Abstract: A controller of a confocal microscope is provided with an image capturing function and a temporary storing function. On the other hand, the host computer is provided with an image display, image recording, and other processing functions. Further, the controller and the host computer are connected to each other with an asynchronous communication interface. With such a system configuration, it is possible to maintain high independence of the controller and the host computer. Accordingly, even in the course of the image capture by the controller, other processings can be smoothly executed on the host computer side.

Abstract: Cameras are positioned so that at least a portion of the field of view of at least one camera is redirected by a reflective surface. Images from these cameras are merged to produce a composite image while disregarding at least a portion of a camera's field of view such that there is at least one blind region in the composite field of view. Advantageously, such blind regions can be made to encompass edges of mirror surfaces that would otherwise produce image artifacts in the composite image; this can be accomplished without introducing gaps in the angular span of the composite field of view. Data representative of the composite image is stored in a memory from which it may be retrieved selectively using a control means to display a portion of the composite image. The image and control data may be transmitted over a communication network to facilitate remote control and display.

Abstract: The wide angle lens system described herein allows projection devices (e.g., rear projection display devices) to be more compact than would otherwise be possible. The lens system includes a wide angle lens stage and a relay lens stage. When operating as a projection device, the relay lens stage projects a distorted intermediate image to the wide angle lens stage, which projects the image for display. The distortion cause by the relay lens stage compensates (i.e., is approximately equal and opposite) for the distortion caused by the wide angle stage. The distortion can be the image shape and/or the focal plane. When operating as a taking device, the wide angle stage provides a distorted image to the relay lens stage, which compensates for the distortion and provide a less distorted, or even non-distorted image, for capture.

Abstract: In a microscope, an optical system that includes a zoom lens unit having a straight optical axis is located under a stage portion that carries a sample A thereon. An optical image of the sample A is projected on an image-pickup element via the optical system, and is converted into a picture signal by means of the image-pickup element. The picture signal is delivered to the outside through an external terminal area.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for capturing and analyzing video images of sediment from the bottom of a body of water such as a river or sea. The apparatus includes a video imager with a close-up focus of lens adapted to collect images of sediment at the bottom of the body of water. A waterproof housing surrounds the video imager. The video images are analyzed using any appropriate algorithm to determine grain size.

Abstract: A microscope array for simultaneously imaging multiple objects. A preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention includes arranging the objects into an array, providing a microscope array having a plurality of imaging elements with respective fields of view arranged into a corresponding array such that the imaging elements are optically aligned respectively with the objects, and simultaneously imaging the objects with the microscope array to produce respective images of the objects. The invention also provides for scanning while imaging, and for stepping and repeating the imaging process.

Abstract: A CPU determines an optical-axis direction moving interval of a focal point of a microscope based on a wavelength of light used for sample observation by the microscope and a numerical aperture of an object lens mounted on the microscope, and controls the microscope so as to sequentially move a position of the focal point of the microscope with respect to a sample position in the optical-axis direction at determined moving intervals. Every time the control moves the position, with respect to the sample position, of the focal point at the moving interval, the microscope is so controlled as to sequentially obtain a microscopic image produced when the position of the focal point is at a position after the moving.

Abstract: In order to provide a microscope episcopic illumination device and a microscope therewith having simple structure, having an aperture diaphragm and a field stop, and being capable of setting optimum light source magnification in accordance with change of an image surface size required for from eyepiece observation to TV observation. The microscope episcopic illumination device has a light source, a collector lens, an aperture diaphragm, a light source image forming lens portion for forming an image of the light source in the vicinity of the aperture diaphragm, pupil relay lens groups for re-forming the image of the light source formed in the vicinity of the aperture diaphragm in the vicinity of a pupil surface of an objective lens, and a field stop. The lens portion is a lens system with a variable finite focal distance, and varies a projection magnification of a ratio of the re-formed image of the light source in the vicinity of the pupil surface to the light source by changing the focal distance thereof.

Abstract: An optical pickup apparatus having an objective lens which is formed of a single lens such that the maximum slope angle of a surface of the lens is less than 55° with respect to a high NA of 0.7 or more. The objective lens can be manufactured to satisfy a condition of allowance in optical aberration and have a high NA of 0.7 or more unlike a typical objective lens formed of a single lens. Also, the optical pickup apparatus adopting the objective lens can be used for high density recording and reproduction and provide a reduced volume, a simple structure, and/or a low price. Also, since the optical pickup apparatus adopting the objective lens has a very short working distance, the first reflection surface recording method can be adopted. Accordingly, the thickness of the optical pickup apparatus can be manufactured as thin as a protective layer of a typical recording medium.

