Lens meter, and spectacle pressing unit used with the lens meter

Abstract

The present invention provides a lens meter that can reduce inaccuracies in the measurement results of the astigmatism axis, and a spectacle pressing unit used in the lens meter. [Solution] The lens meter includes a lens table to which the lower ends of the left and right eyeglass lenses of an eyeglass frame are contacted when measuring the left and right eyeglass lenses of an eyeglass frame, and an eyeglass pressing unit which has a contact part that contacts the upper end of one of the eyeglass lenses when measuring the eyeglass lenses, and which presses the contact part that is in contact with the upper end of the eyeglass lens toward the lens table, thereby pressing the lower end of the eyeglass lens toward the lens table. The eyeglass pressing unit includes a switching means configured to switch between a first state in which the contact part is positioned to contact the upper end of the right eyeglass lens when measuring the left side with the left eyeglass lens placed on the nosepiece, and a second state in which the contact part is positioned to contact the upper end of the left eyeglass lens when measuring the right side with the right eyeglass lens placed on the nosepiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lensmeter for measuring optical characteristics of a spectacle lens, and a spectacle pressing unit used in the lensmeter.

Background Art

[0002] A lensmeter including a measurement optical system that projects a measurement light beam onto a spectacle lens and receives the measurement light beam transmitted through the spectacle lens with a light receiving element to measure optical characteristics (for example, refractive power and the like) of the spectacle lens is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] When measuring left and right spectacle lenses framed in the rims of a spectacle frame using such a lensmeter, an operator places one of the spectacle lenses on a nose piece through which the measurement light beam passes. Further, the operator brings the lower end sides of the left and right spectacle lenses framed in the left and right rims (referring to the vertical direction when a spectacle wearer wears the spectacle frame) into contact with the abutment surface of a lens table extending in the left-right direction, thereby aligning the reference of the astigmatic axis direction (AXIS) of the spectacle lens to be measured. Then, the operator measures the spectacle lens by moving the spectacle lens in the front-rear direction on the nose piece so as to align the optical center of the spectacle lens with the measurement optical axis of the measurement optical system. When moving the spectacle lens in the front-rear direction, the operator moves the spectacle lens together with the lens table while maintaining a state where the lower end sides of both the left and right spectacle lenses are in contact with the lens table.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by Invention

[0005] When performing the above-described measurement, the operator moves the eyeglass lens on the nosepiece while viewing the alignment screen. However, operators unfamiliar with the measurement process may cause the lower end of the eyeglass lens (rim) that is not positioned on the nosepiece to lift off the lens table when moving the eyeglass lens (frame). In this case, the measurement result of the astigmatism axis of the eyeglass lens becomes inaccurate.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned prior art, the technical objective of this disclosure is to provide a lens meter that can reduce the inaccuracy of the measurement results of the astigmatism axis, and a spectacle pressing unit used in the lens meter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, this disclosure is characterized by having the following configuration. (1) A lens meter according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a lens meter for measuring the optical properties of spectacle lenses placed on a nosepiece, comprising: a lens table against which the lower ends of the left and right spectacle lenses are contacted when measuring the left and right spectacle lenses of a spectacle frame; and a spectacle pressing unit having a contact portion that contacts the upper end of one of the left or right spectacle lenses when measuring the spectacle lenses, and pressing the contact portion that contacts the upper end of the spectacle lens toward the lens table, thereby pressing the lower end of the spectacle lens toward the lens table, wherein the spectacle pressing unit comprises a switching means configured to switch between a first state in which the contact portion is positioned to contact the upper end of the right spectacle lens when measuring the left side with the left spectacle lens placed on the nosepiece, and a second state in which the contact portion is positioned to contact the upper end of the left spectacle lens when measuring the right side with the right spectacle lens placed on the nosepiece. (2) An eyeglass pressing unit used in a lens meter according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is an eyeglass pressing unit used in a lens meter for measuring the optical properties of eyeglass lenses placed on a nosepiece, the lens meter comprising a lens table against which the lower ends of the left and right eyeglass lenses are pressed when measuring the left and right eyeglass lenses of an eyeglass frame, the pressing unit has a contact portion that contacts the upper end of one of the left or right eyeglass lenses when measuring the eyeglass lenses, and is configured to press the lower end of the eyeglass lens against the lens table by pressing the contact portion that contacts the upper end of the eyeglass lens against the lens table, and further comprises mounting means, and is configured to be detachably attached to the lens table via mounting members at a left position on the left side of the nosepiece and a right position on the right side of the nosepiece, or is configured to be detachably attached to the lens table via mounting members at both the left position and the right position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an external view of the lens meter 100. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the eyeglasses pressing unit 200. [Figure 3] This is a right-side view of the lens meter during eyeglass lens measurement, showing the contact portion 230 of the eyeglass pressing unit 200 pressed against the eyeglass frame F. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the eyeglasses-pressing unit 200 in use and in standby mode. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the measurement optical system and control system. [Figure 6] This figure shows the index pattern formed on the grid plate 14. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the measurement screen 400 displayed on the display 20 during refractive power measurement. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the lens LE being moved using the lens table 60. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a modification to the eyeglasses pressing unit 200. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the case where the eyeglasses pressing unit 200 is an attachment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <Overview> An overview of the lens meter according to this embodiment is described below. The items classified in <> below can be used independently or in relation to each other.

