Method and system for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses

Abstract

A method implemented on a processor is disclosed, the method being configured for generating a mass identifier configured to be used in manufacturing one or more spectacle lenses, the method comprising: - generating one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one tool mold (614), wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier (310, 410) comprising an ID element (312, 412), wherein an ID generator service has multiple instances, wherein the unique identifier (310, 410) comprises a further element being uniquely configured, wherein the further element is a static parameter, which refers to a single instance of the ID generator service used for generating the ID element (312, 412) of the unique identifier (310, 410).

Description

[0001] Method and system for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a method and a system for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses, and a corresponding spectacle lens.

[0004] Background art

[0005] Various methods for the mass production of spectacle lenses, semi-finished spectacle lenses or so-called pucks, semi-finished products or blanks are known. Two customary production methods are casting and injection molding.

[0006] In “casting”, the thermosetting plastic allyl diglycol carbonate (e.g., CR39) is usually used in spectacle optics. The monomer is typically present in the form of a liquid of low viscosity. In order to obtain a spatially crosslinked solid, a peroxide catalyst is supplied. The casting formulation is then introduced into a tool mold or casting mold having e.g., two (glass) mold shells. An elastic spacer ring is situated between said mold shells. The polymerization takes place for example in the refrigerator / heating cabinet or in the water bath at temperatures of between 50 and 100° C. Since the temperature is intended to be increased very slowly and uniformly, the duration of the polymerization process can be as much as several hours to days depending on the thickness and geometry of the casting. The outstanding mechanical loading capacity of this plastic allows the casting not only of finished products but also of semi-finished products, for example with a first surface (e.g., front surface) already shaped, the second surface (prescription surface; e.g., back surface) of which can be manufactured as desired by milling, grinding and polishing. “Inj ection molding” is an efficient method for producing plastic spectacle lenses or semifinished spectacle lenses in large numbers. In contrast to casting, the plastic (polymer) is already present in granulated form in the case of injection molding. Exemplary plastic materials are thermoplastics such as PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), PC (polycarbonate), and PS (polystyrene). The granules are melted in the injection cylinder, converted into a homogeneous melt, and injected into the corresponding tool mold at high pressure. After a short cooling phase, the spectacle lenses molded in this way have attained a sufficient dimensional stability and can be removed from the tool mold.

[0007] In both cases, by means of the tool mold - besides the desired shape - a code or an identification can be embossed into the semi-finished spectacle lens. During casting / molding, therefore, a code embossed in the tool mold is transferred or molded onto each semi-finished spectacle lens produced by said tool mold. A unique identification of an individual semi-finished spectacle lens is not possible, rather only a subsequent assignment of tool and semi-finished spectacle lens. Alternatively, a code can be embossed into the semifinished spectacle lens by means of laser engraving.

[0008] US 11,079,615 B2 discloses, in a first aspect, that a spectacle lens is selected as including a transparent support in which is coded an identifier readable by an external reading tool for retrieving the identifier. A distant server is contacted using the identifier and data related to the spectacle lens is so gathered. On a second aspect, data related to the spectacle lens is provided to a predetermined database. Upon receiving a request issued from a requester, the database is accessed and at least some of the data is retrieved, the request including at least part of the identifier, and the retrieved data is sent to the requester.

[0009] US 2014 / 0300856 Al discloses that information is stored in an optical element in the form of a glass or plastic body embodied as spectacles lens, spectacles lens blank or spectacles lens semi-finished product. The information in the form of data is stored on or in the glass or plastic body by creating at least one marking with a marking system. The marking can be read by a reading apparatus. The marking system has an interface for reading information individualizing the optical element. The marking is created permanently by the marking system on or in the optical element at a definition point of a local body-specific coordinate system set by two points on or in the optical element. In this body coordinate system, the manufacturer specifies the position of the lens horizontal and / or the far and / or the near and / or the prism reference point. US 11,422,388 B2 discloses a method for producing a semi-finished spectacle lens and a semi-finished spectacle lens includes identifying the semi-finished spectacle lens by applying a removable sticker having a unique code to the semi-finished spectacle lens. The semi-finished spectacle lens has an embossed code that is engraved into the semi-finished spectacle lens. The sticker is applied to at least partially cover the embossed code. The sticker can be applied directly onto the semi-finished spectacle lens early in the manufacturing process, for example immediately after molding or injection molding. The sticker can also be applied to the semi-finished spectacle lens before further surface treatment is carried out.

[0010] According to US 11,422,388 B2, by virtue of the sticker having a code for unique identification of the semi-finished spectacle lens, not only is a subsequent assignment of tool and semi-finished spectacle lens possible, but an individual lens element can be tracked. By way of example, if a multiplicity of semi-finished spectacle lenses are produced and, after approximately half of the elements to be processed, a problem occurs or a manufacturing parameter “drifts away” then in the case of conventional identification by means of a code embossed in the tool mold, for safety or in order to satisfy the desired high quality requirement, it was necessary to segregate the entire batch and not use it any further. By virtue of the semi-finished spectacle lenses being individually identified, however, it is possible to ascertain the point when a problem occurred, with the result that unaffected elements can continue to be used. Furthermore, in the case of parameters drifting away, targeted countermeasures can be taken by virtue of the fact that an individual correction value for affected elements can be taken into account in subsequent manufacturing steps. In particular, the unique identification of a semi-finished spectacle lens by means of a sticker makes it possible to use so-called big data analyses in the mass production of spectacle lenses. An identification at an early point in time in manufacturing furthermore enables a linking with a manufacturing time in the form of a time stamp or a virtual time stamp, for example, which can be linked with the unique code.

[0011] However, the known methods and devices for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses exhibit various disadvantages. Especially, the identifiers that are employed for unique identification of the semi-finished spectacle lens typically exhibits a cumbersome structure for providing plenty of additional information for the handling of the spectacle lenses during the manufacturing. The identifiers are generally overloaded with extensive additional information. The structure of the identifiers is subject to a stringent composition of various data such as information about manufacturer, content ID, type, supplier ID, etc. Due to the easily readable and / or known structure of the identifier, which may be applied to the spectacle lenses, others may compromise and / or tamper with the data included in the identifier.

[0012] Problem to be solved

[0013] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a method and a system for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses, and a corresponding spectacle lens, which at least partially overcome the above-mentioned problems of the state of the art.

[0014] It is a particular objective of the present invention to improve and further develop a method and a system for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses in such a way that identification and / or traceability of the spectacle lenses is improved.

[0015] Summary

[0016] This problem is addressed by a method and a system for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses, and a spectacle lens with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments, which might be realized in an isolated fashion or in any arbitrary combinations, are listed in the dependent claims as well as throughout the specification.

[0017] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses. The method comprises the following steps that may be performed in the given order. However, a different order may also be possible. In particular, one, more than one or even all of the method steps may be performed once or repeatedly. Further, the method steps may be performed successively or, alternatively, one or more of the method steps may be performed in a timely overlapping fashion or even in a parallel fashion and / or in a combined fashion. The method may further comprise additional method steps that are not listed.

[0018] The method comprises: a) providing at least one tool mold, wherein the tool mold is configured for molding at least one surface of at least one semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the tool mold has a mold identifier for unique identification; b) generating, in a mass production phase, a plurality of semi-finished spectacle lenses by using the tool mold, wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element; c) performing, in the mass production phase, at least one mass manufacturing step on the semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one mass manufacturing machine such that a plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses are generated; d) based on an order entry, selecting at least one particular spectacle lens from the plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses generated in the mass production phase.

[0019] According to the present invention, it has first been recognized that an enormous improvement with respect to providing an efficient identification and / or traceability of spectacle lenses can be achieved by using unique identifiers having a structure and / or layout, which is kept as simple and uncomplicated as possible, in particular during the manufacturing. According to the invention, at least one tool mold is provided, wherein the tool mold is configured for molding at least one surface of at least one semi-finished spectacle lens. The tool mold has a mold identifier for unique identification such that the tool mold is identifiable in the context of manufacturing and / or processing the spectacle lens. Thus, in a mass production phase, a plurality of semi-finished spectacle lenses is generated by the use of the tool mold. In the mass production phase, a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, such that each semi-finished spectacle lens is identifiable. According to the invention, the mass identifiers, which are assigned to the generated semi-finished lenses, are unique identifiers that comprise an ID element. Thus, each semi-finished spectacle lens can be identified in an efficient manner and, in particular as to the ID element, it may be prevented that further information - beyond an element having no deducible meaning - could be spied out or explored by others. Further, according to the invention, at least one mass manufacturing step is performed on the semifinished spectacle lenses by using at least one mass manufacturing machine such that a plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses are generated in the mass production phase. Then, based on an order entry, at least one particular spectacle lens is selected from the plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses generated in the mass production phase.

[0020] Thus, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses, wherein identification and / or traceability of the spectacle lenses is improved.

[0021] In the method, a system for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses according to the present invention, such as according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein and / or according to any one of the embodiments disclosed in further detail below, may be used. According to embodiments of the present invention, at least one method step may be a computer-implemented method. As generally used, the term “computer-implemented method” may refer to a method that involves a programmable apparatus, in particular, a computer, a computer network, or a readable medium carrying a program, whereby at least one of the steps of the method, specifically at least one of the method steps a), b), c) and d), may be performed by using at least one computer program. Alternatively, the at least one computer program may be accessible by an apparatus which may be adapted for performing the method via a network, such as via an in-house network, a cloud server, or via internet. With particular regard to the present invention, the present method can, thus, being performed on a programmable apparatus that is configured for this purpose, such as by providing a computer program being configured for such a purpose.

