System for marking a coated ophthalmic lens

Abstract

SYSTEM FOR MARKING A COATED OPHTHALMIC LENS. This is a system for marking a coated optical article (10) having at least one first mark (18) on a surface of a substrate (20) of the coated optical article (10) which includes at least one mark identification device (18) having at least one electromagnetic radiation source (111) configured to irradiate at least a portion of the surface of the substrate (20) having at least one first mark (18) with electromagnetic radiation (119A, 123). The at least one mark identification device (18) further includes at least one imaging device configured to receive a portion of the electromagnetic radiation (119A, 123) reflected from the surface of the substrate (20) having at least one first mark (18) and to determine a position of the at least one first mark (18) on the surface of the substrate (20).The system additionally includes at least one marking device configured to mark the coated optical article (10) with at least a second mark (180) based on the position of at least one first mark (18).

Description

1 / 44 “SYSTEM FOR MARKING COATED OPHTHALMIC LENSES” BACKGROUND TO THE REVELATION Field of Revelation

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method for marking a coated optical article having at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article, involving identifying a position of the at least one first mark and marking the coated optical article with at least one second mark that has a position based on the position of the at least one first mark. Description of the Related Technique

[0002] With optical articles, such as ophthalmic lenses, one or more marks are frequently associated with at least one surface of a substrate of the optical article. Such marks may be used for various purposes, such as, for example, identifying the manufacturer of the optical article, identifying a particular production run that resulted in the formation of the optical article, and / or providing information about the optical article, such as optical characteristics (e.g., optical geometric axes, centering points, etc.) that can be used by an ophthalmologist to appropriately and precisely fit the optical article into a lens frame. Such marks are typically unobservable when the optical article is in normal use, such as unobservable by a person wearing a pair of ophthalmic lenses that have such a mark.Trademarks can become observable under certain limited circumstances, such as exposure to a particular wavelength of light, in order to determine the information contained within the mark. Typically, trademarks have relatively small dimensions (1.0 mm to 2.0 mm). It is often desirable for the mark to be a permanent mark, so that the information provided in this way can be accessed more than once and / or at a time that is remote from the formation of the mark. In some examples, the mark is... Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 62 / 114 2 / 44 introduced into the substrate by physically engraving the substrate surface (such as with the use of a stylus or a laser), chemically engraving the substrate surface, or molding the mark during substrate manufacturing.

[0003] Current methods for introducing a mark into an optical article may result in the formation of a mark that is not readily observable under some conditions when the substrate is coated with one or more coatings. It would be desirable to develop new systems and methods for marking a coated optical article that has at least one first mark on a surface of a coated optical article substrate with at least one second mark to increase the visibility of at least one first mark. SUMMARY OF REVELATION

[0004] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, a system may be provided for marking a coated optical article that has at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article. The system may include at least one mark identification device having at least one electromagnetic radiation source configured to irradiate at least a portion of the surface of the substrate having at least one first mark with electromagnetic radiation. The system may further include at least one imaging device configured to receive a portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the surface of the substrate having at least one first mark and to determine a position of at least one first mark on the surface of the substrate.The system may additionally include at least one marking device configured to mark the coated optical article with at least a second mark whose position is based on the position of at least one first mark. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 63-114 3 / 44

[0005] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, at least one source of electromagnetic radiation may be a laser having a wavelength in the range of 190 nm to 10000 nm. At least one imaging device may have a viewing surface configured to receive the portion of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the substrate surface and a camera configured for imaging the viewing surface.

[0006] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one brand identification device may additionally include at least one beam manipulation device configured to control at least one characteristic of electromagnetic radiation. The at least one beam manipulation device may include at least one of a beam expander, a collimating lens, a converging lens, a diverging lens, a spatial filter, a galvanometer, a servo, and a gimbal.

[0007] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, at least one brand identification device may additionally include at least one source manipulation device configured to control the position of at least one source of electromagnetic radiation relative to the coated optical article.

[0008] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one marking device can be configured to mark at least one coating layer of the coated optical article with at least one second mark. The at least one second mark can be an array of elements in at least one coating layer of the coated optical article. The at least one marking device can be configured to adjust at least one of a size of each element in the array of elements, a depth of each element in the array of elements, and a density of the array of elements. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 64 / 114 4 / 44

[0009] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, at least one marking device may include a recording device and at least one mirror configured to reflect a beam from the recording device onto the coated optical article. The recording device may be a laser having a wavelength in the range of 190 nm to 30000 nm.

[0010] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, at least one imaging device may include a camera and a mask having at least one aperture, the mask being positioned between the camera and the coated optical article.

[0011] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the system may additionally include a verification device configured to compare the position of at least one second mark with respect to the position of at least one first mark and to determine whether the position of at least one second mark is within a predetermined distance of the position of at least one first mark. The verification device may include a verification camera and a backlight source. The coated optical article may be configured to be positioned between the verification camera and the backlight source. The verification device may additionally be configured to orient at least one marking device so that the position of at least one second mark overlaps, at least partially, the position of at least one first mark.

[0012] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, a method may be provided for marking a coated optical article that has at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article. The method may include irradiating at least a portion of the surface of the substrate that has at least one first mark with electromagnetic radiation using at least one source of Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 65 / 114 5 / 44 electromagnetic radiation and determine the position of at least one first mark on the substrate surface by receiving, with at least one mark identification device, a portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the substrate surface that has at least one first mark. The method may additionally include marking the coated optical article with at least one second mark that has a position based on the position of at least one first mark using at least one marking device.

[0013] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, at least one source of electromagnetic radiation may be a laser having a wavelength in the range of 190 nm to 10000 nm. The portion of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the substrate surface may be received on a viewing surface of at least one imaging device of at least one brand identification device, and wherein the viewing surface is imaged using a camera.

[0014] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the method may additionally include controlling at least one characteristic of electromagnetic radiation using at least one beam manipulation device or at least one brand identification device. The at least one beam manipulation device may include at least one of a beam expander, a collimating lens, a converging lens, a diverging lens, a spatial filter, a galvanometer, a servo, and a gimbal.

[0015] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the method may additionally include controlling the position of at least one electromagnetic radiation source relative to the coated optical article using at least one source manipulation device or at least one brand identification device. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 66 / 114 6 / 44

[0016] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, marking the coated optical article may include engraving at least one second mark on at least one coating layer of the coated optical article using an engraving device. The engraving device may be a laser having a wavelength in the range of 190 nm to 30000 nm.

[0017] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, at least one imaging device may include a camera and a mask having at least one aperture, the mask being positioned between the camera and the coated optical article. At least one marking device may be configured to mark at least one coating layer of the coated optical article with at least a second mark.

[0018] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, marking the coated optical article with at least one second mark may include marking an array of elements in at least one coating layer of the coated optical article. The method may further include adjusting at least one of a size of each element in the array of elements, a depth of each element in the array of elements, and a density of the array of elements.

[0019] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the method may additionally include comparing the position of at least one second mark relative to the position of at least one first mark using a verification device and determining whether the position of at least one second mark is within a predetermined distance from the position of at least one first mark. The verification device may include a verification camera and a backlight source. The coated optical article may be configured to be positioned between the verification camera and the backlight source. The verification device may Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 67 / 114 7 / 44 must be additionally configured to orient at least one marking device so that the position of at least a second mark overlaps, at least partially, the position of at least a first mark.

