Optical device and method of manufacturing an optical device

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an optical device comprising providing a first lens part comprising a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction; providing a lens structure an optical component comprising a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface, attaching the fifth surface to the second surface via a first adhesive layer, wherein the attaching further comprises at least one of pressing the optical component towards the second surface of the first lens part or pressing the second surface of the first lens part towards the optical component, causing the optical component to be elastically deformed such that the fifth surface of the optical component is caused to conform to the shape of the second surface of the first lens part. Corresponding device and eyeglasses. Edging method.

Description

[0001] OPTICAL DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AN OPTICAL DEVICE

[0002] This disclosure relates to an optical device, eyeglasses comprising an optical device, a method of manufacturing an optical device, an optical device manufactured with said method and a method for edging an optical device.

[0003] Optical devices are commonly used to regulate transmission of light and may be used in, for example, eyeglasses.

[0004] Compared to lens assemblies consisting of a static arrangement of one or more separate glass or plastic lenses in a frame, modern optical devices may be relatively complex, comprising multiple closely arranged layers made of mutually different materials and with mutually different structures. For example, in a modern optical device, over twenty layers may be included. For example, optical device layers may include a Fresnel lens structure and / or a layer of liquid crystal (LC) material.

[0005] Layers of an optical device are generally arranged in a predetermined sequence along an optical axis in a first, z direction (or equivalently a second direction opposite the first direction), and these layers generally extend in a radial plane spanned by x and y directions perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0006] Optical device layers may serve various functions. For example, layers may serve to allow for manual or automated adjustment of optical properties of the optical device, such as a focus distance of the optical device.

[0007] In examples wherein the optical device is comprised of a lens component, for instance a lens-in- foil, integrated between a first lens part and a second lens part, it may be desirable that the lens component is fully integrated between the lens halves to ensure a good mechanical fixation and environmental protection. For a lens component this may mean that the area over which the lens component is sandwiched between the first lens part and second lens part is increased, for instance increased to the extent that the lens component is sandwiched between both lens parts on substantially its full area. However, when the above-mentioned area is increased, this generally results in an increase of the total weight of this assembly. In many applications, for instance when the optical device is used in a pair of glasses to be worn by a person, this increase of the weight of the optical device is undesirable.

[0008] Furthermore, it may be contemplated to add one or more layers to the (lens component) of the optical device and / or to increase the thickness of one or more of the layers of the (lens component) of the optical device, for instance to improve its functional and / or optical properties. This will also result in an increase of the weight of the optical device.

[0009] It is known to reduce the weight of some types of lenses and to reduce their thickness by giving the lens a curved rather than a flat (planar) shape. More specifically, some types of lenses may be manufactured to have a curved shape such that given a set of preferred optical characteristics, its thickness and thereby its weight is reduced relative to the thickness and weight of a planar lens of the same characteristics.

[0010] In case the optical device is comprised of a first and second lens part and an optical component comprising a plurality of layers, manufacturing may be very complex and / or may be difficult to scale up when a large number of optical devices is to be manufactured. For instance, bending a multi-layered optical component in order to give it a curved shape may give rise to misalignment of its layers and / or may involve a heat treatment that may jeopardize the quality of the optical component. For instance in complex multilayer optical components and / or optical parts with integrated electro-optical properties (such as an optical device comprising a liquid-crystal (LC) cell), such a heat treatment is to be avoided.

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an optical device of a certain optical quality that is relatively thin and / or lightweight while still meeting predefined quality requirements.

[0012] It is also an object to provide a method of manufacturing an optical device that is relatively simple in view of the desired performance.

[0013] It is also an object to provide a method of manufacturing an optical device that is reliable and / or that can be performed at relatively low temperatures.

[0014] It is also an object to provide a method of manufacturing an optical device that enables the use of optical materials or part having electro-optical properties, for instance comprising a liquid crystal layer or cell.

[0015] It is a further object to provide an optical device with functional properties which are at least equivalent to those of existing optical devices, while the thickness of the optical device is less detrimental to potential applications.

[0016] According to a first aspect, a method of manufacturing an optical device is provided, comprising: providing a first lens part comprising a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction; providing a lens structure an optical component comprising a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface, attaching the fifth surface to the second surface via a first adhesive layer, wherein the attaching further comprises at least one of pressing the optical component towards the second surface of the first lens part or pressing the second surface of the first lens part towards the optical component, causing the optical component to be elastically deformed such that the fifth surface of the optical component is caused to conform to the shape of the second surface of the first lens part; providing a second lens part comprising a third surface facing the first direction and a fourth surface facing the second direction; and attaching the sixth surface to the third surface via a second adhesive layer. In certain embodiments, the first adhesive layer comprises a UV-curing adhesive, wherein preferably the attaching of the fifth surface to the second surface via the first adhesive layer comprises pressing the fifth surface towards the second surface.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the UV-curing adhesive is selected to be sufficiently sensitive, more preferably most sensitive, to a respective subrange of UV light, and the first lens part and / or the optical component comprise one or more materials selected to be sufficiently transparent, more preferably most transparent, to the same respective subrange of UV light, to allow curing of the first adhesive layer by providing UV light in that subrange.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the attaching of the fifth surface to the second surface via the first adhesive layer comprises: dispensing the UV-curing adhesive in an uncured state; and curing of the UV-curing adhesive.

[0019] In certain other embodiments, the first adhesive layer comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive, PSA, wherein preferably the attaching the fifth surface to the second surface via a first adhesive layer comprises pressing the fifth surface against the second surface.

[0020] Certain embodiments further comprise applying the first adhesive layer in the form of a PSA tape or film.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the pressing the fifth surface against the second surface comprises membrane pressing.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the attaching the fifth surface to the second surface via the first adhesive layer is performed by providing in a lowered-pressure environment, preferably in a vacuum, between the optical component and the first lens part.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the attaching of the fifth surface to the second surface via the first adhesive layer is performed by providing heightened pressure to the sixth surface, preferably by a mechanical means such as a stamp or membrane pressing.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the second adhesive layer comprises a hardened liquid adhesive, preferably a UV-curing adhesive or a hardened glue.