Abstract: A single sensor that can operate in multiple bands and display either one radiation band alone or multiple overlaid bands, using an appropriate color choice to distinguish the bands. The multiple-band sensor allows the user to look through at least one eyepiece and with the use of a switch, see scenes formed via the human eye under visible light, an II sensor, an MWIR sensor, or an LWIR sensor, either individually or superimposed. The device is equipped with multiple switching mechanisms. The first, for allowing the user to select between radiation bands and overlays, and the second, as with most thermal imaging sensors, for allowing the user to switch between “white-hot/black-hot” i.e., a polarity switch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a remote control system which through gear motors coupled to the scanning electron microscope (SEM) manual control knobs readily permits remote adjustments as necessary.

Abstract: A microscope apparatus which is capable of quickly taking a clear image of a sample. A support base supports the sample and a microscope magnifies the sample. A line sensor acquires a line image of the magnified sample and an image processing device produces an image of the sample based on the line image acquired by the line sensor. The support base has an adjusting mechanism for adjusting a tilt thereof and a focal length of the microscope. Focusing is achieved by, means of a light-projecting device for projecting light onto the sample and a light-receiving device for receiving light reflected by the sample and determining a focal length based on deformation of the received light. The light is projected onto the sample at a position in the vicinity of a range on the sample to be imaged by the line sensor. A two-dimensional CCD sensor is used to obtain a two-dimensional image of the sample for setting an imaging region.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus includes an image-taking portion provided with a taking lens system. A filter to be brought into close contact with the taking lens system is held by a filter holder. A moving mechanism moves a movable member in the direction of the optical axis of the taking lens system. A spring intervenes between the filter holder and the movable member and urges the filter holder toward the taking lens system in the direction of the optical axis thereof.

Abstract: An improved mounting apparatus for use in recording microscopic images with an image recording device, such as a camera or camcorder is provided. The apparatus is capable of readily aligning the optical axis of the image recording device and the optical axis of the microscope optical tube of the apparatus. Also provided are methods of using the device to observe, record and/or alter a specimen on which the apparatus is mounted. In addition, a microscope is provided which has simple but durable means for gross and fine focus adjustments. The microscope includes an optical tube for magnifying an image of a specimen to be viewed, and an optical tube sleeve in which the optical tube is rotatably and slideably retained. The optical tube includes a radial projection which is adapted to slide along the edge of the sleeve to grossly and finely adjust the focus of the microscope.

Abstract: A microscope body has at least one observation unit and is capable of being operated by respective controller corresponding to this observation unit. An operation unit determines the operation instruction for the respective controller. An operation switch detecting unit detects an operation of the operation unit and informs the detected operation to the exterior of the microscope body. An outer control device has a storage unit, in which first operational instructing information for the respective controller is registered, and identifies the operational instructing information corresponding to a detected result from the operation switch detecting unit with reference to the storage unit. An observation unit control section converts the operational instructing information which is identified by the outer control device, into operation instructing commands for the observation unit and gives the operation instructing commands to the respective controller.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an illumination device for microscopes which is provided with a halogen lamp with a reflector and a filament extending in direction of the optical axis and a scatter disk and which enables a homogeneous illumination of the visual field without additional optical components.

Abstract: A structure for assembly of a binocular telescope with a photographing function, comprises a lower frame, an upper frame, and an engaging mechanism. A pair of telescopic optical systems is mounted on the lower frame. A photographing unit is mounted on the upper frame. A first part of the engaging mechanism is provided on the lower frame. A second part of the engaging mechanism is provided on the upper frame. The first part and the second part are connected by assembling the upper frame onto the lower frame in such a manner that the photographing unit is placed between the pair of telescopic optical systems.

Abstract: A device for enlarging and exposure of digital exposure data, i.e., from a PC or a digital camera, onto light-sensitive photo paper comprising a lamp with reflector, a light mixer, an LCD-chip arranged between two polarization filters, and an enlargement optic, wherein the enlargement optic comprises a commonly used enlargement objective and a correction lens means, arranged between the LCD-chip and the enlargement objective, and the correction lens means is laid out in such a way that the rays escaping from the LCD-chip are evenly and centrically guided into the enlargement objective.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system utilized in a scanning microscope and a method for providing user guidance. The system for providing user guidance comprises an illumination source for producing a light beam and optical means for shaping and guiding the light beam. A scanning device scans the light beam across a sample. At least one detector is used to detect the fluorescent or reflected light from the sample. The position signal of the light beam on the sample is also detected. A control and processing unit with digitizing means processes the intensity data received from a sample and generates an online representation of various image quality parameters to be observed by the user on a display of a computer.