[0022] The term “spectacle lens” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a lens body that comprises a particular shape that is configured for a purpose of determining and / or altering a vision of a wearer of the spectacle lens. Based on standard ISO 13666:2019, also herein referred to as “Standard”, 3.5.2, the term “spectacle lens” may refer to a particular kind of optical lens which is used for determining and / or altering the vision of the wearer of the spectacle lens, wherein the spectacle lens is carried in front of the eye of the wearer, thereby avoiding a direct contact with the eye of a wearer. Instead of the term “wearer”, a different term, such as “person”, “subject”, or “user”, may also be applicable. In general, the spectacle lens may be a unifocal lens having a single focal point; may have at least two distinguishable focal points, such as a bifocal lens, a multifocal lens, or a varifocal lens; or may be a progressive lens which comprises a transition between differently focusing portions of the spectacle lens, which, according to the Standard, 3.16, are, typically, distributed over the surface of the spectacle lens in a fashion that a so-denominated “far portion” is designated for providing distance power to be used for altering a so-denoted “far vision”, while a so- denominated “near portion” is designated for providing near power to be used for altering a so-denoted “near vision”. However, further kinds of spectacle lenses are conceivable. As used herein, the term “spectacle lens” may comprise the spectacle lens at any manufacturing stage, in particular any manufacturing stage as described in the Standard, 3.8. By way of example, the spectacle lens may, thus, comprise a precursor of the spectacle lens, irrespective of a manufacturing stage of the precursor, particularly a semi-finished spectacle lens blank; or a semi-finished spectacle lens, in particular in a mass production phase; or a particular spectacle lens, in particular in a lens production phase; or a finished spectacle lens being ready for receiving at least one additional processing step, particularly selected from a finishing step or a refining step, such as a coating step. However, further manufacturing stages of the spectacle lens are conceivable.

[0023] The term “manufacturing” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a process of providing a spectacle lens whose particular, i.e. the particular spectacle lens, can be configured for the intended purpose of determining and / or altering the vision of a wearer of the spectacle lens. Herein, the manufacturing process may comprise a plurality of individual manufacturing steps, wherein each “manufacturing step” may refer to at least one treatment of the spectacle lens. In general, geometric values of one or both surfaces of a particular spectacle lens may be used as input data for the at least one manufacturing step in a process of producing the particular spectacle lens from a lens blank and / or a semi-finished spectacle lens. For this purpose, at least one manufacturing machine may be used. As generally used, the term “manufacturing machine” may refer to a tool or a device, which is configured for performing at least one manufacturing step. By way of example, the at least one manufacturing step may be selected from grinding, polishing, coating, engraving, taping, inspecting, or measuring one or both surfaces of the spectacle lens. Alternatively or in addition, the at least one manufacturing step may be selected from washing, blocking, or deblocking the spectacle lens. As a further option, the at least one manufacturing step may comprise a step of adapting the spectacle lens to a frame, in particular measuring at least one property of the frame, preferably a geometrical contour for cutting and edging; or fitting the spectacle lens to the frame. However, providing at least one further manufacturing machine that may be configured for performing at least one further manufacturing step may also be feasible.

[0024] The term “mass production phase” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a process for providing a plurality of spectacle lenses that are produced in a mass processing. For instance, the mass production phase may refer to a mass production of finished single vision lenses. As generally used, e.g., a finished single vision (FSV) lens may refer to spectacle lenses that have been finished and ground to provide a uniform prescription strength across the entire lens surface. Unlike multifocal lenses, which combine multiple prescription strengths within a single lens (such as bifocal or multifocal lenses), an FSV lens typically offers a single prescription strength throughout the entire lens. Furthermore, the mass production phase may refer to a mass production of semi-finished spectacle lenses. For instance, a semi-finished spectacle lens may refer to a lens blank that has been partially processed but requires one or more additional lens manufacturing steps to attain its final prescription and shape. Such semi-finished lenses typically start as pre-formed blanks with a rough surface and basic curvature. They may be manufactured with a specific base curve and thickness that approximate the desired prescription. However, they still need further customization to match the exact prescription and frame requirements of an individual wearer. This further customization and processing of the semi-finished spectacle lens may be performed in a lens production phase.

[0025] The term “lens production phase” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a process for providing at least one spectacle lens that is produced in an individual lens processing, for instance, based on a particular order entry. In the context of spectacle lens manufacturing, for instance, the lens production phase may refer to the production of spectacle lenses according to an individual's prescription, in particular in relation to medical or optometric prescriptions, such as determined by an optician or ophthalmologist. Thus, manufacturing within the lens production phase may involve the fabrication of spectacle lenses with specific optical powers to correct the vision of an individual customer. This may include consideration of spherical and cylindrical diopter values, axes, and, if necessary, additional adjustments such as progressive or bifocal lenses. The process of manufacturing within the lens production phase may comprise manufacturing steps, i.e. lens manufacturing steps, such as grinding and / or polishing spectacles lenses according to the individual prescriptions to ensure the correct optical correction. Thus, e.g., during a final processing stage, the semi-finished lens may be subject to undergo grinding and polishing to refine its surface and curvature according to the precise prescription provided by an optometrist or optician. This customization may allow wearers of the spectacle lenses to receive lenses tailored to their vision needs, enhancing their visual acuity and quality of vision.

[0026] According to embodiments of the present invention, it may be provided that the manufacturing of a plurality of spectacle lenses may include a mass production phase and / or a lens production phase. The process of manufacturing within the mass production phase may comprise at least one mass manufacturing step as manufacturing step that is performed by a mass manufacturing machine as manufacturing machine. The process of manufacturing within the lens production phase may comprise at least one lens manufacturing step as manufacturing step that is performed by a lens manufacturing machine as manufacturing machine.

[0027] The term “mass manufacturing machine” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a manufacturing machine configured for performing a mass manufacturing step, in particular a mass manufacturing step such as mold storage, assembly / setting, monomer mixing, filling, curing, post-curing, mold opening, edging, beveling, ultra-sonic cleaning, washing, engraving, coating, sorting, labeling, taping, measuring, inspection, packaging, storage and / or photocoating.

[0028] The term “lens manufacturing machine” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a manufacturing machine configured for performing a lens manufacturing step, in particular a lens manufacturing step such as storage, taping, blocking, surfacing, polishing, engraving, deblocking, detaping, washing, tinting, coating, curing, branding, stamping, measuring, inspection, packaging, and / or Cut Edge & Fit.

[0029] The term “mass identifier” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an identifier that is assigned to a spectacle lens of the mass production phase, in particular to a semifinished spectacle lens that is generated in the mass production phase. As generally used, the term “identifier” for at least one particular object refers to a particular item of information by which the at least one particular object is distinguishable from at least one further object, especially from the same kind of objects. Herein, the identifier may be used permanently or over a period of time. Accordingly, the identifier may be used herein for enabling a distinction of at least one particular spectacle lens from at least one further spectacle lens that may be comprised by the same plurality of the spectacle lenses, which typically may be denoted by the term “batch”. Thus, for example, in the manufacturing of spectacle lenses, the mass identifier may refer to a unique identifier - e.g., an identification number, label and / or code - assigned to each (semi-finished) spectacle lens generated in the mass production phase. Hence, each spectacle lens may be assigned a unique identifier for identification, tracking, and / or management purposes. The mass identifier may be crucial for production planning, quality assurance, and / or traceability. By linking and / or labeling each spectacle lens with a unique identifier, each spectacle lens may be uniquely identified, tracked and / or traced back. This may allow to monitor the production process, evaluate the properties and quality of the spectacle lenses, and diagnose any issues that may arise. All data relating to a particular spectacle lens may be collected and stored for later analysis or restoring purposes.

[0030] By way of example, the mass identifier may, especially, be selected from a permanent mark or a non-permanent mark, which has previously been placed on a portion of the semi-finished spectacle lens. For this purpose, the mass identifier may, preferably, be or comprise a barcode, wherein the term “barcode” refers to a machine-readable representation of data, in particular by using a standard barcode, especially selected from a linear code, a Data Matrix code, or a QR code. As a further preferred example, one or more mass identifiers may, however, be assigned to each (semi-finished) spectacle lens on a carrier, such as a tray, which is configured to carry one or more spectacle lenses, in particular a batch of spectacle lenses, wherein a position of each spectacle lens and an orientation of each surface of each spectacle lens within the carrier may, further, be known. In this example, the one or more mass identifiers may be assigned and / or linked to a batch ID, which may be applied or attached, e.g., as an RFID chip, tag and / or 2D-Code, etc. to the respective carrier. As generally used, the term “RFID” refers to a so-denoted “radio-frequency identification”, which uses an electromagnetic field to automatically identify and track at least one tag being applied or attached to at least one object. However, using a further kind of identifier may also be conceivable.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that a mass production is configured for generating finished single vision (FSV) lenses in the mass production phase. In this case, the mass identifier may be a unique identifier that remains assigned to and / or placed on the mass processed spectacle lenses for unique identification purposes. Thus, for example, the mass identifier may remain on the mass processed spectacle lens even after the manufacturing process has been completed and the FSV-lens is manufactured, e.g., by engraving on the spectacle lens. Hence, the mass identifier of the at least one particular spectacle lens that, according step d), is selected from the plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses can be uniquely identified, tracked and / or traced back in an efficient manner.

