Patent Description:
Traditionally, eyewear design is frame-centric. Designers create frames, users select a frame, and then opticians adapt lenses to the selected frame. This approach offers tremendous design freedom, which is evidenced by the diverse range of styles, sizes, shapes, materials, and colors available for frames.

While comfort and appearance are well-served by current frame technologies, visual experience is not.

For correction of vision, which is the primary reason for using eyewear, optical performance depends on lenses more than on frames. In order for a lens to correct the light refractive errors in eyes that lead to conditions such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia, the lens optics must be individually prescribed for each eye and placed in the correct position and orientation in front of the eye. When lenses are not properly fitted, wearers suffer from visual discomfort, eyestrain, headaches, and poor vision. As one example, the position of the lenses should account for the pantoscopic angle, which is the angle between the optical axis of the lens and the visual axis of the eye in its primary position. The optical center of the lenses is typically lowered by <NUM> for each <NUM> degrees of pantoscopic angle, otherwise the wearer is likely to experience lens aberrations induced by changes in sphere and cylinder powers outside of the optical center. For multifocal or progressive lenses, the position of the lens in relation to the eye is even more critical.

In the current environment, where frames are selected first and lenses are made to fit the frame, the frame design can impose constraints which result in lenses that are not optimally positioned or oriented in front of the wearer's eyes. In some cases, a wearer can tolerate or adapt to the optics of a lens that is not correctly positioned. In other cases, the negative effects of a poorly-positioned lens cannot be overcome, and the wearer will first suffer from the effects and then try many solutions to solve the problem. The consequences for these wearers are physical discomfort, time and money spent in looking for solutions, and too often, the challenge of selecting a different frame that better accommodates the wearer's needs. There remains a need in the art for improving both the fit and the visual experience for wearers of eyewear. Methods for optimizing spectacles lenses and frame are known from <CIT>.

The claimed invention is defined in the set of claims.

The features of the claimed invention are defined in the claims.

Currently, frames are selected and lenses are fitted to the frames, often to the detriment of the wearer's visual experience. The present inventors recognized that it would be advantageous if a corrective lens could be ensured to properly fit the wearer and if frames could support rather than constrain the proper position of the lenses. Accordingly, disclosed herein are methods for designing and building eyewear frames around lenses. In some embodiments, the methods differ from the traditional approach to eyewear construction, by starting with lens parameters that are optimized for a wearer, and then designing and building frames which accommodate the lenses. In some embodiments, frames may be built using additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. For example, software that is optimized for designing, custom-fitting, and adjusting eyewear may be used to design the frames, and AM processes for production may be used to build the frames. In some embodiments, the AM techniques discussed herein allow for customizing eyewear to the wearer's optical lens requirements. The lens-centric and vision-centric approaches to eyewear design discussed herein may produce custom eyewear that not only fits correctly but also enhances the wearer's visual experience.

Fitting ophthalmic lenses into given eyewear frames, based on frame data as measured before, is the conventional way of assembling eyeglasses. Also, several methods have been proposed to modify or optimize frame data in this process. However, a direct data flow from lens to frame optimization has not been described, nor how it will be performed.

One aspect relates to a calculating system, for an ophthalmic lens and frame, including providing data and deformability data of the frame, the wearer and lens data. Some methods modify ophthalmic frame shape data, by measuring the space of a rim of the frame, determining principle axes of inertia of shape and calculating new rim frame data. Further aspects include methods to optimize frame contour, involving a providing and contour defining step. In addition, corridor length in a lens may be selected from the prepared corridor length variation for the progressive lens, according to a user's life style information and that of basic design for the progressive lens, if a basic design variation, prepared according to user's life style information, can be applied for them. However, corridor length and basic design selection may be limited by frame parameters, which have been measured before.

Eyewear frames are available in a broad range of colors, patterns, styles, shapes, fits, and materials, any of which can be adapted to suit a wearer's preferences. Opticians make general recommendations based on the shape of the wearer's facial features, face shape, face size, etc. For example, an optician may advise a person with an oblong face and large nose to try an eyewear frame that adds width to the face, with temples in contrasting colors or decorative elements at the temples, and a low bridge that would balance the proportions of the features. The most common way to select frames is to try on a variety of models available at the optician's shop.

In some aspects, a wearer's search for suitable frames can be enhanced by the use of virtual fitting systems in which an image of an eyewear frame is superimposed on a scanned image of a wearer's face or head. In some systems, 2D images are used, such as, images of the left and right side of the wearer's face. In some aspects, using 2D images may give a wearer only an approximation of what the eyewear frame looks like on the wearer, as details may be distorted or omitted when 3D shapes, particularly curved shapes like faces and frames, are flattened into 2D images. Accordingly, in some aspects, 3D scanners or algorithms that generate 3D renderings of faces and frames may be used to perform a virtual fitting. In some aspects, a 3D image based virtual fitting system may extract facial features in order to generate 3D face models with real dimensions, which are then displayed for virtual fitting of eyewear. In another example, a virtual try-on system includes an image processing system and 3D image generator combined with a frame fitter and lens fitter so the frame can be fitted and the lenses can be cut to the specifications of the frame. Similarly, a method for receiving and processing data related to dimensions of a wearer's head, starts with an eyewear design, and uses the data about the wearer's head to create a wearer-specific design for eyewear. Another system generates a 3D model of a wearer's face based on simple images, even using images captured from cameras on handheld devices, and combines this data with a computer that configures eyewear models, displays the model over the wearer's face, and allows customization of the model. The computer can additionally communicate information about the customized eyewear model to a manufacturer.

In some aspects, additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities may be used in combination with the imaging and customization systems. For example, <CIT>) describes objects including eyewear frames that are customized by fitting a representation of the objects to images of scanned body parts (the head, face, ears of the wearer) and adjusting the objects to fit the body parts precisely. To facilitate production of the object by additive manufacturing, the object is represented and adjusted in a format that is readily printable on a 3D printer.

A link to 3D printing is also found in examples where a customer has his or her face scanned (for example, using a 3D scanner) in a multi-function combination system, for example in an optician's shop. The customer then enters individual requirements and requests, receives images of sample designs which are fitted to the scan of the customer's face, selects a frame, and has it 3D printed on the spot. Finally, methods for customizing eyewear may be based on features in a wearer's face and the information may be sent to a 3D printer in order to manufacture the eyewear.

While some of the aforementioned methods may facilitate the frame selection process, such methods do not properly account for the lenses of the eyewear. Rather, in such methods, the frame is selected and fitted, and the lens is configured to fit the already selected and fitted frames, thereby limiting how the lenses can be fit and positioned in the frames. For example, systems for simulating eyeglasses fitting may be based on lens selection, lens prescription data, lens material data, and lens optical design data, but the lens data is used to determine the shape and appearance of the lens when it is mounted in a pre-selected eyeglasses frame. Some methods use a process to automatically determine the correct geometric parameters for a wearer's lens, but the process depends on a data set that represents a wearer and an already selected eyeglasses frame. Accordingly, the inventors have developed methods and systems for constructing custom eyewear that start with lens parameters and an image of the wearer, and then determine suitable frame parameters based on the lens parameters and image of the wearer.

In some aspects, custom eyewear is designed and built based on the unique anatomy of the individual who will wear the eyewear. This individual may be referred to herein as the "wearer", "user", "individual", or "customer. " In a computer-based system for selecting eyewear, a computing device may generate a realistic digital representation (e.g., digital images) of the wearer by imaging the wearer utilizing an image capture device. For example, digital images of the wearer may be generated by one or more image capture devices, such as, cameras, light sensors, or scanners. Scanners may be optical scanners, infrared scanners, laser scanners, 3D scanners, or medical scanners such as X-ray machines or CT scanners. In some aspects, a computing device determines dimensions of the wearer based on the wearer's image, for example, by using reference objects whose dimensions are known, or by using scale bars or rulers. In some embodiments, digital images may be 3D images, such as those obtained with a 3D scanner. In some embodiments, a computing device may combine two or more 2D digital images to generate a 3D image.

The digital representation of the wearer may include anatomical parts of a wearer. Accordingly, wearer information related to the anatomy of a wearer may be a physical description and/or quantitative measurements of a wearer's anatomical parts. In some embodiments, the wearer's face may be imaged from the front of the face or the back of the head, for example, from planes that are parallel to the frontal (coronal) plane of the wearer's head. The wearer's face may be imaged from either or both sides of the face, from planes that are parallel to the sagittal plane of the wearer's head. The wearer's face may be imaged from above, in a top view that is parallel to the transverse plane of the wearer's head. Anatomical structures such as the eyes, nose, ears, eyelashes, and eyebrows may be clearly visible from at least one angle in the digital representation of the wearer. Structures such as the cheekbones (e.g., zygomatic bone and zygomatic arch), browbones (e.g., supraorbital foramen), and bones behind the ears (e.g., mastoid process) may also be imaged and used in lens and frame fitting, for example, as landmarks or as boundaries where an eyewear component may or may not contact. In some embodiments, the digital representation of a user comprises anatomical parts of the wearer. The digital representation may illustrate the morphology (also "form" or "structure") of an anatomical part of the wearer. The digital representation of the wearer may be used by a computing device to construct custom eyewear that start with lens parameters and the digital representation of the wearer, and then determine suitable frame parameters based on the lens parameters and digital representation of the wearer.