[0010] The lens meter of this embodiment (for example, lens meter 100) includes a measuring optical system (for example, measuring optical system 10) for measuring the optical properties of spectacle lenses. For example, the measuring optical system is a measuring optical system for measuring the optical properties of spectacle lenses placed on a nosepiece (for example, nosepiece 40), and is configured such that the optical axis of the measuring optical system passes through the nosepiece. The lens meter may also include a display (for example, display 20) for displaying the results measured by the measuring optical system. The lens meter may also include a display control means (for example, control unit 300).

[0011] The lens meter of this embodiment includes a nosepiece (for example, a nosepiece 40). The nosepiece is on which the spectacle lens is placed and serves as a reference point during measurement.

[0012] For example, a lens meter includes a lens table (e.g., lens table 60). The lower ends of the left and right spectacle lenses of an eyeglass frame are brought into contact with the lens table when measuring the left and right spectacle lenses of the spectacle frame. The lens table may have a contact surface that extends in the left-right direction. For example, the lens table is configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the measuring optical system.

[0013] Note that the lower end side and the upper end side of the spectacle lens are used to include the lower end side and the upper end side of the rim in the case of a spectacle frame in which the spectacle lens is held by the rim. Further, in the present specification, the vertical direction of the spectacle lens, the spectacle frame and the rim is defined as the vertical direction when the spectacle wearer wears the spectacle frame.

[0014] <Spectacle pressing unit> The lens meter of the present embodiment includes a spectacle pressing unit (for example, the spectacle pressing unit 200). The spectacle pressing unit has an abutting portion (for example, the abutting portion 230) that abuts on the upper end side of one of the left and right spectacle lenses when measuring the spectacle lens, and is configured to press the abutting portion abutted on the upper end side of the spectacle lens toward the lens table side, thereby pressing the lower end side of the spectacle lens against the lens table. With this spectacle pressing unit, when measuring the spectacle lens, in a state where one of the left and right spectacle lenses is placed on the nose piece, the upper end side of the other spectacle lens is pressed toward the lens table side by the abutting portion, so that it is possible to reduce the situation where the lower end side of the spectacle lens is separated from the lens table. Thereby, the possibility that an inaccurate measurement result of the astigmatic axis is obtained can be reduced.

[0015] For example, the spectacle pressing unit may include a switching means configured to switch between a first state in which the abutting portion abuts on the upper end side of the right spectacle lens when measuring the left spectacle lens, and a second state in which the abutting portion abuts on the upper end side of the left spectacle lens when measuring the right spectacle lens. For example, the first state may be a state in which, during left measurement where the left spectacle lens is placed on the nose piece, the abutting portion is not arranged at a position where it abuts on the upper end side of the left spectacle lens, but is arranged at a position where it abuts on the upper end side of the right spectacle lens. For example, the second state may be a state in which, during right measurement where the right spectacle lens is placed on the nose piece, the abutting portion is not arranged at a position where it abuts on the upper end side of the right spectacle lens, but is arranged at a position where it abuts on the upper end side of the left spectacle lens.

[0016] For example, the eyeglass pressing unit may be composed of two sets: a left eyeglass pressing unit disposed on the left side of the nose piece, and a right eyeglass pressing unit disposed on the right side of the nose piece. In this case, the switching means may be configured such that the contact portion respectively provided in the two sets of eyeglass pressing units is movable between a pressing position where the contact portion abuts on the upper end side of the eyeglass lens and a retracted position retracted from the pressing position. The switching means may be configured to switch between the first state and the second state by moving the contact portion of the right eyeglass pressing unit to the retracted position during right measurement, and moving the contact portion of the left eyeglass pressing unit to the retracted position during left measurement. In this case, when measuring the left eyeglass lens (hereinafter referred to as the left lens), the contact portion of the left eyeglass pressing unit is moved to the retracted position, so that the contact portion does not get in the way, and the left lens can be measured satisfactorily while the lower end side of the right lens (hereinafter referred to as the right lens) is pressed toward the lens table by the contact portion. Similarly, when measuring the right lens, the contact portion of the right eyeglass pressing unit is moved to the retracted position, so that the contact portion does not get in the way, and the right lens can be measured satisfactorily while the lower end side of the left lens is pressed toward the lens table by the contact portion.

[0017] For example, the contact portion may be supported on the distal end side of the support portion so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, and may be configured to be inclined in the front-rear direction with respect to the vertical direction (the optical axis direction of the measurement optical system) and abut on the upper end of the rim of the eyeglass lens.

[0018] For example, the left pressing unit and the right pressing unit may each be used by being connected to the lens table, and may be configured to move integrally with the lens table in the front-rear direction. For example, the eyeglass pressing unit may be connected to the lens table by being integrally formed with the lens table, and may be provided on the lens table. Accordingly, when the lens table is moved, the eyeglass pressing unit is also moved integrally, so that the possibility that the eyeglass frame (the lower end side of the eyeglass lens) is separated from the lens table can be further reduced.

