With Adjustable Interocular Distance Patents (Class 359/412)
  • Patent number: 11372230
    Abstract: A system for preventing motion sickness resulting from virtual reality or augmented reality is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a virtual reality or augmented reality headset configured to be worn by a user, the virtual reality or augmented reality headset configured to create an artificial environment and/or immersive environment for the user; at least one fluidic lens disposed between an eye of the user and a screen of the virtual reality or augmented reality headset; and a fluid control system operatively coupled to the at least one fluidic lens. In another embodiment, the system includes at least one tunable prism disposed between an eye of the user and a screen of the virtual reality or augmented reality headset, the at least one tunable prism configured to correct a convergence problem associated with the eye of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventor: Gholam A. Peyman
  • Patent number: 10473880
    Abstract: A lens assembly includes a lens including an optical portion refracting light and a flange portion extended along a periphery of at least a portion of the optical portion, and a lens barrel accommodating the lens. The lens includes a first D-cut portion on one side surface of the flange portion spaced apart from the lens barrel and a second D-cut portion on another side surface of the flange portion spaced apart from the lens barrel, wherein the first D-cut portion and the second D-cut portion each include first inclined surfaces, and the first inclined surfaces are spaced apart from respective ends of the first D-cut portion and the second D-cut portion by a predetermined interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Shin Yang, Jong Gill Lee, Hwan Soo Park, Ju Sung Park, Sot Eum Seo
  • Patent number: 10394033
    Abstract: A parallel beam flexure mechanism (“PBFM”) for adjusting an interpupillary distance (“IPD”) of an optical device is disclosed. The PBFM includes a plurality of flexures, a mounting platen, an optical payload, and a horizontal translation mechanism. The mounting platen has a first end and a second end, where the mounting platen is attached to a first set of flexures that are in a parallel arrangement to a second set of flexures attached to a frame of an optical device, such as a head mounted display. The optical payload and horizontal translation mechanism are attached to the mounting platen, where the horizontal translation mechanism is configured to translate the mounting platen in a horizontal direction by bending the flexures, thereby adjusting the IPD of the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: David D. Bohn
  • Patent number: 9151603
    Abstract: A compact folded signal transmission and image viewing pathway design and visual display technique for laser rangefinding instruments incorporates a beam splitting cube in the eyepiece optical space and advantageously provides an objective image focal length substantially twice that of the physical length of the instrument optical components. Through the use of some of the same optical elements in both the image viewing pathway as well as the laser transmission pathway, a relatively long transmission focal length is provided which saves in both physical instrument space and component cost while also allowing for the use of reasonably sized photodiodes with improved power output over that of previous designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignees: Laser Technology, Inc., Kama-Tech (HK) Limited
    Inventor: Jeremy G. Dunne
  • Patent number: 9062970
    Abstract: A binocular telescope with an integrated laser rangefinder includes spatially separate first and second telescope tubes, each with an eyepiece and a focusable lens, that are connected by a folding bridge for setting eye spacing. The folding bridge has an eyepiece-side hinge body with first and second hinge eyes, and a spatially separate lens-side hinge body. The hinge eyes are connected to the telescope tubes. A rotary knob is mounted on a hinge shaft for focusing the lenses, which are arranged in the telescope tubes. A receiver of the laser rangefinder and an optoelectronic display element are disposed in the first telescope tube. A transmitter of the laser rangefinder is arranged on the lens-side hinge body, is flush with the hinge shaft, and emits a transmission beam parallel to an observation direction. The lens-side hinge body has first and second brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignees: LEICA CAMERA AG
    Inventors: Andreas Perger, Ioannis Kalaitzis, Ernst Pobenberger
  • Patent number: 8953150
    Abstract: The invention relates to a binocular observation device, in particular binoculars, having two visual beam paths and a laser range finder with a laser transmitter and a laser receiver and with an opto-electronic display element. A part of one of the beam paths of the laser transmitter is integrated into a first visual beam path, wherein a part of one beam path of the laser receiver is furthermore also integrated into the first visual beam path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Swarovski-Optik KG.
