Set of spectacle lens semi-finished products, computer-implemented method for its design, computer program, computer-readable storage medium, method and apparatus for the manufacture of spectacle lenses, and use of a set of spectacle lens semi-finished products

Abstract

Method for manufacturing spectacle lenses with the following steps: a) Providing a set (68) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) each having a back surface (18) and a front surface (16) with a spherical convex shape, which has a physical shape feature with an associated shape dimension, comprising - a first series (66-1) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) made from a base material with a first mean refractive index (n d1 ), wherein the first series (66-1) comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) which differ in the dimension of the physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface (16), wherein at least four different types of the pairwise different types correspond to a standard refractive index (n s ) of 1.53 relative actual refractive index (D n ) their front surface (16) have between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, - a second series (66-2) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) made from a base material with a second mean refractive index (n) that differs from the first mean refractive index d1 ) different mean refractive indices (n d2 ), wherein the second series (66-2) comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) which differ in the dimension of the physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface (16), - a third series (66-3) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) made from a base material having a third of the first mean refractive index (n) d1 ) and the second mean refractive index (n d2 ) different mean refractive indices (n d3 ), wherein the third series (66-3) comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) which differ in the dimension of the physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface (16), b) Picking up one of the spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) from the provided set (68) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) by means of a receiving device (34) which is shaped to be complementary to only a subsection (17) of the shape of the front surface (16), wherein the subsection comprises between 40% and 80% of the front surface of the picked-up spectacle lens semi-finished product, c) Machining the back surface (18) of the received spectacle lens semi-finished product (10, 12), characterized in that - at least four different types of the pairwise different types of the second series (66-2) one to a standard refractive index (n s ) of 1.53 relative actual refractive index of their front surface (16) between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, - at least four different types of the pairwise different types of the third series (66-3) one to a standard refractive index (n s) of 1.53 relative actual refractive index of their front surface (16) between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, - the dimensions of the physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least four different types of the first series (66-1) and the dimensions of the physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces (16) of the at least four different types of the second series (66-2) and the dimensions of the physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces (16) of the at least four different types of the third series (66-3) are identical, wherein the shape feature is the radius of curvature (R, R1, R2, ... R20) of the spherical front surface.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a set of semi-finished products for manufacturing spectacle lenses according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses according to the preamble of claim 8. The invention further relates to the use of a set of semi-finished products in a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses according to the preamble of claim 12. The invention further relates to a device for manufacturing spectacle lenses according to the preamble of claim 13. The invention also relates to a method for designing a set of semi-finished products for manufacturing spectacle lenses according to the preamble of claim 14.Finally, the invention relates to a computer program with program code for carrying out all process steps of the method for designing a set of semi-finished products for manufacturing spectacle lenses of the generic type, and to a computer-readable storage medium with a computer program with program code for carrying out all process steps of the method for designing a set of semi-finished products for manufacturing spectacle lenses of the generic type.

[0002] Eyeglasses are typically a device worn in front of the eyes, containing at least one lens designed to protect the eyes or correct refractive errors and misalignments of the eyes. Lenses used to correct refractive errors are therefore also called corrective lenses or optically effective lenses. Such lenses can be single-vision lenses or multifocal lenses, particularly bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lenses. Refractive errors can include, for example, nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and other abnormal and / or suboptimal vision conditions. Age-related farsightedness (presbyopia) is also considered a refractive error.

[0003] Corrective lenses are classified as either plus lenses or minus lenses. Plus lenses have a converging optical effect, magnifying the viewed object. Minus lenses have a diverging optical effect, reducing the viewed object's size.

[0004] Typically, spectacle lenses are manufactured to order, specifically tailored to the individual wearer's requirements. Generally, lens production involves using a limited number of different types of semi-finished lens blanks, known as semi-finished products, which the lens manufacturer keeps in stock. Like finished lenses, semi-finished lenses each have an optical surface designated for the object-side and the opposite eye-side of the lens, as well as a separating surface between these two surfaces. The optical surface designated for the object-side is called the front surface, and the optical surface designated for the eye-side is called the back surface.The intervening surface, either directly forming an edge or indirectly bordering the front surface at one end and the back surface at the other via an edge surface, is called the cylinder's end surface. The front surface is generally convex, the back surface concave.

[0005] The shape a spectacle lens must have to achieve the desired optical correction is largely determined by its material. The most important parameter here is the refractive index of the material. While in the past spectacle lenses were predominantly made from mineral glass, especially crown glass (Abbe number > 55) and flint glass (Abbe number < 50), spectacle lenses made from a variety of organic materials are now available. Such base materials for organic spectacle lenses are offered under the trade names CR 39, MR 8, MR 7, CR 330, and MR 174. A selection of such base materials can also be found in publication EP 2692941 A1. Other materials are continuously being tested and developed for their suitability for organic spectacle lenses. The following Table 1 illustrates characteristic values ​​and reference values ​​of a selection of known base materials: Table 1: Basic materials for the production of spectacle lenses Handelsname Grundmaterial Mean refractive index n e Abbe number v e CR 39CR607CR630 Polyallyldiglycolcarbonat 1.500 56 Trivex Polyharnstoff / Polyurethan 1.530 45 PC Polycarbonat 1.590 29 MR 8 Polythiourethan 1.598 41 MR 7 Polythiourethan 1.664 32 MR 10 Polythiourethan 1.666 32 MR 174 Poly(episulfid) 1.738 32 Mineral 1.5 1.525 58 Mineral 1.6 1.604 44

[0006] Currently, a large number of organic spectacle lens semi-finished or finished products with spherical, rotationally symmetrical aspherical, or progressive front surfaces are mass-produced in molds with front and back surface mold shells spaced apart by a sealing ring to form a cavity, as described, for example, in documents DE 3007572 C2, US 6,103,148 A, or JP 2008 191186 A. This applies to base materials with the trade names MR 7, MR 8, MR 10, CR 39, CR 607, CR 630, and others. The base materials with the trade names MR 7, MR 8, and MR 10 are polythiourethanes distributed by Mitsui Chemicals. The abbreviation "MR" stands for Mitsui Resin. CR 39 or Columbia Resin 39 is the brand name chosen by Pittsburgh Plate Glass Industries (PPG Industries) under which the material polydiethylene glycol bisallyl carbonate, or...Polyallyldiglycol carbonate (abbreviation: PADC) is distributed. This is a high-refractive-index thermosetting polymer material. CR 607 and CR 630 also come from PPG. Materials CR 607 and CR 630 are used, for example, in photochromic applications.

[0007] Semi-finished or finished products for spectacle lenses made of polycarbonate are generally produced in metal molds using injection molding technology. This manufacturing process is described, for example, in EP 0955147 A1.

[0008] Mineral lenses are regularly produced by mechanically abrasive processing of a blank.

[0009] The semi-finished or finished products described above are frequently subjected to one or more finishing processes. In particular, functional coatings are applied to one or both sides. Such functional coatings are layers that endow the lenses with predetermined properties that are advantageous for the wearer and that the lenses would not possess solely due to the properties of the base or substrate material to which the functional coatings are applied and the lens shape. These advantageous properties include not only optical properties such as anti-reflective coatings, mirror coatings, light polarization, tinting, and photochromic coatings, but also mechanical properties such as hardening, reduction of dirt adhesion or fogging, and / or electrical properties such as shielding of electromagnetic radiation, conductivity of electricity, and / or other physical or chemical properties.

[0010] Custom-made prescription lenses, i.e., in particular individualized single-vision and multifocal lenses whose optical properties are at least partially not pre-selected and standardized, but rather individually calculated and manufactured to suit the user with regard to their dimensions and / or arrangement on the lens, and especially progressive lenses, are brought into their final shape by mechanical, in particular deforming and / or abrasive, processes. The outer shapes can be round, oval, or arbitrary, describing so-called freeform shapes.

[0011] One surface of a semi-finished spectacle lens blank forms the final surface of the finished lens. The other surface is processed so that the optical system of the finished lens corresponds to the ophthalmic prescription of the wearer. It is generally intended that the front surface forms the final front surface of the finished lens. Minor modifications to the final front surface may occur, but always without altering its curvature. In particular, it is possible to apply one or more functional layers of the type described above. Spectacle lens semi-finished products are therefore lens blanks with only one optically finished surface (cf. Heinz Diepes, Rolf Blendowske, "Optics and Technology of Spectacles," Optische Fachveröffentlichung GmbH, Heidelberg, 2002, page 560).The present invention relates - as will be clarified again below - exclusively to semi-finished spectacle lens products with a spherical or rotationally symmetrical aspherical front surface and a back surface to be processed according to the ophthalmic prescription of the spectacle wearer.

[0012] Within the scope of the present invention and in accordance with section 11.3 of DIN standard EN ISO 13666:2012 (Ophthalmic optics - Spectacle lenses - Vocabulary), the nominal refractive power or the nominal curvature of the front surface of a spectacle lens is called the base curve. Alternatively, the term "basic curve" is also used. If the nominal refractive power is specified, the refractive index assumed during measurement should be stated. Instead of the refractive power, the nominal curvature or the nominal radius of curvature may also be specified, provided this is clearly indicated.Although DIN EN ISO 13666:2012 refers exclusively to the front surface of a single-vision lens when defining the base curve, the nominal refractive power at the center of a rotationally symmetrical front surface of a lens preform suitable not only for single-vision but also for multifocal lenses will generally be referred to as the base curve in the following text. For rotationally symmetrical aspheric surfaces, the nominal curvature corresponds to the vertex curvature. For rotationally symmetrical aspheric surfaces, the nominal radius of curvature corresponds to the vertex radius.

[0013] The basic curves are usually given with reference to a standard refractive index of 1.53. However, other refractive indices can also be used to specify basic curves.

[0014] Lens manufacturers typically produce a series of semi-finished lens blanks, each with its own base curve. This "base curve series" is a set of semi-finished lenses whose nominal front surface curvatures and refractive powers increase incrementally (e.g., +0.50 D, +2.00 D, +4.00 D, and so on).