[0025] Certain embodiments further comprise applying the second adhesive layer in a fluid form, such as an uncured UV-curing adhesive or a liquid glue.

[0026] Certain embodiments further comprise continually maintaining conditions under which the optical component does not plastically deform.

[0027] Certain embodiments further comprise controlling the environmental temperature to remain under a predetermined maximum temperature, preferably a maximum temperature selected to be a fixed amount under a critical temperature at which at least some materials in the optical component gain plastic traits, such as a predetermined maximum temperature of 105 degrees Celsius. In certain embodiments, the pressing of the optical component and / or the first lens part is performed at a temperature of 105 degrees Celsius or less, preferably 80 degrees Celsius or less, or preferably 60 degrees or less, most preferably at room temperature.

[0028] According to a second aspect, at least one of these objects may be achieved at least partially in an optical device manufactured with the method as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

[0029] According to a third aspect, at least one of these objects may be achieved at least partially in an optical device, optionally an optical device manufactured using a method as claimed in any of claims 1-15, the optical device comprising a first lens part comprising a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction; a second lens part comprising a third surface facing the first direction and a fourth surface facing the second direction; an optical component comprising a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface, wherein the optical component is positioned between the first lens part and the second lens part and wherein the optical component comprises a plurality of layers, wherein the fifth surface is attached to the second surface via a first adhesive layer and wherein the sixth surface is attached to the third surface via a second adhesive layer; wherein the second surface is concave or convex; wherein the optical component has a resting shape wherein the fifth surface is a flat plane; wherein the optical component is elastically deformed such that the fifth surface conforms to the shape of the second surface.

[0030] Such an optical device can be made more compact and lighter while remaining functionally equivalent in its application.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the first adhesive layer comprises a UV-curing adhesive. In other embodiments, the first adhesive layer comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive, PSA.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the third surface is concave or convex, wherein the optical component is elastically deformed such that the sixth surface conforms to the shape of the third surface.

[0033] In certain embodiments, one of the second surface and the third surface is convex and the other of the second surface and the third surface is concave, wherein preferably the second surface and the third surface have matching shapes.

[0034] In embodiments of the present disclosure the optical component is an electroactive component. For instance, the optical component may comprises a liquid crystal layer or a liquid crystal cell.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the optical component comprises at least two electrode layers, wherein on both sides of the liquid crystal layer or cell, at least one electrode layer is positioned.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the optical component comprises a Fresnel-lens structure. In certain embodiments, the Fresnel-lens structure is embedded in the liquid crystal layer or cell.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the second surface and / or third surface is concave in all radial directions, preferably wherein the second surface and / or third surface is shaped as a part of the outer surface of a sphere.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the second surface and / or the third surface is shaped according to a standard base curve, for example one of base curve one, base curve two, base curve three, base curve four, base curve five, or base curve six.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the elastically deformed optical component is concave in all radial directions, preferably wherein the fifth surface and / or the sixth surface is shaped as a part of the outer surface of a sphere, more preferably wherein the optical component as a whole may be shaped as a part of a spherical shell.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the second adhesive layer comprises a hardened liquid adhesive, for example a UV-curing adhesive or a hardened glue.

[0041] In certain embodiments, irregularities in the sixth surface of the elastically deformed optical component are embedded in the hardened liquid adhesive.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the optical component has a resting shape wherein the sixth surface is a flat plane. A resting shape of the optical component may be defined as a natural, equilibrium shape of an object when it is not subjected to any external forces or stresses.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the first surface is convex.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the fourth surface is concave.

[0045] According to a fourth aspect, eyeglasses are provided, comprising an optical device according to any of the preceding claims.

[0046] According to a fifth aspect, an optical device manufactured with the method according to the third aspect is provided.

[0047] According to a sixth aspect, a method for edging an optical device is provided, the method comprising: providing an optical device according to the first or fourth aspect, or an optical device manufactured with the method according to the third aspect; obtaining tracing information for an eyeglass frame, for example by tracing an eyeglass frame or by retrieving tracing information for an eyeglass frame from a memory or database; aligning the optical device; and cutting the optical device based on the tracing information for the eyeglass frame.

[0048] The disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0049] Figure 1 is a cross-section of an embodiment of a multi-layered optical component, more specifically an electroactive optical component, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of an example of an optical device according to related art. Figures 3A-C show stages of an example of a method of manufacturing an optical device according to related art.

[0051] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an optical device according to the present disclosure.

[0052] Figures 5A-5C are cross-sections showing respective manufacturing steps for manufacturing the embodiment of the optical device of figure 4; and

[0053] Figure 6 indicates schematically various steps of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing an optical device according to the present disclosure.

[0054] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary to elucidate example embodiments, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested. Furthermore, all publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

[0055] It is noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

[0056] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible.

[0057] Figure 1 shows schematically an example of an optical component 101 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] An optical component 101 (for instance, a lens-in-foil 101 herein also referred to as a lens cell) may comprise a plurality of layers stacked in the direction of the optical axis (in z-direction), for example fifteen or twenty layers, and / or further components not always forming layers, like cavities (herein also referred to as cells) for holding liquid crystal material or electrical connections for powering electrode layers in case of electroactive optical components.

[0059] Each layer of an optical component has an extension in the (x, y) plane, preferably the same extension as other layers. Each layer of an optical component has a certain thickness. A layer of an optical component may be of various types. For some examples, a layer of an optical component may be a structured lens element 102, a substrate 104, 105, an electrode 106, 107, a cavity 108, an alignment layer 111, an adhesive part or sealing part 103 forming a border around the cavity 108 so as to seal the cavity from its surroundings, or the layer may be of yet another type-

[0060] The depicted embodiment comprises six layers: five layers 104, 106, 111, 107, 105 and a composite middle layer comprising various parts 103, 108, 109, 102, 112. This is just an example. In other embodiments, certain layers may be in different orders, layers may be omitted, other layers may be present, or further copies of the same types of layers may be present. In particular, further layers relating to electroactivity may be present, and / or two copies of the depicted optical component 101 may be present.