    Inventors: Ludwig Pernstich, Konrad A. Rolder, Andreas Zimmermann, Gavin Lancaster
  • Patent number: 8913318
    Abstract: In an ocular support assembly material present in the forward-looking cross-section of the outwardly extending support arms is removed, thereby reducing visual obscuration and enhancing peripheral vision. In the preferred embodiment, the top of each outwardly extending support arm is at or below the middle of the height of the housing, thereby resulting in a low-profile design. At the same time, the support arms are received by the housing with sliding engagement on all sides, thereby eliminating the need for ball bearings or spacers to counteract twisting. The result is a lightweight yet highly stable ocular mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: General Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A Cummings, Byung J. Chang
  • Patent number: 8896675
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display system for stereoscopic viewing, the system comprising a binocular viewing device, information content, and a display source. The display system is remarkable in that it further comprises electronic components for implementing pieces of software for optimizing the binocular viewing device, the information content, and the display source, said pieces of optimization software together forming a loop for managing various parameters. The wearer of said device can thus view the information content via the binocular viewing device under conditions that are best adapted to the wearer's physiology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Cédric Buchon, Benjamin Rousseau, Sarah Marie, Cécile Bonafos
  • Patent number: 8638498
    Abstract: In embodiments of eyebox adjustment for interpupillary distance, a first optical lens receives light of an image from a display optic at a projected orientation of the light, and the first optical lens deviates the light of the image by a deviation angle from the projected orientation of the light. A second optical lens receives the light of the image from the first optical lens at the deviation angle, and the second optical lens alters the deviated light of the image back to the projected orientation of the light for viewing the image. Left and right eyeboxes align with respective left and right eyes that view the image, and a distance between the left and right eyeboxes approximately correlates to an interpupillary distance between the left and right eyes. The light of the image can be laterally shifted to increase or decrease the distance between the left and right eyeboxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: David D. Bohn, Rod G. Fleck, Steven John Robbins
  • Publication number: 20130170022
    Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components enable an enhanced direct-viewing optical device to make customized adjustments that accommodate various optical aberrations of a current user. In some instances a real-time adjustment of the transformable optical elements is based on known corrective optical parameters associated with a current user. In some implementations a control module may process currently updated wavefront measurements as a basis for determining appropriate real-time adjustment of the transformable optical elements to produce a specified change in optical wavefront at an exit pupil of the direct-viewing device. Possible transformable optical elements may have refractive and/or reflective and/or diffractive and/or transmissive characteristics that are adjusted based on current performance viewing factors for a given field of view of the direct-viewing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Caldeira, Peter L. Hagelstein, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, John Brian Pendry, David Schurig, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 8120847
    Abstract: A medical/dental loupe assembly provides through-the-lens oculars with an inconspicuous interpupillary distance adjustment capability. The system includes a pair of lenses, each lens having a telemicroscopic ocular cemented therethrough, and an upper portion, one on each side of a wearer's nose. A generally horizontal slot is formed in the upper portion of one of the lenses, and a bridge member connects the upper portions of the two lenses. The bridge member has two ends, one end of which is coupled to the slot through a fastener that may be loosened and tightened, thereby allowing the distance between the oculars to be adjusted and locked into position in accordance with the interpupillary requirements of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: General Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Byung J. Chang
  • Publication number: 20110310476
    Abstract: In a visual target acquisition scope system for an adjustable connection is provided between a zero magnification scope viewed by a first eye of a user and a power scope viewed by a second eye of the user. The system includes first and second movable sections connected and controlled by an adjustment locking mechanisms. According to the system, while the user is looking at the object through said zero magnification power scope by the first eye and looking at the object through the high power scope by the second eye, the target visible to the first eye is simultaneously visible to the second eye, so as to provide immediate acquisition and viewing of the object through the high power scope by the second eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Yoachim C. Russ
  • Patent number: 8040600
    Abstract: A binocular display device can include first and second display assemblies. A rail system can adjustably support the first and second display assemblies. The rail system can have a first rail slidably secured to a front region of the display assemblies, and second rail slidably secured to a rear region of the display assemblies. One rail can be at an upper region and the other rail can be at a lower region. Each display assembly can be slidably mounted to one rail along a bearing length L1 and to the other rail along a bearing length L2 that is less than the bearing length L1. A release/locking system can be included for releasing the display assemblies relative to the rail system to allow the position of the display assemblies relative to each other on the rail system to be adjusted, and for locking the display assemblies at a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Kopin Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen A. Pombo
  • Publication number: 20110164242
    Abstract: The invention describes a long-range optical device (1) with two observation parts (3, 4) and a first observation beam path (11; 12) and a measurement beam path (25), in which the two observation parts (3,4) are arranged essentially parallel next to each other and spaced a predefinable distance (10) apart via at least one connection element (7). In a plan view of the device 1 with respect to a plane, in which the longitudinal axes (8, 9) of the observation parts (3, 4) are arranged, the sub-regions of the observation parts (3, 4) facing each other lie directly opposite each other over a length aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis (8, 9) of the observation parts (3, 4) of 20% to 90%, preferably 30% to 80% of a length (24) of the observation parts (3, 4). In addition, the observation beam path (11, 12) and the measurement beam path (25) are arranged outside the sub-regions (22, 23) of the observation parts (3, 4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: SWAROVSKI-OPTIK KG.
    Inventors: Ludwig Pernstich, Konrad A. Roider, Andreas Zimmermann, Gavin Lancaster
  • Patent number: 7924503
    Abstract: The invention relates to a binocular device for displaying information, the device comprising a support for placing on the nose and supporting a right display element and a left display element each designed to be placed in front of an eye and each comprising a light guide for receiving a beam of light rays emitted by a beam generator device towards an inlet face and for propagating the beam to an outlet face where the beam is directed towards the corresponding eye, the binocular device having an arrangement for adjusting the pupillary distance by moving at least one of the light guides relative to said support so as to adjust the distance between the light guides. According to the invention, said light guides are disposed over a said support and are held by a strip disposed over the light guides and secured to said support by means of at least one spacer, at least one slack takeup means being interposed between said strip and said light guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Essilor Int'l (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Cédric Buchon, Yohann Felten
  • Patent number: 7891808
    Abstract: A loupe mounting assembly includes: a bridge swivel including a base coupling for attaching the assembly to a base device, the swivel also including a loupe bar coupled to a loupe bar coupling proximate the base coupling; wherein each of the base coupling and the loupe bar coupling provide for rotation of the assembly about a first axis (S1) and a second axis (S2) respectively; wherein the loupe bar includes horizontally outward extensions in a location that is inferior to a line of sight when worn by a user; and a loupe adjustment mechanism mounted on each of the extensions of the loupe bar. Embodiments of a magnification viewer are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Alexsey Mazurenko
  • Patent number: 7791798
    Abstract: In an ocular support assembly material present in the forward-looking cross-section of the outwardly extending support arms is removed, thereby reducing visual obscuration and enhancing peripheral vision. In the preferred embodiment, the top of each outwardly extending support arm is at or below the middle of the height of the housing, thereby resulting in a low-profile design. At the same time, the support arms are received by the housing with sliding engagement on all sides, thereby eliminating the need for ball bearings or spacers to counteract twisting. The result is a lightweight yet highly stable ocular mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: General Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Cummings, Byung Jin Chang
  • Publication number: 20100067106
    Abstract: Improvement to an adornable binocular device having a telescope pair and an adjustable inter-pupillary distance (IPD) where both telescopes move simultaneously and substantially the same distance when the IPD is adjusted, the improvement including a mechanism for releasably preventing unintentional adjustment the IPD and including a first releasably pivoting coupling between each telescope and arm and a second releasably slidable coupling between each telescope and arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: PeriOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Woker, Keith Tholin, Jack Greelis