[0020] According to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, a coated optical article is provided that has at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article and at least one second mark in at least one coating layer of the coated optical article, wherein the optical article can be obtained by any method described in this document.

[0021] A system and method for producing an optical article may be characterized by one or more of the following aspects:

[0022] In a first aspect, the present invention may relate to a system for marking a coated optical article having at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article, wherein the system comprises: at least one mark identification device comprising: at least one electromagnetic radiation source configured to irradiate at least a portion of the surface of the substrate having at least one first mark with electromagnetic radiation; and at least one imaging device configured to receive a portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the surface of the substrate having at least one first mark and to determine a position of at least one first mark on the surface of the substrate; and at least one marking device configured to mark the coated optical article with at least one second mark having a position based on the position of at least one first mark.

[0023] In a second aspect, at least one source of electromagnetic radiation in the system, according to the first aspect, is a laser that has a wavelength in the range of 190 nm to 10000 nm. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 68 / 114 8 / 44

[0024] In a third aspect, the at least one imaging device, according to the first aspect or the second aspect, comprises a viewing surface configured to receive the portion of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the substrate surface and a camera configured for imaging the viewing surface.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, the at least one brand identification device, according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprises at least one beam manipulation device configured to control at least one characteristic of electromagnetic radiation.

[0026] In a fifth aspect, the at least one beam manipulation device, according to the fourth aspect, comprises at least one of a beam expander, a collimating lens, a converging lens, a spatial filter, a diverging lens, a galvanometer, a servo or a gimbal.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, the at least one brand identification device, according to any one of the first to fifth aspects above, further comprises at least one source manipulation device configured to control a position of at least one source of electromagnetic radiation relative to the coated optical article.

[0028] In a seventh aspect, at least one marking device, according to any one of the first to sixth aspects above, is configured to mark at least one coating layer of the coated optical article with at least one second mark.

[0029] In an eighth aspect, at least one second mark, in accordance with any one of the first to seventh aspects above, is an array of elements in at least one coating layer of the coated optical article. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 69 / 114 9 / 44

[0030] In a ninth aspect, at least one marking device, according to the eighth aspect, is configured to adjust at least one of a size of each element in the element array, a depth of each element in the element array, or a density of the element array.

[0031] In a tenth aspect, the at least one marking device, according to any one of the first to ninth aspects above, comprises a recording device and at least one mirror configured to reflect a beam from the recording device onto the coated optical article.

[0032] In an eleventh aspect, the recording device, according to the tenth aspect, is a laser that has a wavelength in a range of 190 nm to 30000 nm.

[0033] In a twelfth aspect, the at least one imaging device, according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects above, comprises a camera and a mask having at least one aperture, the mask being positioned between the camera and the coated optical article.

[0034] In a thirteenth aspect, the system, according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects above, further comprises a verification device configured to compare the position of at least one second mark with respect to the position of at least one first mark and to determine whether the position of at least one second mark is within a predetermined distance from the position of at least one first mark.

[0035] In a fourteenth aspect, the verification device, according to the thirteenth aspect, comprises a verification camera and a backlight source, and wherein the coated optical article is Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 70-114 10 / 44 configured to be positioned between the verification camera and the backlight source.

[0036] In a fifteenth aspect, the verification device, according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, is additionally configured to orient at least one marking device so that the position of at least one second mark overlaps, at least partially, the position of at least one first mark.

[0037] In a sixteenth aspect, a method is provided for marking a coated optical article having at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article, wherein the method comprises: irradiating at least a portion of the surface of the substrate having at least one first mark with electromagnetic radiation using at least one source of electromagnetic radiation; determining a position of at least one first mark on the surface of the substrate by receiving with at least one mark identification device a portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the surface of the substrate having at least one first mark; and marking the coated optical article with at least one second mark having a position based on the position of at least one first mark using at least one marking device.

[0038] In a seventeenth aspect, at least one source of electromagnetic radiation, according to the sixteenth aspect, is a laser that has a wavelength in a range of 190 nm to 10000 nm.

[0039] In an eighteenth aspect, the portion of electromagnetic radiation, according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect, reflected from the substrate surface is received on a viewing surface of at least one imaging device of at least one brand identification device, and wherein the viewing surface is imaged using a camera. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 71 / 114 11 / 44

[0040] In a nineteenth aspect, the method, according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects, further comprises controlling at least one characteristic of electromagnetic radiation with the use of at least one beam manipulation device or at least one mark identification device.

[0041] In a twentieth aspect, the at least one beam manipulation device, according to the nineteenth aspect, comprises at least one of a beam expander, a collimating lens, a converging lens, a diverging lens, a spatial filter, a galvanometer, a servo or a gimbal.

[0042] In a twenty-first aspect, the method, according to any one of the sixteenth to twenty aspects above, further comprises controlling the position of at least one electromagnetic radiation source relative to the coated optical article using at least one source manipulation device or at least one mark identification device.

[0043] In a twenty-second aspect, the marking of the coated optical article, according to any one of the sixteenth to twenty-first aspects above, comprises engraving at least one second mark on at least one coating layer of the coated optical article using an engraving device.

[0044] In a twenty-third aspect, the recording device, according to the twenty-second aspect, is a laser having a wavelength in a range of 190 nm to 30000 nm.

[0045] In a twenty-fourth aspect, the at least one imaging device, according to any one of the sixteenth to twenty-third aspects above, comprises a camera and a mask having at least one aperture, the mask being positioned between the camera and the coated optical article. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 72-114 12 / 44

[0046] In a twenty-fifth aspect, at least one marking device, according to any one of the sixteenth to twenty-fourth aspects above, is configured to mark at least one coating layer of the coated optical article with at least one second mark.

[0047] In a twenty-sixth aspect, marking the coated optical article with at least one second mark, according to any one of the sixteenth to twenty-fifth aspects above, comprises marking an array of elements in at least one coating layer of the coated optical article.

[0048] In a twenty-seventh aspect, the method, according to any one of the sixteenth to twenty-sixth aspects above, further comprises adjusting at least one of a size of each element in the element array, a depth of each element in the element array, or a density of the element array.

[0049] In a twenty-eighth aspect, the method, according to any one of the sixteenth to twenty-seventh aspects above, further comprises comparing the position of at least one second mark with respect to the position of at least one first mark using a verification device and determining whether the position of at least one second mark is within a predetermined distance from the position of at least one first mark.

[0050] In a twenty-ninth aspect, the verification device, according to the twenty-eighth aspect, comprises a verification camera and a backlight source, and wherein the coated optical article is configured to be positioned between the verification camera and the backlight source.

[0051] In a thirtieth aspect, the verification device, according to the twenty-eighth or twenty-ninth aspects, is additionally Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 73-114 13 / 44 configured to orient at least one marking device so that the position of at least one second mark overlaps, at least partially, the position of at least one first mark.

[0052] In a thirty-first aspect, a coated optical article having at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article and at least one second mark in at least one coating layer of the coated optical article is obtained by the method of any one of the sixteenth to the thirtieth aspects.