[0032] The term “ID element” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an unpredictable element. Thus, for instance, the ID element may refer to an element that is randomly generated. A computer-implemented function may be used to produce a random value that is deployed as ID element. Each value may be independent of the other values generated by other calls to the function. However, it may be provided that the underlying algorithm produces pseudo-random values, and thus the values are not truly independent, but without knowing the algorithm, the values are unpredictable, usually evenly distributed (in particular if the sample size is large), and pseudo-independent of each other. Thusly generated values may be also ID elements according to embodiments of the present invention. Further, for instance, the ID element may be generated according to an algorithm, which generates the ID element, in particular as unpredictable element, based and / or dependent on time, e.g., a timestamp. Thus, for example, the ID element may be generated based and / or dependent on the system time of a computer system on which the algorithm is executed. So, in a way, the algorithm such as the snowflake algorithm may depend on the system time of the respective computer system where it is implemented. The ID element may be a random element but may also be a pseudo-random element.

[0033] A computer-implemented function may be used to produce at least one of: a timestamp; a nonce; an initialization vector; a random string; and a counter value that is deployed as the ID element.

[0034] Using an ID element to identify a spectacle lens may offer several advantages, particularly in terms of counterfeit resistance, non-traceability and / or further advantages:

[0035] Counterfeit resistance: The ID element may make it difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce or imitate the identification process. Using the ID element within an identifier can implement complex patterns or algorithms that are difficult to predict or reproduce without insider knowledge.

[0036] - Non-traceability: The ID element may increase security by making it difficult to trace identification back to specific entities.

[0037] Improved security: Randomized identification may reduce the risk of unauthorized access or tampering. Because the identifiers having an ID element are unpredictable, it becomes more difficult for malicious actors to manipulate or spoof them, increasing the overall security of the manufacturing system or the produced spectacle lenses.

[0038] Overall, incorporating an ID element into the identifiers can offer multiple benefits, from counterfeit resistance and non-traceability to improved security. These benefits may contribute to the integrity and trustworthiness of the identification process, thereby protecting against various forms of fraud and unauthorized access.

[0039] The term “tool mold” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a specialized mold used in the manufacturing process of spectacle lenses. These molds may be typically made of materials such as metal or plastic and are designed to create the desired shape and curvature of the spectacle lens, in particular a precursor of the spectacle lens such as a semifinished lens blank. The spectacle lens material, e.g., often made of plastic or glass, is heated and then casted or injected into the mold. Once the material cools and solidifies, it takes on the shape of the mold, resulting in a semi-finished lens produced within the mass production phase. The semi-finished lens may be subject to subject to undergo at least one mass manufacturing step being performed by at least one mass manufacturing machine within the mass production phase, such that a mass processed spectacle lens is generated. In this regard, it is to be mentioned that the at least one mass manufacturing step of the at least one mass manufacturing machine might merely comprise a packaging of a spectacle lens of the mass production phase, such as a process of packing manufactured lenses for shipment and / or forwarding to further manufacturing machines, in particular to a lens manufacturing machine of the lens production phase, or to distributors or end customers. This step may be a crucial part of Supply Chain Management (SCM), as it ensures that the products are securely and efficiently transported, arriving at the next required destination in a timely manner.

[0040] The packaging of mass processed spectacle lenses within a SCM framework may encompass various aspects, such as protecting and labeling of the spectacle lenses. For instance, the spectacle lenses may be securely packed to prevent damage during transit. This may involve the use of cushioning materials, sturdy containers, or specialized packaging units. Further, for instance, each spectacle lens and / or its packing may be properly labeled to facilitate identification and tracking during transit. This can be done through labels, barcodes, data matrix codes and / or other identification methods.

[0041] Furthermore, for instance, a tool mold for so-called casting may comprises a central element having an attachment and also a front-side tool mold or mold shell and a back-side tool mold or mold shell. During casting, the thermosetting plastic allyl diglycol carbonate may be usually used in spectacle optics, this being known by the tradename CR39, for example. The latter can also be introduced into the central element through the attachment, said element being closed off by the tool mold on the front side and by the tool mold on the back side. Thus, a semi-finished spectacle lens or a so-called puck may be produced in the mass production phase.

[0042] The term “mold identifier” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an identifier that is assigned to a particular tool mold. For example, in the manufacturing of spectacle lenses, the mold identifier may refer to an identification number or label assigned to a specific tool mold used in the production process, in particular a tool mold that is used in the mass production phase. Each tool mold may be assigned a unique identifier for identification, tracking, and / or management purposes. The mold identifier may be crucial for production planning, quality assurance, and / or traceability. By labeling each mold with a unique identifier, manufacturers may ensure that the correct tool molds are used for the respective spectacle lens designs. Additionally, it may facilitate an identification of tool molds needed for maintenance, repair, or replacement.

[0043] The term “mass processed spectacle lenses” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to semi-finished spectacle lenses that have been produced in the mass production phase and that are ready to be further processed in a subsequent lens production phase, in particular based on a particular order. Furthermore, the term specifically may refer, without limitation, to finished single vision lenses that have been produced in the mass production phase and that are ready to be selected, in particular based on a particular order.

[0044] The term “particular spectacle lens” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a mass processed spectacle lens that, in particular based on an order entry, is selected from the plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses generated in the mass production phase.

[0045] The term “order entry” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an order entry process according to which at least one particular spectacle lens is requested to be provided. According to an embodiment of the invention, the mold identifier may be a unique identifier comprising an ID element. Thus, the mold identifier that is assigned to a predetermined tool mold can provide an efficient identification and / or traceability of the tool mold.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that, in a lens production phase, a lens identifier for unique identification is assigned to the at least one particular spectacle lens, wherein the lens identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element. The term “lens identifier” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an identifier that is assigned to a spectacle lens of the lens production phase, in particular to a particular spectacle lens that has been selected from the plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses. As generally used, the term “identifier” for at least one particular object refers to a particular item of information by which the at least one particular object is distinguishable from at least one further object, especially from the same kind of objects. Herein, the identifier may be used permanently or over a period of time. Accordingly, the identifier may be used herein for enabling a distinction of at least one particular spectacle lens from at least one further spectacle lens that may be comprised by the same plurality of the spectacle lenses, which typically may be denoted by the term “batch”. Thus, for example, in the manufacturing of spectacle lenses, the lens identifier may refer to a unique identifier - e.g., an identification number, label and / or code - assigned to the at least one particular spectacle selected from the mass processed spectacle lenses according to step d). Hence, the particular spectacle lens may be assigned a unique identifier for identification, tracking, and / or management purposes. The lens identifier may be crucial for production planning, quality assurance, and / or traceability. By linking and / or labeling the particular spectacle lens with a unique identifier, the spectacle lens can be uniquely identified, tracked and / or traced back. This may allow to monitor the production process, evaluate the properties and quality of the spectacle lenses, and diagnose any issues that may arise. All data relating to the particular spectacle lens may be collected and stored for later analysis or restoring purposes.

[0047] By way of example, the lens identifier may, especially, be selected from a permanent mark or a non-permanent mark, which has previously been placed on a portion of the semi-finished spectacle lens. For this purpose, the lens identifier may, preferably, be or comprise a barcode, wherein the term “barcode” refers to a machine-readable representation of data, in particular by using a standard barcode, especially selected from a linear code, a Data Matrix Code (DMC), or a QR code. As a further preferred example, one or more lens identifiers may, however, be assigned to each spectacle lens on a carrier, such as a tray, which is configured to carry one or more particular spectacle lenses, wherein a position of each spectacle lens and an orientation of each surface of each spectacle lens within the carrier may, further, be known. In this example, the one or more lens identifiers may be assigned and / or linked to a batch ID, which may be applied or attached, e.g., as an RFID chip, tag and / or 2D-Code, etc. to the respective carrier. As generally used, the term “RFID” refers to a so-denoted “radiofrequency identification”, which uses an electromagnetic field to automatically identify and track at least one tag being applied or attached to at least one object. However, using a further kind of identifier may also be conceivable.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that, in a lens production phase, at least one lens manufacturing step on the at least one particular spectacle lens is performed by using at least one lens manufacturing machine. Thus, a mass processed spectacle lens can be further processed to provide a finished spectacle lens, which, e.g., matches the prescription and frame requirements of an individual wearer as requested by an order entry. For a definition of the term “lens manufacturing machine” as well as for examples thereof, reference can be made to the description above or below.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the mass identifier is still used for unique identification of the spectacle lens in the lens production phase such as in step f) according to which at least one lens manufacturing step on the at least one particular spectacle lens is performed by using at least one lens manufacturing machine. The mass identifier may be remained placed on the (finished) spectacle lens. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that a lens identifier is used such as specified in step e) of a method according to an embodiment of the invention. In this case, the lens identifier may be remained placed on the (finished) spectacle lens, e.g., by engraving on the spectacle lens.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the unique identifier comprising an ID element is an identifier that comprises only content serving for a purpose of unique identification. Hence, the mass identifier, the mold identifier and / or the lens identifier may be unique identifiers comprising information solely for the purpose of unique identification. Thus, an efficient identification and / or traceability of the spectacle lenses can be provided.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the unique identifier comprising an ID element is an identifier without additional information about the manufacturing process and / or the supply chain. Thus, the mass identifier, the mold identifier and / or the lens identifier may be unique identifiers that are independent of a characteristic property with respect to at least one of the tool mold, the spectacle lenses, the mass manufacturing machine, the mass manufacturing step, the mass production, the lens manufacturing machine, the lens manufacturing step or lens production.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the unique identifier comprising an ID element has a structure that comprises a predetermined number of digits. Thus, the unique identifier may be implemented and used in an efficient manner. For instance, the unique identifier may be a number of 24 numerical digits. Thus, the unique identifier can be efficiently converted into a data matrix code (DMC), which, in turn, can be particularly space-savingly applied and / or placed on the spectacle lenses.