[0019] For example, the eyeglasses pressing unit may be configured to be selectively attached to the lens table via a mounting member (e.g., attachment 250) at a left position to the left of the nosepiece and a right position to the right of the nosepiece. In this case, the switching means may be configured to switch between the first state and the second state using the mounting member. Furthermore, the configuration in which the eyeglasses pressing unit is selectively attached to the lens table may also involve the eyeglasses pressing unit sliding to the left or right of the lens table via the mounting member.

[0020] Furthermore, for example, the spectacle pressing unit may be a detachable attachment to the lens table and may be connected to the lens table by being mounted on it. When the spectacle pressing unit is provided as an attachment, a means for attaching the attachment may also be provided. That is, the spectacle pressing unit may be connected to the lens table of the lens meter via a mounting means. For example, when experienced and inexperienced operators are present, the experienced operator may be able to perform measurements without necessarily needing the spectacle pressing unit. Therefore, being detachable from the lens table makes it easier to configure the measurement environment according to the situation. Moreover, by attaching the spectacle pressing unit as an attachment to the side that presses against the lens, it becomes unnecessary to configure the spectacle pressing unit as a left and right set.

[0021] For example, the mounting means of the eyeglass pressing unit only needs to be able to fix the eyeglass pressing unit to the lens table. For example, the mounting means may have a connecting mechanism for connecting the lens table and the eyeglass pressing unit. In this case, the connecting mechanism may be a fitting mechanism, and the mounting means may have either a convex or concave structure, and the attachment may have the other structure. Also in this case, the connecting mechanism may be a magnetic mechanism, and the mounting means and attachment may contain a ferromagnetic material and attract each other by magnetic force. Of course, the mounting means may have a mechanism that combines these fitting mechanisms and magnetic mechanisms as a connecting mechanism, or it may have a mechanism different from the fitting mechanism and magnetic mechanism.

[0022] The eyeglass pressing unit may be configured to be movable between a pressing position in which the contact portion is pressed against the rim of the eyeglass lens and a predetermined retracted position. When the eyeglass pressing unit is not in use, it can be moved to the retracted position so as not to obstruct the movement of the eyeglass frame.

[0023] The eyeglass pressing unit includes a support portion (e.g., support portion 220). The support portion supports the contact portion so that it is movable in the pressing direction. The support portion may be configured to extend forward from above or below the lens table relative to the contact surface of the lens table. The contact portion may be supported by the support portion so as to be movable in the front-rear direction at the tip of the support portion that extends forward. Alternatively, the contact portion may be rotatably supported in the front-rear direction at the tip of the support portion and may be configured to contact the upper end of the eyeglass lens at an inclination in the front-rear direction with respect to the vertical direction (the optical axis direction of the measuring optical system).

[0024] The distance between the lens table and the contact point varies depending on the shape of the eyeglass frame or lens. Therefore, by mounting the contact point so that it can move in the front-to-back direction, the eyeglass lens (rim) can be pressed against the lens table regardless of the shape of the eyeglass frame or lens.

[0025] The eyeglass pressing unit includes a pressing force applying section (for example, a pressing force applying section 230). When the contact section is brought into contact with the upper end of the eyeglass lens, the pressing force applying section applies a force to press the contact section, which is supported by the support section, in the direction of pressing towards the lens table.

[0026] <Examples> An embodiment of the lens meter according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the left-right direction of the lens meter (horizontal direction, towards the left and right ends of the eyeglass frame F) is represented as the X direction, the up-down direction (vertical direction) as the Y direction, and the front-back direction (depth direction) as the Z direction.

[0027] Figure 1 is an external view of the lens meter 100. In this embodiment, the lens meter 100 includes a display (monitor) 20, an input switch (operating unit) 30, a nosepiece 40, a lens holder 50, a lens table 60, a lever 70, a marking mechanism 80, a READ switch 90, and the like. The lens meter 100 also includes a spectacle pressing unit 200. In this embodiment, the spectacle pressing unit 200 is composed of two sets: a spectacle pressing unit 200L located to the left of the nosepiece 40, and a spectacle pressing unit 200R located to the right of the nosepiece 40.

[0028] The display 20 may be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), a plasma display, etc. The display 20 may also be a touch panel, and the display 20 may function as an operating unit (controller).

[0029] The input switch 30 is used to input input signals (for example, signals for switching between various measurement modes, signals for changing the display screen layout during alignment, etc.) that the lens meter 100 uses to initiate the execution of various processes.

[0030] The nosepiece 40 is used as a reference point for measurement, on which the lens LE is mounted. The nosepiece 40 is a cylindrical member having an aperture 40a (see Figure 5). The optical axis L1 (see Figure 5) of the measurement optical system passes through the aperture 40a of the nosepiece 40.

[0031] The lens retainer 50 is for stably holding the lens LE placed on the nosepiece 40. The lens retainer 50 is held above the nosepiece 40 so as to be able to move up and down. When the lens retainer 50 is lowered, the lens LE placed on the nosepiece 40 is stably held.

[0032] The lens table 60 is used when measuring lenses LE in eyeglass frames. The lower ends of the left and right rims of the eyeglass frame F (in other words, the lower ends of the lenses LE that are framed in the left and right rims) come into contact with the lens table 60. For example, by bringing the lower ends of the left and right rims of the eyeglass frame F into contact with the lens table 60, the reference direction (0-180 degree direction) of the astigmatism axis of the left and right lenses LE attached to the eyeglass frame F is aligned with the left and right direction extending of the lens table 60. This prevents the left and right lenses LE from being measured at an angle, and allows for accurate measurement of the astigmatism axis angle of the lenses LE.