[0053] These and other features and characteristics of optical articles described in this document, as well as the methods of manufacturing such articles, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this descriptive report, wherein similar reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various Figures. It should be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purposes of illustration and description only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 is a representative partial cross-sectional perspective view of a coated optical article having a first mark and one or more coating layers, according to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a system for marking the coated optical article of Figure 1 according to some embodiments or aspects of the present development;

[0056] Figures 3A-3B are schematic views of a brand identification device of the system shown in Figure 2;

[0057] Figure 4 is a top view of a first mark and identifying features used by the mark identification device to identify the position of the first mark; Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 74 / 114 14 / 44

[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a marking device of the system shown in Figure 2;

[0059] Figure 6 is a representative partial cross-sectional perspective view of a coated optical article having a first mark and a second mark conferred by the marking device;

[0060] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a system verification device shown in Figure 2; and

[0061] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method for marking an optical article coated with a second mark.

[0062] In Figures 1-8, the same characters represent the same components, unless otherwise indicated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] As used in this document, the singular forms of a, an, “the” and the include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0064] Spatial or directional terms, such as "left", "right", "inside", "outside", "above", "below" and the like, refer to the invention as shown in the Figures, and should not be considered as limiting since the invention can assume various alternative orientations.

[0065] All figures used in the descriptive report and claims should be understood as modified in all instances by the term approximately. The term approximately means plus or minus twenty-five percent of the stated value, as well as plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. However, this should not be considered as limiting for any analysis of values ​​under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0066] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein shall be understood as encompassing initial and final values ​​and any and all sub-ranges or sub-ratios integrated therein. For example, it shall be considered that a Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 75 / 114 The stated range or ratio of "1 to 10" includes any and all sub-ranges or sub-ratios between (and including) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all sub-ranges or sub-ratios that begin with a minimum value of 1 or more and end with a maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and / or ratios disclosed in this document represent the average values ​​over the specified range and / or ratio.

[0067] The terms first, second and the like are not intended to refer to any particular order or chronology, but rather to different conditions, properties or elements.

[0068] All documents cited in this document are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0069] The term "at least" is synonymous with greater than or equal to.

[0070] As used in this document, at least one of is synonymous with one or more of. For example, the phrase at least one of A, B, or C means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. Furthermore, at least one of A, B, and C includes A alone; or B alone; or C alone; or A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all of A, B, and C.

[0071] The term includes is synonymous with includes.

[0072] As used in this document, the terms parallel or substantially parallel mean a relative angle between two objects (if extended to the theoretical intersection), such as elongated objects and including reference lines, that is 0° to 5°, or 0° to 3°, or 0° to 2°, or 0° to 1°, or 0° to 0.5°, or 0° to 0.25°, or 0° to 0.1°, inclusive of the values ​​mentioned.

[0073] As used in this document, the terms perpendicular or substantially perpendicular mean that a relative angle between two objects at their actual or theoretical intersection is 85° to 90°, or Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 76-114 16 / 44 from 87° to 90°, or from 88° to 90°, or from 89° to 90°, or from 89.5° to 90°, or from 89.75° to 90°, or from 89.9° to 90°, including the values ​​mentioned.

[0074] As used in this document, the term “optical” means pertaining to or associated with light and / or vision. For example, according to various non-limiting aspects disclosed in this document, the optical article or device may be chosen from ophthalmic elements, articles and devices, display elements, articles and devices, windows and mirrors.

[0075] As used in this document, the term ophthalmic means pertaining to or associated with the eye and vision. Non-limiting examples of ophthalmic articles or elements include corrective and non-corrective lenses, which include single-vision or multiple-vision lenses, which may be segmented or non-segmented multiple-vision lenses (such as, but not limited to, bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses and progressive lenses), as well as other elements used to correct, protect or improve (cosmetically or otherwise) vision, which include, without limitation, contact lenses, intraocular lenses, magnifying lenses and protective lenses or visors.

[0076] As used in this document, the terms lens and lenses mean and encompass at least individual lenses, lens pairs, partially formed (or semi-finished) lenses, fully formed (or finished) lenses, and blank lens pieces.

[0077] As used in this document, the term “ophthalmic substrate” means lenses, partially formed lenses and lens blanks.

[0078] As used in this document, the term coating means a supported film derived from a fluidizable composition, which may or may not have a uniform thickness, and specifically excludes polymeric sheets.

[0079] As used in this document, the term mark means one or more marks. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 77 / 114 17 / 44

[0080] As used in this document, the terms visible light or visible radiation mean electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm.

[0081] As used in this document, the terms ultraviolet, ultraviolet radiation, and ultraviolet light mean electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to less than 380 nm. The term UV stands for ultraviolet, such as ultraviolet radiation.

[0082] As used in this document, the terms infrared, infrared radiation and infrared light mean electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of more than 780 nm and up to 30000 nm.

[0083] The discussion of various examples or aspects may describe certain features as “particularly” or “preferably” within certain limitations (e.g., “preferably,” “more preferably,” or “even more preferably” within certain limitations). It should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to these particular or preferential limitations, but rather covers the entire scope of the various examples and aspects described in this document.

[0084] The revelation comprises, consists of, or essentially consists of the following examples or aspects, in any combination. Several examples or aspects of the revelation are illustrated in separate Figures. However, it should be understood that this is simply for ease of illustration and discussion. In the practice of the revelation, one or more examples or aspects shown in one Figure may be combined with one or more examples or aspects shown in one or more of the other Figures.

[0085] In some embodiments or aspects, the present disclosure relates generally to an optical article 10 and to a system and method for marking a coated optical article having at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article. Before Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 78-114 18 / 44 describe the system and method, an exemplary optical article 10 will now be described.

[0086] In various embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the optical article 10 may be selected from ophthalmic articles or elements, display articles or elements, windows, mirrors, active liquid crystal cell articles or elements, or passive liquid crystal cell articles or elements.

[0087] Examples of ophthalmic articles or elements include, but are not limited to, corrective and non-corrective lenses, which include single-vision or multi-vision lenses, which may be segmented or non-segmented multi-vision lenses (such as, but are not limited to, bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses and progressive lenses), as well as other elements used, but are not limited to, to correct, protect or improve (cosmetically or otherwise) vision, which include, without limitation, contact lenses, intraocular lenses, magnifying lenses and protective lenses or visors.

[0088] Examples of display items, elements and devices include, but are not limited to, screens, monitors and security elements, which include, without limitation, security marks and authentication marks.

[0089] Examples of windows include, but are not limited to, automotive and aircraft transparencies, filters, curtains and optical switching.

[0090] With reference to Figure 1, the optical article 10 generally includes a substrate 20 and one or more coating layers applied to one or more surfaces of the substrate 20. In some embodiments or aspects, the one or more coating layers may include a first coating layer 22 applied over at least a portion of at least one surface of the optical article 10. The optical article 10 may include, Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 79 / 114 19 / 44 additionally, one or more additional coating layers 24 applied over at least a portion of the first coating layer 22.

[0091] With continued reference to Figure 1, the substrate 20 has a front or top surface 12, a back or bottom surface 14, and a side surface 16 that extends between the top surface 12 and the bottom surface 14. When the optical article 10 is an ophthalmic lens, the bottom surface 14 is opposite the eye of an individual wearing the optical article 10, the side surface 16 typically resides within a support frame, and the top surface 12 faces the incident light (not shown), wherein at least a portion of that light passes through the optical article 10 and into the eye of the individual.