[0061] Unless demanded by its function or unavoidable due to structural considerations, it is preferred if a layer of an optical component 101 is substantially completely transparent and / or substantially non-refracting. One or more layers may be partially nontransparent but may be transparent at least in a part of their extension which is relevant to the functioning of the optical component 101. One or more layers may be nontransparent, refractive, and / or otherwise configured to interact with light passing through the optical component 101. A layer may be configured such that its optical properties are permanent, are controllable, and / or change in response to predetermined circumstances.

[0062] A layer of an optical component 101 may be composite, that is, divided in extension or thickness into at least two parts, wherein each part may be of one of the above-mentioned layer types. With regard to the functioning of the optical component 101, certain parts of a composite layer may be regarded as separate (sub)layers. For example, in figure 1, the Fresnel-lens structure 102 and the additional layer 112 may be regarded as separate layers.

[0063] A layered optical component 101 may be a lens-in-foil structure. A lens-in-foil structure is not limited to a certain material but refers to a flat, preferably layered, and relatively flexible structure. Structural layers of a lens-in-foil may comprise, for example, glass, or more preferably a foil or plastic material. In embodiments of the present disclosure the optical component 101 constitutes an electroactive optical component, more specifically a tunable electroactive optical component wherein the optical properties of the lens-structure can be changed (i.e. tuned) by changing the voltage applied to one or more electrodes arranged inside the optical component 101.

[0064] The electroactive optical component 101 may be part of a lens (or lens assembly), for instance lens comprised of the optical component sandwiched between two lens parts, for instance two lens halves. The lens may be part of a pair of glasses (cf. figure 3) for correcting myopia or presbyopia. For instance, the electroactive optical component 101 may be sandwiched between two lens halves (shown in figure 1, not shown in figure 1) providing an optical device with a suitable optical power. The electroactive optical component 101 comprises a first substrate 104 at which a first electrode 106 is formed, a second substrate 105 at which a second electrode 107 is formed, and a volume or cavity 108 enclosed between the first and second substrate 104, 106, in the specific embodiment between the electrode 106,107, and sealed by two borders 103 arranged at opposite ends of the electroactive optical component 101. The first substrate 104, second substrate 105, first electrode 106 and second electrode 107 may be made of an optically transparent material. For instance, the electrodes 106, 107 may comprise tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) layers and / or indium-zinc oxide (IZO) layers. The first and second electrodes 106, 107 may be connected to an electrical power source (not shown). The power source may be configured to apply a voltage difference between the first and second electrodes when the optical device is switched into an on- state while in an off-state essentially no voltage difference exist between the first and second electrodes.

[0065] The sealed volume or sealed cavity 108 between the optically transparent electrodes 106, 107 may contain a Fresnel-lens structure 102 and at least a liquid-crystal (LC) layer formed of liquid crystals. The cavity 108 of the electroactive optical component 101 may comprise an optical component in the form of a Fresnel lens structure, although other types of diffractive structures, such as a liquid crystal only Fresnel lens relying only on liquid crystal molecules reorientation and not comprising a solid Fresnel lens structure, or an electrochromic lens, could be employed as well. The Fresnel-lens structure 102 extends in the shown embodiment over only a part of the width of the cavity 108 so that at both lateral ends of the optical component a respective intermediate space 108a, 108b is present. In other embodiments, however, the optical component extends to contact the two borders 103 (which borders 103 may be formed by plugs arranged between the first and second substrates 104, 105. Furthermore, the Fresnel- lens structure 102 is positioned in the center of the cavity 108, although in other embodiments the Fresnel-lens structure may be arranged closer to either of the borders 103 of the electroactive optical component 101. The Fresnel-lens structure 103 is made of transparent material as well, for instance an isotropic polymeric material.

[0066] For example, as illustrated in figure 1, the Fresnel-lens structure 102 may be arranged on the second electrode 107. On top of the first electrode 106 (or as part of the first electrode 106) an alignment layer 111 may be arranged for aligning the LC material inside the cavity 108. Furthermore, an additional layer 112 (see especially the enlarged section of figure 1) may be arranged on top of the optical component 102, i.e. on the surface of the optical component 102 facing the LC material in the cavity 108. The electrodes 106, 107 are configured to alter (tune) the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules inside the liquid crystal (LC) layer to thereby alter the refractive index of the liquid-crystal (LC) layer in the transverse direction (x-direction of figure 1) of the electroactive optical component 101. More specifically, it is the refractive index in transversal (horizontal) direction which is the one that needs to be either matched or not matched with the Fresnel lens. Thereby a variation in the optical power of the electroactive optical component 101 may be obtained. The alignment of the liquid crystal molecules can be changed by activation of the electroactive optical component 101. The electroactive optical component 101 is configured to be activated using a voltage applied to the optically transparent electrodes 106, 107.

[0067] When no voltage is applied to the electrodes 106,107 the orientation of the liquid-crystal molecules in the cell is determined by the alignment on the contact surfaces (of the alignment layer 111 and the additional layer 112) in the cell. More specifically, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal (LC) layer exhibit both in-plane and out-of-plane orientation wherein the in-plane alignment direction of the liquid crystals typically coincides with the rubbing or illumination direction of the contact surface. The average upward tilt angle of the liquid crystals from the contact surface plane is then referred to as the (unidirectional) pretilt angle (0). When a voltage is applied to the electrodes 106, 107, the electric field generated between the electrodes 106, 107 will cause a different alignment direction of the liquid crystals.

[0068] A further example of an electroactive optical component is described in the document WO 2022 / 090223 Al of the same applicant, the content of which is herein incorporated.

[0069] Figure 2 shows an example of an optical device 200. The optical device 200 comprises a first lens part 210, a second lens part 210, and an optical component 101 between the first lens part 210 and the second lens part 220. The first lens part 210 and second lens part 220 may be passive lenses. The optical component 101 may be according to figure 1. In order to distinctively show these components of the optical device 200, they are depicted spaced apart in an optical axis (z axis) direction and not attached to each other.