  • Patent number: 7675678
    Abstract: Improvement to an adornable binocular device having a telescope pair and an adjustable inter-pupillary distance (IPD) where both telescopes move simultaneously and substantially the same distance when the IPD is adjusted, the improvement including a mechanism for releasably preventing unintentional adjustment of the IPD and including a first releasably pivoting coupling between each telescope and arm and a second releasably slideable coupling between each telescope and arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: PeriOptix
    Inventors: Gary Woker, Jack Greelis
  • Patent number: 7542204
    Abstract: A single view angle deflector or a pair of viewing angle deflectors located proximal to the user's eye[s] and below the user's normal straight-ahead vision, with the eyepiece tilted at 22.5° or less relative to the horizontal and the deflector providing a deflection of light rays of preferably 37.5°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen D. Fante, John M. Holcomb
  • Patent number: 7450282
    Abstract: A high precision, high performance optical system and beam pathway design for laser-based distance measuring, or range-finding, devices includes an etched, or etched and filled, aiming reticle in the image plane which does not require daytime use illumination, and only minimal auxiliary illumination during nighttime operation, thereby conserving available battery power. In a preferred embodiment, a low power consuming back-lit liquid crystal display provides high contrast distance or other operational information to a user superimposed upon a black-appearing field stop thereby further providing operational power savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignees: Laser Technology, Inc., Kama-Tech (HK) Limited
    Inventor: Jeremy G. Dunne
  • Patent number: 7375756
    Abstract: Binoculars have a digital camera function. The binoculars comprise observation optical-systems, an imaging-block, an indicating-device, and an imaging-block direction changing device. The objective optical-systems have objective optical-systems having first- and second-light axes, at the front-face, and have ocular optical-systems at the rear-face. The imaging-block has an imaging-lens, and an imaging-device. The imaging-lens forms an image on an imaging-surface of the imaging-device, and has a third-light axis. The imaging-device captures the image formed on the imaging surface. The indicating-device has an indicating-surface on which images are indicated, and is located on one of the top- and bottom-face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Sato
  • Patent number: 7315415
    Abstract: An interpupillary distance adjustment mechanism for an optical device includes a slide rail (1) mounted on a middle support of the optical device, two slide blocks (2) mounted on respective lens barrels of the optical device, and a blocking member (4, 4?). The two slide blocks are slidably movable relative to the slide rail toward or away from each other to change the distance between the two lens barrels of the optical device. The blocking member is manually operable to provide an acting force between the slide block and the slide rail, and thus changing the friction force therebetween during sliding movement of the slide block. In this way, undesired sliding movement of the slide block relative to the slide rail can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Pai Shih-Yu, Lai Hsiang-Yi
  • Publication number: 20070247706
    Abstract: A viewing device for minimizing the distance between interpupillary viewpoints of the left and right eyes to effect biocular viewing or minimized viewpoints viewing by partially reflecting the view of one eye to the other eye or by partially reflecting the view near one eye to the other eye through a series of reflectors starting with the flat semi-silvered mirror (20) that partially reflects light towards the roof mirror (22 and 26) and concave mirror (24) combination that reflects an erect and focused image that is then received by the entry parabolic mirror (28) that collects light about the center of the converging mirror and reflects it towards the facing exit parabolic mirror (30) and finally reflecting and converging the light to the pupil of the other eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventor: George Mataban Calm
  • Patent number: 7277225
    Abstract: Binoculars which include a pair of observation optical systems each having an objective optical system, an erecting optical system and an eyepiece optical system. The binoculars include a focusing mechanism that is used to move a part of the observation optical system for focusing, and a convergence value compensating mechanism that compensates for a convergence value by displacing displaceable optical elements which are at least parts of the objective optical systems, respectively, in association with actuation of the focusing mechanism. In this structure, a distance between optical axes of the eyepiece optical systems is adjustable in line with a width between eyes of a user. A maximum value of a distance between optical axes of the displaceable optical elements is smaller than a minimum value of the distance between the optical axes of the eyepiece optical systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Nemoto, Ken Hirunuma
  • Patent number: 7242522
    Abstract: An adjustment method includes rotating a pair of magnifying glasses in directions opposite to each other using ?-rotation, and correcting inclination of an image, caused by the ?-rotation, by rotating the pair of magnifying glasses in directions opposite to each other using the ?-rotation, given that rotation about each of axes XL and XR, which respectively correspond to visual axes of left and right eyes when an object distance is infinite in a condition of a primary position, is represented by the ?-rotation, and that rotation about each of axis YL and YR, which are respectively perpendicular to the axes XL and XR and are also perpendicular to a z-axis which perpendicularly intersects with the axis XL at a position of a deflector for the left eye and the axis XR at a position of the deflector for the right eye, is represented by the ?-rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Moriyasu Kanai
  • Patent number: 7164528
    Abstract: Electronic binoculars comprise an imaging unit, and first and second ocular units. The imaging unit has an imaging device that projects an optical image of an object, and converts the optical image to electric signals. The first ocular unit has a first image-indicating device that indicates the object image based on the electric signals in a first image-indicating field. The second ocular unit has a second image-indicating device that indicates the object image based on the electric signals in a second image-indicating field. The first image-indicating field is smaller than a first effective image-indicating area which is the maximum image-indicating area of the first image-indicating device. The second image-indicating field is smaller than a second effective image-indicating area which is the maximum image-indicating area of the second image-indicating device. The respective first and second image-indicating fields can move within the respective first and second effective image-indicating areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Mogamiya
  • Patent number: 7031057
    Abstract: Binoculars. First and second posts are movably disposed in first and second guide slots respectively. A first resilient member is disposed between a first abutting surface and a cover, and the first post slides in the first guide slot facilitating a first barrel to move perpendicular to a first optical axis thereof. Similarly, a second resilient member is disposed between a second abutting surface and the cover, and the second post slides in the second guide slot, facilitating the second barrel to move perpendicular to a second optical axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Huang Chien Lung
  • Patent number: 7006285
    Abstract: Disclosed is 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kamakura Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naomi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6930830
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Hirunuma, Keiichi Hotta, Gouji Funatsu
  • Patent number: 6930829
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Hirunuma, Keiichi Hotta, Gouji Funatsu
  • Patent number: 6829085
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Abe
  • Patent number: 6735385
    Abstract: A viewing apparatus having a photographing function includes a viewing system including a viewing optical system, the viewing optical system having a positive objective optical system and an eyepiece optical system, an image of an object formed through the positive objective optical system being viewed through the eyepiece optical system; and a photographing system including a photographing optical system for photographing the object image viewed through the eyepiece optical system, the photographing optical system being provided independently of the viewing optical system. The photographing optical system includes a first lens group and a second lens group. The photographing system includes two focusing mechanisms, which operate independently from each other, for changing both absolute positions of the first lens group and the second lens group and a relative position of the first lens group and the second lens group on an optical axis of the photographing optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Abe
  • Patent number: 6704141
    Abstract: An ocular mounting assembly for adjustably mounting a pair of ocular devices, such as telemicroscopic loupes, to an eyeglass frame or head mount with linear and rotational adjustments, but with view angle being permanently preset in accordance with working distance. The ocular mounting assembly includes an adjustable ocular support assembly and an adjustable clamp assembly rotatably attached to the ocular support assembly. The ocular mounting assembly includes a housing and two slidable mounting arms to which the ocular devices are attached, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the housing interior and mounting arms being such that substantially all of the volume of the housing interior is consumed apart from close tolerances to facilitate the sliding motion, thus resulting in a structure which cooperates to assist in providing a substantially rigid assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: General Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: David Nowak, Richard Kim
  • Patent number: 6476963
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Navitek Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Chao-Peng Chen
  • Patent number: 6429969
    Abstract: Binoculars including a pair of lens barrels, each lens barrel having an optical system, a relative movement between the lens barrels causing the lens barrels to relatively displace, traveling between a closed state and an operational state in which eye spacing adjustment is enabled, a barrier that is moved between an optical system protective position with the lens barrels in the closed state and a retracted position with the lens barrels in the operational state, and a barrier control member, mounted on the lens barrels which moves the barrier from the optical system protective position to the retracted position in response to the displacement of the lens barrels from the closed state to the operational state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Koide, Fumio Tomikawa, Yuichi Torikoshi
  • Patent number: 6335825
    Abstract: An adjusting apparatus of a binocular telescope with a binocular body including a pair of juxtaposed telephoto optical systems is provided. The apparatus includes a diopter adjusting shaft for adjusting a difference in diopter between the pair of juxtaposed telephoto optical systems. The diopter is adjusted by rotating the diopter adjusting shaft to move an objective lens in one of the pair of juxtaposed telephoto optical systems. A focus adjusting shaft for adjusting a focus of the optical systems is also provided. The focus is adjusted by moving the focus adjusting shaft in a direction parallel to an optical axis. The focus adjusting shaft rotates the diopter adjusting shaft to move the objective lenses of the pair of optical systems in an integral manner in an optical axis direction. An operation member for rotating the diopter adjusting shaft and a connecting member for connecting the diopter adjusting shaft and the operating member are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Gouji Funatsu
  • Patent number: 6323997
    Abstract: A binocular is constructed to include a bridge, the bridge having two rows of knuckles aligned at two opposite lateral sides thereof, two bodies respectively pivoted to the bridge at two sides, the bodies each having a row of knuckles respectively coupled to the knuckles of the bridge, and two pivot bolts respectively fastened to the knuckles of the bridge and the knuckles of the bodies to couple the bodies to the bridge, for enabling the bodies to be turned relative to the bridge to the desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Chun-Mao Lee
  • Publication number: 20010033415
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Applicant: ASAHI KOGAKU KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Gouji Funatsu
  • Patent number: 6266185
    Abstract: A pair of binoculars includes a compact focusing mechanism providing an open reach-through space between the body tubes of the binoculars with an enhanced area for the user to grasp and hold each body tube. The focusing mechanism further provides for adjustment of the body tube spacing without affecting focusing. The focusing mechanism includes a compact focusing knob structure situated on an outside of an articulated bridge connecting the body tubes and used for adjusting and maintaining a desired distance between the tubes. The focusing mechanism includes respective arms extending from the focusing knob to each of the body tubes, the ends of the levers riding on the inside of a conically shaped plunger coaxial with a pivot point of the bridge so that adjusting a spacing between the body tubes does not affect focusing. When positioned inwardly, the focusing knob produces a longitudinal movement of the plunger to effect focusing of both focusing elements simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Swarovski Optik KG
    Inventors: Benno Miller, Erwin Murg, Ludwig Pernstich
  • Publication number: 20010006431
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventor: Saburo Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6236504
    Abstract: A method is designed to adjust the distance between the central axes of two ocular lenses of an optical instrument. The method involves the use of a link mechanism to actuate two movable prisms and the two ocular lenses of the optical instrument to move respectively along a base surface such that the optical axes of effective diameters of the two movable prisms are coaxial with the optical axes of the corresponding ocular lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Po-Sung Kao, Hao Tu, Ming-Hung Wang, Yuan-Kai Liu
  • Patent number: 6226122
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Saburo Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6157482