Abstract: A light-converging optical system has an objective lens arranged at a position to be opposite to an optical information recording medium and including at least one plastic lens, and an aberration correcting element provided on an optical path between the light source and the objective lens and structured by two groups of a positive lens and a negative lens both being a plastic lens.

Abstract: A prime focus unit that enables position and angle correction within a lens barrel while being located at the prime focus of a telescope. There is provided a first frame on which a barrel top inner tube of a telescope is to be mounted. A second frame is joined to the first frame by way of a Stewart platform comprising six jacks and three pressurized springs. An observation apparatus for collecting observation data and an optical correction system for effecting optical correction are provided on the second frame. If a change arises in the relative position and angle formed between the telescope and the observation apparatus in association with a change in the attitude of the telescope, the change can be eliminated by adjustment of a Stewart platform.

Abstract: Arrangement for controlling and/or displaying microscope functions, preferably in an inverted microscope, wherein a display is provided at or near the eye level of a user, and the display can be removed. The adjustment and/or storage of microscope functions is carried out via the display. In a method for controlling microscope functions, an automatic switching of the light source and/or illumination optics is carried out to pre-stored values and/or positions when a reflector turret is switched.

Abstract: An optical assembly is provided that allows a user to view objects with normal perspective and scale under conditions of total darkness, in daylight, or other conditions limiting normal vision, or adverse weather conditions. The optical assembly includes a white light flashlight, with a filter cap mounted to the illuminating end of the flashlight. The filter cap permits infrared light in the appropriate range of 900 to 1200 nanometers to pass through. The optical assembly further includes a camera pack including a camera, and preferably including a transmitter. Said camera pack attached to the flashlight and in communication with a display mounted to a head gear worn by the user so that the screen of the display is directly in front of an eye of the user. The camera lens of the camera pack and the illuminating end of the flashlight are aligned along a single linear optical axis. The camera pack communicates with the display via a communication means when wireless communication is not preferred.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a plurality of plane mirrors disposed into a polygonal pyramid shape, and a plurality of cameras disposed so as to individually face to the plurality of plane mirrors, wherein each of the plurality of cameras includes a lens, and an incident angle of a light beam traveling along an optical axis of the lens of each of the plurality of cameras on the corresponding one of the plurality of plane mirrors is less than 45°. With this configuration, the sizes of the mirrors and the whole size of the imaging device are reduced, to thereby miniaturize the imaging device.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus with a photographing function, includes a viewing optical system by which an image of an object, formed by a positive objective optical system, is viewed though a positive eyepiece optical system, and a photographing optical system which is provided independently from the viewing optical system. The photographing optical system covers substantially the same field of view as that of the viewing optical system.

Abstract: Microscope apparatus and a method are disclosed for avoiding a reduction in intensity at the periphery of a microscope image that is detected by an electronic image-detector and then displayed. The method includes inserting one or more stops along the optical axis of the microscope, said stop(s) having a central transmissive region and a blocking region outside the central transmissive region; and positioning at least one stop so as to simultaneously block peripheral portions of axial and abaxial light fluxes from a sample under observation from being incident onto the electronic image detector, thereby making the axial and abaxial light fluxes that are incident onto the electronic image detector substantially equal in detected brightness.

Abstract: The invention concerns a microscope having an image sensor (5) for recording the microscope images. The specimen (3) to be examined can be scanned by means of a stop (2) in the beam path of the illumination unit and a positioning unit which moves the specimen (3) or the stop (2). Opening the stop (2) or removing it from the beam path permits the entire image to be scanned with the image sensor (5).

Abstract: A trinocular apparatus is provided for sighting and photographing subjects in the field. The trinocular apparatus comprises a binocular viewing system and a third barrel focusing a common image on an image capturing device mounted to the binocular viewing system. Focusing for both the binocular system and the third barrel is managed by a common focusing apparatus. In a preferred embodiment images are captured electronically, and the trinocular apparatus includes apparatus for storing and transferring captured images.

Abstract: A surgical microscope system utilizes a surgical microscope system 1 so that surgical procedures can be performed by a surgeon X and a surgical assistant Y while viewing a three-dimensional image displayed on each of CRT displays 30A, 30B. Comparing with the conventional system utilizing eyepieces, the surgical microscope system of the present invention hardly causes eye fatigue or physical fatigue, so that a burden on the body can be relieved.

Abstract: A viewfinder apparatus includes an objective lens unit, an eyepiece unit, an image display element for displaying an image formed by an image pick-up element, an illuminating device for illuminating the image display element, an optical system for introducing a light ray from the image display element illuminated by the illuminating device backward, and a reflecting member for introducing a light ray from the optical system to the eyepiece unit, and wherein the values of a focal length fr of the optical system and a focal length fe of the eyepiece unit satisfy the condition 1<fe/fr<6.

