, preferably at least one aqueous aliphatic polyurethane dispersion or at least one aqueous aliphatic polyester dispersion and more preferably at least one aqueous aliphatic polyurethane dispersion; ii) at least one solvent; and iii) optionally at least one additive.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the primer coating composition is a solvent-based composition containing a solvent. The solvent-based composition further comprises the above-mentioned component i). It has been found that the solvent-based primer coating composition can provide a more pronounced pattern on the surface of the spectacle lens due to its superior selective adhesion to pre-selected portions of the spectacle lens substrate surface that have been treated to have a low contact angle or have been plasma-treated, compared to the remaining portions of the spectacle lens substrate surface with higher contact angles or those not treated by plasma. This is again attributed to the high affinity of the solvent-based primer coating for hydrophilic surfaces.

[0065] A primer coating composition that produces a primer coating is applied to the uncoated surface of an eyeglass lens substrate by dip coating or spin coating.

[0066] In this method, the hard coating composition is directly applied to the surface of the spectacle lens substrate. Therefore, a desired pattern composed of the hard coating composition is formed on a pre-selected portion of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate, and the desired pattern itself can simultaneously serve as the hard coating layer for the pre-selected portion. A conventional hard coating layer is formed on the surface of the spectacle lens substrate other than the pre-selected portion. Therefore, an additional hard coating step is not required.

[0067] Furthermore, in embodiments where a primer coating composition is further applied, the desired pattern composed of the hard coating composition and the primer coating composition is formed with a hard coating layer on top. In other words, an excess of the primer coating layer and the hard coating layer is provided on the pre-selected portion, thereby forming the desired pattern and simultaneously exhibiting abrasion resistance. A standard primer coating layer and a standard hard coating layer are formed on the surface of the spectacle lens substrate, excluding the pre-selected portion.

[0068] Therefore, a significant advantage of this method is that it utilizes resources and methods already used in conventional lens manufacturing processes to form the desired pattern. Furthermore, this method is not only easy to implement but also cost-effective, as no new materials are required beyond those typically used in spectacle lens production. Moreover, the primer coating layer, hard coating layer, and desired pattern can be obtained through a single process, thus streamlining and simplifying the entire spectacle lens manufacturing process.

[0069] The term "pattern" refers to any macroscopic element. For example, selective (local) high portions of the surface of an eyeglass lens, markings, gradients, numbers, letters of any type of graphic, and graphic representations (such as dots, symbols, etc.) can be considered patterns. Patterns are created by height differences within the surface of the lens substrate and / or by at least one microlens, preferably multiple microlenses, on at least one surface of the lens substrate.

[0070] The selective (local) high-percentage portion of a spectacle lens surface can also refer to the specific arrangement of optical elements or microlenses, which are implemented as small portions with raised heights on the lens surface. Specifically, spectacle lenses used for myopia or hyperopia control have special structures on their surface designed to control myopia or hyperopia. This structure is typically achieved through structures that provide a focal point or multiple focal points (especially microlenses, microlenses, protrusions, etc.).

[0071] The term "microlens" refers to an optical element in the form of a microlens. Multiple microlenses can be arranged in the same plane to form a microlens array. Microlenses can provide additional optical power, that is, the optical power of the spectacle lens is increased (ISO 13666:2019(E), Section 3.10.2). The optical power of the spectacle lens can provide a focused image on the fovea with the aid of accommodation, and when increased to the optical power of the spectacle lens, if the microlens is used to at least delay myopia, the additional optical power can provide myopic defocus.

[0072] Myopia is a visual condition in which a person can see nearby objects clearly but distant objects appear blurry. Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a visual condition in which distant objects generally appear clearer than nearby objects. The occurrence of hyperopia is related to the shape of the eye and its components. Spectacular lenses for myopia or hyperopia are very important. Such lenses may include, for example, microlenses, as disclosed in WO 2019 / 206 569 A1, US 10 268 050 B2, and WO 2020 / 099 549 A1. However, producing such microlenses using molding or machining processes is quite difficult. Forming such microlenses using the methods described above can facilitate the production of such spectacular lenses because specific molds or machining equipment are not required. Instead, it may be sufficient to obtain such microlenses by applying a hard coating composition, as is conventionally performed on the surface of a spectacle lens substrate, after selectively creating a low contact angle surface or selectively performing plasma treatment. Furthermore, the microlenses can be individually configured and positioned in an easily applied manner.

[0073] In this method, an excessive amount of hard coating composition adhering to the preselected portion of the lens surface can form a microlens, compared to a hard coating composition adhering to a portion other than the preselected portion. Because there is a great degree of freedom in designing patterns when creating low contact angle surfaces or performing plasma treatment, such complex designs for focusing structures used in myopic or hyperopic lenses can be obtained.

[0074] The terms "invisible" or "semi-invisible" mean that a pattern is discernible to the human eye under specific lighting conditions, such as white light from a point source. This point source could be an ultra-white beam lamp (e.g., a Bulbtronics inspection lamp (lens inspection QC-X75-CE; https: / / www.bulbtronics.com / landing-pages / btg-bulbtronics-group / lens-inspection-qc-x75-ce / )) or a point source illumination device (e.g., an LED or LED point source light from a smartphone camera flash). A semi-invisible pattern refers to a pattern that is transparent and has a sense of perspective.

[0075] Compared to portions where a normal amount of hard coating composition or primer coating composition adheres, excessive adhesion of either the hard coating composition or primer coating composition to the surface of the lens does not result in significant differences in optical transmittance. The pattern of this method was found to meet the uniformity of optical transmittance specified in Section 5.3.1 of ISO 12312-1:2013(E). That is, the relative difference in optical transmittance values ​​between any two points on the filter within a circle of 40 mm diameter around a reference point or at an edge region to the filter edge minus 5 mm (whichever is smaller) is no greater than 10%.

[0076] In another detailed embodiment, the step of selectively generating a low contact angle surface on a pre-selected portion of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate or selectively plasma-treating a pre-selected portion of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate includes the steps of: masking a portion of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate other than the pre-selected portion before generating the low contact angle surface or performing plasma treatment; and demasking the masked portion of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate after generating the low contact angle surface or performing plasma treatment and before providing the hard coating composition and optionally the primer coating composition to the spectacle lens substrate. In other words, the selective generation of the low contact angle surface on the pre-selected portion or the selective plasma treatment is achieved by masking a portion of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate other than the pre-selected portion, such that the masked portion retains its original contact angle or is protected during plasma treatment. The demasking step is performed after generating the low contact angle surface or applying plasma treatment and before providing the hard coating composition and optionally the primer coating composition to the spectacle lens substrate.

[0077] The term "masking" refers to covering a portion of the surface of a lens substrate and thus protecting that portion from contact with other substances or from the application of treatments.

[0078] The term "demasking" refers to the removal of a covering or substance from the surface of an eyeglass lens substrate, thereby allowing the previously masked portion to be re-exposed to other substances or treatments.

[0079] The term "masking device" is a construction that masks or covers at least a portion of a lens surface. A masking device can be any construction suitable for covering and protecting a portion of the lens surface during the generation of a low contact angle surface or the application of plasma treatment. For example, a masking device can be any type of strip (e.g., adhesive tape) that can be placed on and cover the lens surface, and any material suitable for covering the lens surface (e.g., masking agent, impression cap, or 3D printed cap, etc.). In one embodiment, during the step of generating a low contact angle surface or performing plasma treatment, the masking device is placed on one or more portions of the lens surface other than a pre-selected portion of the lens surface. The masking device is removed in a demasking step, and then the lens is provided with a hard coating composition and, optionally, a primer coating composition.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the masking device may be a lens holder as disclosed in EP 22159782.6. The lens holder disclosed in EP 2215978.6, and in particular the lens holders described in EP 2215978.6 and PCT / EP 2023 / 055050 (the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference).

[0081] Specifically, the masking device can be a lens holder for a spectacle lens substrate having a surface, the lens holder comprising:

[0082] - A receiving unit configured to hold the spectacle lens substrate in a predetermined position, and

[0083] - A masking unit configured to mask a portion of the surface of the lens substrate when the receiving unit holds the lens substrate in a predetermined position.

