WO2022258758A1

WO2022258758A1 - Insertion control for the order inflow in the fabrication of prescription lenses

Info

Publication number: WO2022258758A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/065701
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karl-Heinz EBNER
Original assignee: Rodenstock Gmbh
Priority date: 2021-06-11
Filing date: 2022-06-09
Publication date: 2022-12-15
Also published as: DE102021003008A1; EP4352672A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method and a corresponding device for the open-loop and/or closed-loop control of a process for manufacturing eyeglass lenses. The method comprises: gathering orders for the fabrication of eyeglass lenses or pairs of eyeglass lenses and storing the orders in an order data store; automatically sorting the stored orders in a sequence (insertion sequence), wherein the sorting is carried out in accordance with at least one sorting criterion; and inserting the eyeglass lenses or pairs of eyeglass lenses, which are to be fabricated in accordance with the individual orders, into the production, wherein the insertion of the eyeglass lenses or pairs of eyeglass lenses to be fabricated into the production is carried out at time-discrete intervals, and wherein, within a time-discrete interval, the eyeglass lenses or pairs of eyeglass lenses to be fabricated are inserted into the production in accordance with the insertion sequence. The invention also relates to a method and a device for manufacturing eyeglass lenses.

Description

Slot control for incoming orders in prescription glass production

description

The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling and/or regulating a manufacturing process for spectacle lenses. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method and a device for the production of spectacle lenses.

Devices for producing spectacle lenses from spectacle lens blanks are known from the prior art (see, for example, WO 2016/193773 A1).

Spectacle lenses are usually produced in process or production lines, which each comprise a plurality of process stations or process devices through which the spectacle lens blanks to be processed pass through one after the other. Each process facility performs specific process steps, such as surface finishing, polishing, coloring, coating, etc.

The spectacle lenses are manufactured after receipt of a corresponding order according to a user's prescription data. In the conventional manufacturing process, the orders are printed out as soon as they arrive and the lenses to be manufactured are pushed into production. As a result, orders on the shop floor must be sorted, prioritized and stacked in physical form, which has a negative impact on throughput time, on-time delivery, capacity and efficiency, and/or costs in manufacturing. Furthermore, this procedure leads to an uneven utilization of different process devices and congestion in the production lines.

The present invention is based on the object of providing a method and a device for controlling and/or regulating a manufacturing method for spectacle lenses that make it possible to optimally utilize the achieve existing capacities. A further object is to provide appropriate methods and devices for the production of spectacle lenses.

This object is achieved by a method for controlling and/or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing method, a computer program product, a device for controlling and/or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing method, a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses and a device for manufacturing spectacle lenses with the features specified in the independent claims solved. Advantageous designs and developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a. computer-implemented method for controlling and / or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process provided. The procedure includes:

Recording orders for the production of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses and storing the orders in an order data memory; automatic sorting of the stored orders in a sequence (insertion sequence), the sorting taking place according to at least one sorting criterion; and

Insertion of the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured according to the individual orders into production, with the insertion of the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured into production taking place at discrete time intervals, and with the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured being inserted into production within a discrete time interval according to the sequence of insertion be inserted.

After receipt of a corresponding order, spectacle lenses are comprehensively processed with the prescription data of a spectacle wearer (such as sphere, cylinder, axis, prism, prism base and/or addition) and, if necessary, further data (such as centering data, frame data (such as the shape of the frame), refractive index/material, diameter, color, coating, etc.). The orders for the production of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses preferably detected automatically. The orders can be entered by a suitably configured computing module (order entry module) with one or more interfaces for entering data relevant to the order. The order entry module can be a software or hardware module, for example, which can be part of a computing device (for example a control device). The order entry module can be connected to other computing modules or devices via a data connection or data line, a network, etc., and can exchange data and/or commands with them.

The term "capturing" in the sense of the present application (such as capturing orders for the production of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses) also includes "receiving", "receiving", "reading out", "removing from a memory, a database, a table or another suitable machine-readable format", etc. If the orders are not in a machine-readable format, the recording can include automatic text and/or character recognition (OCR "Optical Character Recognition"). Known text and/or character recognition methods can be used for this. Each recorded order can be automatically provided with a corresponding identifier (such as an order number). The recorded orders are stored in a memory (order data memory). Saving the orders in a memory (order data memory) means, within the scope of the present invention, storing data relevant to the order, such as order identification (e.g. order number), time of receipt of the order, prescription data, centering data, frame data, refractive index/material, diameter, color, Coating, customer data, delivery data and/or other data relevant to the fulfillment of the order: The orders can be stored in a suitable machine-readable form, such as in the form of a database entry, a database table, an XML file, etc.

With conventional processes for the production of spectacle lenses, the incoming orders are printed out as soon as they arrive and the manufacturing spectacle lenses are pushed into production. The spectacle lenses to be manufactured are thus continuously pushed into production. However, this has negative effects on throughput time, adherence to delivery dates, capacity and efficiency and/or costs in production. In particular, the immediate insertion of the spectacle lenses to be manufactured into production can lead to congestion or suboptimal utilization of the individual production lines or production facilities.

The invention solves these problems by automatically relocating the prioritization and/or sorting of the orders to a memory (order data memory), for example to a virtual buffer, before production. There the orders are arranged or sorted according to capacity, time, product mix and/or other sorting criteria suitable for the production process in production.

The saved orders can then be printed out in stacks or batches in the desired order (insertion order) and, if necessary, quantity and mix at a predetermined time or at a predetermined time interval (i.e. at discrete time intervals) and inserted into production. Ideally, the orders then run through production without any further changes in their sequence.

In the context of the present invention, inserting an order into production means inserting a spectacle lens or pair of spectacle lenses, which is to be manufactured according to the order, into production. With the insertion into production, the manufacture of the spectacle lens or pair of spectacle lenses to be manufactured according to the order starts in a manufacturing device (manufacturing plant) provided for this purpose. The insertion into production takes place on the basis of a corresponding control signal generated by a control device. The insertion into production can accordingly include generating a control signal for inserting the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be manufactured according to the individual orders into production. The insertion into production can also include printing out the individual orders. On the basis of the control signal, a starting glass or a pair of starting glasses can be supplied to an acceptance point or acceptance device of the production device. The initial glass is transported from the acceptance point to the respective process equipment of the manufacturing device by means of a transport system. The starting lens, with which the production of the spectacle lens to be manufactured starts, is usually a spectacle lens blank (also called blank or semi-finished product), which has an already prefabricated surface (usually the front surface). The starting lens can also be a spectacle lens that has already gone through certain process steps (such as surface processing of both surfaces) and only has to be subjected to certain other processes such as coloring, coating and/or finishing.

In contrast to a conventional process, the lenses or pairs of lenses to be manufactured are not inserted continuously or immediately after the arrival of the corresponding production orders, but in stacks or batches at discrete time intervals or in a predetermined time grid according to a previously determined order (insertion order). and optionally a certain amount per time-discrete interval. Each discrete-time interval can have a certain discrete duration, for example one hour, half an hour, several hours, etc. The duration of the discrete-time intervals can be the same or different. Furthermore, each time-discrete interval can have a specific start time. The duration and/or the start time of the time-discrete intervals can be defined, for example, according to the production cycle and/or tradability and/or the desired reaction time in the event of faults and/or according to other relevant criteria. For example, the duration of a time-discrete interval can be defined in such a way that the quantity of spectacle lenses to be inserted into production in this time-discrete interval does not lead to the formation of congestion and/or excessively large stacks. The starting times and/or the duration of the individual time-discrete intervals can be updated and/or changed continuously or periodically, for example to take account of the current conditions in production. If the number of spectacle lenses to be inserted in a time-discrete interval is too large, the time-discrete interval can be subdivided into smaller time-discrete intervals. For example, a discrete-time interval of 1 hour can be divided into two discrete-time intervals of 1/2 hour. Conversely, in the case of very small amounts, the time-discrete interval can be 1 hour or even several hours. It is also possible to continuously or periodically change the quantity and/or composition of the spectacle lenses to be inserted into production at a specific time-discrete interval.

By sorting the applications in advance and inserting the lenses to be manufactured at discrete time intervals (i.e. at a specific point in time and/or time interval), it is possible to minimize or completely avoid congestion in production. In particular, it has surprisingly been found that when the spectacle lenses to be manufactured are inserted into production at discrete time intervals, less congestion can be achieved in production than when they are inserted continuously. The possibility of adapting the quantity and/or composition of the spectacle lenses to be inserted into production at a discrete time interval also contributes to reduced congestion.

The staff can concentrate on the production processes and is no longer tied to internal logistical tasks. In addition, optimal utilization of the individual process facilities can be achieved. The result is a significantly reduced throughput time, reduced stocks in circulation (glasses, block alloys, block pieces, order boxes, etc.), higher efficiency and thus lower costs with better delivery reliability.

It is thus possible to process the starting glasses quickly and efficiently with a high level of flexibility and/or a small space requirement, in particular also under To achieve consideration of different process speeds or capacities of different process devices.

In the context of the present invention, process devices or process stations are understood to be all devices that are designed to carry out at least one process step on the respective unfinished spectacle lens or spectacle lens pair. Exemplary process equipment includes all types of processing equipment, conditioning equipment, and control equipment, such as equipment for blocking, shaping (such as machining), depositing, polishing, coating, coloring, cooling, heating, moistening, drying, gassing, measuring, testing, and To mark. The process devices are usually arranged in one row or in several rows and form at least one production or assembly line.

The term "providing" in the sense of the present application includes "determining", "transmitting", "receiving", "reading out", "retrieving from a memory, a database, a table and/or another machine-readable format", "receiving", etc. The term "determine" within the meaning of the present application also includes "determine", "calculate", "determine", etc.

The automatic sorting of the orders in the order memory can be carried out by a suitably configured computing module (order sorting module). The order sorting module can be a software or hardware module, for example, which can be part of a computing device (for example a control device). The order sorting module can be connected to other computing modules or devices via a data line, a network, etc. and can exchange data and/or commands with them.

Orders are sorted automatically according to at least one sorting criterion. The at least one sorting criterion can be stored in a suitable memory (for example a database). The memory in which the at least one sorting criterion is stored can be part of the job sorting module or be connected to this via a data connection or data line. The at least one sorting criterion can be stored, for example, in the form of a table entry, a database entry, an XML file or in another suitable machine-readable form.

The at least one sorting criterion can be defined in advance (e.g. based on empirical values, calculations, etc.) and/or can be based on the (current) state of production (i.e. based on the (current) state of at least one component of a component used in the manufacture of the spectacle lenses or Spectacle lens pairs provided manufacturing device) are varied. The method can accordingly detect a state of at least one component of a manufacturing device provided for the production of the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses and determine the at least one sorting criterion based on the detected state. The at least one sorting criterion can also be checked periodically and, if necessary, adapted to the state of production. The state of the at least one component of the production device can be determined using suitable sensors. The at least one component can be, for example, a process device, a tool in a process device (such as a block ring), a transport system (such as a conveyor belt), an intermediate store (such as a cooling buffer) or another component of the manufacturing device.

That. at least one sorting criterion can include an insertion time. The insertion time for a specific order can be determined as follows:

recording the time of receipt of the order,

adding a predetermined delivery interval at the time of receipt of the order, whereby a delivery time is determined (so-called forward scheduling);

Subtracting a processing interval from the delivery time, which determines the insertion time (so-called backward scheduling). The predetermined delivery interval can be, for example, a standard delivery interval (e.g. "x" days) or preferably a customer-specific, country-specific, plant-specific, etc. delivery interval. In one example, the delivery interval and thus also the time of delivery can be determined customer-specifically and to the minute, regardless of which work steps are required to fulfill an order. The processing interval is the sum of the throughput times or processing times of all technical processes required to manufacture the lens or pair of lenses, such as coloring, polishing, cooling, surface processing, etc. Non-working times can be taken into account. The processing interval can be specified precisely (e.g. to the minute). The delivery interval and/or the processing interval can be changed, for example to take account of changed production conditions.

The delivery interval and the processing interval can be stored in a suitable memory (e.g. a database). The memory can be part of the order sorting module (e.g. a control device) or be connected to it via a data line. The delivery interval and the processing interval can be stored, for example, in the form of a table, an XML file, a database table or another machine-readable format.

After its termination (i.e. after its insertion time has been determined), each new order is preferably re-sorted. The insertion sequence of the orders thus changes continuously according to the insertion time. In one example, a termination that has already been created or an insertion time that has already been determined can no longer be changed. This contributes to optimal utilization of production capacities.

The stored orders can be sorted automatically according to a number of sorting criteria, with the insertion time being one of the sorting criteria. In an example, the incoming orders are automatically divided into groups. The division can take place according to predetermined criteria and/or rules, such as machine layout and/or the manufacturing or production lines, and/or spectacle lens blanks, and/or designs, etc.

The method, and in particular the sorting method, can accordingly include assigning the orders to a specific group, with the assignment taking place automatically according to predefined criteria and/or rules. The assignment can, for example, take place after the order has been scheduled. The criteria and/or rules for the group division and the order in which the groups are sorted among one another can be stored/stored in a database or in another suitable machine-readable form, for example.

A group within the scope of the present invention is defined by the totality of all features that characterize a predetermined production process. The characteristics can, for example, characterize a production line in surface manufacturing. Exemplary characteristics are the refractive index, the lens material, glass codes (e.g. lens characteristics, special features of the lens, etc.), production characteristics, tools, production time, manufacturing processes, colors, coatings, lens blanks, designs, etc. There can be different groupings of the individual characteristics used to form groups. When colors and/or coatings are used as a grouping feature, production lines are not usually critical.