[0092] With some embodiments or aspects, at least one of the top surface 12, the bottom surface 14 and the side surface 16 may be convex, concave or flat. Together, the top surface 12, the bottom surface 14 and the side surface 16 define an exterior 26 of the substrate 20 which generally defines an overall external physical shape of the optical article 10. The first coating layer 22 and one or more additional coating layers 24 may be applied to any portion of the exterior 26 of the substrate 20.

[0093] The substrate 20 may include an inorganic material, an organic polymeric material, or combinations thereof. The substrate 20 may, in some respects, be an ophthalmic substrate. Non-limiting examples of organic materials suitable for use in forming ophthalmic substrates include, but are not limited to, polymers recognized in the art that are useful as ophthalmic substrates, such as organic optical resins that are used to prepare optically transparent molds for optical applications, such as ophthalmic lenses. Non-limiting examples of inorganic materials suitable for use in forming the substrate 20 of the optical article 10 of the present disclosure include glasses, such as silica-based glasses, Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 80 / 114 20 / 44 minerals, ceramics and metals. For example, in a non-limiting aspect, substrate 20 may include glass.

[0094] With continued reference to Figure 1, at least one feature, such as at least one first mark 18, may be provided on the substrate 20. In some embodiments or aspects, the first mark 18 may be provided on a surface of the substrate 20, such as the top surface 12. The first mark 18 may be formed on a concave surface, a convex surface, or a flat surface of the exterior 26 of the substrate 20. The first mark 18 may be formed as a topographic feature that may project from the exterior 26 of the substrate 20 or a topographic feature that is recessed into the exterior 26 of the substrate 20.

[0095] In some embodiments or aspects, the first mark 18 may be shaped to define an optical reference mark that a physician may use as a reference point in matching a power of the optical article 10 with a user's prescription. In other aspects, the first mark 18 may be an indication, such as a logo. The first mark 18 may be formed as an array of a plurality of individual marks 18 that together define the total mark. When a plurality of marks 18 are provided on the outer surface 26 of the substrate 20, the plurality of marks 18 may be provided in an equal plane or in offset planes. Various dimensions of the first mark 18, including depth, height, and width, may be selected according to methods recognized in the art.

[0096] In some embodiments or aspects, the first mark 18 may be provided on the substrate 20 in various ways. For example, one or more first marks 18 may be monolithically formed on the substrate 20, such as by molding. In other aspects, one or more marks 18 may be formed on the substrate 20 by engraving, etching, or according to other methods known to those Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 81 / 114 21 / 44 skilled in the field to engrave the first desired mark 18 on the substrate 20. For example, a laser can be used to engrave the exterior 26 of the substrate 20 with the mark. In various embodiments or aspects, the first mark 18 is formed on the substrate 20 before coating the substrate with one or more coatings.

[0097] With continued reference to Figure 1, the optical article 10 includes one or more coatings, such as a first coating layer 22 and one or more additional coating layers 24, applied over at least a portion of the exterior 26 of the substrate 20 and the first mark 18. Examples of the first coating layer 22 and / or one or more additional coating layers 24 include, but are not limited to: initiating coatings and films; protective coatings and films, including transition coatings and films and abrasion-resistant coatings and films; anti-reflective coatings and films; polarizing coatings and films; and combinations thereof.

[0098] The first coating layer 22 and / or one or more additional coating layers 24 may be optically transparent (without a color matrix) or may have a desired color matrix. The first coating layer 22 and / or one or more additional coating layers 24, with some additional aspects, may include a static dye, a photochromic material, or a combination of two or more thereof. In some embodiments or aspects, the first coating layer 22 and / or one or more additional coating layers 24 are free of static dyes and photochromic materials.

[0099] The first coating layer 22 and / or one or more additional coating layers 24 may be formed over the entire exterior 26 of the substrate 20, or on at least a portion of at least one surface of the substrate 20, such as the top surface 12. The first coating layer 22 may conform to the exterior 26 and the first mark 18, or Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 82 / 114 22 / 44 can form a flat surface over the exterior 26 and the first mark 18. In various embodiments or aspects, the first coating layer 22 and / or one or more additional coating layers 24 can be applied over at least a portion of the exterior 26 of the substrate 20 using a variety of coating methods, which include, without limitation, rotation, spraying, immersion, flow, curtain, PVD (physical vapor deposition), CVD (chemical vapor deposition), plasma-enhanced CVD, evaporation, spraying, electrodeposition and printing, such as inkjet printing.

[0100] The first coating layer 22 and other optional films and / or layers (such as, but not limited to, one or more additional coating layers 24) that are formed on or over the substrate 20 each have at least sufficient clarity to allow observation of an electromagnetic energy source through the coated optical article 10 and a reflection of incident electromagnetic energy on a surface of the coated optical article 10. In some aspects, the first coating layer 22 and one or more additional layers 24 each independently have a percentage of transmittance, such as percentage of visible light transmittance, greater than 0% and less than or equal to 100%, such as from 50% to 100%.In some embodiments or aspects, the first coating layer 22 and one or more additional coating layers 24 have at least sufficient reflection so as to allow a reflection of at least a portion of electromagnetic energy incident on the outer surface of the coated optical article 10.

[0101] In some embodiments or aspects, the first coating layer 22 and / or one or more additional coating layers 24 have a refractive index value similar to the refractive index value of the substrate 20, depending on the thickness of the first coating layer 22 and / or one or more additional coating layers 24. For example, the first coating layer 22 and / or one or more Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 83-114 23 / 44 additional coating layers 24 have a refractive index value that is within + / - 0.04 or less of the refractive index value of the substrate 20. In other embodiments or aspects, the first coating layer 22 and / or one or more additional coating layers 24 have a refractive index value that differs from the refractive index value of the substrate 20, depending on the thickness of the first coating layer 22 and / or one or more additional coating layers 24. For example, the first coating layer 22 and / or one or more additional coating layers 24 have a refractive index value that is at least + / - 0.04 higher or lower than the refractive index value of the substrate 20.Although not intended to be linked to any theory, it is believed that the similarity or difference in the refractive index values ​​of the first coating layer 22 and / or one or more additional coating layers 24 with the refractive index value of the substrate 20 makes the first mark 18 difficult to observe with the human eye when inspecting the coated optical article 10. In other words, although the first mark 18 may be visible on an uncoated substrate 20, applying the first coating layer 22 and / or one or more additional coating layers 24 to the substrate 20 and over the first mark 18 may make it more difficult or impossible to visually observe the first mark 18.

[0102] In some embodiments or aspects, a system 100 is provided to mark the coated optical article 10 that has the first mark 18 with a second mark based on a position of the first mark 18. The system 100 can be configured to identify a position of the first mark 18 and mark the coated optical article 10 with a second mark. In this way, the second mark can be visible when an electromagnetic energy source is viewed through the coated optical article 10 relative to the second mark or when the electromagnetic energy source is reflected from a surface of the coated optical article 10. In some embodiments or aspects, the system 100 can be further configured to compare the Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 84 / 114 24 / 44 position of the second mark in relation to the first mark 18 and determine if the position of the second mark is within a predetermined distance from the position of the first mark 18.