[0084] Lens holders are particularly suitable for selectively creating low contact angle surfaces on spectacle lens substrates or selectively plasma treating the surfaces of spectacle lens substrates because they allow for selective application on pre-selected portions of the uncoated surface of the lens without affecting other portions of the surface, thus providing a high degree of freedom.

[0085] The term "receiving unit" defines a portion of a lens holder specifically configured to receive and hold one or more lenses. The receiving unit is configured to hold a lens substrate in a predetermined position to achieve a desired pattern at a desired portion of the surface of the lens substrate. The receiving unit may include sub-units configured to be mounted on at least a portion of the surface of the lens substrate. For example, the sub-unit may be a "ring mount," a ring-shaped sub-unit configured to be mounted on the upper periphery and optionally the outer (edge) periphery of the lens, adapted to the corresponding shape and surface profile (curvature) of the desired pattern. The ring mount substantially mates with the periphery of the lens. The receiving unit may include means for holding the lens, preferably including at least two means for holding the lens in a predetermined position. However, any other configuration suitable for receiving and holding a lens may be defined as a receiving unit. The terms "means for holding a lens" or "holding device" refer to any sub-unit capable of holding a lens, designed to conform to the side (edge ​​shape, thickness) profile of the lens, such as a snap-fit ​​connector.

[0086] The term "masking unit" in this invention is specifically used to refer to one of the components of a lens holder. A masking unit is a component of a lens holder that masks the surface of the spectacle lens substrate during the creation of a low contact angle surface or during plasma treatment.

[0087] The term "cover" means to place or cover something on, above, or around an object in order to protect it.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the lens holder can be manufactured by additive manufacturing (AM) (also known as 3D printing).

[0089] In one exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit and the masking unit of the lens holder are connected to each other. By connecting to each other, the receiving unit and the masking unit form a lens holder as a single unit. As will be explained below, this can be implemented by a connecting unit or a continuous surface between the masking unit and the receiving unit.

[0090] In another exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit may include a subunit configured to be mounted on at least a portion of the surface of the lens substrate. In another embodiment, the subunit may be an annular mounting device at least surrounding the upper peripheral surface of the lens substrate. This annular mounting device may be designed to substantially mate with the upper and / or outer (side) periphery of the lens substrate, which is mounted on the annular mounting device. The annular mounting device may be configured to provide rigidity and mechanical strength to the receiving unit for holding the lens substrate by retaining the outer and / or upper periphery of the lens substrate. Since the peripheral portion of the lens substrate covered by the annular mounting device will not undergo plasma treatment, this portion will not be patterned in subsequent steps. If desired, this portion may be cut from the lens substrate in a suitable finishing step. In one embodiment, the width of the annular mounting device may be at most 15 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm. Widths exceeding 15 mm would be impractical, and widths less than 1 mm would jeopardize the mechanical strength of the lens holder.

[0091] The receiving unit may further include means for holding the lens substrate, preferably at least two means for holding the lens substrate, which may be attached to and detachable from the lens, or may be assembled with and detached from the lens substrate. The means for holding the lens substrate can be of any form, which may be attached to / assembled with the lens substrate and then detached / removed from the lens substrate, such that the lens holder does not move during processing. In one embodiment, the holding means is configured to conform to the corresponding thickness and edge profile of the lens substrate and secure it.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the holding device may be a snap-fit ​​assembly. A snap-fit ​​assembly is an assembly for attaching two corresponding parts so that they interlock with each other. In this case, the lens may be designed to have a corresponding part that interlocks with the holding device. For example, if the spectacle lens substrate is manufactured by injection molding and has a unique edge shape due to injection molding, the holding device may be configured to match the edge contour of the lens so that the holding device can hold the lens substrate. In this embodiment, the holding device may also be used as a marking device for marking the alignment position of the lens holder. That is, by assembling the holding device to the corresponding position on the lens substrate, the lens holder will be positioned and fixed to the lens substrate according to the desired alignment with the lens substrate, such that portions that are expected to be part of a pattern during plasma processing are exposed and portions that are not expected to be part of a pattern are not exposed, which in turn causes a pattern to be generated at a precise location.

