Ophthalmic Lens Edging Using Frame Data Corrections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for acquiring the shapes of eyewear frame outlines are costly, time-consuming, and require high maintenance, necessitating the use of expensive outline-reading apparatuses, which are not feasible for opticians or laboratories due to complexity and inaccuracy risks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first database with core data for all users and a second database with customer-specific corrections, allowing for the calculation of edging setpoints to machine ophthalmic lenses along a final outline, using a processing unit to adjust data based on local conditions and customer-specific parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an outline-reading apparatus is used to acquire frame shapes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive outline-reading apparatus with a simple copying method. The optician manually traces the frame groove profile onto paper, creating a physical copy of the frame shape. This copy is then scanned and processed by the control unit to generate edging program data, eliminating the need for complex measurement equipment while maintaining sufficient accuracy for the edging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable paper copy instead of a permanent, expensive measurement apparatus. The paper tracing of the frame groove is a low-cost, temporary medium that serves its purpose for generating edging data and can be discarded afterward. This replaces the need for costly, maintenance-intensive outline-reading equipment.
2Measurement precision
If an outline-reading apparatus is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the optician to perform the frame measurement task themselves using simple tools (pencil and paper) rather than requiring operation of complex automated equipment. This self-service approach eliminates the time needed to set up, operate, and maintain expensive outline-reading apparatus while achieving sufficient accuracy through manual tracing followed by rapid scanning and digital processing.
3Productivity
If raw frame information from database is used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual frame groove profile (manually traced and scanned) is used to generate the edging program data, rather than relying on theoretical or average frame dimensions from a database. This feedback from actual measurement ensures that each frame is edged according to its specific geometry, maintaining high precision while the automated scanning and processing keep productivity high.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for edging ophthalmic lenses, including: a first database table including first data relating to referenced eyewear frames; a second database table including second data relating to corrections to apply to the first data; and a processing unit suitable to calculate an edging setpoint as a function of at least a datum read in the first database table, corrected by a datum read in the second database table, the edging setpoint being suitable to be used by an edging machine to edge an ophthalmic lens along a final outline.