[0053] According to an embodiment, all digits of the unique identifier may be allocated to the ID element. Thus, it may be provided that the unique identifier consists only of the ID element.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the ID element is generated by using a distributed ID generation algorithm. The term “distributed ID generation algorithm” may refer to an algorithm that is running on multiple instances of the random generator service, wherein each instance is configured to generate one or more unique identifiers independent of any further instance of the multiple instances. For example, the ID element may be generated by using a snowflake algorithm. Thus, the ID element can be efficiently generated, in particular with respect to uniqueness and unpredictability of the identifier, in particular as used for mass identifier, mold identifier and / or lens identifier. Further alternatives of identifiers, which may be used in the context of manufacturing spectacle lenses, may also be conceivable to be constructed in this manner. For further details and information with respect to the snowflake algorithm can be found at https: / / github.com / twitter-archive / snowflake / tree / b3f6a3c . Even though, as a mere example, the snowflake algorithm has been mentioned and discussed, it is apparent, that also other algorithms may be used for creating such ID elements. Examples for alternative algorithms are Flake ID, UUIDvl, Zookeeper's Sequential Nodes, Consistent Hashing, Google's Bigtable Row Keys, Distributed Unique Identifier (DUID) or Kubemetes' UID.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the unique identifier comprising an ID element additionally comprises a further element being uniquely configured.

[0056] The term “uniquely configured” may refer to a characteristic of the further element in which the further document differs from any other further element. Therefore, the further element may be a static parameter. The “static parameter” may be a parameter that does not change over time and / or with different operations. However, if it the static parameter changes, it may change in a controlled and predictable manner. The static parameter of a particular instance of the ID generator service may be known. The static parameter may be tied to a single instance of the ID generator service. Consequently, each instance of the ID generator service may have its own unique static parameter, in order to distinguish the unique identifier generated by different instances.

[0057] For instance, the further element may be a prefix element, wherein a predetermined part of the unique identifier, in particular a predetermined number of digits of the unique identifier, is allocated to the prefix element. According to an embodiment, the unique identifier may comprise a number of 24 numerical digits, wherein the first 6 digits are allocated to the prefix element and the remaining 18 digits are allocated to the ID element.

[0058] The further element, in particular the prefix element, may be a static parameter, which may refer to a single instance of a random generator service that can be used for generating the ID element of the unique identifiers, which are used for at least one of the mass identifier, the mold identifier and / or the lens identifier.

[0059] An advantage of using the further element uniquely configured may be the use of multiple instances of the random generator service, such that an improved fault tolerance can be achieved. Another advantage is an improved latency: for instance, a single global instance would incur higher latencies depending on where it was deployed and from which location the call for generating and receiving an ID element was made.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the unique identifier comprising an ID element is applied on the semi-finished spectacle lenses and / or on the particular spectacle lens in the form of a machine-readable code, in particular in the form of a data matrix code. Thus, the unique identifier can be particularly space-savingly placed on the spectacle lens. For example, the unique identifier, in particular in the form of a machine- readable code, can be embossed on the spectacle lens and remain there permanently. Thus, spectacle lens is also after the manufacturing process identifiable and traceable.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the mold identifier, the mass identifier and / or the lens identifier are stored as unique identifiers associated with the at least one particular spectacle lens, and its precursors, in a global database. The term “database” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary collection of information, such as information stored in at least one data storage device. The database may comprise the at least one data storage device with the information stored therein. In particular, the database may contain an arbitrary collection of information. Further, the database may refer to an organized collection of data, generally stored and accessed electronically from a computer or computer system. The database may comprise or may be comprised by a data storage device. The database may comprise at least one data base management system, comprising a software running on a computer or computer system, the software allowing for interaction with one or more of a user, an application or the database itself, such as in order to capture and analyze the data contained in the database. The database management system may further encompass facilities to administer the database. The database, containing the data, may, thus, be comprised by a database system which, besides the data, comprises one or more associated applications. Furthermore, the database may be or may comprise at least one database selected from the group consisting of at least one server, at least one server system comprising a plurality of servers, at least one cloud server or cloud computing infrastructure. The database may comprise at least one storage unit configured to store data.

[0062] The term “global database” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a database that may be distributed across geographical boundaries and / or that may be accessible from multiple locations or nodes. Unlike local or regional databases, which are hosted at a single physical location, the global database may be located at multiple locations around the world or at least in multiple regions to ensure global availability. The global database may be configured to enable users or applications to access stored data from anywhere in the world. Further, the global database may provide redundancy and enhance fault tolerance by distributing the database across different geographical locations. If one location fails or becomes unreachable, users or application can still access the data from other locations. Further, it may be provided that by placing database nodes in different regions, users or applications may access data from their vicinity, reducing latency and improving performance. The global database may be further configured to implement mechanisms to ensure the consistency of data across different locations. Furthermore, it may be provided that a link is established between the unique identifiers associated with the at least one particular spectacle lens, i.e. including also its precursors, in the global database such that a unique assignment is provided between the identifiers. According to embodiments of the invention, one or more, or all, identifiers that are related to the supply chain of a spectacle lens may be linked in the database, i.e. the identifiers along the supply chain of the particular semi-finished spectacle lens, in particular from the start of mold making through mass production and lens production of the semi-finished spectacle lens to the finished spectacle lens. Thus, an end-to-end traceability along the supply chain from mold making via mass production and lens production (which may include Rx manufacturing and conventional edge finishing) to Costumer and Consumer until end of life across multiple locations may be enabled, namely by using unique identifiers, which are related to each other in at least one global database.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the selecting of at least one particular spectacle lens according to step c) is performed after receiving the order entry for manufacturing a customized spectacle lens, wherein the order entry includes an order identifier that is linked with the mold identifier, the mass identifier, and / or the lens identifier of the selected particular spectacle lens in the global database.

[0064] For example, it may be provided that, based on an order identifier, a complete traceability of spectacle lenses of the corresponding order is retrievable. Furthermore, it may be provided that, based on a mold identifier, a complete traceability of tool molds can be retrieved. Furthermore, it may be provided that, based on a mass identifier (which may also be designated as a puck identifier), a complete traceability of semi-finished lenses (pucks) may be retrievable.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that manufacturing data is collected and identified via the unique identifier in the global database, wherein the manufacturing data is related to at least one of the tool mold, the mass processed spectacle lenses, or the particular spectacle lens. Thus, a collection of manufacturing data may be enabled in relation to single pieces such as a spectacle lens, a semi-finished spectacle lens and / or a mold, etc. The single pieces can be identified via the respective unique identifier and / or indirectly by a carrier referencing to the unique identifier. The manufacturing data may comprise process parameters, measured quality characteristics, and / or time series data etc. In a further aspect of the present invention, a system for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses is disclosed. The system comprises: at least one tool mold, wherein the tool mold is configured for molding at least one surface of at least one semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the tool mold has a mold identifier for unique identification; at least one mass manufacturing machine configured for

[0066] • generating, in a mass production phase, a plurality of semi-finished spectacle lenses by using the tool mold, wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element;

[0067] • performing, in the mass production phase, at least one mass manufacturing step on the semi-finished spectacle lenses such that a plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses are generated; at least one manufacturing executing system configured for

[0068] • selecting at least one particular spectacle lens from the plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses generated in the mass production phase based on an order entry.

[0069] The term “manufacturing executing system” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a system that can be used for performing step c), namely to select at least one particular spectacle lens from the plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses generated in the mass production phase based on an order entry. For example, the term “manufacturing executing system” may refer to a first device that may be configured for controlling and monitoring at least one second device. For this purpose, the manufacturing executing system may be or comprise a programmable apparatus, particularly selected from an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a digital processing device, in particular at least one of a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a microcomputer, a computer, or an electronic communication unit, specifically a smartphone, a tablet, a personal digital assistant, or a laptop. Further components may be feasible, in particular at least one of a data acquisition unit, a preprocessing unit, or a data storage unit. The manufacturing executing system may, preferably, be configured for performing at least one computer program, especially at least one line of a computer program configured for forwarding the at least one particular spectacle lens to its next destination, e.g. to a lens manufacturing machine in order to further process the particular spectacle lens. According to an embodiment of the invention, the system may further comprise at least one lens manufacturing machine configured for

[0070] • assigning, in a lens production phase, a lens identifier for unique identification to the at least one particular spectacle lens, wherein the lens identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element;

[0071] • performing, in the lens production phase, at least one lens manufacturing step on the at least one particular spectacle lens by using at least one lens manufacturing machine.

[0072] In a further aspect of the present invention, a spectacle lens is disclosed, wherein an identifier for unique identification is applied to the spectacle lens, wherein the identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element.

[0073] In a further aspect, a method implemented on a processor, the method being configured for generating a mass identifier configured to be used in manufacturing one or more spectacle lenses is disclosed. For this aspect, reference may be made to any further aspect, Embodiment and / or definition disclosed herein.

