Abstract: A binocular telescope comprises right and left slide plates, and right and left mount plates disposed on the right and left slide plates. Right and left telescopic optical systems are mounted on the right and left slide plates which can be moved to adjust interpupillary distance for a user. A part of the right telescopic optical system is mounted on the right mount plate, and a part of the left telescopic optical system is mounted on the left mount plate. The right and left mount plates are moved along the optical axes of the right and left telescopic optical systems, to perform a focusing operation. The right and left slide plates have straight portions extending parallel to the optical axes. The right and left mount plates have right and left guide shoes slidably engaged with the straight portions.

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: An optical magnification device for varying the distance between an observer's eye (1) and an object (7), e.g., for a binocular magnifier or a microscope, in which focusing onto the object (7) is accomplished by means of progressive and/or multifocal lenses (3) displaceable perpendicular to the observation beam(s) (2).

Abstract: Binoculars having a prism assembly between the objective and ocular, wherein the prism assembly is secured on a prism holding device by means of a permanently elastic sealing compound.

Abstract: Improved binoculars are provided for viewing objects at a distance and for selectively recording a digital image of the objects. The binoculars include first and second monoculars each with an optical lightpath constructed to deliver an image of the object to one eye of the observer. Included within one of the monoculars is a beamsplitter designed to allow a portion of the light in the first optical lightpath to pass to the eye of the observer and to reflect a second portion of the light. The reflected portion of the light is directed to a digital image sensor and recording device. The other monocular includes compensating optics, such as a second beamsplitter, to alter the image to correct for the refraction and decrease in light intensity caused by the beamsplitter in the first light path. The second monocular does not include an image sensor and does not include an image recording device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for viewing sporting events and the like from a distance includes the use of flip-down binoculars, in which the binoculars are mounted to eyeglass frames with the binoculars being wearable by a spectator. The binoculars are flipped down so as to permit close-in viewing of the scene. In one embodiment the binoculars are embedded in lenses within the eyeglass frame, in which the binoculars are hingedly attached to the eyeglass frame at the nose bridge. The binoculars include focusing apparatus that may be manipulated by the individual so as to correct for each of the individual's eyes, with the binoculars being set to focus at infinity. The entire binoculars structure occupies only a portion of the lens area of the glasses, extending fore and aft of the lens area by only a modest amount, thus making the system compact, lightweight and easily manipulated.

Abstract: An adjustable eyepiece for a viewing device includes a diopter ring with at least one cam follower mounted to the diopter ring and a cam sleeve axially aligned with the diopter ring. The cam sleeve is positioned around a tubular portion of the diopter ring and has at least one cam pathway formed in the cam sleeve. Each cam follower that is mounted to the diopter ring is positioned in a cam pathway such that the cam sleeve may be secured in at least two axial positions relative to the diopter ring. In one embodiment of the invention, three cam pathways are formed in the cam sleeve as L-shaped slots, which may be used in combination with three cam followers to secure the cam sleeve in two axial positions relative to the diopter ring.

Abstract: A binocular comprising left and right lens units, a support base for connecting the left and right lens units, and a diopter adjusting ring and a focus adjusting ring disposed on the support base. The base is formed with an opening at a center thereof and the diopter adjusting ring and the focus adjusting ring are disposed side by side in the opeining.

Abstract: Binoculars, a telescope, or the like, having a removable strap, wherein

Abstract: An observation optical system includes, in order from an object side, an objective lens having a first lens unit of positive refractive power, a second lens unit of negative refractive power and a third lens unit of positive refractive power, an erect optical system, and an eyepiece lens of positive refractive power for observing an object image formed through the objective lens, wherein an air separation between the first lens unit and the second lens unit and an air separation between the second lens unit and the third lens unit are made variable to effect variation of magnification.

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: Binoculars have a pair of objective units for forming an image separated with a fixed spacing, a pair of erecting prism units for transforming the image received from the pair of objective units to an erect image, and a pair of eyepiece units. Each of the pair of erecting prism units has a Pechan roof prism having a roof face, a disparity existing between luminous flux center incident on each of said pair of erecting prisms and an optical axis along which light exits from each of said pairs of erecting prisms. Each one of the pair of prisms rotates around an optical axis of a corresponding one of the pair of objective units. The eyepiece units receive the erect image from the erecting prism units, respectively, with each of the pair of eyepiece units being rotatable around an optical axis of a corresponding one of the pair of objective units.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reflecting optical system in which a beam from an object is incident through an incident surface formed in a surface of a transparent body, the beam is reflected by a reflecting surface of internal reflection comprised of a curved surface provided in a part of the transparent body, and thereafter the beam is emergent from an emergent surface of the transparent body, thereby forming an image, wherein a radius of curvature of the incident surface is set to be nearly equal to a distance from the vertex of the incident surface to the object on a reference axis and wherein a radius of curvature of the emergent surface is set to be nearly equal to a distance from the vertex of the emergent surface to the image on the reference axis.