[0033] The lens table 60 is also equipped with a nose pad 61. The nose pad 61 has a shape that resembles a human nose, and the nose rest of the eyeglass frame F makes contact with it. The nose pad 61 is held on the lens table 60 so as to be movable in the left-right direction relative to the lens table 60. The nose pad 61 is used to obtain the interpupillary distance PD of the left and right lenses LE. For example, after the optical center position of the right lens LER placed on the nosepiece 40 is measured with the nose rest of the eyeglass frame F in contact with the nose pad 61, the eyeglass frame F is moved to the right together with the nose pad 61, and the optical center position of the left lens LEL is measured. Based on the amount of left-right movement of the nose pad 61, the interpupillary distance PD of the left and right lenses LE is obtained. The nose pad 61 is constantly biased upward and forward by a coil spring (not shown), making it easy for the nose rest of the eyeglass frame F to make contact with it. As a result, after the right lens LER, which is placed on the nosepiece 40, is measured, if the eyeglass frame F is raised within a certain distance upward from the nosepiece 40 in order to measure the left lens LEL, the nose pad 61 follows the rise of the nose rest of the eyeglass frame F and is made movable in the left-right direction together with the eyeglass frame F.

[0034] In this specification, the vertical direction of the eyeglass frame F, rim, and lens is described as the vertical direction when the wearer is wearing the eyeglass frame.

[0035] Lever 70 is used to slide the lens table 60 in the Z direction. Marking mechanism 80 is used to mark the lens LE. READ switch 90 is used to read the optical characteristic data of the lens LE. When the READ switch 90 is selected, the measured value is fixed and displayed on the display 20 and stored in the device's internal memory 310 (see Figure 5).

[0036] <Eyeglasses Pressing Unit> Figures 2 to 4 illustrate the eyeglass pressing unit 200. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the eyeglass pressing unit 200. Figure 3 is a right side view of the lens meter during eyeglass lens measurement, showing the contact portion 230 of the eyeglass pressing unit 200 pressed against the eyeglass frame F. In Figure 3, the left lens LEL is placed on the nosepiece 40, and the contact portion 230 is pressed against the rim of the right lens LER. Figure 4 is a front view showing the eyeglass pressing unit 200 in use and standby mode. The eyeglass pressing unit 200 is configured to press the rim of the other eyeglass lens against the lens table 60 when one of the left or right eyeglass lenses is placed on the nosepiece 40 during eyeglass lens measurement. The eyeglass pressing unit 200R presses the right lens against the lens table 60. The eyeglass pressing unit 200L presses the left lens LEL against the lens table 60. In this embodiment, the configurations of the eyeglasses pressing unit 200R and the eyeglasses pressing unit 200L are the same, so the explanation will use the eyeglasses pressing unit 200R.

[0037] The eyeglasses pressing unit 200R includes a connecting part 210, a support part 220, a contact part 230, etc. The connecting part 210, which is an example of a mounting member, connects the eyeglasses pressing unit 200R to the lens table 60. For example, the connecting part 210 is fixed to the rear surface (back) of the lens table 60 with screws or the like. The eyeglasses pressing unit 200R is used by being connected to the lens table 60 by the connecting part 210 and moves in the front-rear direction integrally with the lens table 60.

[0038] The support portion 220 supports the contact portion 230 so that it can move in the pressing direction P1 (Z direction). The support portion 220 is bent in a direction perpendicular to the direction (Y direction) in which the height adjustment portion 221, which will be described later, extends (Z direction), and is configured to extend forward (Z direction) from above the lens table 60 toward the contact surface 62 of the lens table 60.

[0039] The support section 220 includes a height adjustment section 221. The height adjustment section 221 is provided to move the eyeglass pressing unit 200R (contact section 230) in the vertical direction (Y direction). The height adjustment section 221 is also provided to allow the contact section 230 to move between a pressing position A1 in contact with the upper end FFR of the rim of the eyeglass lens, and a retracted position A2 (see Figure 4) retracted from the pressing position A1. The pressing position A1 is set to a position where the contact section 230 is in contact with the upper end of the rim of the eyeglass lens. The retracted position A2 should be set to a position that does not obstruct the movement of the frame F, for example, it should be set to a position away from the front of the area of ​​the contact surface 62 provided by the lens table 60. In this embodiment, the retracted position A2 is set to a position above the lens table 60. In Figure 4, the contact portion 230 of the eyeglass pressing unit 200R is positioned at the pressing position A1, and the contact portion 230 of the eyeglass pressing unit 200L is positioned at the retracted position A2. For example, the height adjustment unit 221 is provided with a click 222 for adjusting (fixing) the height at the pressing position A1 and the retracted position A2. For example, the click 222 may be a screw-type adjuster, and the height of the height adjustment unit 221 may be adjusted using the adjuster.

