Non-volatile memory storing state management program and state management method

Abstract

The control section of the spectacle lens processing apparatus executes the confirmation action execution step (S14, S17, S19, S21 to S23) and the result output step (S24) based on the state management program. In the confirmation action execution step, the control section executes a confirmation action for confirming the state of the spectacle lens processing apparatus. In the result output step, the control section outputs information indicating the result of the executed confirmation action.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a non-volatile memory and a state management method that stores a state management program for managing the state of an eyeglass lens processing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Spectrum lens processing apparatuses are widely used in optical shops and other similar establishments. For example, the spectrum lens processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 holds spectrum lenses by assembling a lens holding shaft onto a cup-shaped object mounted on the lens. The apparatus can process the periphery of the held spectrum lens using a peripheral processing tool. Furthermore, the spectrum lens processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 can also form holes in the held spectrum lens using an opening processing tool.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-4930 Summary of the Invention

[0006] When a malfunction occurs in an eyeglass lens processing apparatus, it is desirable to perform appropriate measures corresponding to the nature of the malfunction (e.g., repair, component replacement, setting changes, etc.). However, even when the nature of the malfunction is the same, the underlying causes can vary. A skilled operator proficient in managing eyeglass lens processing apparatuses can reduce the actual time and effort required for intervention, for example, by listening to prior information about the apparatus's status or confirming its operation beforehand. However, currently, if skilled operators are not involved, the frequency of failing to properly address the eyeglass lens processing apparatus increases.

[0007] A typical objective of this disclosure is to provide a non-volatile memory and a state management method that stores a state management program capable of appropriately managing the state of an eyeglass lens processing apparatus.

[0008] The state management program for the spectacle lens processing apparatus provided in the typical embodiments of this disclosure is a state management program recorded in a non-volatile memory and executed by a control device that controls the spectacle lens processing apparatus for managing the state of the spectacle lens processing apparatus. The state management program is executed by the control unit of the control device, causing the control device to perform: a confirmation action execution step, causing the spectacle lens processing apparatus to perform a confirmation action to confirm the state of the spectacle lens processing apparatus; and a result output step, outputting information indicating the result of the executed confirmation action.

[0009] The first aspect of the state management method for an eyeglass lens processing apparatus provided in the typical embodiments of this disclosure is a state management method executed by a control device that controls the eyeglass lens processing apparatus for managing the state of the eyeglass lens processing apparatus, comprising: a confirmation action execution step, causing the eyeglass lens processing apparatus to perform a confirmation action for confirming the state of the eyeglass lens processing apparatus; and a result output step, outputting information indicating the result of the executed confirmation action.

[0010] A second aspect of the state management method for an eyeglass lens processing apparatus provided in the typical embodiments of this disclosure is a state management method for an eyeglass lens processing apparatus executed in an eyeglass lens processing system having an eyeglass lens processing apparatus for processing eyeglass lenses and an information processing device capable of acquiring information related to the eyeglass lens processing apparatus. The method includes: a confirmation action execution step, in which the eyeglass lens processing apparatus performs a confirmation action to confirm its state; a result output step, in which the eyeglass lens processing apparatus outputs result information indicating the result of the executed confirmation action; and an analysis step, in which the information processing device acquires the result information output in the result output step and analyzes the acquired result information using a pre-built analysis tool.

[0011] According to the non-volatile memory storing a state management program and the state management method disclosed herein, the state of the spectacle lens processing apparatus is properly managed.

[0012] The status management procedure illustrated in this disclosure is executed by a control device that controls the spectacle lens processing apparatus for managing the status of the apparatus. The control unit of the control device performs a confirmation action execution step and a result output step. In the confirmation action execution step, the control unit causes the spectacle lens processing apparatus to perform a confirmation action to confirm the status of the apparatus. In the result output step, the control unit outputs information indicating the result of the executed confirmation action.

[0013] According to the status management procedure illustrated in this disclosure, unlike cases where only errors are output, a confirmation action for verifying the status of the spectacle lens processing apparatus is performed by the spectacle lens processing apparatus, and information indicating the result of the confirmation action is output. Therefore, the status of the spectacle lens processing apparatus (e.g., the cause of malfunction, etc.) can be easily inferred based on the result of the confirmation action. Consequently, appropriate processing of the spectacle lens processing apparatus can be easily performed.

[0014] It should be noted that the verification action in this disclosure is an action performed to verify the state of the spectacle lens processing apparatus with the highest possible accuracy. For example, the verification action is sometimes performed by the spectacle lens processing apparatus to more thoroughly determine the cause of any malfunction that may occur within the apparatus. The verification action may be an action performed independently of the actual actions required to fit the spectacle lens into the frame (e.g., at least one of processing actions, measurement actions, communication actions, etc.) (that is, a dedicated action for state verification). In this case, the cause of the malfunction is more appropriately presumed. However, at least a portion of the verification action may include actions actually performed to fit the spectacle lens into the frame (e.g., processing actions performed on the spectacle lens, etc.).

[0015] It should be noted that the control device for controlling the operation of the spectacle lens processing apparatus can be the spectacle lens processing apparatus itself, or it can be other devices connected to the spectacle lens processing apparatus (such as a PC). In other words, the device executing the spectacle lens processing control program in this disclosure is not limited to the spectacle lens processing apparatus. Alternatively, the control units of multiple devices can cooperate to execute the spectacle lens processing control program.

[0016] The control unit may also perform a malfunction information acquisition step. In this step, malfunction information indicating unwanted operation within the spectacle lens processing apparatus is acquired. In the operation confirmation execution step, a confirmation action can be performed to confirm the cause of the malfunction indicated by the acquired malfunction information. In this case, the cause of the malfunction in the spectacle lens processing apparatus (e.g., malfunctions actually occurring in the spectacle lens processing apparatus and malfunctions that may occur in the spectacle lens processing apparatus) is appropriately confirmed based on the result of the confirmation action.

[0017] In the confirmation action execution step, the spectacle lens processing device can perform one or more confirmation actions that correspond to the acquired defect information (that is, correspond to the content (type) of the defect represented by the defect information). In this case, unlike the case where only an error is output, the confirmation action corresponding to the content of the defect is performed by the spectacle lens processing device, and information indicating the result of the confirmation action is output. Therefore, it is easy to infer the cause of the defect based on the result of the confirmation action. As a result, it is easy to perform appropriate processing on the spectacle lens processing device. In addition, since the confirmation action corresponding to the content of the defect is performed among multiple confirmation actions (for example, the confirmation action for the part that is highly related to the actual defect), the cause of the defect is inferred more efficiently than when all confirmation actions are always performed.

[0018] It should be noted that the method for establishing a correspondence between malfunction information (e.g., the content of the malfunction represented by the malfunction information) and the confirmation action to be performed by the spectacle lens processing device can be appropriately selected. For example, the content of the confirmation action to be performed by the spectacle lens processing device can be pre-stored in a storage device such as a database, with corresponding data (e.g., table data) for each of the multiple malfunction information. The control unit can then select the confirmation action corresponding to the acquired malfunction information as the confirmation action to be performed by the spectacle lens processing device by referring to the data stored in the storage device. Alternatively, a program can be pre-built to process the selection of a predetermined confirmation action for each malfunction information.

[0019] When the spectacle lens processing apparatus detects a malfunction occurring within the apparatus, the control unit can acquire malfunction information indicating the content of the detected malfunction during the malfunction information acquisition step. In this case, the content of the confirmation action to be performed by the spectacle lens processing apparatus is automatically selected based on the content of the malfunction detected by the spectacle lens processing apparatus. Therefore, the cause of the detected malfunction is more appropriately estimated.

[0020] In the step of obtaining malfunction information, the control unit can obtain malfunction information input by the user. In this case, for example, even if the malfunction is not detected by the spectacle lens processing device, the user can check the completion status of the actually processed spectacle lens, and the spectacle lens processing device can be appropriately instructed to perform a confirmation action to confirm the cause of the malfunction.

[0021] As described above, the malfunction information may include at least one of the information indicating the malfunction detected by the eyeglass lens processing device itself and the malfunction information input by the user.

[0022] When the malfunction information indicates a malfunction related to the processing of the edge shape of the spectacle lens (e.g., a malfunction causing deviations in at least one of the shape, position, and size of the formed edge), the verification operation may include verification of the X-axis movement motor and the lens pressure measuring unit. The X-axis movement motor moves the spectacle lens in the direction along the lens holding axis (sometimes called the "lens clamping axis") that clamps and holds the spectacle lens. The lens thickness measuring unit measures the thickness of the spectacle lens. Causes of malfunctions related to edge shape processing may include situations where there is a malfunction in the direction of movement along the lens holding axis (i.e., the thickness direction of the lens), a malfunction in the lens thickness measurement, or a malfunction in both. Therefore, when verifying the cause of malfunctions related to edge shape processing, performing verification of the X-axis movement motor and the lens thickness measuring unit makes it easier to appropriately estimate the cause of the malfunction. It should be noted that the edge shape of the processed spectacle lens includes at least one of the following: a sharp edge, a groove, a shoulder, and a chamfer at the edge of the lens.

[0023] However, the specific method for performing the verification actions on the spectacle lens processing apparatus can be appropriately selected. For example, all of the multiple verification actions can be performed during the verification action execution steps. In this case, the state of many parts of the spectacle lens processing apparatus can be appropriately estimated based on the results of the verification actions. It should be noted that the control unit can, for example, perform all of the multiple verification actions during regular maintenance of the spectacle lens processing apparatus. Additionally, the control unit can also perform all of the multiple verification actions when certain operational malfunctions occur in the spectacle lens processing apparatus.

[0024] The confirmation action performed in the confirmation action execution step may include a movement amount confirmation action that instructs at least one of the motors in the spectacle lens processing apparatus to move the object by a predetermined amount. When the movement amount confirmation action is performed, information showing the relationship between the movement amount instructed to the motor and the actual movement amount of the object can be output in the result output step. In this case, it is easy to appropriately determine whether the cause of the malfunction is related to the movement amount of the object based on the motor, based on the action confirmation result. Therefore, it is easy to appropriately process the spectacle lens processing apparatus.

[0025] The confirmation action performed in the confirmation action execution step may include an origin movement confirmation action, in which the object is moved back to the origin position by at least one motor of the spectacle lens processing apparatus. When the origin movement confirmation action is performed, information indicating the detection result of the origin position can be output in the result output step. In this case, it is easy to appropriately determine whether the cause of the malfunction is related to the detection of the motor's origin position based on the action confirmation result. Therefore, it is easy to properly process the spectacle lens processing apparatus. In particular, in spectacle lens processing apparatuses where light sensors or the like are used as origin sensors, there are many cases where the light from the light sensor is blocked by processing debris, resulting in malfunctions in origin detection. In contrast, by having the spectacle lens processing apparatus perform an origin movement confirmation action, it is easy to appropriately eliminate malfunctions in origin detection caused by processing debris, etc.

[0026] It should be noted that the specific method for performing the origin movement confirmation action can be appropriately selected. For example, the control unit can obtain the origin position detection result each time the object is repeatedly moved towards the origin position multiple times. In this case, each time the movement towards the origin position is performed multiple times, the cause of the malfunction can be more accurately inferred based on whether the origin detection is performed correctly.

[0027] In the result output step, the control unit can output the result information by displaying an identifier indicating the result information of the confirmation action on the display unit. In this case, the operator (e.g., a user of the spectacle lens processing equipment) can appropriately process the result information by having the identifier reader on the terminal device or similar device read the identifier displayed on the display unit. For example, the operator can also send the result information to other devices (e.g., an information processing device managed by the manufacturer of the spectacle lens processing equipment) by operating the terminal device or similar device. Therefore, even if the spectacle lens processing equipment and the control unit are not connected to a network, the result information can be appropriately sent via the network. In addition, it is also possible to use a device different from the control device (e.g., a terminal device) to perform the analysis of the result information.

[0028] However, the method of outputting the result information of the confirmation action can also be changed. For example, the control device (which could also be an eyeglass lens processing device) can output the result information by sending it to other devices via an interface, NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or wired communication. Alternatively, the control device can also output the result information by displaying it on a display unit.

[0029] Furthermore, the format of the output result information can be appropriately selected. For example, parameters representing the result of the confirmation action, graphs, image data (e.g., still images or moving images capturing at least a portion of the motor's movement), and sound data (e.g., motor sounds) can also be output as result information.

[0030] The technologies illustrated in this disclosure can also be implemented in ways other than information management procedures (e.g., state management methods, state management devices, spectacle lens processing apparatus, spectacle lens processing system, or state management system).

[0031] The spectacle lens processing system illustrated in this disclosure includes a spectacle lens processing apparatus for processing spectacle lenses and an information processing device capable of acquiring information related to the spectacle lens processing apparatus. The spectacle lens processing system executes a confirmation action execution step, a result output step, and an analysis step. In the confirmation action execution step, the spectacle lens processing apparatus performs a confirmation action to confirm the status. In the result output step, the spectacle lens processing apparatus outputs result information indicating the result of the executed confirmation action. In the analysis step, the information processing device acquires the result information output in the result output step and analyzes the acquired result information using a pre-built analysis tool.

[0032] In this case, after the confirmation action for verifying the status of the spectacle lens processing apparatus is performed by the spectacle lens processing apparatus, the result information indicating the result of the confirmation action is analyzed by an information processing device that is a separate device from the spectacle lens processing apparatus. Therefore, even if the spectacle lens processing apparatus (or the control device connected to the spectacle lens processing apparatus) is not equipped with an analysis tool, the result information of the confirmation action is appropriately analyzed by the analysis tool.

[0033] However, the analysis method using the analysis tool can also be changed. For example, the analysis tool can be mounted on the spectacle lens processing apparatus or on the control device connected to the spectacle lens processing apparatus. In this case, the results of the operation can be appropriately analyzed and confirmed at each spectacle lens processing apparatus.

[0034] The specific analytical tool can also be chosen appropriately. For example, spreadsheet software or applications that define the algorithms and benchmarks used for analyzing the results can be used as analytical tools. Alternatively, mathematical models pre-trained using machine learning algorithms can be used as analytical tools, which output analytical results by taking the results as input. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the processing mechanism of the eyeglass lens processing device 1.

[0036] Figure 2This is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the eyeglass lens processing device 1.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the system structure of the eyeglass lens processing system 9.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the confirmation action control process executed by the spectacle lens processing device 1.

[0039] Figure 5 This is an example of a prompt screen 50 when an error occurs.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an example of the edge portion 60 of the processed lens LE.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the spectacle lens processing system 9. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Hereinafter, one of the typical embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described. The spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 processes spectacle lenses LE. The spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment also serves as a control device for controlling various actions and processes, such as processing operations. However, a control device (e.g., a personal computer) for controlling the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 may also be used independently of the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1.

