Apparatus for providing magnification of object for device having camera

Abstract

The present application describes an apparatus (100) for providing magnification of an object for a device having a camera, the apparatus comprising a first optical element (104), a second optical element (112) and a spacer element (206) for use with a mobile user device (200). The first optical element is configured to provide an image (108) of an object (102) to an intermediate image plane (110) and the second optical element magnifies the image to provide a final image in a final image plane (116) in which the viewing frame of the device is supported. The spacer element maintains a fixed spacing between the object and the first optical element. Image magnification is achieved while also providing a space (212) for tool access. A mirror (222) may be used to turn the light path (218), allowing the light path to be folded for a more compact device. A third optical element (120) arranged in the intermediate image plane may be used to reduce vignetting effects in the final image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a device for magnifying an object for a device having a camera. Specifically, embodiments relate to devices for medical visual examinations and to devices for assisting a user in performing a medical operation. Specifically, the present application relates to an instrument configured to be used with a mobile user device that provides enhanced image quality while maintaining sufficient access to the tool. Background Art

[0002] Existing instruments for medical diagnosis rely on visual or photographic examinations. Generally, they provide a means for magnified images of the anatomical structure of an object observed in real time. Some examinations are usually combined with procedures that require tool access, such as removing earwax from the ear canal. Detailed visualization of the structure being examined is crucial for both accurate diagnosis and minimizing potential pain or injury caused during the operation. Having visualization of the body structure while performing the operation further increases the quality of care provided, thus providing the ability to record the entire process for subsequent analysis. Such devices are expensive and difficult to operate.

[0003] Some instruments combine a traditional optical system with a mobile user device, thus providing improved ergonomics, usability, and cost for wider access to associated operations (such as micro - aspiration of the ear canal). However, such instruments generally exhibit poor image magnification and detail and do not provide sufficient space for tool access.

[0004] GB - A - 2569325 discloses a handle, a speculum mount, a smartphone mount, and a spacer element. The spacer element is configured to maintain an optical separation distance between the speculum mount and the smartphone mount. The device also includes an optical path for a camera and a light source of the smartphone and optical elements to focus the image and / or direct light. The optical elements can be configured to provide a double image to the camera of the smartphone. In use, the device enables a clear view of the ear canal while allowing access for a micro - aspiration tool to be inserted into the ear canal. A cannula clamp and a guide for the micro - aspiration tool are also disclosed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Multiple aspects of the present invention are set forth in the independent claims and preferred features are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0006] There is described herein a device for magnifying an object for a device having a camera, the device comprising:

[0007] a first optical element arranged at a first position to provide an image of the object in an intermediate image plane; and

[0008] A second optical element, arranged at a second position to optically magnify an intermediate image so as to provide a final image in a final image plane;

[0009] A device for mounting the equipment in a fixed position relative to the apparatus such that the viewfinder of the apparatus is supported in the final image plane;

[0010] A spacer element for holding the first optical element at a fixed distance from the object;

[0011] Wherein, the intermediate image plane and the second optical element are arranged along an optical path extending between the first optical element and the final image plane;

[0012] Wherein, the second optical element is arranged on the optical path between the intermediate image plane and the final image plane;

[0013] Wherein, a first distance along the optical path from the intermediate image plane to the final image plane is significantly less than a second distance along the optical path from the first optical element to the intermediate image plane.

[0014] The equipment can provide a significantly increased magnification for an object to be inspected while providing a clear space for a tool to approach the object. Specifically, the use of two optical elements arranged as described significantly increases the magnification of the object, and at the same time the spacer element holds the object at a fixed distance from the first optical element, thereby allowing a space for tool access to be provided.

[0015] The second distance can be at least twice the first distance, and preferably about 5 times larger than the first distance. Alternatively, the second distance can be at least about one decimal order larger than the first distance. It should be noted that the distance along the optical path can be significantly greater than the physical straight-line distance, specifically if the optical path is bent and turned, as described in more detail below.

[0016] Although the apparatus can simply include a camera and the hardware and software for operating the camera, optionally, the apparatus having a camera includes a mobile user device such as a smart phone or a tablet device. It can also include a custom device that includes a camera, hardware and software and optionally a screen and wireless communication capabilities.

[0017] The equipment can also include a body for defining an aperture through which a human or animal anatomical structure is examined. The optical path preferably passes through the aperture. The body can be a speculum for placement in the ear canal of a patient. The equipment can include an otoscope. The speculum can be arranged at the distal end of the spacer element, and the spacer element can be configured to increase the clearance for a tool to enter the ear canal through the speculum.

[0018] The device may further include a third optical element disposed on the optical path at the intermediate image plane. The third optical element may encompass the entire image at the intermediate image plane and may be arranged such that the first optical element and the second optical element are in conjugate planes. Advantageously, this feature reduces the final image vignetting effect caused by light at higher field angles that misses the second optical element.

[0019] At least one optical element, preferably each optical element may include a lens. The first optical element may include two doublets.

[0020] The device may further include an aperture stop disposed on the optical path, wherein the aperture stop effects a reduction in the diameter of the entrance pupil of the device. Optionally, wherein the first optical element includes two doublets, and the aperture stop is disposed between the two doublets. This increases the depth of field in the final image by increasing the f-number of the optical device.

[0021] The device may further include a mirror arrangement including a plurality of mirrors arranged to deflect the optical path away from and then towards an axis extending between the first optical element and the final image plane such that the optical path is longer than the distance between the first optical element and the final image plane. The plurality of mirrors may deflect the optical path to a plane that is substantially parallel to and close to the distal surface of the device, i.e., along a path parallel to the back surface of the mobile device. This provides the advantage of being able to fold a portion of the optical path, thereby providing a more compact and ergonomic device while maintaining sufficient clear space for tool access.

[0022] The first optical element may be achromatic. The front focal length of the first optical element may be not less than about 80 mm, preferably not less than 100 mm. The front focal length of the first optical element may be not greater than about 180 mm, preferably not greater than 150 mm. The refractive power of the second optical element may be not less than about 3 diopters, preferably not less than 5 diopters. The refractive power of the second optical element may be not greater than about 25 diopters, preferably not greater than 23 diopters. The optical magnification factor of the device may be not less than about 8, preferably not less than 11. