Ophthalmic Lens Centering via Marker Image Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic lens preparation devices face accuracy issues in centering lenses due to errors in stepper motors and mechanical inaccuracies, leading to potential visual discomfort for wearers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of marker elements and electric stepper motors with controlled movements to accurately position blocking accessories on lenses, using image acquisition and processing to correct for positional errors and ensure precise centering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If stepper motors are used to position blocking accessories on lenses, then automation and productivity are improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to motor errors and mechanical inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an acquisition device to capture images of marker elements on the lens and manipulator arm, processes these images to determine actual positions, and feeds this information back to calculate correction values that compensate for positioning errors, thereby maintaining high precision despite using automated stepper motors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on purely mechanical positioning accuracy with an optical measurement system (acquisition device capturing images of marker elements) combined with computational correction, substituting mechanical precision requirements with optical-detection-and-calculate precision
2Manufacturing precision
If marker elements and image processing are used to correct positional errors, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marker elements serve as intermediaries that facilitate precise measurement and positioning. By placing these detectable markers on the lens and manipulator arm, the system can accurately track positions through image processing without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the physical positioning information by capturing images of marker elements and processing them computationally. This allows the actual positions to be determined through image analysis rather than complex mechanical encoders or sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A preparation device (1) for preparing an ophthalmic lens to be machined, includes a support (100) suitable for holding the ophthalmic lens, blocking elements (400) including at least one blocking accessory (450) and a manipulator arm (401) for manipulating the blocking accessory, an acquisition device (200) suitable for acquiring an image of the ophthalmic lens, electronic and/or computer processor elements (700) suitable firstly for deducing an optical frame of reference of the ophthalmic lens, and secondly for controlling the position of the manipulator arm and/or of the support to apply the blocking accessory against the ophthalmic lens in a given blocking position. The blocking elements and/or the support include at least one marker element and the electronic and/or computer processor elements are adapted to identify the position of the marker element in an image acquired by the acquisition device, in which image there appears an image of the marker element.