Insert control for order entry in prescription glass manufacturing

Abstract

Computer-implemented method for controlling and / or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process, comprising: Recording orders for the production of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses and storing the orders in an order data storage system; automatic sorting of the stored orders in an insertion sequence, wherein the sorting is performed according to at least one sorting criterion; and Inserting the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured according to the individual orders into production, wherein the insertion of the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured into the production takes place in discrete time intervals, and wherein within a discrete time interval the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured are inserted into the production according to the insertion sequence, where at least one sorting criterion includes an insertion point, the insertion point for a specific order being determined by: Recording the time of receipt of the order, Adding to the time of receipt of the order within a predetermined delivery interval, thereby determining a delivery time; Subtracting from the delivery time of a machining interval, thereby determining the insertion time, wherein the order data storage is divided into several groups, each order is assigned to one of the groups, and wherein group membership is a sorting criterion; and where the sorting of orders within a group or subgroup is done according to the insertion time.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling and / or regulating a manufacturing process for spectacle lenses. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method and a device for manufacturing spectacle lenses.

[0002] Devices for manufacturing spectacle lenses from spectacle lens blanks are known from the prior art (see, for example, WO 2016 / 193773A1).

[0003] The production of spectacle lenses typically takes place in process or production lines, each comprising several process stations or units through which the lens blanks to be processed pass sequentially. Each unit performs specific process steps, such as surface finishing, polishing, dyeing, coating, etc.

[0004] The lenses are manufactured according to a user's prescription data after an order is received. In the conventional manufacturing process, orders are printed immediately upon arrival, and the lenses to be manufactured are fed into production. As a result, orders must be physically sorted, prioritized, and stacked in production, negatively impacting throughput time, on-time delivery, capacity, efficiency, and / or costs. Furthermore, this approach leads to uneven utilization of various process equipment and bottlenecks on the production lines.

[0005] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a method and a device for controlling and / or regulating a manufacturing process for spectacle lenses, enabling optimal utilization of existing capacities. A further objective is to provide corresponding methods and devices for the manufacture of spectacle lenses.

[0006] This problem is solved by a method for controlling and / or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process, a computer program product, a device for controlling and / or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process, a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses, and a device for manufacturing spectacle lenses, having the features specified in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method for controlling and / or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process is provided. The method comprises: Recording orders for the production of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses and storing the orders in an order data storage system; automatic sorting of the stored orders into a sequence (insertion sequence), whereby the sorting is performed according to at least one sorting criterion; and Inserting the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured according to the individual orders into production, wherein the insertion of the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured into the production takes place in discrete time intervals, and wherein within a discrete time interval the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured are inserted into the production according to the insertion sequence.

[0008] Spectacle lenses are manufactured after a corresponding order is received, incorporating comprehensive prescription data from the wearer (such as sphere, cylinder, axis, prism, prism base, and / or addition) and, if necessary, further data (such as centration data, frame data (such as frame shape), refractive index / material, diameter, color, coating, etc.). With conventional lens manufacturing methods, incoming orders are printed immediately upon arrival, and the lenses to be manufactured are fed into production. This results in a continuous feed of lenses into the production line. However, this has negative impacts on lead time, on-time delivery, capacity, efficiency, and / or costs in manufacturing.In particular, the immediate insertion of the spectacle lenses to be manufactured into production can lead to bottlenecks or suboptimal utilization of the individual production lines or production facilities.

[0009] The invention solves these problems by automatically shifting the prioritization and / or sorting of orders to a memory (order data memory), for example, a virtual buffer, before production. There, the orders are sorted according to capacity, time, product mix, and / or other sorting criteria to suit the production process.

[0010] The stored orders can then be printed in batches or stacks, in the desired sequence (insertion order), and, if necessary, with specified quantities and mixes, at a predetermined time or within a predetermined time interval (i.e., in discrete time intervals), and inserted into production. Ideally, the orders then proceed through production without any further changes to their sequence.

[0011] Within the scope of the present invention, "inserting an order into production" means inserting a spectacle lens or pair of spectacle lenses, which are to be manufactured according to the order, into the production process. Insertion into production initiates the manufacturing of the spectacle lens or pair of spectacle lenses to be produced according to the order in a designated manufacturing device (manufacturing system). Insertion into production is based on a corresponding control signal generated by a control device. Accordingly, insertion into production can include generating a control signal to insert the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured according to the individual orders into the production process. Insertion into production can also include printing the individual orders.

[0012] Based on the control signal, a starting lens or a pair of starting lenses can be fed to a receiving point or receiving device of the manufacturing machine. From the receiving point, the starting lens is transported by a transport system to the respective process units of the manufacturing machine. The starting lens, with which the production of the spectacle lens to be manufactured begins, is usually a spectacle lens blank (also called a blank or semi-finished product) which already has a pre-finished surface (usually the front surface). The starting lens can also be a spectacle lens that has already undergone certain process steps (such as surface treatment of both surfaces) and only requires further processing, such as tinting, coating, and / or finishing.

[0013] Unlike conventional methods, the insertion of individual lenses or pairs of lenses into the production line does not occur continuously or immediately upon receipt of the corresponding production orders, but rather in batches or stacks at discrete time intervals or within a predetermined time grid, according to a predefined sequence (insertion sequence) and, if applicable, a specific quantity per interval. Each interval can have a specific duration, for example, one hour, half an hour, several hours, etc. The duration of the intervals can be the same or different. Furthermore, each interval can have a specific start time.The duration and / or the start time of the discrete-time intervals can be defined, for example, according to production cycle time, handling requirements, desired reaction time in case of disruptions, and / or other relevant criteria. For instance, the duration of a discrete-time interval can be set so that the quantity of spectacle lenses to be inserted into production during this interval does not lead to bottlenecks and / or the formation of excessively large stacks.

[0014] The start times and / or durations of individual discrete-time intervals can be continuously or periodically updated and / or changed to, for example, reflect current production conditions. If the quantity of lenses to be inserted into a discrete-time interval is too large, the interval can be subdivided into smaller intervals. For example, a one-hour interval can be divided into two half-hour intervals. Conversely, for very small quantities, the interval can be one hour or even several hours. It is also possible to continuously or periodically change the quantity and / or composition of the lenses to be inserted into production within a specific discrete-time interval.

[0015] By pre-sorting orders and inserting the lenses to be manufactured at discrete intervals (i.e., at a specific time and / or time interval), it is possible to minimize or completely avoid production bottlenecks. Surprisingly, it has been found that inserting the lenses to be manufactured into production at discrete intervals results in less bottlenecking than continuous insertion. The ability to adjust the quantity and / or composition of the lenses being inserted into production at a specific time interval also contributes to reduced bottlenecks.

[0016] Staff can concentrate on production processes and are no longer tied to internal logistics tasks. Furthermore, optimal utilization of individual process equipment can be achieved. The result is a significantly shorter lead time, reduced inventory (glasses, ingot alloy, ingot pieces, order boxes, etc.), higher efficiency, and therefore lower costs with improved delivery reliability.

[0017] This makes it possible to achieve fast and efficient processing of the starting glass with high flexibility and / or low space requirements, especially when taking into account different process speeds or capacities of different process equipment.

[0018] Within the scope of the present invention, process equipment or process stations are understood to be all devices designed to perform at least one process step on the respective unfinished spectacle lens or pair of spectacle lenses. Examples of process equipment include all types of processing, conditioning, and inspection equipment, such as devices for blocking, shaping (e.g., machining), applying, polishing, coating, dyeing, cooling, heating, humidifying, drying, gassing, measuring, testing, and marking. The process equipment is typically arranged in one or more rows and forms at least one production or manufacturing line.

[0019] The term "provide" within the meaning of this application includes "determine", "transmit", "receive", "read", "retrieve from a memory, database and / or table", "receive", etc. The term "determine" within the meaning of this application also includes "determine", "calculate", "ascertain", etc.

[0020] At least one sorting criterion can be predetermined (for example, based on experience, calculations, etc.) and / or can be varied based on the (current) state of production (that is, based on the (current) state of at least one component of a manufacturing device intended for producing spectacle lenses or pairs of lenses). Accordingly, the method can detect the state of at least one component of a manufacturing device intended for producing spectacle lenses or pairs of lenses and determine the at least one sorting criterion based on this detected state. The at least one sorting criterion can also be checked periodically and, if necessary, adjusted to the state of production. The state of the at least one component of the manufacturing device can be determined using suitable sensors.The at least one component can be, for example, a process unit, a tool in a process unit (such as a block ring), a transport system (such as a conveyor belt), an intermediate storage unit (such as a cooling buffer), or another component of the manufacturing device.

[0021] At least one sorting criterion can include an insertion point. The insertion point for a specific order can be determined as follows: Recording the time of receipt of the order, Adding to the time of receipt of the order within a predetermined delivery interval, thereby determining a delivery time; Subtracting from the delivery time of a processing interval, which determines the insertion time.

[0022] The predetermined delivery interval can be, for example, a standard delivery interval (e.g., "x" days) or a customer-specific, country-specific, plant-specific, etc., delivery interval. The processing interval is the sum of the throughput times or processing times of all technical processes required to manufacture the spectacle lens or pair of lenses, such as dyeing, polishing, cooling, surface finishing, etc. The delivery interval and the processing interval can be stored in a control device, for example, in the form of a table, an XML file, a database table, etc.

[0023] The sorting of stored orders can be done according to several sorting criteria, with the insertion time being one of the sorting criteria.

[0024] In one example, incoming orders are automatically divided into groups. This division can be based on predefined criteria and / or rules, such as machine layout and / or manufacturing or production lines, and / or lens blanks, and / or designs, etc.

[0025] The process can therefore include assigning orders to a specific group, with the assignment occurring automatically according to predefined criteria and / or rules. The assignment can, for example, be based on the order in which the order is scheduled. The criteria and / or rules for grouping, as well as the order in which the groups are sorted, can be stored in a database.

[0026] A group within the scope of the present invention is defined by the entirety of all features that characterize a predetermined production process. These features can, for example, characterize a production line in surface manufacturing. Exemplary features include the refractive index, the glass material, glass codes (e.g., glass characteristics, special properties of the glass, etc.), production characteristics, tools, production duration, manufacturing processes, colors, coatings, lens blanks, designs, etc. Various groupings of the individual features can be used to form groups. When colors and / or coatings are used as grouping features, the production lines are generally not decisive.

[0027] The group structure can be fixed or variable. For example, the group structure can be reviewed and modified periodically. This allows for changes or additions to the characteristics that define a group. Furthermore, additional groups can be added or multiple groups can be merged.

[0028] Furthermore, the grouping can be varied depending on the (current) state of production, such as the (current) state (e.g., capacity) of at least one component of a device for manufacturing the spectacle lenses or pairs of lenses. Accordingly, the method can include detecting the state of at least one component of a manufacturing device intended for producing the spectacle lenses or pairs of lenses and determining and / or changing the grouping based on the detected state.

[0029] If, for example, a machine, production line, production line section, etc., is currently unavailable (e.g., due to technical problems, maintenance work, exceeding the prescribed capacity, etc.) or if certain lens blanks are unavailable or insufficiently available, the group allocation can be adjusted accordingly, and incoming orders can be assigned to a new group (such as a new machine, a new production line, a new lens blank, a new production section, etc.). This preferably ensures that, with the same prescription, lenses with identical effects at the reference points are obtained, regardless of which machines, production lines, tools, lens blanks, etc., are used to manufacture the specific lens. To ensure this, adjustments to process parameters, surface data, design, etc., may be necessary.This may be necessary for the production of the spectacle lens. Such an adjustment can be made by at least one appropriately programmed computing unit of the insertion control system. It is also possible to calculate the adjusted process parameters, surface data, design, etc., by external computing units and transmit them to production.

[0030] Group membership can serve as an (additional) sorting criterion, whereby the order in which the groups are sorted can be fixed or variable. Within a group, the jobs can be sorted by insertion time and, if necessary, by at least one other criterion. This additional sorting criterion could, for example, be the block ring to be used.

[0031] At least one of the groups can be further divided into several subgroups, with the division also being based on predetermined criteria and / or rules. Every order that is in at least one of the groups can be automatically assigned to one of the subgroups. Subgroup membership can serve as an additional sorting criterion, with the order in which the subgroups are sorted being either fixed or variable.

[0032] The criteria and / or rules for subgroup division, as well as the order in which the subgroups are sorted, are stored in a database. These criteria and / or rules can form filters that are applied to orders to automatically assign them to a specific subgroup. For example, multiple filters can be defined for each group, with the order of the filters preferably being predefined. The order in which the filters are applied can then serve as an additional sorting criterion for sorting orders within a given group.

[0033] In one example, the subgroups can correspond to different block rings. The assignment to different subgroups can be based on a fixed or variable percentage distribution of orders across existing block rings.

[0034] The division into subgroups can be fixed or variable. For example, the division into subgroups can be reviewed and modified periodically. This allows for changes to the characteristics that define a subgroup, such as modifications or expansions. Furthermore, additional subgroups can be added, or multiple subgroups can be merged.

[0035] The division into subgroups can also be varied depending on the (current) state of production, such as the (current) state (e.g., capacity) of at least one component of a device for manufacturing the spectacle lenses or pairs of lenses. Accordingly, the method can include detecting the state of at least one component of a device intended for manufacturing the spectacle lenses or pairs of lenses and determining and / or changing the division into subgroups based on the detected state.

[0036] For example, groups can be divided according to the refractive index or the material of the lens (e.g., Group 1: refractive index 1.5; Group 2: refractive index 1.64, etc.). Subgroups can be formed, for example, based on the block ring (e.g., Subgroup 1: Block Ring 1, Subgroup 2: Block Ring 2, etc.). Within a subgroup, orders can be sorted according to their insertion time. The orders in each subgroup can be sorted according to the predetermined subgroup order (e.g., first Subgroup A with Block Ring 1, then Subgroup B with Block Ring 2, or x% Subgroup 1 followed by y% Subgroup 2, and so on). The orders in each group can be sorted according to the predetermined group order (e.g., first Group A, then Group B, or x% Group A followed by y% Group B, etc.).

[0037] The subgroups can of course be further subdivided, and in principle there is no limit to the number of hierarchical levels. The order data storage can therefore be structured hierarchically, with the number of hierarchical levels being greater than or equal to 2.

[0038] The number of print jobs to be processed within a specific time interval, and thus the number of lenses or pairs of lenses fed into production during that interval, can be fixed (for example, based on experience). Alternatively, the quantity can be determined flexibly and adjusted to the current production capacity as needed. The process can further include: Determining the quantity of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured, which will be inserted into production within a discrete time interval, and Automatic adjustment of the determined quantity to the current state of at least one component of a manufacturing device intended for the production of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses.

[0039] The determined quantity can, for example, be adjusted to the currently available capacity of at least one component (such as a production facility) of a manufacturing device intended for the production of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses.

[0040] The determination can be based on a predefined plan specifying the quantity of lenses or pairs of lenses to be produced in each time interval. This quantity can be predetermined based on the average capacity of the manufacturing equipment and / or individual production units for each time interval. The plan can be stored in the control device in the form of at least a table, an XML file, a database table, etc. The process, upon provision of a plan, can encompass the quantity of lenses or pairs of lenses to be produced for each discrete time interval. This quantity can vary for different groups and / or subgroups.

[0041] The plan itself, or the quantity determined based on the plan, can be automatically adjusted to the currently available capacity of at least one component of a manufacturing device intended for the production of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses. Thus, the quantity fed into the machine can be automatically adjusted to any capacity disruptions, such as breakdowns, rejects, rework, etc.

[0042] In one example, the determined quantity can be adjusted to the currently available capacity of a cooling buffer.

[0043] In the production of spectacle lenses, after blocking, all lenses are transferred to a cooling buffer (as an example of an intermediate storage unit), where they remain for a specific period (for example, one hour). After the predetermined time has elapsed, the lenses are removed from the cooling buffer and subjected to further processing steps. Since the cooling buffer can only hold a limited number of lenses, the quantity of spectacle lenses or pairs of lenses fed into production within a specific time interval can be adjusted to the current available capacity of the cooling buffer.

[0044] The current capacity of the cooling buffer can be determined using suitable sensors or calculations. For example, the current capacity can be calculated based on the number of lenses or pairs of lenses inserted into production within a specific time interval, the average time the lenses take from the start of production to reach the cooling buffer, and the average dwell time of the lenses in the cooling buffer.

[0045] This quantity of lenses in the cooling buffer corresponds, for example, to the number of orders printed per group three hours ago. Furthermore, there is usually a maximum number of lenses that may be in the cooling buffer for each group.

[0046] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product which, when loaded into the memory of a computer and executed on it, causes the computer to perform a method according to one of the aspects and / or examples described above.

[0047] A third aspect of the invention relates to a device for controlling and / or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process (control device), comprising at least one computing device configured to perform a method according to one of the aspects and / or examples described above. The computing device may comprise one or more software modules and / or hardware modules (for example, computers or specialized hardware modules) that are programmed or configured accordingly. Furthermore, the computing device may include electronic interfaces, storage, and data transmission units. The computing device may also be a distributed computer system, for example, a cloud.

[0048] In particular, the computing device includes: - an order entry module for recording orders for the production of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses; - an order data storage system for storing the recorded orders; - an order sorting module for automatically sorting the stored orders in a sequence (insertion sequence), whereby the sorting is carried out according to at least one sorting criterion; and - an insertion module for generating a control signal for inserting the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured according to the individual orders into production, wherein the insertion of the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured into production takes place in discrete time intervals, and wherein within a discrete time interval the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured are inserted into production according to the insertion sequence.

[0049] With regard to the control device, the aforementioned preferred embodiments and advantages apply accordingly.

[0050] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses, comprising controlling and / or regulating the spectacle lens manufacturing process according to the method described in one of the aspects and / or examples above. The aforementioned preferred embodiments and advantages also apply mutatis mutandis to the manufacturing process.

[0051] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a device for manufacturing spectacle lenses (manufacturing device) comprising a device for controlling and / or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process according to the third aspect.

[0052] The manufacturing device may further include: - a plurality of process units which are trained to perform at least one process step on the spectacle lens or pair of spectacle lenses to be processed, and - at least a transport system for transporting the spectacle lens or pair of spectacle lenses to be processed in the manufacturing device.

[0053] Examples of process equipment include all types of processing, conditioning, and control equipment, such as equipment for blocking, shaping (especially machining), applying, polishing, coating, dyeing, measuring, cooling, heating, humidifying, drying, gassing, testing, marking, etc. The process equipment is usually arranged in at least one row and forms at least one process or production line.

[0054] Furthermore, the manufacturing device can include at least one receiving point through which the starting glass can be received and one dispensing point at which the processed starting glass can be removed in its finished or semi-finished state.

[0055] The manufacturing device may also include at least a storage device for receiving and temporarily storing the processed glasses and for transporting them onward as needed.

[0056] Furthermore, the aforementioned preferred embodiments and advantages apply mutatis mutandis to the manufacturing device.

[0057] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. Individual elements of the described embodiments are not limited to the respective embodiment. Rather, elements of the embodiments can be combined with one another as desired, and new embodiments can thereby be created. The figures show: Fig. 1 an exemplary method for the manufacture of spectacle lenses; Fig. 2. An example of scheduling an incoming order; Fig. 3 an example order data storage; Fig. 4A to Fig. 4C an exemplary sorting and printing of incoming orders within a group; Fig. 5 an exemplary procedure for determining the number of orders to be printed within a predetermined time interval; Fig. 6 another exemplary method for determining the number of orders to be printed within a predetermined time interval; Fig. 7A to 7C show an exemplary graphical user interface for viewing and / or changing batch plans.

[0058] An exemplary device for manufacturing spectacle lenses (manufacturing device) comprises several process units that form one or more production or manufacturing lines. The process units include, for example, a blocking device for blocking the spectacle lens blanks, a measuring device for measuring the surface area of ​​the blocked area of ​​the spectacle lens blank, at least one surface processing device (for example, a milling device, a CNC-controlled machining turning device, etc.), at least one conditioning device, at least one pre-polishing device, at least one post-polishing device, at least one marking device, and at least one quality control device. The process units may further include at least one dyeing device, and / or at least one coating device, and / or at least one cleaning device.

[0059] Furthermore, the manufacturing device includes a transport system comprising at least one transport device (such as a conveyor belt) for transporting the lenses to be processed and not yet finished within the manufacturing device (i.e., to the process equipment, intermediate storage, etc.). By means of the transport system, a starting lens to be processed (for example, a lens blank) is transported from a receiving point, where the starting lens is picked up, to a discharge point, where the processed starting lens can be removed in its finished or partially finished state.

[0060] The starting lenses are transported through the respective processing line using a receiving container. In this container, the starting lenses, for example, the spectacle lens blanks, are usually placed in pairs. Typically, a transport container holds two starting lenses intended for the two lenses of a pair of glasses. However, it is also possible to place single starting lenses in the transport container. The transport container can also contain a printout of the order for the respective spectacle lens or pair of lenses and / or a printout of information from the order that is necessary for production (such as prescription values, centration data, frame data, color, coating, etc.).

[0061] Each transport container can be equipped with an RFID transponder. The RFID transponder can contain, for example, an identification number (such as an order ID), which allows for the unique identification of each order. The RFID transponder can be read by at least one RFID reader, which can be positioned, for example, at a predetermined location within the manufacturing equipment (e.g., after a specific process step).

[0062] In one example, each transport container, and therefore each order, can be located in real time at its actual position within the production equipment. This allows the progress of the production process to be monitored. The data can be transmitted to a control system and used to control and / or regulate the production process. Preferably, this occurs autonomously (without human intervention).

[0063] In one example, transport containers can be removed from the manufacturing device at any point, for instance, for manual intervention. Likewise, transport containers can be placed on the device at any point.

[0064] Furthermore, the manufacturing device can include storage units (intermediate storage) which serve to receive and temporarily store the processed glass and to transport it further as needed. Loading and unloading the glass into the respective storage unit can be carried out using a robot (for example, a 6-axis robot) or another suitable feeding and unloading device. The robot or the feeding and unloading device is preferably in signal communication with the control device and can transmit information about the current capacity of the respective storage unit to the control device.

[0065] In one example, the state of at least one component of the manufacturing equipment (such as a process unit and / or storage unit and / or transport unit) is detected using suitable sensors or manually and transmitted to a control device. The control device has at least one interface for this purpose, through which this information can be supplied. Based on the detected states, the control device can change at least one parameter of the manufacturing process.

[0066] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary process for manufacturing spectacle lenses. The process comprises a surface manufacturing step in which the individual lenses are processed one after the other (in series), a coating step in which the lenses are coated in batches, and an edge processing step in which the individual lenses are processed one after the other (in series). Fig. Figure 1 shows bottlenecks that can occur. Control device

[0067] The manufacturing process and / or the manufacturing equipment is controlled and / or regulated by a device (control device). The control device comprises one or more computing devices that are configured (for example, programmed) to carry out a procedure for controlling and / or regulating the manufacturing process and / or the manufacturing equipment.

[0068] The control device is designed to control and / or regulate the introduction of a spectacle lens or pair of spectacle lenses, to be manufactured according to a specific order, into the production process. Furthermore, the control device can control and / or regulate at least one other aspect of the manufacturing process, such as moving, feeding and removing the lenses to and from the respective process equipment, switching the respective process equipment on and off, intermediate storage, stopping the conveyor belts, the speed of the conveyor belts, etc. Additionally, the control device can specify (for example, in a dedicated database) which process equipment processes which input lens (for example, which spectacle lens blank) and in what manner.

[0069] The control device can also be configured to calculate an optimal transport route (for example, the fastest and / or shortest transport route) to transport a transport container with spectacle lens blanks through the device for manufacturing spectacle lenses.

[0070] The control device includes an order data storage system (for example, in the form of a virtual buffer) in which incoming orders for the production of spectacle lenses are stored and sorted according to specific criteria. Orders can be overtaken by, for example, ongoing production or rework orders.

[0071] An exemplary method for controlling and / or regulating a manufacturing process and / or the manufacturing equipment, carried out by the control device, has the following features: 1. The insertion of the spectacle lenses into the production process takes place at discrete time intervals; 2. Within a discrete time interval, the orders are sorted according to: a. Delivery time - backward scheduling = insertion time b. Production line (groups). c. Filter within the group (special criteria, for example block rings)

[0072] Generally, in the event of capacity disruptions (failures, rejects, rework, etc.), the quantity of input can be automatically adjusted. Scheduling:

[0073] The scheduling of an incoming order can be done as follows: - In a forward scheduling device (for example, as an SAP system), a delivery time (target delivery date) is determined for each incoming order (forward date, preferably coordinated with the pickup times of the parcel services); - In the control system (for example, a workshop control system), the order is scheduled backwards from the target delivery date. This is achieved using specific work plans with the lead times for each technical process. - The insertion time determined in this way is used to sort the insertion sequence.

[0074] The goal of scheduling is: - To achieve optimal use of production resources and to avoid the formation of bottlenecks and traffic jams; - to automatically prioritize orders (operators can concentrate on production activities); - To avoid longer resting times through appropriate sorting.

[0075] The forward terminating device can be part of the control device (however, this is not mandatory).

[0076] Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of scheduling an incoming order. After an order for the production of a single spectacle lens or a pair of spectacle lenses is received, the order is recorded in the corresponding system. The recording time then serves as the reference point for scheduling.

[0077] In forward scheduling, a forward date (delivery date or target delivery date) is first calculated. The target delivery date lies in the future and can be determined based on various criteria. The target delivery date can be customer-specific or set according to a standard specification. For example, the target delivery date could be "x" days after the reference date. Ideally, the target delivery date is aligned with the pickup times of the finished lenses, such as those of parcel services.

[0078] The target delivery date can be determined, for example, based on at least one of the following criteria: 1. The time required to carry out all work steps (for example, surface preparation, polishing, coloring, etc.) (for example, in calendar days, working days, hours, etc.) 2. Customer specifications, whereby each customer (for example, each optician, etc.) can have their own scheduling requirements. Examples of customer specifications are: a. The customer requests "x" days regardless of the time required to carry out all work steps; b. The customer wishes to be supplied by a specific factory; 3. Product type: The scheduling may vary for different products; 4. Production plant: The scheduling for different production plants may vary; 5. District, country, continent: The scheduling may vary for different districts, countries and / or continents. Example of a forward scheduling

[0079] Upon order placement, the desired production time ("x") is added to the current date. The resulting date is the target completion date. For this date, the time for product pickup and / or delivery is then determined. Each customer can have their own delivery route, which can also vary for each plant.

[0080] The calculated forward date (target delivery date) can be transmitted to a plant control device that is part of the control device.

[0081] The control device (for example, in the workshop control system) performs backward scheduling, in which the order is scheduled backward from the target delivery date. The time required for each necessary technical process or work step is subtracted from the target delivery date to determine an insertion point.

[0082] This is achieved through specific work schedules that include average throughput times for each technical process or operation. These average throughput times can also include predefined buffers for the respective process. This buffer can account for things like breaks, downtime, etc. Ideally, undefined buffers or batching are not permitted. Undefined buffers and / or batching increase throughput time and prevent adherence to the calculated flow rate. Furthermore, batches tie up personnel, as they require re-sorting.

[0083] Average throughput times can be determined in advance and stored in a suitable format (for example, in a table). These average throughput times can be updated continuously or at specific intervals. In one embodiment, the average throughput times can be modified based on automatically acquired feedback from individual process stations, buffers, and / or other units of the manufacturing equipment.

[0084] The insertion time determined in this way is used to sort the insertion sequence in the virtual buffer of the control device. Example of a backward scheduling

[0085] The time for coating (e.g., 16 pcs.), the time for dyeing (e.g., 2 pcs.), and the time for surface finishing (e.g., 7 pcs.) is subtracted from the previously calculated target delivery date.

[0086] The resulting point in time is, for example, the latest possible insertion point for production. This means that the order should be inserted into production before this point in order to be manufactured and delivered by the calculated target delivery date. If the calculated latest possible insertion point lies in the past, it can still be retained. This signals to production that the calculated target delivery date is no longer achievable. The order is then inserted into production at the next possible opportunity. Preferably, the order is not buffered in the production buffer. It is also possible to calculate a new target delivery date by adding an additional time (for example, an extra day) during forward scheduling. Furthermore, backward scheduling is performed from the newly calculated target delivery date to determine a new insertion point.This can be repeated, if necessary, until the latest possible insertion point lies in the future (that is, after the reference point).

[0087] Preferably, once a schedule has been created, it should not be changed. Furthermore, orders that have been inserted into production should preferably not have their sequence altered. This prevents disruption to the lead times of other orders and avoids unwanted backlogs at various points in the respective production line.

[0088] The proposed scheduling has advantages over prioritizing incoming orders. In particular, the proposed scheduling can achieve better automation and improved adherence to deadlines. Order data storage

[0089] As described above, the control device includes an order data storage (for example, in the form of a virtual buffer, also called a pressure buffer) in which incoming orders are stored and ordered or sorted according to various criteria (for example, capacity, time, and / or product mix). The order data storage can be implemented as a database. The control device also includes at least one data structure (for example, in the form of a table, XML file, database table, etc.) for storing the criteria or rules for distributing and / or sorting the orders in the order data storage.

[0090] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example virtual buffer 10 for storing and sorting incoming orders.

[0091] Preferably, incoming orders are automatically divided into groups of 12 and optionally subgroups. In the case of the Fig. In the example shown, incoming orders are divided into four groups; however, the invention is not limited to a specific number of groups. The division can be performed according to predetermined criteria and / or rules, such as machine layout and / or production lines. These criteria and / or rules are stored in the virtual buffer.

[0092] A group within the scope of the present invention is defined by the entirety of all features or attributes that characterize a predetermined production process. These features or attributes can, for example, characterize a production line in surface manufacturing. Exemplary features or attributes include the refractive index, glass material, glass codes (e.g., glass characteristics, special properties of the glass, etc.), production characteristics, tools, production duration, manufacturing processes, colors, coatings, etc. Various groupings of the individual features or attributes can be used to form groups. When colors and / or coatings are used as grouping features, the production lines are generally not decisive.

[0093] The group structure can be static or variable. For example, the group structure can be reviewed and modified periodically. The characteristics that define a group can be changed or expanded. Furthermore, additional groups can be added. After scheduling, an order is automatically assigned to a group based on predefined criteria and / or rules.

[0094] Within each group, the orders are sorted according to the insertion time and, if applicable, according to other attributes. Fig. Figure 4A shows an example of how orders can be sorted within a group. Fig. 4B shows the sorting of newly incoming orders into the group and Fig. 4C shows the print order of jobs within the group. In this example, the jobs within the group are automatically sorted according to the latest possible insertion time, with the earliest first. Sorting is based on date and time. If the insertion time is in the past, the corresponding job is sorted to the first position in the group. If there are multiple jobs with insertion times in the past, they are sorted within the past scheduling as close to the relevant time as possible (the further in the past, the earlier the position in the group). When new jobs arrive, they are sorted according to the calculated insertion time, as shown in Fig. 4B is shown. Sorting can be done continuously or at regular / fixed intervals, for example. As shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. As shown in Figure 4B, the insertion time does not necessarily correspond to the order in which incoming applications are received.

[0095] Orders are printed and inserted into production at specific, discrete times or at fixed intervals (e.g., regular or predetermined intervals) according to a calculated quantity of lenses per group, following the sorting sequence. However, flexible insertion times or intervals are also possible (e.g., to accommodate changes in production capacity). This quantity depends on order intake and the capacity of the individual production lines and can be continuously or at fixed intervals adjusted to account for changes in production capacity. Such changes can be caused by planned or unplanned factors, such as machine breakdowns, staff shortages, breaks, low order intake, etc.

[0096] Depending on the anticipated order scheduling, a time interval can be selected that corresponds to the capacity of the production lines within that timeframe. Furthermore, product variety and required batch sizes can be taken into account. The printout frequency can be appropriately defined, for example, once per hour or once every half hour. Excessively long intervals increase the waiting time in the virtual buffer and also make handling large volumes of orders more difficult. Conversely, intervals that are too short tie up personnel too much time. In one example, printouts occur hourly.

[0097] Optionally, a reprint can be performed if there are not enough jobs in a group at the time of printing and replenishment with compatible groups is not possible. The maximum number of reprints is determined by the remaining time until the next full print run. This ensures optimal utilization of production capacity.

[0098] Printing only at specific times or within discrete time intervals offers technical advantages over continuously printing incoming applications and thus continuously feeding the lenses to be processed into production. With discrete printing and feeding into production, bottlenecks can be avoided and the available production capacity can be optimally utilized.

[0099] In one example, orders for surface production and orders for subsequent work processes, such as dyeing and / or coating, are printed out.

[0100] The time intervals can vary. Furthermore, it is possible to continuously or periodically update or change the times or time intervals. Determining the quantity of orders to be inserted and / or the number of spectacle lenses to be manufactured.

[0101] In one example, the maximum number of print jobs per group and time interval is stored in the control device, for instance, in a database. This maximum quantity can vary depending on the time or time interval. This maximum quantity corresponds to the maximum machine capacity for that group. When determining the maximum quantity, a bottleneck in the production line assigned to the group is taken into account, for example, in coordination with subsequent production steps and the respective order intake in that group. The maximum quantity can be adjusted (for example, reduced) at any time.

[0102] Furthermore, a scaling factor can be stored in the database or virtual buffer. The maximum quantity multiplied by the scaling factor yields the number of jobs that can be printed at a specific time or within a specific time interval. The scaling factor can, for example, take a value from 0 (0%) to 1 (100%). The scaling factor can be different for different times or time intervals. For example, the scaling factor can vary hourly.

[0103] Furthermore, it is possible to supplement a group with at least one other group if there is still free capacity. For this purpose, the database or virtual buffer stores information about which other group can supplement each group. For example, the number of orders to be printed at a specific time or interval can be reduced for a particular group, while the number to be printed at that same time or interval can be increased for at least one other group. This allows for optimal utilization of available production capacity.

[0104] The following example illustrates how to determine the number of print jobs to be issued for groups A and B. In this example, the print job is issued hourly. The label "t" refers to the current hour, and "t+1" to the following hour. 1. In the control device (for example, in a database, a table, an XML file, etc.), a predetermined maximum number of print jobs, A_max_0, for group A is stored. This value is multiplied by an hour-dependent factor, A_s, which is also stored in the control device (for example, in a database, a table, an XML file, etc.). This results in the maximum number of print jobs for time (t+1): A_max(t+1)=A_max_0×A_s(t+1) Example A_max_0=100, A_s(t+1)=1→A_max(t+1)=100. If any factors necessitate a reduction of the expression, the maximum quantity A_max(t+1) is multiplied by a scaling factor S_A(t+1) for hour (t+1). This results in a number of expressions for group A at time (t+1): Number_A = A_max(t+1) × S_A(t+1) Example A_max(t+1)=100, S_A(t+1)=0.5→Number_A=50. The scaling factor is also stored in the virtual buffer and can be updated manually or automatically. 2. In the job data store (virtual buffer), the number of jobs available for group A is determined (number of jobs available for group A = buffer content_A). If the previously determined number of jobs to be printed is present in the job data store (i.e., if the number of jobs available for group A in the job data store (buffer content_A) is equal to or greater than the previously determined number_A), this number is retained.

[0105] If Buffer content_A >= Number_A: Number_of_A_new=Number_of_A. If the number of jobs "Buffer Content_A" in the job data store is less than the previously determined Count_A, the difference between the two values ​​is first calculated: Loss_A = Count_A - Buffer Content_A. Furthermore, a new number of jobs to be printed for group A is determined, where Count_A_new = Count_A - Loss_A.

[0106] If Buffer content_A <Anzahl_A: Loss_A = Number_A − Buffer_A content; and New number of A = Number of A − Loss of A. Example: Count_1=100, Buffer_A=80→Loss_A=100−80=20 and Count_A_new=100−20=80.

[0107] 3. The same procedure applies to group B: First, a number of orders to be printed for group B at time (t+1) is determined: Number_B=B_max_0×S_B(t+1) Example: B_max_0=60, S_B=0.5→B_max=30.

[0108] If group A can be supplemented with group B (that is, if it is stored for group A that it can be supplemented with group B), a new number of printable orders for group B (number_B_new_1) is determined, where: Number_of_B_new_1 = Number_of_B + Loss_A Example: Number_of_B_new_1=30+20=50.

[0109] If the newly determined number of print jobs for group B exceeds the buffer content_B (i.e., the number of jobs to be executed in the job data store for group B), the previously determined count_B_new_1 is reduced and a loss is recorded:

[0110] If Buffer content_B <Anzahl_B_neu_1: Loss_B = Number of new B_1 − Buffer content_B; and Number_of_new_B_2 = Number_of_new_B_1 − Loss_of_B.

[0111] The loss B determined in this way is then added to the group (for example, group C) designated to replenish group B. If no replenishment group is designated for A and B, the respective loss is not compensated.

[0112] It is also possible to perform a mutual filling of the groups, for example in an iterative process. The mutual filling can be limited, for example, only by the number of groups.

[0113] 4. Now, the number of rejected and / or reworked glasses inserted in the last hour is determined for group A. If rejected and / or reworked glasses are present, their number is subtracted from the current number of orders to be printed for group A (Number_A_new): Number_of_A_new_1 = Number_of_A_new− Number_of_A_reject / Rework Example: Number of scrap / rework items = 2 → Number of new items = 80 - 2 = 78

[0114] This is usually not compensated for, as these glasses are actually present and thus, together with the expression, result in the original number (number_A_new).

[0115] The same procedure is also carried out for group B. The number of rejected and / or reworked glasses inserted for group B in the last hour is determined and subtracted from the current number of orders to be printed for group B (Number_B_new_2): Number of new B-s 3 = Number of new B-s 2 − Number of B-scraps / Rework Example: Number of B_rejects / rework = 4 → Number of B_new_3 = 50 - 4 = 46 5. Cooling buffer reduction

[0116] After blocking, all glasses are transferred to a cooling buffer (as an example of an intermediate storage area), where they remain for a specific period (for example, 1 hour). After the predetermined time has elapsed, the glasses are removed from the cooling buffer and subjected to further processing steps. The glasses are removed from the cooling buffer according to the FIFO principle. Only a limited number of glasses can be held in the cooling buffer. This quantity corresponds, for example, to the number of orders printed per group 3 hours prior. Furthermore, there is usually a maximum number of glasses that may be in the cooling buffer for each group.

[0117] Example: Number of printed orders or inserted glasses of group A per hour = 100 → Maximum quantity of glasses of group A in the cooling buffer 250; Number of printed orders or inserted glasses of group B per hour = 30 → Maximum quantity of glasses of group B in the cooling buffer 74.

[0118] To avoid congestion due to the limited capacity of the cooling buffer, a correction (for example, in the form of a reduction) can be made to the number of orders to be printed or the number of glasses to be inserted per group.

[0119] An example of how a correction can be made is as follows: The quantity of glasses in the cooling buffer (actual inventory of glasses in the cooling buffer) can be determined directly using sensors, data from a robot servicing the cooling buffer, etc. Alternatively, the quantity of glasses in the cooling buffer (total quantity and / or quantity per group) can be calculated (for example, estimated) based on the already printed orders and the average travel time of the glasses inserted into production until they reach the cooling buffer. During printing, a check is performed for each group to determine whether the currently calculated number of print jobs will lead to an exceedance of the maximum number of glasses in the cooling buffer. As long as the actual number of glasses in the cooling buffer at the time of printing is below the limit (i.e., less than or equal to the maximum number), the currently calculated number of orders to be printed will be maintained and the corresponding quantity of orders will be printed. If the actual number of glasses in the cooling buffer exceeds the limit at the time of printing, a correction is made in the form of a reduction in the calculated number of jobs to be printed.

[0120] Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 each shows exemplary methods for determining the number of jobs to be printed within a predetermined time interval. In the case of the method described in Fig. In the example shown in Figure 5, the order data storage (virtual buffers) is divided into 4 groups: Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4. In the example shown in Figure 5, the order data storage (virtual buffers) is divided into 4 groups: Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4. Fig. In the example shown, the order data store (virtual buffers) is divided into 6 groups. The groups are: Group 1: Material Perfalit index 1.5 Group 2: Perfalit index 1.6, 1.67, 1.74 Group 3: “RGF S” spectacle lenses that require a specific freeform processing; Group 4: “Tempern index 1.67” (the lenses in this group require an additional processing step) Group 5 “Tempern index 1.5” (the lenses in this group require an additional processing step) Group 6: “RGF S (CTP)” (conventional manufacturing).

[0121] The above group division is merely an example. Other group divisions are also possible.

[0122] Within each group, the orders are sorted by insertion time. It is also possible to sort the orders according to a different sorting criterion.

[0123] For each group i, i = 1, 2, 3 and 4 (starting from group 1) the following steps are performed: In the "glasses available" step, the virtual buffer is checked to see if the required number of glasses to be printed is present. In the "A / N Test / Calculation Dialog" step, the number of N / A lenses and calculation dialog lenses inserted in the previous time interval is determined. These lenses are subtracted from the target print quantity in the "Subtraction" step. N / A lenses are lenses that need to be produced again or reworked. Calculation dialog lenses are lenses that had an error in the geometry calculation and need to be recalculated (possibly manually). In one example, the orders for these lenses are printed immediately and not buffered, and are treated like rework lenses for quantity calculation purposes. In the "Cooling Buffer Reduction" step, the system checks whether the quantity of the corresponding glasses exceeds the maximum limit (max-limit) in the cooling buffer. If the quantity of the corresponding glasses exceeds the max-limit in the cooling buffer, the excess is subtracted from the target input (subtraction step).

[0124] In the example shown, group 2 is the main group. If group 2 is reduced, the other groups cannot be replenished with this loss due to technical limitations. Batch plan

[0125] In coordination with the insertion of surface finishing and / or dyeing, the capacity of the coating equipment (e.g., per shift, per coating line, etc.), and, if applicable, the capacity of downstream workstations, a coating plan can be created. The coating plan specifies when each layer is to be assembled or produced. The goal of this plan is to achieve a controlled, calculated flow through the coating equipment (coating system) without bottlenecks and with consistent utilization of the equipment. Cleaning and maintenance work, as well as actively reducing batch sizes when refilling machines, can be taken into account. Creating and, if necessary, modifying the batch plan can be done using a suitable control device, which can be part of the device described above for controlling and / or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process.

[0126] According to the batch plan, the glass is grouped into batches. A batch corresponds to the quantity of glass per coating system and / or coating line that can be processed all at once, within a specific time interval, and / or at a specific time. A machine or group of machines can be assigned to a coating line, and this assignment can be dynamic.

[0127] The coating plan can be created based on the previously determined order in which the orders are inserted. It can be specified that a certain quantity (for example, a specific minimum and / or maximum quantity) of orders should be printed or inserted into the coating system for each specific time interval and / or for each specific coating line. In other words, it can be determined that the orders coming from production and / or dyeing are first sorted into groups, with the sorting being based on various criteria. Examples of criteria include the layer to be produced, the assignment to a specific coating line, and so on. The orders, divided into groups, can then be printed in batches at a predetermined time and / or within a predetermined time interval and inserted into the coating system or coating device.Orders within a group (batch) can be sorted according to a pre-defined insertion sequence. The insertion sequence is determined as described above. The predetermined times and / or time intervals can be the same or different for the various groups. For example, the different groups can be inserted into the coating unit at staggered times. A typical coating time interval could be, for example, half an hour, one hour, etc.

[0128] If, at a given time, the specified number of orders for a coating line has not yet been reached (that is, if the number of existing orders is less than the minimum quantity), the printing of orders for that coating line can be stopped. Alternatively or additionally, the orders available at that time can be used to replenish other coating lines capable of producing the corresponding coating. Replenishment of orders to the coating equipment can be carried out similarly to the previously described replenishment of orders in surface finishing.

[0129] The number of orders printed or inserted into the coating process within a specific time interval and / or per coating line can be predetermined and, if necessary, adjusted depending on the current capacity of the coating equipment. For example, in the event of a prolonged outage or a reduction in the capacity of the coating equipment or individual components thereof (such as a coating line or coating machine), the number of printed orders can be automatically reduced. The capacity of any buffer in which the lenses to be coated are temporarily stored can also be taken into account. This prevents subsequent processes from being overwhelmed with completed batches.

[0130] In one example, the coating batches can be printed separately. Preferably, the coating batches are printed after the surface production is complete. Printing entire coating batches before surface production can be difficult given the very high number of different processing steps. For example, there are many different types of glass and various colors, which have very different dyeing times.

[0131] Fig. Figures 7A to 7C show an exemplary graphical user interface of a control device for coating, wherein the graphical user interface is designed to display and, if necessary, modify exemplary batch plans. Fig. 7A shows a planned batch plan. Fig. 7B shows an active batch plan with faults (for example, faults in one or more coating lines or coating machines) and cancelled batches (for example, batches cancelled manually and / or by the control device). Fig. 7C shows an earlier batch plan (archive batch plan).

[0132] The in the Fig. The graphical user interface shown in sections 7A to 7C displays the equipment and the corresponding batches or lots that are being or have been inserted into the coating process at the corresponding time. Fig. 7A to 7C designate: - Syr1 to Syr5, APS1 to APS4 are the production lines for coating (coating lines); and - AT, AL, 8L JT, BKL, IL, ZL different coatings with the corresponding numbers

[0133] Each coating (AT, AL, 8L JT, BKL, IL, ZL) has a number assigned to it, which serves to link the batch data. This number can be assigned weekly, for example. The calculated target time for the respective coating is also indicated below this assignment number.

[0134] The graphical user interface may also include function keys or function sections that allow you to start a new batch (function key "New Batch") or delete a batch (function key "Delete Batch"). Furthermore, the graphical user interface may include function keys or function sections that allow you to view planned batch plans, active batch plans, and previous batch plans, and to switch between different batch plans.

[0135] In the Fig.In the examples shown in 7A to 7C, the coating equipment (coating system) comprises coating lines Syr1 to Syr5 and APS1 to APS4, each coating line designed to apply at least one layer to the glass. The type of coating lines available may vary depending on the system release. The number of coating lines may depend on the (expected) quantity per layer supplied from the preceding department and / or production section. If a system, coating line, and / or coating machine fails, the number of batches allocated to that system, coating line, or coating machine may be canceled (removed) in proportion to the lost time. This prevents a backlog in the coating process. The canceled batches can be added to the coating process at a later time.It is also possible to use the cancelled batches to replenish other coating lines or groups if there is free capacity available.

[0136] The aforementioned devices for providing, determining, specifying, or calculating data (such as insertion time, quantity, etc.) and / or performing operations (such as sorting) can be implemented by suitably configured or programmed data processing devices (in particular, specialized hardware modules, computers, or computer systems, such as cloud computing or data processing systems) with appropriate computing units, electronic interfaces, storage, and data transmission units. The devices can further include at least one interface that allows a user to view, input, and / or modify data. The interface can, for example, be or include a graphical user interface (GUI). Reference symbol list 10 order data storage Group 12 Syr1 to Syr5 production lines for coating (coating lines) APS1 to APS4 production lines for coating (coating lines); AT, AL, 8L JT, BKL, IL, ZL coating types

Claims

[1] Computer-implemented method for controlling and / or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process, comprising: Recording orders for the production of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses and storing the orders in an order data storage system; automatic sorting of the stored orders in an insertion sequence, wherein the sorting is performed according to at least one sorting criterion; and Inserting the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured according to the individual orders into production, wherein the insertion of the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured into the production takes place in discrete time intervals, and wherein within a discrete time interval the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured are inserted into the production according to the insertion sequence, where at least one sorting criterion includes an insertion point, the insertion point for a specific order being determined by: Recording the time of receipt of the order, Adding to the time of receipt of the order within a predetermined delivery interval, thereby determining a delivery time; Subtracting from the delivery time of a machining interval, thereby determining the insertion time, wherein the order data storage is divided into several groups, each order is assigned to one of the groups, and wherein group membership is a sorting criterion; and where the sorting of orders within a group or subgroup is done according to the insertion time. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sorting criterion is variable depending on the state of at least one component of a manufacturing device provided for the manufacture of the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stored orders are sorted according to several sorting criteria. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the groups correspond to different production lines and / or different refractive indices of the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the groups is subdivided into several subgroups, each order in which at least one group is assigned to one of the subgroups, and wherein the subgroup membership is a further sorting criterion. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein the subgroups correspond to different block rings. [7] Method according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the sorting of orders within a subgroup is carried out according to the insertion time. [8] Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: Determining the quantity of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured, which are to be inserted into production within a discrete time interval, and Automatic adjustment of the determined quantity to the current state of at least one component of a manufacturing device intended for the production of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses. [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the adjustment comprises adjusting the determined quantity to a currently available capacity of a cooling buffer. [10] Computer program product which, when loaded into the memory of a computer and executed on it, causes the computer to perform a method according to any of the preceding claims. [11] Device for controlling and / or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process, comprising at least one computing device configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [12] Method for manufacturing spectacle lenses comprising controlling and / or regulating the spectacle lens manufacturing process according to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [13] Device for the manufacture of spectacle lenses comprising a device for controlling and / or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process according to claim 11.

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