Patent Description:
With optical articles, such as ophthalmic lenses, one or more marks are often associated with at least one surface of a substrate of the optical article. Such marks can be used for various purposes, such as, for example, identifying the manufacturer of the optical article, identifying a particular production run that resulted in formation of the optical article, and/or providing information about the optical article, such as optical characteristics (e.g., optical axes, centering points, etc.) that can be used by an optician to properly and accurately fit the optical article into a lens frame. Such marks are typically unobservable when the optical article is in normal use, such as being unobservable by a person wearing a pair of ophthalmic lenses having such a mark. The marks can be rendered observable under certain limited circumstances, such as exposure to a particular wavelength of light, so as to determine the information contained in the mark. Typically, the marks are of relatively small dimensions (<NUM> to <NUM>). It is often desirable that the mark be a permanent mark, so the information provided thereby can be accessed more than once and/or at a time that is remote from formation of the mark. In some examples, the mark is introduced to the substrate by physically engraving the surface of the substrate (such as using a stylus or a laser), chemically etching the surface of the substrate, or molding the mark during the manufacture of the substrate For example, <CIT> describes an apparatus for marking optical elements with the aid of suitably shaped laser radiation.

Present methods of introducing a mark into an optical article can result in the formation of a mark that is not readily observable, under some conditions, when the substrate is coated with one or more coatings. It would be desirable to develop new systems and methods for marking a coated optical article having at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article with at least one second mark to increase the visibility of the at least one first mark.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, According to the present invention, a system is provided for marking a coated optical article having at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article, as defined in claim <NUM>.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one electromagnetic radiation source may be a laser having a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>. The at least one imaging device may have a viewing surface configured for receiving the portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the surface of the substrate and a camera configured for imaging the viewing surface.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one mark identification device further may include at least one beam manipulation device configured for controlling at least one characteristic of the electromagnetic radiation. The at least one beam manipulation device may include at least one of a beam expander, a collimating lens, a converging lens, a diverging lens, a spatial filter, a galvanometer, a servo, and a gimbal.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one mark identification device further may include at least one source manipulation device configured for controlling a position of the at least one electromagnetic radiation source relative to the coated optical article.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one marking device may be configured to mark at least one coating layer of the coated optical article with the at least one second mark. The at least one second mark may be an array of elements on at least one coating layer of the coated optical article. The at least one marking device may be configured to adjust at least one of a size of each element in the array of elements, a depth of each element in the array of elements, and a density of the array of elements.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one marking device may include an etching device and at least one mirror configured for reflecting a beam from the etching device onto the coated optical article. The etching device may be a laser having a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one imaging device may include a camera and a mask having at least one opening, the mask being positioned between the camera and the coated optical article.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the system may further include a verification device configured for comparing the position of the at least one second mark relative to the position of the at least one first mark and determining whether the position of the at least one second mark is within a predetermined distance of the position of the at least one first mark. The verification device may include a verification camera and a backlight source. The coated optical article may be configured to be positioned between the verification camera and the backlight source. The verification device may be further configured for guiding the at least one marking device such that the position of the at least one second mark at least partially overlaps the position of the at least one first mark.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, a method may be provided for marking a coated optical article having at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article. The method may include irradiating at least a portion of the surface of the substrate having the at least one first mark with electromagnetic radiation using at least one electromagnetic radiation source, and determining a position of the at least one first mark on the surface of the substrate by receiving with at least one mark identification device a portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the surface of the substrate having the at least one first mark. The method may further include marking the coated optical article with at least one second mark having a position based on the position of the at least one first mark using at least one marking device.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one electromagnetic radiation source may be a laser having a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>. The portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the surface of the substrate may be received on a viewing surface of the at least one imaging device of the at least one mark identification device and wherein the viewing surface is imaged using a camera.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the method may further include controlling at least one characteristic of the electromagnetic radiation using at least one beam manipulation device of the at least one mark identification device. The at least one beam manipulation device may include at least one of a beam expander, a collimating lens, a converging lens, a diverging lens, a spatial filter, a galvanometer, a servo, and a gimbal.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the method may further include controlling a position of the at least one electromagnetic radiation source relative to the coated optical article using at least one source manipulation device of the at least one mark identification device.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, marking the coated optical article may include etching the at least one second mark into at least one coating layer of the coated optical article using an etching device. The etching device may be a laser having a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one imaging device may include a camera and a mask having at least one opening, with the mask being positioned between the camera and the coated optical article. The at least one marking device may be configured to mark at least one coating layer of the coated optical article with the at least one second mark.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, marking the coated optical article with at least one second mark may include marking an array of elements on at least one coating layer of the coated optical article. The method may further include adjusting at least one of a size of each element in the array of elements, a depth of each element in the array of elements, and a density of the array of elements.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the method may further include comparing the position of the at least one second mark relative to the position of the at least one first mark using a verification device and determining whether the position of the at least one second mark is within a predetermined distance of the position of the at least one first mark. The verification device may include a verification camera and a backlight source. The coated optical article may be configured to be positioned between the verification camera and the backlight source. The verification device may be further configured for guiding the at least one marking device such that the position of the at least one second mark at least partially overlaps the position of the at least one first mark.

In accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, provided is a coated optical article having at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article and at least one second mark on at least one coating layer of the coated optical article, wherein the optical article may be obtainable by any method described herein.

A system and method of making an optical article may be characterized by one or more of the following aspects:.

In a first aspect, the present invention may relate to a system for marking a coated optical article having at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article, the system comprising: at least one mark identification device comprising: at least one electromagnetic radiation source configured to irradiate at least a portion of the surface of the substrate having the at least one first mark with electromagnetic radiation; and at least one imaging device configured to receive a portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the surface of the substrate having the at least one first mark and determine a position of the at least one first mark on the surface of the substrate; and at least one marking device configured for marking the coated optical article with at least one second mark having a position based on the position of the at least one first mark.

