Spectacle Lens Manufacturing Using Measured Lens Properties

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing spectacle lenses lack effective means to consider actual characteristics during the manufacturing process, leading to inefficiencies and reduced yield rates.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a measurement system to generate and apply information on the actual properties of spectacle lenses, allowing manufacturing machines to adapt their processes based on real measurement data, thereby improving precision and yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional manufacturing methods (casting or injection molding) are used without real-time measurement and adaptation, then the manufacturing process is simple and fast, but the manufacturing precision and yield rate are reduced due to inability to consider actual lens properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system performs measurements on the spectacle lens before the manufacturing step is executed. This preliminary measurement allows the actual properties of the lens (such as thickness, curvature, or material characteristics) to be known in advance, enabling the manufacturing machine to adapt its processing parameters accordingly, thereby improving manufacturing precision without requiring complex real-time adjustments during processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing machine is configured to perform the manufacturing step depending on the measurement results obtained from the measurement system. This feedback mechanism allows the processing parameters (such as cutting depth, polishing intensity, or heating temperature) to be automatically adjusted based on the actual lens properties, ensuring high manufacturing precision while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If conventional manufacturing methods are used without considering actual lens properties, then the manufacturing process is efficient, but the yield rate is reduced due to inability to adapt to variations in lens characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyield rateVSAvoidmanufacturing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By measuring the actual properties of the spectacle lens before processing, the system can determine the appropriate manufacturing parameters in advance. This preliminary assessment prevents defects and rework, thereby increasing the yield rate without requiring complex real-time intervention mechanisms during the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing machine adjusts its processing based on feedback from the measurement system. This automated adaptation ensures that each lens is processed according to its specific characteristics, maximizing the yield rate by minimizing defects and scrap while maintaining system simplicity through automated control logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4711121A1Method and system for manufacturing at least one spectacle lens
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 CARL ZEISS VISION INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • EP4711121A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4711121A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4711121A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for manufacturing at least one spectacle lens, the method comprising: a) providing at least one spectacle lens, wherein the at least one spectacle lens is subject to undergo at least one manufacturing step being performed by at least one manufacturing machine configured for performing the at least one manufacturing step; b) generating, by using a measurement system, at least one item of information on at least one property of the at least one spectacle lens, wherein the item of information on the at least one property of the at least one spectacle lens relates to actual measurement data determined by the measurement system through measuring the at least one spectacle lens; c) applying the item of information on the at least one property of the at least one spectacle lens to a surface of the at least one spectacle lens; d) performing the at least one manufacturing step on the at least one spectacle lens depending on the item of information on the at least one property of the at least one spectacle lens by using the at least one manufacturing machine. Furthermore, a corresponding system for manufacturing at least one spectacle lens and a corresponding spectacle lens is disclosed.