DE202010005627U1 - Optical observation device, in particular magnifying glasses - Google Patents

Abstract

Optical observation device, such as loupes (10), which is portable on the head of a user or in his hand, with at least one observation channel containing a lens (2) of variable refractive power, characterized in that per observation channel at least one further lens (2 ' ) is provided, which forms a zoom system (30) together with the lens (2) of variable refractive power.

Description

The The present invention relates to a head-mounted or hand-held one optical observation device, in particular a loupe, according to the preamble of claim 1.

such Optical observation devices are in particular as visual aids known. In place of glasses (with glasses frame) can also be Monocle (Einlas), a Klemmer (Zwicker) or a stemmed glass (Lorgnette) used as a visual aid. A loupes is a combination from a pair of glasses and a magnifying glass to binocular and close up stereoscopically zoom in on an object to be able to. Especially for the medical Area are so-called Kopflupen known that as a headset (head attachment) or as an attachment for a pair of glasses are available. With such Kopflupen a high detail recognition is possible.

A surgical alternative suitable for loupes is a head-mounted microscope (for example the Leica HM500 Applicant's Brochure 10 M1 155 Ode / -, Copyright Leica Microsystems (Switzerland) AG, 2008-IV. 2008). Advantage of a head-worn Microscopes are the option for larger ones To be able to work at working intervals and between an overview and a representation of high Change resolution. An integrated Autofocus ensures the tracking of the focus. at variable working distance, an integrated coaxial Light source provides shadowless illumination of the work area.

The called head-worn microscope is equipped with a continuous zoom system equipped with a footswitch and a variable selection of the magnification factor between 2.0 and 9.0. Although the zoom system great advantages for applications in medicine brings, it increases the technical effort and not least that Weight of head worn microscope enormous.

Eyeglasses of variable refractive power are known in the art. Thus, the Swiss patent publication CH-241951 1946 glasses in which the focal length of the lenses can be changed by introducing a liquid into a cavity. In the US 4,890,903 discloses a suspension system for a liquid-filled lens in which by introducing a fluid medium into a chamber, a flexible membrane used as an interface of the liquid lens is changed in shape, whereby the lens changes its refractive power. A lens with variable refractive power lenses is also in the WO 96/38744 proposed in which a pressurisable liquid changes the refractive power of the lens until sharp vision is possible. After the successful adjustment of the refractive power no further changes are provided.

From the DE 199 59 379 A1 Also, a variable-power pair of eyeglasses is known, each having a variable power lens and a variable-angle prism. By adjusting the lens power and the prismatic power, a balance between accommodation and convergence of the eyes is to be established for good binocular vision (vergence means convergence in the inward pivoting of the lines of sight and divergence in the outward pivoting of the lines of sight). From the DE 101 06 650 B4 is an electronic glasses with an electronic camera for automatic focus, including correction of various vision defects known. A principle of similar glasses of variable refractive power with a distance sensor is from the DE 32 21 690 C2 known.

Finally, out of the DE 10 2005 048 212 A1 an optical observation device, such as glasses, reading aid or telescope known. The corresponding spectacles has two spectacle lenses adjustable refractive power and a sensor which adjusts the refractive power in response to detected optical parameters. For example, the sensor can only detect the brightness but can also measure the refractive power of a user's eye. With the spectacle lenses used there, almost any aspherical shapes can be generated, so that higher-order vision errors can also be corrected and / or progressive-vision (bifocal) spectacles can be realized. The spectacle lenses used there are constructed with crystal liquids, for example as a pixelated SLM (Spatial Light Modulator) or as a field-controlled focusable lens. The application as a reading magnifier is addressed.

The liquid lenses of variable refractive power mentioned in the above-quoted prior art may be referred to the documents EP 1 352 267 B1 . GB 2 427 484 A such as WO 2007/090843 A2 directed.

It There is a need for a head-worn or hand-held one optical observation device, such as a loupe, with a user in a technically simple way of interest details can look greatly enlarged.

These The object is achieved by an optical observation device according to claim 1 solved.

The optical observation device according to the invention with at least one observation channel, which contains a lens of variable refractive power, is characterized in that at least one further lens is provided per observation channel, which together with the lens of variable refractive power forms a zoom system.

hereby it becomes possible, with the optical observation device, such as a loupes, in a watched object area to zoom in, d. H. this greatly enlarged display. The technical implementation is considerably easier as in a head-worn microscope described above. The Zoom system is namely only in the simplest case formed two lenses, of which at least one lens such is variable refractive power. A mechanical shift of lenses along the optical axis of the zoom system is not required.

One Zoom system is composed of two parts in the simplest case: A magnification system, such as a afocal zoom system, and an adjoining one Focusing system, such as a converging lens. The afocal zoom system consists in the simplest case in turn of three lenses, with between two converging lenses a diverging lens is arranged. While a condenser lens is fixed, the other two move Lenses on tightly defined paths, increasing the overall magnification is changed. Of course, from the prior art Also differently constructed zoom systems known, with more complex Zoom systems have a multiple of individual lenses, with a or more lens groups are movably arranged. To the stand The technology regarding zoom systems is also on the publication "Selected Papers to Zoom Lenses, "publisher Allen Mann, SPIE Milestone Series, Volume MS 85, noted.

The The present invention utilizes a two-part system for variation the magnification and the subsequent Focusing. At least one lens should be a variable one However, it is advantageous if both lenses one have variable (adjustable) refractive power. To this Way, the magnification and the focus optimally adapted to each other.

About that In addition, the use of lenses allows variable refractive power a correction of higher order vision defects and / or a bifocal, generally even multifocal, working. For realization a multifocal system is the invention optical observation device advantageously with a Autofocus device equipped. This is depending on the viewing direction the focus accordingly.

It may also be useful, in addition to the two lenses mentioned one or several other lenses, in particular those with variable refractive power, provided. Although with the number of lenses, the optical quality of the zoom system can be further increased, the application the head-worn optical observation device a upper limit of the number of lenses. This upper limit depends weight, need and last but not least the cost of the optical observer.

In terms of the at least one lens used in the invention variable Refractive power is referred to the cited prior art. In principle, the different known lenses are more variable Refractive power also for the present invention in question. However, a particularly suitable group are EAP lenses it is made of electroactive polymers (EAP) lenses. Electroactive polymers change upon application of an electrical Tension their form. They are also called "artificial Muscle ". With electroactive polymers can high strains (up to over 300%) can be achieved. You own a low density and almost free formability. In terms of Further details on the structure and possible optical Applications of electroactive polymers are express to the product range of the company optotune, Switzerland.

A EAP lens can over the surrounding socket with DC voltage be controlled to change their focal length and thus refractive power. Even (direct) mechanical deformation is conceivable. EAP lenses are scalable, can be over Control units and have very short response times less than 200 ms. Furthermore, they have excellent optical Qualities.

In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one EAP lens or an EAP muscle attached thereto can be controlled such that, in addition to the refractive power, the convergence can also be set. For fatigue-free object observation, it is advantageous to adjust the convergence depending on the magnification. The angle of convergence is the angle under which the lines of sight intersect (see also the document mentioned in the introduction to the description) DE 199 95 379 A1 ). By suitable deformation and / or slight spatial reorientation of the lens of variable refractive power (in particular EAP lens), the convergence can be tracked suitably. This is done either by mechanical deformation and / or electronic control of the EAP lens itself or by a corresponding control of an attached to this lens, suitably shaped EAP muscle. In two (or more) observation channels (loupes), in particular, such an EAP muscle, the Lin connecting the observation channels. In this way, depending on the required angle of convergence, a deformation of the EAP lenses towards each other (or away from each other), whereby the lines of sight are moved accordingly.

It is possible, for example, facing the object Lenses of the two observation channels towards each other, while the lens facing away from the object of the two observation channels stay stationary. In this way, the total Line of sight convergently set, a possible prismatic Effect may be possible with this simple convergence method be accepted.

