Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Point Files

  1. #1
    OptiBoard Novice
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    miami
    Occupation
    Ophthalmic Technician
    Posts
    1

    Point Files

    Im doing a research project on back progressive software designs and i need to know how programs generate point files that are sent to a generator.

    How does the software generate this file? Converting polar coordinates?

    Can you please let me know where i could look to get this information?

  2. #2
    Underemployed Genius Jacqui's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Frostbite Falls, Mn.
    Occupation
    Optical Wholesale Lab (other positions)
    Posts
    7,417
    Looks to me to be the same or similar to CAD/CAM software that's used to control CNC mills and CNC lathes.

    A thought just occurred to me (usually this is dangerous), why couldn't a CAD/CAM software package and computer be connected to a freeform surfacing system?? Could be used to create all kinds of funky lenses.

  3. #3
    Master OptiBoarder Darryl Meister's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Kansas City, Kansas, United States
    Occupation
    Lens Manufacturer
    Posts
    3,700
    Im doing a research project on back progressive software designs and i need to know how programs generate point files that are sent to a generator. How does the software generate this file?
    Assuming that you're referring to the so-called "points" files generated for back-side progressive lenses, a few different steps are involved. A lens design program or "server" first calculates the complex back surface of the lens, which represents the combination of a progressive lens design with prescription curves, using any one of a variety of possible techniques. A mathematical description of the surface is then made available.

    This surface must be converted into a format that the controller or onboard computer of a free-form generator can actually use. For instance, the surface may be converted into a simple collection of surface height (Z) values over a grid of X,Y coordinates or, alternatively, the surface may be described by a collection of spline (polynomial) functions. The onboard computer will then calculate a spiral cutting path through these points to guide the cutting tools.

    Best regards,
    Darryl
    Darryl J. Meister, ABOM

  4. #4
    Objection! OptiBoard Gold Supporter shanbaum's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Manchester, CT USA
    Occupation
    Other Optical Manufacturer or Vendor
    Posts
    2,976
    A standard Surface Definition File is defined in the Vision Council's Data Communication Standard, which is used by all the manufacturers of freeform-capable surfacing equipment. Some of these manufacturers continue to support older, pre-standard file formats.

    All current Lens Design Systems also support the standard SDF file format.

  5. #5
    Master OptiBoarder Darryl Meister's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Kansas City, Kansas, United States
    Occupation
    Lens Manufacturer
    Posts
    3,700
    Robert, you might share a link to the latest DCS document for mcarcamo6, if the Vision Council has made it publicly available. (I don't recall whether it is distributed to non-members.)

    Best regards,
    Darryl
    Darryl J. Meister, ABOM

  6. #6
    Objection! OptiBoard Gold Supporter shanbaum's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Manchester, CT USA
    Occupation
    Other Optical Manufacturer or Vendor
    Posts
    2,976
    Darryl, it's on the VC site as a word doc: http://www.thevisioncouncil.org/memb...12%20Final.doc. It is available to the public.

  7. #7
    Bad address email on file
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    New York,USA
    Occupation
    Frame Manufacturer
    Posts
    8
    Thank you for sharing this information as it is really make me help to find the right deals and would must make me the right deals over here.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. In-house Free Form's and Point files -vs. The Big Boys (Shamir, ect)
    By AustinEyewear in forum Progressive Lens Discussion Forum
    Replies: 27
    Last Post: 09-27-2011, 10:29 PM
  2. patient files
    By jessaroni in forum General Optics and Eyecare Discussion Forum
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 01-06-2008, 11:22 PM
  3. mim files
    By Rich R in forum Computer and Software Help
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 05-19-2004, 05:25 PM
  4. Files
    By shanbaum in forum Just Conversation
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-06-2001, 08:03 PM
  5. X-Files
    By Pete Hanlin in forum Just Conversation
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 03-08-2001, 06:52 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •