WO1999059019A9 - Method and apparatus for head-mounted optical magnification - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for head-mounted optical magnificationInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999059019A9 WO1999059019A9 PCT/US1999/010398 US9910398W WO9959019A9 WO 1999059019 A9 WO1999059019 A9 WO 1999059019A9 US 9910398 W US9910398 W US 9910398W WO 9959019 A9 WO9959019 A9 WO 9959019A9
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- optical device
- user
- component
- optical
- recited
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B1/00—Hats; Caps; Hoods
- A42B1/24—Hats; Caps; Hoods with means for attaching articles thereto, e.g. memorandum tablets or mirrors
- A42B1/247—Means for attaching eyewear
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
- G02B23/16—Housings; Caps; Mountings; Supports, e.g. with counterweight
- G02B23/18—Housings; Caps; Mountings; Supports, e.g. with counterweight for binocular arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B25/00—Eyepieces; Magnifying glasses
- G02B25/002—Magnifying glasses
- G02B25/004—Magnifying glasses having binocular arrangement
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
- G02B7/002—Mounting on the human body
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
- G02B7/02—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
- G02B7/12—Adjusting pupillary distance of binocular pairs
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for facilitating optical magnification, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for facilitating optical magnification with an optical device having magnifying capabilities affixed to a form of headgear for viewing indoor and/or outdoor activities such as sporting or other arena-based events and for enhancing dusk/night vision.
- Optical magnification has become particularly advantageous in a number of key types of indoor and/or outdoor activities.
- spectators at sporting events or concerts generally use binoculars to better observe distant activity, or simply to compensate for poor seating.
- binoculars magnify the image of a distant object for a user to make the object appear closer than its actual distance.
- the spectator may need to adjust the focus of the binoculars, adjust the distance between the right and left eyepiece and, at times, adjust the level of magnification.
- a spectator When adjusting the magnification, a spectator generally needs to adjust the lens system of each of the binocular's two barrels.
- Conventional optical magnification devices such as binoculars subject the spectator's view of indoor and/or outdoor activities to a number of limitations.
- conventional binoculars must be hand-held and positioned in close proximity to the eyes of a spectator.
- conventional binoculars require the spectator to constantly adjust the focus of each binocular barrel.
- a spectator's use of conventional binoculars when viewing a sporting or other type of event typically causes such user to acquire a splitting headache. The spectator may acquire a headache due, in part, to the "shake" or jitter that occurs when viewing indoor and/or outdoor activity because conventional binoculars are hand-held.
- a headache may also be attributed to the over magnification typically provided by conventional binoculars, and to eye lock that occurs because conventional binoculars restrict a user's eye movement.
- an optical device that need not be hand-held, does not require constant focus adjustment, follows the user's head movements and can be used for extended periods without causing eyestrain, headache or neckstrain.
- the present invention substantially improves on prior art optical magnification methods and apparatus used to magnify a user's view of images.
- the optical device of the present invention allows a user to view an enlarged version of a distant object without having the headaches and other discomfort that result from the excessive magnification of conventional optical devices.
- the apparatus and method of the present invention provides a means for adapting the optical device to mount to the headgear of a user so that the optical device follows the user's head movements.
- a significant aspect of the present invention is the ability for a user to receive a view of objects at an appropriate magnification level with an optical device that follows the user's head movements. Viewing with the optical device of the present invention does not result in the user getting a headache. Headache free use is due in part to the mounting of the optical component to headgear so that the user doe not receive the unwanted movement that generally occurs when viewing objects with conventional hand-held optical devices such as binoculars.
- head-ache free use includes, allowing for natural eye movement since the optical device of the present invention includes wide filed of view and follows the user's headmovement, and providing for a lower power of magnification, unlike the higher power magnification of conventional magnifying optical devices.
- the optical component of the present invention it mounted to either a user's head or to headgear, a users hands are available to perform other tasks. For example, a spectator using the optical device at a sporting event may obtain a magnified view of the event while demonstrating a response to the event. Such response may include, for instance, hand clapping, boos and the familiar fan wave.
- the lower magnification and wide field of view of the present invention allows the user to continue to use the present invention without a focus adjustment and without a need to remove the optical device when viewing objects that are close to and distant from the user.
- a spectator using the present invention to view a sporting event may reach for a close object such as food or a beverage without the need to remove and adjust such device.
- a user of the optical device of the present invention while driving a vehicle with the low power combination of lenses may view both the road and instruments within the vehicle, such as a speedometer, without a need to adjust the focus of the device and without a need to remove the device.
- the natural light gathering of the lenses of the optical device of the present invention brightens the user's view of an object.
- the optical device facilitates a user's view while driving at night.
- Application of this device is not limited to cars and may be used for all types of transportation, such as cars, bicycles, motorcycles, etc. Individuals inflicted with night-time vision disabilities can use the optical device simply to walk in areas with minimal light and at night.
- the optical component includes an adaptable clamping component, it may be worn with many different types of headgear.
- the optical device may simply mount to ones head. Such a broad application facilitates ease of use of the optical device.
- Figure 1A shows a top view of the optical component affixed to a cap in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 1 B shows a perspective view of the optical component of Figure
- Figure 2A shows a top view of the optical component affixed to a visor in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 2B shows a perspective view of the optical component of Figure 2A.
- Figure 3A shows an exemplary but not limiting arrangement of a lens set for each right and left barrel of the optical component.
- Figure 3B shows another exemplary but not limiting arrangement of a lens set for each right and left barrel of the optical component.
- Figure 3C shows another exemplary but not limiting arrangement of a lens set for each right and left barrel of the optical component.
- Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a gear assembly of the optical component used to adjust the distance between the eyes in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the gear assembly of the optical component, wherein the support portion is inserted into the frame.
- Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the optical component of the present invention clipped onto the brim of a cap.
- Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the optical device shown in Figure 6.
- Figure 8A shows a perspective view of the optical device shown in Figures 6 and 7 with an adjustable nose rest piece.
- Figure 8B shows a perspective view of the adjustable nosepiece of Figure 8A.
- Figure 9 shows another exemplary but not limiting embodiment of the optical device of the present invention.
- Figure 10 shows an exemplary but not limiting embodiment of the present invention used for night vision.
- FIG. 1 A a top view of an exemplary but not limiting embodiment of an optical component affixed to a cap may be generally appreciated. As shown, in Figure 1A, the optical component 10 is affixed to brim 12 of cap 14. Although a cap is shown, other embodiments of the present invention may include other types of headgear.
- Optical component 10 includes a right viewing component, such as a right barrel 15 and a left viewing component, such as a left barrel 16.
- a right knob 18 and a left knob 24 mounted on the top of brim 12 adjust the focus of the right barrel 15 and left barrel 16 respectively.
- Right knob 18 and left knob 24 are - individually connected to a gear assembly (not shown and described with more particularity hereinbelow).
- Center knob 28 mounted on the top of brim 12 when turned inwardly and outwardly moves the right and left barrels, thereby adjusting the space between each barrel. Adjusting space with the center knob 28 adapts the distance between the inwardly facing sides of the right and left barrels to the space between a user's eyes, commonly known as the intraocular distance.
- FIG. 1 B a perspective view of another exemplary but not limiting embodiment of an optical component may be generally appreciated.
- right knob 18 and left knob 24 are disposed respectively on the right and left sides of brim 12 of cap 14.
- FIG. 2A a top view of another exemplary but not limiting embodiment of an optical component in accordance with the present invention may be generally appreciated. More particularly, the optical component is affixed to brim 32 of visor 34. As discussed hereinabove with regard to Figure 1A, the optical component 10 includes a right viewing component, such as a right barrel 15 and a left viewing component, such as a left barrel 16. A right knob 18 and a left knob 24 mounted on the top of brim 32 adjust the focus of the right barrel 15 and left barrel 16 respectively. Right knob 18 and left knob 24 are individually connected to a gear assembly (not shown and described with more particularity hereinbelow). Center knob 28 mounted on the top of brim 12 move the right and left barrels inwardly and outwardly, thereby adjusting the space between each barrel.
- a gear assembly not shown and described with more particularity hereinbelow
- FIG. 2B a perspective view of another exemplary but not limiting embodiment of the optical device of Figure 1A may be generally appreciated.
- knobs 18 and 24 used for focus adjustment are disposed on the right and left sides of the visor 34 respectively.
- the primary design optics of the optical component include a two lens system.
- Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C show exemplary but not limiting embodiments of such lens systems.
- Figure 3A shows a side view of an exemplary but not limiting embodiment of a two lens system included within each right and left barrel (15&16) (not shown).
- a positive meniscus shaped objective lens 40 and a plano-concave eye lens 41 are fixedly mounted within each barrel.
- Figure 3B shows a side view of an exemplary but not limiting embodiment of a two lens system that is included within each right and left barrel (15&16) (not shown).
- a bi-convex shaped (positive achroma) objective lens 42 and a negative meniscus shaped eye lens 43 are fixedly mounted inside each barrel.
- Figure 3C shows a side view of another exemplary but not limiting embodiment of a two lens system that are included with the right and left barrel (15&16) (not shown).
- a plano-convex shaped objective lens 44 and a negative acromatic shaped eye lens 45 are fixedly mounted within each barrel.
- a preferred dimension and focal length Shown below in Table One are preferred dimensions and corresponding focal lengths for each lens set.