[0074] The method may be a computer- implemented method. The term “computer-implemented method” refers to a method, which involves an apparatus, specifically a computer, or a plurality of apparatus, particularly connected via a computer network. The plurality of apparatus may be connected via the computer network by using at least one connection interfaces comprised by any apparatus of the plurality of apparatus. The computer- implemented method may be implemented as at least one computer program that may be provided on a storage medium. Preferably any one of the steps of the computer-implemented method may be performed by using the at least one computer program. Alternatively, the at least one computer program may be accessible by the at least one apparatus, which may be configured for performing the method via a network, such as via an in-house network or via internet.

[0075] The steps of the method may be performed in the given order. A different order, however, may also be feasible. Further, two or more of the method steps may be performed simultaneously. Thereby, the method steps may at least partly overlap in time. Further, the method steps may be performed once or repeatedly. Thus, one or more or even all of the method steps may be performed once or repeatedly. The method may comprise additional method steps, which are not listed herein.

[0076] The method comprises:

[0077] - generating one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one tool mold, wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element, wherein an ID generator service has multiple instances, wherein the unique identifier comprises a further element being uniquely configured, wherein the further element is a static parameter, which refers to a single instance of the ID generator service used for generating the ID element of the unique identifier.

[0078] The method further may comprise:

[0079] - providing the at least one tool mold, preferably in a step a), wherein the at least one tool mold is configured for molding at least one surface of the one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses, wherein the tool mold has a mold identifier for unique identification.

[0080] The method further may comprise:

[0081] - performing, preferably in a step c), at least one mass manufacturing step on the one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one mass manufacturing machine such that one or more mass processed spectacle lenses are generated, wherein preferably the at least one mass manufacturing step is performed in a mass production phase.

[0082] The method further may comprise:

[0083] - based on an order entry, preferably in a step d), selecting at least one particular spectacle lens from the one or more mass processed spectacle lenses, preferably generated in the mass production phase, wherein the order entry includes an order identifier that is linked with at least one of the mold identifier and the mass identifier. The method further may comprise:

[0084] - assigning, preferably in a step e), more preferably in a lens production phase, a lens identifier for unique identification to the at least one particular spectacle lens, wherein the lens identifier is a second further unique identifier comprising a second further ID element.

[0085] The method further may comprise:

[0086] - performing, preferably in a step f), at least one lens manufacturing step on the at least one particular spectacle lens by using at least one lens manufacturing machine.

[0087] In a further aspect, a device, wherein the device is configured for performing the steps of a method implemented on a processor as elsewhere disclosed. For this aspect, reference may be made to any further aspect, Embodiment and / or definition disclosed herein.

[0088] In a further aspect, a computer program is disclosed comprising instructions is disclosed which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of a method implemented on a processor as elsewhere disclosed. For this aspect, reference may be made to any further aspect, Embodiment and / or definition disclosed herein.

[0089] In a further aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed comprising instructions is disclosed that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform of a method implemented on a processor as elsewhere disclosed. For this aspect, reference may be made to any further aspect, Embodiment and / or definition disclosed herein.

[0090] In a further aspect, a method for producing at least one spectacle lens is disclosed, wherein the at least one spectacle lens is manufactured by processing at least one lens blank, wherein producing at least one spectacle lens comprises performing a method implemented on a processor as elsewhere disclosed. For this aspect, reference may be made to any further aspect, Embodiment and / or definition disclosed herein. As used herein, the terms “have”, “comprise” or “include” or any arbitrary grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive way. Thus, these terms may both refer to a situation in which, besides the feature introduced by these terms, no further features are present in the entity described in this context and to a situation in which one or more further features are present. As an example, the expressions “A has B”, “A comprises B” and “A includes B” may both refer to a situation in which, besides B, no other element is present in A (i.e. a situation in which A solely and exclusively consists of B) and to a situation in which, besides B, one or more further elements are present in entity A, such as element C, elements C and D or even further elements.

[0091] Further, it shall be noted that the terms “at least one”, “one or more” or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may be present once or more than once typically will be used only once when introducing the respective feature or element. In the following, in most cases, when referring to the respective feature or element, the expressions “at least one” or “one or more” will not be repeated, non-withstanding the fact that the respective feature or element may be present once or more than once.

[0092] Further, as used herein, the terms "preferably", "more preferably", "particularly", "more particularly", "specifically", "more specifically" or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features, without restricting alternative possibilities. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to restrict the scope of the claims in any way. The invention may, as the skilled person will recognize, be performed by using alternative features. Similarly, features introduced by "in an embodiment of the invention" or similar expressions are intended to be optional features, without any restriction regarding alternative embodiments of the invention, without any restrictions regarding the scope of the invention and without any restriction regarding the possibility of combining the features introduced in such way with other optional or non-optional features of the invention.

[0093] Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program including computer-executable instructions for performing the method according to the present invention in one or more of the embodiments enclosed herein when the instructions are executed on a computer or computer network. Specifically, the computer program may be stored on a computer- readable data carrier and / or on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0094] As used herein, the terms “computer-readable data carrier” and “computer-readable storage medium” specifically may refer to non-transitory data storage means, such as a hardware storage medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions. The computer- readable data carrier or storage medium specifically may be or may comprise a storage medium such as a random-access memory (RAM) and / or a read-only memory (ROM).

[0095] Thus, specifically, one, more than one or even all of method steps a) to d) as indicated above may be performed by using a computer or a computer network, preferably by using a computer program.

[0096] Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product having program code means, in order to perform the method according to the present invention in one or more of the embodiments enclosed herein when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. Specifically, the program code means may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and / or on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0097] Further disclosed and proposed herein is a data carrier having a data structure stored thereon, which, after loading into a computer or computer network, such as into a working memory or main memory of the computer or computer network, may execute the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0098] Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product with program code means stored on a machine-readable carrier, in order to perform the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. As used herein, a computer program product refers to the program as a tradable product. The product may generally exist in an arbitrary format, such as in a paper format, or on a computer-readable data carrier and / or on a computer-readable storage medium. Specifically, the computer program product may be distributed over a data network.

[0099] Finally, disclosed and proposed herein is a modulated data signal which contains instructions readable by a computer system or computer network, for performing the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0100] Referring to the computer-implemented aspects of the invention, one or more of the method steps or even all of the method steps of the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein may be performed by using a computer or computer network. Thus, generally, any of the method steps including provision and / or manipulation of data may be performed by using a computer or computer network. Generally, these method steps may include any of the method steps, typically except for method steps requiring manual work, such as providing the samples and / or certain aspects of performing the actual measurements.

[0101] Specifically, further disclosed herein are:

[0102] - a computer or computer network comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description,

[0103] - a computer loadable data structure that is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the data structure is being executed on a computer,

[0104] - a computer program, wherein the computer program is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the program is being executed on a computer,

[0105] - a computer program comprising program means for performing the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the computer program is being executed on a computer or on a computer network,

[0106] - a computer program comprising program means according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the program means are stored on a storage medium readable to a computer,

[0107] - a storage medium, wherein a data structure is stored on the storage medium and wherein the data structure is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description after having been loaded into a main and / or working storage of a computer or of a computer network, and

[0108] - a computer program product having program code means, wherein the program code means can be stored or are stored on a storage medium, for performing the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description, if the program code means are executed on a computer or on a computer network.

[0109] Summarizing and without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments may be envisaged:

[0110] Embodiment 1 : A method for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses, the method comprising: a) providing at least one tool mold, wherein the tool mold is configured for molding at least one surface of at least one semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the tool mold has a mold identifier for unique identification; b) generating, in a mass production phase, a plurality of semi-finished spectacle lenses by using the tool mold, wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element; c) performing, in the mass production phase, at least one mass manufacturing step on the semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one mass manufacturing machine such that a plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses are generated; d) based on an order entry, selecting at least one particular spectacle lens from the plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses generated in the mass production phase.

[0111] Embodiment 2: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the mold identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element.

[0112] Embodiment 3 : The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: e) assigning, in a lens production phase, a lens identifier for unique identification to the at least one particular spectacle lens, wherein the lens identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element.

[0113] Embodiment 4: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: f) performing at least one lens manufacturing step on the at least one particular spectacle lens by using at least one lens manufacturing machine.

[0114] Embodiment s: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the unique identifier comprising an ID element is an identifier that comprises only content serving for a purpose of unique identification.

[0115] Embodiment 6: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the unique identifier comprising an ID element is an identifier without additional information about the manufacturing process and / or supply chain.

[0116] Embodiment ?: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the unique identifier comprising an ID element has a structure that comprises a predetermined number of digits, in particular a number of 24 numerical digits. Embodiment 8: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ID element is generated by using a distributed ID generation algorithm, in particular by using a snowflake algorithm.

[0117] Embodiment 9: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the unique identifier comprising an ID element comprises a further element being uniquely configured.

[0118] Embodiment 10: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the unique identifier comprising an ID element is applied on the semi-finished spectacle lenses and / or on the particular spectacle lens in the form of a machine-readable code, in particular in the form of a data matrix code.

[0119] Embodiment 11 : The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mold identifier, the mass identifier and / or the lens identifier are stored as unique identifiers associated with the at least one particular spectacle lens in a global database.

[0120] Embodiment 12: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a link is established between the unique identifiers associated with the at least one particular spectacle lens in the global database such that a unique assignment is provided between the identifiers.

[0121] Embodiment 13: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the selecting of at least one particular spectacle lens according to step c) is performed after receiving the order entry for manufacturing a spectacle lens, wherein the order entry includes an order identifier that is linked with at least one of the mold identifier, the mass identifier, or the lens identifier of the selected particular spectacle lens in the global database.

[0122] Embodiment 14: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein manufacturing data is collected and identified via the unique identifier in the global database, wherein the manufacturing data is related to at least one of the tool mold, the mass processed spectacle lenses, or the particular spectacle lens.

[0123] Embodiment 15: A system for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses, the system comprising - at least one tool mold, wherein the tool mold is configured for molding at least one surface of at least one semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the tool mold has a mold identifier for unique identification;

[0124] - at least one mass manufacturing machine configured for

[0125] • generating, in a mass production phase, a plurality of semi-finished spectacle lenses by using the tool mold, wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element;

[0126] • performing, in the mass production phase, at least one mass manufacturing step on the semi-finished spectacle lenses such that a plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses are generated;

[0127] - at least one manufacturing executing system configured for

[0128] • selecting at least one particular spectacle lens from the plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses generated in the mass production phase based on an order entry.

[0129] Embodiment 16: The system according to the preceding embodiment, further comprising

[0130] - at least one lens manufacturing machine configured for

[0131] • assigning, in a lens production phase, a lens identifier for unique identification to the at least one particular spectacle lens, wherein the lens identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element;

[0132] • performing, in the lens production phase, at least one lens manufacturing step on the at least one particular spectacle lens by using at least one lens manufacturing machine.

[0133] Embodiment 17: The method according to any one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the method is computer-implemented.

[0134] Embodiment 18: A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the system according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to a system, cause the system to perform the method according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to a method.

[0135] Embodiment 19: A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when the instructions are executed by the system according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to a system, cause the system to perform the method according to any one of the preceding embodiments referring to a method.

[0136] Embodiment 20: A spectacle lens, wherein an identifier for unique identification is applied to the spectacle lens, wherein the identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element.

[0137] Embodiment 21 : A method implemented on a processor, the method being configured for generating a mass identifier configured to be used in manufacturing one or more spectacle lenses, the method comprising:

[0138] - generating one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one tool mold, wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element, wherein an ID generator service has multiple instances, wherein the unique identifier comprises a further element being uniquely configured, wherein the further element is a static parameter, which refers to a single instance of the ID generator service used for generating the ID element of the unique identifier.

[0139] Embodiment 22: The method according to the preceding Embodiment, wherein a computer-implemented function is used to produce a random value that is deployed as the ID element, wherein each random value is independent of the other random values generated by other calls to the function.

[0140] Embodiment 23 : The method according to Embodiment 21, wherein a computer- implemented function is used to produce a pseudo-random value that is deployed as the ID element, wherein each pseudo-random value is dependent of the other pseudo-random values generated by other calls to the function.

[0141] Embodiment 24: The method according to Embodiment 21, wherein a computer- implemented function is used to produce at least one of:

[0142] - a timestamp; a nonce; an initialization vector; a random string; and a counter value that is deployed as the ID element.

[0143] Embodiment 25: The method according to any one of the preceding Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, wherein the method further comprises:

[0144] - providing the at least one tool mold, preferably in a step a), wherein the at least one tool mold is configured for molding at least one surface of the one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses, wherein the tool mold has a mold identifier for unique identification.

[0145] Embodiment 26: The method according to the preceding Embodiment referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, wherein the mold identifier is a first further unique identifier comprising a first further ID element.

[0146] Embodiment 27: The method according to any one of the preceding Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, wherein the method further comprises:

[0147] - performing, preferably in a step c), at least one mass manufacturing step on the one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one mass manufacturing machine such that one or more mass processed spectacle lenses are generated, wherein preferably the at least one mass manufacturing step is performed in a mass production phase.

[0148] Embodiment 28: The method according to the preceding Embodiment referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, wherein the method further comprises:

[0149] - based on an order entry, preferably in a step d), selecting at least one particular spectacle lens from the one or more mass processed spectacle lenses, preferably generated in the mass production phase, wherein the order entry includes an order identifier that is linked with at least one of the mold identifier and the mass identifier. Embodiment 29: The method according to the preceding Embodiment referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, further comprising:

[0150] - e assigning, preferably in a step e), more preferably in a lens production phase, a lens identifier for unique identification to the at least one particular spectacle lens, wherein the lens identifier is a second further unique identifier comprising a second further ID element.

[0151] Embodiment 30: The method according to any one of the two preceding Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, further comprising:

[0152] - f performing, preferably in a step f), at least one lens manufacturing step on the at least one particular spectacle lens by using at least one lens manufacturing machine.

[0153] Embodiment 31 : The method according to any one of the preceding Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, wherein the unique identifier comprising an ID element is an identifier that comprises only content serving for a purpose of unique identification.

[0154] Embodiment 32: The method according to any one of the preceding Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, wherein the unique identifier comprising an ID element is an identifier without additional information about the manufacturing process and / or supply chain.

[0155] Embodiment 33: The method according to any one of the preceding Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, wherein the unique identifier comprising an ID element has a structure that comprises a predetermined number of digits, in particular a number of 24 numerical digits.

[0156] Embodiment 34: The method according to any one of the preceding Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, wherein the ID element is generated by using a distributed ID generation algorithm, in particular by using a snowflake algorithm. Embodiment 35: The method according to any one of the preceding Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, wherein the unique identifier comprising an ID element is applied on the one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses in the form of a machine-readable code, in particular in the form of a data matrix code.

[0157] Embodiment 36: The method according to any one of the seven preceding Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, wherein the mold identifier, the mass identifier and / or the lens identifier are stored as unique identifiers associated with the at least one particular spectacle lens in a global database.

[0158] Embodiment 37: The method according to the preceding Embodiment referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, wherein a link is established between the unique identifiers associated with the at least one particular spectacle lens in the global database such that a unique assignment is provided between the identifiers.

[0159] Embodiment 38: The method according to any one of the two preceding Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, wherein the selecting of the at least one particular spectacle lens is performed after receiving the order entry for manufacturing a spectacle lens, wherein the order entry includes an order identifier that is linked with at least one of the mold identifier, the mass identifier, or the lens identifier of the selected particular spectacle lens in the global database.

[0160] Embodiment 39: The method according to any one of the three preceding Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier, wherein manufacturing data is collected and identified via the unique identifier in the global database, wherein the manufacturing data is related to at least one of the tool mold, the mass processed spectacle lenses, or the particular spectacle lens.

[0161] Embodiment 40: A device, wherein the device is configured for performing the steps of a method implemented on a processor according to any one of the preceding Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier. Embodiment 41 : A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of a method implemented on a processor according to any one of the preceding method Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier.

[0162] Embodiment 42: A computer-readable medium comprising instructions is disclosed that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform of a method implemented on a processor according to any one of the preceding method Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier.

[0163] Embodiment 43 : A method for producing at least one spectacle lens, wherein the at least one spectacle lens is manufactured by processing at least one lens blank, wherein producing at least one spectacle lens comprises performing a method implemented on a processor according to any one of the preceding method Embodiments referring to a method being configured for generating a mass identifier.

[0164] Short description of the Figures

[0165] Further optional features and embodiments will be disclosed in more detail in the subsequent description of embodiments, preferably in conjunction with the dependent claims. Therein, the respective optional features may be realized in an isolated fashion as well as in any arbitrary feasible combination, as the skilled person will realize. The scope of the invention is not restricted by the preferred embodiments. The embodiments are schematically depicted in the Figures. Therein, identical reference numbers in these Figures refer to identical or functionally comparable elements.

[0166] In the Figures:

[0167] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses according to the present invention;

[0168] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of a method for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a unique identifier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0169] Figure 4 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a unique identifier in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0170] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary method implemented on a processor, the method being configured for generating a mass identifier configured to be used in manufacturing one or more spectacle lenses; and

[0171] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary ID generator service.

[0172] Detailed description of the embodiments

[0173] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method 110 for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses according to the present invention.

[0174] The method 110 comprises the following steps that may be performed in the given order. However, a different order may also be possible. In particular, one, more than one or even all of the method steps may be performed once or repeatedly. Further, the method steps may be performed successively or, alternatively, one or more of the method steps may be performed in a timely overlapping fashion or even in a parallel fashion and / or in a combined fashion. The method may further comprise additional method steps that are not listed.

[0175] The method 110 comprises: a) (denoted by reference number 112) providing at least one tool mold, wherein the tool mold is configured for molding at least one surface of at least one semifinished spectacle lens, wherein the tool mold has a mold identifier for unique identification; b) (denoted by reference number 114) generating, in a mass production phase, a plurality of semi-finished spectacle lenses by using the tool mold, wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element; c) (denoted by reference number 116) performing, in the mass production phase, at least one mass manufacturing step on the semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one mass manufacturing machine such that a plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses are generated; d) (denoted by reference number 118) based on an order entry, selecting at least one particular spectacle lens from the plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses generated in the mass production phase.

[0176] In the embodiment illustrated by Figure 1, it may be provided that the mold identifier is a further unique identifier that comprises an ID element. Thus, the mold identifier that is assigned to the tool mold of step a) may enable an efficient identification and / or traceability of the tool mold.