[0070] The first lens part 210 comprises a first surface 211 facing a first direction and a second surface 212 facing a second direction opposite the first direction. Both the first direction and second direction extend along the optical axis of the optical device 200.

[0071] In the depicted embodiment, the first surface 211 is curved to be convex and the second surface extends in a flat plane. Because the first surface 211 is curved, not every part of the first surface 211 faces exactly in the first direction, but it will be clear to the skilled person that the first surface 211 as a whole is functionally facing the first direction. The same holds for other curved surfaces in the optical device 200.

[0072] The second lens part 220 comprises a third surface 213 facing the first direction and a fourth surface 214 facing the second direction. In the depicted embodiment, the third surface 213 extends in a flat plane and the fourth surface 214 is curved to be concave.

[0073] The optical component 101 comprises a fifth surface 215 and a sixth surface 216 opposite the fifth surface 216, wherein the optical component is positioned between the first lens part and the second lens part. As an example, the optical component 101 is depicted with layers 104, 106, 111, 107, and 105 of the optical component 101 of figure 1. The depicted first lens part 210, being defined by a convex surface and a flat surface, is thickest in the middle, while the depicted second lens part 202, being defined by a flat surface and a concave surface, is thickest at the radial edges. At any point on the extension of the optical device 200, the local thickness of the optical device 200 as a whole is the sum of the thickness of the optical component 101, which is flat, plus that of any adhesive layers, plus the local thickness of the first lens part 210 and the local thickness of the second lens part 220. The total thickness of the optical device 200 is the sum of the thickness of the optical component 101 and any adhesive layers, plus the greatest local thickness of the center of the first lens part 210 and the greatest local thickness of the radial edge of the second lens part 220. In the depicted embodiment, both the local thickness across the extension and the overall thickness are relatively great.

[0074] One approach to manufacturing an optical device 200, such as the embodiment of figure 2, is to attach a flat optical component 101 between two lens parts using a liquid adhesive.

[0075] Figure 3 A depicts an optical device 200 comprising a first lens part 210, a second lens part 220, and a flat optical component 101 between the first lens part 210 and the second lens part 220. These three parts are provided separately.

[0076] Figure 3B depicts an assembled optical device 200 wherein the optical component 101 is attached between the first lens part 210 and the second lens part 220 using a liquid adhesive. In this embodiment, the extension of optical component 101 falls completely within the extension of each of the first lens part 210 and the second lens part 220.

[0077] The assembled optical device 200 is relatively thick and therefore heavy and unwieldy. When the area of an optical device 200 with integrated optical component 101 is increased, this results in a strong further increase of the total weight of the assembled product.

[0078] Figure 3C shows a stage of another embodiment of a method of manufacturing an optical device.

[0079] A pre-curved optical component 101 is positioned between a first lens part 210 and a second lens part 220. In the embodiments of figure 3C, the second surface 212 of the first lens part and the third surface 213 of the second lens part 220 are curved in a concave and convex shape, respectively, so that all of the first through fourth surfaces 211-214 are curved in the same direction.

[0080] A pre-curved optical component 101 has been adhered between the lens parts. For instance, a structural adhesive 230 (herein also referred to as a liquid adhesive) is used to attach the lens component 101 to the lens parts 210, 220. The structural adhesive 230 should have sufficient thickness to accommodate any shape variations of the lens component and / or shape variations of the inner surfaces of first and second lens parts 210, 220. More specifically, the fifth surface 215 and sixth surface 216 of the pre-curved optical component 101 are curved in a convex and concave shape, respectively, so that both are curved in the same direction and the optical component 101 is combined with the first lens part 210 and second lens part 220 so that all of the first through sixth surfaces 211-216 are curved more or less in the same direction.

[0081] The creation of a pre-curved optical component 101 can be done either by manufacturing the optical component 101 from pre-curved layers, such as pre-curved foils, or by plastically shaping the optical component 101 before assembly. This plastically shaping of the optical component involves subjecting the (layers of the) optical component to a heat treatment (i.e. a thermoforming process) that causes a permanent (in principle non-reversible) deformation of the optical component from a flat shape into the desired curved shape. However, this manufacturing of the optical component comprising curved layers, in particular two-dimensionally curved layers, requires a complex process that is difficult to scale up for large area, high volume processes. Furthermore, the curved shape resulting from preforming must be extremely accurate to prevent imperfections such as air bubbles, to remain between the optical component and either of the first / second optical parts. Additionally, plastically shaping the optical component by thermoforming may also introduce multiple challenges relating to limited thermal tolerance of materials in the optical component, as well as introducing a risk of mismatches between the coefficients of thermal expansion of various layers, in particular mismatches of complex multilayer structures with integrated electro-optical properties, such as LC layers. Furthermore, with plastic shaping, as with manufacturing a curved optical component, it is difficult to acquire a smoothly and appropriately two-dimensionally curved shape.

[0082] Figure 4 shows in more detail an embodiment of an optical device 200 wherein the various components have curved shapes which result in an optical device 200 which is advantageous in application due to its compactness and low weight. As in figure 2, the components are depicted spaced apart in an optical axis (z axis) direction and not attached to each other.

[0083] In figure 2, sections 210A and 210B of the first lens part 210 and sections 220A and 220B of the second lens part 220 are indicated. These sections are not present in the corresponding components in the embodiment of figure 4, which allows for a smaller local and overall thickness of the optical device 200.

[0084] Preferably, the optical component 101 is not just curved in one dimension, but in two dimensions. The optical component 101 may be concave in all radial direction. For example, the fifth surface 215 and / or the sixth surface may be shaped as a part of the outer surface of a sphere, wherein the optical component 101 as a whole may be shaped as a part of a spherical shell. This way, the optical component 101 may fit a second surface 212 and / or third surface 213 shaped in matching way. It is preferred if the curve of the second and fifth surface 212, 215 matches that of the third and sixth curve 213, 216. In that case, a flat optical component 101 will tend to fit between them particularly well. It is advantageous if the curves of all of the first through sixth surface 211-216 of the components of the optical device 200 are selected based on the same curve, for example in that they have the same curve, in order to prevent unintended optical effects of differing curve shapes such as internal reflections. Any or any combination of the first through sixth surface 211-216 may be shaped according to a base curve as standardized in optometric practice. For example, the same curve may be equal to a base curve, such as a whole number base curve, such as base curve one, base curve two, base curve three, base curve four, base curve five, or base curve six.