Abstract: A microscope system includes: a stage that shifts a specimen in x and y directions; a detection section that detects a position of the stage after shifting; a reception section that receives an input of a shift target position for the stage inputted by an observer; an optical system that forms a light flux into a focused and magnified image of the specimen; an image capturing section that captures the magnified image; and a shift section that, if the position detected by the detection section and the shift target position received by the reception section do not agree with one another, shifts a relative positional relationship between the light flux and the image capturing section.

Abstract: A microscope system is provided comprising a positioning system for positioning at least one microscope objective, an electronic camera unit, and an autofocus device for focusing the positioning system in response to a control signal. The electronic camera unit is comprised of at least one image sensor for generating an acquisition signal representing an acquired microscope image, and a control unit for generating a control signal from the acquisition signal. An autofocus algorithm is implemented in the control unit to generate the control signal from the acquisition signal.

Abstract: A telescope for geodetic instruments, comprises an objective and device for generating separate beam paths for target seeking or image detection and for distance measurement. In the beam path for target seeking, a CCD camera with CCD matrix or a position-dependent photoelectric receiver arrangement (quadrant photoreceiver) is provided in a first image plane of the objective. A receiver for distance measurement is located in a second image plane of the objective. An evaluating device is connected with the CCD camera or receiver arrangement for signal evaluation and/or image evaluation. A device for generating a third, wide-angle, beam path are provided in the telescope. A supplementary objective cooperating with the objective is advantageously provided for generating the wide-angle beam path.

Abstract: A simplified hand held stereoscopic imaging system in which stereoscopic recording and three-dimensional playback of objects viewed with the device is provided with a single recording element and a single playback element.

Abstract: A telescope viewing system for conveniently viewing celestial objects without being personally subjected to the elements of weather. The telescope viewing system includes a telescope, a lens cover removably surrounding an end portion of the telescope, a camera attachable to an eyepiece of the telescope using a coupler member, and a computer system in communication with the camera for displaying images recorded by the camera upon a display screen.

Abstract: A controller of a confocal microscope is provided with an image capturing function and a temporarily storing function. On the other hand, the host computer is provided with an image display, image recording, and other processing functions. Further, the controller and the host computer are connected to each other with an asynchronous communication interface. With such a system configuration, it is possible to maintain high independence of the controller and the host computer. Accordingly, even in the course of the image capture by the controller, other processings can be smoothly executed on the host computer side.

Abstract: Photographic binoculars include binoculars and a tube with a camera detachably connected to the tube. A focus adjusting mechanism of the binoculars correspond to a focus adjusting mechanism of the tube so that the adjustment to the focal length of the binoculars simultaneously adjusts the focal length of the tube. The camera is able to record an image of a subject observed from the binoculars.

Abstract: The lens device and the vibration-proof adapter include a lock mechanism with operational ease because a lock mechanism of a vibration-proof lens has a switch on a joint with a camera main body or a joint with the lens device. The lens device is connected by placing a hook, which is provided on a frond end face of a camera main body, to a recess of a back end face. A slide pin is provided in the recess so as to slide, and is pressed inside by the hook. In synchronization with the slide pin pressed inside, a lock pin operates to move away from a holding member of a vibration-proof lens, and the vibration-proof lens is unlocked. The slide pin returns to an original protruding position to lock the vibration-proof lens again when the hook is detached from the recess.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for a microscope comprises light receiving means having a plurality of light receiving segments arranged two-dimensionally for receiving an observed image on the microscope, extracting means for extracting light receiving outputs in a predetermined level range from the light receiving outputs of the respective light receiving segments of the light receiving means, exposure calculating means for performing an exposure calculation based on an average value of the light receiving outputs extracted from the extracting means, exposure control means for performing exposure control of the light receiving means in accordance with an exposure time calculated by the exposure calculation means, and image acquiring means for acquiring a taken image corresponding to the observed image from the light receiving outputs of the light receiving segments after the exposure control.

Abstract: A direct-view optical microscope system is provided which uses high-energy light from a phenomenon known as non-resonant Raman scattering to illuminate a living biological specimen. One embodiment of the system combines two discrete light sources to form a combined incident light source for the microscope. The system includes a method and apparatus for modulating the intensity of the scattered light when two light waves are combined to produce the incident light. By varying the frequency of the two source light waves, the intensity of the combined Raman-scattered light can be modulated to achieve finer resolution.