[0015] The nominal refractive index or nominal curvature is used for identification purposes and is also referred to as the nominal base curve. For calculations, the actual refractive index or actual curvature is used. It is also referred to as the actual base curve. In the following explanations, reference is made to the actual refractive index, the actual curvature, and the actual radius of curvature of the surfaces—taking into account the usual manufacturing and measurement tolerances—unless the nominal values ​​are explicitly mentioned.

[0016] The front surface of a semi-finished product from a basic curve series serves as a starting point to calculate the optical surface of the back surface, according to which the final spectacle lens is manufactured according to the prescription of a spectacle wearer.

[0017] The front surfaces of semi-finished lens blanks of a base curve series can, in principle, be rotationally symmetric surfaces, such as spheres or rotationally symmetric aspheric surfaces, as well as non-rotationally symmetric surfaces, such as toric surfaces or progressive surfaces. The latter can also be designed without any symmetry properties. In this case, they are referred to as freeform surfaces. Within the scope of the present invention, only semi-finished spectacle lens products with rotationally symmetric, i.e., spherical or rotationally symmetric aspheric, front surfaces are relevant.

[0018] Progressive addition lenses (PALs) can be manufactured, for example, by selecting a semi-finished lens blank from a set of semi-finished products with different spherical or rotationally symmetrical aspheric anterior surfaces, and then exclusively by machining the back surface, taking into account the individually required addition, the prescription values, and any other individual requirements of the spectacle wearer, as described, for example, in EP 0857993 A2, WO 2004 / 019243 A1, or EP 2028527 B1. The back surface has no point and / or axial symmetry but possesses multifocal properties.

[0019] Each base curve in a series is typically used for preparing multiple prescriptions recommended by the manufacturer of the semi-finished product set. Manufacturers provide base-curve selection charts that indicate the different prescriptions for which the use of each base curve in the series is recommended.

[0020] An example of a typical base curve selection table can be found in US patent specification 6,948,816 B2. The table in the Fig. The series of base curves shown in Figures 23 A to C of this patent specification consists of five base curves. The selection table shows the manufacturer's recommended base curve according to a given prescription as a function of the spherical and cylindrical powers for correcting astigmatic refractive error. The selection table shown relates to progressive lenses (PALs), in which the optical power changes between the distance and near segments. The same type of selection table is generally used for any type of spectacle lens, such as (spherical and / or toric) single-vision lenses, bifocal lenses, aspheric lenses, and PALs.

[0021] Two further examples of base curve selection tables can be found in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 of EP 2028527 B1. The basic curve series according to the Fig. 2 consists of eight basic curves, labeled with the numbers "1" to "8", which form the basic curve series according to the Fig. 3 comprises fourteen base curves, designated by the numbers "1" to "14". The nominal refractive indices of the fourteen spherical base curves of the base curve series according to the Fig. 3 increases in steps of 0.75; 1.00; 1.50; 2.00; 2.75; 3.25; 3.75; 4.25; 5.25; 5.75; 6.25; 6.50; 7.50; 8.50 from 0.75 D to 8.50 D.

[0022] EP 2028527 B1 indicates that the general trend is to limit the number of different base curves in a base curve series in order to minimize the number of mold shells, storage costs, and inventory requirements. A standard base curve series therefore comprises at most twenty base curves (see EP 2028527 B1, section

[0013] ), such as ten (see EP 0857993 A2, page 5, lines 38 to 51) or five base curves (US 6,948,816 B2, Fig. 23 A to C).

[0023] The documents cited in the two preceding sections all deal with the topic of optimizing the base curves of a base curve series for spectacle lenses made from a given base material. The authors of these documents presumably assume they are referring to the manufacturing processes of major spectacle lens manufacturers.

[0024] The aforementioned WO 2004 / 019243 A1 indicates that it is desirable that the above-mentioned individual progressive lenses should not only be manufactured by a few lens manufacturers, but also be produced decentrally by wholesalers, large laboratories and the like, as are currently operating in many markets.

[0025] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a set of semi-finished spectacle lens products, a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses, a use of a set of semi-finished products in a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses, a device for manufacturing spectacle lenses, and a method for designing a set of semi-finished products for manufacturing spectacle lenses, together with a corresponding computer program with program code for carrying out all process steps of this method, and with a corresponding computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program with program code for carrying out all process steps of this method for designing a set of semi-finished products, which are particularly tailored to the needs of decentralized manufacturing of spectacle lenses.

[0026] This problem is solved by a set of semi-finished products for manufacturing spectacle lenses according to claim 1, a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses according to claim 8, the use of a set of semi-finished products in a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses according to claim 12, a device for manufacturing spectacle lenses according to claim 13, and a method for designing a set of semi-finished products for manufacturing spectacle lenses according to claim 14. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0027] The invention is based on the assumption that in the near future a large number of manufacturing facilities for spectacle lenses will exist which, in accordance with the combination of the teachings of EP 0 857 993 A2 and WO 2004 / 019243 A1, obtain spectacle lens semi-finished products with each pre-made spherical or rotationally symmetrical aspherical front surface, possibly from different manufacturers, calculate or have calculated the design of the back surface adapted to the respective user and manufacture the back surface according to the calculation with machines of the type described in DE 195 38 274 A1.

[0028] For the economical production of spectacle lenses, the manufacturing machines in these production facilities require a certain degree of standardization. The invention is based on the idea of ​​reducing the overall number of spectacle lens semi-finished product types to be processed. The fundamental concept of the invention is to provide only semi-finished products with a limited number of front surface (partial) geometries, regardless of the refractive index of the processed spectacle lens base material. This makes it possible to reduce the number of holding tools required for each semi-finished product during back surface processing, since identically shaped semi-finished products can be handled by the same tool. Limiting the number of holding tools also offers corresponding opportunities for standardization.

[0029] Starting from a set of spectacle lens semi-finished products, each possessing a front surface with a spherical or rotationally symmetrical aspherical, convex shape, which has at least one physical shape feature with an associated shape dimension, comprising - a first series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made from a base material with a first mean refractive index, wherein the first series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products that differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of their front surface, wherein at least three different types of the pairwise different types have an actual surface refractive power of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53 and, in the case of a rotationally symmetric aspheric shape of the front surface, determined at its center of symmetry, - a second series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made from a base material with a second mean refractive index different from the first mean refractive index, wherein the second series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of their front surface, - a third series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made from a base material with a third mean refractive index different from the first mean refractive index and the second mean refractive index, wherein the third series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of their front surface, The invention provides that - at least three different types of the pairwise different types of the second series have an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, - at least three different types of the pairwise different types of the third series exhibit an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, and - the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least three different types of the first series and the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least three different types of the second series and the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least three different types of the third series are identical.

[0030] In other words, the set of spectacle lens semi-finished products according to the invention consists of at least three series of spectacle lens semi-finished products with spherical or rotationally symmetrical aspherical front surfaces. The series of spectacle lens semi-finished products differ in pairs in their respective base material. The base materials have different average refractive indices. Within an actual surface refractive power range of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, each series comprises pairs of different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products whose front surface shapes are designed differently in some way.Within this actual refractive index range of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on the standard refractive index of 1.53, the front surface shapes of at least three of these types are identical on a partial surface (preferably comprising more than 40%, further preferably more than 50% of the total front surface) or its entire front surface for all of the at least three series.

[0031] It should be noted that, in principle, series may include both lens semi-finished products with rotationally symmetric aspheric front surfaces and lens semi-finished products with spherical front surfaces. However, practical experience has shown that, for manufacturing reasons, series containing exclusively semi-finished products with purely spherical front surfaces are preferred. Alternatively, it is also possible to use series containing exclusively semi-finished products with purely rotationally symmetric aspheric front surfaces.

[0032] The task posed at the beginning is fully solved by this set of semi-finished spectacle lens products.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the first mean refractive index, the second mean refractive index, and the third mean refractive index differ in pairs by at least 0.04. This ensures that both series of semi-finished spectacle lenses made from low-refractive-index base materials and series of semi-finished spectacle lenses made from high-refractive-index base materials are designed according to the invention, thereby determining and potentially expanding the possible scope of supply.

[0034] It is intended that the mean refractive indices of the at least three base materials differ by at least 0.05 or even at least 0.06. The greater the difference in the mean refractive indices of the at least three base materials, the greater the possibility of standardizing the tools required for processing the front surfaces of the spectacle lens semi-finished products.

[0035] One particularly advantageous variant consists of using CR 39 as the base material for the first series of semi-finished spectacle lenses, MR 8 as the base material for the second series, and MR 7 as the base material for the third series. An alternative variant consists of using CR 39 as the base material for the first series, MR 8 as the base material for the second series, and MR 174 as the base material for the third series. Another advantageous variant consists of using CR 39 as the base material for the first series, polycarbonate as the base material for the second series, and MR 8 as the base material for the third series.Finally, in another preferred variant, the base material of the first series of spectacle lens semi-finished products is CR 39, the base material of the second series of spectacle lens semi-finished products is polycarbonate, and the base material of the third series of spectacle lens semi-finished products is MR 174.

[0036] From a manufacturing perspective, it is advantageous to keep the total number of different front surface geometries as small as possible across all series of spectacle lens semi-finished products. For a base curve delivery range with an actual surface refractive power of their front surface, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, of, for example, between 0.5 D and 9.6 D, approximately five different semi-finished product types would be desirable, so that the aforementioned minimum number of three types would be allocated to the range specified above between 3.2 D and 6.7 D. From an optical perspective, it is advantageous to maximize the total number of different front surface geometries. For a base curve delivery range with an actual surface refractive power of their front surface, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, of, for example,Between 0.5 D and 9.6 D, approximately 20 different semi-finished product types would be desirable, so that the range specified above between 3.2 D and 6.7 D would account for approximately ten to thirteen types.

[0037] A compromise is represented by a set of semi-finished spectacle lens products, in which - at least four, preferably at least five, different types of the pairwise different types of the first series, which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface, have an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, - at least four, preferably at least five, different types of the pairwise different types of the second series, which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface, have an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, - at least four, preferably at least five, different types of the pairwise different types of the third series, which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface, have an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, - the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least four, preferably at least five, different types of the first series and the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least four, preferably at least five, different types of the second series and the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least four, preferably at least five, different types of the third series are identical.

[0038] In order to cover a delivery range for semi-finished products with an actual refractive index of their front surfaces of, for example, between 0.5 D and 9.6 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, approximately 13 different semi-finished product types result.