[0103] With reference to Figure 2, the system 100 has a mark identification device 110 configured to identify a position of the first mark 18 on the substrate 20 of the coated optical article 10. The system 100 additionally has a marking device 120 configured to mark the coated optical article 10 with a second mark 180. The system 100 additionally has a verification device 130 configured to compare the position of the second mark 180 relative to the first mark 18 and determine whether the position of the second mark 180 is within a predetermined distance from the position of the first mark 18. In various embodiments or aspects, the system 100 may have one or more mark identification devices 110, one or more marking devices 120, one or more mark verification devices 130 and / or one or more controllers 140.

[0104] In some ways or aspects, increasing the visibility of the first mark 18 by marking the optical article 10 with a second mark can be useful for a physician who must verify and match the lens power according to a user's prescription. For example, symbols representing lens power and other identifying information useful to the physician can be marked on the optical article 10 in the form of the second mark even when the first mark 18 cannot be readily identified. A highly visible second mark of the present disclosure can be useful for the quality control team responsible for inspecting optical articles, or it can be used as an indication in an automated verification system. When the optical article 10 bearing the second mark of the present disclosure is inspected in the presence of an electromagnetic energy source, the second mark is easily identifiable against the surrounding surface of the optical article 10. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 85-114 25 / 44

[0105] In some embodiments or aspects, the system 100 may include a controller 140 that is configured to control the operation of one or more components of the system 100, such as the mark identification device 110, the marking device 120, and the verification device 130. The controller 140 may be configured to transmit and / or receive data to and / or from one or more components of the system 100 by means of a communication network 160 that has a wired or wireless communication connection. In some embodiments or aspects, a wired communication connection may be one or more physical wires that connect one or more components of the system 100 to the controller 140. Examples of a wireless communication connection include, without limitation, a cellular network (e.g., a long-term evolution (LTE) network), a third-generation (3G) network, a fourth-generation (4G) network, a code-division multiple access (CDMA) network, etc.), a public terrestrial mobile network (PLMN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a telephone network (e.g., a public switched telephone network (PSTN)), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, a fiber optic-based network, a cloud computing network and / or similar, an NFC communication connection, an RFID communication connection, a Bluetooth® communication connection and / or similar, and / or a combination of some or all of these or other types of networks.

[0106] The number and arrangement of components of system 100 shown in Figure 1 are provided as an example. There may be additional systems and / or devices, fewer systems and / or devices, different systems and / or devices, or systems and / or devices arranged differently from those shown in Figure 1. One or more devices or components of system 100 shown in Figure 1 may perform one or more functions described as performed by another device or component. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 86 / 114 26 / 44

[0107] With continued reference to Figure 1, the controller 140 may include a bus 142, a processor 144, a memory 146, a storage component 148, an input component 150, an output component 152, and a communication interface 154.

[0108] Bus 142 may include a component that enables communication between system components 100. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the processor 144 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, the processor 144 may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or any processing component (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) that can be programmed to perform a function. Memory 146 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or other types of dynamic or static storage devices (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, etc.).) that stores information and / or instructions for use by the processor 144.

[0109] Storage component 148 may store information and / or software relating to the operation and use of one or more system components 100. For example, storage component 148 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a solid-state disk, etc.), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape and / or other type of computer-readable media, together with a corresponding drive.

[0110] Input component 150 may include a component that allows one or more system components 100 to receive information, Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 87 / 114 27 / 44 such as by means of user input (e.g., a touch screen, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, a microphone, a camera, etc.). The output component 152 may include a component that provides output information from one or more system components 100 (e.g., a display, a speaker, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.).

[0111] The communication interface 154 may include a transceiver-type component (e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver and transmitter, etc.) that enables one or more components of system 100 to communicate with other devices, such as by means of a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. The communication interface 154 may allow one or more components of system 100 to receive information from another device and / or provide information to another device. For example, the communication interface 154 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi® interface, a cellular network interface, and / or the like.

[0112] Controller 140 can perform one or more processes described in this document. Controller 140 can perform these processes based on processor 144 executing software instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as memory 146 and / or storage component 148. A computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transient computer-readable medium) is defined in this document as a non-transient memory device. A non-transient memory device includes memory space located within a single physical storage device or memory space spread across multiple physical storage devices. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 88 / 114 28 / 44

[0113] Software instructions can be read from memory 146 and / or storage component 148 from other computer-readable media or other device via communication interface 154. When executed, the software instructions stored in memory 146 and / or storage component 148 can cause the processor 144 to perform one or more processes described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the wired circuitry can be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Thus, embodiments or aspects described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software circuitry.

[0114] Memory 146 and / or storage component 148 may include data storage or one or more data structures (e.g., a database and / or the like). The controller 140 may have the capability to receive information from, store information in, communicate information to, or retrieve information stored in the data storage or one or more data structures in memory 146 and / or storage component 148. For example, the information may include data associated with a set of profiles, input data, output data, transaction data, account data, or any combination thereof.

[0115] With reference to Figure 3A, the brand identification device 110 is shown according to some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. In general, the brand identification device 110 includes at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 and at least one imaging device 112. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 may be configured to irradiate at least a portion of the substrate surface 20 that has at least Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 89 / 114 29 / 44 minus a first mark 18 with a first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a. At least one imaging device 112 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a reflected from the surface of the substrate 20 that has at least one first mark 18 and determine a position of at least one first mark 18 on the surface of the substrate 20.

[0116] With continued reference to Figure 3A, at least one source of electromagnetic radiation 111 may be a laser. The laser may be a continuous-wave laser or a pulsed-wave laser. In some embodiments or aspects, the laser may be a visible light laser having a wavelength in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm. In other embodiments or aspects, the laser may be an ultraviolet light laser having a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to less than 380 nm. In additional embodiments or aspects, the laser may be an infrared light laser having a wavelength in the range of more than 780 nm and up to 30000 nm. In additional embodiments or aspects, at least one source of electromagnetic radiation 111 may be a visible light source that is coherent and monochromatic (or nearly monochromatic).In various embodiments or aspects, the visible light source may be a high-intensity xenon arc lamp, a light-emitting diode (LED), a fluorescent lamp, or any other visible light source. The monochromatic characteristic of at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 may be a function of the type of electromagnetic source 111, such as, for example, if the electromagnetic radiation source 111 is an LED, or it may be generated using at least one of a filter and a monochromator.

[0117] At least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 is configured to project the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a, such as laser light, onto at least a portion of the exterior 26 of the substrate 20 that has the first mark 18 on it. In some embodiments or aspects, Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 90-114 30 / 44 at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 can be configured to project a first convergent, divergent or collimated beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a onto at least a portion of the exterior 26 of the substrate 20 that has the first mark 18 on it.

[0118] At least one beam manipulation device 113 may be provided to manipulate the characteristics of the first electromagnetic radiation beam 119a from at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111, such as the beam shape and / or a position where the beam is projected onto the substrate surface 20. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one beam manipulation device 113 may be configured to manipulate the size of the electromagnetic radiation beam emitted from at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111. For example, the at least one beam manipulation device 113 may be configured to control the size of the electromagnetic radiation beam between 0.2 mm and 80 mm. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one beam manipulation device 113 may be configured to converge, diverge, or collimate the beam emitted from at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111.For example, at least one beam manipulation device 113 may have at least one beam expander, at least one converging lens, at least one diverging lens, at least one collimating lens, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments or aspects, at least one beam manipulation device 113 may be a planar concave beam expander that is configured to control the position at which the beam from at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 is projected onto the surface of the substrate 20. For example, at least one beam manipulation device 113 may be a galvanometer, a servo, a gimbal, and / or any combination thereof. In some embodiments or aspects, at least one beam manipulation device 113 may be a spatial filter configured to improve the coherence of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111. In several embodiments or... Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 91 / 114 31 / 44 aspects, at least one beam manipulation device 113 may include a plurality of individual beam manipulation devices 113.

[0119] In additional embodiments or aspects, a position of at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 relative to the substrate 20 can be controlled by means of at least one source manipulation device 114. For example, at least one beam manipulation device 113 can be configured to move at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 in any direction in a Cartesian coordinate system relative to the substrate 20 and / or to change an angular orientation of at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 relative to the substrate 20.

[0120] With continued reference to Figure 3A, the at least one imaging device 112 is configured to receive a portion of the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a reflected from the surface of the substrate 20 that has at least one first mark 18 and to determine a position of the at least one first mark 18 on the surface of the substrate 20. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one imaging device 112 may be a camera, such as an optical camera. The camera may be configured to capture image data of the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a that is reflected from the surface of the substrate 20 that has the first mark 18 on it and is projected onto a viewing surface 115. For example, the camera may be configured to capture image data comprising the reflected image of the first mark 18.The camera can be chosen so that it is configured to capture image data based on the characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from at least one source of electromagnetic radiation 111. For example, the camera can be a visible light camera, an infrared camera, or a UV camera. Various lenses can be used to improve the optical properties of the camera. The viewing surface 115 is configured to receive. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 92 / 114 32 / 44 the portion of the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a that is reflected from the substrate surface 20 so that the first beam 119a can be captured by the camera. In some embodiments or aspects, the viewing surface 115 may be a flat screen that is positioned between at least one imaging device 112 and the optical article 10. The viewing surface 115 may be transparent or translucent. One or more masks 116, wherein each mask 116 has at least one aperture 117, may be used to block at least a portion of the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a that is reflected from the viewing surface 115. Each mask 117 may be positioned between the camera and the coated optical article 10.

[0121] With continued reference to Figure 3A, at least one imaging device 112 can be programmed or configured to capture image data from a portion of the first reflected electromagnetic radiation beam 119a. For example, the first electromagnetic radiation beam 119a from at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 can be focused on a portion of the upper surface of the optical article 10, such as by means of at least one beam manipulation device 113 and / or at least one source manipulation device 114. The controller 140 (shown in Figure 2) can be configured or programmed to analyze the image data recorded by at least one imaging device 112 and determine whether the image data comprises information indicating the presence of the reflected image of the first mark 18. If the reflected image of the first mark 18 is found, the position of the reflected mark 18 is stored.For example, controller 140 can be configured or programmed to store the position of the reflected mark 18 in memory 146 and / or in storage component 148 as coordinate data. In some examples or aspects, coordinate data may be a set of geometric X-axis and geometric Y-axis coordinates that correspond to a top view plane of the optical article 10. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 93-114 33 / 44

[0122] If the reflected image of the first mark 18 is not found in the image data of the portion of the optical article 10 captured by at least one imaging device 112, the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a from at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 may be focused on a different portion of the upper surface of the optical article 10 that was not previously imaged, such as by means of at least one beam manipulation device 113 and / or at least one source manipulation device 114. The controller 140 may then analyze the image data associated with the different portion of the upper surface 12 of the optical article 10 and determine whether the image data comprise information indicating the presence of the reflected image of the first mark 18.The process of capturing image data from a portion of the optical article 10 and analyzing the possibility of the image data including the reflected image of the first mark 18 can be repeated until the reflected image is found, or it is considered that the optical article 10 does not have the first mark 18.

[0123] In some embodiments or aspects, instead of capturing and analyzing image data from discrete portions of the optical article in an iterative manner, at least one imaging device 112 can be configured to continuously capture image data from the first reflected electromagnetic radiation beam 119a, as the first electromagnetic radiation beam 119a is manipulated for scanning or scanning across the entire upper surface of the optical article 10. For example, the controller 140 can be configured or programmed to control at least one beam manipulation device 113 and / or at least one source manipulation device 114 in such a way that the electromagnetic radiation from at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 irradiates the entire surface of the optical article 10 by continuously scanning or scanning across different portions of the optical article 10.In some forms or aspects, at least one device of. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 94-114 34 / 44 beam manipulation 113 and / or at least one source manipulation device 114 can be controlled in such a way that the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a from at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 is projected in a line that is swept across the surface of the optical article 10.

[0124] In additional embodiments or aspects, the mask 116 may be placed between at least one source of electromagnetic radiation 111 and the viewing surface 115, such that the mask 116 blocks the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a except for the portion of the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a that passes through the opening 117 of the mask 116.

[0125] With reference to Figure 3B, after determining that the image data of the optical article 10 has a reflected image of the first mark 18, the system 100 can be configured to verify the position of the reflected image of the mark 18 by directing a second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b at a location on the upper surface of the optical article 10 based on the coordinate data determined during the initial analysis of the image data. The second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b can be a focused beam that has the same overall size as the first mark 18. For example, the focused beam can have a diameter of up to 2.0 mm.For example, the controller 140 can be configured or programmed to control at least one beam manipulation device 113 and / or at least one source manipulation device 114 in such a way that the second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b from at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 is directed to the upper surface 12 of the optical article 10 at the location that has geometric axis coordinates X and geometric axis Y in the upper view plane of the optical article 10 that correspond to the location of the reflected image of the first mark 18. New image data can be captured by at least one imaging device 112. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 95-114 35 / 44

[0126] With reference to Figure 4, image data captured by at least one imaging device 112 can be used to verify the alignment of the second electromagnetic radiation beam 119b with respect to the reflected image of the first mark 18. For example, if the location of the second electromagnetic radiation beam 119b does not align with the location of the reflected image of the first mark 18, the controller 140 can be configured or programmed to control at least one beam manipulation device 113 and / or at least one source manipulation device 114 in a manner that guides the second electromagnetic radiation beam 119b in a direction of arrow A (which corresponds to, for example, the geometric axis direction Y in the top view plane of the optical article) and / or in a direction of arrow B (which corresponds to, for example, the geometric axis direction X in the top view plane of the optical article).Since the position of the second electromagnetic radiation beam 119b is aligned with the position of the reflected image of the first mark 18, the coordinate data of this location can be used to guide at least one marking device 120 to mark the second mark 180 on the optical article 10, as described in this document.

[0127] With reference to Figure 5, the at least one marking device 120 is shown according to some embodiments or aspects. As discussed in this document, the at least one marking device 120 is configured to mark at least one portion of the coated article 10 with at least one second mark 180. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one marking device 120 may be configured to mark at least one coating layer, such as the first coating layer 22 and / or at least one additional coating layer 24 at a location on the optical article 10 that corresponds to the location of the first mark 18. In additional embodiments or aspects, the at least one dialing device 120 may be configured Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 96-114 36 / 44 to mark at least one coating layer and the substrate 20, such as at least one surface of the substrate 20.