Abstract: A scanning confocal microscopy system and apparatus, especially useful for endoscopy with a flexible probe which is connected to the end of an optical fiber (9). The probe has a grating (12) and a lens (14) which delivers a beam of multi-spectral light having spectral components which extend in one dimension across a region of an object and which is moved to scan in another dimension. The reflected confocal spectrum is measured to provide an image of the region.

Abstract: A compact digital imaging microscope includes a stage for holding a specimen, a lens assembly for collecting a beam of light transmitted through the specimen, and an adjustable beamsplitter assembly for splitting the beam between an eyepiece for viewing an image of the specimen and a CCD image detector to provide both a digital and an analog signal representing an image of the specimen. The use of a lens positioned along an optical path between the lens assembly and the image detector allows the image detector to be integrated compactly within the microscope and also allows the image detector to capture an image whose viewable area is roughly the same as that viewable through the eyepiece. Furthermore, all electrical connections (other than output and power supply connections which are located at the base of the microscope) are internalized within the microscope.

Abstract: A laser microscope includes a laser light source for emitting a coherent light beam, a scanning optical system for scanning the light beam emitted from the laser light source, an objective lens for condensing the light beam from the scanning optical system in a sample, a plurality of optical path-dividing members, a switching mechanism for holding the optical path-dividing members such that the optical path-dividing members can be selectively inserted in the optical path, an incident-light illumination light source for emitting an incident-light illumination beam, an observation section for enabling light to be observed through the selected optical path-dividing member, and a detector for enabling light, which the sample emits upon irradiation of the coherent beam, to be observed through the selected optical path-dividing member.

Abstract: An illumination system for microscopic digital montage imaging based on a pulsed light illumination source triggered by the position of a specimen with respect to the optical axis of the microscope. The strobe illumination is used to facilitate high-speed tiled (montage) image capture of otherwise static specimens with higher throughput and significantly reduced mechanical precision requirements and cost. The invention allows for perfectly aligned montage tiles at high throughputs using standard microscope optics, having camera frame rate be the limiting factor in microscopic tiled image capture.

Abstract: There is disclosed a camera for a microscope, connected to the microscope including at least one port for outputting an image from an objective lens, for picking up an image outputted from the port, the camera comprising an image pickup element for picking up the image outputted from the port, a display direction controlling section for converting a display direction of the image picked up by the image pickup element to a predetermined display direction, a display direction setting section for setting the predetermined display direction with respect to the display direction controlling section, and a display section for displaying an image having the display direction converted by the display direction controlling section.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for capturing and analyzing video images of sediment from the bottom of a body of water such as a river or sea. The apparatus includes a video imager with a close-up focus of lens adapted to collect images of sediment at the bottom of the body of water. A waterproof housing surrounds the video imager. The video images are analyzed using any appropriate algorithm to determine grain size.

Abstract: The stereoscopic microscope includes a common close-up optical system that faces an object, a pair of zoom optical systems that form a pair of primary image, a pair of field stops, a pair of relay optical systems that relay the primary images to form a pair of secondary images, an inter-axis distance reducing element, an image taking device and an illuminating optical system. The object light rays incident on the close-up optical system form the primary images having predetermined parallax at the field stops through the zoom optical systems. The inter-axis distance reducing element reduces the inter-axis distance of the right and left light rays. The primary images are re-imaged by the relay optical systems as the secondary images on the adjacent regions on the single image taking surface of the image taking device, respectively.

Abstract: A microscope device includes a support member which supports a specimen, a first optical system which generates an image of a partial region upon the specimen, a second optical system which generates an overall image of the specimen, a imaging device which photoelectrically detects the images which are generated by the first optical system and by the second optical system, and a changeover mechanism which changes over between a first path from the specimen via the first optical system to the imaging device and a second optical path from the specimen via the second optical system to the imaging device.

Abstract: A microscope body has at least one observation unit and is capable of being operated by respective controller corresponding to this observation unit. An operation unit determines the operation instruction for the respective controller. An operation switch detecting unit detects an operation of the operation unit and informs the detected operation to the exterior of the microscope body. An outer control device has a storage unit, in which first operational instructing information for the respective controller is registered, and identifies the operational instructing information corresponding to a detected result from the operation switch detecting unit with reference to the storage unit. An observation unit control section converts the operational instructing information which is identified by the outer control device, into operation instructing commands for the observation unit and gives the operation instructing commands to the respective controller.

Abstract: An inverted microscope comprises an image output port that forms an image of an observation sample to the external surface facing to an observer, at the front side of a microscope main body, below an observation tube to which eyepieces are attached, and photographing devices configured that one of at least two kinds of photographing devices is selectively attachable/detachable to the image output port.