Known Lenses of variable refractive power alter these due to hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical or electromagnetic Exposure. To generate this effect are different types the control conceivable. For example, an EAP lens may be instantaneous can be mechanically deformed or the corresponding deformation can over Applying a voltage can be achieved. It is appropriate if the driving of the at least one lens is variable Refractive power via one on the optical observation device existing actuator, such as a handwheel takes place. For example, via a handwheel and a corresponding Operative connection to an EAP lens a mechanical deformation of the Lens can be achieved to change their refractive power. On the other hand, via such a handwheel with a corresponding electronic operative connection to an EAP lens which applied there Tension and thus the refractive power of the lens can be adjusted. It is conceivable and appropriate, the electronic Control as a remote control, to design.

Separate in combination with each other described features of the invention can - as far as the Professional apparent - even in other combinations or used in isolation, without the scope of the present To leave invention.

in the Below is an embodiment of the invention and explain their advantages in more detail. This is on the attached figures referenced.

figure description

1 shows schematically an embodiment of a magnifying glasses according to the invention;

2 also shows schematically an embodiment of a hand-held magnifying glass according to the invention and

3 shows a possible embodiment of a zoom system, as in the magnifying glasses according to 1 or the magnifying glass according to 2 can be used.

1 shows very schematically a to be worn on the head of a user loupes 10 with two observation channels defined by the two axes passing through the lenses. The loupes 10 contains an EAP lens 2 as a lens of variable refractive power. Per observation channel is at least one other lens, in this illustration behind the visible EAP lens 2 is located, provided. In this embodiment, this is a further EAP lens (see. 3 ). Both EAP lenses together make up a zoom system, as judged by 3 will be explained in more detail.

Every EAP lens 2 is from a version 9 surround, which is part of the glasses frame 1 is. Both versions are in turn connected 4 mechanically interconnected. Along this mechanical connection 4 is an artificial muscle 8th which in turn is formed from electroactive polymers and the two EAP lenses 2 connects the left and right observation channel with each other.

In the illustrated embodiment according to 1 is an electronic control 5 provided by a connection cable 6 an electrode (for example, socket 9 ) with an EAP lens 2 connected is. By means of a handwheel 3 , which in turn is attached to the socket, a user can attach to the EAP lens 2 adjust the applied (DC) voltage. The voltage is from the electronic control 5 over the connection cable 6 delivered. The applied voltage leads, depending on the height, to a deformation of the EAP lens 2 , whereby their focal length and refractive power changes. The response times are so low that a user perceives no delay.

There can be one electronic control per observation channel 5 with connection cable 6 be provided. However, because zoom systems are used in the two observation channels, it is more convenient to simultaneously and equally change both zoom systems in their magnification setting. For this purpose, the electrodes (sockets 9 ) of the spectacle frame 1 electrically connected together, this connection along the mechanical connection 4 should be done.

Again, consider another significant alternative method of "driving" the EAP lens mentioned above 2 pointed. Such lenses can be alternatively mechanically controlled or verstel directly to the electronic control len. In this case, the version is 9 mechanically changeable in shape on its inside (for example via the hand wheel 3 ) that is the EAP lens located therein 2 is mechanically deformed in the desired manner.

The EAP muscle 8th connects the two EAP lenses 2 the two observation channels to adjust the convergence (convergence angles of the lines of sight). For this purpose, an autofocus system is preferably provided in order to measure the respective distance to the object (such is known, for example, from the above-mentioned head-worn microscope HM500 of the Applicant). Such an autofocus system can control the convergence angle.

2 shows an embodiment of a magnifier to be held in the hand of a user 20 , The magnifying glass contains a zoom system, in turn, from an EAP lens 2 and a second lens connected behind, in particular also an EAP lens (cf. 3 ), which is formed by a socket 9 which in turn are in a grip 7 empties. At the handle 7 is a handwheel 3 attached, about the power of the EAP lens 2 is adjustable. This can for example be under control 7 a voltage source (battery) may be present to supply DC voltage to the electrode (eg socket 9 ) of the EAP lens 2 to deliver. The DC level can be adjusted with the handwheel 3 be set.

In terms of 1 In addition, it should be noted that instead of the electronic control 5 with connection cable 6 also a remote-controlled wireless adjustment of the refractive power of the EAP lenses 2 and thus the zoom magnification is possible. For this would have in the glasses frame 1 a voltage source can be integrated, which (instead of using a handwheel 3 ) can be controlled via a remote control. A remote control allows the user in particular a greater freedom of use. However, it should be noted that working with magnifying glasses 10 or magnifying glass 20 usually close to the object is done, so that large spaces of the user are not needed.

Based on 3 Let us explain the structure of the simplest possible zoom system, which can be found in the in 1 illustrated magnifying glasses 10 or in the in 2 shown magnifying glass 20 is to be used in the respective observation channel. From the schematic view of 3 shows that in the axial direction of an observation channel two EAP lenses 2 and 2 ' are connected in series. Both EAP lenses 2 and 2 ' are each one version 9 surrounded, which in turn are mechanically connected to the glasses 1 to shape. About said mechanical connection 4 are left and right observation channel of the loupes 10 connected. In 3 only one observation channel is shown. The zoom system 30 has two EAP lenses connected in series, which are adjustable in their refractive power independently of each other. This arrangement allows a simple but efficient construction of a zoom system. While the first EAP lens 2 (in 3 which changes the magnification of the image to the viewer), causes the underlying EAP lens 2 ' the focus. This way is a zoom system 30 created, which allows to zoom in on a viewed object. As I said, it is expedient, the zoom systems 30 Both observation channels to design the same and simultaneously to control. The control of the EAP lenses 2 and 2 ' of the zoom system 30 takes place by predetermined control of the individual EAP lenses 2 and 2 ' which are to be controlled according to the desired magnification such that the user perceives an enlarged and sharp image. A change in the zoom magnification can via the handwheel already described 3 be made.

The present invention, in particular in the embodiment as loupes, allows a technically inexpensive replacement a head-worn microscope, lighter in weight, lighter Handling and lower acquisition costs.

1

Brillengestell

2, 2 '

EAP-lens

3

handwheel

4

connection

5

electronic control

6

connection cable

7

Handle

8th

artificial muscle

9

version

10

loupes

20

magnifying glass

30

Zoom system

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - CH 241951 [0005]
• - US 4890903 [0005]
• WO 96/38744 [0005]
• - DE 19959379 A1 [0006]
• - DE 10106650 B4 [0006]
• - DE 3221690 C2 [0006]
• - DE 102005048212 A1 [0007]
• - EP 1352267 B1 [0008]
• GB 2427484 A [0008]
• - WO 2007/090843 A2 [0008]
• - DE 19995379 A1 [0019]

Claims (11)

Optical observation device, such as loupes ( 10 ), which is portable on the head of a user or durable in his hand, with at least one observation channel having a lens ( 2 ) contains variable refractive power, characterized in that per observation channel at least one further lens ( 2 ' ) provided together with the lens ( 2 ) variable refractive power a zoom system ( 30 ). Optical observation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the further lens ( 2 ' ) is a lens of variable refractive power. Optical observation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lenses ( 2 . 2 ' ) are configured multi-focal, wherein in particular an autofocus system is provided for focus adjustment. Optical observation device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lens (s) ( 2 . 2 ' ) is designed as an EAP lens (s) variable refractive power or are. Optical observation device according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one EAP lens ( 2 . 2 ' ) and / or an attached EAP muscle ( 8th ) is controllable such that in addition to the refractive power and the convergence can be adjusted, in particular, an autofocus system is provided for Konvergenzeinstellung. Optical observation device according to claim 5, characterized in that an EAP muscle ( 8th ) connects the lenses of two observation channels. Optical observation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lens (s) ( 2 . 2 ' ) variable refractive power via an existing on the optical observation device actuator, such as a handwheel ( 3 ), are controllable. Optical observation device according to claim 7, characterized in that the control is carried out electronically. Optical observation device according to claim 8, characterized in that the control is carried out by remote control. Headset with an optical observation device according to one of claims 1 to 9. Hand holder with an optical observation device according to one of claims 1 to 9.