Lens manufacturing method, lens, mold manufacturing method, mold, mold specifying method, and mold specifying apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of specifying a mold from a lens manufactured using the mold.SOLUTION: A method for manufacturing a lens having a first main surface and a second main surface by curing a lens material between a first mold 2 having a first transfer surface 2a which is a transfer source of a shape of the first main surface and a second mold 3 having a second transfer surface 3a which is a transfer source of a shape of the second main surface, the method comprising: A mold specifying mark for specifying at least one of a first mold 2 and a second mold 3 is marked as a transfer mark on at least one of a first transfer surface 2a and a second transfer surface 3a, and a lens material is cured between the first mold 2 and the second mold 3 to manufacture a lens to which the mold specifying information is transferred.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens manufacturing method, a lens and mold manufacturing method, and a mold, and in particular to a lens manufacturing method, a lens and mold manufacturing method, a mold and mold specifying method, and a mold specifying device when the lens is a lens for glasses. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a method for manufacturing eyeglass lenses from lens material, which includes a marking step of forming holes or grooves with a laser on the convex surface of the lens material to mark an identification information mark for identifying the eyeglass lens and a processing information mark used when processing the lens material, and a concave surface cutting step of reading the processing information marks and cutting the concave surface of the lens material based on the read processing information marks.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes a method for permanently storing information for personalizing a spectacle lens on a glass or plastic body of a spectacle lens, without the need to exceed the number of permanent marks specified in the DIN EN ISO 8980-2:2004 standard.

[0004] The information for personalizing eyeglass lenses described in Patent Document 2 is said to provide the following advantages. This makes it possible to prevent mix-ups between spectacle lenses or spectacle lens blanks in a manufacturing process where tens of thousands of spectacle lens blanks typically pass through each day. The individualization information of the spectacle lenses also makes it easier to detect errors during the manufacturing process. The production of spectacle lenses can also be more easily automated by individualizing the spectacle lenses and storing information on them, since each individual glass or plastic body can be uniquely identified before, during, or after each step in the manufacturing process, allowing for so-called batch tracking. Furthermore, the individualization information of each spectacle lens can simplify and improve quality control of spectacle lenses throughout the manufacturing process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] WO2019 / 003343 Brochure [Patent Document 2] WO2013 / 092987 Pamphlet Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Through intensive research by the present inventors, the following problems have been discovered.

[0007] Lenses having a first principal surface and a second principal surface (e.g., lenses for glasses) are mostly manufactured using molds for mass production. Specifically, lenses can be manufactured by hardening a lens material between a first mold having a first transfer surface from which the shape of the first principal surface is transferred, and a second mold having a second transfer surface from which the shape of the second principal surface is transferred. Hereinafter, the first mold and / or the second mold will be simply referred to as molds. The mold reference numerals will be used to represent the first mold.

[0008] When lenses are manufactured using the manufacturing method described in the above paragraph, if there is a defect in the mold (e.g., the transfer surface), the defect will naturally be transferred to the lens. If the defect is not noticed, lenses with the defect, i.e., defective products, will continue to be produced.

[0009] Currently, even if a defective product with a defect caused by the mold is found, there is no way to identify the mold that was used to manufacture the defective product from the defective product.

[0010] Of course, one method is to visually inspect the mold each time it is used, cleaned, or reused to detect defects caused by the mold. However, the presence or absence of defects in a mold is an issue only on the transfer surface; other non-transfer surfaces may be dirty or cloudy due to the roughness of the non-transfer surface. In such a state, it is not easy to visually detect defects, even on the transfer surface. Furthermore, such visual inspections are only effective in preventing defective products from occurring, and they do not identify the mold if a defective product does occur.

[0011] In both Patent Documents 1 and 2, marking is performed on the lens blank after the lens material has hardened. However, there is no mention of identifying the mold used to manufacture a defective lens when manufacturing lenses using the manufacturing method described in the above paragraph.

[0012] To begin with, neither Patent Document 1 nor Patent Document 2 mentions anything about managing the molds used when hardening the lens material, regardless of whether or not defective products are produced.

[0013] In lens production, from the viewpoint of productivity, multiple molds of the same type are often prepared, and these molds may be used simultaneously or at multiple different production sites. Therefore, it is difficult to identify the mold used for molding the lens substrate solely from the shape, etc. of the lens substrate after molding. Therefore, the present inventors have discovered a problem of identifying the mold when a defect suspected to be caused by the mold is discovered during a visual inspection of the lens substrate after molding.

[0014] Furthermore, the present inventors have found that it is important to identify a mold from lenses manufactured using that mold, regardless of whether or not defective products are produced.

[0015] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a technique for identifying a mold from a lens manufactured using the mold. An object of a specific embodiment of the present invention is to provide a technique for identifying the mold that produced the defect in a lens having a defect caused by the mold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The first aspect is A method for manufacturing a lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface by curing a lens material between a first mold having a first transfer surface from which a shape of the first principal surface is transferred, and a second mold having a second transfer surface from which a shape of the second principal surface is transferred, comprising: a mold identifying mark for identifying at least one of the first mold and the second mold is marked as a transfer mark on at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface; The lens manufacturing method includes hardening a lens material between the first mold and the second mold to manufacture the lens onto which the mold-specific mark has been transferred.

[0017] The second aspect is In the method for manufacturing a lens according to the first aspect, a mold-identifying mark that identifies the first mold is marked on the first transfer surface as a transfer mark.

[0018] The third aspect is a mold preparation step of preparing a mold having the mold-specific mark marked on at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface; a curing step of curing the lens material between the first mold and the second mold after the mold preparation step; a mold releasing step of releasing the lens, to which the mold-specific mark has been transferred, from the first mold and the second mold after the curing step; The method for manufacturing a lens according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0019] The fourth aspect is This is a lens manufacturing method according to the first aspect, in which a mold identification mark that identifies at least one of the first mold and the second mold is marked by engraving using laser irradiation on at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface.

[0020] The fifth aspect is The method for manufacturing a lens according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the lens is a lens for glasses.

[0021] The sixth aspect is In the eyeglass lens, the first principal surface is an object-side surface, and the second principal surface is an eyeball-side surface, A fifth aspect of the present invention is a lens manufacturing method, wherein a mold-specifying mark for specifying the first mold is marked on the first transfer surface.

[0022] A seventh aspect is In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a lens, wherein the mold-specific mark is marked outside the area to be used as the lens for glasses.

[0023] The eighth aspect is In the method for manufacturing a lens according to a fifth aspect, the mold-specific mark is disposed near the outer edge of at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface.

[0024] A ninth aspect is This is a lens manufacturing method according to an eighth aspect, wherein the mold-specific mark arranged near the outer edge is arranged at a position that is 0.5 to 2 mm away from the outer edge of at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface.

[0025] A tenth aspect is A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a lens manufacturing method, in which a hidden mark in the eyeglass lens is marked on at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface, together with a mold identification mark that identifies at least one of the first mold and the second mold.

[0026] An eleventh aspect is In the method for manufacturing a lens according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the mold-specific mark is an information record that can be read using an optical recognition device.

[0027] A twelfth aspect is The mold-specific mark is a two-dimensional code, This is a lens manufacturing method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the two-dimensional code is formed by forming multiple cells that make up the two-dimensional code into recesses in at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface, each recess having at least one of a polygonal pyramid shape, a hemisphere shape, and a cone shape.

[0028] A thirteenth aspect is In the method for manufacturing a lens according to a twelfth aspect, the two-dimensional code is sized to fit within a square with one side measuring 1 to 10 mm or a rectangle with a shorter side measuring 1 to 10 mm.

[0029] A fourteenth aspect is a first mold identifying mark for identifying the first mold is marked on the first transfer surface; and a second mold identifying mark for identifying the second mold is marked on the second transfer surface; In the lens manufacturing method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the mold-specifying mark includes the first mold-specifying mark and the second mold-specifying mark.

[0030] A fifteenth aspect is In the method for manufacturing a lens according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the marking is formed by a pulse laser having a pulse width of femtosecond to nanosecond, and the applied wavelength of the laser is 266 to 1064 nm.

[0031] A sixteenth aspect is A lens having a first major surface and a second major surface and comprising a lens substrate, The lens has a mold-specific mark formed of a convex portion on at least the outermost surface of the lens substrate on at least either the first or second principal surface side.

[0032] A seventeenth aspect is The lens according to a sixteenth aspect, wherein the lens is a lens for spectacles.

[0033] The eighteenth aspect is In the eyeglass lens, the first principal surface is an object-side surface, and the second principal surface is an eyeball-side surface, The lens according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the mold-specific mark is provided on the first main surface.

[0034] A nineteenth aspect is The lens according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the mold-specific mark is marked outside the area to be used as the lens for the glasses.

[0035] The twentieth aspect is In the lens according to any one of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects, the mold-specific mark is an information record that can be read using an optical recognition device.

[0036] A twenty-first aspect is The mold-specific mark is a two-dimensional code, The lens according to any one of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects, wherein the plurality of cells constituting the two-dimensional code are constituted by convex portions having at least one of a polygonal pyramid shape, a hemisphere shape, and a cone shape.

[0037] A twenty-second aspect is A method for manufacturing a first mold used in manufacturing a lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface by hardening a lens material between a first mold having a first transfer surface from which the shape of the first principal surface is transferred and a second mold having a second transfer surface from which the shape of the second principal surface is transferred, The mold manufacturing method includes marking a first mold specifying mark that specifies the first mold on the first transfer surface as a transfer mark.

[0038] A twenty-third aspect is In the mold manufacturing method according to a 22nd aspect, the marking is a process of engraving a first mold specifying mark that specifies the first mold into the first transfer surface by irradiating the first transfer surface with a laser.

[0039] A twenty-fourth aspect is A mold used in manufacturing a lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface, the first mold having a first transfer surface from which the shape of the first principal surface is transferred, and a second mold having a second transfer surface from which the shape of the second principal surface is transferred, by hardening a lens material between the first mold and a second mold, The mold is such that a first mold identifying mark for identifying the first mold is marked on the first transfer surface as a transfer mark.

[0040] The 25th aspect is In the mold according to the twenty-second aspect, the marking is a process of engraving a first mold specifying mark that specifies the first mold by irradiating the first transfer surface with a laser.

[0041] A twenty-sixth aspect is A method for identifying a mold to be used in manufacturing a spectacle lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface by curing a lens material between a first mold having a first transfer surface from which the shape of the first principal surface is transferred and a second mold having a second transfer surface from which the shape of the second principal surface is transferred, a mold identifying mark for identifying the first mold is marked on the first transfer surface as a transfer mark; The mold identification method includes identifying at least one of the first mold and the second mold from a transferred mold identification mark formed by transferring the mold identification mark of the first mold onto the first main surface of the lens.

[0042] A twenty-seventh aspect is An apparatus for identifying a mold to be used in manufacturing an eyeglass lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface by hardening a lens material between a first mold having a first transfer surface from which the shape of the first principal surface is transferred and a second mold having a second transfer surface from which the shape of the second principal surface is transferred, a mold identifying mark for identifying the first mold is marked on the first transfer surface as a transfer mark; The mold identification device reads a transferred mold identification mark formed by transferring the mold identification mark of the first mold to the first main surface of the lens using a reading unit, and refers to a database using a reference unit to identify at least one of the first mold and the second mold.

[0043] The specific details of the lens and its manufacturing method, and the mold and its manufacturing method are applicable to the details described above. The technical idea of ​​the present invention is also applicable to a method for identifying a mold from a lens. The technical idea of ​​the present invention is also applicable to a system (or apparatus) for identifying a mold from a lens. The details of "system" in this specification are also applicable to "apparatus." [Effects of the Invention]

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mold can be identified from lenses produced using the mold. According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to identify the mold that produced the defect from a lens that has a defect caused by the mold. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembly in which a first mold serving as an upper cover and a second mold serving as a lower cover are combined with a gasket in a method for manufacturing a spectacle lens that is one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the first transfer surface of the first mold. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view of the two-dimensional code and its vicinity in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view of the two-dimensional code of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the second transfer surface of the second mold. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a spectacle lens manufactured using the assembly of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the trajectory of a laser scanning line as an example of engraving the two-dimensional code of FIG. 2 into the first transfer surface of the first mold. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged photograph showing the two-dimensional code of FIG. 4 actually engraved into the first transfer surface of the first mold. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an image obtained using a 3D shape measurement device (manufactured by ZYGO) of a portion that was actually carved into a quadrangular pyramid shape on the first transfer surface of the first mold in a method for manufacturing a spectacle lens that is one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a mold-specific mark formed as a linear indentation on the first transfer surface of the first mold. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the trajectory of the laser scanning line when the engraving process of FIG. 11 is performed on the first transfer surface of the first mold. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged photograph showing the state in which the trenches in the first transfer surface of the first mold are tapered so that the sides of the trenches approach each other toward the bottom in the trench processing of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The following explanation based on the drawings is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the exemplified embodiments. In this specification, "to" indicates a value greater than or equal to a predetermined value and less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0047] In this specification, the left-right direction in the direction facing the object-side surface of the eyeglass lens (hereinafter referred to as plan view) is defined as the X direction, the up-down direction as the Y direction, and the thickness direction of the eyeglass lens, which is perpendicular to the X and Y directions, as the Z direction. The Z direction is also the optical axis direction of the eyeglass lens. The origin is the lens center. The lens center refers to the optical center or geometric center of the eyeglass lens. In this specification, an example is given in which the optical center and the geometric center approximately coincide. The right (3 o'clock direction) is the +X direction, the left (9 o'clock direction) is the -X direction, the top (0 o'clock direction) is the +Y direction, the bottom (6 o'clock direction) is the -Y direction, the direction toward the object is the +Z direction, and the opposite direction (toward the back) is the -Z direction.

[0048] (Outline of lens manufacturing method) FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembly 1 in which a first mold 2 serving as an upper cover and a second mold 3 serving as a lower cover are combined with a gasket 4 in a method for manufacturing a spectacle lens that is one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] An outline of a method for manufacturing a spectacle lens according to one embodiment of the present invention is as follows. First, a lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface is manufactured. This lens is manufactured by hardening a lens material between a first mold 2 having a first transfer surface 2a from which the shape of the first principal surface is transferred, and a second mold 3 having a second transfer surface 3a from which the shape of the second principal surface is transferred.

[0050] (lens) The term "lens" used in this specification is not limited as long as it has a first principal surface and a second principal surface, one of which serves as a light entrance surface and the other as a light exit surface.

[0051] The lens may be a lens for glasses, in which case one of the first and second principal surfaces is the object-side surface where light enters, and the other is the eye-side surface where light exits.