The grouping can be fixed or changeable. The group allocation can be checked and changed periodically, for example. For example, the characteristics that characterize a group can be changed or expanded. Further groups can be added or several groups can be merged. Furthermore, the group allocation can be varied depending on the (current) state of production, such as depending on the (current) state (such as capacity) of at least one component of a device for manufacturing the spectacle lenses or spectacle lens pairs to be manufactured. Accordingly, the method can include detecting a state of at least one component of a manufacturing device provided for the production of the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses and determining and/or changing the group allocation on the basis of the detected state.

If, for example, a machine, a production line, a production line section, etc. is currently not available (e.g. due to technical problems, maintenance work, exceeding the prescribed capacity, etc.) or if certain lens blanks are not or not sufficiently available, the grouping can be adjusted accordingly and incoming orders are assigned to a new group (such as a new machine, a new production line, a new lens blank, a new production section, etc.). In this case, it is preferably ensured that, with the same prescription, spectacle lenses with the same effects in the reference points are obtained, regardless of the machines, production lines, tools, spectacle lens blanks, etc. used to produce the specific spectacle lens. In order to ensure this, it may be necessary to adapt the process parameters, surface data, design, etc. for the spectacle lens to be manufactured. Such an adjustment can be made by at least one appropriately programmed computing unit of the slide-in controller. It is also possible to calculate the adjusted process parameters, surface data, design, etc. from external computing units and transmit them to production.

The group membership can serve as a (further) sorting criterion, with the order in which the groups are sorted among one another being fixed or variable. Within a group, the orders can be sorted according to the insertion time and possibly according to at least one other criterion be sorted. The additional sorting criterion can be, for example, the block ring to be used.

At least one of the groups can be further divided into a number of subgroups, with the division also being able to take place according to predetermined criteria and/or rules. Each order that is in the at least one group can be automatically assigned to one of the subgroups. The subgroup affiliation can serve as a further sorting criterion, with the order in which the subgroups are sorted among one another being fixed or variable.

The criteria and/or rules for the subgroup division and the order in which the subgroups are sorted among one another can be stored in a database or in another suitable machine-readable form. The criteria and/or. Rules can form filters, which are applied to the orders in order to automatically assign them to a specific subgroup. In one example, multiple filters can be defined per group, with the order of the filters preferably being predetermined. The order in which the filters are applied can serve as an additional sorting criterion for sorting the jobs in a particular group.

In one example, the subgroups may correspond to different block rings. The allocation to different subgroups can be based on a fixed or variable percentage distribution of the orders between existing block rings.

The division into subgroups can be fixed or changeable. The division into subgroups can, for example, be checked and changed periodically. For example, the features that characterize a subgroup can be changed or expanded. Further subgroups can be added or several subgroups can be merged. The division into subgroups can also be varied depending on the (current) state of production, such as depending on the (current) state (such as capacity) of at least one component of a device for manufacturing the spectacle lenses or spectacle lens pairs to be manufactured. Accordingly, the method can include detecting a state of at least one component of a device provided for the production of the spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses and determining and/or changing the division into subgroups based on the detected state.

For example, groups can be divided according to the refractive index or the material of the spectacle lens (for example group 1: refractive index 1.5; group 2: refractive index 1.64, etc.). A division into subgroups can, for example, be based on the block ring (for example subgroup 1: block ring 1, subgroup 2: block ring 2, etc.). Within a subgroup, the orders can be sorted according to the insertion time of the orders. The orders in the individual subgroups can be sorted according to the predetermined order of the subgroups (e.g. first subgroup A with block ring 1, then subgroup B with block ring 2 or x% subgroup 1 followed by y% subgroup 2 and so on). The orders in the individual groups can be sorted according to the predetermined order of the groups (e.g. first group A, then group B or x% group A followed by y% group B etc.).

The subgroups can of course be further subdivided, whereby there is in principle no limitation on the number of hierarchical levels. The order data memory can thus be set up hierarchically, with the number of hierarchical levels being greater than or equal to 2.

The number of jobs to be printed within a specific time interval and thus the number of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses inserted into production in this time interval can be fixed (for example based on empirical values). In one example, the amount can be flexibly determined and, if necessary, adapted to the current production capacity. Thus, the method may further include:

Determination of a quantity of the spectacle lenses or spectacle lens pairs to be produced, which are inserted into production within a discrete time interval, and automatic adjustment of the determined quantity to the current state of at least one component of a manufacturing device provided for the production of the spectacle lenses or spectacle lens pairs.

The determined quantity can, for example, be adapted to a currently available capacity of at least one component (such as a production facility) of a production device provided for the production of the spectacle lenses or spectacle lens pairs.

The determination can take place using a predetermined plan in which the quantity of spectacle lenses or spectacle lens pairs to be produced is specified in each time interval. The quantity of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses to be produced can be determined in advance on the basis of an average capacity of the production device and/or of the individual production facilities for each time interval. The plan can be stored in the control device in the form of at least one table, an XML file, a database table, etc. The method may include providing a plan comprising a quantity of the lenses or pairs of lenses to be manufactured for each discrete time interval, respectively. The amount can be different for the different groups and/or subgroups.

The plan itself or the quantity determined using the plan can be automatically adapted to the currently available capacity of at least one component of a manufacturing device provided for manufacturing the spectacle lenses or spectacle lens pairs. In this way, the amount of the slot can be automatically adjusted to any disturbances in capacity, such as failures, rejects, rework, etc. In one example, the amount determined can be adjusted to the currently available capacity of a cooling buffer.

In the production of spectacle lenses, after blocking, all lenses are transported to a cooling buffer (as an example of an intermediate store), where they remain for a certain time (for example 1 hour). After the predetermined time has elapsed, the glasses are removed from the cooling buffer and subjected to further process steps. Since the cooling buffer can only hold a limited number of lenses, the number of lenses or pairs of lenses pushed into production within a certain time interval can be adjusted to the current capacity of the cooling buffer.

The current capacity of the cooling buffer can be determined using suitable sensors or calculations. The currently available capacity of the cooling buffer can be calculated, for example, based on the number of lenses or pairs of lenses inserted into production in a certain time interval, the average time that the lenses need from the start of production to the cooling buffer and the average time the lenses remain in the cooling buffer will.

This number of lenses in the cooling buffer corresponds, for example, to the number of orders per group printed 3 hours ago. Furthermore, there is usually a maximum number of glasses for each group that can be in the cooling buffer.

In one example, when it is pushed into production, only the current maximum number of orders to be processed is printed or pushed into production at time intervals from each subgroup and/or from each group. The amount of rejects and/or any rework that may be required can be deducted, as this would increase the amount to be pushed in. Of Furthermore, the current machine failures or other failures can also be taken into account.

An exemplary method according to any of the aspects described above and

Examples may include one or more (e.g. all) of the following characteristics and

have advantages:

1. A new type of scheduling takes place for each of the newly entered orders, which includes forward scheduling, preferably customer-specific, and backward scheduling. Forward and/or backward scheduling can be very precise, for example to the minute.

2. In particular, each new order that is entered is scheduled forwards to its delivery time, with the forwards scheduling taking place, for example, in a customer-specific manner and to the minute. Furthermore, forward scheduling occurs, for example, independently of which work steps the respective order requires.

3. Each order is then rescheduled depending on the work step times (last possible insertion time). For example, non-working times are taken into account. With conventional methods, on the other hand, the required times are simply added up and the orders with the same times are combined. However, since each order has different production routes, this procedure can lead to less than optimal utilization of the existing production capacities, since some workstations, production lines, production devices, etc. would be empty and others would be overcrowded. Simultaneous orders are therefore preferably not combined in the exemplary method according to the invention, which contributes to optimal utilization of the (current) production capacities and the avoidance of traffic jams. 4. The orders are sorted according to the insertion time in the respective groups and/or subgroups, for example to the minute.

5. Each new order is always re-sorted after its termination. Thus, the order changes continuously according to the time of insertion.

6. A termination that has been created, for example, is no longer changed.

7. When inserted into production, only the currently maximum number of orders to be processed is printed at time intervals from each subgroup. Rejects and rework are deducted as these would increase the insertion quantity. Furthermore, current machine failures or other failures are taken into account.

8. Furthermore, the production lines are monitored for maximum stocks (e.g. using suitable sensors) and if this is exceeded, the insertion is automatically reduced.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product which, when loaded into the memory of a computer and executed on it, causes the computer to carry out a method according to one of the aspects and/or examples described above.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a device for controlling and/or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process (control device), comprising at least one computing device which is designed to carry out a method according to one of the aspects and/or examples described above. The computing device may comprise one or more software modules and/or hardware modules (e.g. computers or specialized hardware modules) that are programmed or configured accordingly. Furthermore, the computing device may include electronic interfaces, memory, and Include data transmission units. The computing device may also be a distributed computing system, such as a data cloud.

In particular, the computing device includes:

- an order entry module for entering orders for the production of spectacle lenses or spectacle lens pairs;

- an order data store for storing the entered orders;

- An order sorting module for automatically sorting the stored orders in a sequence (insertion sequence), the sorting being carried out according to at least one sorting criterion; and

- An insertion module for generating a control signal for inserting the lenses or pairs of lenses to be manufactured according to the individual orders into the production, the insertion of the lenses or pairs of lenses to be manufactured in the production takes place at discrete time intervals, and the lenses to be manufactured within a discrete time interval or spectacle lens pairs are inserted into production according to the insertion sequence.

With regard to the control device, the aforementioned preferred embodiment variants and the aforementioned advantages apply analogously.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing spectacle lenses, comprising controlling and/or regulating the spectacle lens manufacturing process according to the method according to one of the aspects and/or examples described above. The aforementioned preferred embodiment variants and the aforementioned advantages also apply analogously to the manufacturing process.

A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a device for manufacturing spectacle lenses (manufacturing device) comprising a device for controlling and/or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process according to the third aspect. The manufacturing device may further include:

- a plurality of processing devices which are designed to carry out at least one process step on the spectacle lens or spectacle lens pair to be processed, and

- At least one transport system for transporting the spectacle lens or spectacle lens pair to be processed in the manufacturing device.

Exemplary process equipment includes old types of machining equipment, conditioning equipment, and control equipment such as equipment for blocking, shaping (such as, in particular, machining), depositing, polishing, coating, dyeing, measuring, cooling, heating, moistening, drying, gassing, inspecting, marking, etc. The process devices are usually arranged in at least one row and form at least one process or production line.

Furthermore, the production device can comprise at least one pick-up point, via which the starting glass can be picked up, and a delivery point, at which the processed starting glass can be removed in the finished or partially finished state.

The production device can also include at least one storage device for receiving and temporarily storing and, if necessary, further transporting the processed glasses.

Furthermore, with regard to the production device, the aforementioned preferred embodiment variants and the aforementioned advantages apply analogously.

In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. Individual elements of the described embodiments are not specific to the respective embodiment limited. Rather, elements of the embodiments can be combined with one another as desired and new embodiments can thereby be created. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary method for producing spectacle lenses;

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary termination of an incoming order;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary order data memory;

FIG. 4A to 4C show an example of sorting and printing of the incoming orders within a group;

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary method for determining the quantity of jobs to be printed out within a predetermined time interval;

FIG. 6 shows a further exemplary method for determining the quantity of jobs to be printed out within a predetermined time interval;

FIGS. 7A to 7C show an exemplary graphical user interface for displaying and/or changing batch plans.

An exemplary device for the production of eyeglass lenses (manufacturing device) comprises a number of process devices which form one or more production or manufacturing lines. The processing devices include, for example, a blocking device for blocking the spectacle lens blanks, a measuring device for measuring the surface of the blocked area of the spectacle lens blank, at least one surface treatment device (e.g. a milling device, a CNC-controlled cutting turning device, etc.), at least one conditioning device, at least one pre-polishing device , at least one re-polishing device, at least one marking device and at least one quality control device. The process devices can also include at least one coloring device and/or at least one coating device and/or at least one cleaning device.

Furthermore, the production device comprises a transport system comprising at least one transport device (such as a conveyor belt) for transporting the spectacle lenses to be processed and not yet finished inside the manufacturing facility (i.e., to the process facilities, buffers, etc.). Using the transport system, a starting lens to be processed (e.g. a spectacle lens blank) is transported from a pick-up point, via which the starting lens is picked up, to a delivery point, at which the processed starting lens can be removed in the finished or partially finished state.

During the respective transport through the respective process line, the starting glasses are transported with the aid of a receiving container. The starting lenses, for example the spectacle lens blanks, are usually stored in pairs in this transport container. Usually, two starting glasses are stored in a transport container, which are intended for the two lenses of a pair of glasses. However, it is also possible to store individual starting glasses in the transport container. A printout of the order for the respective lens or pair of lenses and/or a printout of information from the order that is required for production (such as prescription values, centering data, frame data, color, coating, etc.) can also be stored in the transport container .

Each transport container can be provided with an RFID transponder. The RFID transponder can, for example, contain an identification number (e.g. order ID), which makes it possible to clearly identify the respective order. The RFID transponder can be read by at least one RFID reader, which can be arranged, for example, at a predetermined point on the production device (for example after a specific process step).

In one example, each transport container and thus each order can be located in real time at the actual position in the manufacturing device. The progress of the manufacturing process can thus be monitored. The data can be transmitted to a control system and used to control and/or regulate the manufacturing process are used. This is preferably done autonomously (without human intervention).

In one example, transport containers can be removed from the manufacturing device at any point, for example for manual intervention. Transport containers can also be placed at any point.