[0093] The holding devices can be positioned at an angle to each other, which ensures that the lens substrate is fixed and secured during plasma treatment. For example, the two devices can be shifted at two symmetrical points of the annular mounting device, in other words, 180° apart from each other, or between 90° and 180° apart.

[0094] The lens holder further includes a masking unit configured to mask a portion of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate and to protect that portion of the surface during plasma treatment. The masking unit is designed to be positioned at the portion of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate where the desired pattern is not located. Considering that after the steps of providing the hard coating composition and / or the primer coating composition, only the unmasked portion of the spectacle lens surface becomes the desired pattern, the masking unit can be designed in any desired shape.

[0095] In one embodiment, the masking unit may be a separate unit positioned independently of the receiving unit. The masking unit is connected to the receiving unit via at least one connecting unit configured to connect the masking unit and the receiving unit without contacting the lens substrate. For example, the connecting unit may be in the form of a bridge, configured to contact only the receiving unit and the masking unit without contacting the lens substrate. This configuration allows for highly flexible pattern design. Even very small and / or complex patterns can be easily achieved with high quality. This overcomes the limitation of masked patterns that are difficult to accurately achieve due to alignment difficulties, particularly those not connected to the lens boundary. In one embodiment, the connecting unit may be located on the holding device and / or annular mounting device of the lens holder.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the connecting unit is at most 10 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and most preferably 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. If the bridging unit is too thick, undesirable color gradations will be produced on the corresponding surface of the lens substrate. In another embodiment, the height of the connecting unit from the surface of the lens substrate can be at most 20 mm, more preferably 5 mm to 15 mm.

[0097] In another embodiment, the masking unit and the receiving unit form a single unit with a continuous surface. The masking unit is configured to cover portions of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate that do not constitute a desired pattern, and includes at least one opening at a portion corresponding to a preselected portion of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate that is desired and subject to selective plasma treatment. The opening can be of any form and can be designed with the desired pattern in mind.

[0098] The method of the present invention may further include another coating step, such as adding an anti-reflective coating, adding a specular coating, adding a photochromic coating, adding a polarizing coating, adding a top coating, and additionally adding a hard coating.

[0099] According to a second aspect of the invention, a spectacle lens is provided having a pattern on its surface, characterized in that the pattern comprises a hard coating composition, preferably a solvent-based hard coating composition. In a preferred embodiment, the pattern may consist of a hard coating composition, or a hard coating composition and a primer coating composition, preferably a solvent-based hard coating composition and a solvent-based primer coating composition. The amount of hard coating composition and / or primer coating composition included in a pre-selected portion of the pattern formation on the surface of the spectacle lens exceeds the amount of hard coating composition and / or primer coating composition in portions other than the pre-selected portion. The amount of hard coating composition and / or primer coating composition in the pre-selected portion may be 5% to 30% greater than the amount of hard coating composition and / or primer coating composition in portions other than the pre-selected portion. In a more preferred embodiment, the pattern does not include spectacle lens material. In other words, the pattern formed as a protrusion on the surface of the spectacle lens is made only of a hard coating composition, or a hard coating composition and a primer coating composition; rather than of spectacle lens material of the same material as the spectacle lens in which the pattern is formed.

[0100] The pattern is achieved by making the thickness of a pre-selected portion of the surface of the lens substrate where the pattern is located greater than the thickness of the unpatterned portion. The thickness of the pre-selected portion can be 5% to 30% greater than the thickness of the portions excluding the pre-selected portion. In other words, the amount of the hard coating composition constituting the pattern is 5% to 30% greater than the amount of the hard coating composition adhered to the surface of the lens excluding the surface where the pattern is located. Here, the pattern is invisible or semi-invisible. In another embodiment where the pattern constitutes an optical element, the optical element is configured to prevent or control the progression of myopia or hyperopia. In this embodiment, the optical element consists of a hard coating composition and / or a primer coating composition.

[0101] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the spectacle lens substrate comprises a polymeric lens material, preferably polycarbonate or polyamide, more preferably polyamide. In another embodiment, the spectacle lens substrate comprises a polymeric lens material, such as polycarbonate or polyamide, preferably polyamide, wherein the hard coating composition is a solvent-based composition, and the primer coating composition is a solvent-based composition.

[0102] According to a third aspect of the invention, a dataset is also provided, stored on a computer-readable medium or carried by a data signal, the dataset comprising at least one of the following: (i) a virtual representation (i.e., analytical representation or digital representation) of an eyeglass lens according to a second aspect of the invention, wherein the representation of the eyeglass lens is configured for manufacturing the eyeglass lens; and (ii) data containing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause apparatus suitable for producing a low contact angle surface on a preselected portion of the uncoated surface of the eyeglass lens or for performing plasma treatment, and apparatus suitable for providing a hard coating composition and / or a primer coating composition, to produce an eyeglass lens according to the second aspect or to perform a method according to the first aspect.

[0103] Furthermore, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause apparatus suitable for creating a low contact angle surface or performing plasma treatment on a preselected portion of the uncoated surface of an spectacle lens, and apparatus suitable for providing a hard coating material and / or a primer coating composition to the spectacle lens, to perform the method according to the first aspect of the invention. Further, a computer-readable storage medium stored on the computer program and a data carrier signal carrying the computer program are provided.

[0104] In addition, a system suitable for applying patterns to an eyeglass substrate is provided, the system comprising:

[0105] - Equipment suitable for applying a hard coating and / or a primer coating to spectacle lens substrates.

[0106] - Apparatus suitable for selectively generating low contact angle surfaces or selectively performing plasma treatment (i.e., selectively generating low contact angle surfaces or selectively performing plasma treatment on pre-selected portions of the uncoated surface of a spectacle lens substrate), and

[0107] - A masking device, preferably a lens holder for spectacle lens substrates as described with respect to the first aspect of the invention.

[0108] Finally, a kit is provided comprising: a masking device, preferably for a lens holder of a spectacle lens substrate having a surface, the lens holder including a receiving unit and a masking unit; the receiving unit being configured to hold the spectacle lens substrate, the masking unit being used to cover a portion of the surface of the spectacle lens, excluding a pre-selected portion, during the generation of a low contact angle surface or during plasma treatment, as described in detail with respect to the first aspect of the invention; and instructions for use of the method according to the first aspect of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0109] Further features, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0110] Figure 1 A flowchart of the method according to an embodiment is shown.

[0111] Figure 2 The pattern produced by the method according to the present invention is shown.

[0112] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A lens holder including a receiving unit and a masking unit according to an embodiment is shown.

[0113] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A lens holder including a receiving unit and a masking unit is shown according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0114] Figure 1 A flowchart of a method for applying a pattern according to an embodiment of a first aspect of the invention is shown. In optional step S202, 3D printing is used to produce a masking device or a lens holder. The lens holder is configured to cover the surface of the spectacle lens substrate, except for a pre-selected portion of the surface where the pattern will be formed. In a preferred embodiment, the lens holder may be a lens holder as disclosed in EP 22159782.6, which includes: a receiving unit adapted to hold the spectacle lens in a predetermined position; and a masking unit adapted to cover a portion of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate, except for the pre-selected portion, during plasma processing. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving unit and the masking unit are connected to each other.

[0115] In the first step S204, a pre-selected portion of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate is processed to create a low contact angle surface thereon, preferably by subjecting the pre-selected portion to plasma treatment. In embodiments using a masking device, the spectacle lens substrate assembled with / attached to the masking device or lens holder undergoes either the creation of a low contact angle surface or plasma treatment, thereby ensuring that only the pre-selected portion has a low contact angle or is plasma treated.

[0116] In another optional step S206, the masking device or lens holder is removed.

[0117] In another optional step S208, the primer coating composition is provided by dip coating or spin coating.

[0118] In the second step S210, a hard coating composition is provided. The spectacle lens can be immersed (partially or entirely) in a bath containing the hard coating composition to obtain the desired pattern.

[0119] In the third step S212, a lens with the desired pattern is obtained.

[0120] Optional coating steps (such as anti-reflective coating or specular coating) can be performed after the third step S212.

[0121] Figure 2 An example of a pattern that can be obtained by this method is shown. The resulting surface pattern is visible to the human eye and is partially visible. Figure 2 A pattern projected onto a white background by a UV lamp is shown. As can be seen here, an anti-counterfeiting pattern is obtained that is invisible or semi-invisible to the wearer of the marked lens or during normal use of the lens without degrading the uniformity of light transmittance. The lens substrate 1 has a pattern 2 formed on a pre-selected portion 4 of the surface of the lens substrate and configured to form an anti-counterfeiting mark. Pattern 2 is generated due to an excess of hard coating composition adhered to the pre-selected portion 4 and optionally also due to an excess of primer coating composition adhered thereto. The portions 3 of the surface other than the pre-selected portion are coated with normal amounts of hard coating composition and / or primer coating composition, thereby not constituting pattern 2.

[0122] Figure 3A A first exemplary embodiment of the method using a lens holder 10 is provided, wherein the lens holder 10 includes: (i) a receiving unit configured to hold a spectacle lens substrate 60 in a predetermined position, the receiving unit including an annular mounting device 21 and at least two holding devices 22a, 22b; and (ii) a masking unit 30a. Here, the masking unit 30a and the receiving unit are configured as a single unit having a continuous surface. The masking unit 30a includes an opening 31a at which a corresponding surface of the spectacle lens substrate will be exposed to plasma treatment. Here, for simplicity, the opening 31a is depicted as circular, but it can be readily understood from the details already provided that the opening 31a can be designed in a flexible manner. Thus, a desired pattern with the same shape as the opening 31a will be obtained. By applying a hard coating composition and optionally a primer coating composition, a pattern 62 will be obtained at a preselected portion of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate. The portions 61 and 63 covered by the annular mounting device 21 and the masking unit 30a will not be patterned and will be simply coated with a hard coating, and optionally additionally coated with a primer. Here, for illustrative purposes, the receiving unit 10 includes two holding devices 22a and 22b that provide secure holding of the lens substrate to protect the covered portion during plasma treatment. The holding devices 22a and 22b are designed to mate with the edge contours of the lens substrate.

[0123] Using 3D printing, a more flexible design for the lens holder 10 can be achieved, even with very small openings or openings of complex shapes. The number and / or shape of the openings can vary depending on the desired pattern. The surface of the spectacle lens substrate 60 corresponding to the opening 31a is exposed during plasma treatment and will thus have a higher affinity for the hard coating composition, and optionally, additionally for the primer coating composition in a later step. After plasma treatment, the lens holder 10 is removed from the lens 60, and the spectacle lens 60 is provided with a hard coating composition 70 and optionally a primer coating composition 70. As a result, Figure 3B As shown, a lens 60 was obtained, wherein the surface of a preselected portion has a pattern 62 on which a hard coating has been applied (which consists of an excess of a hard coating composition and / or a primer coating composition), and portions 61, 63 of the surface have no pattern but have a hard coating and / or a primer coating.

[0124] Figure 4A A second exemplary embodiment of the method using a lens holder 10 is provided, wherein the lens holder 10 includes: (i) a receiving unit including an annular mounting device 21 and at least two holding devices 22a, 22b; and (ii) a masking unit 30b, which is a unit positioned independently and separately from the receiving unit. The masking unit 30b is connected to the receiving unit via at least one connecting unit 40a, 40b. The masking unit 30b may be connected to the annular mounting device 21 and / or the holding devices 22a, 22b. The connecting units 40a, 40b are configured not to contact or cover the lens surface, such that the lens surface beneath the connecting units 40a, 40b is subjected to plasma treatment and thus also patterned. For this purpose, the thickness and height of the connecting units 40a, 40b can be adjusted as described in the relevant sections above. The number and / or shape of the connecting units 40a and 40b can be varied, and can be selected to enable a secure connection between the receiving unit and the shielding unit 30b, so that the shielding unit 30b does not move during plasma processing, ensuring high-quality patterning. Although in Figure 4AOnly one circular masking unit 30b is provided, but it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes. It will be readily understood that the number and / or shape of the masking units 30b can be freely adjusted depending on the desired pattern (and correspondingly, the number and / or shape of the connecting units). The remainder will be the opening 31b of the lens holder 10. The pre-selected portion of the surface of the spectacle lens substrate 62 corresponding to the opening 31b of the lens holder 10 will undergo plasma treatment and thus have a surface pattern 62 with an applied hard coating (consisting of an excess of hard coating composition and / or primer coating composition). On the other hand, the masked portions 61, 63 of the surface will not undergo plasma treatment and therefore will not have any pattern, but will still have a hard coating and / or primer coating. The upper peripheral portion 61 of the lens can be cut as needed in a finishing step.