[0043] (Mechanical structure)

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a lens holding section 100, a lens shape measuring unit 200, a first processing tool unit 300, and a second processing tool unit 400. The lens holding section 100 includes lens holding shafts (lens clamping shafts) 102R and 102L for clamping and holding the lens LE. Furthermore, the lens holding section 100 includes a lens rotation unit 100a, a holding shaft moving unit 100b, and an inter-axis distance adjustment unit 100c.

[0045] The lens rotation unit 100a rotates a pair of lens holding axes 102R and 102L about their respective axes. The holding axis movement unit 100b moves the lens holding axes 102R and 102L in the axial direction (let's call this the X direction). The inter-axis distance variation unit 100c moves the lens holding axes 102R and 102L in a direction (let's call this the Y direction) relative to the rotation axes of the machining tools (details described later) respectively provided in the first machining tool unit 300 and the second machining tool unit 400. Additionally, the inter-axis distance variation unit 100c varies the distance between the lens shape measuring unit 200 and the lens holding axes 102R and 102L.

[0046] The following describes specific examples of each structure in the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1. The lens holding part 100 is mounted on the base 170 of the main body of the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1.

[0047] The lens rotation unit 100a will be described below. In the lens holding section 100, the right arm 101R and left arm 101L of the carriage 101 hold lens holding shafts 102R and 102L respectively in a rotatable and coaxial manner. If lens holding shaft 102R moves towards lens holding shaft 102L via a motor 110 mounted on the right arm 101R, the lens LE is clamped and held by the two lens holding shafts 102R and 102L. The two lens holding shafts 102R and 102L rotate synchronously via a motor 120 mounted on the right arm 101R.

[0048] The retaining axis moving unit 100b will be described. An X-axis moving support 140 is provided on shafts 103 and 104 extending parallel to the lens retaining axes 102R and 102L and the grinding wheel rotating axis 161a. The X-axis moving support 140 can move along shafts 103 and 104 in the X-axis direction by power from an X-axis moving motor 145. A carriage 101 is mounted on the X-axis moving support 140. It should be noted that an encoder 146 (see reference) is provided on the rotating shaft of the X-axis moving motor 145. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the X-direction positions of the lens holding shafts 102R and 102L detected by the encoder 146 are used to determine the shapes of the front and rear surfaces of the lens LE.

[0049] The inter-axis distance variation unit 100c will be described below. A shaft 156 extending in the direction connecting the lens holding shafts 102R and 102L and the grinding wheel rotation shaft 161a is fixed to the X-axis moving support 140. When the Y-axis moving motor 150 rotates, the ball screw 155 extending in the Y direction rotates. As a result, the carriage 101 moves along the shaft 156 in the Y-axis direction. An encoder 158 for detecting the Y-direction position of the carriage 101 is provided on the rotating shaft of the Y-axis moving motor 150.

[0050] The lens shape measuring unit 200 will be described below. In this embodiment, the lens shape measuring unit 200 is fixed to the base 170 at a position opposite to the first processing tool unit 300 via a slide 101. The lens shape measuring unit 200 includes a lens edge position measuring section 200F and a lens edge position measuring section 200R. The lens edge position measuring section 200F has a measuring element that contacts the front surface of the lens LE. The lens edge position measuring section 200R has a measuring element that contacts the rear surface of the lens LE. With the measuring elements of the lens edge position measuring sections 200F and 200R in contact with the front and rear surfaces of the lens LE, the slide 101 moves in the Y-axis direction based on the frame shape data, while the lens holding axes 102R and 102L rotate, thereby simultaneously measuring the edge positions of the front and rear surfaces of the lens LE. The lens shape measuring unit 200 functions as a lens thickness measuring section for measuring the thickness of the lens LE. For the structure of the lens edge position measuring unit 200F and 200R, for example, the structure described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-145328 can be used.

[0051] The first processing tool unit 300 will be described below. The first processing tool unit 300 includes a peripheral processing tool 168, which is one of the lens processing tools. In this embodiment, the peripheral processing tool 168 includes a coarse grinding wheel 162 for glass, a fine grinding wheel 164 having a V-groove (sharp edge groove) forming a sharp edge on the lens and a flat processing surface, a fine grinding wheel 165 for flat mirror surface finishing, a fine grinding wheel 166 for high-curvature lenses, and a coarse grinding wheel 167 for plastics, etc. The multiple grinding wheels of the peripheral processing tool 168 are coaxially mounted on a grinding wheel rotation shaft (grinding wheel spindle) 161a. The grinding wheel rotation shaft 161a is rotated by a motor 160. The periphery of the lens LE, held by lens holding shafts 102L and 102R, is pressed against the peripheral processing tool 168 and processed.

[0052] The second machining tool unit 400 will be described below. The second machining tool unit 400 includes a finishing tool, a hole-making tool, an electric motor 421, and an electric motor 482. The finishing tool performs finishing work on the periphery of the lens LE by rotating about a rotation axis (e.g., at least one of grooving, edge forming, or step forming). The hole-making tool forms a hole in the lens LE. In this embodiment, the hole-making tool forms an axially extending hole in the lens LE by rotating about a rotation axis while moving axially. The electric motor 421 rotates the finishing tool and the hole-making tool. The electric motor 482 rotates the finishing tool and the hole-making tool.

[0053] (Electrical Structure)

[0054] Reference Figure 2 The electrical structure of the spectacle lens processing apparatus (which also serves as a control device) 1 will be described below. The spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (processor) 2 that controls the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1. RAM 3, ROM 4, non-volatile memory 5, an operation unit 6, a display unit (shower) 7, and an external communication I / F 8 are connected to the CPU 2 via a bus. Furthermore, various devices such as the aforementioned electric motors (electric motor 110, electric motor 120, X-axis movement motor 145, Y-axis movement motor 150, electric motor 160, electric motor 421, electric motor 482, encoder 146, encoder 158) are connected to the CPU 2 via a bus.

[0055] RAM3 temporarily stores various information. ROM4 stores various programs, initial values, etc. Non-volatile memory 5 is a non-temporary storage medium that can retain its stored contents even when the power supply is cut off (e.g., flash ROM, hard disk drive, etc.). Control programs (e.g., status management programs) for controlling the operation of the spectacle lens processing apparatus (control device) 1 can also be stored in non-volatile memory 5. Operation unit 6 accepts various instructions from the operator. For example, a touch panel or operation buttons provided on the surface of display unit 7 can also be used as operation unit 6. Display unit 7 can display, for example, text such as operation instructions, identifiers (e.g., QR codes (registered trademarks)), the shape of the lens LE, the shape of the frame, and various images. External communication I / F8 connects spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 to external devices.

[0056] (System Architecture)

[0057] Reference Figure 3 The system structure of the spectacle lens processing system 9 of this embodiment is described in general terms. The spectacle lens processing system 9 of this embodiment includes a spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device comprises a terminal device 10 and an information processing device 20. The terminal device 10 is used at a location where the spectacle lens processing device 1 is installed (location A in this embodiment). The information processing device 20 is located at a different location than the location where the spectacle lens processing device 1 is installed (location B in this embodiment).

[0058] The information processing device 20 is capable of acquiring and processing information related to the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1. In this embodiment, information related to the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 is sent to the information processing device 20 via the terminal device 10. Therefore, even when the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 is not connected to a network and the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 and the information processing device 20 are located in different locations, the information processing device 20 can still appropriately acquire information related to the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1. However, if the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 is connected to a network, the terminal device 10 can be omitted.

[0059] Terminal device 10 is used by a user at location A where the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 is installed. The user of terminal device 10 may be, for example, an operator of an agency that is part of the business of the manufacturer of spectacle lens processing apparatus 1, or a user currently using spectacle lens processing apparatus 1. In this embodiment, terminal device 10 is a portable terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. However, devices other than portable terminals (such as PCs) may also be used as terminal device 10.

[0060] The terminal device 10 includes a control unit 11 for performing various control processes and a communication I / F 14. The control unit 11 includes a controller, i.e., a CPU 12, for managing control and a storage device 13 for storing programs and data. The communication I / F 14 connects the terminal device 10 to an external device (e.g., an information processing device 20) via a network 30 (e.g., an interface).

[0061] The terminal device 10 includes an operation unit 16, a display unit (monitor) 17, a camera (capturing unit) 18, and a microphone (sound input unit) 19. The operation unit 16 is operated by the user to input various instructions into the terminal device 10. For example, at least one of a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse can be used for the operation unit 16. The display unit 17 displays various images. The camera 18 captures various images. (Details will be described later.) In this embodiment, the camera 18 is also used as an identifier reader for reading identifiers. The microphone 19 inputs various sounds and outputs signals corresponding to the sounds to the control unit 11. It should be noted that at least one of the operation unit 16, display unit 17, camera 18, and microphone 19 may also be an external device not built into the terminal device 10.

[0062] For example, a PC or server can be used for the information processing device 20. As an example, a PC is used for the information processing device 20 in this embodiment. When a server is used as the information processing device 20, the information processing device 20 may be, for example, a server of a manufacturer that provides cloud services (so-called a cloud server), or a server other than a cloud server (for example, a server of a manufacturer that manufactures eyeglass lens processing equipment 1).

[0063] The information processing device 20 includes a control unit 21 for performing various control processes and a communication I / F 24. The control unit 21 includes a controller, i.e., a CPU 22, for managing control, and a storage device 23 for storing programs and data. The communication I / F 24 connects the information processing device 20 to an external device (e.g., a terminal device 10) via a network 30. Furthermore, the information processing device 20 is connected to an operation unit 26 and a display unit 27.