[0052] In this case, assembly 1 is obtained by combining, for example, first mold 2, which serves as the upper cover, and second mold 3, which serves as the lower cover, with a cylindrical container called gasket 4. This forms an internal space. A monomer, which is the raw material for the lens material, is injected into this internal space through an injection port (not shown) provided on the cylindrical side of gasket 4. This internal space is also called cavity CA.

[0053] This lens material is, for example, a thermosetting resin. In this case, the monomer is hardened by heating the assembly 1 containing the monomer in the internal space. The lens is obtained by releasing this hardened material from the assembly 1. Thermoplastic resin may also be used as the lens material.

[0054] Furthermore, when a photocurable resin is used as the lens material, gasket 4, first mold 2 and / or second mold 3 of assembly 1 may be made transparent, and light may be irradiated onto the monomer through this transparent member.

[0055] The lens material may also be a pellet-shaped resin material called a preform. When a preform is used, the gasket 4 is not used, and the preform may be placed between the first mold 2 and the second mold 3, and the preform may be pressed and molded by both molds 2. There are no particular restrictions on the use of the lens obtained in this way, and it may be an optical lens used in an imaging device or display (HMD, etc.) including a smartphone, as well as a lens for glasses. Alternatively, once the relative positions of the first mold 2 and the second mold 3 have been determined, a molding process may be applied in which a cavity is formed by wrapping tape instead of a gasket.

[0056] In this specification, the term "lens" refers to a lens for eyeglasses.

[0057] As used herein, the term "lens for spectacles" includes lenses with a hard coating and an anti-reflection coating applied to a lens substrate, intermediate lenses with only a portion of various coatings applied to the lens substrate, and the lens substrate itself. Furthermore, the lens may have optical surfaces on both the object-side and eyeglass-side surfaces, or may have an optical surface on only one surface (e.g., the object-side surface) and no optical surface on the eyeball-side surface (a semi-finished lens, as described below). Furthermore, the term "lens for spectacles" as used herein includes both pre-edged lenses (before being cut to the shape of the frame) and post-edged lenses (after said cutting). However, because providing a mold-specific mark on the inside of the frame affects the wearer's field of vision and the appearance of the eyeglass lens, this specification primarily refers to pre-edged lenses as lenses for spectacles. In this specification, "lenses for spectacles" is also referred to as "eyeglass lenses."

[0058] The spectacle lenses described herein have an object-side surface and an eyeball-side surface. This description exemplifies a case in which the first principal surface described above corresponds to the object-side surface and the second principal surface corresponds to the eyeball-side surface. That is, in the first mold 2, the first transfer surface 2a corresponds to the object-side surface, and in the second mold 3, the second transfer surface 3a corresponds to the eyeball-side surface. Of course, the first principal surface may be interchanged with the eyeball-side surface and the second principal surface may be interchanged with the object-side surface.

[0059] The "object-side surface" of a spectacle lens is the surface that faces the object when a wearer wears eyeglasses equipped with the spectacle lens, and the "eyeball-side surface" is the opposite, i.e., the surface that faces the eye when a wearer wears eyeglasses equipped with the spectacle lens. This relationship also applies to the lens substrate (a molded lens material) that forms the basis of the spectacle lens. In other words, the lens substrate also has an object-side surface and an eyeball-side surface. A meniscus shape in which the object-side surface of the spectacle lens is convex and the eyeball-side surface is concave may be adopted, and a first mold 2 and a second mold 3 having shapes corresponding to this meniscus-shaped spectacle lens may be used. In this specification, examples of meniscus-shaped spectacle lenses will be mainly given.

[0060] (Mold 2) There are no limitations on the material of the mold 2 as long as it allows the mold-specific mark to be formed as a transfer mark on the first transfer surface 2a. Note that, since the transfer surface of the mold 2 in this embodiment is formed with a transfer mark to be transferred to the lens substrate when the lens substrate is molded, it is desirable that the material of the mold 2 be one that allows a precise three-dimensional pattern to be formed by processing using laser irradiation as described below. Hereinafter, for convenience, the formation of a three-dimensional transfer mark on the mold transfer surface will also be referred to as "engraving."

[0061] There is no limitation on the type of glass, nor on the refractive index of the glass, but for example, crown glass is preferably used.

[0062] (Mold specific mark) Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the first transfer surface 2a of the first mold 2. Dotted lines are used to highlight specific locations. The dashed-dotted lines in Figures 2, 5, and 6 indicate the left-right direction (X direction) and the up-down direction (Y direction). FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view of the two-dimensional code and its vicinity in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view of the two-dimensional code of FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the second transfer surface 3a of the second mold 3. The dotted lines are for emphasis and do not represent the actual physical configuration. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a spectacle lens manufactured by the assembly 1 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of FIG.

[0063] In a method for manufacturing a spectacle lens according to one aspect of the present invention, a mold-specifying mark that identifies at least one of the first mold 2 and the second mold 3 is determined in advance, and the mold-specifying mark is marked on at least one of the first transfer surface 2 a and the second transfer surface 3 a. Then, when the lens material is hardened between the first mold 2 and the second mold 3, the lens is manufactured in which the mold-specifying mark is transferred to the lens material that is in close contact with the first mold 2 and the second mold 3.

[0064] In this specification, the letter T is added to the end of the reference number for an item transferred onto the principal surface of a lens, such as a transferred mold-specific mark, to distinguish between something formed in the mold and something transferred onto the principal surface of the lens. Examples are given below. - First mold specific mark (2D code) 51T transferred to the object side surface of the eyeglass lens - Second mold specific mark (2D code) 52T transferred to the eyeball side of the eyeglass lens The following marks are unrelated or only vaguely related to direct mold identification, and are referred to as "lens characteristic marks" in this specification. These lens characteristic marks are often formed as hidden marks, and are therefore also referred to as hidden marks. This does not exclude mold characteristic marks that are difficult to see, similar to lens characteristic marks. However, preferably, a reading operation is performed by a reading unit, as described below, and accordingly, mold characteristic marks are provided outside the frame. For this reason, mold characteristic marks are preferably non-hidden marks. In this specification, the term "transfer mark" may include the following lens characteristic marks as well as mold-specific marks. Lens type mark 60T Alignment reference mark 31aT Alignment reference mark 32aT Addition power mark 31bT Addition power mark 32bT Identification mark 35T Identification number 35AT Arc section 35BT

[0065] The mold-specific mark is formed as a transfer mark on at least one of the first mold 2 and the second mold 3. For example, it can be a three-dimensional mark with irregularities formed on the mold surface, and preferably is a mark made by engraving with laser irradiation, as described below.

[0066] Information for identifying the mold (hereinafter also referred to as mold identification information) can be obtained directly or indirectly from the mold identification mark. There are no limitations on the content of the mold identification information, but for example, in the case of marking on first transfer surface 2a of first mold 2, it may include at least one of the following pieces of information: The mold identification information should be information that at least allows the individual mold to be identified and identifiable. -Individual mold identification information (serial number, etc.) · Mold manufacturing location (country and / or region) Lot number -Mold manufacturing date and time Parameters related to the shape of the transfer surface (base curve, mean sphere, whether spherical or aspherical, information on use, etc.) Mold storage location Mold maker The term "directly" refers to the mold-identifying information being described in the mold-identifying mark, whereas the term "indirectly" refers to the mold-identifying information not being described in the mold-identifying mark itself, but being obtained by reading the mold-identifying mark (for example, displayed on a screen).

[0067] Mold-related information, such as mold usage history, linked to the individual identification information may be stored in a recording medium (such as a server), updated, and managed. Examples of information that may be stored in a recording medium linked to mold-specific information include the information described in the above paragraph, as well as the following: The mold-related information may include at least one of the following: Number of times the mold has been used (or its history) - Information on other molds, gaskets, and molding equipment used at the same time as the mold - History of defects or spurious results, and defect correction history Other points to note when using the mold

[0068] The following is a brief summary of what has been discussed so far: The transfer marks provided on the mold include mold-specific marks and may also include lens characteristic marks as hidden marks. Mold-specific information can be obtained directly or indirectly from the transferred mold-specific marks on the lens, which are formed by transferring the mold-specific marks on the mold. Of course, mold-specific information can also be obtained directly or indirectly from the mold-specific marks on the mold. Mold-related information linked to this mold-specific information may also be obtained.

[0069] The mold-specific mark may be a letter, a symbol, and / or a number. Hereinafter, the letter, the symbol, and / or the number will be simply referred to as a character string.

[0070] The mold-identifying mark may be readable by the naked eye when enlarged as necessary. However, it is anticipated that a large amount of information may be required to identify the specific mold 2 (first mold 2 in this case) used in manufacturing the lens. For this reason, it is preferable that the mold-identifying mark is an information record that can be read using an optical recognition device.

[0071] The code may be either a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. One-dimensional codes include barcodes. Two-dimensional codes are codes that record information using an arrangement of cells D (hereinafter, reference numbers omitted) arranged in two directions, vertically and horizontally, and include QR Code (registered trademark) and data matrix.

[0072] An example of an "information record readable by an optical recognition device" is a code that is not a character string. An example of such an optical recognition device is a scanner (e.g., a QR Code (registered trademark) reader). An optical recognition device may be one that has the function of automatically recognizing the information record (e.g., a QR Code (registered trademark)) in an image captured by an imaging element.

[0073] The code is preferably a two-dimensional code, which can store a lot of information in a small area. Of course, a combination of character strings and non-character strings (e.g., codes) is also acceptable, but if the mold-identifying mark is a two-dimensional code, the mold 2 can be identified simply by reading the two-dimensional code. In other words, it is preferable that the mold-identifying mark (especially the code) correspond one-to-one with the mold 2 actually used.

[0074] When a two-dimensional code is used, the portions that make up the two-dimensional code (the multiple black square portions in a plan view in Figure 4, hereinafter referred to as cells) are engraved into the first transfer surface 2a in a predetermined arrangement. Each cell of the two-dimensional code is recessed relative to the unrecessed base portion of the first transfer surface 2a. Lens material fills these recesses, and by transferring these recesses, corresponding convex portions (protrusions) are formed on at least the first main surface of the lens substrate of the manufactured lens. These convex portions constitute each cell of the two-dimensional code. As a result, the lens substrate (e.g., an eyeglass lens) is provided with a mold-specific mark. In the two-dimensional code illustrated in Figure 4, specific information is recorded by an arrangement of 12 cells vertically and horizontally.

[0075] There are no limitations on the dimensions of the engravings in the first transfer surface 2a in a plan view. In the case of a one-dimensional code, the short side may be 1 to 10 mm, for example. In the case of a two-dimensional code, the shape may be, for example, a square with a side of 1 to 10 mm or a rectangle with a short side of 1 to 10 mm, and preferably, a square with a side of 1 to 5 mm or a rectangle with a short side of 1 to 10 mm. Furthermore, when engraving a character string, it is preferable that the height of each character be approximately 1 to 10 mm.

[0076] During lens molding, the depth of the recesses (or recesses and protrusions) is preferably determined so that the lens substrate is sufficiently filled into the recesses and a reverse image thereof is accurately formed on the lens substrate. For example, the dimension in the depth direction can be 100 μm or less. For example, the depth of the recesses can be in the range of 10 to 100 μm, more specifically, 10 to 80 μm.

[0077] Furthermore, the shape of the depth of the recess is preferably such that, in a plan view, the shape of the recess entrance relative to the non-recessed base portion of the first transfer surface 2a encompasses the shape of the recess bottom. In other words, it is preferable that the recess sides approach each other toward the bottom. For example, the recesses can be formed in a tapered shape with inclined sides. To form the above-described two-dimensional code, each cell can be formed with a recess whose depth increases toward the center. Examples include polygonal pyramids such as square pyramids, hemispherical recesses, and mortar-shaped (conical) recesses. The shapes of each cell may be different, or multiple cells may be formed by combining the shapes listed above. A flat bottom may be formed near the center of the recess.

[0078] Alternatively, when forming linear recesses for forming character strings, the recesses may be shaped so as to become deeper as they approach the center in the line width direction.

[0079] The above-described excavation ensures excellent releasability when the lens substrate is released from the first mold 2. Furthermore, as will be described later, when excavating by laser irradiation, the side surface shape can be precisely controlled in forming the excavation shape described above, which has the advantage of providing particularly good releasability.

[0080] The mold identification mark may be made by regularly engraved cells, like Braille. 2D codes are also included in this example. Ultimately, it is sufficient that the regularity of the cell arrangement differs for each mold 2 actually used. Specifically, if the regularity of the engraved cell arrangement (the arrangement pattern, so to speak) can be linked to the mold 2 actually used in a one-to-one relationship, it will be possible to identify the mold 2 actually used from the convex portions present in the resulting lens (e.g., originating from the concave cells of mold 2). On the other hand, codes (especially 2D codes) are preferable because they greatly simplify the work, as all that is required is to read the convex portions present in the lens or multiple cells of mold 2 with a scanner.

[0081] Incidentally, there is a reason why the method for manufacturing a spectacle lens according to one aspect of the present invention states "a mold-identifying mark that identifies 'at least one of the first mold 2 and the second mold 3'."

[0082] For example, when manufacturing a so-called semi-finished eyeglass lens, the object-side surface obtained by the first transfer surface 2a of the first mold 2 typically constitutes an optical surface based on a desired design. Furthermore, if any surface processing is performed on this surface, it is the formation of a film such as a hard coat film, and no surface processing such as cutting is performed. Therefore, if a mold-specific mark is engraved on the first transfer surface 2a of the first mold 2 by carving, the mold-specific mark transferred to the object-side surface of the eyeglass lens remains on the object-side surface, whether the object-side surface of the lens substrate is exposed or a film is formed on the object-side surface.

[0083] On the other hand, the eyeball-facing surface obtained by second transfer surface 3a of second mold 3 is subjected to cutting (e.g., NC machining) and polishing in subsequent processes to achieve the desired prescription values, astigmatism distribution, refractive power error distribution, etc., and therefore may not be molded as an optical surface based on the design. Even if a mold-specific mark is engraved on second transfer surface 3a of second mold 3, in the case described in the above paragraph, the mold-specific mark will not ultimately remain on the eyeball-facing surface of the eyeglass lens. In that case, the mold-specific mark of first mold 2 may be engraved and marked only on first transfer surface 2a of first mold 2.

[0084] On the other hand, if it is still desired to leave a mold-specific mark on the eyeglass lens indicating that the second mold 3 was used for the eyeglass lens (semi-finished lens), the mold-specific marks of the first mold 2 and the second mold 3 can be engraved and marked on the first transfer surface 2a of the first mold 2.

[0085] In the above-mentioned semi-finished lenses, the surface facing the object is usually not subjected to surface treatment such as cutting, but this relationship can be reversed. In other words, the surface of the lens substrate facing the eyeball may not be subjected to surface treatment such as cutting.

[0086] On the other hand, in the case of eyeglass lenses (so-called cast lenses) in which no surface processing such as cutting is performed on either the object-side surface obtained by first transfer surface 2a of first mold 2 or the eyeball-side surface obtained by second transfer surface 3a of second mold 3, mold-specific marks remain on both the object-side surface and the eyeball-side surface. Therefore, a mold-specific mark for first mold 2 (first mold-specific mark 51) is engraved into first transfer surface 2a of first mold 2, and a mold-specific mark for second mold 3 (second mold-specific mark 52) is engraved into second transfer surface 3a of second mold 3. In other words, the technical concept of the present invention may be applied to either first mold 2 or second mold 3.

[0087] To encompass all of the above examples, the phrase "a mold-specific mark that identifies at least one of the first mold 2 and the second mold 3 is engraved into at least one of the first transfer surface 2a and the second transfer surface 3a" is used. However, it is preferable that the specific mold-specific mark be provided on a specific mold. This ensures a one-to-one correspondence between the mold and the mold-specific mark (and thus the mold-specific information), making the correspondence clear. It is preferable that at least the mold-specific mark for the first mold 2 (first mold-specific mark 51) be engraved into the first transfer surface 2a of the first mold 2. To reiterate, the first mold 2 may be used to form the object-side surface of the spectacle lens, or the eyeball-side surface.

[0088] (Specific means for forming mold-specific marks) There are no specific limitations on the means for forming the mold-specific mark. It is sufficient that the mold-specific mark, which serves as a transfer mark formed on the transfer surface of the first or second mold, can be precisely transferred to the lens material and become readable. The means may be etching or mechanical processing, or spraying or adhering a specific material, so long as a three-dimensional, durable three-dimensional pattern is formed.

[0089] However, dry, non-contact engraving using a laser, rather than wet, contact engraving using hydrofluoric acid, is preferable because it eliminates the complexity of wet processing and allows for the formation of fine, precise mold-specific marks.

[0090] On the spectacle lens surface to which the mold-specific mark has been transferred, a convex portion formed by transferring the concave portion of the mold, i.e., a mark composed of convex portions, is formed. Conversely, a mold-specific mark having convex portions may be formed on the mold, and a mold-specific mark having concave portions may be formed on the spectacle lens surface. However, it is more preferable to form convex portions on the spectacle lens by transferring the concave portion of the mold using an advantageous method described below.

[0091] In this specification, "composed of convex portions" refers to a combination of convex portions and non-convex portions (base portions). For example, if a lens is provided with a two-dimensional code, consider a case in which multiple cells formed within a 3 mm square are composed of a combination of convex portions and base portions. The dimensions of each convex portion are preferably a square with sides of 0.3 mm or less. The dimensions of each convex portion are preferably 0.2 mm or less. 0.2 mm is illustrated in the drawings of this application. The same numerical specifications apply to cells carved into mold 2. Furthermore, "composed of carved portions" in first transfer surface 2a of first mold 2 refers to a combination of carved portions and non-carved portions (base portions of first transfer surface 2a), similar to "composed of convex portions." Of course, the size of the cells is not limited to 3 mm square. The content of this paragraph can also be applied to recesses that constitute mold-specific marks.

[0092] As a dry, non-contact type engraving method for the mold material, for example, laser irradiation using a so-called solid-state laser (YAG, NdYAG, YVO4, NdYVO4, etc.) can be adopted. In one embodiment of the present invention, the preferred conditions are as follows.

[0093] For example, a pulsed laser may be applied, the pulse width of which may be from femtoseconds to nanoseconds.

[0094] The applicable wavelength of the laser can be 266 nm to 1064 nm, specifically, 266 nm, 355 nm, 532 nm, or 1064 nm.

[0095] The laser output can be set to 1 to 300 W. The energy per pulse can be set to, for example, about 0.5 to 10 mJ.

[0096] The conditions for laser marking when engraving the mold-specific mark are not limited to those described above, and may be set appropriately depending on the type of lens material and the dimensions and depth of the mold-specific mark engraving.

[0097] On the other hand, when carving a mold-specific mark into mold 2, it is preferable to narrow the laser scanning interval (drawing interval) from the outer edge toward the center of one carving surface (or line width), whether the mold-specific mark is a character string, a combination of rectangular cells and a base portion in a code (two-dimensional code), or a line (one-dimensional code). With this configuration, even if the output is constant, the center of the carving, such as a character or a dot, is carved deeper. In other words, it is possible to form the carving such that the sides of the carving approach each other toward the bottom (for example, tapered sides), which is the preferred example described above. Such a scanning interval can be set using a galvanometer scanner unit in the laser processing device.

[0098] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the trajectory of the laser scanning line SL when the two-dimensional code of FIG. 2 is engraved into the first transfer surface 2a of the first mold 2. The dotted circle indicates the pulse laser diameter P. The arrow indicates the scanning direction of the scanning line SL. FIG. 9 is an enlarged photograph showing the two-dimensional code of FIG. 4 actually engraved into first transfer surface 2a of first mold 2.

[0099] When the mold-specific mark is a two-dimensional code, it is preferable to scan each cell of the two-dimensional code in a spiral pattern along the rectangle from the outer edge toward the center. In this case, it is preferable to scan the laser in a spiral pattern toward the center while narrowing the spacing between parallel scanning lines SL in one direction. In FIG. 8, when moving in a spiral pattern toward the center, it is preferable to narrow the spacing between the scanning lines SL in the left-right direction (X direction) as follows: x1 > x2 > x3 (the spacing between the scanning lines SL on the left side of the figure) and x'1 > x'2 > x'3 (the spacing between the scanning lines SL on the right side of the figure), and to narrow the spacing between the scanning lines SL in the up-down direction (Y direction) as follows: y1 > y2 > y3 (the spacing between the scanning lines SL on the lower side of the figure) and y'1 > y'2 > y'3 (the spacing between the scanning lines SL on the upper side of the figure).

[0100] With this configuration, the central portion of each cell is dug deeper. In other words, the mold-specific mark is dug into the mold 2 in a quadrangular pyramid shape, and therefore, in the lens obtained from the mold 2, a mold-specific mark consisting of a quadrangular pyramid-shaped protrusion is provided on at least the outermost surface of the lens substrate on at least either the first or second principal surface. Of course, by controlling the laser irradiation of the mold, it is possible to ultimately form a desired shape of protrusion, such as a polygonal pyramid, hemisphere, or mortar shape, on the lens substrate.

[0101] 10 is an image obtained with a 3D shape measurement device (manufactured by ZYGO) of a portion actually carved into a quadrangular pyramid shape on first transfer surface 2a of first mold 2 in a method for manufacturing a spectacle lens that is one embodiment of the present invention. It was confirmed that excellent releasability can be obtained when molding a lens material using a mold with such recesses formed therein.

[0102] In this specification, the term "polygonal pyramid shape (such as a square pyramid)" includes not only strict polygonal pyramids but also shapes with rounded or chamfered apexes. In this specification, at least most of the shapes of the recesses in the mold 2 are considered to be polygonal pyramid shapes if they form a concave shape with the four side surfaces of the recess approaching each other toward the bottom.

[0103] The mold-specific mark is unnecessary information for the end user (e.g., the eyeglass wearer). Therefore, it is preferable that the mold-specific mark be marked on the first transfer surface 2a of the first mold 2 outside the area to be used as the eyeglass lens. This is because the eyeglass wearer will only use the area inside the area to be used as the eyeglass lens, and the area outside this area will be scraped off before the eyeglass wearer receives it. It is sufficient for the mold-specific mark to be visible to the lens manufacturer or eyeglass store before the eyeglass wearer receives it. Therefore, adopting this preferred embodiment does not cause any inconvenience and is, in fact, preferable because it ensures that the wearer's visual field is comfortable.

[0104] Based on the same technical idea as in the above paragraph, it is preferable that the mold-specific mark is formed on the edge of the first transfer surface 2a so that it is marked on the edge of the lens substrate. If it is on the edge of the lens substrate, it will almost certainly be scraped off during edging to process it into a frame shape, and the inconvenience of blocking the wearer's field of vision can be avoided.

[0105] In this specification, the "edge of the lens substrate" refers to a ring-shaped portion, for example, within 10 mm (or within 5 mm, or within 3 mm) from the outermost edge toward the center. The "edge of the lens substrate" may also be an area separated from the outer edge of the lens substrate by a distance of 0.5 to 2 mm.

[0106] Similarly, "vicinity of the outer edge of the mold" refers to a ring-shaped portion, for example, within 10 mm (or within 5 mm, or within 3 mm) from the outermost edge toward the center of the transfer surface of the mold. The "vicinity of the outer edge of the mold" may be a region separated from the outer edge of at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface by a distance of 0.5 to 2 mm.

[0107] It should be noted that the shape of the frame may not be determined at the time of the process of engraving the mold-specific mark. However, in many cases, the vertical dimension of the frame shape is smaller than the horizontal dimension. Therefore, it is desirable to form the mold-specific mark at a position corresponding to the upper or lower end of the uncut lens before edging. This is because it is more likely to be outside the frame than if it were formed at the left or right end.

[0108] Furthermore, with regard to the position of the mold-specific marks, it is preferable that first mold-specific marks 51 (arrangement of mold-specific marks on the object-side surface) and second mold-specific marks 52 (arrangement of mold-specific marks on the eyeball-side surface) do not overlap when the resulting lens is viewed in plan. This eliminates the need to read first mold-specific marks 51 and then turn the lens over to read second mold-specific marks 52. In other words, two mold-specific marks can be read without turning the lens over.

[0109] Furthermore, if the relative positions of first mold specifying mark 51 and second mold specifying mark 52 when the lens is viewed in a plane are determined in advance, it becomes easy to determine which mold formed the surface is from, when reading the mold specifying marks from the formed lens material. For example, first mold specifying mark 51 may be carved into first mold 2 and second mold specifying mark 52 may be carved into second mold 3 so that first mold specifying mark 51 is located on the right and second mold specifying mark 52 is located on the left when the lens is viewed in a plane (as shown in FIG. 6).

[0110] Furthermore, a lens information mark may be engraved into first mold 2 (or second mold 3) so that it is sandwiched between first mold identification mark 51 and second mold identification mark 52 in a plan view of the lens. The lens information mark is a mark for identifying the lens before edging. The content of the lens information mark may be the same as identification number 35A, or may be a simplified version of the content of identification number 35A.

[0111] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a mold-specific mark formed as a linear indentation on first transfer surface 2a of first mold 2. As shown in FIG. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the trajectories of the laser scanning lines SL when the engraving process of Fig. 11 is performed on the first transfer surface 2a of the first mold 2. In Fig. 12, it is preferable that the spacing between the scanning lines SL in the left-right direction (X direction) narrow toward the center in the order d1 > d2 > d3 (spacing between the scanning lines SL on the left side in the figure) and d'1 > d'2 > d'3 (spacing between the scanning lines SL on the right side in the figure). FIG. 13 is an enlarged photograph showing the state in which the trenches in the trench in first transfer surface 2a of first mold 2 are tapered so that the sides of the trench approach each other toward the bottom in the trench processing of FIG.

[0112] In addition to the mold-specific marks, a mold 2 may be used in which what is referred to in this specification as a lens characteristic mark (so-called hidden mark) for a lens (especially an eyeglass lens) is engraved. When forming the hidden mark by engraving, the conditions may be different from those for forming the mold-specific marks. When forming the hidden mark by engraving, the depth is preferably 0.01 to 0.1 μm.

[0113] The progressive power information marks include alignment reference marks 31a and 32a for the progressive power lens and addition power indication marks 31b and 32b, which indicate the addition power or its abbreviation. These alignment reference marks 31a and 32a and addition power indication marks 31b and 32b are required to be displayed on progressive power eyeglass lenses, for example, according to JIS 7315 and the like.

[0114] The identification mark 35 indicating the lens identification information has a horizontally written identification number 35A and a pair of arcuate portions 35B displayed on both sides of the number 35A. When the identification number 35A and the arcuate portions 35B are combined, they appear to the naked eye as a combination of the letters V and approximately H (for example, V(-)). On the other hand, the identification number 35A, which is the horizontal bar of the (-), may also indicate a unique number assigned to each eyeglass lens, which may correspond to the lens identification information.

[0115] By engraving the hidden marks into the mold 2 with a laser, the work can be done dry. Not only can the non-contact processing improve yield, but it also stably improves the quality of the hidden marks. Moreover, the safety of the work is improved because there is no need to use chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid, and there is no need to prepare equipment for wet processing, which reduces the number of work steps.

[0116] On first transfer surface 2a of first mold 2, the mold-specific mark is marked outside the area used as the spectacle lens, while the hidden mark is marked inside that area. In other words, the hidden mark formed by the convex portion in the resulting lens substrate remains inside the area used as the spectacle lens and on the first main surface of the lens substrate. Low visibility of this hidden mark is preferable in terms of ensuring a comfortable field of vision for the spectacle wearer.

[0117] As mentioned above, the mold-specific mark and the lens characteristic mark (hidden mark) differ in processing depth and position, but when laser processing is applied, it is possible to form them in one device and one process by simply determining the respective condition settings in advance, which is extremely advantageous in terms of production efficiency.

[0118] (hardening process) After the marking step, the lens material is hardened between the first mold 2 and the second mold 3. As for the specific method of the hardening step, a hardening step in a known method for manufacturing a lens using the mold 2 may be adopted.

[0119] (Mold release process) After the curing step, the lens to which the mold-specific mark has been transferred is released from the first mold 2 and the second mold 3. As for the specific technique for the mold releasing step, a curing step in a known technique for manufacturing a lens using the mold 2 may be adopted.

[0120] If first transfer surface 2a of first mold 2 is provided with an indentation shape in which the sides of the indentation approach each other toward the bottom, the releasability of the lens substrate from first mold 2 is improved.

[0121] In the manufactured lens, for example, at least the first main surface (the surface on the object side) of the lens substrate has a convex portion corresponding to this concave portion formed thereon.

[0122] Various films such as a hard coat film, an anti-reflection film, an antifouling film, and a water-repellent film may be formed on the molded lens substrate. Various films may also be formed on the mold-specific mark formed of a convex portion on the object-side surface of the lens substrate. This is because the various films do not significantly reduce the ease of recognition of the mold-specific mark, for example, the ability to read the code using an optical recognition device.

[0123] The coated lens substrate is edged to the shape of the frame. If mold-specific marks are provided on the outside of the frame shape, the outside of the frame shape is scraped off along with the mold-specific marks. The edged eyeglass lens is then fitted into the frame to complete the eyeglasses.

[0124] (Effects of one aspect of the present invention) Some of the effects brought about by one aspect of the present invention described above will be recited below.

[0125] According to one aspect of the present invention, the mold 2 can be identified from the lenses produced using the mold 2.

[0126] An advantage of identifying the mold 2 used is that information about the lens as a product can be fed back to the mold 2. One specific example of this advantage is that, based on a visual inspection of a lens that has a defect caused by the mold 2, the mold 2 that produced the defect can be identified. Another advantage is that, when a lens with an unexpected shape is manufactured, an incorrectly placed mold can be identified from an inspection of the lens shape. When an operator grasps important points to note during the visual inspection of the mold 2, such as the presence, type, location, and severity of defects, the information about the defects can be linked to the mold identification mark engraved into the mold 2.

[0127] Specifically, the work involves recognizing a two-dimensional code, which is a mold-specific mark engraved into the mold 2, with a reading device that combines an imaging element and an automatic two-dimensional code recognition device, and then inputting information about the defects into a database for the mold 2 using a computer, or tracking the information stored in the database.

[0128] In addition to inputting information about defects, the following specific work contents and effects can be mentioned. That is, when assembling the first mold 2 and the second mold 3, for example, a mold-specific mark (two-dimensional code) engraved on the first transfer surface 2a of the first mold 2 is recognized by a reading device. During this recognition, if there is data in the database indicating that the first mold 2 has already been reported to have a defect multiple times, the first mold 2 is removed from the lens production process (lens production line, manufacturing process, manufacturing line). The first mold 2 is then repaired or rejected. In other words, the defective mold 2 can be removed before the first mold 2 and the second mold 3 are assembled to actually manufacture the lens. This avoids the needless continued production of defective lenses.

[0129] Moreover, this effect is achieved without relying on the operator's eyes. Therefore, the accuracy of determining whether or not there is a defect is high. Visual inspection of glass molds is difficult due to dirt or scratches present on the non-transferred surface. Therefore, complete inspection cannot be expected due to oversights. On the other hand, one aspect of the present invention makes it possible to detect defects using a different approach from conventional methods, by identifying defective molds from transferred lenses.

[0130] Another specific example of the effect of identifying the mold 2 that has been used is that it becomes possible to manage information such as the use history of the mold 2. For example, it becomes possible to store the use history in a database and remove a mold 2 that has been used more than a certain number of times from the lens production process. Furthermore, it becomes possible to manage information such that, for a mold 2 that has developed a defect that is not serious enough to cause the lens to be discarded, if such a defect is reported multiple times, the mold 2 can be repaired or removed.

[0131] (others) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above disclosure shows exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In other words, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0132] Up to this point, the mold-specifying mark for specifying the mold is marked by engraving the transfer surface by irradiating it with a laser, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0133] For example, marking may be performed by forming projections and depressions by dry or wet etching instead of laser irradiation.

[0134] For example, when a mold is formed using a casting mold (e.g., a master) in the same way as a lens, if a mold-specific mark is marked on the master by engraving, the mold obtained from the master will automatically have the mold-specific mark marked on it without having to perform engraving by laser irradiation. The following expressions include this case. "A mold-identifying mark that identifies at least one of the first mold and the second mold is marked as a transfer mark on at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface." Up to now, we have mainly given examples of engraving by laser irradiation, but the previous description of "marking engraved by laser irradiation on the first transfer surface" can be read as "marked on the first transfer surface as a transfer mark."

[0135] The technical concept of the present invention is also reflected in a mold manufacturing method and a mold obtained by the manufacturing method. The mold has the following configuration. "A method for manufacturing a first mold used in manufacturing a lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface, the method being to manufacture a lens by hardening a lens material between a first mold having a first transfer surface from which the shape of the first principal surface is transferred, and a second mold having a second transfer surface from which the shape of the second principal surface is transferred, a first mold specifying mark for specifying the first mold being engraved by irradiating the first transfer surface with a laser. "A mold used in manufacturing a lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface, the first mold having a first transfer surface from which the shape of the first principal surface is transferred, and a second mold having a second transfer surface from which the shape of the second principal surface is transferred, by hardening a lens material between the first mold and the second mold, A mold in which a first mold specifying mark for specifying the first mold is marked on the first transfer surface as a transfer mark (preferably engraved by irradiating the transfer surface with a laser). The specific details of the mold and its manufacturing method are the same as those described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0136] The technical idea of ​​the present invention is to transfer a mold-specific mark to a lens when manufacturing a lens from a mold 2 on which the mold-specific mark has been marked (preferably engraved) as a transfer mark, thereby providing the lens with the mold-specific mark. For this reason, a mold 2 on which the mold-specific mark has been marked (preferably engraved) as a transfer mark may be prepared in advance, and the lens may be manufactured using the mold 2. In this specification, the "mold preparation step" includes a case in which a mold 2 on which the mold-specific mark has been marked (preferably engraved) as a transfer mark is prepared in advance, as well as a case in which the person who performs the hardening and demolding of the lens also marks (preferably engraved) the mold-specific mark as a transfer mark.

[0137] In addition to the mold-specific marks and lens characteristic marks (hidden marks), any other information may be marked on the first mold 2. This information may be marked on a surface other than the first transfer surface 2a. For example, the information may be marked on the non-transfer surface of the first mold 2 (the surface or side facing the first transfer surface 2a). This marking may be engraved, may be transferred using the master, or may be marked inside the mold 2. In any case, if it is desired to complete the marking work in one go, it is preferable to use a laser (particularly a pulsed laser) to mark the information at any position on the mold 2, in the same manner as the mold-specific marks and lens characteristic marks (hidden marks).

[0138] The technical concept of the present invention can also be applied to a method for identifying a mold from a lens. The specific configuration is as follows. "A method for identifying a mold to be used in manufacturing an eyeglass lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface by hardening a lens material between a first mold 2 having a first transfer surface 2a from which the shape of the first principal surface is transferred and a second mold 3 having a second transfer surface 3a from which the shape of the second principal surface is transferred, a mold-identifying mark for identifying the first mold 2 is marked on the first transfer surface 2a as a transfer mark (preferably by engraving the transfer surface 2a by irradiating it with a laser); A mold identification method for identifying at least one of the first mold 2 and the second mold 3 from a transferred mold identification mark (reference symbol 51T) formed by transferring the mold identification mark of the first mold 2 to the first main surface of the lens. A preferred example is as follows. The mold-specific mark transferred onto the first main surface of the lens is read (for example, by a reading unit described below), a database relating to the first mold 2 is referenced (for example, by a reference unit described below), and the first mold 2 (and / or the second mold 3) is identified from the mold-specific information relating to the first mold 2 (for example, by checking the results displayed on a display unit described below). The method includes a step of acquiring mold-related information recorded in the database in association with the mold-specific information.

[0139] The technical concept of the present invention is also applicable to a system (or apparatus) that identifies a mold from a lens. In this specification, the term "system" is also applicable to an "apparatus."

[0140] Specific examples and preferred examples of a specific system for a mold according to one aspect of the present invention will be described below. ·Reference section ·Display section Recording section Control computer section

[0141] Preferably, the reference unit further includes a first reading unit that reads the post-transfer mold-specific mark on the first main surface of the lens. The first reading unit is not limited as long as it is configured to be able to read the post-transfer mold-specific mark. For example, if the post-transfer mold-specific mark is a two-dimensional code, the first reading unit may be a two-dimensional code scanner.

[0142] By reading the transferred mold-specific mark with the first reading unit, at least a part of the database related to the mold is displayed on the first display unit. The first display unit may be a display screen of a tablet terminal or a monitor screen. If the tablet terminal is equipped with a two-dimensional code scanner, the tablet terminal may serve as both the display unit and the first reading unit.

[0143] It is preferable that the system further includes a recording unit for recording the database. The recording unit may or may not be included in the configuration of the mold identification system (or device). For example, the recording unit may be provided in a factory computer, a control computer, or a server on a network.

[0144] The control computer is a control unit that controls the functions of the above-mentioned components. The control computer functions as a computer device that processes information as instructed by a predetermined program, and is specifically configured by a combination of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), HDD (Hard disk drive), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), an external interface (I / F), etc.

[0145] A specific example of "identifying the first mold 2 from the transferred mold identifying mark (reference numeral 51T) on the lens" is as follows. The mold identification mark transferred to the first main surface of the lens is read by a first reading unit, and a database related to the first mold 2 is referenced to identify the first mold 2 (and / or the second mold 3) from the mold identification information related to the first mold 2. Furthermore, mold-related information recorded in association with the mold-specific information in the database is acquired. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1 Assembly body 2. First mold 2a First transfer surface 3 Second mold 3a Second transfer surface 4 gaskets 10 Cast Lens 31a Alignment reference mark 32a Alignment reference mark 31b Addition power mark 32b Addition power mark 35 Identification Mark 35A Identification Number 35B Arc section 51 First mold specific mark (2D code) 52 Second mold specific mark (2D code) 60 Lens type mark CA Cavity D Cell (recessed into the first transfer surface of the first mold) P Pulse laser diameter SL Scan Line

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface by curing a lens material between a first mold having a first transfer surface from which a shape of the first principal surface is transferred, and a second mold having a second transfer surface from which a shape of the second principal surface is transferred, comprising: a mold identifying mark for identifying at least one of the first mold and the second mold is marked as a transfer mark on at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface; A method for manufacturing a lens, comprising: curing a lens material between the first mold and the second mold to manufacture the lens to which the mold-specific mark has been transferred.

2. The method for manufacturing a lens according to claim 1 , wherein a mold-identifying mark for identifying the first mold is marked on the first transfer surface as a transfer mark.

3. a mold preparation step of preparing a mold having the mold-specific mark marked on at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface; a curing step of curing the lens material between the first mold and the second mold after the mold preparation step; a mold releasing step of releasing the lens, to which the mold-specific mark has been transferred, from the first mold and the second mold after the curing step; The method for manufacturing a lens according to claim 1 , comprising:

4. 2. The method for manufacturing a lens according to claim 1, wherein a mold-identifying mark that identifies at least one of the first mold and the second mold is marked by engraving using laser irradiation on at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface.

5. The method for manufacturing a lens according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lens is a lens for glasses.

6. In the eyeglass lens, the first principal surface is an object-side surface, and the second principal surface is an eyeball-side surface, The method for manufacturing a lens according to claim 5 , wherein a mold-identifying mark for identifying the first mold is marked on the first transfer surface.

7. The method for manufacturing a lens according to claim 5 , wherein the mold-specific mark is marked outside an area to be used as a lens for the glasses.

8. The lens manufacturing method according to claim 5 , wherein the mold-specific mark is disposed near an outer edge of at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface.

9. The lens manufacturing method according to claim 8, wherein the mold-specific mark arranged near the outer edge is arranged at a position where the distance from the outer edge of at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface is 0.5 to 2 mm.

10. 6. The lens manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein a hidden mark in the eyeglass lens is marked on at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface together with a mold identification mark that identifies at least one of the first mold and the second mold.

11. The method for manufacturing a lens according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mold-specific mark is an information record that can be read using an optical recognition device.

12. the mold-specific mark is a two-dimensional code, 5. The method for manufacturing a lens according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code is formed on at least one of the first transfer surface and the second transfer surface by forming a plurality of cells constituting the two-dimensional code into recesses having at least one of a polygonal pyramid shape, a hemispherical shape, and a conical shape.

13. The method for manufacturing a lens according to claim 12, wherein the two-dimensional code is sized to fit within a square with a side of 1 to 10 mm or a rectangle with a short side of 1 to 10 mm.

14. a first mold identifying mark for identifying the first mold is marked on the first transfer surface; and a second mold identifying mark for identifying the second mold is marked on the second transfer surface; The lens manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mold-specifying marks include the first mold-specifying marks and the second mold-specifying marks.

15. The method for manufacturing a lens according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the marking is formed by a pulse laser having a pulse width of femtosecond to nanosecond, and the wavelength of the laser is 266 to 1064 nm.

16. A lens having a first major surface and a second major surface and comprising a lens substrate, A lens having a mold-specific mark formed of a convex portion on at least the outermost surface of the lens substrate on at least either the first or second principal surface side.

17. 17. The lens of claim 16, wherein the lens is a lens for spectacles.

18. In the eyeglass lens, the first principal surface is an object-side surface, and the second principal surface is an eyeball-side surface, 18. The lens of claim 17, wherein the mold specific mark is provided on the first major surface.

19. The lens according to claim 17, wherein the mold-specific mark is marked outside the area to be used as a lens for the spectacles.

20. The lens according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the mold-specific mark is an information record that can be read using an optical recognition device.

21. the mold-specific mark is a two-dimensional code, The lens according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the plurality of cells constituting the two-dimensional code are constituted by convex portions having at least one of a polygonal pyramid shape, a hemispherical shape, and a conical shape.

22. A method for manufacturing a first mold used in manufacturing a lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface by hardening a lens material between a first mold having a first transfer surface from which the shape of the first principal surface is transferred, and a second mold having a second transfer surface from which the shape of the second principal surface is transferred, A mold manufacturing method comprising marking a first mold specifying mark that specifies the first mold on the first transfer surface as a transfer mark.

23. The mold manufacturing method according to claim 22 , wherein the marking is a process of engraving a first mold specifying mark that specifies the first mold into the first transfer surface by irradiating the first transfer surface with a laser.

24. A mold used in manufacturing a lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface, the first mold having a first transfer surface from which the shape of the first principal surface is transferred, and a second mold having a second transfer surface from which the shape of the second principal surface is transferred, by hardening a lens material between the first mold and a second mold, A mold in which a first mold identifying mark for identifying the first mold is marked on the first transfer surface as a transfer mark.

25. The mold according to claim 24 , wherein the marking is a process of engraving a first mold-identifying mark that identifies the first mold by irradiating the first transfer surface with a laser.

26. A method for identifying a mold to be used in manufacturing an eyeglass lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface by curing a lens material between a first mold having a first transfer surface from which a shape of the first principal surface is transferred and a second mold having a second transfer surface from which a shape of the second principal surface is transferred, comprising: a mold identifying mark for identifying the first mold is marked on the first transfer surface as a transfer mark; A mold identifying method for identifying at least one of the first mold and the second mold from a transferred mold identifying mark formed by transferring the mold identifying mark of the first mold onto the first main surface of the lens.

27. An apparatus for identifying a mold to be used in manufacturing an eyeglass lens having a first principal surface and a second principal surface by hardening a lens material between a first mold having a first transfer surface from which the shape of the first principal surface is transferred and a second mold having a second transfer surface from which the shape of the second principal surface is transferred, a mold identifying mark for identifying the first mold is marked on the first transfer surface as a transfer mark; A mold identification device that reads a transferred mold identification mark formed by transferring the mold identification mark of the first mold to the first main surface of the lens using a reading unit, and refers to a database using a reference unit to identify at least one of the first mold and the second mold.

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