Furthermore, the production device can include storage devices (intermediate storage) which are used for receiving and temporarily storing and for further transporting the processed glasses as required. It can be placed in the respective storage device and removed from the storage device with the aid of a robot (for example a 6-axis robot) or another suitable feeding and removal device. The robot or the supply and removal device is preferably in signal connection with the control device and can transmit information about the current capacity of the respective storage device to the control device.

In one example, the state of at least one component of the manufacturing device (such as a processing device and/or storage devices and/or transport devices) is detected using suitable sensors (such as image sensors) or manually and transmitted to a control device. For this purpose, the control device has at least one interface via which this information can be supplied. Based on the detected states, the control device can change at least one parameter of the manufacturing process.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary method for producing spectacle lenses. The process includes a surface manufacturing step, in which the individual glasses are processed one after the other (in series), a coating step, in which the glasses are coated in batches, and an edge processing step, in which the individual glasses are processed one after the other (in series). Bottlenecks that can occur are shown in FIG. control device

The manufacturing process and/or the manufacturing device is controlled and/or regulated by a device (control device) for controlling and/or regulating. The control device includes one or more computing devices that are set up (for example programmed) to carry out a method for controlling and/or regulating the manufacturing process and/or the manufacturing device.

The control device is set up to control and/or regulate the introduction of a spectacle lens or a pair of spectacle lenses to be produced according to a specific order into production. Furthermore, the control device can control and/or regulate at least one other aspect of the manufacturing process, such as moving, feeding and removing the respective process devices, switching on and off the respective process devices, intermediate storage, stopping the conveyor belts, speed of the conveyor belts, etc. Furthermore, it can be specified in the control device (for example in a database provided for this purpose) which process device processes which starting lens (for example which spectacle lens blank) and in what way.

The control device can also be set up to calculate an optimal transport route (for example the fastest and/or shortest transport route) in order to transport a transport container with spectacle lens blanks through the device for producing spectacle lenses.

The control device includes an order data memory (for example in the form of a virtual buffer) in which the incoming orders for the production of spectacle lenses are stored and sorted using specific criteria. Orders can be overtaken by, for example, ongoing production or rework orders. An exemplary method s for controlling and / or regulating a

Manufacturing process and / or the manufacturing device of the

Control device is performed, has the following features:

1. The spectacle lenses are inserted into production at discrete time intervals;

2. Within a time-discrete interval, the orders are sorted according to: a. Delivery time - backward scheduling = insertion time b. Production line (groups). c. Within the group according to filters (special criteria, for example block rings).

In general, in the event of capacity disruptions (failures, rejects, rework, etc.), the number of inserts can be automatically adjusted

Termination:

An incoming order can be terminated as follows:

In a forward scheduling device (designed, for example, as a SAP system), a delivery time (target delivery date) is determined for each incoming order (forward date is preferably coordinated with the pick-up times of the parcel services);

In the control device (for example a workshop control) the order is scheduled backwards from the target delivery date. Special work plans with the throughput times for each technical process are used for this purpose

The insertion time determined in this way is used to sort the insertion sequence

The aim of the termination is:

To achieve optimal use of production resources and avoid the creation of bottlenecks and traffic jams; Automatically prioritize orders (Operators can focus on manufacturing activities);

Avoid longer rest periods by appropriate sorting.

The forward termination device can be part of the control device (however, this is not absolutely necessary).

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary termination of an incoming order. After the receipt of an order for the production of a spectacle lens or a pair of spectacle lenses, the order is recorded in a corresponding system. The time of entry then serves as a reference time for scheduling.

In forward scheduling, a forward date (delivery time or target delivery date) is first calculated. The target delivery date is in the future and can be determined depending on various criteria. The target delivery date can be determined customer-specifically or according to a standard specification. The target delivery date can, for example, be "x" days after the reference time. The target delivery date is preferably matched to the pick-up times of the finished spectacle lenses, for example to the pick-up times of the parcel services.

The target delivery date can be determined, for example, based on at least one of the following criteria:

1. The time (e.g. in calendar days, working days, hours, etc.) required to carry out old work steps (e.g. surface treatment, polishing, staining, etc.)

2. Customer specifications, whereby every customer (e.g. every optician, etc.) can have their own specifications for scheduling. Examples of customer specifications are: a. The customer wants "x" days regardless of the time required to carry out all work steps; b. The customer wishes to be supplied from a specific plant; 3. Kind of product: The termination for different products may be different;

4. Production plant: The scheduling for different production plants can be different;

5. District, Country, Continent: Termination for different districts, countries and/or continents may be different.

When an order is received, the desired "x" days for production are added to the current day. The resulting date is the day on which the order is to be completed. The prime time for the corresponding collection of the finished product and/or the corresponding courier tour is then determined for this day. Each customer can have their own courier tour, this can also be different for each plant.

The forward date calculated in this way (target delivery date) can be one

Factory control device are transmitted, which is part of

control device is.

Backward scheduling is carried out in the control device (for example in the workshop control), in which the order is scheduled backwards from the target delivery date. The time of each necessary technical process or work step is deducted from the target delivery date in order to determine an insertion time.

Special work plans with the average throughput times for each technical process or operation are used for this purpose. The average throughput times can also include predefined buffers for the respective technical process. For example, breaks, non-working times, etc. can be taken into account. Preferably no undefined buffers or stacking are allowed. Undefined buffers and/or stacking lengthen the throughput time and prevent compliance with a calculated flow rate. Furthermore, stacks tie up personnel, since they have to be sorted again.

The average throughput times can be determined in advance and stored in a suitable form (for example in the form of a table or in a database). The average throughput times can be updated continuously or at certain intervals. In one embodiment, the average throughput times can be changed based on automatically recorded feedback from the individual process station, buffer and/or other units of the manufacturing device.

The insertion time determined in this way is used to sort the insertion sequence in the virtual buffer of the control device.

Example of backward termination

The time for coating (e.g. 16 hours), the time for dyeing (e.g. 2 hours) and the time for surface production (e.g. 7 hours) are deducted from the previously calculated target delivery date.

The time that then arises is, for example, the last possible slot time for production. This means that the order should be inserted into production before this point in time in order to be able to be manufactured and delivered on the calculated target delivery date. If the calculated last possible insertion time is in the past, it can still be retained. This shows production that the calculated target delivery date can no longer be reached. The order will then be pushed into production as soon as possible. Preferably, the job is not buffered in the print buffer. It is also possible to calculate a new target delivery date by adding an additional time (e.g. an additional day) to it in forward scheduling. Furthermore, backward scheduling is carried out from the newly calculated target delivery date in order to determine a new insertion time determine. If necessary, this can be repeated until the last possible insertion time is in the future (ie after the reference time).

