Ophthalmic Lens Edging Using Shared Frame Data and Local Corrections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for acquiring the shapes of eyewear frame outlines are costly, time-consuming, and require high-maintenance equipment, making it difficult for opticians and laboratories to efficiently edge ophthalmic lenses without accurate frame data, leading to potential inaccuracies and delays.
Innovation Solution
A system with two database tables is implemented, where a centralized database stores core information accessible to all users, and a customer-specific database allows for local adjustments and fine-tuning of parameters, enabling each user to customize settings based on their conditions, such as temperature and equipment, facilitating accurate lens edging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an outline-reading apparatus with surface profilometer is used to acquire frame shapes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital 3D models as copies of physical frames to replace the need for expensive physical measurement apparatus. Instead of using a surface profilometer to physically scan frame grooves, the system imports or creates digital 3D representations of frames, which can be manipulated and measured virtually without requiring specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical outline-reading apparatus with a software-based solution. Instead of physically sliding a profilometer along frame grooves to capture geometry, the system uses computer software to import, display, and process digital 3D frame models, substituting mechanical measurement with digital information processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If an outline-reading apparatus is used to acquire frame shapes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-creating or pre-importing digital 3D models of frames before the actual lens edging process. These digital models are prepared in advance and stored in the system, so when a frame is needed for lens edging, the digital representation is already available for immediate use, eliminating the need for on-site physical scanning and measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copies of frame geometries that can be rapidly accessed and manipulated. Instead of time-consuming physical measurements, the digital 3D models can be instantly loaded, viewed, and used to generate edging patterns, dramatically reducing the time required to acquire frame shape data while maintaining precision.
3Productivity
If raw frame information from database is used without control, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the software allows opticians to review digital frame models, compare them against physical frames when needed, and provide corrections or validations. The system can compare digital models with actual frame measurements taken during the edging process, providing feedback loops that ensure accuracy while maintaining efficient workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic control over database information usage. Rather than rigidly accepting or rejecting all database data, the software allows flexible adjustment - opticians can choose to use database information as-is, modify it based on physical measurements, or create entirely new digital models. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to each specific situation, balancing speed and accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for edging ophthalmic lenses, comprising: - a first database table (31) including first data relating to referenced eyewear frames, - a second database table (131) including second data relating to corrections to apply to said first data, and - a processing unit (100) suitable to calculate an edging setpoint as a function of at least a datum read in said first database table, corrected by a datum read in said second database table, said edging setpoint being suitable to be used by an edging machine to edge an ophthalmic lens along a final outline.