Ophthalmic Lens Memory Mark for Automated Data Decoding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of preparing ophthalmic lenses for eyeglass frames is time-consuming and prone to errors due to the manual input of lens data, which can lead to incorrect identification and processing of lens characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a memory mark with a one- or two-dimensional code on the ophthalmic lens to store and automatically decode mechanical, geometrical, or optical characteristics, allowing for direct reading by image acquisition means and processing to facilitate centering and shaping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual input of lens data from pouch stickers is used, then data can be entered into the system, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of reading and typing data from pouch stickers with an automated optical recognition system. The system uses a camera to capture images of the memory mark on the lens and automatically decodes the information, eliminating the need for manual data entry and thereby increasing both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the lens data by encoding it in a memory mark that can be visually captured and decoded. This digital copy replaces the physical sticker on the pouch and enables automated data transfer from the lens itself, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
2Loss of information
If data is stored on pouch stickers, then lens information is preserved, but additional hardware and complex software architecture are required for automatic data access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data storage function directly onto the lens by integrating a memory mark into the lens structure itself. This eliminates the separate pouch sticker system and reduces the need for additional hardware components, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining data accessibility throughout the preparation process.
3Manufacturing precision
If centering marks are applied to the lens, then accurate centering is achieved, but the data on pouch stickers may be lost or misread during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies centering marks and memory marks directly to the lens during manufacturing before the lens leaves the factory. This preliminary action ensures that both the centering information and the data are permanently attached to the lens itself, preventing loss or misreading that could occur with removable pouch stickers during handling and transport.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing an ophthalmic lens (20) for mounting in an eyeglass frame, the ophthalmic lens including a memory mark (28) that is situated on one of its ophthalmic faces (22) and that forms a code storing in digital form at least one item of information relating to a mechanical, geometrical, or optical characteristic of the ophthalmic lens. The method includes three steps:a) acquiring a raw image of at least a portion of the optical face of the ophthalmic lens on which an image of the memory mark appears;b) processing the raw image acquired in step a) in order to decode the information stored in the code; andc) centering and then shaping the ophthalmic lens as a function of the information decoded in step b).