[0064] (Action confirmation control processing)

[0065] Reference Figures 4-6 The action confirmation control process performed by the control device controlling the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 will be explained. In this embodiment, the action confirmation control process is executed by the CPU 2 of the spectacle lens processing apparatus (control device) 1 according to the state management program stored in the non-volatile memory 5.

[0066] It should be noted that the confirmation action is an action performed by the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 to confirm the state of the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 with the highest possible accuracy. In this embodiment, the confirmation action is performed by the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 to confirm the cause of any malfunction that may occur within the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1. Specifically, the confirmation action in this embodiment is an action performed independently of the actual actions of the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 required to fit the lens LE into the spectacle frame (e.g., at least one of processing actions, measurement actions, communication actions, etc.) (that is, a dedicated action for state confirmation). Specifically, a portion of the multiple confirmation actions includes the action of driving multiple motors 110, 120, 145, 150, 160, 421, and 482 when the lens holding section 100 is not holding the lens LE. Therefore, the cause of the malfunction is more appropriately estimated.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, CPU2 determines whether a malfunction (i.e., an error) has been detected in the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1 (S10). CPU2 can detect malfunctions occurring within the apparatus based, for example, on signals from various actuators and sensors. If a malfunction is detected (S10: Yes), CPU2 obtains malfunction information (e.g., an error code) indicating the content of the detected malfunction (S11). CPU2 notifies the user that a malfunction (error) has occurred and asks the user whether to have the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1 perform a confirmation action. As an example, in this embodiment, CPU2 displays a malfunction detection query screen 50 on the display unit 7 (S12). Figure 5As shown, the error detection prompt screen 50 displays a message notifying the user that an error has occurred and an error code indicating the error. Furthermore, the error detection prompt screen 50 displays a message asking the user whether to perform a confirmation action (sometimes called a "self-check") and "Yes" or "No" buttons. The user selects the "Yes" button if the confirmation action is performed, and the "No" button if the confirmation action is not performed. It should be noted that the error notification method can be appropriately selected. For example, errors can be notified by sound.

[0068] If an instruction not to perform the confirmation action is input (S13: No), the process proceeds to S15. If an instruction to perform the confirmation action is input (S13: Yes), the CPU2 selects the confirmation action used to confirm the cause of the detected malfunction as the actual confirmation action to be performed. In detail, the CPU2 selects one or more confirmation actions that correspond to the malfunction information obtained in S11 (that is, the content of the malfunction detected in S10) from among the multiple confirmation actions that can be performed in the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 as the actual confirmation action to be performed (S14). Therefore, the confirmation action performed by the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 is automatically selected based on the content of the detected malfunction.

[0069] If no malfunction is detected (S10: No), the CPU2 determines whether the user has input malfunction information (S15). In this embodiment, for example, if a malfunction occurs during the processing of lens LE performed by the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1, the user can input malfunction information related to the malfunction via the operation unit 6, etc., to the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1, and then execute a suitable confirmation action. If malfunction information is input (S15: Yes), the CPU2 obtains the input malfunction information (S16). The CPU2 selects the confirmation action used to confirm the cause of the malfunction represented by the input malfunction information as the confirmation action to be actually executed. Specifically, the CPU2 selects one or more confirmation actions that correspond to the input malfunction information from among the multiple confirmation actions that can be executed in the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1 as the confirmation action to be actually executed (S17).

[0070] The processing of S14 and S17 will be explained in more detail. In this embodiment, a corresponding confirmation action is pre-established for each type of operation defect information. Specifically, data (table data) corresponding to the content of the confirmation action to be performed by the spectacle lens processing device for each type of operation defect information is pre-stored in a database. The CPU2 selects the confirmation action corresponding to the obtained operation defect information from the table data as the actual confirmation action to be performed. It should be noted that the correspondence between the type of operation defect information and the executed confirmation action is appropriately updated by the manufacturer's operators, etc., based on the analysis results of the cause of the operation defect. As a result, it is easy to execute the appropriate confirmation action corresponding to the content of the generated operation defect.

[0071] Reference Figure 6 The following is a specific example illustrating the method of selecting the actual confirmation action to be performed based on the content of the action defect information. Figure 6 This is a magnified three-dimensional view of the edge 60 of the processed lens L. Figure 6 In the example shown, a pointed edge 61 is formed for fitting the lens LE to the eyeglass frame. A flat shoulder 62 is formed between the base of the pointed edge 61 and the front and back surfaces of the lens LE. Furthermore, chamfered portions 63 are formed on the front and back edges of the lens LE, respectively. It should be noted that there are also cases where a groove is formed instead of the pointed edge 61.

[0072] As a cause of defects in the shape of the edge portion 60, which includes at least one of the pointed edge 61, shoulder 62, chamfered portion 63, and groove, possible causes include defects such as relative movement between the lens LE and the processing tool in the X-axis direction, and defects in the thickness measurement of the lens LE. For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, if a defect occurs with movement in the X-axis direction, the position of the sharp edge 61 formed on the lens LE may shift in the X-axis direction. Additionally, if the thickness measurement of the lens LE is performed incorrectly, the position of the sharp edge 61 formed on the edge portion 60 may also shift.

[0073] Therefore, in S14 and S17 of this embodiment, when the content of the malfunction information is a malfunction related to the processing of the edge portion 60 of the lens LE (e.g., a malfunction causing defects in at least one of the shape, position, and size), the CPU2 includes the confirmation actions of the X-axis movement motor 145 and the lens shape measuring unit (lens thickness measuring unit) 200 in the actual execution of the confirmation action. As a result, it is easier to more appropriately presume the cause of the malfunction related to the processing of the edge portion 60.

[0074] return Figure 4Explanation: If no action malfunction information is input by the user (S15: No), the CPU2 determines whether an instruction to execute all of the multiple confirmation actions that can be performed in the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 has been input (S18). For example, when performing maintenance on the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1, the user can input an instruction to execute all confirmation actions via the operation unit 6, etc. If no instruction is input (S18: No), the process returns to S10. If an instruction to execute all confirmation actions is input (S18: Yes), the CPU2 selects all of the multiple confirmation actions that can be performed in the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 as the actual confirmation actions to be executed (S19).

[0075] If a confirmation action is selected in any of S14, S17, or S19, the selected confirmation action (S21-S23) is executed. Specifically, if at least one of the multiple motors 110, 120, 145, 150, 160, 421, and 482 is selected as the object of the confirmation action, a movement amount confirmation action (S21) is performed on the motor of the object. In the movement amount confirmation action, the motor of the object is instructed to move the object by a predetermined amount. The object being moved can be an object other than the lens LE (e.g., a carriage, shaft, etc.). Furthermore, the movement includes not only linear movement but also rotational movement. When the movement amount confirmation action (S21) is executed, in the processing of S24 (described later), information indicating the relationship between the movement amount indicated to the motor and the actual movement amount of the object (e.g., the movement amount detected by the encoder, etc.) (e.g., the difference between the two values) is output as the result information of the confirmation action. As a result, it is easy to determine whether the cause of the malfunction is related to the amount of movement of the object by the motor, based on the results of the action confirmation.

[0076] Furthermore, if at least one of the multiple motors 110, 120, 145, 150, 160, 421, and 482 is selected as the object of the confirmation operation, the origin movement confirmation operation of the object's motor is performed (S22). In the origin movement confirmation operation, the object is repeatedly moved towards the origin position by the selected motor. The moving object can be an object other than the lens LE. The type of movement can be rotational movement, etc., instead of linear movement. When the origin movement confirmation operation (S22) is performed, in the processing of S24 described later, information indicating the detection result of the origin sensor on the origin position is output as the result information of the confirmation operation. As a result, the undesirable situation of origin detection that is easily caused by processing debris, etc., can be easily and appropriately eliminated.

[0077] Next, CPU2 executes the selected confirmation actions other than the movement amount confirmation action and the origin movement confirmation action (S23). In S23, for example, actions can be performed to confirm whether the transmission and reception of various signals are performed properly.

[0078] Next, CPU2 outputs result information indicating the result of the performed confirmation action (S24). As a result, it is easy to perform appropriate processing on the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1 based on the result of the confirmation action. In this embodiment, CPU2 outputs the result information by displaying an identifier (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) indicating the result information of the confirmation action on the display unit 7.

[0079] (System-wide processing)

[0080] Reference Figure 7 The flow of state management processing for the spectacle lens processing device 1 within the overall spectacle lens processing system 9 will be explained. As previously described, if the confirmation action control processing (S1, refer to...) is performed in the spectacle lens processing device 1... Figure 4 If a confirmation action is performed, an identifier indicating the result of the confirmation action is displayed on the display unit 7. Here, the operator (e.g., the user of the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1) uses the identifier reader provided by the terminal device 10 to read the identifier displayed on the display unit 7 (S2). The terminal device 10 then sends the result information obtained by reading the identifier to the information processing device 20 via the network 30 (S3). Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1 is not connected to the network, the result information of the action confirmation is appropriately sent to the information processing device 20.

[0081] Next, the CPU 22 of the information processing unit 20 analyzes the acquired result information using a pre-built analysis tool (S4). The analysis tool is pre-built based on the analysis results of past operational defects that occurred in the spectacle lens processing device. Therefore, even if a skilled person who is good at analyzing result information cannot participate in the operation, the result information is appropriately analyzed by the analysis tool.

[0082] As an example, in this embodiment, a spreadsheet software with a defined algorithm and benchmark for analyzing the results information is used as the analysis tool. The algorithm and benchmark are determined based on the operator's (including skilled operators') experience in analyzing past results information. Furthermore, the algorithm and benchmark are updated based on new analysis results. This results in the analysis of the results information with higher accuracy. It should be noted that tools other than spreadsheet software can also be used as the analysis tool (e.g., mathematical models pre-trained using machine learning algorithms that output analysis results by inputting results information).