Preferably, once a termination has been created, it is no longer changed. Furthermore, orders that have been inserted into production are preferably no longer changed in the process. This can prevent the throughput times of other orders from being adversely affected and unwanted stacking at different locations in the respective production line.

The proposed scheduling has advantages over prioritizing the incoming orders. In particular, better automation and better adherence to deadlines can be achieved with the proposed scheduling.

order data storage

As explained above, the control device includes an order data memory (e.g. in the form of a virtual buffer, also called a print buffer) in which the incoming orders are stored and sorted according to different criteria (e.g. according to capacity, time and/or product mix). The job data store can be implemented as a database. The control device also includes at least one data structure (for example in the form of a table, XML file, database table, etc. for storing the criteria or rules for the division and/or sorting of the orders in the order data memory.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary virtual buffer 10 for storing and sorting the incoming orders.

The incoming orders are preferably automatically divided into groups 12 and optionally subgroups. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the incoming orders divided into four groups, but the invention is not limited to a specific number of groups. The division can be based on predetermined criteria and/or rules, such as the machine layout and/or the production lines. These criteria and/or rules are deposited or stored in the virtual buffer.

A group within the scope of the present invention is defined by all of the old features or attributes that characterize a predetermined production process. The features or attributes can, for example, characterize a production line in surface manufacturing. Exemplary features or attributes are the refractive index, glass material, glass codes (e.g. glass features, special features of the glass, etc.), production features, tools, duration of production, manufacturing processes, colors, coatings, etc. Different groupings of the individual features or attributes can be forming groups. When colors and/or coatings are used as a grouping feature, production lines are not usually critical.

The grouping can be static or changeable. The group allocation can be checked and changed periodically, for example. For example, the features that characterize a group can be changed or expanded. Other groups can also be added. After scheduling, an order is automatically assigned to a group based on the predefined criteria and/or rules.

In each group, the orders are sorted according to the insertion time and, if necessary, according to other attributes.

FIG. 4A shows an exemplary sorting of the orders within a group. FIG. 4B shows the sorting of newly arriving jobs in the group and FIG. 4C shows the printing order of the jobs within the group. In this example, the orders within the group are sorted after the last possible one Insertion time automatically sorted, earliest first. It is sorted by date and time. If the insertion point is in the past, the corresponding order is sorted at the top of the group. If there are several orders with an insertion time in the past, these are sorted within the past scheduling close to the time (the further in the past, the earlier the position in the group). When new orders arrive, they are sorted according to the calculated insertion time, as shown in FIG. 4B. The sorting can, for example, take place continuously or at regular/fixed time intervals. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the insertion time does not necessarily correspond to the order of arrival of the incoming requests.

The orders are printed out and inserted into production at specific discrete times or at specific (e.g. regular or fixed time intervals in the order of sorting according to a calculated quantity of spectacle lenses per group. However, flexible insertion times or insertion intervals are also possible (e.g to take account of changes in production capacities). This quantity depends on incoming orders and the capacities of the individual production lines and can be adjusted or changed continuously or at regular/specified intervals, for example to take account of changes in production capacities. Changes in the Production capacities can be caused, for example, by planned or unplanned factors such as machine failures, staff shortages, breaks, low order intake, etc.

Depending on the expected scheduling of the orders, a time interval can be selected that corresponds to the capacity of the production lines in this time frame. Furthermore, the variety of products and the required batch sizes can be taken into account. The time grid of the printout can be set appropriately, for example once every hour, once every half hour. Too large intervals increase the waiting time in the virtual buffer. In addition, the handling of large quantities of orders is made more difficult. Intervals too small on the other hand, bind the staff too strongly. In an example, the printout is every hour.

Optionally, a reprint can be carried out if there are not enough jobs in a group at the time of printing and filling up with compatible groups is not possible. The maximum amount of reprint is determined by the capacity of the remaining time until the next full print. This ensures optimal utilization of production capacities.

Carrying out the printout only at certain points in time or only at certain discrete time intervals has technical advantages compared to a continuous printing of the incoming applications and thus a continuous insertion of the spectacle lenses to be processed into production. With time-discrete printing and insertion into production, a build-up of jams can be avoided and the existing production capacity can be optimally utilized.

In one example, orders for surface production and orders for the subsequent work processes, such as coloring and/or coating, are printed out.

The time intervals can be different. It is also possible to update or change the points in time or time intervals continuously or periodically.

Determining the quantity of orders to be pushed in and/or to be manufactured

glasses

In one example, the maximum amount of orders to be printed per group and per time interval is stored or stored in the control device, for example in a database

control device. The maximum amount may vary depending on the point in time or time interval. This maximum quantity corresponds to the maximum machine capacity for this group. When determining the maximum amount, a bottleneck in the production line assigned to the group, for example in coordination with the subsequent production steps and the respective incoming orders in this group, is taken into account. An adjustment (e.g. a reduction) of the maximum amount can be made at any time.

A scaling factor can also be stored in the database or in the virtual buffer. The maximum quantity multiplied by the scaling factor results in the quantity of orders that can be printed out at a specific time or in a specific time interval. The scaling factor can assume a value from 0 (0%) to 1 (100%), for example. The scaling factor can be different for the different points in time or time intervals. For example, the scaling factor can vary every hour.

It is also possible to fill up a group with at least one other group if there is still free capacity. For this purpose, it is stored in the database or in the virtual buffer for each group with which other group this group can be filled. For example, the number of jobs to be printed out at a specific time or time interval for a specific group can be reduced and the number of jobs at the specific time or time interval can be increased for at least one other group. Thus, an optimal utilization of the existing production capacities can be achieved.

The following example illustrates the determination of the quantity of jobs to be printed for groups A and B. In this example, the printout takes place every hour. The designation "t" refers to the current hour, "t+1" to one hour later.

1. A predetermined maximum number of orders A_max_0 to be printed for group A is stored in the control device (for example in a database, a table, an XML file, etc. of the control device). This value is multiplied by an hour-dependent factor A_s, which is also stored in the control device (e.g. in a database, in a table, an XML file, etc.). This results in the maximum number of orders to be printed for the time (t+1):

A_max (t+1) = A_max_0 x A_s(t+1)

Example A_max_0 = 100, A_s(t+1) = 1 -> A_max(t+1) = 100.

If any factors require a reduction of the expression, the maximum amount A_max(t+1) is multiplied by a scaling factor S_A(t+1) for hour (t+1). This results in a number of expressions for group A at time (t+1):

Number_A = A_max(t+1) x S_A(t+1)

Example: A_max(t+1) = 100, S_A(t+1) = 0.5 -> number_A = 50.

The scaling factor is also stored in the virtual buffer and can be updated manually or automatically.