- Table One each include an unconventional combination of an objective lens having a large diameter and an eye lens having a long negative focal length. Such combination allows a user to have a wide field of view and provides a magnification level particular helpful in viewing spectator sports.
- the optical device of the present invention that includes a lens set with a low power magnification of (1.2X to 2X) facilitates night/dusk driving. Such lenses brighten and enhance the clarity of the user's view.
- an exemplary but not limiting embodiment of the lens set is an objective lens having a diameter of 64 mm with a focal length of 274 mm., and an eye lens having a diameter of 27 mm. and a focal length of -21 1 mm.
- lens sets of three or more lenses may be included within each barrel of the optical device of the present invention.
- a different set of lenses that provide a predetermined level or range of magnification may be included within the optical device. For example, a power magnification of (2X - 4X) provided by the objective lens may be used in an indoor stadium, while a higher power (4X-7X) provided by the objective lens may be used in an outdoor stadium.
- gear assembly 50 in accordance with the invention may be generally appreciated.
- gear assembly 50 includes a support portion 54 and a frame 78.
- eye lens 48 is affixed to support portion 54 of gear assembly 50 and objective lens 49 is affixed to frame 78.
- Wheel 58 having teeth 64 along its circumference is joined at its center to wheel rod 62.
- Knob 68 representative of either knob 18 or 24 as shown in Figure 1 , is coupled to wheel rod 62.
- optical device 100 includes a right barrel 204 and a left barrel 208.
- a clip 102 is used to clip the optical device 100 to brim 104 of cap 108. Wth clip 102, optical device 100 can be easily removed from and inserted onto cap 108.
- optical device 100 of Figure 6 may be better appreciated. More particularly, clip 102 is affixed to connecting band 202 that connects right barrel 204 to left barrel 208 of optical device 100.
- Each barrel includes a lens system of two or more lenses.
- a right focusing ring 214 for focusing right barrel viewing of optical device 100 is attached to either the rear or front of right barrel 204.
- a left focusing ring 218 for focusing left barrel viewing of optical device 100 is attached to either the rear or front of lens barrel 208.
- hinge 224 connected between right and left barrels 204 and 208 allows the two barrels to be rotated in directions B-B' and C-C, respectively. Such rotation adjusts the spacing between the two barrels for adapting to the width of the user's eyes.
- the type of lenses included within the barrels of optical device 100 depend upon the particular use of optical device 100.
- the clip of the optical device shown in Figure 7 is clipped to the brim of a cap
- alternative embodiments may include a clip to clip the optical device 100 to other headgear such as a visor.
- an adjustable nosepiece 240 is attached to the portion of the clip 102 facing the user. When in use, the adjustable nosepiece assists in stabilizing the position of the optical device with respect to the user.
- the adjustable nosepiece 240 include a pad 242 for each side of the nose and a bracket 240 therebetween.
- a knob 246 attached to the rear portion of the clip 102 adjust the adjustable nosepiece with respect to the user.
- Figure 8B shows an exploded view of the adjustable nosepiece 240 of Figure 8A.
- the nosepiece 240 is show with an optical device having a clip, the adjustable nosepiece 240 can be included in alternative embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 another exemplary but not limiting embodiment of the optical device of the present invention may be generally appreciated. As Shown, this embodiment does not includes barrels. Instead, objective lenses 222 and 220 are mounted directly onto a lens frames 221 and 223, respectively. A right knob 224 and a left knob 226 mounted on a respective lens frame 224 and 226 adjust the focus of the right lens 222 and left lens 220 respectively. Right knob 18 and left knob 24 are individually connected to a gear assembly (only screws 232 are shown). Center knob 2228 mounted between the right and left portions of the frame 230 when turned inwardly and outwardly moves the right and left lenses, thereby adjusting the space between each barrel. Adjusting space with the center knob 228 adapts the distance between the inwardly facing sides of the right and left lenses intraocular space between a user's eyes. Although lens frames 221 and 223 are shown in the embodiment of figure
- alternative embodiments of the present invention may not include a lens frame, so that the lens attached via the screws 232 of the gear assembly to the frame 230 of the optical device. Further, alternative embodiments may include lens sets that do not require focusing so that the user only needs to adjust for intraocular distance.
- the optical component includes a left and right two lens set of night vision lenses (222 & 220).