[0085] Figures 5A-C show stages of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing an optical device. Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a method 300 of manufacturing an optical device. The applicant has discovered that a more compact optical device 200 may be obtained by applying elastic deformation of an optical component 101, without adverse effects on the functionality of the resulting device. This method 300 works even in case of a lens-in-foil, and even in case liquid crystal and / or a Fresnel-lens structure are incorporated.

[0086] The method 300 comprises a step of providing 301 a first lens part 200 comprising a first surface 211 facing a first direction and a second surface 212 facing a second direction opposite the first direction, and a step of providing 302 an optical component 101 comprising a fifth surface 215 and a sixth surface 216 opposite the fifth surface 215. Figure 5A depicts a first lens part 210 and an optical component 101. The depicted first lens part 210 is curved, while the depicted optical component 101 is flat.

[0087] The method further comprises a step of attaching 303 the fifth surface 215 to the second surface 212 via a first adhesive layer 240, wherein the optical component 101 is elastically deformed such that the fifth surface 215 conforms to the shape of the second surface 212. Figure 5B depicts a first lens part 210 and optical component 101 attached via a first adhesive layer 240.

[0088] The elastically deforming of the optical component 101 to the curved second surface 212 may comprise membrane vacuum lamination. At the same time, the optical component 101 may be adhered to the second surface 212 via a first adhesive layer 240, for example a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) film or a UV-curing adhesive.

[0089] A pressure-sensitive adhesive (also referred to as a self-stick adhesive) is a type of nonreactive adhesive which forms a bond when pressure is applied to bond the adhesive with a surface. In principle no solvent, water, or heat is needed to activate the adhesive. A PSA may be, for example, a tape comprising a flexible, optically clear, film covered on both sides by a liquid adhesive. Alternatively, a PSA may be a liquid adhesive, such as a glue. It is important that the PSA is at least sticky or tacky from the start to hold the optical component 101 in a deformed shape, and that it may be uniformly applied.

[0090] In view of the fact that in principle no heat is needed to attach the optical component 101 to the curved second surface of the first lens part and maintain the optical component in a curved shape against this curved second surface, there is no risk of damaging the optical component as a result of heat, for instance by thermal deformation causing plastic deformation of the (portions of the) optical component. In other words, the optical component can be elastically deformed into the correct curved shape (i.e. a curved shape adapted to the curvature of the (second surface of the) lens part to which the optical component 101 is to be attached) and plastic deformation of (portions of the) optical component 101 for instance caused by otherwise needed heating of the optical component, can be avoided.

[0091] The process of adapting the optical component 101 to the shape of the first lens part is done during the manufacturing process, more specifically the assembling process, and this process can be performed without heating of the optical component. This means that the components of the optical component are less likely damaged (some components might otherwise not survive the considerable heating needed in a thermoforming process, typically to temperatures as high as 120- 140 degrees Celsius) and / or that the risk of components not staying at the same relative position during the bending may be reduced.

[0092] More specifically, plastically shaping the optical component 101 (for instance a lens-in- foil) by thermoforming introduces multiple challenges on limited thermal budgets and Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) mismatches between the layers constituting the optical component 101, especially (not exclusively) when the optical component 101 comprises complex multilayer structures with electro-optical properties integrated, e.g. a liquid crystal (LC) cell.

[0093] A PSA film may be provided in solid form between the optical component 101 and the lens part. The optical component 101 may be pushed onto the curved inner surface of the first lens part 210 (with the pressure sensitive adhesive film arranged between the fifth surface of the optical component 101 and the second surface of the lens part) by applying a pressure onto the sixth surface of the optical component 101, preferably a pressure that is evenly distributed over the sixth surface of the optical component. A membrane may be applied to the sixth surface during pressing, and the pressure may be applied to the membrane and thus indirectly to the sixth surface. This may aid in evenly applying the pressure and / or to reduce the risk of damaging the optical component 101. During the pushing action (by applying pressure onto the optical component 101) the optical component is deformed in an elastic, non-plastic manner to adapt to the curved surface shape of the first lens part 201.

[0094] Alternatively, a UV-curing adhesive may be used as a first adhesive. UV-curing adhesives work by undergoing a chemical reaction when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, transforming from a liquid or semi-liquid state into a solid state for bonding. UV-curing adhesives may comprise monomers and oligomers which function as reactive components that form the base of the adhesive. UV-curing adhesives may further comprise photoinitiators, which are chemicals that absorb UV light and initiate polymerization. UV-curing adhesives may further comprise additives such as stabilizers, thickeners, or fillers.

[0095] The UV-curing adhesive may be applied to a surface be bonded by dispensing the UV- curing adhesive onto that surface in an uncured state. As long as it remains in the uncured state, this allows for precise positioning and mutual adjusting of components to be bonded. After dispensing of the UV-curing adhesive and positioning of the components, the UV-curing adhesive may be exposed to UV light, typically in the range from 250 to 400 or 410 nm in wavelength, for curing the adhesive in situ. A selected UV-curing adhesive will be sufficiently sensitive, or most sensitive, to UV light in a respective subrange of that range with regard to curing, which may be the entire UV light range. Similarly, a material selected for a component of the optical device will be sufficiently transparent, or most transparent, to UV light in a respective subrange.

[0096] One or more, preferably all, of the components of the optical device (such as the first lens part, the second lens part, and / or the optical component) may comprise, or may at least substantially consist of, one or more materials selected to be sufficiently transparent to all UV light or at least sufficiently transparent, preferably most transparent, to UV light in a subrange suitable for curing a UV-curing adhesive. Preferably, all components of the optical device substantially consist of one or more materials selected to be sufficiently transparent to UV light in the same subrange.

[0097] Advantageously, a UV-curing adhesive and the materials of one or more, preferably all, components to be bonded by that adhesive are adapted to the same subrange of UV light, in that the UV-curing adhesive is selected to be sufficiently sensitive, or most sensitive, to UV light in the same subrange to which the materials are sufficiently transparent, preferably most transparent. A suitable material may be, for example, a glass and / or plastic material. An example of a suitable subrange, in particular in combination with plastic materials, is marginal long-wave UV from 390 to 400 or 410 nm in wavelength.

[0098] In case the first adhesive layer 240 comprises a UV-curing adhesive, the step of attaching 303 the fifth surface 215 to the second surface 212 via a first adhesive layer 240 comprises providing UV light including, or limited to, a suitable subrange to the first adhesive layer 240 via at least one surface out of the fifth surface 215 and the second surface 212. In order for the UV light to reach the UV-curing adhesive, the components comprising that at least one surface, and preferably all components of the (partially or fully assembled) optical device on that side of the UV-curing adhesive, should comprise such suitable materials.

[0099] Upon absorption of the UV energy, photoinitiators may break down into free radicals. Free radicals may subsequently trigger the polymerization of monomers and oligomers. On a microscopic scale, the molecules link together as to form long polymer chains. On a macroscopic scale, upon the formation of these polymer chains, the UV-curing adhesive hardens into a solid, strong bond.

[0100] A main advantage of using a UV-curing adhesive when compared to using a PSA film may be that using a UV-curing adhesive allows for improved scalability of the manufacturing process and allows for increased yield by reducing the occurrence of optical non-uniformities and providing an opportunity to detect any imperfections such as air bubbles or particles before curing, so that rework may be performed.

[0101] Additionally, different types of adhesive layers may be used for the adhesion of different interfaces in the same device. For example, a PSA film may be used for the interface between the second and fifth surface, while a UV-curing adhesive may be used between the third and sixth surface, or the other way round.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment the pressure onto the sixth surface of the optical component is a result of providing a relatively low pressure in the area between the optical component 101 and the first lens part 210 and providing a relatively high pressure at the opposite side of the optical component 101. The resulting pressure difference causes the optical component 101 to adapt to the shape of the second surface of the first lens part 210 (i.e. to bend from the essentially planar shape before the start of the manufacturing process to the curved shape of the lens part). This preferred approach better accommodates thickness variations.

[0103] In an especially preferred embodiment a so-called vacuum lamination step is applied to remove or avoid any air inclusions (for instance, air bubbles) in the space between the optical component 101 and the first lens part 101. The relatively high pressure on the sixth surface of the optical component 101 can be provided by the ambient air pressure (for instance, atmospheric pressure (1 atm)) or by a stamp or similar mechanical means that may be moved to lie against the optical component and push the same onto the (inner) second surface of the first lens part, preferably by a membrane. The first adhesive layer 240 in the form of the pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) film or UV-curing adhesive may ensure that the optical component 101 remains in this shape after it is attached.

[0104] In order to prevent plastic deformation, the method and in particular the step of attaching 303 the fifth surface 215 to the second surface 212 via a first adhesive layer 240, may involve controlling the temperature of the environment to remain under a predetermined maximum temperature. This temperature may be selected depending on properties of the materials of the optical device 200, in particular the optical component 101. For example, the temperature should be below a critical temperature at which at least one of the materials in the optical component 101 melt or otherwise gains plastic traits. For example, the maximum temperature may be selected to be a fixed amount, such as five degrees Celsius, under this critical temperature. In some cases, the critical temperature may be 110 degrees Celsius, so that the maximum temperature may be 105 degrees Celsius.

[0105] The materials in the optical component 101 may be selected in order to tolerate a certain environmental temperature long-term, for example for hours or days or longer, without degrading in function or incurring damage. The critical temperature may only need to be resisted for seconds or minutes and may be higher than the tolerable temperature. In some cases, the tolerable temperature may be 80 degrees Celsius.

[0106] In other embodiment, the temperature at which the elastic deformation is performed, is kept at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius or less. In some embodiments the optical device is manufactured at a considerably lower temperature such as room temperature (between 18-21 degrees Celsius).

[0107] In elastic deformation, the shape of layers and / or parts of the optical component 101 may be affected. For example, the shape of an LC cell and / or of a Fresnel-lens structure may be affected. The applicant has found that, contrary to expectations, this effect is generally not critical. In cases where the effect must be reduced, this can be done by adjusting the design of the LC cell and / or Fresnel-lens structure and / or other layers and / or parts in order to anticipate the deformation.

[0108] The method further comprises a step of providing 304 a second lens part 220 comprising a third surface 213 facing the first direction and a fourth surface 214 facing the second direction, and a step of attaching 305 the sixth surface 216 to the third surface 213 via a second adhesive layer 250. In this final assembly step, the first lens part 210 with attached optical component 101 is attached to the second lens part 220. The second lens part 220 may have a matching curvature.

[0109] The attachment of the second lens part to the optical component 101 via the second adhesive layer 250 is preferably accomplished using a liquid (transparent) adhesive (for instance, glue) . In some embodiments, a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or a UV-curing adhesive similar to the first adhesive layer may be used as second adhesive layer 250. The optical component is maintained in its deformed, curved shape by the first adhesive layer. This means that during the last step 304 any possible mismatch in optical component topology and front-back curves may be compensated for by the second adhesive layer 250.

[0110] The second adhesive layer 250 may be a liquid adhesive. This may be a liquid adhesive configured to harden after application, such as an uncured UV-curing adhesive or a liquid glue. Using a liquid adhesive is advantageous to uniform assembly. The second adhesive layer 250 may envelop any thickness variation of the optical component 101 and / or any variation of planarity of the inner surfaces of both lens parts. Thereby, and more generally, the second adhesive layer 250 may compensate for mismatch in optical component 101 topology and the curvature of the first lens part 210 and second lens part 220. This is regardless of whether the mismatch originates from manufacturing tolerances or from the elastic deformation step. The second adhesive layer 250 may be a UV-curing adhesive. In case a UV-curing adhesive is used as the second adhesive layer 250, the step of attaching 305 the sixth surface 216 to the third surface 213 via a second adhesive layer 250 comprises providing UV light including a suitable subrange to the first adhesive layer via at least one surface out of the fifth surface 215 and the second surface 212, correspondingly to the approach in the case wherein a UV-curing adhesive is used as the first adhesive layer 240.