In a second aspect, the at least one electromagnetic radiation source of the system in accordance with the first aspect is a laser having a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

In a third aspect, the at least one imaging device in accordance with the first aspect or the second aspect comprises a viewing surface configured for receiving the portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the surface of the substrate and a camera configured for imaging the viewing surface.

In a fourth aspect, the at least one mark identification device in accordance with any one of the first to third aspects further comprises at least one beam manipulation device configured for controlling at least one characteristic of the electromagnetic radiation.

In a fifth aspect, the at least one beam manipulation device in accordance with the fourth aspect comprises at least one of a beam expander, a collimating lens, a converging lens, a spatial filter, a diverging lens, a galvanometer, a servo, or a gimbal.

In a sixth aspect, the at least one mark identification device in accordance with any one of the preceding first to fifth aspects further comprises at least one source manipulation device configured for controlling a position of the at least one electromagnetic radiation source relative to the coated optical article.

In a seventh aspect, the at least one marking device in accordance with any one of the preceding first to sixth aspects is configured to mark at least one coating layer of the coated optical article with the at least one second mark.

In an eighth aspect, the at least one second mark in accordance with any one of the preceding first to seventh aspects is an array of elements on at least one coating layer of the coated optical article.

In a ninth aspect, the at least one marking device in accordance with the eighth aspect is configured to adjust at least one of a size of each element in the array of elements, a depth of each element in the array of elements, or a density of the array of elements.

In a tenth aspect, the at least one marking device in accordance with any one of the preceding first to ninth aspects comprises an etching device and at least one mirror configured for reflecting a beam from the etching device onto the coated optical article.

In an eleventh aspect, the etching device in accordance with the tenth aspect is a laser having a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

In a twelfth aspect, the at least one imaging device in accordance with any one of the preceding first to eleventh aspects comprises a camera and a mask having at least one opening, the mask being positioned between the camera and the coated optical article.

In a thirteenth aspect, the system in accordance with any one of the preceding first to twelfth aspects further comprising a verification device configured for comparing the position of the at least one second mark relative to the position of the at least one first mark and determining whether the position of the at least one second mark is within a predetermined distance of the position of the at least one first mark.

In a fourteenth aspect, the verification device in accordance with the thirteenth aspect comprises a verification camera and a backlight source, and wherein the coated optical article is configured to be positioned between the verification camera and the backlight source.

In a fifteenth aspect, the verification device in accordance with the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect is further configured for guiding the at least one marking device such that the position of the at least one second mark at least partially overlaps the position of the at least one first mark.

In <FIG> the same characters represent the same components unless otherwise indicated.

As used herein, the singular form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Spatial or directional terms, such as "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "above", "below", and the like, relate to the invention as shown in the drawing figures and are not to be considered as limiting as the invention can assume various alternative orientations.

All numbers used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". By "about" is meant plus or minus twenty-five percent of the stated value, such as plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. However, this should not be considered as limiting to any analysis of the values under the doctrine of equivalents.

Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass the beginning and ending values and any and all subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of "<NUM> to <NUM>" should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of <NUM> and the maximum value of <NUM>; that is, all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of <NUM> or more and ending with a maximum value of <NUM> or less. The ranges and/or ratios disclosed herein represent the average values over the specified range and/or ratio.

The terms "first", "second", and the like are not intended to refer to any particular order or chronology, but refer to different conditions, properties, or elements.

All documents referred to herein are "incorporated by reference" in their entirety.

The term "at least" is synonymous with "greater than or equal to".

As used herein, "at least one of" is synonymous with "one or more of'. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. Further, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes A alone; or B alone; or C alone; or A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all of A, B, and C.

As used herein, the terms "parallel" or "substantially parallel" mean a relative angle as between two objects (if extended to theoretical intersection), such as elongated objects and including reference lines, that is from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, inclusive of the recited values.

As used herein, the terms "perpendicular" or "substantially perpendicular" mean a relative angle as between two objects at their real or theoretical intersection is from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, inclusive of the recited values.

As used herein, the term "optical" means pertaining to or associated with light and/or vision. For example, according to various non-limiting aspects disclosed herein, the optical article, article or device can be chosen from ophthalmic elements, articles, and devices, display elements, articles, and devices, windows, and mirrors.

As used herein, the term "ophthalmic" means pertaining to or associated with the eye and vision. Non-limiting examples of ophthalmic articles or elements include corrective and non-corrective lenses, including single vision or multi-vision lenses, which may be either segmented or non-segmented multi-vision lenses (such as, but not limited to, bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses and progressive lenses), as well as other elements used to correct, protect, or enhance (cosmetically or otherwise) vision, including without limitation, contact lenses, intra-ocular lenses, magnifying lenses, and protective lenses or visors.

As used herein, the terms "lens" and "lenses" mean and encompass at least individual lenses, lens pairs, partially formed (or semi-finished) lenses, fully formed (or finished) lenses, and lens blanks.

As used herein, the term "ophthalmic substrate" means lenses, partially formed lenses, and lens blanks.

As used herein, the term "coating" means a supported film derived from a flowable composition, which may or may not have a uniform thickness, and specifically excludes polymeric sheets.

As used herein, the term "mark" means one or more marks.

As used herein, the terms "visible light" or "visible radiation" means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

As used herein, the terms "ultraviolet", "ultraviolet radiation", and "ultraviolet light" mean electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of <NUM> to less than <NUM>. The term "UV" means ultraviolet, such as ultraviolet radiation.

As used herein, the terms "infrared", "infrared radiation", and "infrared light" mean electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of more than <NUM> and up to <NUM>,<NUM>.

The discussion of various examples or aspects may describe certain features as being "particularly" or "preferably" within certain limitations (e.g., "preferably", "more preferably", or "even more preferably", within certain limitations). It is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to these particular or preferred limitations but encompasses the entire scope of the various examples and aspects described herein.