In some aspects as discussed herein, for example to improve optical performance of spectacles (e.g., a frame and mounted lenses therein), a frame may be designed individually (e.g., customized), so that the designed frame keeps ideal (or close to ideal) worn-condition of mounted lenses. In certain embodiments, a computing device may determine lens parameters (e.g., Cornea Vertex Distance (CVD), Pantoscopic Angle (PA) or Face Form Angle (FFA) etc.) for the wearer based on a prescription of the wearer and/or lifestyle parameters (e.g., history of the wearer, activities performed by the wearer, etc.) of the wearer. For example, for progressive addition lenses (PAL), such as common PAL, indoor-use progressive or near vision progressive (incl. "degressive") lenses, lens parameters such as corridor length may be determined by a computing device based on a wearer's life style information. In another example, the basic design of the lens may be determined based on the wearer's lifestyle.

+ Using computer, which type do you use and how important they are?.

Select important <NUM> items. How much important is each of selected item?
(Importance Level: <NUM> = not important. <NUM> = very important)
Importance level points: IL (<NUM>) to IL(<NUM>).

In some aspects, the selection parameters are weighted and related to functional parameters for near, intermediate and far distance zones.

In some aspects, ranges of values for lens parameters are calculated as follows by the computing device. In some aspects, ranges of values for lens parameters are calculated using other suitable calculations.

The Mean Addition is defined as follows: MAD = (Add(R) + Add(L) )/<NUM>.

If MAD >= <NUM> then PA1 = <NUM>/<NUM> x (MAD-<NUM>) + <NUM>.

PAF is an ideal pantoscopic angle of the eyewear mainly used in far distance vision (. e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>).

PAM is an ideal pantoscopic angle of eyewear mainly used in middle distance vision (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>).

PAN an is ideal pantoscopic angle of eyewear mainly used in near distance vision (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>).

PA2 is an ideal pantoscopic angle based on a wearer's importance level for distance vision PAF, middle distance vision PAM and near distance vision PAN.

In some embodiments, the computing device may select PA2 from PAF, PAM and PAN based on an a most important vision distance for the wearer.

In some embodiments, the computing device may calculate PA2 based on a wearer's lifestyle information (e.g., as input into above mentioned STEP3 and STEP4), by a wearer's importance levels for distance vision, middle distance vision and near distance vision, and/or according to weighting points, as discussed.

In certain embodiments, one or more weighting points and importance levels for indoor progressive lenses may be defined as follows.

The weighting points (WP) of far vision, middle vision and near vision are defined for each life style item.

+ How important is viewing into far distance (e.g., <NUM> or more) indoors?.

+ How important is viewing into intermediate distance (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>) indoors?.

+ How important is viewing into near distance (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>) indoors?.

Total sum point (TSP) for far vision, middle vision and near vision may be calculated from IL(n) and WP(n), with n=<NUM>. <NUM> as follows. <MAT> <MAT> <MAT> <MAT> <MAT>.

The calculated value PA2 for the example above is <NUM>.

When user's MAD is <NUM> as sample case, PA1 will be <NUM>.

The ideal PA is output as ideal pantoscopic angle calculated as follows: <MAT>.

In the above mentioned sample case of WP, IL and MAD, Ideal PA will be calculated as follows.

The suitable limits for pantoscopic angle are calculated as follows: <MAT>.

<NUM>) Ideal Cornea Vertex Distance (CVD): It is defined as the ideal distance between a wearer's cornea vertex and the back surface of the lens, which is mounted into the frame, on the primary visual direction (horizontal direction).

dMPW is the absolute value of the difference between power components of the right and left lenses as follows:<MAT>.

The ideal corneal vertex distance (Ideal CVD) is calculated as follows.

The suitable limits for corneal vertex distance (CVD) are defined as follows.

<NUM>) Ideal Lens Face Form Angle (LFFA): It is the ideal angle in the horizontal plane between perpendicular lines on the front surfaces of the right lens and the left lens at each fitting point and the primary position line of sight, crossing the front surfaces of right and left lenses at the fitting points.

The Ideal LFFA is always <NUM> as ideal condition of frame face form angle because of optical reasons.

LFFA max is the maximum limit as suitable worn condition of frame face form angle.

If a wearer, whose prescription power is high, wears the spectacles with large LFFA value, the wearer tends to feel unnatural or uncomfortable because of inclined images through the right and left lenses, which are inclined horizontally in opposite directions towards the right and left sides. This problem is larger when the horizontal components of the prescription powers of the lenses are high. In the case of weak prescription powers, the problem is smaller.

MPWh is defined as the mean power of the right and left horizontal power components as follows.

LFFA min is the minimum limit for suitable worn condition. In some aspects, LFFA is limited to zero.

<NUM>) Recommended Frame Shape Data: The frame shape data refers to the maximum vertical and horizontal extensions of an eyeglass lens (two-dimensional plane), related to a boxing system (A/B-sizes).

In some aspects, a corridor length can be pre-selected by using a corridor length selection method such as described in <CIT>(A1), without frame size information and fitting point location on the frame shape.

In some aspects, the corridor length and basic design calculation of progressive design define the minimum, maximum and the ideal distances from the fitting point to upper, lower, right and left edges of assembled lens, and, finally; the ideal lens extensions in horizontal and vertical direction.

For example, in some aspects, the recommended length from fitting point to the upper edge of the frame shape is <NUM>. In some aspects, the minimum length from fitting point to the upper edge of the frame shape is <NUM>.

In some aspects, the recommended length from near fitting point to lower edge of the frame shape is <NUM>. In some aspects, the minimum length from near fitting point to lower edge of the frame shape is <NUM>.

In some aspects, the final corridor length and sums of recommended or minimum lengths from FP to upper edge and from near FP to lower edge will define the recommended (e.g., <NUM>) or the minimum (e.g., <NUM>) vertical frame sizes.

This lens parameter information may be received and used by a computing device to further design custom eyewear for the wearer based on the computed lens parameters and a digital representation of the wearer.

<FIG> illustrates example operations for optimizing a lens for a wearer. Optionally, at <NUM>, an order is taken in for eyewear for a wearer of lenses. At <NUM>, a computing device receives a 3D scan (e.g., performed by an image capture device) of a wearer for lenses being optimized. Further, at <NUM>, the computing device performs a 3D reconstruction of the 3D scan to generate a digital representation of the wearer (e.g., a digital representation of at least a portion of a head of the wearer). At <NUM>, the computing device receives lens data as an input to lens data processing software. The lens data may include prescription data of the wearer and history of the wearer (e.g., previous eyewear used, previous lens design, etc.). In some aspects, prescription data may comprise measurements for corrective lenses, including measurements for bifocal, trifocal, or multifocal lenses.

The computing device may further receive the lifestyle data (e.g., basic indoor lifestyle and/or personal lifestyle, as discussed herein) of the wearer. As discussed, the lifestyle of the wearer may be an important element when choosing lenses. Wearer information related to the lifestyle of the wearer may therefore comprise information about the type of lenses that the wearer needs, or the activities the wearer will perform with the eyewear. For example, some wearers may use progressive lenses for either indoor or outdoor use and some wearers have occupations or hobbies that involve computer work, reading, and/or other close-up work. In addition, in some aspects, lens type or other lens requirements (e.g., single vision, progressive vision, indoor) information may be received at <NUM>. For example, lens type and other lens requirements may be used by the computing device to determine lens designs that meet the lens type or other lens requirements for the wearer. For example, in some embodiments, lens designs may be selected from progressive lenses, single vision lenses, and work lenses.

At <NUM>, the computing device performs a lens optimization algorithm. For example, the computing device determines one or more lens parameters based on one or more of the lifestyle data of the wearer, lens type or other lens requirements of the wearer, prescription data of the wearer, previous lens design, and history of the wearer. In some aspects, the one or more lens parameters computed by the computing device include one or more of a lens design, a design ID, corridor length, far variation code, near variation code, pantascopic angle (PA) (ideal value plus a range of possible values), corneal vertex distance (CVD) (ideal value plus a range of possible values), lens face form angle (LFFA) (ideal value plus a range of possible values), minimum eye point (Ep) height, minimum B size, and minimum far zone. For example, at 205a, the prescription data of the wearer is input into the lens optimization algorithm. At 205b, the history of the wearer is input into the lens optimization algorithm. At 205c, the basic indoor lifestyle data of the wearer is input into the lens optimization algorithm. At 205d, the personal lifestyle data of the wearer is input into the lens optimization algorithm. At optional 205e, the computing device, uses weighting points to weight the lifestyle data (e.g., based on importance) and at optional 205f sums the weighted lifestyle data to determine one or more lens parameters such as an ideal PA at 205i. Further, based on the inputs, the computing device at <NUM> computes one or more lens parameters, such as PA, CVD, FFA. etc. At <NUM> the computing device performs a calculation modulus to compute one or more lens parameters such as ideal PA at 205i, ideal CVD at 205j, and ideal LFFA at <NUM>. At <NUM>, the computing device determines a recommended frame shape data based on the lens parameters. At <NUM>, the computing device may determine frame measurements and adaptations for the frames. For example, the computing device may determine one or more of landmarks of the wearer's anatomy and pupillary distance (PD) of the wearer based on the digital representation of the wearer to adapt the frames. In some embodiments, a single sign-on key (SSO) is used. In certain embodiments, <NUM> may be performed before <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lens position set by lens parameters places corrective features of the lens in a first region of the lens and places non-essential features in a second region of the lens.

As discussed, lens parameter information may be received and used by a computing device to further design custom eyewear for the wearer based on the computed lens parameters and a digital representation of the wearer.

In certain aspects, for the visual experience of the wearer, some lens parameters may be more important than others. For example, pantascopic angle (PA) and lens face form angle (LFFA) may be set to as close to ideal values as possible or at least within a tolerable range (e.g., a range of tolerated values). In some aspects, when lens are fitted to standard frames in the traditional manner, the ideal PA and LFFA values are difficult to achieve. Consequently, lenses fitted into standard frames often do not have correct PA or LFFA values for the wearer.

As discussed, in contrast to such traditional fitting, the systems and methods described herein may use the correct PA and LFFA values, as well as other lens parameters and wearer anatomy data in order to determine how to fit a frame around lenses that are positioned correctly for the wearer. In some embodiments, lens parameters and wearer anatomy data are used to calculate frame parameters for designing custom eyewear.

<FIG> illustrates example operations for optimizing a lens for a wearer and designing customized eyewear based on the optimized lens, according to certain aspects. At <NUM>, a wearer selects a frame, for example, from a product catalog (<NUM>) during frame selection. In certain aspects, the product catalog <NUM> may be stored on a computing device. In certain aspects, each of the frame designs in the product catalog may have a corresponding set of instructions/parameters for modifying the design of the frame. As an example, a frame designer may specify that the vertical measurement of a frame and the horizontal measurement of the frame should each fall within a range of values in order to be considered an example of the specific design.

The computing device determines frame parameters for the selected frames based on lens parameters for the wearer (calculated as discussed herein). The frame parameters may include one or more of the following: a frame model ID for the selected frame design, distance between lenses (DBL) (defined value and range of acceptable values), Hbox (e.g., horizontal size constraints) (defined value and range of acceptable values), VBox (e.g., vertical size constraints) (defined value and range of acceptable values), inclination (defined value and range of acceptable values), frame face form angle (FFFA) (defined value and range of acceptable values), temple length (defined value and range of acceptable values), parametric model, color options, frame material, groove type, and bevel type.

At <NUM>, in certain embodiments, the computing device perform lens calculations to calculate lens values (e.g., front base curve (BC) for the left and right lenses, back BC for the left and right lenses, CT left, CT right, refraction index (a measure of the lens material), bevel parameters, groove parameters, and any other parameters required for lens ordering). In some embodiments, the computing device may initially calculate lens values for the off-the-shelf frame (e.g., the frame as it is specified in the product catalog according to the initial frame parameters). In some aspects, the computing device uses these calculations as a starting point for adjusting a frame around the lens parameters. The computing device may calculate the lens values based on a combination of measurements comprising one or more of lens code, OMA data (software information), frame material, frame type, bevel type, groove type, prescription data, PD of the wearer (which could also be a measurement representing PD/<NUM>), edge thickness, minimal EP height, prism vertical, prism horizontal, and corridor length.

In some embodiments, a lens reconstruction is performed. Using as input one or more of the values of front BC, back BC, CT, and refraction index, a blank lens shape may be created. This is a model based on input parameters.

At <NUM>, in certain embodiments, the computing device performs a lens optimization algorithm, such as lens optimization algorithm <NUM>.

At 305a, the computing device auto fits frame parameters to lens parameters. Using one or more parameters related to the lens, frame, and the scanned image of the wearer, the computing device determines how each of the lenses, frame, and wearer's anatomy may be best fitted with each other. Parameters adjusted and optimized by the computing device during this process comprise one or more of a 3D model, landmarks, pantascopic angle (PA) (ideal value plus a range of possible values), corneal vertex distance (CVD) (ideal value plus a range of possible values), lens face form angle (LFFA) (ideal value plus a range of possible values), minimum eye point (Ep) height, minimum B size, minimum far zone, front base curve (BC) for the left and right lenses, back BC for the left and right lenses, CT left, CT right, refraction index, distance between lenses (DBL) (defined value and range of acceptable values), Hbox (defined value and range of acceptable values), VBox (defined value and range of acceptable values), inclination angle (defined value and range of acceptable values), frame face form angle (FFFA) (defined value and range of acceptable values), temple length (defined value and range of acceptable values),.

The computing device performs lens calculations on the adjusted, custom frame (306a), following the auto-fitting steps. Using a combination of measurements comprising one or more of lens code, OMA data (software information), frame material, frame type, bevel type, groove type, prescription data, PD of the wearer (which could also be a measurement representing PD/<NUM>), edge thickness, minimal EP height, prism vertical, prism horizontal, and corridor length, the computing device determines further lens measurements comprising one or more of front base curve (BC) for the left and right lenses, back BC for the left and right lenses, CT left, CT right, refraction index (a measure of the lens material), bevel parameters, groove parameters, and any other parameters required for lens ordering.

In some embodiments, the computing device optionally repeats the auto fitting and lens calculation steps for the custom frame at least once in order to obtain more optimized values for the frame (305b) and (306b). Auto fitting and lens calculation for the custom frame may be repeated <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more times. In certain embodiments, the auto fitting step and lens calculation for the custom frame are not repeated.

The computing device may then measure the fit of the lenses, frames, and the scanned image of the wearer (<NUM>).

At <NUM>, the computing device performs a frame fitting for a given lens material, by determining at least one of Hbox (actual and acceptable range), DBL (actual and acceptable range), and temple length (actual and acceptable length). Available lenses to use with such fitted frames may also be indicated, for example, by lens ID.

In some embodiments, a customer changes the lens material (<NUM>). In these cases, the computing device performs the lens calculation for the custom frame again (306a), optionally repeats the auto fitting and lens calculation for the custom frame (305b and 305b), measures (<NUM>), and performs the frame fitting and lens material step (<NUM>) for the new lens material. If the lens material changes again, the steps repeat until the final values for the final lens material are confirmed.

In some embodiments, a customer changes the frame parameters (<NUM>). As when the lens material is changed, the computing device performs the lens calculation for the custom frame again (306a), optionally repeats the auto fitting and lens calculation for the custom frame (305b and 305b), measures (<NUM>), and performs the frame fitting and lens material step (<NUM>). If the frame parameters change again, the steps repeat until the choice is finalized. An exemplary frame material suitable for additive manufacturing is polyamide, which may be available in a flexible, UV resistant, impact resistant, hypoallergenic and lightweight form.

In certain embodiments, a further step comprises a lens customization web service (<NUM>). Taking the input of the lens ID, the computing device performs customization and outputs specifications for a lens customized with coatings, tints, filters, polarization, or photo. A final step of design, material, treatments, and coatings may follow, wherein a customer selects from coatings, tints, filters, polarization, and photo, as well as frame colors, textures, and finishes. The computing device may integrate the selections into a final output describing coating, tint, and finish information for the lenses, and color, texture, and finish information for the frame.

Finally, the customer can check out and order the eyewear having lenses whose position in space has been optimized and whose frames have been fitted around the lenses.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a computer program configured to perform the methods described herein.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the methods described herein.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a customization system (<FIG>) on which a customer, with or without assistance from an eye care professional such as an optician, orders custom eyewear. The customization system performs the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the customization system comprises a scanner unit, a computing device such as a computer wherein the computing device has a processor, memory, a display unit, and input means for entering data related to the customer. The customization system may comprise a user interface for receiving instructions or information from the customer and displaying results. The system may additionally be linked to a network in order to receive or send information from other computers. In some embodiments, the system is configured to send specifications of the eyewear to a manufacturer, for example, the specifications may be sent to a printer for additive manufacturing.

In some embodiments, the scanner unit of the system is configured to make a facial scan of the wearer. In some aspects, the scan accuracy is high. In some embodiments, the scanner unit comprises one or more of a shutter camera and lights. The scanner unit may comprise a flash-power LED for picture rending, and a projection Xenon flash tube for wide angle viewing. In some embodiments, there are <NUM> industrial grade global-shutter cameras. The cameras may work under both bad light and bright light conditions. In some embodiments, the Xenon flash tubes enable a wider projection angle, so the customer be positioned easily within a short time frame.

The scanner unit may comprise a mirror for fixation, and may comprise an electronic elevator for lifting the scanner unit up and down to accommodate height differences between wearers. For example, the elevator may lift the scanner between <NUM>-<NUM>. The elevator may have a power switch and may be controlled by a remote control unit. The scanner unit connects to the computing device via a standard connection such as a USB.

In some embodiments , a customer obtains a facial scan from the scanner unit. In some embodiments, the customer stands upright in front of the scanner unit, at a distance of approximately <NUM>, which puts the scanner unit about <NUM> from the customer's eyes. In some embodiments, the width of the display is about <NUM>, and the display may be a mirror or mirrored surface. In some embodiments, this mirror width allows the customer to be positioned in the middle of the scanners, while the distance prevents convergence errors. The centered position prevents parallax errors. Accordingly, in some embodiments, it is not necessary to place a mark on ground (such as a line, an x, or a pair of footprints) where the customer needs to stand, since the image of the customer that appears on the screen will indicate the correct position. At this point, an eye care professional can adjust the vertical position of the scanner unit to the correct position in front of the customer's head. After aligning, the eye care professional can take the image and the system continue to complete the process.

In some embodiments, the customization system comprises a display of sample eyewear frames. The display may be a freestanding unit, or may be a display hanging on the wall. The display may shows selection of frames that are suitable for the fitting and optimizing methods described herein, and the customer may touch and try on samples of the designs that (s)he will later select for the fitting. In some embodiments, an entire platform with entire frame collections may be available for display, or may be in the product catalog.

The computing device may be configured to receive personal information related to the customer's personal eyewear needs. For example, the customer may enter information, or may have the information imported from other systems which are already linked to the computing device. The customer information comprises details about the customer's visual needs and lifestyle requirements. Near, intermediate, and distance zones may be distributed in the lens as corresponds to the customer's functional needs. The computing device determines the ideal lens design and places the lenses in the position where they will offer the best visual performance and experience.

In some embodiments, the display unit, which may be a computer screen, shows frames that match the defined position of lenses and still respect anatomical limitations, such as prominent cheekbones or long eyelashes which would form a physical barrier to the lenses. The customer may select a base model (frame selection), with a preferred color and finish. The computing device adjusts automatically for the lenses, for comfort, and for fit on the customer's face.

In some embodiments, the customization system enables the customer to select additional lens features for a final lens choice. In some embodiments, an eye care professional helps the customer with this step. The computing device generates a virtual image of the customer in the selected eyewear. In some embodiments, the customer and/or eye care professional can modify the shape of the frame in order to preserve the correct position of the lenses. The modifications may respect the limits that have been predefined, for example, by designers who specify how much the frame components (e.g., temples, nose bridge, frame heights, etc.) can be enlarged or reduced. In some embodiments, the customer may try out different colors or textures in order to configure the frame to his or her personal taste. In some embodiments, the modifications to the frame are also limited by printability.

The computing device may be configured to coordinate at least one of ordering, tracking, and manufacturing. The computing device may have software linking the frame and/or lens specifications to one or more manufacturers. In some embodiments, the frame is produced using additive manufacturing. Accordingly, the frame is 3D printed according to the ideal vision and lens parameters and the lenses and precision cut are integrated into the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame and lens are produced by separate manufacturers and assembled. The customer and the eye care professional may follow the progress of the order using track and trace functionality.

Following manufacture and assembly of the lenses and frames, the eyewear is delivered to the eye care professional and/or the customer.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a customized eyewear product manufactured using the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the custom eyewear is manufactured utilizing conventional 3D printing technology.

Embodiments of the invention may be practiced within a system for designing and manufacturing 3D objects. Turning to <FIG>, an example of a computer environment suitable for the implementation of 3D object design and manufacturing is shown. The environment includes a system <NUM>. The system <NUM> includes one or more computers 502a-502d, which can be, for example, any workstation, server, or other computing device capable of processing information. In some aspects, each of the computers 502a-502d can be connected, by any suitable communications technology (e.g., an internet protocol), to a network <NUM> (e.g., the Internet). Accordingly, the computers 502a-502d may transmit and receive information (e.g., software, digital representations of 3D objects, commands or instructions to operate an additive manufacturing device, etc.) between each other via the network <NUM>.

The system <NUM> further includes one or more additive manufacturing devices (e.g., 3D printers) 506a-506b. As shown the additive manufacturing device 506a is directly connected to a computer 502d (and through computer 502d connected to computers 502a-502c via the network <NUM>) and additive manufacturing device 506b is connected to the computers 502a-502d via the network <NUM>. Accordingly, one of skill in the art will understand that an additive manufacturing device <NUM> may be directly connected to a computer <NUM>, connected to a computer <NUM> via a network <NUM>, and/or connected to a computer <NUM> via another computer <NUM> and the network <NUM>.

It should be noted that though the system <NUM> is described with respect to a network and one or more computers, the techniques described herein also apply to a single computer <NUM>, which may be directly connected to an additive manufacturing device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a functional block diagram of one example of a computer of <FIG>. The computer 502a includes a processor <NUM> in data communication with a memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, and an output device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the processor is further in data communication with an optional network interface card <NUM>. Although described separately, it is to be appreciated that functional blocks described with respect to the computer 502a need not be separate structural elements. For example, the processor <NUM> and memory <NUM> may be embodied in a single chip.

The processor <NUM> can be a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any suitable combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.

The processor <NUM> can be coupled, via one or more buses, to read information from or write information to memory <NUM>. The processor may additionally, or in the alternative, contain memory, such as processor registers. The memory <NUM> can include processor cache, including a multi-level hierarchical cache in which different levels have different capacities and access speeds. The memory <NUM> can also include random access memory (RAM), other volatile storage devices, or non-volatile storage devices. The storage can include hard drives, optical discs, such as compact discs (CDs) or digital video discs (DVDs), flash memory, floppy discs, magnetic tape, and Zip drives.

The processor <NUM> also may be coupled to an input device <NUM> and an output device <NUM> for, respectively, receiving input from and providing output to a user of the computer 502a. Suitable input devices include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, buttons, keys, switches, a pointing device, a mouse, a joystick, a remote control, an infrared detector, a bar code reader, a scanner, a video camera (possibly coupled with video processing software to, e.g., detect hand gestures or facial gestures), a motion detector, or a microphone (possibly coupled to audio processing software to, e.g., detect voice commands). Suitable output devices include, but are not limited to, visual output devices, including displays and printers, audio output devices, including speakers, headphones, earphones, and alarms, additive manufacturing devices, and haptic output devices.

The processor <NUM> further may be coupled to a network interface card <NUM>. The network interface card <NUM> prepares data generated by the processor <NUM> for transmission via a network according to one or more data transmission protocols. The network interface card <NUM> also decodes data received via a network according to one or more data transmission protocols. The network interface card <NUM> can include a transmitter, receiver, or both. In other embodiments, the transmitter and receiver can be two separate components. The network interface card <NUM>, can be embodied as a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any suitable combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.

<FIG> illustrates a process <NUM> for manufacturing a 3D object or device, such as customized eyewear. As shown, block <NUM>, a digital representation of the object is designed using a computer, such as the computer 502a. For example, <NUM>-D or 3D data may be input to the computer 502a for aiding in designing the digital representation of the 3D object. Continuing block <NUM>, information is sent from the computer 502a to an additive manufacturing device, such as additive manufacturing device <NUM>, and the device <NUM> commences the manufacturing process in accordance with the received information. The process continues to block <NUM>, where the additive manufacturing device <NUM> continues manufacturing the 3D object using suitable materials, such as a polymer or metal powder. At block <NUM>, the 3D object is generated.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary additive manufacturing apparatus <NUM> for generating a three-dimensional (3D) object. In this example, the additive manufacturing apparatus <NUM> is a laser sintering device. The laser sintering device <NUM> may be used to generate one or more 3D objects layer by layer. The laser sintering device <NUM>, for example, may utilize a powder (e.g., metal, polymer, etc.), such as the powder <NUM>, to build an object a layer at a time as part of a build process.

Successive powder layers are spread on top of each other using, for example, a recoating mechanism 815A (e.g., a recoater blade). The recoating mechanism 815A deposits powder for a layer as it moves across the build area, for example in the direction shown, or in the opposite direction if the recoating mechanism 815A is starting from the other side of the build area, such as for another layer of the build.

Claim 1:
A computer-implemented method for constructing custom eyewear, comprising:
receiving wearer information related to anatomy and lifestyle of a wearer of the custom eyewear;
calculating, based at least in part on the anatomy and lifestyle of the wearer, values for lens parameters, wherein the lens parameters set a lens position that is optimized for the wearer, wherein the lens parameters comprise at least one of lens offset (x & z), pantascopic angle (PA), corneal vertex distance (CVD), lens face form angle (LFFA), minimal eye point height (EPH), minimal B-size, minimal distance to upper rim, and minimum corridor length, and wherein the calculated values for the lens parameters are selected from an ideal value and a range of tolerated values for the lens parameters;
obtaining a scanned image showing morphology of an anatomical part of the wearer;
selecting a frame from a digital catalog; and
modifying the frame, by modifying values for one or more frame parameters, to accommodate the calculated values for the lens parameters and the scanned image, thereby building the frame and constructing custom eyewear which keeps the calculated values for the lens parameters, wherein the one or more frame parameters comprise one or more of a frame model ID, OMA data, HBox, VBox, incline, frame face form angle (FFFA) and parametric model, and wherein the values for one or more frame parameters are modified in a step of auto-fitting (305a, 305b) the one or more frame parameters to the calculated values for the lens parameters, to determine how each of the lenses, frame and wearer's anatomy may be best fitted with each other, and to generate an adjusted custom frame;
the method comprising a further step of performing a lens calculation (306a, 306b) on the adjusted custom frame, to approximate an optimal lens for the custom frame, wherein the steps of auto-fitting (305a, 305b) and performing the lens calculation (306a, 306b) are repeated at least once in order to obtain more optimized values for the frame parameters.