[0039] It is advantageous to make the grades of semi-finished products within a series as uniform as possible in order to ensure consistent optical quality of the finished spectacle lenses across the widest possible delivery range. This is generally only possible within certain limits. Therefore, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the invention provides that the first, second, and third series each comprise types of spectacle lens semi-finished products whose front surfaces have a shape feature with identical dimensions, and that the difference between each of the identical dimensions, or its reciprocal, and the next larger identical dimension, or its reciprocal, is within a variance of 20%, preferably 10%, and most preferably 5%.

[0040] There are multiple ways to choose the shape feature. At least one shape feature can be, for example... a) a refractive power per unit area and in particular the actual refractive power per unit area, and / or b) a curvature and in particular the actual curvature, and / or c) a radius of curvature and in particular the actual radius of curvature, and / or d) the vertex curvature (ρ) of the conic section and / or the conic constant (k) of the conic section and / or one of the coefficients (A4, A6, A8, ...) of the correction polynomial of the aspheric surface section defined in DIN ISO 10110, consisting of the sum of a conic section and a correction polynomial of the formula z(r)=ρr21+1−(1+k)(ρr)2+A4r4+A6r6+... be, where in formula (1) z is the arrow height, r is the angle of incidence, ρ is the vertex curvature and k is the conic constant of the conic section, and A4, A6, ... are the coefficients of the correction polynomial.

[0041] Continuing the above idea of ​​uniform grading of semi-finished products within a series, a variant of the invention provides that the at least one shape feature is an actual surface refractive power and that the associated shape dimension is the associated actual surface refractive value based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, so that the first series, the second series, and the third series each have types of spectacle lens semi-finished products whose front surfaces have an actual surface refractive power with identical actual surface refractive values ​​based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, and that the difference between one of the identical actual surface refractive values ​​based on the standard refractive index of 1.53 and the next larger identical actual surface refractive value based on the standard refractive index of 1.53 is less than 2.5 D.The limit of 2.5 D takes into account the requirement of sufficient optical quality of the final product over the delivery range specified above, assuming that no other spectacle lens semi-finished products are used compared to the type according to the invention.

[0042] As a rule, the quality of the final product can be improved if the aforementioned difference value is chosen to be less than 2.3 D, more preferably less than 1.5 D, and even more preferably less than 1.0 D. A maximum value of approximately 0.8 D has proven advantageous when 13 different semi-finished product types are used to cover a delivery range for semi-finished products with an actual refractive index of their front surfaces, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, of, for example, between 0.5 D and 9.6 D.

[0043] As explained above, the desirable number of different spectacle lens semi-finished product types within a series represents a compromise between manufacturing and optical requirements. Furthermore, the delivery range is a key factor in determining the total number of different spectacle lens semi-finished product types.

[0044] A set of semi-finished spectacle lenses that equally takes into account the aforementioned boundary conditions and which the inventors consider optimal is designed such that - at least ten, preferably at least eleven, further preferably at least twelve, most preferably at least thirteen different types of the pairwise different types of the first series, which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface, have an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 0.5 D and 9.60 D relative to a standard refractive index of 1.53, and that - at least ten, preferably at least eleven, further preferably at least twelve, most preferably at least thirteen different types of the pairwise different types of the second series, which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface, and have an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 0.5 D and 9.60 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, - at least ten, preferably at least eleven, further preferably at least twelve, most preferably at least thirteen different types of the pairwise different types of the third series, which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface, and have an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 0.5 D and 9.60 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, - the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least ten, preferably at least eleven, further preferably at least twelve, most preferably at least thirteen different types of the first series and the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least ten, preferably at least eleven, further preferably at least twelve, most preferably at least thirteen different types of the second series and the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least ten, preferably at least eleven, further preferably at least twelve, most preferably at least thirteen different types of the third series are identical.

[0045] The inventive method for manufacturing spectacle lenses comprises the following steps: a) Providing a set of spectacle lens semi-finished products, each having a back surface and a front surface with a spherical or rotationally symmetric aspherical, convex shape, which has at least one physical shape feature with an associated shape dimension, comprising - a first series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made from a base material with a first mean refractive index, wherein the first series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products that differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of their front surface, wherein at least three different types of the pairwise different types have an actual surface refractive power of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53 and, in the case of a rotationally symmetric aspheric shape of the front surface, determined at its center of symmetry, - a second series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made from a base material with a second mean refractive index different from the first mean refractive index, wherein the second series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of their front surface, - a third series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made from a base material having a third mean refractive index different from the first mean refractive index and the second mean refractive index, wherein the third series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of their front surface, wherein - at least three different types of the pairwise different types of the second series have an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, - at least three different types of the pairwise different types of the third series have an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, - the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least three different types of the first series and the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least three different types of the second series and the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least three different types of the third series are identical, b) Picking up one of the spectacle lens semi-finished products from the provided set of spectacle lens semi-finished products, and c) Machining the back surface of the received spectacle lens semi-finished product.

[0046] In other words, the provided set of spectacle lens semi-finished products consists of at least three series of spectacle lens semi-finished products with spherical or rotationally symmetric aspherical front surfaces. The series of spectacle lens semi-finished products differ in pairs in their respective base material. The base materials have different mean refractive indices. Within an actual surface refractive power range of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, each series comprises at least three pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products whose front surface shapes are differentiated in some way.Within this actual refractive index range of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on the standard refractive index of 1.53, the front surface shapes of these at least three types are identical on a partial surface (which preferably comprises more than 40%, further preferably more than 50% of the total front surface) or its entire front surface for all of the at least three series.

[0047] In the inventive method for manufacturing spectacle lenses, all of the above-described embodiments of sets of spectacle lens semi-finished products can, of course, be provided in process step a). Reference is hereby expressly made to the above description of their properties.

[0048] Further processing or finishing of the provided semi-finished products typically requires reproducible fixing or clamping of the spectacle lens semi-finished products on a fixture or holder, as described in process step b). Within the scope of the present invention, this process is referred to as "picking up." Picking up may include applying a protective film to the front surface to be contacted.

[0049] The process of capturing the semi-finished products results in a defined positional assignment between the lens component and the wearer (on whom it is mounted). The resulting "composite" of the wearer and the captured lens component can then be precisely and accurately captured on a machining center, such as a milling machine, a lathe, and / or a polishing machine. Similarly, highly accurate capture is possible at a control station to monitor the manufacturing or processing progress. Typically, the lens component remains in its captured state throughout a number of manufacturing or processing steps.

[0050] The mounting of spectacle lens semi-finished products can be achieved either by material bonding or force bonding. Various approaches for mounting spectacle lens semi-finished products or semi-finished products are described in WO 2005 / 065886 A1. It is still common practice to mount spectacle lens semi-finished products onto suitable mounts using low-melting-point metal alloys. This process is also known as blocking. In other words, the low-melting-point metal alloys act as an "adhesive" between the spectacle lens semi-finished product, particularly its front surface, and the mount. Furthermore, it is known to fix or mount spectacle lens semi-finished products onto suitable mounts using organic adhesives for the production of spectacle lenses.

[0051] It is also known to fix semi-finished spectacle lenses to suitable fixtures by means of a force-fit connection. This force-fit connection can, in particular, involve at least the partial evacuation of a cavity between the semi-finished spectacle lens and a support or holder serving as a fixture. In this way, a negative pressure, especially a vacuum, can be created, which allows the semi-finished spectacle lens to be held firmly and securely on the fixture due to the resulting pressure difference. Provided that the corresponding secure fit of the semi-finished spectacle lens on the fixture is adequately sealed, such a fixed position can be reliably maintained, at least for a certain period of time.

[0052] The method of holding semi-finished spectacle lenses by applying a vacuum has the significant advantage that no additional media (metal alloys, adhesives, or similar substances) are required, as described in EP 0 857 993 A2. Consequently, the effort involved can be reduced, and the disposal of potentially harmful substances is unnecessary.

[0053] However, pneumatic mounting (sometimes also referred to as vacuum clamping) generally leads to increased complexity elsewhere. For example, a secure and firm fixation of the lens assembly to the wearer can only be achieved if there is as small a defined gap as possible between the contact surface (usually the front surface) of the lens assembly and a corresponding seat on the wearer. In other words, the seat should ideally be matched to a contact surface contour, and in particular a contact surface curvature, of the lens assembly. For instance, it is preferable if a spherical or rotationally symmetrical aspherical surface of the seat is adapted to a spherical or rotationally symmetrical contact surface of the lens assembly.This can include both spherical or rotationally symmetric aspherical surfaces having matching radii of curvature, as described, for example, in EP 0 857 993 A2, US 3,134,208 A, US 4,089,102 A, DE 39 24 078 A1 or DE 25 31 134 A1.

[0054] As a rule, it is not necessary for the fixture to be perfectly aligned with the entire front surface of the semi-finished product to be mounted. This applies both to material-bonded mounting, in particular blocking by means of a low-melting-point metal alloy applied between the fixture and the front surface of the semi-finished product or by means of an organic adhesive applied between the fixture and the front surface of the semi-finished product, and to force-bonded mounting, in particular vacuum blocking by means of a negative pressure between the fixture and the front surface of the semi-finished product.

[0055] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is therefore provided that in step b) the lens semi-finished product is picked up from the provided set of lens semi-finished products by means of a receiving device whose shape is exclusively complementary to a partial section of the front surface. This partial section can comprise at least 40%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, and most preferably at least 70% of the front surface of the lens semi-finished product being picked up. It has proven sufficient if the partial section comprises between 40% and 80%, preferably between 50% and 80%, more preferably between 60% and 80%, and most preferably between 70% and 80% of the front surface of the lens semi-finished product being picked up.

[0056] A form-complementary pre-shaped receiving device for vacuum blocking can, in principle, lead to increased complexity compared to conventional material-bonding methods. In other words, for reasons of functional reliability during the receiving process, it is desirable to provide a specially adapted receiving device in the form of a seat or carrier for each contact surface shape of a spectacle lens semi-finished product. Put simply, it would be necessary to have a seat or appropriately adapted carrier available for each type of spectacle lens semi-finished product of the type described above that needs to be received, corresponding to the given radius of curvature of the contact surface, and encompassing a receiving radius adapted to that specific shape. A form-complementary receiving device is not strictly necessary for material-bonding, although it is certainly desirable for at least part of the process.

[0057] Instead of a receiving device for the force-fit reception of a spectacle lens semi-finished product, which has a contour pre-adapted to the front surface of the semi-finished product to be received, a receiving device with a contour pre-adapted to the front surface of the semi-finished product to be received can also be used to realize the present invention. This can be achieved, for example, by means of axially displaceable ring-shaped support elements, as described, for example, in EP 0 857 993 A2 or JP 3121763 A.

[0058] With a pneumatic holding device, a form-fitting, surface-mounted grip on the front surface of a spectacle lens semi-finished product is not strictly necessary. However, it has been found that with the holding devices described in documents EP 0 857 993 A2, US 3,134,208 A, US 4,089,102 A, DE 39 24 078 A1, DE 25 31 134 A1 and JP 3121763 A, which have a contact surface shaped complementary to an extended section of the front surface of the semi-finished product to be held, a significantly greater holding force between the holding device and the spectacle lens semi-finished product can be achieved under comparable conditions than with simple suction cups that only have an outer, generally ring-shaped contact surface sealing against the surroundings.

[0059] It is particularly advantageous if the suction cup is designed to hold the lens assembly stably and without requiring any additional energy after the vacuum has been created. In other words, no further energy needs to be supplied to securely hold the lens assembly, once it has been picked up, on the suction cup. Suitable design features, in particular suitable sealing measures at the mounting surface and on the suction cup itself, can be provided for this purpose. Provided that the lens assembly fits sufficiently tightly against the mounting surface, for example, against a circumferential sealing surface, and provided that a vacuum line on the suction cup, which can be contacted to generate the vacuum, is adequately sealed to the outside, the lens assembly can remain firmly and securely attached to the suction cup for extended periods.In other words, a self-contained and stable assembly consisting of the suction carrier and the spectacle lens semi-finished product can be formed. This assembly can be moved and repositioned within a production facility, for example, without the need for vacuum lines or similar equipment.

[0060] The negative pressure between the receiving surface and the lens assembly can be created, for example, by evacuating a space originally filled with a fluid (e.g., air) between the contact surface of the lens assembly and the receiving surface. When this disclosure refers to a vacuum in this context, this does not necessarily mean that an absolute vacuum is created. Rather, it is generally sufficient to generate a defined negative pressure or a defined pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure in the "vacuum chamber" between the contact surface of the lens assembly and the receiving surface.

[0061] Processing step c) can include, for example, grinding, milling, and / or deformation processes. The processing of the received spectacle lens semi-finished product can also include polishing processes. The processing can consist of shaping a standardized back surface or shaping a back surface design individually calculated for the future user. In particular, in both of the above cases, prescription values ​​determined by the optician or ophthalmologist and individual user information, e.g., of the type described in EP 0 857 993 A2, can be incorporated.

[0062] The processing step can additionally or alternatively include the application of functional layers of the type described in the introductory section, in addition to or as an alternative to the shaping processes described above.

[0063] During processing, the spectacle lens semi-finished product can remain in its captured state, at least temporarily, and preferably almost permanently. In particular, the captured lens semi-finished product can be transferred between different processing stations. Furthermore, the captured lens semi-finished product can also be fed to at least one inspection or testing station, for example, to monitor the processing progress. This also simplifies quality assurance.

[0064] The invention further comprises the proposal of using a set of spectacle lens semi-finished products, in particular of the type described above, in a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses, in particular of one of the types described above, wherein the spectacle lens semi-finished products each have a front surface with a spherical or rotationally symmetrical aspherical, convex shape, which has at least one physical shape feature with an associated dimension, comprising - a first series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made from a base material with a first mean refractive index, wherein the first series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products that differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of their front surface, wherein at least three different types of the pairwise different types have an actual surface refractive power of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53 and, in the case of a rotationally symmetric aspheric shape of the front surface, determined at its center of symmetry, - a second series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made from a base material with a second mean refractive index different from the first mean refractive index, wherein the second series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of their front surface, - a third series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made from a base material having a third mean refractive index different from the first mean refractive index and the second mean refractive index, wherein the third series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of their front surface, wherein - at least three different types of the pairwise different types of the second series have an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, wherein - at least three different types of the pairwise different types of the third series have an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, wherein - the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least three different types of the first series and the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least three different types of the second series and the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least three different types of the third series are identical.

[0065] The object stated at the outset of the invention is fully solved by the use of a set of semi-finished spectacle lens products in a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses as described above.

[0066] Furthermore, the invention consists in providing a device for the manufacture of spectacle lenses, in particular for carrying out the method of the type described above, comprising: a) a provisioning device for providing a set of spectacle lens semi-finished products, in particular of the type described above, wherein the spectacle lens semi-finished products each have a back surface and a front surface with a spherical or rotationally symmetrical aspherical, convex shape, which has at least one physical shape feature with an associated shape dimension, comprising - a first series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made from a base material with a first mean refractive index, wherein the first series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products that differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of their front surface, wherein at least three different types of the pairwise different types have an actual surface refractive power of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53 and, in the case of a rotationally symmetric aspheric shape of the front surface, determined at its center of symmetry, - a second series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made from a base material with a second mean refractive index different from the first mean refractive index, wherein the second series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of their front surface, - a third series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made from a base material having a third mean refractive index different from the first mean refractive index and the second mean refractive index, wherein the third series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical shape feature of their front surface, wherein - at least three different types of the pairwise different types of the second series have an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, wherein - at least three different types of the pairwise different types of the third series have an actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, wherein - the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least three different types of the first series and the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least three different types of the second series and the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least three different types of the third series are identical. b) a receiving device for receiving one of the spectacle lens semi-finished products from the provided set of spectacle lens semi-finished products, c) a processing device for processing the back surface of the received spectacle lens semi-finished product.

[0067] The object stated at the outset of the invention is fully solved by the device for the manufacture of spectacle lenses described above.

[0068] The provisioning device can be, for example, a warehouse where the various semi-finished products of the set are stored and from which one of the lens semi-finished products of the set can be requested for mounting on its front surface and processing of its back surface. The provisioning device can also be, for example, a database that provides information on individual semi-finished product types and their sources of supply, and from which one of the lens semi-finished products of the set can be requested for mounting on its front surface and processing of its back surface.

[0069] The receiving device can – as described above – establish a material-bonded, force-fit, and / or form-fit connection to the spectacle lens semi-finished product. The receiving device can be configured as a blocking device, which can establish a material-bonded connection between the receiving device and the front surface of the spectacle lens semi-finished product by means of a low-melting-point metal alloy introduced between the receiving device and the front surface of the semi-finished product, or by means of an organic adhesive applied between the receiving device and the front surface of the semi-finished product. The receiving device can also be configured as a negative pressure or vacuum suction device, which can establish a force-fit connection by means of a negative pressure in a cavity between the receiving device and the front surface of the semi-finished product.

[0070] The machining equipment may include one or more milling tools and / or one or more turning tools and / or one or more grinding tools and / or one or more polishing tools. The machining equipment may additionally or alternatively include one or more deposition devices for applying functional coatings. One or more deposition devices, such as immersion coating devices or spin-coating devices, may be present for the wet-chemical application of one or more functional coatings. Furthermore, it is possible that one or more vacuum coating devices are used, such as gas phase deposition devices, in particular evaporation devices, cathode sputtering devices, or chemical vacuum reaction devices.

[0071] Finally, the invention comprises a computer-implemented method for designing a set of spectacle lens semi-finished products, in particular a set of semi-finished products of one of the types described above, wherein the spectacle lens semi-finished products each have a front surface with a spherical or rotationally symmetric aspherical, convex shape, which has at least one physical shape feature with an associated shape dimension, wherein the set of spectacle lens semi-finished products comprises a first series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made of a base material with a first mean refractive index and a second series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made of a base material with a second mean refractive index different from the first mean refractive index, wherein the first series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products.which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical feature of the shape of their front surface, and wherein the second series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products which differ in the dimension of the shape of at least one physical feature of the shape of their front surface.

[0072] The computer-implemented method according to the invention is characterized by the step: a) Adapting the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature to the shape of the front surfaces of the different types of the first series and the dimensions of the at least one physical shape feature to the shape of the front surfaces of the different types of the second series.

[0073] In other words, matching the dimensions means aligning the dimensions so that the set of spectacle lens semi-finished products consists of at least two series of spectacle lens semi-finished products with spherical or rotationally symmetrical aspherical front surfaces, the series of spectacle lens semi-finished products differ in their respective base material, the base materials have different average refractive indices, each of the series comprises at least two pairs of different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products whose front surface shapes are designed differently in some way, and the front surface shapes of these at least two types are identical on a partial surface (which preferably comprises more than 40%, further preferably more than 50% of the total front surface) or on the entire front surface for all of the at least two series.

[0074] The object stated at the outset of the invention is fully solved by the computer-implemented method described above for the design of a set of semi-finished spectacle lens products.

[0075] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the computer-implemented method according to the invention consists in the fact that the at least one shape feature is an actual surface refractive power and that the associated shape dimension is the corresponding actual surface refractive value based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, such that the first series and the second series of spectacle lens semi-finished products each comprise types of spectacle lens semi-finished products whose front surfaces have an actual surface refractive power with identical actual surface refractive values ​​based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, and that the matching of the actual surface refractive values ​​based on the standard refractive index of 1.53 of the front surfaces of the different types of the first series and the actual surface refractive values ​​based on the standard refractive index of 1.53 of the front surfaces of the different types of the second series is carried out in such a way thatthat the difference between one of the identical actual refractive indices based on the standard refractive index of 1.53 and the next larger identical actual refractive indices based on the standard refractive index of 1.53 is smaller than a predetermined threshold and / or is identical to a fixed difference value within a variance range of 20%, preferably 15%, more preferably 10%, and most preferably 5%.

[0076] The advantage of this design rule, as explained above, lies in the fact that it creates a largely uniform gradation between the semi-finished products of a series, which enables a largely homogeneous quality distribution with regard to the optical properties of the finished spectacle lenses across their entire delivery range.

[0077] According to the invention, the above-described method for designing a set of semi-finished products for manufacturing spectacle lenses, as well as its variants for carrying out its process steps, can be provided in the form of a computer program with program code if the computer program is loaded into a computer and / or executed in a computer.

[0078] The invention provides in particular that the above-described method for designing a set of semi-finished products for manufacturing spectacle lenses, as well as its variants for carrying out its method steps, is provided in the form of a computer-readable storage medium with a computer program containing program code, in order to load the computer program into a computer and / or execute it in a computer.

[0079] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a simplified schematic side view of two spectacle lens semi-finished products for the manufacture of spectacle lenses; Fig. 2 a simplified schematic side view of another spectacle lens semi-finished product for the manufacture of spectacle lenses and a holder with a holder adapted to the spectacle lens semi-finished product; Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 simplified schematic side views of pairings of spectacle lens semi-finished products and contact sections with receiving seats adapted to corresponding contact surfaces of the spectacle lens semi-finished products; Fig. 6 a highly simplified schematic tabular diagram to illustrate possible compositions and pairings of sets of spectacle lens semi-finished products and a set of carriers or contact sections; Fig. 7 an exemplary schematic representation of an assignment of spectacle lens semi-finished product types, each of which has a standardized physical shape feature in the form of a radius of curvature of the front surface of the spectacle lens semi-finished products of the respective spectacle lens semi-finished product types consisting of a base material with a mean refractive index of 1.6, to specified ranges of optical corrections that can be produced on the basis of the spectacle lens semi-finished product types; Fig. 8 another exemplary schematic representation of an assignment of spectacle lens semi-finished product types, each of which has a standardized physical shape feature in the form of a radius of curvature of the front surface of the spectacle lens semi-finished products of the respective spectacle lens semi-finished product types consisting of a base material with a mean refractive index of 1.67, to specified ranges of optical corrections that can be produced on the basis of the spectacle lens semi-finished product types; Fig. 9 the representation of the assignment according to the Fig. 7, where the radii of curvature have been converted into an actual refractive index of 1.53; Fig. 10 the representation of the assignment according to the Fig. 8, where the radii of curvature have been converted into an actual refractive index of 1.53; Fig. 11 a highly simplified schematic block representation of a plant or system for the production of spectacle lenses; Fig. 12 a highly simplified schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a process for the manufacture of spectacle lenses; Fig. 13 A highly simplified schematic block representation of an alternative embodiment of a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses, based on the Fig. 10 illustrated procedures; and Fig. 14 A highly simplified, schematic block diagram to illustrate possible sub-steps of a process step of the based on the Fig. 10 illustrated methods for manufacturing spectacle lenses.

[0080] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates, in a highly simplified manner using two side views, possible designs of semi-finished spectacle lens components for the manufacture of spectacle lenses, as used within the scope of the present invention. A semi-finished spectacle lens component designated 10 can be used, by way of example, for the manufacture of a so-called plus lens. A semi-finished spectacle lens component designated 12 can be used, by way of example, for the manufacture of a so-called minus lens.

[0081] In this embodiment, the spectacle lens semi-finished products 10, 12 are rotationally symmetrical about an axis of rotation 14. Furthermore, the spectacle lens semi-finished products 10, 12 have a front surface 16. The front surface 16 is already finished. Changes in curvature to modify the optical effect or optical properties to adapt to the needs of the future spectacle wearer are made exclusively to the back surface 18 of the spectacle lens semi-finished products 10, 12, which is located opposite the front surface 16. The front surface 16 is typically a spherical surface. Within the scope of the present invention, rotationally symmetrical aspherical front surfaces are also permitted. The respective front surface 16 has a specific curvature, which in this embodiment is indicated by the radius of curvature 20.

[0082] A plus lens, which can be manufactured from the spectacle gas semi-finished product 10, generally has a convex front surface 16 with a curvature that is greater than the concave curvature of the back surface 18. A minus lens, which can be manufactured from the spectacle gas semi-finished product 12, generally has a curvature on its convex front surface 16 that is generally less than the curvature of the concave back surface 18. In the exemplary embodiment, the spectacle gas semi-finished products 10, 12 are made of an organic material (plastic). Spectacle lens semi-finished products made of mineral glass or other inorganic materials are also possible. Known materials for organic spectacle lenses include, for example, those with the trade names CR 39, MR 8, MR 7, CR 330, and MR 174. Other materials for organic and mineral spectacle lenses are given in the introductory section.However, Table 1, as indicated in the introductory description, only includes a selection from a large number of materials.

[0083] In addition to the front surface 16 and the back surface 18, the spectacle lens semi-finished products 10, 12 have an edge surface 22, which is usually designed as a cylindrical surface. It is therefore often also referred to as the cylindrical edge surface. It is understood that the Fig. The illustrated configurations of the spectacle lens semi-finished products 10, 12 are merely exemplary. The edge surface 22 can generally be designed as a circumferential surface of any shape.

[0084] As already described in detail above, so-called semi-finished products, i.e. blanks 10, 12, in which the front surface 16 is finished and in which the back surface 18 is subjected to further shaping processing to adapt to the optical requirements of the later wearer of the glasses, are fixed or blocked in fixtures so that they can be mounted in a suitable manner on processing machines.

[0085] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates, in a highly simplified schematic side view, a receiving device 34 designed to receive a spectacle lens semi-finished product 10. In this example, the receiving device 34 is designed as a suction or vacuum carrier. The receiving device 34 is designed to receive the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 at a defined contact surface. This contact surface can, for example, be the entire front surface 16. In the Fig. In the case shown in 2, the contact surface comprises only a central front surface section 17 that is point-symmetric with respect to the point of penetration 15 of the axis of rotation or symmetry 14 of the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 through the front surface 16.

[0086] A protective film is often applied to the contact surface of the lens semi-finished product 10 on the receiving device 34 before it is picked up. This prevents damage to the front surface 16 during picking up and fixing in the subsequent processing. The protective film is in the Fig. 2 identified with reference numeral 19.

[0087] The process of picking up or fixing the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 to the holding device 34 is referred to as blocking or mounting, particularly when using low-melting-point metal alloys as the bonding medium or when using a suction or vacuum carrier. In the mounted state of the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10, a bond can form between the holding device 34 and the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 held therein. This bond allows for safe handling and, in particular, precise mounting of the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 for further processing steps.

[0088] In the exemplary embodiment, the receiving device 34 comprises a shaft 36, which is designed to receive the receiving device 34 on processing machines, testing machines, or similar equipment of a plant for the production of spectacle lenses. In the arrangement shown, the receiving device 34 further comprises a contact section 38, which is designed to receive the contact surface 17 or front surface 16 of the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10.

[0089] In this example, the contact section 38 has a receiving recess, which is referred to below as the receiving seat 40. A seal 42 is received on the contact section 38, in particular at its end facing the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10. It is not absolutely necessary that the front surface 16 of the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10, when received, comes into contact with the receiving seat 40 of the contact section 38. However, a sealing contact of the sealing ring 42 with the front surface 16 is desirable. In this way, a cavity 44 can be formed between the receiving seat 40 and the front surface 16, in which a negative pressure or a vacuum can be generated.

[0090] Provided that the cavity 44 is adequately sealed by the contact of the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 with the sealing ring 42, the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 can be securely held against the contact section 38 solely by the negative pressure within the cavity 44. In this way, a force-fit connection of the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 to the contact section 38 can be ensured. This offers several advantages over known approaches for the material-bonded connection of the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 to the contact section 38. In particular, the provision, handling, and disposal of an adhesive between the contact section 38 and the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 can be avoided.

[0091] To generate the negative pressure or vacuum in the cavity 44, which can also be referred to as a chamber, the cavity 44 is connected to a pump 52 via a line 48. The pump 52 can also be referred to as a vacuum pump. Air can be extracted from the cavity 44 by means of the pump 52 when the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 is in sufficiently tight contact with the sealing ring 42. Preferably, the line 48 can be sealed. For this purpose, for example, a valve 50 can be provided, which is located in Fig. Figure 2 is shown only symbolically. Preferably, the line 48 can be shut off such that the carrier 34 can be detached from the pump 52. Provided that the cavity 44 is sufficiently sealed, the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 can be held automatically and permanently on the contact section 38. In particular, no permanent or sporadic energy supply is required to ensure the secure fit. Conversely, the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 can be easily detached from the contact section 38, for example by equalizing the pressure via the line 48.

[0092] To ensure repeatable and processable insertion of the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10 onto the contact section 38, it is advantageous to create a gap between the front surface 16 and the receiving seat 40 that is as well-defined as possible and which, in the blocked state, defines the cavity 44. For this reason, it is advantageous if the receiving seat 40 has a shape that, at least in the area of ​​the contact surface 17, is adapted to the shape of the front surface 16. In particular, it can be advantageous if the receiving seat 40 and the front surface 16 have substantially identical curvatures or radii of curvature. The gap or cavity 44 can be formed by a corresponding offset. It is particularly preferred if a corresponding receiving seat 40 or a corresponding contact section 38 is provided for every conceivable shape or form of the front surface 16.

[0093] In this context, the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 different pairings of semi-finished products 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 with contact sections 38-1, 38-2, 38-3 matched to their front surfaces 16-1, 16-2, 16-3 of receiving devices 34-1, 34-2, 34-3 of the in the Fig. 2 of the type shown. The contact sections 38-1, 38-2, 38-3 have recesses or receiving seats 40-1, 40-2, 40-3 which are suitably adapted to the shape of the front surface 16-1, 16-2, 16-3. In particular, the receiving seats 40-1, 40-2, 40-3 and the front surfaces 16-1, 16-2, 16-3 can have substantially the same radii of curvature. In this way, secure fixation of the spectacle lens semi-finished products 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 can be achieved. However, the greater the number of differently shaped front surfaces 16-1, 16-2, 16-3, the greater the corresponding need for appropriately adapted contact sections 38-1, 38-2, 38-3. Therefore, the greater the inhomogeneity or diversity of spectacle lens semi-finished products 10, 12 with regard to their front surface design, the greater the effort required to provide adequate contact sections 38 or receiving devices 34 equipped with them.

[0094] Each of the contact sections 38-1, 38-2, 38-3 of the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 can – as in the case shown – be part of an independent carrier 34-1, 34-2, 34-3, see also Fig. 2. Conversely, it is also conceivable to design the contact sections 38-1, 38-2, 38-3 as adapters and thus, if necessary, to attach them to a corresponding carrier 34.

[0095] The necessity of a holding device adapted to the front surface geometry of the spectacle lens semi-finished product to ensure secure fixation of the spectacle lens semi-finished product during its back surface processing applies not only to the case discussed in detail above, namely the use of a vacuum blocker 34 as a holding device for a spectacle lens semi-finished product 10, but generally. However, given the highly heterogeneous range of semi-finished products available for the manufacture of spectacle lenses up to the time of the invention, especially progressive lenses and similarly complex lenses, only a few spectacle lens manufacturers are able to maintain holding devices capable of handling the majority of these spectacle lens semi-finished products.

[0096] The invention therefore proposes to globally define front surface shapes, in particular radii of curvature, for contact surfaces of the front surfaces of spectacle lens semi-finished products 10, 12, so that a manageable set of different contact surface geometries results. Such a concept is demonstrated using the in Fig. 6 illustrated in the tabular representation shown. Fig. Figure 6 shows an assignment of spectacle lens semi-finished product types and corresponding receiving device types to a global definition or a global standardization of physical shape features, in particular a global definition of radii of curvature for contact surfaces of the spherical front surfaces of the spectacle lens semi-finished products 10, 12. It is hereby expressly clarified once again that the entire front surface or only a portion thereof can serve as the contact surface. Instead of a spherical shape, the front surface can also be rotationally symmetrical and aspherical. Furthermore, it is hereby clarified that a spectacle lens semi-finished product type is determined by the dimension of its shape feature. This means that, in the present embodiment, a spectacle lens semi-finished product type is defined by the size of the radius of its spherical front surface.

[0097] The sample assignment table is labeled 60. Column 62 illustrates—only schematically—defined values ​​for radii of curvature or similar physical shape characteristics, designated R1 to R20 according to a row numbering system. The radii R1 to R20 defined in column 62 represent, in a sense, a maximum set from which corresponding representatives can be selected when defining spectacle lens semi-finished product types for a set. For simplicity, it is assumed that the corresponding value of each radius R1 to R20 increases from top to bottom in table 62, i.e., with increasing row number.

[0098] It is preferred if, for each radius R1 to R20 according to column 62, a corresponding contact section 38 or a receiving device 34 provided with a contact section 38 is provided, the receiving seat 40 of which is designed to receive a contact surface with the radius of curvature R1 to R20, see also Fig. 2 to Fig. 5. In the allocation table 60, a column labelled 64 illustrates a corresponding set of reception facilities 34.

[0099] Therefore, if the global definition 62 of radii R1 to R20 is used as an "input parameter" when designing the front surface geometries of spectacle lens semi-finished products, it is automatically ensured that the resulting semi-finished product 10, 12 can be blocked and further processed in the desired manner.

[0100] In Fig. Columns 66-1, 66-2, and 66-3 illustrate different series of spectacle lens semi-finished products 10 and 12, selected according to the global convention or definition of radii R1 to R20. Each series therefore comprises a plurality of spectacle lens semi-finished product types, determined by the radii of curvature of the front surfaces of the individual spectacle lens semi-finished products.

[0101] It is understood that the number of different radii R1 to R20 predefined according to global definition 62 is merely an example for illustrative purposes. In general, it is conceivable that global definition 62 encompasses between 5 and 25 different radii. In particular, global definition 62 could encompass between 10 and 20 different radii.

[0102] The various series 66-1, 66-2, and 66-3 differ in their material and thus in their average refractive index. They may also differ in other optical properties. In particular, the series, or even individual semi-finished products within a series, may have one or more coatings. However, the material of the carrier or substrate, referred to as the base material in this description, is the only relevant factor.

[0103] There may be differences in demand from patients or customers between series 66-1, 66-2, and 66-3. For example, series 66-1, based on the first column #1, might represent a series of semi-finished products 10 and 12 that are in high demand. The semi-finished products in series 66-2, based on the second column #2, are in lower demand than those in series 66-1, based on the first column. The semi-finished products in series 66-3, based on the third column #3, are in even lower demand than those in series 66-2, based on the second column #2. Furthermore, medium-sized radii, corresponding to numbers R7 to R14, are in higher demand than small or large radii, such as R1 to R6 and R15 to R20.

[0104] Accordingly, it may be desirable to utilize the smallest possible range or gradation between radii R1 to R20 for the 66-1 series. In other words, the 66-1 series can comprise approximately the quantity of semi-finished product types, characterized by radii R1 to R20, corresponding to the maximum available global quantity as specified in column 62. This ensures fine gradation. To achieve the desired optical properties, only comparatively minor shaping of the back surfaces is typically required.

[0105] In contrast, the one in Fig. Series 6, designated 66-3, contains a significantly reduced number of spectacle lens semi-finished product types (marked fields in rows No. 3, 7, 10, 13, 18 in column 66-3), which is selected as a subset of the maximum available number of radii R1 to R20 or spectacle lens semi-finished product types in column 62. This limits the effort required to produce semi-finished products 10 and 12. Conversely, increased processing effort can be accepted to achieve desired optical properties from a limited number of spectacle lens semi-finished product types.

[0106] The in Fig. Column 6, labeled 66-2, concerns spectacle lens semi-finished products 10, 12, for which there is approximately medium demand. It can therefore be advantageous to define certain areas, particularly certain areas of curvature radii, with finer increments than other areas, especially the edge areas of column 62. Typically, demand within a series 66 of spectacle lens semi-finished product types also fluctuates depending on the optical correction achievable based on the spectacle lens semi-finished product type. It can therefore be advantageous to define spectacle lens semi-finished product types within a series 66 that are subject to higher demand (relative to the series) with smaller increments; see, for example, the central section in series 66-2.

[0107] A set 68 can be formed from a plurality of series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3. Set 68 of spectacle lens semi-finished products therefore comprises a plurality of series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3, each of which in turn comprises a plurality of spectacle lens semi-finished product types No. 1 to 20, which themselves comprise a plurality of individual spectacle lens semi-finished products. The individual series differ in the base material of the spectacle lens semi-finished products. The individual spectacle lens semi-finished product types No. 1 to 20 differ in their radii of curvature R1 to R20. This means that all spectacle lens semi-finished products of a spectacle lens semi-finished product type No. 1, No. 2, ... No. 20 have the same radius of curvature R1, R2, ... R20. It is irrelevant whether one or a plurality of the spectacle lens semi-finished products of a type and / or series have a coating or not.

[0108] Nevertheless, it is ensured that each spectacle lens semi-finished product within the series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3 of sentence 68 is subject to the global definition 62 and can therefore be received, in particular blocked, by a receiving device 34, in particular a contact section 38 according to sentence 64 of receiving devices 34.

[0109] It can also be advantageous to form at least one pairing 72 from a series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3 of semi-finished products 10, 12 and the set 64 of receiving devices 34 or corresponding associated contact sections 38. Grouping them together in the pairing 72 ensures that a suitable receiving device 34 or a suitable contact section 38 from the set 64 is available for each spectacle lens semi-finished product type of the series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3.

[0110] Furthermore, it may be advisable to form a pairing 74 comprising the set 68 of series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3 of spectacle lens semi-finished product types No. 1, No. 2, ... No. 20, as well as the associated set 64 of receiving devices 34. Pairing 74 also ensures that each spectacle lens semi-finished product type No. 1, No. 2, ... No. 20 can be appropriately blocked, handled, and processed.

[0111] Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 illustrates the assignment of spectacle lens semi-finished product types, which are characterized by certain radii of curvature, to optical corrections that can be produced on the basis of the corresponding spectacle lens semi-finished product type (functionally and / or economically sensible).

[0112] In the Fig. 7 and Fig. Axis 80 denotes the spherical refractive power of the spectacle lens to be produced, in diopters D. Furthermore, axis 78 denotes the astigmatic power in diopters D (minus cylinder convention). Another parameter that determines the Fig. 7 and Fig. The underlying figure 8 is the possible addition for progressive lenses. The diagrams according to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 apply to additions in the range between 2.25 and 2.5 D.

[0113] Each of the Fig. 7 and Fig. Section 8 describes a series 66-4, 66-5 of semi-finished product types, which are characterized by the radii of curvature R4, R5, R6, ... R16 of the front surfaces of the semi-finished products. The series 66-4, 66-5 according to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 differ from each other with respect to their mean refractive index n d their basic material. The representation in Fig. 7 is a material with a refractive index of n d = 1.6 The representation in Fig. 8 is a material with a refractive index of n d = 1.67 as a basis.

[0114] Each type of spectacle lens semi-finished product, i.e., semi-finished products with a specific radius of curvature Ri with i = 1 ... 20, can be assigned to a specific range of spherical refractive power and a specific range of astigmatic correction, which can be produced on this basis. It is understood that, considering the differing refractive indices n d the basic materials according to the in the Fig. 7 and Fig. The 8 illustrations shown, based on semi-finished spectacle lens types with the same radii of curvature, do not cover identical areas for different materials.

[0115] According to the presentation in Fig. The 66-4 series comprises twelve different spectacle lens semi-finished product types with twelve different radii of curvature, R5 to R16. (See illustration in...) Fig. From section 8, it can be seen that the 66-5 series comprises thirteen different spectacle lens semi-finished product types with thirteen different radii of curvature R4 to R16. The radii of curvature R4 to R16 are in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 each given in millimeters.

[0116] The radii of curvature of the spectacle lens semi-finished product types in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are assigned to the same global definition of radii of curvature 62. Based on the material with the higher refractive index (cf. Fig. 8) In principle, spectacle lenses with stronger optical corrections can be produced, for example to cover a larger range for spherical refractive power.

[0117] The graphics according to the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 fully correspond in content to the descriptions according to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. The Fig. Figure 9 shows in particular the assignment of spectacle lens semi-finished product types, which are characterized by certain radii of curvature, to optical corrections that can be produced on the basis of the corresponding spectacle lens semi-finished product type (functionally and / or economically sensible) for the series 66-4 of semi-finished product types, which are characterized by the radii of curvature R5, R6, ... R16 of the front surfaces of the semi-finished products and which are based on semi-finished products made of the base material with a refractive index of n d = 1.6 based. The Fig. Figure 10 shows in particular the assignment of spectacle lens semi-finished product types, which are characterized by certain radii of curvature, to optical corrections that can be produced on the basis of the corresponding spectacle lens semi-finished product type (functionally and / or economically sensible) for the series 66-5 of semi-finished product types, which are characterized by the radii of curvature R4, R5, R6, ... R16 of the front surfaces of the semi-finished products and which are based on semi-finished products made of the base material with a refractive index of n d = 1.67 based.

[0118] Instead of the values ​​of the radii of curvature R4, R5, R6, ... R16 in millimeters, the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 the corresponding to a standard refractive index n s of 1.53 relative actual refractive index D n , which is achieved by a conversion according to the formula Dn=(1−ns) / R is available from the previously specified radius R. Fig. 9 and Fig. From 10, the following simple design rule can be derived for the set of semi-finished products comprising the spectacle lens semi-finished product series 66-4 and 66-5: The first series 66-4 and the second series 66-5 each feature types of spectacle lens semi-finished products whose front surfaces have an actual surface refractive power with identical actual surface refractive values ​​based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, namely with the values ​​D n = 0.5; 1.4; 2.3; 3.2; 4.0; 4.7; 5.4; 6.0; 6.7; 7.4; 8.0 and 8.8.

[0119] The adjustment of the actual refractive indices of the front surfaces of the different types of the first series 66-4, referenced to the standard refractive index of 1.53, and the actual refractive indices of the front surfaces of the different types of the second series 66-5, referenced to the standard refractive index of 1.53, was carried out such that the difference between one of the identical actual refractive indices referenced to the standard refractive index of 1.53 and the next larger identical actual refractive indices referenced to the standard refractive index of 1.53, namely the actual refractive indices between the type designated R16 and the type designated R15, or between the type designated R15 and the type designated R14, etc., is less than a predetermined threshold value. All the difference values ​​are in the range between 0.6 D and 0.8 D and are therefore all less than 0.85 D.

[0120] The adjustment of the actual refractive indices of the front surfaces of the different types of the first series 66-4, referenced to the standard refractive index of 1.53, and the actual refractive indices of the front surfaces of the different types of the second series 66-5, referenced to the standard refractive index of 1.53, was carried out such that the difference between one of the identical actual refractive indices referenced to the standard refractive index of 1.53 and the next larger identical actual refractive indices referenced to the standard refractive index of 1.53, namely the actual refractive indices between the type designated R16 and the type designated R15, or between the type designated R15 and the type designated R14, etc., within a variance range of 15%, is identical to a fixed, predetermined difference value. In the exemplary embodiment, the predetermined difference value is 0.7 D and the variance is 0.1 D.

[0121] Although the Fig. Figures 7 to 10 merely illustrate two series 66-4 and 66-5 with semi-finished products made of different base materials; it is evident to the person skilled in the art how corresponding diagrams for the Fig. 6. The underlying embodiment of set 68 with the three series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3 of semi-finished products looks in principle. If the same values ​​for radii R4 to R13 are used for this set 68 as in the Fig. 7 and Fig. As can be seen from 8, in Fig. 6, that the series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3 of semi-finished products within the actual refractive index range of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, have three pairwise different types No. 7, 10 and 13 corresponding to the radii R7, R10 and R13, which are common to all series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3 or are identical in all three series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3.

[0122] Assuming that the first series 66-1 consisted exclusively of semi-finished products made from a base material with a medium refractive index n d1 of 1.5, the second series 66-2 exclusively semi-finished products made from a base material with a medium refractive index n d2 of 1.6 and the third series 66-3 exclusively semi-finished products made from a base material with a medium refractive index n d3 If the values ​​are 1.74 or higher, then the condition is also met that the mean refractive indices n are equal. d1 , n d2 , n d3 the three series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3 differ by at least 0.06.

[0123] The difference between each of the identical refractive indices and the next larger identical refractive indices is 1.5 D (No. 13, compared to No. 11) and 1.3 D (No. 11, compared to No. 9), respectively. This results in a mean of 1.4 D and a variance of 0.1 D. The variance is therefore less than 7.5%.

[0124] Fig. From section 6, it can be further seen that the series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3 of semi-finished products, within the actual refractive index range of their front surface between 0.5 D (corresponding to No. 5) and 9.6 D (corresponding to No. 3), in addition to the different types No. 7, 10 and 13 corresponding to radii R7, R10 and R13 present in all three series, types No. 5 and No. 3 corresponding to radii R3 and R5 are also present in all three series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3 of semi-finished products in an identical manner.

[0125] Fig. Figure 11 illustrates, in a highly simplified schematic manner using a block diagram, a manufacturing system 88 for producing spectacle lenses from organic materials. In the present embodiment, the manufacturing system 88 comprises a control unit 90, which can also be referred to as a host computer or process computer. The control unit can communicate with various components or devices of the system 88. The manufacturing system 88 further comprises a handling device 92, which provides means for handling semi-finished products 10, 12, on the basis of which the spectacle lenses are produced. In particular, the handling device 92 can be configured to hold a receiving device 34 (see Figure 11). Fig. 2) to grasp, move and / or transfer the spectacle lens semi-finished products 10, 12. The handling device 92 can be coupled with other components of the manufacturing system 88 in order to feed this receiving device 34 with the spectacle lens semi-finished products 10, 12 held therein, or to remove the receiving device 34 with a spectacle lens semi-finished product 10, 12 held therein from these.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the manufacturing system 88 comprises a storage unit 94 in which a set 68 of series 66 of semi-finished spectacle lens products 10, 12 of the type described above according to the invention are provided. Alternatively, the manufacturing system 88 can also be coupled to the storage unit 94 and / or optionally to one or more further storage units (not shown in the figure). Provided that all series 66 in the storage unit 94 conform to the global convention or specification of the contact surfaces, in particular the radii of curvature, it is ensured that each semi-finished spectacle lens product 10 can be picked up from the storage unit 94 and processed.

[0127] The manufacturing system 88 can also be coupled to a storage unit 96 for receiving devices 34 or for contact sections 38 for receiving devices 34, wherein the receiving devices 34 are assigned to a set 64 of receiving devices 34 of the type described above. It is preferred if all contact sections 38 or receiving devices 34 in the storage unit 96 are designed according to the global definition or convention. In this way, a suitable contact section 38 is available for each spectacle lens semi-finished product type of series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3.

[0128] Upon receipt of a production order, for example, by means of the handling device 92, spectacle lens semi-finished products 10, 12 from series 66-1, 66-2, 66-3 of set 68 can be selected and fed to a blocking station 98. Furthermore, a receiving device 34 with a contact section 38, which is adapted to a radius of curvature of a front surface of the selected spectacle lens semi-finished product 10, 12, can be taken from the storage 96 and fed to the blocking station 98.

[0129] In the blocking station 98, the selected blank 10, 12 can be blocked onto the holding device 34. Blocking can, in particular, involve blocking by means of negative pressure or vacuum blocking. In this way, a composite consisting of the holding device 34 and the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10, 12 can be produced. The composite can be transferred to a processing station 100, which is configured, for example, as a grinding station, milling station, turning station, or similar. In the processing station 100, the back surface of the blocked spectacle lens semi-finished product 10, 12 can be machined. Thanks to the holding device 38, the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10, 12 can be held with high precision in the processing station 100 and thus machined with corresponding accuracy.

[0130] This is followed by an example of a transfer to a polishing station 102. The polishing station 102 is designed and configured to polish the machined back surface of the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10, 12.

[0131] A further transfer to a blocking station 104 can follow, in which the blocked spectacle lens semi-finished product 10, 12 is removed from the receiving device 34 or blocked. This can be done, for example, by pressure equalization in the case of vacuum blocking. After blocking, the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10, 12 (which has meanwhile been further processed) can be detached from the receiving device 34 and handled and processed independently.

[0132] Accordingly, the semi-finished spectacle lens 10, 12 can be transferred to a surface processing station 106. The surface processing station 106 can be configured as a coating station or in a similar manner. For example, a hard coating can be applied to the front surface and / or the back surface of the blank 10, 12 in the surface processing station 106. In this way, the desired spectacle lens can be completed.

[0133] A final inspection station 108 can be connected, to which the spectacle lens is transferred. The final inspection station 108 is designed and configured to perform a final inspection of the spectacle lens, particularly with regard to its optical and / or mechanical properties.

[0134] The handling of the spectacle lens semi-finished product 10, 12 or the receiving device 34, onto which the spectacle lens semi-finished product can be received, can be carried out by the handling device 92. It is further understood that at least some of the stations 98, 100, 102, 104, 106 may have corresponding control stations or inspection stations upstream or between them. In particular, the manufacturing system 88 is designed to be able to handle and process a high variety of spectacle lens semi-finished products 10, 12 by means of a manageable number of receiving devices 34 or contact sections 38 for the receiving devices 34.

[0135] Fig. Figure 12 illustrates, in a highly simplified manner using a block diagram, an exemplary embodiment of a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses, which makes use of various aspects of the present disclosure. The method described in the Fig. The method shown in Figure 12 comprises a step S10, which involves providing a set of semi-finished products. The set includes a limited number of spectacle lens semi-finished product types, each spectacle lens semi-finished product type having a defined contact surface with at least one standardized physical shape feature. The at least one physical shape feature may be, for example, a contact surface shape of the front surface of the spectacle lens semi-finished product, in particular the entire front surface shape. Preferably, the physical shape feature is a front surface curvature or, more generally, a contact surface curvature.

[0136] A further step, S12, involves defining at least one desired optical property of a spectacle lens to be manufactured. Step S12 can be carried out, for example, based on data describing a patient's or customer's refractive error. This includes, for instance, a prescription issued by an optician, ophthalmologist, or other appropriately trained professional. Data describing the anticipated usage conditions can also be considered, if applicable.

[0137] In the present embodiment, a step S14 follows, which includes the selection of a spectacle lens semi-finished product from the provided set of spectacle lens semi-finished products. This can be done, in particular, taking into account step S12, in which the desired optical property is defined. The choice of the spectacle lens semi-finished product type to which the selected spectacle lens semi-finished product corresponds should be made with the proviso that the desired optical property can actually be produced based on the spectacle lens semi-finished product type.

[0138] In the presented embodiment, a subsequent step S16 comprises the selection of a receiving device or the selection of a contact section for a receiving device, which is designed to securely and firmly hold the selected spectacle lens semi-finished product. This significantly simplifies the so-called "blocking" of the spectacle lens semi-finished product onto the receiving device. In particular, step S16 can include the selection of a contact section that is geometrically adapted to the standardized physical shape characteristic of the spectacle lens semi-finished product type. For example, the contact section can comprise a receiving seat with a radius of curvature that essentially corresponds to the radius of curvature of the contact surface or the front surface of the spectacle lens semi-finished product.

[0139] The example then includes a further step, S18, which involves blocking the spectacle lens preform onto the receiving device or its contact section. In particular, step S18 can include vacuum blocking. In this way, the spectacle lens preform can be force-fitted onto the receiving device without requiring a material bond.

[0140] A further step, S20, follows, which involves processing the block-mounted spectacle lens preform. The preform, blocked on the holding device, can be precisely and securely positioned for processing, enabling highly accurate machining. In particular, the back surface of the spectacle lens preform can be processed, for example, by modifying its shape as described above. Further processing steps, such as the application of one or more functional layers, as outlined in the introductory description, are also possible.

[0141] Fig. Figure 13 shows, using a highly simplified schematic block diagram, an alternative embodiment of a process for manufacturing spectacle lenses. This is based on the Fig. The 13 illustrated procedures can, at least in essential aspects, be compared to the one based on the Fig. The 12 illustrated procedures should be similarly structured. The procedure according to the Fig. Section 13 includes step S40, which involves providing a set of series of spectacle lens semi-finished products. Each series of the set comprises spectacle lens semi-finished products manufactured from the same material. Within each series of the set, several types of spectacle lens semi-finished products are provided, with each type of each series of the set belonging to a global definition of standardized physical shape features.

[0142] Step S42 follows, which involves defining at least one optical property. Based on step S42, a preliminary selection of a suitable series can be made. This takes place in step S44. Step S46 then follows, which involves selecting a lens semi-finished product from the series chosen in step S44. The lens semi-finished product can be selected, in particular, taking into account the desired optical property or the desired optical correction.

[0143] Step S44, which concerns the pre-selection of a series, can include, in addition to the selection of a material or base material with a desired refractive index, the selection of a specific coating and / or the selection of a specific coloring that has already been produced in the semi-finished product.

[0144] Further handling and processing steps may follow steps S40 to S46, which are basically the same as those described in Fig. The 12 steps shown and described above can correspond to S16, S18 and S20.

[0145] Fig. Figure 14 shows an exemplary design of a processing step, which corresponds approximately to step S20 according to [reference missing], using a block diagram. Fig. 12 corresponds. It is assumed that step S20 is preceded by blocking a spectacle lens semi-finished product with its spherical or rotationally symmetrical aspherical front surface on a receiving device.

[0146] Processing step S20 includes a sub-step S50, in which the back surface of the spectacle lens semi-finished product is milled to achieve the desired progressive geometry. Other optical corrections on the back of the spectacle lens semi-finished product are of course possible through sub-step S50.

[0147] Substep S50 is followed by substep S52, which involves an inspection of the milled spectacle lens semi-finished product. Specifically, substep S52 may include checking the contour of the generated surface geometry, checking the roughness of the generated surface geometry, and / or checking the alignment of the generated back surface to the front surface.

[0148] In step S54, the back surface of the milled blank is polished. The polishing process gives the spectacle lens its desired optical transparency.

[0149] Sub-step S54 is followed by sub-step S56, which includes a quality check or control of the polishing result.

[0150] A further downstream step, S58, involves blocking the lens assembly. The lens assembly is separated from the holding device. If a vacuum blocker is used, step S58 includes pressure equalization in a cavity between the vacuum blocker and the held lens assembly.

[0151] In the subsequent step S60, a check or quality inspection of the blocked (almost finished) blank takes place.

[0152] In a subsequent step, S62, the blank undergoes a surface treatment or coating. For example, a hard coating, an anti-reflective coating, or an antistatic coating can be applied. In particular, it is possible to coat not only the back surface but also the front surface of the blank.

[0153] In the present embodiment, processing step S20 includes a final sub-step S64, which involves a (renewed) check of the processing result, in particular the result of the surface processing.

[0154] It is understood that at least some of the (sub-)steps, in particular sub-steps S52, S56, S60 and S64, can be skipped. However, it is often the case that each sub-step in the production of spectacle lenses is followed by a corresponding quality control check to ensure the best possible quality.

Claims

[1] Method for manufacturing spectacle lenses comprising the steps: a) Providing a set (68) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) each having a back surface (18) and a front surface (16) with a spherical convex shape, which has a physical shape feature with an associated shape dimension, comprising - a first series (66-1) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) made from a base material with a first mean refractive index (n d1 ), wherein the first series (66-1) comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) which differ in the dimension of the physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface (16), wherein at least four different types of the pairwise different types correspond to a standard refractive index (n s ) of 1.53 relative actual refractive index (D n ) their front surface (16) have between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, - a second series (66-2) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) made from a base material with a second mean refractive index (n) that differs from the first mean refractive index d1 ) different mean refractive indices (n d2 ), wherein the second series (66-2) comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) which differ in the dimension of the physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface (16), - a third series (66-3) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) made from a base material having a third of the first mean refractive index (n) d1 ) and the second mean refractive index (n d2 ) different mean refractive indices (n d3 ), wherein the third series (66-3) comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) which differ in the dimension of the physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface (16), b) Picking up one of the spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) from the provided set (68) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) by means of a receiving device (34) which is shaped to be complementary to only a subsection (17) of the shape of the front surface (16), wherein the subsection comprises between 40% and 80% of the front surface of the picked-up spectacle lens semi-finished product, c) Machining the back surface (18) of the received spectacle lens semi-finished product (10, 12), characterized by , that - at least four different types of the pairwise different types of the second series (66-2) one to a standard refractive index (n s ) of 1.53 relative actual refractive index of their front surface (16) between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, - at least four different types of the pairwise different types of the third series (66-3) one to a standard refractive index (n s) of 1.53 relative actual refractive index of their front surface (16) between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, - the dimensions of the physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces of the at least four different types of the first series (66-1) and the dimensions of the physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces (16) of the at least four different types of the second series (66-2) and the dimensions of the physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces (16) of the at least four different types of the third series (66-3) are identical, wherein the shape feature is the radius of curvature (R, R1, R2, ... R20) of the spherical front surface. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first mean refractive index (n d1 ) and the second mean refractive index (n d2 ) and the third mean refractive index (n d3 ) differ pairwise by at least 0.

04. [3] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first series (66-1) and the second series (66-2) and the third series (66-3) each have types (No. 3, No. 7, No. 10, No. 13, No. 16) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) whose front surfaces (16) have a shape feature (R3, R7, R10, R13, R16) with identical shape dimensions, and that the difference between each of the identical shape dimensions or its reciprocal to the respective next larger identical shape dimension or its reciprocal is the same within a variance of 20%. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - at least ten different types of the pairwise different types of the first series (66-1), which differ in the form measure of the physical form feature of the shape of their front surface (16), one out a standard refractive index (n s) of 1.53 relative actual surface refractive index of their front surface (16) between 0.5 D and 9.60 D, - at least ten different types of the pairwise different types of the second series (66-2), which differ in the degree of the physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface (16), one based on a standard refractive index (n s ) of 1.53 relative actual surface refractive index of their front surface (16) between 0.5 D and 9.60 D, - at least ten different types of the pairwise different types of the third series (66-3), which differ in the degree of the physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface (16), one based on a standard refractive index (n s ) of 1.53 actual refractive index of their front surface (16) between 0.50 D and 9.60 D, - the dimensions of the physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces (16) of the at least ten different types of the first series (66-1) and the dimensions of the physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces (16) of the at least ten different types of the second series (66-2) and the dimensions of the physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces (16) of the at least ten different types of the third series (66-3) are identical. [6] Device (88) for the manufacture of spectacle lenses, namely for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: a) a provisioning device (96) for providing a set (68) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) each have a back surface (18) and a front surface (16) with a spherical convex shape, which has a physical shape feature with an associated shape dimension, comprising - a first series (66-1) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) made of a base material with a first mean refractive index, wherein the first series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) which differ in the dimension of the physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface, wherein at least four different types of the pairwise different types have an actual surface refractive power of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index of 1.53, - a second series of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) made of a base material with a second mean refractive index different from the first mean refractive index, wherein the second series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) which differ in the dimension of the physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface, - a third series of spectacle lens semi-finished products made from a base material with a third mean refractive index different from the first mean refractive index and the second mean refractive index, wherein the third series comprises pairwise different types of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) which differ in the dimension of the physical shape feature of the shape of their front surface (16), b) a receiving device (34) designed to be form-complementary to only a subsection (17) of the shape of the front surface (16) for receiving one of the spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) from the set (68) of spectacle lens semi-finished products (10, 12) provided, wherein the subsection comprises between 40% and 80% of the front surface of the received spectacle lens semi-finished product, c) a processing device (100) for processing the back surface (18) of the received spectacle lens semi-finished product (10, 12), characterized by , that - at least four different types of the pairwise different types of the second series (66-2) one to a standard refractive index (n s ) of 1.53 relative actual surface refractive index of their front surface between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, - at least four different types of the pairwise different types of the third series (66-3) exhibit an actual surface refractive power of their front surface (16) between 3.2 D and 6.7 D, based on a standard refractive index (na) of 1.53, - the dimensions of the physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces (16) of the at least four different types of the first series (66-1) and the dimensions of the physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces (16) of the at least four different types of the second series (66-2) and the dimensions of the physical shape feature of the shape of the front surfaces (16) of the at least four different types of the third series (66-3) are identical, wherein the shape feature is the radius of curvature (R, R1, R2, ... R20) of the spherical front surface.

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