Eyeglass Lens Design Parallel Optimization for Time Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing eyeglass lens design optimization methods often take several minutes to several days to complete, and may fail to achieve a design solution within a predetermined time limit, leading to inefficiencies and potential delays in delivering eyeglass lenses.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method involves generating multiple sets of prescription requirements that are slightly different from the original, allowing for parallel processing of optimization calculations. This approach ensures that a design solution can be obtained even if the optimization for the original prescription requirements is not completed within the time limit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If computerized optimization is executed to improve optical performance, then design quality is improved, but processing time becomes unpredictable and may exceed delivery deadlines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by generating multiple alternative design solutions in advance through parallel optimization calculations with different initial parameters. This allows the system to have pre-computed alternatives ready, reducing the time needed when a solution is required while maintaining optimization quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies parameter changes by varying initial optimization parameters across multiple parallel calculations. By changing parameters such as initial lens curvature values and optimization weights, the system explores different solution spaces simultaneously, increasing the likelihood of finding valid solutions within time constraints while maintaining optical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If optimization time limit is set tight to ensure timely delivery, then delivery time is improved, but the optimization may not complete and design solution may not be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery speedVSAvoidsolution achievement rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optimization process is segmented into multiple independent parallel calculations, each with its own time budget. Instead of one long optimization run, the system divides the work into several shorter independent optimizations that can be executed simultaneously, ensuring that at least some complete within the time limit while maintaining solution quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs partial optimization by running multiple optimizations with different levels of thoroughness. Some optimizations may complete fully while others are truncated, but the collection of partial results provides sufficient design solutions. This excessive action of running more optimizations than strictly necessary ensures solution availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If less rigorous time limit is set to allow optimization completion, then solution achievement rate is improved, but delivery time increases and may miss deadlines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolution achievement rateVSAvoiddelivery time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuity of useful action by running multiple optimizations in parallel without idle time. While one optimization is computing, others are simultaneously progressing. This continuous parallel computation maximizes the utilization of computational resources and ensures that solutions are generated continuously rather than sequentially, reducing overall delivery time while maintaining high solution achievement rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3109693B1Glasses-lens design method, glasses-lens production method, glasses lens, glasses-lens design system, glasses-lens design program, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 NIKON CORP
  • EP3109693B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3109693B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3109693B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

An eyeglass lens design method includes: a prescription requirement-setting step in which prescription requirements for an eyeglass lens to be worn by an eyeglass wearer are set; a pattern setting step in which a plurality of patterns taking different values for at least one of; the prescription requirements for the eyeglass lens, a lens type, a progressive zone length, a wearing condition parameter pertaining to an eyeglass wearing condition in which the eyeglass wearer wears eyeglasses, a lifestyle/habit parameter pertaining to a lifestyle/habit of the eyeglass wearer and an optimization parameter used to control optimization of design for the eyeglass lens, are set; and a designing step in which eyeglass lens contours, each corresponding to one of the plurality of patterns having been set in the pattern setting step, are designed.