Abstract: Binoculars includes a pair of objective optical units, a pair of eyepiece lens units for observing an image formed by the pair of the objective optical units, a pair of corrective optical units, respectively arranged in optical paths of the pair of the objective optical units, for correcting image blurring by changing the optical paths, a lock member that is shifted between a locked position in which an operation for changing the optical path of each of the corrective optical units is locked and an unlocked position in which the operation for changing the optical path is unlocked, a driver for driving the lock member to one of the locked position and the unlocked position, and a control member for activating the drive operation by the driver.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus includes a viewing optical system having a positive objective optical system and a positive eyepiece optical system, an image of an object formed through the positive objective optical system being viewed through the positive eyepiece optical system; a photographing optical system, provided independently from the viewing optical system, for photographing the object image viewed through the positive eyepiece optical system; a first focusing mechanism for changing an image focal point of the object image formed through the positive objective optical system of the viewing optical system; a second focusing mechanism for changing an image focal point of an object image formed through the photographing optical system; an association mechanism which interconnects the first focusing mechanism with the second focusing mechanism; and an indicia indication optical system for selectively indicating the object image and an indicia image in a field of view viewing through the positive eyepiece optical s

Abstract: In an optical viewer instrument with a photographing function, there is provided a telescopic lens system for observing objects, and a digital camera system including a solid-state image sensor and a photographing lens system associated with each other such that an object is formed as a photographed image on the solid-state image sensor through the photographing lens system. A manually-operable focussing mechanism is associated with the telescopic lens system and the photographing lens system such that the object is brought into focus through the telescopic lens system, and such that the object is brought into focus through the photographing lens system. Optical parameters are selected such that predetermined conditions are fulfilled, whereby the focussing of the telescopic lens system and the focusing of the photographing lens system can be suitably and properly performed by the focussing mechanism.

Abstract: A binocular telescope with a photographing function includes a pair of telescopic optical systems, a casing for receiving the telescopic optical systems, and the casing has outer-side end portions. A camera system includes a photographing optical system, and a solid-state image sensor arranged behind and aligned with the photographing optical system, and an electronic control system electronically controls an operation of the camera system. The electronic control system is supplied with electric power from the batteries through an electric power source circuit board. The batteries and the electric power source circuit board are provided at the outer-side end portions of the casing, such that the weight is balanced between the outer-side end portions of the casing.

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 binocular, including a right and left lens barrels respectively having a right and left telescope optical systems, is provided with a space occupied by a movement member that moves lenses to vary at least magnification so as to reduce the size of the binocular. First and second lens sliders, connected to a first and second lens, are moved along an optical axis direction of the telescope optical system so that the first and second lens, are moved along the optical axis direction. The first and second lens sliders move inside the space defined by the right and left telescope optical systems and a flat supporting plate.

Abstract: A telescope includes an erecting system having first, second, third and fourth reflecting surfaces from an object side, the first and second reflecting surfaces and the third and fourth reflecting surfaces facing each other at right angle, respectively. An objective lens located between the first and fourth reflecting surfaces has a positive refractive power to converge object light that is reflected by at least the first reflecting surface for forming an image. An eyepiece located between the fourth reflecting surface and an eye point, has a positive refractive power to magnify the image formed by the objective lens. The first reflecting surface is formed on a retractable mirror that can swing between a working position such that the first and second reflecting surfaces are perpendicular, and a retracted position such that a free end of the retractable mirror moves close to the second reflecting surface.

Abstract: An optical system is capable of enhancing vision of low vision individuals using a simple adjustment mechanism that requires a minimum length of travel to effect a desired adjustment. First and second substantially perpendicular mirrors are mounted in a cluster for pivotable movement. An entrance mirror is pivoted in response to pivoting movement of the mirror cluster so as to ensure proper convergence when the object to be viewed is close to the objective lens or lenses in a binocular system. The system also includes an objective lens and an eyepiece lens and is readily mounted to a conventional eyeglasses frame.

Abstract: Binoculars have a pair of objective units that are separated with a fixed spacing and are used for forming an image. The binoculars also include a pair of erecting prism units each having a roof face and used for transforming the image to an erect image. A pair of eyepiece units receive beams ejecting from the erecting prism units, respectively. The eyepiece units are rotatable around the optical axes of the objective units, respectively.

Abstract: A binocular of this invention includes a pair of objective optical systems, a pair of eyepiece units for integrally holding erecting optical systems and eyepiece optical systems, and a holding member having a first holding portion for holding one of the pair of eyepiece units and a second holding portion for holding the other one of the pair of eyepiece units. The holding member is deformed such that the pair of eyepiece units has a predetermined positional relationship.

Abstract: In an image stabilizing apparatus in which an actuator for a pivoting gimbal suspension is controlled by a feedback loop, the gain of feedback loop based on the angular position is enhanced when the angular velocity is at a first set value or higher until the angular velocity becomes a second set value or lower, whereby a panning mode is automatically attained when a pan/tilt operation is carried out. Also the gain of feedback loop based on the angular position is enhanced when the angular velocity is enhanced until a lapse of a predetermined time after starting the pivoting control of the gimbal suspension, whereby the behavior of gimbal suspension is stabilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for increasing visual acuity through the use of a bioptic telescope which is at least partially embedded in a spectacle lens. In one embodiment, the telescope includes a vision lens having a vision axis and a first surface for placement substantially in front of an eye of a user. The telescope further includes a plurality of optical elements defining an optical path for viewing an object in front of the first surface. At least one of the plurality of optical elements is positioned such that at least a portion of the optical path is located within the vision lens in a plane substantially orthogonal to the vision axis.

Abstract: Binoculars includes: a first focal adjustment lens system; a second focal adjustment lens system; a focal adjustment shaft that performs a focal adjustment by causing the first focal adjustment lens system and the second focal adjustment lens system to move along optical axes thereof; and a dioptric deviation adjustment shaft that performs a dioptric deviation adjustment by causing the first focal adjustment lens system to move along the optical axis.

Abstract: Binoculars doubling as a toy, in particular, various spherical shapes such as a soccer ball or baseball. These binoculars have lens barrels ejected from hemispherical bodies to increase the field of vision up over a long distance. The binoculars doubling as a toy may be constructed with hemispherical bodies 1 and 21 defining a complete global shape when coupled with each other, connected to each other by a hinge 15; eye lens barrels 6 and 26 each having eye lenses 5 and 25 and mounted to centers of arc sections 2 and 22 of the bodies 1 and 21; circular plates 7 and 27 mounted into grooves 3 and 23 formed in the arc sections 2 and 22; objective lens barrels 10 and 30 each having objective lenses 9 and 29 and inserted into through holes of the circular plates 7 and 27; and springs 13 and 33 each mounted between the eye lens barrels 6 and 26 and the objective lens barrels 10 and 30.

Abstract: This invention provides a pair of range binoculars that, when the pupil distance is adjusted, is free from a deviation of the optical axes and undesirable influences on the electronic parts resulting from vibration caused by the adjustment, is capable to show the measured distance in such a way as the user can see it easily without making the system complicated, and secures the brightness of the visual field where the measured distance is displayed. The range binoculars are characterized in that a main case and an attached case contain a pair of left and right observation optical systems and the pupil distance is adjusted by turning only the attached case, and that the main case accommodates laser range-finding means, and measured distance displaying means comprising LCD means for displaying a distance measured by said laser range-finding means and a displaying optical system for projecting the distance displayed by said LCD means on the reticle so that the distance is shown at a rim of the visual field.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a housing for a binocular (1) having a hard base body (9) which is encased in a soft outer skin (21). The outer skin (21) is attached with the aid of a latch mechanism.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes the following lens units in the order named from the object side a first lens unit of a positive optical power, which has a first lens subunit, a second lens subunit, and a third lens subunit arranged in the order named from the object side, the second lens subunit being moved so as to have a component normal to the optical axis, thereby displacing an image, and a second lens unit of a negative optical power. The zoom lens varies a spacing between the first lens unit and the second lens unit in order to implement zooming. The following conditions are satisfied: −8.0<flb/ft<−0.5 −9.0<fla/ft<−0.3 where ft is a focal length of the entire system at the telephoto extreme, flb a focal length of the second lens subunit, and fla a focal length of the first lens subunit.

