Spectacle Lens Barcode Marking via Interference Coating Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectacle lenses lack a simple and convenient method for creating permanent markings that are invisible or barely visible to the wearer, while still being readable for identification purposes.
Innovation Solution
A spectacle lens with a permanent marking formed by a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode pattern on the interference coating, where the reflection coefficient varies in specific ratios to create a visible contrast for identification, allowing for easy capture and processing by image sensors like smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a permanent marking is added to the spectacle lens for identification purposes, then the lens can be identified and traced, but the marking becomes visible to the wearer which causes inconvenience and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating point gaps with different optical properties (different reflection coefficients) at specific locations on the interference coating, while the rest of the coating maintains its original uniform appearance. This allows the marking to be locally differentiated for identification purposes while the overall lens remains visually uniform to the wearer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical property changes (reflection coefficient variations) to create the marking. By modifying the reflection coefficient at specific points through point gaps in the interference coating, the marking areas appear different from the surrounding areas when viewed from the front, enabling identification while maintaining wearer comfort through controlled optical contrast.
2Measurement precision
If the reflection coefficient contrast is increased to make the marking more visible for identification, then the marking becomes easier to read, but the transmission difference becomes more noticeable to the wearer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by shifting from a transmission-based viewing mode to a reflection-based viewing mode. The marking is designed to be read through reflection from the front surface of the lens, where reflection coefficient differences create high contrast. For the wearer viewing from the back through transmission, the effect is minimized, thus achieving high readability without compromising wearer comfort.
3Loss of information
If a barcode pattern is created on the interference coating, then permanent identification is achieved, but the pattern may interfere with optical properties and cause visible distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent minimizes optical interference by applying the barcode pattern locally through point gaps rather than large-area modifications. Each point gap is small and discrete, creating minimal disruption to the overall optical path and maintaining the reliability of the lens's optical performance while still enabling permanent identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the thin interference coating film as the substrate for the marking. By creating point gaps in this thin film structure, the marking is achieved with minimal material removal and minimal impact on the bulk optical properties of the lens, preserving optical performance while enabling permanent identification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a comfortable and unobtrusive way to access online resources by enabling the identification of spectacle lenses through smartphone imaging, while maintaining transparency and minimal impact on optical properties.
Implementation Method 1
an anti-reflective or mirror interference coating covering said substrate on the front side, said interference coating forming a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode pattern
Implementation Method 2
said front side having outside said point gaps a light reflection coefficient having a predetermined nominal value and in each said point gap a light reflection coefficient having a particular predetermined value different from said nominal value
Data Source
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AI summary
The spectacle lens (42) comprises a substrate and an anti-reflective or mirror interference coating covering said substrate on the front side (46), said interference coating forming a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode pattern (62), said marking (41) being formed by a plurality of point gaps on a part of a thickness of said interference coating, said front side (46) having outside said point gaps a light reflection coefficient having a predetermined nominal value and in each said point gap a light reflection coefficient having a particular predetermined value different from said nominal value.