The DVI bridge interface allows a user to electronically transmit spectacle lens orders directly from the SAPIENT Healthcare System to a participating DVI laboratory. This transmission of data can be accomplished in batch mode to external labs via modem or can be sent directly from the point of purchase to an in-house lab.

Regardless of how the interface is being used, its benefits are numerous. First and foremost is the speed in which an order is entered into the DVI laboratory computer system. Also, since the data is transmitted directly from computer to computer, transcription errors are eliminated. The bridge interface also has the ability to include the frame tracing as part of the individual order (if a tracer has been set up on the SAPIENT system).

Since both the SAPIENT Healthcare System and the appropriate DVI laboratory can be tailored to specific users' needs, some manipulation of the communication data may be necessary. This document will discuss the means of setting up these communication parameters and give the guidelines to allow customization between the desired lab and the SAPIENT computer.