Abstract: An optical accessory of the type used by medical professionals is coupled to a clip-on mount, enabling the assembly to be used with ordinary eyeglass frames. The assembly may be used with specialized frames, in which case the clip-on mount may be removed for a more permanent mounting of the assembly directly to the bridge area of the eyeglass frames. In different implementations, optical accessories in the form of ocular loupes, head lamps, and miniaturized video cameras may be accommodated according to the invention.

Abstract: A binocular includes a right and left lens barrels respectively having a right and left telescope optical systems. The right and left telescope optical systems include focus arrangement structures in which both eyepiece lenses are simultaneously moved the same distance with respect to each objective lenses. There are provided two diopter correction structures independently and separately in the right and left telescope optical systems. In one diopter correction structure, a left objective lens is adjusted with respect to a right objective lens to correct a diopter difference between the two telescope optical systems on a manufacture process. In the other diopter correction structure, the location of the right objective lens is adjusted along the optical axis direction on an usual operation by an observer.

Abstract: An ocular comprises two magnifying mechanisms (10, 12) each having at least two lenses (22, 24). The two magnifying mechanisms (10, 12) are arranged in front of human eyes and are connected via fasteners (40) to a supporting portion (14) of a frame. The frame includes a holding portion (16) for holding the ocular on a human head. The two magnifying mechanisms (10, 12) are attached via the fasteners (40) to the supporting portion (14) of the frame.

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: 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: A panoramic night vision goggle (PNVG) system is disclosed having a modified eyepiece that enables an improved field of view for at least an inner optical channel. Embodiments of the PNVG system may have a inner optical channel and an outer optical channel, each having an eyepiece element. In some embodiments, the inner eyepiece element may have an edge portion that is generally circular in shape and the outer eyepiece element may have an edge portion that is the complementary shape of the inner element edge portion.

Abstract: An image deviation correcting device and an optical apparatus having such a device. The device includes: a driven part to be driven so as to correct an image deviation; a holder for holding the driven part; a first linkage arranged perpendicular to the optical axis of the driven part, the first linkage having four arms connected in a parallelogram, one of the arms being secured to the holder; a middle part secured to opposite arm thereof; a second linkage overlapped with the first linkage in parallel relation thereto, the second linkage having four arms connected in a parallelogram, one of the arms being secured to the middle part; and a base part secured to opposite arm thereof. The one of the arms of the first linkage is generally perpendicular to the one of the arms of the second linkage.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multi-channel panoramic night vision goggle (PNVG) system having two monocular subassemblies, each having a first channel and a second channel, each channel having an optical axis. A mounting structure, having a right and a left side, and having two angled mounting shoes may be used to mount the monocular subassemblies. The angled mounting shoes permit a single monocular subassembly to be attached to either side of the mounting structure, yet permit an optical axis of one of the first or second channels to be substantially coaxial with a user's optical axis and permits the other of the first and second channels to be at an angle not coaxial or parallel with the user's optical axis.

Abstract: A night vision binocular assembly (10) capable of converting low light and infrared energy into a visible image. The night vision binocular assembly (10) includes at least one objective lens assembly (62), image intensifier tube (64), collimator lens assembly (66) and diopter cell assembly (68) encased in an easy to assembly waterproof housing (16). The objective lens assembly (62), image intensifier tube (64), collimator lens assembly (66) and diopter cell assembly (68) are all supported by a common base structure (80) within the housing (16). As a result, variations caused by thermal expansions and contractions are evenly distributed among the various optical elements, thereby preserving a predetermined optical relationship between those elements. Simple button controls (28, 30, 31) are used to operate and adjust the night vision binocular assembly (10). The button controls (28, 30, 31) are disposed on a common circuit board (38).

Abstract: An optical accessory of the type used by medical professionals is coupled to a clip-on mount, enabling the assembly to be used with ordinary eyeglass frames. The assembly may be used with specialized frames, in which case the clip-on mount may be removed for a more permanent mounting of the assembly directly to the bridge area of the eyeglass frames. In different implementations, optical accessories in the form of ocular loupes, head lamps, and miniaturized video cameras may be accommodated according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical instrument having at least one binocular viewing port, in which in the two channels of at least one binocular beam path there are provided beam splitters that make it possible to reflect a portion of the beam path out onto an imaging device or the like, and to reflect into the respective channel, toward the viewing port, data or images that have been made available.

Abstract: A panoramic night vision goggle (PNVG) system is disclosed having a modified eyepiece that enables an improved field of view for at least an inner optical channel. Embodiments of the PNVG system may have a inner optical channel and an outer optical channel, each having an eyepiece element. In some embodiments, the inner eyepiece element may have an edge portion that is generally circular in shape and the outer eyepiece element may have an edge portion that is the complementary shape of the inner element edge portion.

Abstract: A compact binoculars utilizing roof mirrors is disclosed. Compactness of the binoculars is achieved by maintaining the optical axis in the same plane as the axes of movement of the focusing apparatus and eyewidth adjustment apparatus. A method of manufacturing the roof mirror is also disclosed. The method allows produces and inexpensive and precisely aligned roof mirror for use in the compact binoculars.

Abstract: A mounting base which includes an object side portion, an eyepiece side portion, and a connecting portion. The connecting portion connects the side portions, and the side portions are parallel. A pair of first mounting holes are formed in the object side portion and a pair of second mounting holes are formed in the eyepiece side portion. An axis line, perpendicular to the object side portion, which goes through a geometric center of gravity of one of the first mounting holes is coaxial with an axis line, perpendicular to the eyepiece side portion, which goes through a geometric center of gravity of one of the second mounting holes. Lens barrels of the objective lenses are fixed to the first mounting holes. Eyepiece units, in which the eyepieces are held, are rotatably engaged with the second mounting holes.

Abstract: In an image stabilizing apparatus in which an actuator for pivoting gimbal suspension means is controlled by a feedback loop, the gain of feedback loop based on the angular position is enhanced when the angular velocity is at a first set value or higher until the angular velocity becomes a second set value or lower, whereby a panning mode is automatically attained when a pan/tilt operation is carried out. Also, the gain of feedback loop based on the angular position is enhanced when the angular velocity is enhanced until a lapse of a predetermined time after starting the pivoting control of the gimbal suspension means, whereby the behavior of gimbal suspension means is stabilized.

Abstract: A first frame holds a second frame which holds two correction lenses. Two guide pins, fixed on the first frame, pierce through two guide holes extending in a lengthwise direction. A first actuator including a motor and a shaft moved in the lengthwise direction in accordance with the rotation of the motor moves the first frame in the lengthwise direction. One of the guide pins is in contact with one end of the shaft. The tip end of a pressing member mounted on another of the guide pins is in point-contact with another end surface of the shaft, pressing the shaft to the another guide pin. In accordance with the movement of the shaft, the first frame moves in the lengthwise direction being guided by the guide pins and holes. A second actuator for moving the second frame in the lateral direction is structured similarly.

Abstract: A binocular vibration correcting device is disclosed.

Abstract: Binoculars includes a pair of lens barrel bodies and a pair of eyepiece portions. At least one of the pair of eyepiece portions is provided with an eyepiece frame fixed on one of the lens barrel bodies, a plurality of eyepiece lenses, a diopter adjusting portion that moves all of the plurality of eyepiece lenses by the same movement amount in an optical axis direction, and a via-rotation-drawable type eye cup portion. The diopter adjusting portion includes a cam pin fixed relative to the eyepiece frame and a diopter ring that is guided by the cam pin in the optical axis direction by rotating of the diopter ring around an optical axis to move all of the plurality of eyepiece lenses in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: In an image stabilizing apparatus in which an actuator for pivoting a gimbal suspension is driven under PWM control by way of a driving circuit, the pulse width of waveform outputted from a CPU to the driving circuit is enhanced when the power voltage Vp in the driving circuit drops. The CPU reads out the power voltage Vp and enhances the pulse width of output waveform from W1 to W2 as the power voltage Vp decreases from its rated voltage V1 to a lower voltage V2. The correction rate (W2/W1) is set to the reciprocal (V1/V2) of the drop rate of power voltage Vp, so as to yield an appropriate actuator driving power in response to the drop in power voltage Vp.

Abstract: An image-blur correcting viewing-optical system including an objective optical system, an image-erecting optical system and an eyepiece optical system. The objective optical system includes an image-blur correcting lens element which is driven in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the image-blur correcting lens element satisfies the following condition: 1 mm≦&phgr;−&phgr;0≦3 mm  (1) wherein &phgr; designates a mechanical diameter of the image-blur correcting lens element; and &phgr;0 designates the diameter of an axial open aperture of the first surface of the image-blur correcting lens element.