2. The number of orders available for group A is determined in the order data memory (virtual buffer) (number of orders available for group A - buffer content_A). If the previously determined number of orders to be printed is available in the order data memory (i.e. the number of orders available for group A in the order data memory (buffer content_A) is equal to or greater than the previously determined number_A), this is retained:

If buffer content _A >= number _A:

Number _A- new = number _A. If the number of "buffer content_A" jobs in the job data memory is less than the previously determined number_A, the difference between the two values is first determined: Loss_A = number_A - buffer content_A. Furthermore, a new number of orders to be printed out for group A is determined, where number_A_new = number_A - loss_A:

If buffer content _A < number _A:

loss_A - count_A - buffer_content_A; and number_A_new = number_A - loss_A.

Example: number_1 = 100, buffer content_A = 80 -> loss_A = 100 - 80 = 20 and

Number _A_ new = 100 - 20 = 80.

3. The same procedure applies to group B: First, a number of orders to be printed for group B at time (t+1) is determined:

Number_B = B_max_0 x S_B(t+1 )

Example: B_max_0 = 60, S_B = 0.5 ->B_ max = 30.

If group A can be filled with group B (i.e. if group A is stored as being able to be filled with group B), a new number of jobs to be printed for group B

(Number_B_new_1) determined, where:

Number _B_new_ 1 = number _B + loss _A

Example: Number_B_new_1 = 30 + 20 = 50. If the new number of jobs to be printed for group B determined in this way exceeds the buffer content_B (i.e. the number of requests to be executed in the job data memory for group B), the previously determined number_B_new_1 is reduced and a loss is noted:

If buffer content _B< number _B_new_ 1:

loss_B = number_B_new_1 - buffer_content_B; and number_B_new_2 = number_B_new_1 - loss_B.

Loss_B determined in this way then goes into the group (e.g. group C) that is provided for filling up group B. If there is no replenishment group for A and B, the respective loss will not be compensated.

It is also possible to mutually fill the groups, for example in an iterative process. For example, mutual padding may only be limited by the number of groups.

4. The number of defective and/or reworked glasses inserted in the last hour is now determined for group A. If there are defective rejects and/or rework lenses, their number is deducted from the current number of orders to be printed out for group A (number_A_new):

Number_A_new_1 = Number_A_new - Number_A_scrap/rework

Example: number_A_scrap/rework = 2 -> number_A_new_2 = 80 - 2 = 78

As a rule, there is no compensation for this, since these glasses are actually present and together with the printout, the original number (number_A_new) results again. The same procedure is also carried out for group B. The number of defective and/or rework glasses that have been inserted for group B in the last hour is determined and subtracted from the current number of orders to be printed out for group B (number_B_new_2):

Number_B_new_3 = Number_B_new_2 - Number_B_scrap/rework

Example: number_B_scrap/rework = 4 -> number_B_new_3 = 50 -4 = 46

5. Cooling buffer reduction

After blocking, all glasses are conveyed to a cooling buffer (as an example of an intermediate store) where they remain for a certain time (for example 1 hour). After the predetermined time has elapsed, the glasses are removed from the cooling buffer and subjected to further process steps. The glasses are removed from the cooling buffer according to the FIFO principle. There can only be a limited number of glasses in the cooling buffer. For example, this quantity corresponds to the quantity of jobs per group printed 3 hours ago. Furthermore, there is usually a maximum number of glasses for each group that can be in the cooling buffer.

Example: Number of printed orders or inserted glasses from group A per hour = 100 -> maximum number of glasses from group A in the cooling buffer 250; Number of printed orders or group B glasses inserted per hour = 30 -> maximum number of group B glasses in the cooling buffer 74.

In order to avoid traffic jams due to the limited capacity of the cooling buffer, the number of orders to be printed or the number of glasses to be inserted per group can be corrected (e.g. in the form of a reduction). An exemplary correction can be made as follows:

The number of glasses in the cooling buffer (actual stock of glasses in the cooling buffer) can be determined directly using sensors, data from a robot operating the cooling buffer, etc. Alternatively, the quantity of glasses in the cooling buffer (total quantity and/or quantity per group) can be calculated (e.g. estimated) based on the orders already printed and an average running time of the glasses inserted into production up to the cooling buffer.

When printing, each group is checked to see whether the currently calculated number of orders to be printed will result in the maximum number of glasses in the cooling buffer being exceeded.

As long as the actual stock of glasses in the cooling buffer at the time of printing is below the limit (i.e. less than or equal to the maximum stock), the currently calculated number of orders to be printed out is retained and the corresponding number of orders is printed out.

If the actual stock of glasses in the cooling buffer at the time of printing is above the limit, a correction is made in the form of a reduction in the calculated number of orders to be printed.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 each show exemplary methods for determining the quantity of jobs to be printed out within a predetermined time interval. In the example shown in Figure 5, the job data store (virtual buffer) is divided into 4 groups: Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4. In the example shown in Figure 6, the job data store (virtual buffer) is divided into 6 groups. The groups are:

Group 1 : Material Perfalit index 1 .5

Group 2: Perfalite index 1.6, 1.67, 1.74 Group 3: "RGF S" lenses that require a specific free-form processing;

Group 4: "Tempering index 1.67" (the lenses in this group require an additional processing step)

Group 5 "tempering index 1.5" (the lenses of this group require an additional processing step)

Group 6: "RGF S (CTP)" (conventional production).

The above grouping is just an example. Other group divisions are also possible.

Within each group, the orders are sorted by insertion time. It is also possible to sort the orders according to a different sorting criterion.

For each group i, i = 1 , 2, 3 and 4 (starting from group 1) the following steps are performed:

In the "Glasses available" step, the virtual buffer is checked to see whether the number to be printed is available.

In the "A/N Test/Rechdialog" step, the number of N/A glasses and arithmetic dialogue glasses that were inserted in the previous time interval is determined. These glasses are subtracted from the target print quantity in the "subtraction" step. N/A glasses are glasses that have to be produced again or reworked. Calculated dialog glasses are glasses that had an error in the geometry calculation and have to be recalculated (manually if necessary). In one example, the orders for these glasses are printed out immediately and not buffered and treated as rework glasses in terms of the quantity calculation.

In the "cooling buffer reduction" step, it is checked whether the quantity of the corresponding glasses exceeds the maximum limit (max limit) in the cooling buffer. exceeds the number of glasses in question the max limit in the cooling buffer, the overhang is subtracted from the target slot (step subtraction).

In the example shown, group 2 is the main group. If group 2 is reduced, the other groups cannot be filled with this loss due to the technical situation.

batch plan

A plan for the coating can be drawn up in coordination with the insertion of the surface production and/or the dyeing, the capacity of the coating device (e.g. per shift, per coating line, etc.) and, if necessary, the capacity of the subsequent workstations. The plan for the coating specifies the time when which layer is to be put together or manufactured. The aim of this plan is to achieve an orderly, calculated flow through the coating device (coating system) without the formation of congestion and an even utilization of the systems. The cleaning and maintenance work as well as an active reduction of the batches when filling up the machine can be taken into account. The batch plan can be created and, if necessary, changed by means of a suitable control device, which can be part of the device described above for controlling and/or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process.