The disclosure comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of the following examples or aspects, in any combination. Various examples or aspects of the disclosure are illustrated in separate drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that this is simply for ease of illustration and discussion. In the practice of the disclosure, one or more examples or aspects shown in one drawing figure can be combined with one or more examples or aspects shown in one or more of the other drawing figures.

In some embodiments or aspects, the present disclosure is generally directed to an optical article <NUM>, and to a system and method for marking a coated optical article having at least one first mark on a surface of a substrate of the coated optical article. Prior to describing the system and method, an exemplary optical article <NUM> will now be described.

In various embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the optical article <NUM> can be selected from ophthalmic articles or elements, display articles or elements, windows, mirrors, active liquid crystal cell articles or elements, or passive liquid crystal cell articles or elements.

Examples of ophthalmic articles or elements include, but are not limited to, corrective and non-corrective lenses, including single vision or multi-vision lenses, which can be either segmented or non-segmented multi-vision lenses (such as, but not limited to, bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses, and progressive lenses), as well as other elements used to correct, protect, or enhance (cosmetically or otherwise) vision, including without limitation, contact lenses, intra-ocular lenses, magnifying lenses, and protective lenses or visors.

Examples of display articles, elements and devices include, but are not limited to, screens, monitors, and security elements, including without limitation, security marks and authentication marks.

Examples of windows include, but are not limited to, automotive and aircraft transparencies, filters, shutters, and optical switches.

With reference to <FIG>, the optical article <NUM> generally includes a substrate <NUM> and one or more coating layers applied to one or more surfaces of the substrate <NUM>. In some embodiments or aspects, the one or more coating layers may include a first coating layer <NUM> applied over at least a portion of at least one surface of the optical article <NUM>. The optical article <NUM> further may include one or more additional coating layers <NUM> applied over at least a portion of the first coating layer <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the substrate <NUM> has a forward or top surface <NUM>, a rearward or bottom surface <NUM>, and a side surface <NUM> extending between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM>. When optical article <NUM> is an ophthalmic lens, the bottom surface <NUM> is opposed to the eye of an individual wearing optical article <NUM>, the side surface <NUM> typically resides within a supportive frame, and the top surface <NUM> faces incident light (not shown) at least a portion of which passes through optical article <NUM> and into the individual's eye.

With some embodiments or aspects, at least one of the top surface <NUM>, the bottom surface <NUM>, and the side surface <NUM> may be convex, concave, or planar. Together, the top surface <NUM>, the bottom surface <NUM>, and the side surface <NUM> define an exterior <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> that generally defines an overall outer physical shape of the optical article <NUM>. The first coating layer <NUM> and the one or more additional coating layers <NUM> may be applied to any portion of the exterior <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>.

The substrate <NUM> may include an inorganic material, an organic polymeric material, or combinations thereof. The substrate <NUM> can, with some aspects, be an ophthalmic substrate. Non-limiting examples of organic materials suitable for use in forming ophthalmic substrates include, but are not limited to, the art-recognized polymers that are useful as ophthalmic substrates, such as organic optical resins that are used to prepare optically clear castings for optical applications, such as ophthalmic lenses. Non-limiting examples of inorganic materials suitable for use in forming the substrate <NUM> of the optical article <NUM> of the present disclosure include glasses, such as silica based glasses, minerals, ceramics, and metals. For example, in one non-limiting aspect the substrate <NUM> can include glass.

With continued reference to <FIG>, at least one indicia, such as at least one first mark <NUM>, may be provided on the substrate <NUM>. In some embodiments or aspects, the first mark <NUM> may be provided on a surface of the substrate <NUM>, such as the top surface <NUM>. The first mark <NUM> may be formed on a concave surface, a convex surface, or a planar surface of the exterior <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. The first mark <NUM> may be formed as a topographical feature that may protrude from the exterior <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, or a topographical feature that is recessed into the exterior <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>.

In some embodiments or aspects, the first mark <NUM> may be shaped to define an optical reference mark that a practitioner may use as a reference point in matching a power of the optical article <NUM> to a wearer's prescription. In other aspects, the first mark <NUM> may be an indicia, such as a logo. The first mark <NUM> may be formed as an array of a plurality of individual marks <NUM> that, taken together, define the overall mark. Where a plurality of marks <NUM> are provided on the exterior surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, the plurality of marks <NUM> may be provided in same plane or offset planes. Various dimensions of the first mark <NUM>, including the depth, height, and width, can be selected in accordance with art-recognized methods.

In some embodiments or aspects, the first mark <NUM> may be provided on the substrate <NUM> in a number of ways. For example, one or more first marks <NUM> may be monolithically formed on the substrate <NUM>, such as, for example, by molding. In other aspects, one or more marks <NUM> may be formed on the substrate <NUM> by etching, engraving, or according to other methods known by those skilled in the field to imprint the desired first mark <NUM> on the substrate <NUM>. For example, a laser may be used to engrave the exterior <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> with the mark. In various embodiments or aspects, the first mark <NUM> is formed on the substrate <NUM> prior to coating the substrate with one or more coatings.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the optical article <NUM> includes one or more coatings, such as a first coating layer <NUM> and one or more additional coating layers <NUM>, applied over at least a portion of the exterior <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> and the first mark <NUM>. Examples of the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM> include, but are not limited to: primer coatings and films; protective coatings and films, including transitional coatings and films and abrasion resistant coatings and films; anti-reflective coatings and films; polarizing coatings and films; and combinations thereof.

The first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM> may be optically clear (without a color hue), or have a desired color hue. The first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM>, with some additional aspects, can include a static dye, a photochromic material, or a combination of two or more thereof. In some embodiments or aspects, the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM> are free of static dyes, and photochromic materials.