    Abstract: Binoculars has a pair of body units, lens cover members and lens cover member control mechanism. The body units have a lens each and are relatively movable between a first position in which the body units are not used and a second position in which the body units are used. The lens cover members are movable, at the fronts of the body units, between a protective position in which the respective lenses are not exposed to an outside and a retracted position in which the respective lenses are exposed to the outside. The lens cover member control mechanism latches the lens cover member to the protective position when the units bodies are set to a first position in which they are not used and releases the latching of the lens cover members in interlock with the movement of the body units from the first position to the second position and, by doing so, moves the lens cover members to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wataru Koide
  • Patent number: 6134048
    Abstract: A binocular has a focusing mechanism and a convergence angle correction mechanism. Focusing is achieved by moving an objective optical system or eyepiece optical system along an optical axis. The convergence angle correction mechanism, which is interlocked with the focusing mechanism, decenters an element of the objective optical system translationally with respect to the optical axis. The translational decentering is achieved by moving the objective optical element in a direction at an angle to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Kato, Kazuo Kimura
  • Patent number: 6122101
    Abstract: An optical device having a dioptric correction device comprises a reference image display unit which is placed in the optical path extending from an object image to the optical system. The reference image is used for dioptric correction. The left and right reference images are different and are displayed on the left and right reference image display units when dioptric correction is performed. The reference image display unit is placed at a predetermined position between the optical system and an image display unit. Since the reference image is positioned at the predetermined position, both of the image of the image display unit and the reference image may be seen clearly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Tanijiri, Kenji Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 6064520
    Abstract: An ocular mounting assembly for adjustably mounting a pair of ocular devices, such as telemicroscopic loupes, to an eyeglass frame or head mount with linear and rotational adjustments, but with view angle being permanently preset in accordance with working distance. The ocular mounting assembly includes an adjustable ocular support assembly and an adjustable clamp assembly rotatably attached to the ocular support assembly. The ocular mounting assembly includes a housing and two slidable mounting arms to which the ocular devices are attached, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the housing interior and mounting arms being such that substantially all of the volume of the housing interior is consumed apart from close tolerances to facilitate the sliding motion, thus resulting in a structure which cooperates to assist in providing a substantially rigid assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventors: David Nowak, Richard Kim
  • Patent number: 6031662
    Abstract: A dual purpose optical device that is convertible between binocular and stereoscope modes of operation while using a common eyepiece arrangement for both. The device includes a housing containing a pair of optic supports mounted side-by-side for lateral movement towards and away from one another. Each support preferably carries three lenses. Two lenses on each support serve as the eyepiece and are aligned in a common plane with an eyepiece opening through the housing and a rotatable mirror assembly. The assembly pivots substantially ninety degrees from opposing forty-five degree angle positions with respect to the plane through the eyepiece opening and the eye and field lenses so as to fold the lines of sight either up or down within the housing. A circular photo transparency reel is received horizontally in a slot provided on an upper side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Fisher - Price, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Miller, Peter F. Reile, Stephen D. Fantone
  • Patent number: 6020998
    Abstract: A binocular includes two parallel telescope systems two swingable bodies respectively accommodating the telescope systems, a supporting body which swingably supports the swingable bodies so that the swingable bodies are respectively swingable about two parallel swing axes, two drive rings rotatably provided to the swingable bodies, an operation knob provided to the supporting body which, and two rotating bodies respectively linked to the drive rings. Each of the rotating bodies located across a border of the swingable body and the supporting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuru Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 5973830
    Abstract: A binocular includes first and second rotatable bodies respectively accommodating two telescope systems, which are rotatable about two rotation axes for interpupillary adjustment. The binocular further includes a groove provided to the first rotatable body and a pin provided to the second rotatable body. The pin is in contact with the groove in such a manner that the contact member is slidable with respect to the groove. When one of the rotatable bodies is rotated, the other is also rotated due to the contact of the pin and said groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuru Ichikawa