Claims

1. A method suitable for applying a pattern (2) to a spectacle lens substrate (1) having a surface, characterized by the following steps: (i) A low contact angle surface is formed on a pre-selected portion (4) of the uncoated surface of the spectacle lens substrate, and (ii) Provide the hard coating composition (70) to the spectacle lens substrate (1). The preselected portion has a greater thickness because the hard coating composition (70) has a higher adhesion to the preselected portion compared to the portion other than the preselected portion, thereby forming the pattern (2) on the lens substrate (1).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The amount of the hard coating composition (70) adhering to the preselected portion is 5% to 30% greater than the amount of the hard coating composition (70) adhering to the portions other than the preselected portion.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features Includes the following steps: - Before generating the low contact angle surface, mask the portion (3) of the surface of the spectacle substrate other than the pre-selected portion (4) of the surface of the spectacle substrate. - After the low contact angle surface is generated and before the hard coating composition (70) is provided to the lens substrate (1), the masked portion (3) of the surface of the lens substrate is demasked.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features Further steps include: (iii) After step (i) and before step (ii), a primer coating composition is provided to the lens substrate (1).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The pattern (2) is invisible or semi-invisible.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The pattern (2) is configured to form an optical element for preventing or controlling the progression of myopia or hyperopia.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, A low contact angle is a low contact angle for water within one of the following ranges: (v) 50° or less, (vi) 40° or less, (vii) 30° or less, and (viii) 20° or less.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The hard coating composition (70) is a solvent-based composition.

9. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The primer coating composition is a solvent-based composition.

10. A spectacle lens formed by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the spectacle lens having a pattern on its surface.

11. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause devices adapted to selectively produce a low contact angle surface on an uncoated surface of an eyeglass lens substrate and devices adapted to provide a hard coating material and / or a primer coating composition to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. An eyeglass lens having an anti-counterfeiting pattern (2) on the surface of an eyeglass lens substrate. Its features are, The entire surface of the lens substrate is coated with a hard coating composition (70). The pattern (2) consists of (i) a hard coating composition or (ii) a hard coating composition and a primer coating composition, and the pattern (2) does not include spectacle lens material; Because of the higher adhesion of the hard coating composition (70), the amount of the hard coating composition (70) constituting the pattern (2) is 5% to 30% greater than the amount of the hard coating composition (70) adhering to the surface of the lens substrate of the eyeglass lens other than the pattern (2); and the pattern (2) is an invisible or semi-invisible pattern, wherein the portion of the surface of the lens substrate of the eyeglass lens that forms the pattern (2) is a low contact angle surface generated by providing an energy source.

13. The spectacle lens according to claim 12, characterized in that, The hard coating composition and / or the primer coating composition are solvent-based compositions.

14. A computer-readable medium having a dataset stored thereon, the dataset comprising at least one of the following data: (iii) A virtual representation of an eyeglass lens according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the representation of the eyeglass lens is configured for manufacturing the eyeglass lens, and (iv) Data containing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a computer, enable apparatus suitable for selectively producing a low contact angle surface on an uncoated surface of a spectacle lens substrate and apparatus suitable for providing a hard coating composition and / or a primer coating composition to produce spectacle lenses according to any one of claims 12 and 13.

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