According to the batch plan, the glasses are grouped into batches or batches. A batch or batch corresponds to the amount of glass per coating system and/or coating line that can be processed all at once or at a specific time interval and/or at a specific point in time. A machine or a group of machines can be assigned to a coating line, whereby the assignment can take place dynamically. The plan for the coating can be made depending on the previously determined sequence of insertion of the orders. It can be specified that a specific quantity (for example a specific minimum quantity and/or maximum quantity) of orders should be printed out or inserted into the coating for a specific time interval and/or for a specific coating line. In other words, it can be specified that the orders coming in from production and/or dyeing are first sorted into groups, with the sorting being able to take place according to different criteria. Exemplary criteria are the layer to be produced, assignment to a specific coating line, and so on. The orders divided into groups can then be printed out in batches at a predetermined point in time and/or at a predetermined time interval and inserted into the coating or coating device. Orders within a group (batch or batch) can be sorted according to the previously determined slot sequence. The insertion order is determined as described above. The predetermined points in time and/or time intervals can be the same or different for the different groups. For example, the different groups can be pushed into the coating device at different times. A typical time interval for coating may be 1/2 hour, 1 hour, etc., for example.

If at a certain point in time the quantity of orders specified for a coating line has not yet been reached (that is, if the number of existing orders is less than the minimum quantity), the printing of orders for this coating line can be stopped. Alternatively or additionally, other coating lines that are able to produce the corresponding coating can be filled with the orders available at this point in time. The filling of orders in the coating device can be carried out similarly to the filling with orders in the surface production described above. The quantity of orders printed out or to be inserted into the coating in a specific time interval and/or per a specific coating line can be determined in advance and, if necessary, changed depending on the current capacity of the coating device. For example, in the event of a longer failure or a reduction in the capacity of the coating device or individual components of the coating device (such as a coating line or a coating machine), the number of jobs printed can be automatically reduced. The capacity of an intermediate store in which the spectacle lenses to be coated are temporarily stored can be taken into account. This avoids flooding the subsequent operations with completing batches.

In an example, the batches for the coating can be printed out separately. The batches for the coating are preferably printed out after the surface production has been completed. Printing out entire batches for coating before surface production can be difficult given the very high number of different processing steps. For example, there are many different types of glass, different colors, which have very different coloring times.

FIGS. 7A to 7C show an exemplary graphical user interface of a control device for the coating, the graphical user interface being designed to display exemplary batch plans and to change them if necessary. FIG. 7A shows a planned batch plan. Figure TB shows an active batch plan with disruptions (e.g. disruptions in one or more coating lines or coating machines) and canceled batches (e.g. batches canceled manually and/or by the control device). FIG. 7C shows an earlier batch plan (archive batch plan).

The graphical user interface shown in Figures 7A to 7C shows the plants and the corresponding batches or lots belonging to the corresponding Time are or have been inserted into the coating. In Figures 7A to 7C:

- Syr1 to Syr5, APS1 to APS4 the production lines for coating (coating lines); and

- AT, AL, 8L JT, BKL, IL, ZL different coatings with corresponding numbers

A number is given under each coating (AT, AL, 8L JT, BKL, IL, ZL), which is used to allocate the batch data. This number can be assigned weekly, for example. The calculated target time for the respective coating is also given under this assignment number.

The graphical user interface may further include function buttons or function sections that allow to start a new batch ("New Batch" function button) or to cancel a batch ("Delete Batch" function button). Further, the graphical user interface may include function buttons or functional sections that allow for viewing planned batch plans, active batch plans, and previous batch plans, and for switching between the different batch plans.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the coating device (coating system) includes the coating lines Syr1 to Syr5, APS1 to APS4, each coating line being designed to apply at least one layer to the glass. The type of possible coating lines can depend on the system release. The number of coating lines can be based on the (expected) quantity per shift delivered from the previous department and/or from the previous production section. If a system, a coating line and/or a coating machine fails, the number of batches intended for this system, coating line or coating machine can be canceled (deleted) according to the time lost. This prevents jamming in the coating. The coated batches can be coated at a later date be inserted. It is also possible to fill up other coating lines or groups with the canceled batches if there is free capacity.

The above-mentioned devices for providing, determining, specifying or calculating data (such as insertion time, quantity, etc.) and/or performing operations (such as sorting) can be used by suitably configured or programmed data processing devices (in particular specialized hardware modules, computers or computer systems, such as computer or data clouds) can be implemented with appropriate computing units, electronic interfaces, storage and data transmission units. The devices may further include at least one interface that allows a user to view and/or enter and/or modify data. For example, the interface may be a graphical user interface (GUI) or include a graphical user interface.

reference list

10 job data storage

12 group

Syr1 to Syr5 coating production lines

(coating lines)

APS1 to APS4 coating production lines

(coating lines);

AT, AL, 8L JT, BKL, IL, ZL types of coating

Claims

patent claims

1. Computer-implemented method for controlling and/or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process, comprising:

Recording orders for the production of spectacle lenses or pairs of spectacle lenses and storing the orders in an order data memory; automatic sorting of the stored orders in a sequence of insertions, the sorting taking place according to at least one sorting criterion; and

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sorting criterion can be varied as a function of the state of at least one component of a production device provided for the production of the spectacle lenses or spectacle lens pairs.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one sorting criterion comprises an insertion time, the insertion time for a specific order being determined by:

recording the time of receipt of the order,

adding a predetermined delivery interval at the time of receipt of the order, thereby determining a delivery time;

Subtracting a processing interval from the delivery time, which determines the insertion time.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stored orders are sorted according to a plurality of sorting criteria.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the order data memory is divided into several groups, each order is assigned to one of the groups, and the group membership is a sorting criterion.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the groups correspond to different production lines and/or different refractive indices of the spectacle lenses or spectacle lens pairs to be produced.

7. The method according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein at least one of the groups is divided into several subgroups, each job in the at least one group is assigned to one of the subgroups, and wherein the subgroup membership is a further sorting criterion.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the subgroups correspond to different block rings.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 8 and claim 3, wherein the orders are sorted within a group or a subgroup according to the insertion time.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

Determination of a quantity of the spectacle lenses or spectacle lens pairs to be produced, which are to be inserted into production within a discrete time interval, and automatic adjustment of the determined quantity to the current state of at least one component of a manufacturing device provided for the production of the spectacle lenses or spectacle lens pairs.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the adjustment comprises an adjustment of the determined quantity to a currently available capacity of a cooling buffer.

A computer program product which, when loaded into and executed on a computer's memory, causes the computer to perform a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. Device for controlling and/or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process, comprising at least one computing device which is designed to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A method for producing spectacle lenses comprising controlling and/or regulating the spectacle lens manufacturing process according to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A device for manufacturing spectacle lenses, comprising a device for controlling and/or regulating a spectacle lens manufacturing process according to claim 13.