- An example of night vision lenses is shown in Table 1
- Each lens set is fixed within lens frame (223 & 221 ) respectively
- the optical component is mounted to a frame 250, thereby allowing the user to wear the optical device as conventional eyeglasses
- the night vision optical device will brighten and improve the clarity of the users view with a minor magnification added It can therefore be appreciated that a new and novel optical device has been described It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, given the teaching herein, numerous alternatives and equivalents will be seen to exist which incorporate the invention disclosed hereby As a result, the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing exemplary embodiments, but only by the following claims.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2000548764A JP2002514786A (en) | 1998-05-11 | 1999-05-11 | Method and apparatus for head mounted optical magnification |
EP99922963A EP1086398A4 (en) | 1998-05-11 | 1999-05-11 | Method and apparatus for head-mounted optical magnification |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/076,299 | 1998-05-11 | ||
US09/076,299 US6028710A (en) | 1998-05-11 | 1998-05-11 | Method and apparatus for head-mounted optical magnification |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1999059019A1 WO1999059019A1 (en) | 1999-11-18 |
WO1999059019A9 true WO1999059019A9 (en) | 2000-06-02 |
Family
ID=22131116
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1999/010398 WO1999059019A1 (en) | 1998-05-11 | 1999-05-11 | Method and apparatus for head-mounted optical magnification |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6028710A (en) |
EP (1) | EP1086398A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002514786A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999059019A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2786388B1 (en) * | 1998-11-27 | 2001-02-16 | Ge Medical Syst Sa | METHOD FOR DETECTING FABRIC OF A SPECIFIC NATURE IN DIGITAL RADIOLOGY AND ITS USE FOR ADJUSTING THE EXPOSURE PARAMETERS |
JP2003233014A (en) | 2002-02-12 | 2003-08-22 | Pentax Corp | Binoculars |
DE102006001678A1 (en) * | 2006-01-12 | 2007-08-02 | Gem Optical Co., Ltd., Tai Ping | Multifunctional magnifying lens device for fitting on a cap peak has a clamping body, a sliding piece and a unit for spectacle glasses |
US8599362B2 (en) * | 2011-06-27 | 2013-12-03 | Brian Tregellas | Rangefinder with head covering attachments |
USD732803S1 (en) * | 2013-06-07 | 2015-06-30 | Christopher Mark Popovich | Headwear with flapped bill |
US20190391384A1 (en) * | 2018-06-21 | 2019-12-26 | Valerie Rushmere | Headwear with built-in magnifier |
US11536945B2 (en) * | 2020-12-23 | 2022-12-27 | Brian Reynolds | Wearable, adjustable, hands-free binocular device |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US396657A (en) * | 1889-01-22 | Opera-glass | ||
US574124A (en) * | 1896-12-29 | George j | ||
US395872A (en) * | 1889-01-08 | Binocular glass | ||
US1851579A (en) * | 1931-01-13 | 1932-03-29 | Sportocular Corp | Binocular nose glasses |
US2024018A (en) * | 1933-12-11 | 1935-12-10 | Wollensak Optical Co | Field glasses |
US2280354A (en) * | 1939-09-15 | 1942-04-21 | Louis H Rezos | Binoculars |
US2986969A (en) * | 1954-12-07 | 1961-06-06 | Hrand M Muncheryan | Stereoscopic simulation device |
US3029686A (en) * | 1958-05-23 | 1962-04-17 | Bell & Howell Co | Self threading motion picture projector |
US4196966A (en) * | 1978-05-01 | 1980-04-08 | Malis Leonard I | Binocular magnification system |
US4274128A (en) * | 1978-05-01 | 1981-06-16 | Malis Leonard I | Friction hinged headlamp or the like |
USD296337S (en) | 1985-05-06 | 1988-06-21 | Advanced Dental Concepts, Inc. | Dental binoculars |
USD305902S (en) | 1988-04-28 | 1990-02-06 | Young Optical Co., Ltd. | Opera glasses |
USD333828S (en) | 1990-03-06 | 1993-03-09 | Balda's Snc | Binocular |
US5526178A (en) * | 1991-02-22 | 1996-06-11 | Front-Row Products Inc. | Binocular |
US5381263A (en) * | 1993-07-19 | 1995-01-10 | General Scientific Corporation | Five-degree-of-freedom ocular mounting assembly |
US5463500A (en) * | 1993-08-31 | 1995-10-31 | Orascoptic Research, Inc. | Light-weight three-element clinical viewer |
-
1998
- 1998-05-11 US US09/076,299 patent/US6028710A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1999
- 1999-05-11 JP JP2000548764A patent/JP2002514786A/en active Pending
- 1999-05-11 WO PCT/US1999/010398 patent/WO1999059019A1/en active Application Filing
- 1999-05-11 EP EP99922963A patent/EP1086398A4/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1086398A4 (en) | 2004-09-29 |
JP2002514786A (en) | 2002-05-21 |
EP1086398A1 (en) | 2001-03-28 |
WO1999059019A1 (en) | 1999-11-18 |
US6028710A (en) | 2000-02-22 |
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