[0128] With continued reference to Figure 5, at least one marking device 120 has a recording device 122 configured to project a beam of electromagnetic radiation 123 onto the surface of the optical article 10, such as at least one coating layer of the optical article 10. The recording device 122 may be a laser. The laser may be a continuous-wave laser or a pulsed-wave laser. In some embodiments or aspects, the laser may be a visible light laser having a wavelength in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm. In other embodiments or aspects, the laser may be an ultraviolet light laser having a wavelength in the range of 100 nm to less than 380 nm. In further embodiments or aspects, the laser may be an infrared light laser having a wavelength in the range of more than 780 nm and up to 30000 nm.

[0129] The electromagnetic radiation beam 123 of the recording device 122 can be configured to record the surface of at least one coating layer of the optical article 10, such as the first coating layer 22 and / or at least one additional coating layer 24, with the second mark 180 at a location on the optical article 10 that corresponds to the location of the first mark 18. The second mark 180 can be recorded at a depth of 2.75 pm to 5 pm.

[0130] In some embodiments or aspects, the recording device 122 can be configured for recording under the surface of the second mark 180 below an outer surface of at least one coating layer on the optical substrate 20. In further embodiments or aspects, the recording device 122 can be configured for recording under the surface of the second mark 180 below the surface of the optical substrate 20. The electromagnetic radiation beam 123 from the recording device 122 can be focused, such as with the use of one or more focusing elements, on a Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 97 / 114 37 / 44 desired depth below the outer surface of at least one coating or below the outer surface of the substrate 20. The depth under the surface of the second 180 mark can be further controlled by altering the distance between the recording device 122 and the optical article 10, such as by moving one or both of the recording device 122 and the optical article 10. The recording device 122 can be angled relative to the coated optical article 10 to account for any surface curvature of the substrate 20 so that the electromagnetic radiation beam from the recording device 122 is symmetrically diffracted. In some embodiments or aspects, the second 180 mark can be made by layering a plurality of layers under the surface at different depths below the surface of at least one coating layer or the surface of the optical substrate 20. In this way, the second 180 mark can have a three-dimensional shape.

[0131] At least one marking device 120 additionally has a mirror 126 configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation beam 123 from the recording device 122 towards the surface of the optical article 10. In some embodiments or aspects, the mirror 126 may be a one-way mirror. At least one recording beam manipulation device 124 may be provided to control a position in which the electromagnetic radiation beam 123 from the recording device 122 is projected onto the optical article 10. For example, the at least one recording beam manipulation device 124 may be a galvanometer, a servo, a gimbal and / or any combination thereof that controls an orientation of the at least one mirror 126.The controller 140 (shown in Figure 2) can be configured or programmed to control at least one recording beam manipulation device 124 in such a way that the electromagnetic radiation beam 123 from the recording device 122 is directed to the upper surface of the optical article 10 as a focused beam 123 at the location that has the geometric axis coordinates X and geometric axis Y in the upper view plane. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 98-114 38 / 44 of optical article 10 which correspond to the location of the reflected image of the first mark 18.

[0132] With continued reference to Figure 5, at least one marking device 120 may have a camera 128 positioned between the mirror 126 and the optical article 10. The camera 128 may be configured to capture image data from the optical article 10 through the mirror 126, such as a one-way mirror. In some embodiments or aspects, the camera 128 may be aligned so that it is positioned directly over the upper surface of the optical article 10 at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the upper surface of the optical article 10. The camera may be a visible light camera, an infrared camera, or a UV camera. Multiple lenses and filters may be used to improve the optical properties of the camera.The controller 140 (shown in Figure 2) can be configured or programmed to analyze the image data recorded by the camera 128 and determine if the image data includes information indicating the presence of the focused beam 123 on the upper surface of the optical article 10.

[0133] The controller 140 (shown in Figure 2) can be further configured to orient at least one recording beam manipulation device 124 to position the mirror 126 so that the focused beam of electromagnetic radiation 123 from the recording device 122 is directed to the same position as the second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b from at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111 that indicates a position of the first mark 18 on the substrate 20 of the optical article 10. In this way, the camera 128 can be used to orient the position of the mirror 126 so that the focused beam of electromagnetic radiation 123 from the recording device 122 can be aligned with the second beam 119b from at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111. Such alignment of the focused beam 123 and the second beam 119b ensures that the position of the second mark Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 99 / 114 39 / 44 180 corresponds to the position of the first mark 18. At least one marking device 120 can be calibrated with at least one marking identification device 110 to account for any differences in angles at which the focused beam 123 and the second beam 119b are projected onto the optical article 10.

[0134] With continued reference to Figure 5, after at least one marking device 120 is aligned to project the focused beam of electromagnetic radiation 123 onto the desired location on the optical article 10 that corresponds to the position of the first mark 18, the recording device 122 can be operated to record at least one coating layer of the coated optical article 10 with the second mark 180.

[0135] In some embodiments or aspects, the second mark 180 may be an array of elements 184 in at least one coating layer of the coated optical article 10, such as the first coating layer 22 and / or the additional coating layer 24 (see Figure 6). In some embodiments or aspects, each element 184 may be a point, a line, or any other geometric element. For example, the element 184 may have a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or any other geometric shape. The elements 184 in the array of elements 184 may be the same or different from each other. The elements 184 in the array of elements 184 may be connected to each other or separated from each other. For example, the elements 184 may have a spacing of between 15 and 30 pm between them.The 184-element array can define a pattern, such as a hatched pattern, a honeycomb pattern, a circular pattern, or any other pattern. At least one 120 marking device can be configured to adjust at least one of the following: a size of each 184-element in the 184-element array, a depth of each 184-element in the 184-element array, and a density of the 184-element array. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 100 / 114 40 / 44

[0136] In some forms or aspects, the size and shape of the second mark 180 may be selected to match the size and shape of the first mark 18.

[0137] In some embodiments or aspects, the second 180 mark may be shaped to define the same optical reference mark as the first mark 18 that a physician may use as a reference point in matching a power of the optical article 10 with a user's prescription. In other aspects, the second 180 mark may be an indication, such as a logo. Various dimensions of the second 180 mark, including depth, height, and width, may be selected based on the desired characteristics of the second 180 mark.

[0138] With reference to Figure 7, the verification device 130 can be configured to compare the position of at least one second mark 180 relative to the position of at least one first mark 18 and determine whether the position of at least one second mark 180 is within a predetermined distance from the position of at least one first mark 18. In some embodiments or aspects, the verification device 130 may include a verification camera 132 and a backlight source 136. The coated optical article 10 that is marked with the second mark 180 is positioned between the verification camera 132 and the backlight source 136. The second mark 180 may be visible when the electromagnetic energy of the backlight source 136 is seen through the coated optical article 10.Observation of the second 180 mark can be improved, in some respects, by the simultaneous use of magnification of the second 180 mark, such as one or more magnifying lenses (not shown) interposed between the second 180 mark and the observer.

[0139] In some embodiments or aspects, the verification camera 132 may be the same camera as the camera 128 used with at least one marking device 120. The backlight source 136 may be provided on a platform 134 that supports the optical article 10, so that the Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 101 / 114 41 / 44 optical article 10 can be illuminated from the back using backlight source 136. In some embodiments or aspects, the backlight source 136 may be a lamp configured to emit light in the visible spectrum. The visible light backlight source 136 may, in some aspects, have one or more wavelengths from 380 nanometers to 710 nanometers inclusive. In other embodiments or aspects, the backlight source 136 may be an infrared light source or an ultraviolet light source. The verification camera 132 may be chosen so that it is configured to capture image data based on the characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the backlight source 136. For example, the verification camera 132 may be a visible light camera, an infrared camera, or a UV camera. Various lenses and filters may be used to improve the optical properties of the verification camera 132.