[0040] Furthermore, the support portion 220 is further equipped with a pressing force applying portion 223. The pressing force applying portion 223 is supported on the tip side of the support portion 220 that extends forward, so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The pressing force applying portion 223 applies a force to press the contact portion 230, which is supported by the support portion 220, in the pressing direction P1 toward the lens table 60. In this embodiment, it is composed of a coil spring, and the elastic force P2 of the coil spring applies a force to press the contact portion 230 in the pressing direction P1 toward the lens table 60, centered on an M1 axis parallel to the contact surface 62 of the lens table 60.

[0041] The contact portion 230 is provided to press the rim of the spectacle lens against the lens table 60. For example, the contact portion 230 contacts the upper end FFR of the rim of the spectacle lens. For example, the contact portion 230 is equipped with a knob 231 to facilitate operation by the operator. In this embodiment, the contact portion 230 is rotatably supported about an M1 axis parallel to the contact surface 62 of the lens table 60, and is tilted forward with respect to the vertical direction (Y direction) to contact the upper end FFR of the rim of the spectacle lens. As a result, at the pressing position A1, the lower end FRR of the rim of the spectacle lens contacts the contact surface 62 of the lens table 60. Also, as shown in Figure 2, at the retracted position A2, the contact portion 230 is stored towards the height adjustment portion 221 by the elastic force P2 of the pressing force applying portion 223. As a result, the contact portion 230 is retracted to a position that does not obstruct the movement of the frame F.

[0042] <Measurement optics and control system> Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the measurement optical system and control system. The measurement optical system 10 includes a measurement light source 11, a collimating lens 12, a mirror 13, a grid plate 14, a two-dimensional light receiving sensor 15, etc. The measurement light source 11 is composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The measurement light source 11 is positioned on the measurement optical axis L1. The measurement optical axis L1 is positioned perpendicular to the plane of the aperture 40a (circular shape with a diameter of 8 mm) of the nosepiece 40. The grid plate 14 has measurement indicators 43 formed by a central hole 41 and small holes 42, which will be described later. The grid plate 14 is held by a holding member 16 of the lensmeter 100.

[0043] The control unit 300 is connected to the READ switch 90, the measurement light source 11, the 2D light receiving sensor 15, the memory 310, etc. Note that the control unit 300 may be composed of multiple control units (i.e., multiple processors). The memory 310 stores a measurement control program for acquiring the optical characteristics of the lens LE and the interpupillary distance by the measurement optical system 10. The memory (storage unit) 310 stores the coordinate position of the dot image in the 0D reference state, which will be described later, and the measurement results, etc.

[0044] The control unit 300 performs calculations to determine the optical properties of the lens LE (e.g., spherical power S, prismatic power C, astigmatism axis angle A, prism amount Δ, etc.). The control unit 300 also controls the display screen of the display 20.

[0045] Figure 6 shows the index pattern formed on the grid plate 14. Numerous measurement indicators 43 are formed on the grid plate 14 in order to measure the refractive power at multiple locations on the lens LE at once. A central hole 41 with a diameter of 0.4 mm is made in the center of the grid plate 14, and numerous small holes 42 with a diameter of 0.2 mm are made around the central hole 41. The small holes 42 are arranged in a grid pattern at equal intervals of 0.5 mm. The light beam from the measurement light source 11 becomes a parallel light beam through the collimating lens 12 and is projected onto the lens LE via the mirror 13. Of the light beam that has passed through the lens LE, the light beam that has passed through the nosepiece opening 40a and the measurement indicators 43 on the grid plate 14 reaches the two-dimensional light receiving sensor 15. The two-dimensional light receiving sensor 15 receives a dot image formed by these measurement indicators 43.

[0046] For example, the central hole 41 serves as a reference index for identifying its correspondence with the other small holes 42. When the lens meter is powered on, the control unit 300 detects the dot image in the "0D reference" state, when the lens LE is not placed on the nosepiece 40, and stores its coordinate position in the memory 310. When the lens LE is placed on the nosepiece 40, the light beam from the measurement light source 11 is refracted by the lens LE, causing the coordinate position of the dot image to change compared to the 0D reference state. In other words, the central hole 41 is a reference index for identifying each dot image corresponding to this change in coordinate position with and without the lens LE. In this embodiment, one reference index is placed at the center of the grid plate 14, but the number, shape, position, etc. of the reference index are not limited to this, as long as they can be distinguished from other measurement indexes. For example, when using three reference indexes, they may be arranged at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. For example, when using four reference indicators, one configuration could be to place three of the four reference indicators at the vertices of an equilateral triangle and one at the incenter of the equilateral triangle, or one configuration could be to place each reference indicator at the vertices of a square (i.e., at the four corners of the square).

[0047] For example, the dot image of the measurement index 43 in the 0D reference state is used to calculate the optical properties of the lens LE. For example, when a lens LE having only spherical power is placed, the dot image is enlarged or reduced in a circular and equidistant manner from the optical center of the lens LE relative to the dot image in the 0D reference state. The spherical power S is determined based on this amount of enlargement or reduction. When a lens LE having only prismatic power is placed, the dot image is enlarged or reduced in an elliptical manner from the axis center of the lens LE relative to the dot image in the 0D reference state. The prismatic power C and the astigmatism axis angle A are determined based on this amount of enlargement or reduction. In addition, the prism amount Δ is determined from the amount of translation of the central dot image of the lens LE, or the dot image near the central dot image. When a lens LE having spherical power, astigmatism power, and prism is placed, these can be considered in combination (see Japanese Patent Publication No. 50-145249).