[0111] In case a UV-curing adhesive is used in an attaching step 303, 305, in order to obtain the desired elastic deformation of the optical component, it is preferred to provide the UV light and the pressure at the same time over at least part of the duration of the respective attaching step 303, 305. More specifically, in case a UV-curing adhesive is used, an attaching step 303, 305 may comprise a first substep wherein pressure is applied and no particular UV light is provided, in order to deform the optical component, and a second substep wherein pressure is applied and UV light is provided at the same time, in order to cause adhesion while keeping the optical component deformed, and after the adhesion has been achieved at least partially, optionally a third substep wherein UV light is provided and pressure is not applied, which may be referred to as a post-curing step, in order to increase the adhesion.

[0112] In case a UV-curing adhesive is used in both attaching steps 303, 305, it is additionally advantageous to perform both attaching steps 303, 305 at the same time, which may mean that all steps of the method are performed at the same time. The first lens part, optical component, and second lens part may be provided all at the same time and all respective surfaces may be attached at the same time. The pressure applied and the UV light provided may be the same in such a case. This is a particularly efficient and streamlined approach.

[0113] It is noted that in general, regardless of the composition of the adhesive layer used in an attaching step 303, 305, pressure may be applied during that attaching step 303, 305. In case of the first attaching step 303 which involves deformation, the pressure may cause the elastic deformation. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure may either cause or aid the adhesion, depending on the composition of the respective adhesive layer.

[0114] Figure 5C depicts a result of the method 300, namely an optical device 200 additionally comprising the second lens part 220 and the second adhesive layer 250.

[0115] In figure 5C, the first lens part 210 has a convex first surface directed toward the outside of the assembled optical device (in the first direction) and a concave second surface directed toward the inside, whereas the second lens part 220 has a concave fourth surface directed toward the outside of the assembled optical device (in the second direction) and a convex third surface directed toward the inside. In such a configuration, the optical device as a whole is directional, being convex toward one side and concave toward the opposite side. In many applications of a directional optical device, the convex side may be referred to as the front side of the optical device and the concave side may be referred to as the back side of the optical device. Accordingly, the first lens part 210 may be referred to as the front lens part and the second lens part 220 may be referred to as the back lens part. However, it will be clear to the skilled person that the distinction between a front side and a back side depends on the application and is not inherent in the device itself. Either the assignment of the front-back direction or the actual curvature, or both, may be reversed within the scope of the present method and device.

[0116] In some applications, a concave side of an optical device may be regarded as the front side and an opposing convex side may be regarded as the back side.

[0117] In some embodiments of the optical device, the curvature of the first lens part 210 and second lens part 220 may be reversed compared to figure 5C. In some corresponding embodiments of the manufacturing method, in step 303, the optical component is elastically deformed such that the fifth surface 215 conforms to the shape of a convex second surface 212. In an example embodiment, the first adhesive layer is a pressure-sensitive adhesive and the second surface 212 is concave. In another example embodiment, the liquid adhesive is a UV-curing adhesive and the second surface 212 is convex. In other embodiments, another combination of a second surface curvature and an adhesive may be made.

[0118] After the optical device 200 has been manufactured, one or more post-processing steps may be applied.

[0119] An example of a post-processing step is machining the optical device 200, in particular a convex outer surface of a directional optical device 200, in order to tune its optical power. Machining may be performed while the optical device 200 is sat on a block with an outer surface, in particular the convex outer surface in case of a directional optical device 200.

[0120] Setting the optical device 200 on the block may be performed as a substep of machining the optical device 200. Alternatively, particularly in case of applying pressure-sensitive adhesives as the first and second adhesive layers 240, 250, setting the optical device 200 on a block may be performed as part of the manufacturing method itself, regardless of whether a post-processing step of machining the optical device 200 is ultimately applied. For example, in the step of providing a first lens part 210, the first lens part 210 may be provided set on a block, and the optical device 200 may be manufactured on that block.

[0121] For the manufacturing approach in which an optical component 101 is integrated between two lens parts it is highly desired that the optical component 101 is fully integrated between the lens parts to ensure a good mechanical fixation and environmental protection. This means the optical component 101 should preferably be sandwiched between the lens parts over its full extension. In the finished form of the optical device 200, the second adhesive layer 250 may radially surround the optical component 101 on all sides. At the same time, it may be completely inside the radial (x, y) extension of the first lens part 210 and / or second lens part 220.

[0122] Another example of a post-processing step is edging, which comprises finishing of the radial sides of the optical device 200. In post-processing, the optical device 200 may be edged by tracing an eyeglass frame to obtain tracing information for the eyeglass frame, aligning the optical device 200, and cutting the optical device 200 so as to match the tracing information for the eyeglass frame. Tracing information may record a shape of the eyeglass frame. The shape of the eyeglass frame may comprise an outline of the frame, a base curve and / or a bevel profile.

[0123] Alternatively, the edging may be performed based on tracing information for an eyeglass frame stored in a memory based on previous tracing and / or retrieved from a database. In that case, the tracing substep may be omitted from the edging post-processing step.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Method of manufacturing an optical device, comprising: providing a first lens part comprising a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction; providing an optical component comprising a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface, attaching the fifth surface to the second surface via a first adhesive layer, wherein the attaching further comprises at least one of pressing the optical component towards the second surface of the first lens part or pressing the second surface of the first lens part towards the optical component, causing the optical component to be elastically deformed such that the fifth surface of the optical component is caused to conform to the shape of the second surface of the first lens part; providing a second lens part comprising a third surface facing the first direction and a fourth surface facing the second direction; and attaching the sixth surface to the third surface via a second adhesive layer.

2. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the first adhesive layer comprises a UV-curing adhesive, wherein preferably the attaching the fifth surface to the second surface via the first adhesive layer comprises pressing the fifth surface towards the second surface.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the attaching of the fifth surface to the second surface via the first adhesive layer further comprises: dispensing the UV-curing adhesive in an uncured state; and curing of the UV-curing adhesive by providing UV light to the UV-curing adhesive.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein the UV-curing adhesive is selected to be sufficiently sensitive, more preferably most sensitive, to a respective subrange of UV light, and wherein the first lens part and / or the optical component comprise one or more materials selected to be sufficiently transparent, more preferably most transparent, to the same respective subrange of UV light, to allow curing of the first adhesive layer by providing UV light in that subrange.

5. Method according to claim 1, wherein the first adhesive layer comprises a pressuresensitive adhesive, PSA,wherein preferably the attaching the fifth surface to the second surface via the first adhesive layer comprises pressing the fifth surface towards the second surface.

6. Method according to claim 5, further comprising applying the first adhesive layer in the form of a PSA tape or film.

7. Method according to any of claims 2-6, wherein the pressing the fifth surface towards the second surface comprises membrane pressing.

8. Method according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the attaching the fifth surface to the second surface via the first adhesive layer is performed by providing a lowered pressure environment, preferably a vacuum, between the optical component and the first lens part.

9. Method according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the attaching the fifth surface to the second surface via the first adhesive layer is performed by providing heightened pressure to the sixth surface, preferably by a mechanical means such as a stamp or membrane pressing.

10. Method according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the second adhesive layer comprises a hardened liquid adhesive, preferably a UV-curing adhesive or a hardened glue.

11. Method according to claim 10, further comprising applying the second adhesive layer in a fluid form, such as an uncured UV-curing adhesive or a liquid glue.

12. Method according to any of claims 1-11, further comprising continually maintaining conditions under which the optical component does not plastically deform.

13. Method according to any of claims 1-12, further comprising controlling the environmental temperature to remain under a predetermined maximum temperature, preferably a maximum temperature selected to be a fixed amount under a critical temperature at which at least some materials in the optical component gain plastic traits, such as a predetermined maximum temperature of 105 degrees Celsius.

14. Method according to any of claims 1-13, wherein the pressing of the optical component and / or the first lens part is performed at a temperature of 105 degrees Celsius or less, preferably 80 degrees Celsius or less, or preferably 60 degrees or less, most preferably at room temperature.

15. Optical device manufactured with the method as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

16. Optical device, optionally an optical device manufactured using a method as claimed in any of claims 1-15, the optical device comprising: a first lens part comprising a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction; a second lens part comprising a third surface facing the first direction and a fourth surface facing the second direction; an optical component comprising a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface, wherein the optical component is positioned between the first lens part and the second lens part and wherein the optical component comprises a plurality of layers; wherein the fifth surface is attached to the second surface via a first adhesive layer and wherein the sixth surface is attached to the third surface via a second adhesive layer; wherein the second surface is concave or convex; wherein the optical component has a resting shape wherein the fifth surface is a flat plane; wherein the optical component is elastically deformed such that the fifth surface conforms to the shape of the second surface.

17. Optical device according to claim 16, wherein the first adhesive layer comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive, PSA, for instance a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) film, preferably comprising double-sided tape with pressure-sensitive adhesive material.

18. Optical device according to any of the claims 15-17, wherein the third surface is concave or convex, wherein the optical component is elastically deformed such that the sixth surface conforms to the shape of the third surface.

19. Optical device according to claim 18, wherein one of the second surface and the third surface is convex and the other of the second surface and the third surface is concave, wherein preferably the second surface and the third surface have matching shapes.

20. Optical device according to any claims 15-19, wherein the optical component is an electroactive optical component.

21. Optical device according to claim 10, wherein the optical component comprises a liquid crystal layer or cell.

22. Optical device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the optical component comprises at least two electrode layers, wherein on both sides of the liquid crystal layer or cell, at least one electrode layer is positioned.

23. Optical device according to any of the claims 15-21, wherein the optical component comprises a Fresnel-lens structure.

24. Optical device according to claim 23, wherein the Fresnel-lens structure is embedded in a liquid crystal layer or liquid crystal cell.

25. Optical device according to any of the claims 15-24, wherein the second surface and / or third surface is concave in all radial directions, preferably wherein the second surface and / or third surface is shaped as a part of the outer surface of a sphere.

26. Optical device according to claim 25, wherein the second surface and / or the third surface is shaped according to a standard base curve, for example one of base curve one, base curve two, base curve three, base curve four, base curve five, or base curve six.

27. Optical device according to any of the claims 15-26, wherein the elastically deformed optical component is concave in all radial directions, preferably wherein the fifth surface and / or the sixth surface is shaped as a part of the outer surface of a sphere, more preferably wherein the optical component as a whole may be shaped as a part of a spherical shell.

28. Optical device according to any of the claims 15-27, wherein the second adhesive layer comprises a hardened liquid adhesive, for example a UV-curing adhesive or a hardened glue.

29. Optical device according to claim 28, wherein irregularities in the sixth surface of the elastically deformed optical component are embedded in the hardened liquid adhesive.

30. Optical device according to any of the claims 15-29, wherein the optical component has a resting shape wherein the sixth surface is a flat plane.

31. Optical device according to any of the claims 15-30, wherein the first surface is convex.

32. Optical device according to any of the claims 15-31, wherein the fourth surface is concave.

33. Eyeglasses comprising an optical device according to any of the claims 15-32.

34. A method for edging an optical device, comprising: providing an optical device according to any of the claims 14-33 or an optical device manufactured with the method according to nay of the claims 1-13; obtaining tracing information for an eyeglass frame, for example by tracing an eyeglass frame or by retrieving tracing information for an eyeglass frame from a memory or database; aligning the optical device; and cutting the optical device based on the tracing information for the eyeglass frame.

Images