[0083] Next, based on the analysis results of the action confirmation information, the spectacle lens processing device 1 is prompted with the content of the action to be performed (S5). The content of the action to be performed can be determined by the information processing device 20 or by the operator who has access to the analysis results. In addition, the content of the action to be performed can be prompted to the terminal device 10 via email or telephone or to the user of the spectacle lens processing device 1.

[0084] The technology disclosed in the above embodiments is merely one example. Therefore, the technology exemplified in the above embodiments can also be modified. For example, only a portion of the technology exemplified in the above embodiments can be performed. Specifically, the process of analyzing the result information of the action confirmation using an analysis tool (S4) can be omitted. In this case, the result information of the action confirmation can also be analyzed by the operator or the like. Alternatively, the analysis processing based on the analysis tool can be performed by a device other than the information processing device 20 (e.g., the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1 or the terminal device 10, etc.). The result information of the action confirmation can also be output by displaying it on a display unit (e.g., the display unit 7 of the spectacle lens processing apparatus 1, etc.).

[0085] exist Figure 4 The processing of the confirmation action in S14, S17, S19, and S21~S23 is an example of the "confirmation action execution steps". Figure 4 The processing of outputting the result information of the confirmation action in S24 is an example of the "result output step". Figure 4 The processing of obtaining motion defect information in S11 and S16 is an example of the "motion defect information acquisition step". Figure 7 The processing of analysis results information in SS4 is an example of "analysis steps".

Claims

1. A non-volatile memory storing a state management program executed by a control device that controls the spectacle lens processing apparatus for managing the state of the spectacle lens processing apparatus, characterized in that, The control device executes the state management procedure, which is then executed by the control unit of the control device. The step of obtaining malfunction information involves obtaining malfunction information that indicates malfunctions in the spectacle lens processing device. The confirmation action execution step causes the spectacle lens processing device to perform a confirmation action to confirm the cause of the malfunction indicated by the malfunction information; and The result output step outputs information indicating the result of the performed confirmation action. When the malfunction information indicates a malfunction related to the processing of the edge shape of the spectacle lens, the confirmation action performed in the confirmation action execution step includes a confirmation action of a motor that moves the spectacle lens along the direction of the lens holding axis that clamps and holds the spectacle lens, and a lens thickness measuring unit that measures the thickness of the spectacle lens.

2. The non-volatile memory according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the confirmation action execution step, one or more of the confirmation actions that correspond to the action defect information are executed by the eyeglass lens processing device.

3. The non-volatile memory according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, If the spectacle lens processing apparatus detects a malfunction occurring within the apparatus, In the step of obtaining action defect information, action defect information representing the content of the detected action defect is obtained.

4. The non-volatile memory according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the step of obtaining the malfunction information, the malfunction information input by the user into the control device is obtained.

5. The non-volatile memory according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The confirmation action performed in the confirmation action execution step includes a movement amount confirmation action that instructs at least one of the motors in the spectacle lens processing device to move the object by a predetermined amount. When the movement amount confirmation action is performed, in the result output step, information indicating the relationship between the movement amount indicated to the motor and the actual movement amount of the object is output.

6. The non-volatile memory according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The confirmation action performed in the confirmation action execution step includes an origin movement confirmation action, which moves the object back to the origin position using at least one of the motors provided by the spectacle lens processing device. If the origin movement confirmation action has been performed, in the result output step, information indicating the detection result of the origin position is output.

7. A state management method, which is a state management method executed by a control device controlling the spectacle lens processing apparatus for managing the state of the spectacle lens processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: The step of obtaining malfunction information involves obtaining malfunction information that indicates malfunctions in the spectacle lens processing device. The confirmation action execution step causes the spectacle lens processing device to perform a confirmation action to confirm the cause of the malfunction indicated by the malfunction information; and The result output step outputs information indicating the result of the performed confirmation action. When the malfunction information indicates a malfunction related to the processing of the edge shape of the spectacle lens, the confirmation action performed in the confirmation action execution step includes a confirmation action of a motor that moves the spectacle lens along the direction of the lens holding axis that clamps and holds the spectacle lens, and a lens thickness measuring unit that measures the thickness of the spectacle lens.

8. A state management method, which is executed in an eyeglass lens processing system comprising an eyeglass lens processing apparatus for processing eyeglass lenses and an information processing device capable of acquiring information related to the eyeglass lens processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: The step of obtaining malfunction information involves obtaining malfunction information that indicates malfunctions in the spectacle lens processing device. The eyeglass lens processing device performs a confirmation action to confirm the cause of the malfunction indicated by the malfunction information. In the result output step, the spectacle lens processing device outputs result information indicating the result of the performed confirmation action; and In the analysis step, the information processing device acquires the result information output in the result output step, and analyzes the acquired result information using a pre-built analysis tool. When the malfunction information indicates a malfunction related to the processing of the edge shape of the spectacle lens, the confirmation action performed in the confirmation action execution step includes a confirmation action of a motor that moves the spectacle lens along the direction of the lens holding axis that clamps and holds the spectacle lens, and a lens thickness measuring unit that measures the thickness of the spectacle lens.

Images