[0177] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the mass identifier and the mold identifier, each comprising its ID element, are identifiers that comprise only content serving for purposes of unique identification. The mold identifier and the mass identifier can be linked with each other in a database, such that an efficient identification and / or traceability of the spectacle lenses can be enabled by use of these identifiers.

[0178] In the embodiment illustrated by Figure 1, for instance, the mass production phase may refer to a mass production of finished single vision lenses. As generally used, e.g., a finished single vision (FSV) lens may refer to spectacle lenses that have been finished and ground to provide a uniform prescription strength across the entire lens surface. Unlike multifocal lenses, which combine multiple prescription strengths within a single lens (such as bifocal or multifocal lenses), an FSV lens typically offers a single prescription strength throughout the entire lens.

[0179] Furthermore, in the embodiment illustrated by Figure 1, the mass production phase may refer to a mass production of semi-finished spectacle lenses. For instance, a semi-finished spectacle lens may refer to a lens blank that has been partially processed but requires one or more additional lens manufacturing steps to attain its final prescription and shape. Such semi-finished lenses typically start as pre-formed blanks with a rough surface and basic curvature. They may be manufactured with a specific base curve and thickness that approximate the desired prescription. However, they still need further customization to match the exact prescription and frame requirements of an individual wearer. This further customization and processing of the semi-finished spectacle lens may be performed in a lens production phase. Figure 2 schematically illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a method 210 for manufacturing the plurality of spectacle lenses according to the present invention.

[0180] The method 210 comprises the following steps that may be performed in the given order. However, a different order may also be possible. In particular, one, more than one or even all of the method steps may be performed once or repeatedly. Further, the method steps may be performed successively or, alternatively, one or more of the method steps may be performed in a timely overlapping fashion or even in a parallel fashion and / or in a combined fashion. The method may further comprise additional method steps that are not listed.

[0181] The method 210 comprises: a) (denoted by reference number 212) providing at least one tool mold, wherein the tool mold is configured for molding at least one surface of at least one semifinished spectacle lens, wherein the tool mold has a mold identifier for unique identification; b) (denoted by reference number 214) generating, in a mass production phase, a plurality of semi-finished spectacle lenses by using the tool mold, wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element; c) (denoted by reference number 216) performing, in the mass production phase, at least one mass manufacturing step on the semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one mass manufacturing machine such that a plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses are generated; d) (denoted by reference number 218) based on an order entry, selecting at least one particular spectacle lens from the plurality of mass processed spectacle lenses generated in the mass production phase. e) (denoted by reference number 220) assigning, in a lens production phase, a lens identifier for unique identification to the at least one particular spectacle lens, wherein the lens identifier is a unique identifier comprising an ID element. f) (denoted by reference number 222) performing at least one lens manufacturing step on the at least one particular spectacle lens by using at least one lens manufacturing machine.

[0182] In the embodiment illustrated by Figure 2, it may be provided that the mold identifier and the lens identifier are unique identifiers, wherein each of these unique identifiers comprises an ID element. Thus, the mass identifier may be a first unique identifier comprising a first ID element. The mold identifier may be a second unique identifier comprising a second ID element. The lens identifier may be a third unique identifier comprising a third ID element.

[0183] According to the embodiment of Figure 2, the mold identifier, the mass identifier and the lens identifier can be stored as unique identifiers associated with the at least one particular spectacle lens, and its precursors, in a global database. Furthermore, a link is established between the unique identifiers associated with the at least one particular spectacle lens, i.e. including also its precursors, in the global database such that a unique assignment is provided between the identifiers.

[0184] Thus, an end-to-end traceability along the supply chain from mold making via mass production and lens production (which may include Rx manufacturing and conventional edge finishing) to Costumer and Consumer until end of life across multiple locations may be provided, namely by using the unique identifiers, which are related to each other in the global database.

[0185] Figure 3 shows a schematic view illustrating a structure of a unique identifier 310 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0186] The unique identifier 310 comprises an ID element 312 with a number of 24 numerical digits. The unique identifier 310 comprises with the ID element 312 only content that serves for a purpose of unique identification. The unique identifier 310 and its structure can be used as mass identifier (mass ID), mold identifier (mold ID) and / or lens identifier (lens ID), which thus comprise information solely for the purpose of unique identification. Thus, an efficient identification and / or traceability of the spectacle lenses can be provided.

[0187] Hence, the unique identifier 310 comprising the ID element 312 is an identifier without additional information about the manufacturing process and / or the supply chain. Thus, the mass identifier, the mold identifier and / or the lens identifier may be unique identifiers that are independent of a characteristic property with respect to at least one of the tool mold, the spectacle lenses, the mass manufacturing machine, the mass manufacturing step, the mass production, the lens manufacturing machine, the lens manufacturing step or lens production.

[0188] For example, the unique identifier 310 can be efficiently converted into a data matrix code (DMC), which, in turn, can be particularly space-savingly applied and / or placed on the spectacle lenses. The ID element 312 is generated by using a distributed ID generation algorithm. For example, the ID element 312 in order to be used as mass identifier, mold identifier and / or lens identifier may be generated by using a snowflake algorithm. Thus, the ID element 312 is efficiently generated, in particular with respect to uniqueness and unpredictability of the identifier.

[0189] Figure 4 shows a schematic view illustrating a structure of a unique identifier 410 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. The unique identifier 410 comprises an ID element 412 and a prefix element 414. The unique identifier 410 comprise a number of 24 numerical digits, wherein the first 6 digits are allocated to the prefix element 414 and the remaining 18 digits are allocated to the ID element 412.

[0190] The further element, namely the prefix element 414, is a static parameter, which may refer to a single instance of a random generator service that can be used for generating the ID element 412 of the unique identifier 410. The unique identifier 410 can be used as a mass identifier (mass ID), a mold identifier (mold ID) and / or a lens identifier (lens ID).

[0191] For example, the unique identifier 410 can be efficiently converted into a data matrix code (DMC), which, in turn, can be particularly space-savingly applied and / or placed on the spectacle lenses.

[0192] By using the prefix element 414 as part of the unique identifier, multiple instances of a random generator service can be provided, such that an improved fault tolerance is achieved. Another advantage is an improved latency: for instance, a single global instance as random generator would incur higher latencies depending on where it was deployed and from which location the call for generating and receiving an ID element was made.

[0193] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to the one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Figure 5 shows an exemplary method 510 implemented on a processor, the method 510 being configured for generating a mass identifier configured to be used in manufacturing one or more spectacle lenses. The method 510 comprises:

[0194] - generating one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one tool mold 614 (denoted by reference number 512), preferably in a step b), wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier 310, 410 comprising an ID element 312, 412, wherein an ID generator service 610 has multiple instances 612, wherein the unique identifier 310, 410 comprises a further element being uniquely configured, wherein the further element is a static parameter, which refers to a single instance of the ID generator service 610 used for generating the ID element 312, 412 of the unique identifier 310, 410.

[0195] The method 510 further may comprise:

[0196] - providing the at least one tool mold 614 (denoted by reference number 514), preferably in a step a), wherein the at least one tool mold 614 is configured for molding at least one surface of the one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses, wherein the tool mold 614 has a mold identifier for unique identification, preferably wherein the mold identifier is a first further unique identifier 310, 410 comprising a first further ID element 312, 412.

[0197] The method 510 further may comprise:

[0198] - performing at least one mass manufacturing step on the one or more semifinished spectacle lenses (denoted by reference number 516), preferably in a step c), by using at least one mass manufacturing machine such that one or more mass processed spectacle lenses are generated, wherein preferably the at least one mass manufacturing step is performed in a mass production phase.

[0199] The method 510 further may comprise:

[0200] - based on an order entry, preferably in a step d), selecting at least one particular spectacle lens from the one or more mass processed spectacle lenses (denoted by reference number 518), preferably generated in the mass production phase, wherein the order entry includes an order identifier that is linked with at least one of the mold identifier and the mass identifier.

[0201] The method 510 further may comprise:

[0202] - assigning, preferably in a lens production phase, a lens identifier for unique identification of the at least one particular spectacle lens (denoted by reference number 520), more preferably in a step e), wherein the lens identifier is a second further unique identifier 310, 410 comprising a second further ID element 312, 412.

[0203] The method 510 further may comprise:

[0204] - performing, preferably in a step f), at least one lens manufacturing step on the at least one particular spectacle lens (denoted by reference number 522), preferably in a step f), by using at least one lens manufacturing machine.

[0205] An exemplary ID generator service 610 is depicted in Figure 6. The ID generator service 610 comprises differing instances 612. Each instance 612 of the ID generator service 610 may be configured for generating one or more unique mass identifiers. Each instance 612 may be configured to generate the one or more unique mass identifiers for one or more tool molds 614. A plurality of instances 612 may be configured to generate the one or more unique mass identifiers for the same tool mold 614. The tool mold 614 may then request the one or more unique mass identifiers from a main instance 612 and, in case no one or more unique mass identifiers is transmitted, the tool mold 614 may request the one or more unique mass identifiers from a backup instance 612. Thereby, the functionality of the system is improved.

