Abstract: A stereoscopic-vision endoscope having an objective optical system consisting of a front optical system having a single optical axis including a field conversion optical system, and a rear optical system including optical systems that have a plurality of optical axes. A light beam is received from the front optical system so as to form images on the optical axes, and thus form a plurality of images. The front and rear optical systems can be turned relative to each other. Thus, a magnitude of parallax permitting a sufficient sense of three-dimensionality can be provided, and the postures of images can be corrected responsively to a change in direction of view resulting from the rotation of an insertional part.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microscope having an objective corrected to infinity and a pivotable binocular viewing unit. A tube lens is arranged downstream of the objective. The microscope includes at least one two-lens tube lens having a focal intercept greater than 200 mm as well as a tiltable mirror element and a further deflecting element mounted between the tube lens and the binocular viewing unit.

Abstract: An optical system is provided in which flare is prevented and, when the light reflected from a reflection component is modulated by a photoelastic phenomenon, the effect of the modulation on the measurement of the intensity of the reflected light can be eliminated, and, further, a flying height tester for a magnetic head is provided using such optical system. A multilambda plate is provided in the flare-prevention optical system for allowing the light reaching a reflection component and the light reflected from the reflection component to pass, and for allowing the phase difference between the ordinary ray and the extraordinary ray to vary by 2.pi. or more depending on the wavelength of light. Since the light passed through the multilambda plate only varies in the peak position and the peak height varies little even if the light has experienced modulation, no error occurs in the spectrum intensity of the light. A depolarizer may be substituted for the multilambda plate.

Abstract: A prism component group is provided in a pivotable binocular tube assembly for a stereomicroscope. The prism component group is configured as a deflection prism with two roof prisms cemented thereto. The two roof prisms are offset relative to respective ones of the optical axes of the stereoscopic component beam paths.

Abstract: A binocular expanded field of view spectacle mounted microscope including a single microscope provided in front of and mounted to a bridge of a spectacle frame, a first pair of optical path deflectors rotatably connected to the spectacle frame of each side of the bridge of the frame and projecting into a line of sight and visual axis in a direction of the microscope and a second pair of optical path deflectors mounted on the spectacle frame such that a line sight and visual axis from the microscope deflected by the first pair of optical path deflectors is directed towards each eye of a wearer whereby a field of view for each eye is partially overlapped by rotating the first pair of optical path deflectors to provide an expanded field of view including a single zone of binocular vision and a zone of monocular vision on each side of the single zone of binocular vision.

Abstract: Binoculars designed to provide a large aided static field of view are provided. The binoculars are characterized by S/D ratios of above 2.8, where S is the binoculars' aided static field of view calculated by multiplying the binoculars' magnifying power by the binoculars' semi field of view in object space and D is given by tan.sup.-1 [(R.sub.ex +1.5)/13], where R.sub.ex is the radius of the binoculars exit pupil the following expression in which R.sub.ex and the constants 1.5 and 13 are in milliliters. As a result of the increased S/D ratio, the binoculars of the invention minimize the sensation of tunnel vision which normally occurs when binoculars are used and reduce the user's apprehension of missing activities in his or her peripheral vision. In certain embodiments, a movable field lens unit is employed to provide variable power and a negative corrector lens unit is employed for aberration correction and to minimize the size of the binoculars.

Abstract: Binoculars designed to provide a large aided static field of view are provided. The binoculars are characterized by S/D ratios of above 2.8, where S is the binocular' aided static field of view calculated by multiplying the binoculars' magnifying power by the binoculars' semi field of view in object space and D is given by tan.sup.-1 [(R.sub.ex +1.5)/13], where R.sub.ex is the radius of the binoculars exit pupil and where R.sub.ex and the constants 1.5 and 13 are measured in millimeters. As a result of the increased S/D ratio, the binoculars' of the invention minimize the sensation of tunnel vision which normally occurs when binoculars are used and reduce the user's apprehension of missing activities in his or her peripheral vision. In certain embodiments, a movable field lens unit is employed to provide variable power and a negative corrector lens unit is employed for aberration correction and to minimize the size of the binoculars. The binoculars are suitable for mass production and general consumer use.