[0048] For example, the optical characteristics of the lens LE can be calculated by treating four (at least three) adjacent dot images from among the numerous measurement indicators 43 formed on the grid plate 14 as a set, or by treating dot images of 3x3, 4x4, or 5x5 points as a set and calculating from the average change of each dot image. Since this applies to well-known techniques, please refer to Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-315654 or Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-241694 for details.

[0049] In this disclosure, the term "processor" refers to one or more hardware processors configured to execute program code contained in a program (i.e., one or more instructions of a program). In other words, a "processor" is a hardware device capable of performing one or more programmed operations. For example, a "processor" may be a general-purpose or application-specific processor and may be at least one of a CPU, microprocessor, GPU, and DFP (Data Flow Processor).

[0050] In this disclosure, the term “memory” refers to one or more hardware memories that are non-transitional tangible recording media configured to record at least one of computer program code and data in a manner accessible from a processor. “Memory” can be implemented by memory technologies such as SRAM, SDRAM, non-volatile / flash type memory, or other types of memory. The computer program code that constitutes the program is recorded in memory and executed by the processor to realize various functions in the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1.

[0051] In this disclosure, the term “circuit” refers to one or more logic circuits as hardware, configured to enable the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1 to perform functions. In other words, “circuit” refers to one or more non-programmable devices. For example, “circuit” could be a custom IC designed to be non-programmable for a specific application.

[0052] In this disclosure, at least one of a circuit and a processor having memory storing computer program code enables the eyeglass lens processing apparatus 1 to function. The expression "at least one of a circuit and a processor" should be interpreted as disjunctive (logical OR) and not as at least one circuit and at least one processor.

[0053] <Operation> The operation of the lens meter 100, which has the configuration described above, will now be explained.

[0054] For example, the operator supports the eyeglass frame F with their hand, brings the nose pads of the eyeglass frame F into contact with the nose pads 61, and places the lenses LE on the nosepiece 40 so that the lower ends of the left and right rims (lenses LE) of the eyeglass frame F are in contact with the lens table 60. In this embodiment, the left lens LEL is placed first. Next, the operator lowers the lens holder 50 to hold the left lens LEL placed on the nosepiece 40. Then, the operator operates the input switch (operation unit) 30 and selects a switch to display the measurement screen for measuring the lens LE. When the control unit 300 receives the signal from that switch, it displays the measurement screen on the display screen of the display 20.

[0055] This section describes the measurement of refractive power of a lens LE. Figure 7 shows an example of the measurement screen 400 displayed on the display 20 during refractive power measurement. Figure 7(a) shows an example of the measurement screen 400 during alignment. Figure 7(b) shows an example of the power measurement screen 400 after alignment is complete. The measurement screen 400 displays the alignment display section 410, the measured value display section 450, etc. The alignment display section 410 also displays alignment guide marks such as a reticle 420 composed of vertical and horizontal lines, and a ring mark 430 indicating the alignment misalignment of the optical center of the lens LE with respect to the measurement optical axis L1. In the alignment display section 410, the center of the vertical and horizontal lines of the reticle 420 is considered the alignment target.

[0056] When the operator places the lens LE on the nosepiece 40, the indicator image on the measurement indicator plate 14 is received by the light receiving sensor 15. The control unit 300 calculates the refractive power (spherical power, astigmatism power, astigmatism axis angle) of the lens LE based on the indicator image. Based on the prism amount and refractive power of the lens LE, the control unit 300 determines the amount and direction of displacement of the optical center of the lens LE relative to the measurement optical axis L1, and changes the display position of the ring mark 430 on the reticle 420 based on the amount and direction of displacement.

[0057] The operator moves the lens LE (eyeglass frame F) on the nosepiece 40 left, right, forward, and backward so that the ring mark 430 is directed toward the center of the reticle 420. When the optical center, determined from the prism amount of the lens LE, falls within the tolerance range for alignment completion (0.4 mm) as a result of the lens LE's movement, the ring mark 430 is changed to a large cross mark 440 as shown in Figure 7(b). When the large cross mark 440 is displayed, the alignment of the optical center of the lens LE with respect to the optical axis L1 is complete. After alignment is complete, when the READ switch 90 is pressed, the control unit 300 processes the index image received by the 2D light receiving sensor 15 and obtains the measurement results of the optical characteristics of the lens LE (spherical power, astigmatism power C, astigmatism axis angle, etc.).

[0058] When moving the lens LE in the front-to-back direction in the alignment described above, the operator moves the lens LE together with the lens table 60 while maintaining the lower ends of both the left and right lens LE (rims) in contact with the lens table 60.

[0059] Figure 8 shows the movement of lens LE (eyeglass frame F) using lens table 60. Figure 8 shows an example of measuring the left lens LEL. For example, when moving the left lens LEL in the front-to-back direction, the operator moves the lens table 60 while operating lever 70, thereby moving the lens table 60 and the left lens LEL (eyeglass frame F) together. In this case, the operator supports the eyeglass frame F with their left hand and operates lever 70 with their right hand to move the lens table 60 together with the left lens LEL (lens LE on the measurement target side) which is placed on the nosepiece 40. At this time, the rim of the right lens LER, which is not located on the nosepiece 40, is not supported by the right hand, so the lower end FRR of the right lens LER is likely to separate from the contact surface of the lens table 60. During measurement, the operator moves the left lens LEL on the nosepiece 40 and the lens table 60 while looking at the measurement screen 400. For this reason, an operator unfamiliar with the measurement may not notice that the lower end FRR of the right lens LER is separated from the lens table 60. In this case, the reference direction of the astigmatism axis of the left lens (LEL) becomes tilted relative to the lens table 60. If the measurement of the left lens (LEL) is completed in this state, an inaccurate astigmatism axis (AXIS) measurement result will be obtained.

[0060] Furthermore, when the nose pads of the eyeglass frame F are in contact with the nose pad 61 and the lens LE is measured, the nose pad 61 is pushed downwards. Because a biasing force is applied to the nose pad 61 in the upward outward and forward direction, a force is acting to separate the lower end FRR of the right lens LER from the lens table 60. For this reason, if the operator does not support the rim of the right lens LER with their right hand, the lower end FRR of the right lens LER is likely to separate from the lens table 60.

[0061] Therefore, in this disclosure, a spectacle pressing unit 200 is used. The contact portion 230 of the spectacle pressing unit 200L and the contact portion 230 of the spectacle pressing unit 200R are initially positioned in the retracted position A2, as shown in Figure 2. When the operator places the left lens LEL on the nosepiece 40 for measurement, the operator operates the knob 231 of the spectacle pressing unit 200R to move the contact portion 230, which was in the retracted position A2, to a pressing position A1, where it contacts the upper end FFR of the right lens LER (this is referred to as the first state). As a result, the lower end FRR of the right lens LER is pressed against the lens table 60, and even when the operator releases their hand from the rim of the right lens LER, the lower end FRR of the right lens LER remains in contact with the lens table 60.

[0062] On the other hand, the left lens LEL on the measurement target side, which is placed on the nosepiece 40, is moved by the operator by pressing the lower end FRR of the lens LEL against the lens table 60. As a result, the contact portion 230 of the eyeglass pressing unit 200L remains in the retracted position A2 and is not positioned to contact the upper end FRR of the left lens LEL. Because the contact portion 230 of the eyeglass pressing unit 200L is in the retracted position A2, it is avoided that the contact portion 230 will interfere with the measurement of the left lens LEL. As a result, the operator can place their hand on the rim of the left lens LEL and move the left lens LEL back and forth and left and right while pressing the lower end FRR of the left lens LEL against the lens table 60. Since the left lens LEL is measured with both the lower end FRR of the right lens LER and the lower end FRR of the left lens LEL in contact with the lens table 60, the inaccuracy of the measurement result of the astigmatism axis angle of the lens LEL is reduced.

[0063] Once the measurement of the left lens LEL is complete, the operator operates the knob 231 of the eyeglass pressing unit 200R to return the contact portion 230 to the retracted position A2. Then, the operator slides the eyeglass frame F to the left relative to the lens table 60 so that the right lens LER, the next lens to be measured, is placed on the nosepiece 40. Next, the operator operates the knob 231 of the eyeglass pressing unit 200L to move the contact portion 230, which was in the retracted position A2, to the pressing position A1, where it contacts the upper end FFL of the left lens LEL (this is the second state). As a result, the lower end FRL of the left lens LEL is pressed against the lens table 60, and the state in which the lower end FRL of the left lens LEL is in contact with the lens table 60 is maintained. Therefore, as with the measurement of the left lens LEL, the inaccuracy of the measurement result of the astigmatism axis angle of the right lens LER is reduced.

[0064] As described above, when measuring the left lens LEL, the contact portion 230 of the spectacle pressing unit 200L is in the retracted position A2, and the contact portion 230 of the spectacle pressing unit 200R is positioned at pressing position A1, which is in contact with the upper end FFR of the right lens LER. Switching between these two states reduces the likelihood of inaccurate measurement results of the astigmatism axis angles of the left and right lenses LE. When measuring the right lens LER, the contact portion 230 of the spectacle pressing unit 200R is in the retracted position A2, and the contact portion 230 of the spectacle pressing unit 200L is positioned at pressing position A1, which is in contact with the upper end FFL of the left lens LER.

[0065] <Example of transformation> In the above embodiment, the contact portion 230 of the eyeglass pressing unit 200 was described as being rotatably supported with respect to the support portion 220, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The contact portion 230 may be composed of a mechanism (slide mechanism) that moves linearly with respect to the support portion 220.

[0066] Figure 9 shows an example of a modification of the eyeglass pressing unit 200. The contact portion 240 is supported on the tip side of the support portion 220, which extends forward, so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The pressing force applying portion 243 applies a force to press the contact portion 240, which is supported by the support portion 220, in the pressing direction P1 toward the lens table 60. In this modification example, it is composed of a spring, and the elastic force P3 of the spring may apply a force to press the contact portion 240 toward the pressing direction P1 toward the lens table 60 in a direction that moves linearly with respect to the support portion 220.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the eyeglasses pressing unit 200 was described as being fixed to the rear surface (back) of the lens table 60 with screws or the like by the connecting part 210, but it is not limited to this. The eyeglasses pressing unit 200 may also be an attachment that can be attached to and detached from the lens table 60.

