Ophthalmic Lens Contouring Without Database Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing ophthalmic lenses for spectacle frames require a database mapping of lens faces, which is often not available due to confidentiality concerns, leading to issues with fitting and aesthetics, and necessitate tedious re-machining or adjusting of nylon threads.

Innovation Solution

A method that calculates and processes ophthalmic lenses by acquiring two-dimensional and three-dimensional coordinates of measurement points along longitudinal profiles and optical faces to model the lens curvature, allowing for precise trimming and processing without relying on a database, using a contour reading device and feeler mechanism to determine treatment instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a database mapping of lens faces is used to improve outlining quality, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and confidentiality risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlining qualityVSAvoiddatabase system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy (3D map) of the lens face geometry by scanning actual measurement points on the physical lens. This copy is then used to guide the outlining process, replacing the need for complex pre-existing databases while maintaining high precision. The scanning process captures the actual lens geometry and creates a usable digital representation on-demand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically scanning and mapping the lens face geometry when needed, rather than relying on external databases. The lens itself provides the data through the scanning process, and the system immediately processes this data for outlining, eliminating the need for separate database maintenance and confidentiality management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If a database mapping of lens faces is used to improve outlining quality, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of information confidentiality increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlining qualityVSAvoidlens shape confidentiality
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of storing sensitive lens shape data in centralized databases that could be compromised, the system creates temporary digital copies (3D maps) only when needed for specific outlining operations. These copies are derived from actual scanning of the lens and are used immediately, reducing the risk of confidential information leakage while maintaining outlining quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The lens geometry information is generated on-demand through scanning when needed for outlining, rather than being retrieved from external databases. This self-service approach ensures that confidential lens shape information is not stored or transmitted externally, maintaining confidentiality while providing the necessary data for precise outlining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If traditional machining methods are used without 3D mapping, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and fitting quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidfitting quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a digital copy (3D map) of the lens face geometry that guides the machining process. This digital representation captures the actual lens curvature and features, enabling precise outlining and beveling that adapts to the specific lens geometry, thereby improving fitting quality without requiring overly complex equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D outlining methods to 3D mapping and processing. By capturing the lens geometry in three dimensions and using this data to guide machining, the system achieves superior fitting quality and aesthetic results while keeping the additional complexity manageable through software-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2786202B1Process of preparation of an ophthalmic lens
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP2786202B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2786202B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2786202B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of preparing an ophthalmic lens (30) to be fitted into a surround of a spectacle frame, comprising: an operation of acquiring a longitudinal profile (50) of said surround, an operation of centring the longitudinal profile, an operation of acquiring the geometry of at least one part of an optical face of the ophthalmic lens, an operation of calculating a treatment setpoint for treating the ophthalmic lens, and an operation of treating the ophthalmic lens. According to the invention, the acquisition operation comprises a step of calculating the bidimensional coordinates of a plurality of measurement points (Ρ'i, P"i) situated along two distinct longitudinal strands (51, 52) which are chosen in such a way that they define between them a band which extends along said longitudinal profile, and a step of examining the ophthalmic lens to acquire the tridimensional coordinates for said measurement points with a view to calculating said treatment setpoint.