Abstract: Binoculars designed to provide a large aided static field of view are provided. The binoculars are characterized by S/D ratios of above 2.8, where S is the binoculars' aided static field of view calculated by multiplying the binoculars' magnifying power by the binoculars' semi field of view in object space and D is given by tan.sup.-1 [(R.sub.ex +1.5)/13], where R.sub.ex is the radius of the binoculars' exit pupil and where R.sub.ex and the constants 1.5 and 13 are measured in millimeters. As a result of the increased S/D ratio, the binoculars of the invention minimize the sensation of tunnel vision which normally occurs when binoculars are used and reduce the user's apprehension of missing activities in his or her peripheral vision. In certain embodiments, a movable field lens unit is employed to provide variable power and a negative corrector lens unit is employed for aberration correction and to minimize the size of the binoculars. The binoculars are suitable for mass production and general consumer use.

Abstract: A monocular inspection system (10) having a substantial eye relief (62), a large exit pupil, and a line of sight viewing of an object under observation (14). The inspection system (10) includes an objective lens assembly (20) which forms an image of the object (14) and which has an axis coincident with an optical path (66). A prism (16) redirects the optical path (66) to coincide with a viewing axis (64) such that the image is formed in a focal plane intersected by the viewing axis (64). A monocle assembly (40) having an axis coincident with the viewing axis (64) forms an exit pupil for the image.

Abstract: The invention is an inverted microscope with a housing having multiple integrated ray paths leading from the specimen being examined to (a) the viewer/operator and (b) one or more auxiliary ports used for image recording and/or measurement by accessories such as cameras and video recorders. The microscope lens is positioned below the specimen stage; and, positioned below the lens is a simple reflector which deflects the combined rays from the lens diagonally upward toward the viewer at exactly the same angle at which the viewer looks into the microscope's binocular eyepieces. The position of this simple reflector is the lowest point in the unit's paths of rays, thereby significantly lowering the lens turret and, therefore, the specimen stage to a relatively low, ergonomically-appropriate position. The optical arrangement is simple and compact, minimizing the number of deflections in the path of the viewing rays.

Abstract: An optical assembly comprising a microscope (1) including a binocular (3) with a pair of oculars (4, 5), an optical body (8) and an objective lens (9) and an optical path; and an endoscope (2) provided with an extension (10), an outlet ocular (16) and an optical path. A commutating modulus (12, 13, 14; 18, 19, 14) is disposed between the binocular (3) and the optical body (8) of the microscope, and the outlet ocular (16) of the endoscope (2) as to enable an observer whose eyes are located at each ocular (4, 5) of the microscope (1) to observe selectively either: (a) the optical path of the microscope (1), or (b) the optical (or electronic) path of the endoscope (2), or (c) both optical paths simultaneously to scan an object to be investigated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for increasing depth sharpness and improving the resolving power of magnifying systems, particularly microscopes. An image-forming layer is inserted between the primary and secondary magnifiers of a composite magnifying system, in the optical path, after the object, in the image plane of the primary magnifier. The image-forming layer is comprised of independent particles dispersed in a medium, the index of refraction of which differs from that of said particles. The image-forming layer is disposed in the image plane, whereby the images coincide with the object plane of the secondary magnifier.

Abstract: A stereoscopic microscope system having a primary and secondary viewing station which are rotatably positionable relative to one another for simultaneously viewing an object is disclosed. An objective lens focuses a plurality of rays of light aligned with a primary optic axis upon an object to be viewed. The light deflecting mechanism redirects a pair of rays of light from the objective lens orthogonally to form a diagonal optic axis spaced transversely from the primary optic axis. Both the primary and orthogonal optic axes extend perpendicular to an intersect a transverse optic axis extending therebetween. A second light deflecting mechanism redirects a pair of light rays in the orthogonal optic axis along a secondary viewing station optic axis spaced from and parallel to the transverse optic axis to be viewed by a secondary observer. A mechanism for stretching or compressing a passive light in the orthogonal axis as a secondary viewing station is rotated is provided.

Abstract: A binocular surgical loupe which enhances the illumination of the viewed field while avoiding flare effects of illuminating light within the loupe optics. The binocular system utilizes circularly polarized illumination and viewing to prevent flare effects and additionally enhances the illumination of the field of view by utilization of the illumination source waste beam that results from the presence of a beam splitter in the illumination path within the loupe. In addition, a camera system is provided which permits remote viewing of the user's field of view. In one embodiment the camera and view paths include separate, identical zoom lenses which are synchronously controlled so that the fields of illumination and view are kept coextensive. In another embodiment for a binocular loupe, the loupe optics for one eye combines illumination and viewing functions while the loupe for the other eye combines camera and viewing functions.