[0206] Thereby, each generated mass identifier may be configured to allow a unique identification of each semi-finished spectacle lens in a manner that each semi-finished spectacle lens has a differing unique identifier. In order to ensure the unique identification each ID element that is generated by a specific instance 612 may differ from each other. Each instance 612 of the ID generator service 610 may function independently of any further instance of the ID generator service 610. Therefore, each instance 612 may generate the ID element 312, 412 independent of any further instance 612 of the ID generator service 610. In this case, although each ID element that is generated by a specific instance 612 may differ from each other, two differing instances 612 may generate the same ID element. Specifically in order to still allow unique identification of each semifinished spectacle lens in a manner, the unique identifier further comprises the further element being uniquely configured, wherein the further element is a static parameter. The further element is configured to allow unique identification of the instance 612 that generated the unique identifier. As a result, any instance 612 may generate or provide differing further elements. Consequently, even in case two instances 612 may generate the same ID element, the unique identifier still allows for unique identification of the semifinished spectacle lens, since the unique identifier generated by two instances 612 differs in the further element.

[0207] This applies correspondingly to the first further unique identifier 310, 410 comprising a first further ID element of the mold identifier. The first further unique identifier may also comprise a first further static parameter. The first further static parameter may be the same then the further parameter. It may be appreciated that the tool mold 614 may be correspondingly replaced by any suitable manufacturing machine.

[0208] This also applies correspondingly to the second further unique identifier 310, 410 comprising a second further ID element of the lens identifier. The second further unique identifier may also comprise a second further static parameter. The second further static parameter may be the same then the further parameter and / or the first further static parameter. It may be appreciated that the tool mold 614 may be correspondingly replaced by any suitable manufacturing machine.

[0209] As demonstrated in the above, the ID element 312, 412 may be generated by using a distributed ID generation algorithm, in particular by using a snowflake algorithm. The distributed ID generation algorithm may be an algorithm that is running on multiple instances 612 of the random generator service. As may be further derived from Figure 5, the mold identifier, the mass identifier and / or the lens identifier may be stored as unique identifiers 310, 410 associated with the at least one particular spectacle lens in a global database. Therefore, any instance 612 may have access to the global database.

[0210] Further disclosed, but not depicted, is an exemplary method for producing at least one spectacle lens, wherein the at least one spectacle lens is manufactured by processing at least one lens blank, wherein producing at least one spectacle lens comprises performing a method implemented on a processor according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein the method is configured for generating a mass identifier configured to be used in manufacturing one or more spectacle lenses, the method comprising:

[0211] - generating one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one tool mold 614, preferably in a step b), wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier 310, 410 comprising an ID element 312, 412, wherein an ID generator service 610 has multiple instances 612, wherein the unique identifier 310, 410 comprises a further element being uniquely configured, wherein the further element is a static parameter, which refers to a single instance 612 of the ID generator service 610 used for generating the ID element 312, 412 of the unique identifier 310, 410.

[0212] List of reference numbers method for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses step a) step b) step c) step d) method for manufacturing a plurality of spectacle lenses step a) step b) step c) step d) step e) step f) unique identifier

[0213] ID element unique identifier

[0214] ID element prefix element method configured for generating a mass identifier generating one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses providing the at least one tool mold performing at least one mass manufacturing step on the one or more semifinished spectacle lenses selecting at least one particular spectacle lens from the one or more mass processed spectacle lenses assigning a lens identifier for unique identification of the at least one particular spectacle lens performing at least one lens manufacturing step on the at least one particular spectacle lens

[0215] ID generator service instance of the ID generator service tool mold

Claims

Claims1. A method implemented on a processor, the method being configured for generating a mass identifier configured to be used in manufacturing one or more spectacle lenses, the method comprising:- generating one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one tool mold (614), wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier (310, 410) comprising an ID element (312, 412), characterized in that an ID generator service (610) has multiple instances (612), wherein the unique identifier (310, 410) comprises a further element being uniquely configured, wherein the further element is a static parameter, which refers to a single instance (612) of the ID generator service (610) used for generating the ID element (312, 412) of the unique identifier (310, 410).

2. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein a computer-implemented function is used to produce a random value that is deployed as the ID element (312, 412), wherein each random value is independent of the other random values generated by other calls to the function.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a computer-implemented function is used to produce a pseudo-random value that is deployed as the ID element (312, 412), wherein each pseudo-random value is dependent of the other pseudo-random values generated by other calls to the function.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a computer-implemented function is used to produce at least one of- a timestamp;a nonce;- an initialization vector;- a random string; and- a counter value that is deployed as the ID element (312, 412).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises:- providing the at least one tool mold (614), preferably in a step a), wherein the at least one tool mold (614) is configured for molding at least one surface of the one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses, wherein the tool mold (614) has a mold identifier for unique identification.

6. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the mold identifier is a first further unique identifier (310, 410) comprising a first further ID element (312, 412).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises:- performing, preferably in a step c), at least one mass manufacturing step on the one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one mass manufacturing machine such that one or more mass processed spectacle lenses are generated, wherein preferably the at least one mass manufacturing step is performed in a mass production phase.

8. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises:- based on an order entry, preferably in a step d), selecting at least one particular spectacle lens from the one or more mass processed spectacle lenses, preferably generated in the mass production phase, wherein the orderentry includes an order identifier that is linked with at least one of the mold identifier and the mass identifier.

9. The method according to the preceding claim, further comprising:- assigning, preferably in a step e), more preferably in a lens production phase, a lens identifier for unique identification to the at least one particular spectacle lens, wherein the lens identifier is a second further unique identifier (310, 410) comprising a second further ID element (312, 412).

10. The method according to any one of the two preceding claims, further comprising:- performing, preferably in a step f), at least one lens manufacturing step on the at least one particular spectacle lens by using at least one lens manufacturing machine.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unique identifier (310, 410) comprising an ID element (312, 412) is an identifier that comprises only content serving for a purpose of unique identification.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unique identifier (310, 410) comprising an ID element (312, 412) is an identifier without additional information about the manufacturing process and / or supply chain.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unique identifier (310, 410) comprising an ID element (312, 412) has a structure that comprises a predetermined number of digits, in particular a number of 24 numerical digits.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ID element (312, 412) is generated by using a distributed ID generation algorithm, in particular by using a snowflake algorithm.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unique identifier (310, 410) comprising an ID element (312, 412) is applied on the one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses in the form of a machine-readable code, in particular in the form of a data matrix code.

16. The method according to any one of the seven preceding claims, wherein the mold identifier, the mass identifier and / or the lens identifier are stored as unique identifiers (310, 410) associated with the at least one particular spectacle lens in a global database.

17. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein a link is established between the unique identifiers (310, 410) associated with the at least one particular spectacle lens in the global database such that a unique assignment is provided between the identifiers.

18. The method according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the selecting of the at least one particular spectacle lens is performed after receiving the order entry for manufacturing a spectacle lens, wherein the order entry includes an order identifier that is linked with at least one of the mold identifier, the mass identifier, or the lens identifier of the selected particular spectacle lens in the global database.

19. The method according to any one of the three preceding claims, wherein manufacturing data is collected and identified via the unique identifier (310, 410) in the global database, wherein the manufacturing data is related to at least one of the tool mold (614), the mass processed spectacle lenses, or the particular spectacle lens.

20. A device, wherein the device is configured for performing the steps of a method implemented on a processor, wherein the method is configured for generating a mass identifier configured to be used in manufacturing one or more spectacle lenses, the method comprising:- generating one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one tool mold (614), wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier (310, 410) comprising an ID element (312, 412), characterized in that an ID generator service (610) has multiple instances (612), wherein the unique identifier (310, 410) comprises a further element being uniquely configured, wherein the further element is a static parameter, which refers to a single instance (612) of the ID generator service (610) used for generating the ID element (312, 412) of the unique identifier (310, 410).

21. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of a method implemented on a processor, wherein the method is configured for generating a mass identifier configured to be used in manufacturing one or more spectacle lenses, the method comprising:- generating one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one tool mold (614), wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier (310, 410) comprising an ID element (312, 412), characterized in that an ID generator service (610) has multiple instances (612), wherein the unique identifier (310, 410) comprises a further element being uniquely configured, wherein the further element is a static parameter, which refers to a single instance (612) of the ID generator service (610) used for generating the ID element (312, 412) of the unique identifier (310, 410).

22. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions is disclosed that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform of a method implemented on a processor, wherein the method is configured for generating a mass identifier configured to be used in manufacturing one or more spectacle lenses, the method comprising: generating one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one tool mold (614), wherein a mass identifier for unique identification isassigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier (310, 410) comprising an ID element (312, 412), characterized in that an ID generator service (610) has multiple instances (612), wherein the unique identifier (310, 410) comprises a further element being uniquely configured, wherein the further element is a static parameter, which refers to a single instance (612) of the ID generator service (610) used for generating the ID element (312, 412) of the unique identifier (310, 410).

23. A method for producing at least one spectacle lens (502), wherein the at least one spectacle lens is manufactured by processing at least one lens blank, wherein producing at least one spectacle lens (502) comprises performing a method implemented on a processor, wherein the method is configured for generating a mass identifier configured to be used in manufacturing one or more spectacle lenses, the method comprising:- generating one or more semi-finished spectacle lenses by using at least one tool mold (614), wherein a mass identifier for unique identification is assigned to each semi-finished spectacle lens, wherein the mass identifier is a unique identifier (310, 410) comprising an ID element (312, 412), characterized in that an ID generator service (610) has multiple instances (612), wherein the unique identifier (310, 410) comprises a further element being uniquely configured, wherein the further element is a static parameter, which refers to a single instance (612) of the ID generator service (610) used for generating the ID element (312, 412) of the unique identifier (310, 410).

Images