The first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM> may be formed over the entire exterior <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, or on at least a portion of at least one surface of the substrate <NUM>, such as the top surface <NUM>. The first coating layer <NUM> may be conformal to the exterior <NUM> and the first mark <NUM>, or it may form a planar surface over the exterior <NUM> and the first mark <NUM>. In various embodiments or aspects, the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM> may be applied over at least a portion of the exterior <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> using a variety of coating methods, including, without limitation, spin, spray, dip, flow, curtain, PVD (physical vapor deposition), CVD (chemical vapor deposition), plasma enhanced CVD, evaporation, sputtering, electro-deposition, and printing, such as inkjet printing.

The first coating layer <NUM> and other optional films and/or layers (such as but not limited to the one or more additional coating layers <NUM>) that are formed on or over the substrate <NUM> each have clarity at least sufficient so as to allow observance of a source of electromagnetic energy through the coated optical article <NUM> and a reflection of the electromagnetic energy incident on a surface of the coated optical article <NUM>. With some aspects, the first coating layer <NUM> and one or more additional layers <NUM> each independently have a percent transmittance, such as percent transmittance of visible light, of greater than <NUM>% and less than or equal to <NUM>%, such as from <NUM>% to <NUM>%. In some embodiments or aspects, the first coating layer <NUM> and one or more additional coating layers <NUM> have reflectance at least sufficient so as to allow a reflection of at least a portion of electromagnetic energy incident on the exterior surface of the coated optical article <NUM>.

In some embodiments or aspects, the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM> have a similar refractive index value relative to the refractive index value of the substrate <NUM>, depending on a thickness of the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM>. For example, the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM> have a refractive index value that is within +/-<NUM> or less of the refractive index value of the substrate <NUM>. In other embodiments or aspects, the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM> have a different refractive index value relative to the refractive index value of the substrate <NUM>, depending on a thickness of the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM>. For example, the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM> have a refractive index value that is at least +/- <NUM> higher or lower than the refractive index value of the substrate <NUM>. While not intending to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the similarity or difference in the refractive index values of the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM> to the refractive index value of the substrate <NUM> make the first mark <NUM> difficult to observe to a human eye when inspecting the coated optical article <NUM>. In other words, while the first mark <NUM> may be visible on an uncoated substrate <NUM>, applying the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the one or more additional coating layers <NUM> onto the substrate <NUM> and over the first mark <NUM> may make it more difficult or impossible to visually observe the first mark <NUM>.

In some embodiments or aspects, a system <NUM> is provided for marking the coated optical article <NUM> having the first mark <NUM> with a second mark based on a position of the first mark <NUM>. The system <NUM> may be configured for identifying a position of the first mark <NUM>, and marking the coated optical article <NUM> with a second mark. In this manner, the second mark may be visible when a source of electromagnetic energy is viewed through the coated optical article <NUM> relative to the second mark or when the source of electromagnetic energy is reflected from a surface of the coated optical article <NUM>. In some embodiments or aspects, the system <NUM> may be further configured for comparing the position of the second mark relative to the first mark <NUM> and determining whether the position of the second mark is within a predetermined distance of the position of the first mark <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the system <NUM> has a mark identification device <NUM> configured for identifying a position of the first mark <NUM> on the substrate <NUM> of the coated optical article <NUM>. The system <NUM> further has a marking device <NUM> configured for marking the coated optical article <NUM> with a second mark <NUM>. The system <NUM> further has a verification device <NUM> configured for comparing the position of the second mark <NUM> relative to the first mark <NUM> and determining whether the position of the second mark <NUM> is within a predetermined distance of the position of the first mark <NUM>. In various embodiments or aspects, the system <NUM> may have one or more mark identification devices <NUM>, one or more marking devices <NUM>, one or more mark verification devices <NUM>, and/or one or more controllers <NUM>.

With some embodiments or aspects, increasing the visibility of the first mark <NUM> by marking the optical article <NUM> with a second mark may be helpful to a practitioner who must check and match the power of the lens according to a wearer's prescription. For example, symbols representing lens power and other identifying information useful to the practitioner may be marked on the optical article <NUM> in the form of the second mark even when the first mark <NUM> cannot be readily identified. A highly visible second mark of the present disclosure may be useful to the quality control personnel responsible for inspection of optical articles, or it may be used as an indicia in an automated verification system. When the optical article <NUM> having the second mark of the present disclosure is inspected in the presence of a source of electromagnetic energy, the second mark is easily identifiable against the surrounding surface of the optical article <NUM>.

In some embodiments or aspects, the system <NUM> may include a controller <NUM> that is configured to control operation of one or more components of the system <NUM>, such as the mark identification device <NUM>, the marking device <NUM>, and the verification device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to transmit and/or receive data to and/or from one or more components of the system <NUM> via a communication network <NUM> having a wired or wireless communication connection. In some embodiments or aspects, a wired communication connection may be one or more physical wires connecting one or more components of the system <NUM> to the controller <NUM>. Examples of a wireless communication connection include, without limitation, a cellular network (e.g., a long-term evolution (LTE) network, a third generation (<NUM>) network, a fourth generation (<NUM>) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, etc.), a public land mobile network (PLMN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a telephone network (e.g., the public switched telephone network (PSTN)), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, a fiber optic-based network, a cloud computing network, and/or the like, an NFC communication connection, an RFID communication connection, a Bluetooth® communication connection, and/or the like, and/or a combination of some or all of these or other types of networks.

The number and arrangement of components of the system <NUM> shown in <FIG> are provided as an example. There may be additional systems and/or devices, fewer systems and/or devices, different systems and/or devices, or differently arranged systems and/or devices than those shown in <FIG>. One or more devices or components of the system <NUM> shown in <FIG> may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another device or component.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may include a bus <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a storage component <NUM>, an input component <NUM>, an output component <NUM>, and a communication interface <NUM>.

The bus <NUM> may include a component that permits communication among the components of system <NUM>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the processor <NUM> may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, the processor <NUM> may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and/or any processing component (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) that can be programmed to perform a function. Memory <NUM> may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and/or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, etc.) that stores information and/or instructions for use by the processor <NUM>.

The storage component <NUM> may store information and/or software related to the operation and use of one or more components of the system <NUM>. For example, the storage component <NUM> may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magnetooptic disk, a solid state disk, etc.), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and/or another type of computer-readable medium, along with a corresponding drive.

The input component <NUM> may include a component that permits one or more components of the system <NUM> to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touchscreen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, a microphone, a camera, etc.). The output component <NUM> may include a component that provides output information from one or more components of the system <NUM> (e.g., a display, a speaker, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.).

The communication interface <NUM> may include a transceiver-like component (e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver and transmitter, etc.) that enables one or more components of the system <NUM> to communicate with other devices, such as via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. The communication interface <NUM> may permit one or more components of the system <NUM> to receive information from another device and/or provide information to another device. For example, the communication interface <NUM> may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi® interface, a cellular network interface, and/or the like.

The controller <NUM> may perform one or more processes described herein. The controller <NUM> may perform these processes based on the processor <NUM> executing software instructions stored by a computer-readable medium, such as the memory <NUM> and/or the storage component <NUM>. A computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) is defined herein as a non-transitory memory device. A non-transitory memory device includes memory space located inside of a single physical storage device or memory space spread across multiple physical storage devices.

Software instructions may be read into the memory <NUM> and/or the storage component <NUM> from another computer-readable medium or from another device via communication interface <NUM>. When executed, software instructions stored in the memory <NUM> and/or the storage component <NUM> may cause the processor <NUM> to perform one or more processes described herein. Additionally or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Thus, embodiments or aspects described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The memory <NUM> and/or the storage component <NUM> may include data storage or one or more data structures (e.g., a database, and/or the like). The controller <NUM> may be capable of receiving information from, storing information in, communicating information to, or searching information stored in the data storage or one or more data structures in the memory <NUM> and/or the storage component <NUM>. For example, the information may include data associated with a set of profiles, input data, output data, transaction data, account data, or any combination thereof.

With reference to <FIG>, the mark identification device <NUM> is shown in accordance with some embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. Generally the mark identification device <NUM> includes at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> and at least one imaging device <NUM>. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> may be configured to irradiate at least a portion of the surface of the substrate <NUM> having the at least one first mark <NUM> with a first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a. The at least one imaging device <NUM> may be configured to receive at least a portion of the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a reflected from the surface of the substrate <NUM> having the at least one first mark <NUM> and determine a position of the at least one first mark <NUM> on the surface of the substrate <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> may be a laser. The laser may be a continuous wave laser or a pulsed wave laser. In some embodiments or aspects, the laser may be a visible light laser having a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments or aspects, the laser may be an ultraviolet light laser having a wavelength in the range of <NUM> to less than <NUM>. In further embodiments or aspects, the laser may be an infrared light laser having a wavelength in the range of more than <NUM> and up to <NUM>,<NUM>. In further embodiments or aspects, the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> may be a visible light source that is coherent and monochromatic (or nearly monochromatic). In various embodiments or aspects, the visible light source may be a high-intensity xenon arc lamp, a light-emitting diode (LED), fluorescent lamp, or any other visible light source. Monochromatic characteristic of the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> may be a function of the type of electromagnetic source <NUM>, such as, for example, if the electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> is an LED, or it can be generated using at least one of a filter and a monochrometer.

The at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> is configured to project the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a, such as laser light, onto at least a portion of the exterior <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> having the first mark <NUM> thereon. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> may be configured to project a converging, a diverging, or a collimated first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a onto at least a portion of the exterior <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> having the first mark <NUM> thereon.

At least one beam manipulation device <NUM> may be provided for manipulating the characteristics of the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM>, such as the shape of the beam and/or a position at which the beam is projected on the surface of the substrate <NUM>. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> may be configured to manipulate the size of the beam of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM>. For example, the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> may be configured to control the size of the beam of electromagnetic radiation between <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> may be configured to converge, diverge, or collimate the beam emitted from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM>. For example, the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> may have at least one beam expander, at least one converging lens, at least one diverging lens, at least one collimating lens, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> may be a plano-concave beam expander that is configured to control the position at which the beam from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> is projected on the surface of the substrate <NUM>. For example, the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> may be a galvanometer, a servo, a gimbal, and/or any combination thereof. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> may be a spatial filter configured to improve the coherency of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM>. In various embodiments or aspects, the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> may include a plurality of individual beam manipulation devices <NUM>.

In further embodiments or aspects, a position of the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> relative to the substrate <NUM> may be controlled via at least one source manipulation device <NUM>. For example, the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> may be configured to move the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> in any direction in a Cartesian coordinate system relative to the substrate <NUM>, and/or to change an angular orientation of the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> relative to the substrate <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the at least one imaging device <NUM> is configured to receive a portion of the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a reflected from the surface of the substrate <NUM> having the at least one first mark <NUM> and determine a position of the at least one first mark <NUM> on the surface of the substrate <NUM>. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one imaging device <NUM> may be a camera, such as an optical camera. The camera may be configured to capture image data of the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a that is reflected from the surface of the substrate <NUM> having the first mark <NUM> thereon and projected onto a viewing surface <NUM>. For example, the camera may be configured to capture image data comprising the reflected image of the first mark <NUM>. The camera may be chosen such that it is configured to capture image data based on the characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM>. For example, the camera may be a visible light camera, an infrared camera, or a UV camera. Various lenses may be used to enhance the optical properties of the camera. The viewing surface <NUM> is configured for receiving the portion of the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a that is reflected from the surface of the substrate <NUM> such that the first beam 119a may be captured by the camera. In some embodiments or aspects, the viewing surface <NUM> may be a planar screen that is positioned between the at least one imaging device <NUM> and the optical article <NUM>. The viewing surface <NUM> may be transparent or translucent. One or more masks <NUM>, with each mask <NUM> having at least one opening <NUM>, may be used to block at least a portion of the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a that is reflected onto the viewing surface <NUM>. Each mask <NUM> may be positioned between the camera and the coated optical article <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the at least one imaging device <NUM> may be programmed or configured to capture image data of a portion of the reflected first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a. For example, first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> may be focused on a portion of the top surface of the optical article <NUM>, such as via the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> and/or the at least one source manipulation device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may be configured or programmed to analyze the image data recorded by the at least one imaging device <NUM> and determine whether the image data comprises information indicating the presence of the reflected image of the first mark <NUM>. If the reflected image of the first mark <NUM> is found, the position of the reflected mark <NUM> is stored. For example, the controller <NUM> may be configured or programmed to store the position of the reflected mark <NUM> in the memory <NUM> and/or the storage component <NUM> as coordinate data. In some examples or aspects, coordinate data may be a set of X-axis and Y-axis coordinates corresponding to a top view plane of the optical article <NUM>.

If the reflected image of the first mark <NUM> is not found in the image data of the portion of the optical article <NUM> captured by the at least one imaging device <NUM>, first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> may be focused on a different portion of the top surface of the optical article <NUM> that has not been previously imaged, such as via the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> and/or the at least one source manipulation device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may then analyze the image data associated with the different portion of the top surface <NUM> of the optical article <NUM> and determine whether the image data comprises information indicating the presence of the reflected image of the first mark <NUM>. The process of capturing image data of a portion of the optical article <NUM> and analyzing whether the image data includes the reflected image of the first mark <NUM> may be repeated until the reflected image is found or the optical article <NUM> is deemed not to have the first mark <NUM>.

In some embodiments or aspects, instead of capturing and analyzing image data of discrete portions of the optical article in an iterative manner, the at least one imaging device <NUM> may be configured to continuously capture image data of reflected first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a as the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a is manipulated to scan or sweep across the entire top surface of the optical article <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may be configured or programmed to control the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> and/or the at least one source manipulation device <NUM> in a manner such that electromagnetic radiation from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> irradiates the entire surface of the optical article <NUM> by continuously scanning or sweeping across different portions of the optical article <NUM>. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> and/or the at least one source manipulation device <NUM> may be controlled in a manner such that first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> is projected in a line that is swept across the surface of the optical article <NUM>.

In further embodiments or aspects, the mask <NUM> may be placed between the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> and the viewing surface <NUM> such that the mask <NUM> blocks the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a except for portion of the first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a that passes through the opening <NUM> of the mask <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, after determining that image data of the optical article <NUM> has a reflected image of the first mark <NUM>, the system <NUM> may be configured to verify the position of the reflected image of mark <NUM> by directing a second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b at a location on the top surface of the optical article <NUM> based on coordinate data determined during the initial analysis of the image data. The second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b may be a focused beam having the same general size as the first mark <NUM>, For example, the focused beam may be have diameter of up to <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may be configured or programmed to control the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> and/or the at least one source manipulation device <NUM> in a manner such that the second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> is directed to the top surface <NUM> of the optical article <NUM> at the location that has the X-axis and Y-axis coordinates in the top view plane of the optical article <NUM> that correspond to the location of the reflected image of the first mark <NUM>. New image data may be captured by the at least one imaging device <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, image data captured by the at least one imaging device <NUM> may be used to verify the alignment of the second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b relative to the reflected image of the first mark <NUM>. For example, if the location of the second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b does not align with the location of the reflected image of the first mark <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may be configured or programmed to control the at least one beam manipulation device <NUM> and/or the at least one source manipulation device <NUM> in a manner to guide the second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b in a direction of arrow A (corresponding to, for example, Y-axis direction in the top view plane of the optical article), and/or in a direction of arrow B (corresponding to, for example, X-axis direction in the top view plane of the optical article). Once the position of the second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b is aligned with the position of the reflected image of the first mark <NUM>, the coordinate data of this location may be used for guiding the at least one marking device <NUM> for marking the second mark <NUM> on the optical article <NUM>, as described herein.

With reference to <FIG>, the at least one marking device <NUM> is shown in accordance with some embodiments or aspects. As discussed herein, the at least one marking device <NUM> is configured to mark at least a portion of the coated article <NUM> with the at least one second mark <NUM>. In some embodiments or aspects, the at least one marking device <NUM> may be configured to mark at least one coating layer, such as the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the at least one additional coating layer <NUM> at a location on the optical article <NUM> that corresponds to the location of the first mark <NUM>. In further embodiments or aspects, the at least one marking device <NUM> may be configured to mark at least one coating layer and the substrate <NUM>, such as at least one surface of the substrate <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the at least one marking device <NUM> has an etching device <NUM> configured for projecting a beam of electromagnetic radiation <NUM> onto the surface of the optical article <NUM>, such as the at least one coating layer of the optical article <NUM>. The etching device <NUM> may be a laser. The laser may be a continuous wave laser or a pulsed wave laser. In some embodiments or aspects, the laser may be a visible light laser having a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments or aspects, the laser may be an ultraviolet light laser having a wavelength in the range of <NUM> to less than <NUM>. In further embodiments or aspects, the laser may be an infrared light laser having a wavelength in the range of more than <NUM> and up to <NUM>,<NUM>.

The beam of electromagnetic radiation <NUM> from the etching device <NUM> may be configured to etch the surface of at least one coating layer of the optical article <NUM>, such as the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the at least one additional coating layer <NUM>, with the second mark <NUM> at a location on the optical article <NUM> that corresponds to the location of the first mark <NUM>. The second mark <NUM> may be etched at a depth of <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some embodiments or aspects, the etching device <NUM> may be configured for sub-surface etching of the second mark <NUM> below an outer surface of the at least one coating layer on the optical substrate <NUM>. In further embodiments or aspects, the etching device <NUM> may be configured for sub-surface etching of the second mark <NUM> below the surface of the optical substrate <NUM>. The beam of electromagnetic radiation <NUM> from the etching device <NUM> may be focused, such as using one or more focusing elements, to a desired depth below the outer surface of the at least one coating or below the outer surface of the substrate <NUM>. The sub-surface depth of the second mark <NUM> may be further controlled by changing the distance between the etching device <NUM> and the optical article <NUM>, such as moving one or both of the etching device <NUM> and the optical article <NUM>. The etching device <NUM> may be angled relative to the coated optical article <NUM> in order to account for any surface curvature of the substrate <NUM> such that the beam of electromagnetic radiation from the etching device <NUM> is symmetrically diffracted. In some embodiments or aspects, the second mark <NUM> may be made by layering a plurality of sub-surface layers at different depths below the surface of the at least one coating layer or the surface of the optical substrate <NUM>. In this manner, the second mark <NUM> may have a three-dimensional shape.

The at least one marking device <NUM> further has a mirror <NUM> configured for reflecting the beam of electromagnetic radiation <NUM> from the etching device <NUM> toward the surface of the optical article <NUM>. In some embodiments or aspects, the mirror <NUM> may be a one-way mirror. At least one etching beam manipulation device <NUM> may be provided for controlling a position at which the beam of electromagnetic radiation <NUM> from the etching device <NUM> is projected on the optical article <NUM>. For example, the at least one etching beam manipulation device <NUM> may be a galvanometer, a servo, a gimbal, and/or any combination thereof that controls an orientation of the at least one mirror <NUM>. The controller <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may be configured or programmed to control the at least one etching beam manipulation device <NUM> in a manner such that the beam of electromagnetic radiation <NUM> from the etching device <NUM> is directed toward the top surface of the optical article <NUM> as a focused beam <NUM> at location that has the X-axis and Y-axis coordinates in the top view plane of the optical article <NUM> that correspond to the location of the reflected image of the first mark <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the at least one marking device <NUM> may have a camera <NUM> positioned between the mirror <NUM> and the optical article <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may be configured to capture image data of the optical article <NUM> through the mirror <NUM>, such as a one-way mirror. In some embodiments or aspects, the camera <NUM> may be aligned such that it is positioned directly over the top surface of the optical article <NUM> at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the top surface of the optical article <NUM>. The camera may be a visible light camera, an infrared camera, or a UV camera. Various lenses and filters may be used to enhance the optical properties of the camera. The controller <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may be configured or programmed to analyze the image data recorded by the camera <NUM> and determine whether the image data comprises information indicating the presence of the focused beam <NUM> on the top surface of the optical article <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may be further configured to guide the at least one etching beam manipulation device <NUM> to position the mirror <NUM> such that the focused beam of electromagnetic radiation <NUM> from the etching device <NUM> is directed to the same position as the second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> that indicates a position of the first mark <NUM> on the substrate <NUM> of the optical article <NUM>. In this manner, the camera <NUM> may be used for guiding the position of the mirror <NUM> such that the focused beam of electromagnetic radiation <NUM> from the etching device <NUM> can be aligned with the second beam 119b from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM>. Such alignment of the focused beam <NUM> and the second beam 119b assures that the position of the second mark <NUM> corresponds to the position of the first mark <NUM>. The at least one marking device <NUM> may be calibrated with the at least one mark identification device <NUM> to account for any differences in angles at which the focused beam <NUM> and the second beam 119b are projected onto the optical article <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, after the at least one marking device <NUM> is aligned to project the focused beam of electromagnetic radiation <NUM> onto the desired location on the optical article <NUM> that corresponds to the position of the first mark <NUM>, the etching device <NUM> may be operated to etch at least one coating layer of the coated optical article <NUM> with the second mark <NUM>.

In some embodiments or aspects, the second mark <NUM> may be an array of elements <NUM> on at least one coating layer of the coated optical article <NUM>, such as the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the additional coating layer <NUM> (see <FIG>). In some embodiments or aspects, each element <NUM> may be a dot, a line, or any other geometric element. For example, element <NUM> may have a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or any other geometric shape. The elements <NUM> in the array of elements <NUM> may be the same or different from each other. The elements <NUM> in the array of elements <NUM> may be connected to each other or separate from each other. For example, the elements <NUM> may have a spacing between <NUM>-<NUM> between each other. The array of elements <NUM> may define a pattern, such as a cross-hatch pattern, a honeycomb pattern, a circular pattern, or any other pattern. The at least one marking device <NUM> may be configured to adjust at least one of a size of each element <NUM> in the array of element <NUM>, a depth of each element <NUM> in the array of elements <NUM>, and a density of the array of elements <NUM>.

In some embodiments or aspects, size and shape of the second mark <NUM> may be selected to correspond to the size and shape of the first mark <NUM>.

In some embodiments or aspects, the second mark <NUM> may be shaped to define the same optical reference mark as the first mark <NUM> that a practitioner may use as a reference point in matching a power of the optical article <NUM> to a wearer's prescription. In other aspects, the second mark <NUM> may be an indicia, such as a logo. Various dimensions of the second mark <NUM>, including the depth, height, and width, can be selected based on the desired characteristics of the second mark <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the verification device <NUM> may be configured for comparing the position of the at least one second mark <NUM> relative to the position of the at least one first mark <NUM> and determining whether the position of the at least one second mark <NUM> is within a predetermined distance of the position of the at least one first mark <NUM>. In some embodiments or aspects, the verification device <NUM> may include a verification camera <NUM> and a backlight source <NUM>. The coated optical article <NUM> that is marked with the second mark <NUM> is positioned between the verification camera <NUM> and the backlight source <NUM>. The second mark <NUM> may be visible when electromagnetic energy from the backlight source <NUM> is viewed through the coated optical article <NUM>. Observance of the second mark <NUM> can be enhanced, as with some aspects, by the concurrent use of magnification of the second mark <NUM>, such as one or more magnifying lenses (not shown) interposed between the second mark <NUM> and the observer.

In some embodiments or aspects, the verification camera <NUM> may be the same camera as the camera <NUM> used with the at least one marking device <NUM>. The backlight source <NUM> may be provided on a platform <NUM> that supports the optical article <NUM> such that the optical article <NUM> may be illuminated from the bottom using the backlight source <NUM>. In some embodiments or aspects, the backlight source <NUM> may be a light bulb configured to emit light in the visible spectrum. The backlight source <NUM> of visible light can, with some aspects, have one or more wavelengths from <NUM> nanometers to <NUM> nanometers, inclusive of the recited values. In other embodiments or aspects, the backlight source <NUM> may be an infrared light source or an ultraviolet light source. The verification camera <NUM> may be chosen such that it is configured to capture image data based on the characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the backlight source <NUM>. For example, the verification camera <NUM> may be a visible light camera, an infrared camera, or a UV camera. Various lenses and filters may be used to enhance the optical properties of the verification camera <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the verification camera <NUM> may be programmed or configured to capture image data of the top surface of the marked optical article <NUM> including the second mark <NUM>. The controller <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may be configured or programmed to analyze the image data recorded by the verification camera <NUM> and determine whether the image data comprises information indicating the presence of the second mark <NUM>. If the second mark <NUM> is found, the position of the second mark <NUM> is compared to the stored position of the first mark <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may be configured or programmed to store the position of the second mark <NUM> in the memory <NUM> and/or the storage component <NUM> as coordinate data. In some examples or aspects, coordinate data may be a set of X-axis and Y-axis coordinates corresponding to a top view plane of the optical article <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may be further configured or programmed to compare the position of the second mark <NUM> with the stored position of the first mark <NUM>. If the position of the second mark <NUM> is within a predetermined distance of the position of the first mark <NUM>, the marked optical article <NUM> is deemed to be acceptable. If the position of the second mark <NUM> is outside a predetermined distance of the position of the first mark <NUM>, the marked optical article <NUM> is deemed to be unacceptable. In some embodiments or aspects, the unacceptable optical article <NUM> may be marked with a new second mark <NUM> and the position of the new second mark <NUM> may be compared to the position of the first mark <NUM> to determine whether the new second mark <NUM> is acceptable.

Having described the structure of the coated optical article <NUM> and the system <NUM> for marking the coated optical article <NUM> with the second mark <NUM> based on a position of the first mark <NUM> on the substrate <NUM> of the optical article <NUM>, a method <NUM> (which is not covered by the present invention) of marking the coated optical article <NUM> will now be described with reference to <FIG>. In some embodiments or aspects, the method <NUM> includes, at step <NUM>, determining a position of the first mark <NUM> on the substrate <NUM> of the optical article <NUM> using the at least one mark identification device <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first mark <NUM> may be irradiated with a first beam of electromagnetic radiation 119a from the at least one electromagnetic radiation source <NUM> and a reflected image of the first mark <NUM> may be captured by the at least one imaging device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may analyze the image data of the top surface of the optical article <NUM> and determine whether the image data comprises information indicating the presence of the reflected image of the first mark <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the position of the reflected image of mark <NUM> may be verified by directing a second beam of electromagnetic radiation 119b at a location on the top surface of the optical article <NUM> based on coordinate data determined during the initial analysis of the image data.

With continued reference to <FIG>, at step <NUM>, the coated optical article <NUM> is marked with the second mark <NUM> using the at least one marking device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the at least one marking device <NUM> may be configured to mark at least one coating layer, such as the first coating layer <NUM> and/or the at least one additional coating layer <NUM> at a location on the optical article <NUM> that corresponds to the location of the first mark <NUM>. The etching device <NUM> of the at least one marking device <NUM> is configured for projecting a beam of electromagnetic radiation <NUM> onto the surface of the optical article <NUM>, such as the at least one coating layer of the optical article <NUM>, at a position corresponding to the position of the first mark <NUM> in order to mark or etch the at least one coating layer of the coated optical article <NUM> with the second mark <NUM>. The second mark <NUM> may be shaped to define the same optical reference mark as the first mark <NUM> that a practitioner may use as a reference point in matching a power of the optical article <NUM> to a wearer's prescription.

With continued reference to <FIG>, at step <NUM>, a position of the second mark <NUM> is determined using the verification device <NUM> and the position of the at least one second mark <NUM> is verified to be within a predetermined distance of the position of the at least one first mark <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the marked optical article <NUM> is positioned between the verification camera <NUM> and the backlight source <NUM> such that the second mark <NUM> can be visualized by the camera <NUM>. The position of the second mark <NUM> is then compared with the stored position of the first mark <NUM> to determine if the second mark <NUM> is within a predetermined distance of the first mark <NUM>, thereby deeming the marked optical article <NUM> to be acceptable.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for marking a coated optical article (<NUM>) having at least one first mark (<NUM>) on a surface of a substrate (<NUM>) of the coated optical article (<NUM>), the system (<NUM>) comprising:
at least one mark identification device (<NUM>) comprising:
at least one electromagnetic radiation source (<NUM>) configured to irradiate at least a portion of the surface of the substrate (<NUM>) having the at least one first mark (<NUM>) with electromagnetic radiation (119a, 119b); and
at least one imaging device (<NUM>) configured to receive a portion of the electromagnetic radiation (119a, 119b) reflected from the surface of the substrate (<NUM>) having the at least one first mark (<NUM>) and determine a position of the at least one first mark (<NUM>) on the surface of the substrate (<NUM>); and
at least one marking device (<NUM>) configured for marking the coated optical article (<NUM>) with at least one second mark (<NUM>) based on the position of the at least one first mark (<NUM>).