[0140] With continued reference to Figure 7, the verification camera 132 can be programmed or configured to capture image data of the top surface of the optical article marked 10 that includes the second mark 180. The controller 140 (shown in Figure 2) can be configured or programmed to analyze the image data recorded by the verification camera 132 and determine if the image data comprises information indicating the presence of the second mark 180. If the second mark 180 is found, the position of the second mark 180 is compared with the stored position of the first mark 18. For example, the controller 140 can be configured or programmed to store the position of the second mark 180 in memory 146 and / or storage component 148 as coordinate data. In some examples or aspects, coordinate data may be a set of geometric X-axis and geometric Y-axis coordinates that correspond to a top view plane of the optical article 10.

[0141] The 140 controller can be additionally configured or programmed to compare the position of the second mark 180 with the position Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 102 / 114 42 / 44 stored from the first mark 18. If the position of the second mark 180 is within a predetermined distance from the position of the first mark 18, the optical article marked 10 is considered acceptable. If the position of the second mark 180 is outside a predetermined distance from the position of the first mark 18, the optical article marked 10 is considered unacceptable. In some embodiments or aspects, the unacceptable optical article 10 may be marked with a new second mark 180 and the position of the new second mark 180 may be compared with the position of the first mark 18 to determine if the new second mark 180 is acceptable.

[0142] Having described the structure of the coated optical article 10 and the system 100 for marking the coated optical article 10 with the second mark 180 based on a position of the first mark 18 on the substrate 20 of the optical article 10, a method 200 for marking the coated optical article 10 will now be described with reference to Figure 8. In some embodiments or aspects, the method 200 includes, in step 201, determining a position of the first mark 18 on the substrate 20 of the optical article 10 using at least one mark identification device 110. For example, as shown in Figure 3A, the first mark 18 can be irradiated with a first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a from at least one electromagnetic radiation source 111, and a reflected image of the first mark 18 can be captured by at least one imaging device 112.Controller 140 can analyze the image data from the upper surface of the optical article 10 and determine if the image data includes information indicating the presence of the reflected image of the first mark 18. As shown in Figure 3, the position of the reflected image of mark 18 can be verified by directing a second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b at a location on the upper surface of the optical article 10 based on the coordinate data determined during the initial analysis of the image data. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 103 / 114 43 / 44

[0143] With continued reference to Figure 8, in step 202, the coated optical article 10 is marked with the second mark 180 using at least one marking device 120. As shown in Figure 5, the at least one marking device 120 can be configured to mark at least one coating layer, such as the first coating layer 22 and / or at least one additional coating layer 24 at a location on the optical article 10 that corresponds to the location of the first mark 18. The recording device 122 of the at least one marking device 120 is configured to project a beam of electromagnetic radiation 123 onto the surface of the optical article 10, such as at least one coating layer of the optical article 10, at a position that corresponds to the position of the first mark 18 so as to mark or record at least one coating layer of the coated optical article 10 with the second mark 180.The second mark 180 can be configured to define the same optical reference mark as the first mark 18 that a doctor can use as a reference point in matching a power of the optical article 10 with a user's prescription.

[0144] With continued reference to Figure 8, in step 203, a position of the second mark 180 is determined using the verification device 130, and the position of at least one second mark 180 is verified as being within a predetermined distance of the position of at least one first mark 18. As shown in Figure 7, the marked optical article 10 is positioned between the verification camera 132 and the backlight source 136, so that the second mark 180 can be viewed by the camera 132. The position of the second mark 180 is then compared with the stored position of the first mark 18 to determine if the second mark 180 is within a predetermined distance of the first mark 18, thus considering the marked optical article 10 acceptable. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 104 / 114 44 / 44

[0145] The present disclosure has been described with reference to specific details of particular aspects thereof. These details are not intended to be considered as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, except to the extent that they are included in the appended claims. Petition 870220120649, dated 12 / 21 / 2022, pp. 105 / 114

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. System (100) for marking a coated optical article (10) having at least one first mark (18) on a surface of a substrate (20) of the coated optical article (10), wherein the system (100) is characterized in that it comprises: at least one mark identification device (110) comprising: at least one electromagnetic radiation source (111) configured to irradiate at least a portion of the surface of the substrate (20) having at least one first mark (18) with electromagnetic radiation (119a, 119b); and at least one imaging device (112) configured to receive a portion of the electromagnetic radiation (119a, 119b) reflected from the surface of the substrate (20) having at least one first mark (18) and to determine a position of at least one first mark (18) on the surface of the substrate (20);and at least one marking device (120) configured to mark the coated optical article (10) with at least a second mark (180) based on the position of at least one first mark (18).; 2. System (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one source of electromagnetic radiation (111) is a laser having a wavelength in a range of 190 nm to 10000 nm.

3. System (100), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one imaging device (112) comprises a viewing surface (115) configured to receive the portion of electromagnetic radiation (119a, 119b) reflected from the substrate surface (20) and a camera configured for imaging the viewing surface (115). Petition 870240066027, dated 05 / 08 / 2024, page 17 / 19 2 / 3 4. System (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one brand identification device (110) further comprises at least one beam manipulation device (113) configured to control at least one characteristic of electromagnetic radiation (119a, 119b).

5. System (100), according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one beam manipulation device (113) comprises at least one of a beam expander, a collimating lens, a converging lens, a diverging lens, a spatial filter, a galvanometer, a servo or a gimbal.

6. System (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one brand identification device (110) further comprises at least one source handling device (114) configured to control a position of at least one electromagnetic radiation source (111) relative to the coated optical article (10).

7. System (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one marking device (120) is configured to mark at least one coating layer (22, 24) of the coated optical article (10) with at least one second mark (180).

8. System (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one second mark (180) is an array of elements (184) in at least one coating layer (22, 24) of the coated optical article (10).

9. System (100), according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one marking device (120) is configured to adjust at least one of a size of each element in the element array (184), a depth of each element in the element array (184) or a density of the element array (184). Petition 870240066027, dated 05 / 08 / 2024, pp. 18 / 19 3 / 3 10. System (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one marking device (120) comprises a recording device (122) and at least one mirror (126) configured to reflect a beam from the recording device (122) onto the coated optical article (10).

11. System (100), according to claim 10, characterized in that the recording device (122) is a laser having a wavelength in a range of 190 nm to 30000 nm.

12. System (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one imaging device (112) comprises a camera and a mask (116) having at least one aperture (117), the mask (116) being positioned between the camera and the coated optical article (10).

13. System (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises a verification device (130) configured to compare the position of at least one second mark (180) with respect to the position of at least one first mark (18) and to determine whether the position of at least one second mark (180) is within a predetermined distance from the position of at least one first mark (18).

14. System (100), according to claim 13, characterized in that the verification device (130) comprises a verification camera (132) and a backlight source (136), and wherein the coated optical article (10) is configured to be positioned between the verification camera (132) and the backlight source (136).

15. System (100), according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the verification device (130) is further configured to orient at least one marking device (120) so that the position of at least one second mark (180) overlaps, at least partially, the position of at least one first mark (18). Petition 870240066027, dated 05 / 08 / 2024, p. 19 / 19

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