[0068] Figure 10 shows the case where the eyeglasses pressing unit 200 is an attachment. For example, if the attachment 250 is configured as a connecting part of the eyeglasses pressing unit 200, the attachment 250 only needs to be configured to sandwich the front and rear surfaces of the lens table 60. For example, when viewing the lens meter 1 from the front, if the eyeglasses pressing unit 200 is attached to the right side, the attachment 250 may be fitted from the right side of the lens table 60. For example, when viewing the lens meter 1 from the front, if the eyeglasses pressing unit 200 is attached to the left side, the attachment 250 may be fitted from the left side of the lens table 60. This makes it possible to attach the attachment only to the side where the contact portion 230 of the eyeglasses pressing unit 200 is pressed against the eyeglass lens, rather than configuring the eyeglasses pressing unit 200 as a left and right set.

[0069] In other words, the eyeglass pressing unit 200 may be configured to be selectively attached to the lens table 60 via an attachment 250, which is an example of a mounting member, at a left position to the left of the nosepiece 40 and a right position to the right of the nosepiece 40. In this case, the attachment 250 functions as a switching means for switching between the first state and the second state described above.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and modifications, the support portion 220 supporting the contact portion 230 is configured to extend forward from above the lens table 60, but it may also be configured to extend forward from below the lens table 60. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 10 Measurement optical system 20 displays 40 Nosepiece 60 Lens Table 100 Lens Meter 200 Glasses Pressing Unit 300 Control Unit 310 memory 400 Measurement screen

Claims

1. In a lens meter for measuring the optical properties of spectacle lenses placed on a nosepiece, When measuring the left and right lenses of an eyeglass frame, a lens table is used, against which the lower ends of the left and right lenses are placed. A spectacle pressing unit has a contact portion that contacts the upper end of one of the spectacle lenses when measuring spectacle lenses, and by pressing the contact portion that contacts the upper end of the spectacle lens against the lens table, the lower end of the spectacle lens is pressed against the lens table, Equipped with, The lens meter is characterized by comprising a switching means configured to switch between a first state in which, when measuring the left side with the left spectacle lens placed on the nosepiece, the contact portion is positioned to contact the upper end of the right spectacle lens, and a second state in which, when measuring the right side with the right spectacle lens placed on the nosepiece, the contact portion is positioned to contact the upper end of the left spectacle lens.

2. In the lens meter according to claim 1, The aforementioned eyeglasses pressing unit consists of two sets: a left eyeglasses pressing unit positioned to the left of the nosepiece, and a right eyeglasses pressing unit positioned to the right of the nosepiece. The lens meter is characterized in that the switching means is configured such that the contact portion of each of the two sets of eyeglass pressing units is movable between a pressing position in contact with the upper end of the eyeglass lens and a retracted position retracted from the pressing position, and that the contact portion of the right eyeglass pressing unit is moved to the retracted position when measuring the right, and the contact portion of the left eyeglass pressing unit is moved to the retracted position when measuring the left, thereby switching between the first state and the second state.

3. In the lens meter according to claim 2, The lens meter is characterized in that the left pressing unit and the right pressing unit are each connected to the lens table and are configured to move integrally with the lens table in the front-rear direction.

4. In the lens meter according to claim 1, The aforementioned eyeglass pressing unit is configured to be selectively attached to the lens table via mounting members at a left position to the left of the nosepiece and a right position to the right of the nosepiece. The lens meter is characterized in that the switching means is configured to switch between the first state and the second state using the mounting member.

5. In the lens meter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The lens meter is characterized in that the pressing unit comprises a support portion that supports the contact portion so as to be movable in the pressing direction, and a pressing force applying portion that applies a force to press the contact portion supported by the support portion toward the lens table.

6. In the lens meter according to claim 5, The support portion extends forward from above or below the lens table relative to the contact surface of the lens table, The lens meter is characterized in that the contact portion is supported on the tip side of the support portion that extends forward, so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

7. In the lens meter according to claim 5 or 6, The lens meter is characterized in that the contact portion is supported at the tip of the support portion so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, and is inclined in the front-rear direction with respect to the vertical direction to contact the upper end of the spectacle lens.

8. In the lens meter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The lens meter is characterized in that the spectacle pressing unit is an attachment that is detachably mounted to the lens table via a mounting member.

9. A lens meter for measuring the optical properties of spectacle lenses placed on a nosepiece, comprising a lens table against which the lower ends of the left and right spectacle lenses of a spectacle frame are contacted when measuring the left and right spectacle lenses, has a contact portion that contacts the upper end of one of the left or right spectacle lenses when measuring the spectacle lenses, and is configured to press the lower end of the spectacle lens against the lens table by pressing the contact portion that contacts the upper end of the spectacle lens against the lens table, Furthermore, the eyeglasses pressing unit is characterized in that it has mounting means and is configured to be detachably attached to the lens table via mounting members at a left position to the left of the nosepiece and a right position to the right of the nosepiece, or is configured to be detachably attached to the lens table via mounting members at both the left and right positions.

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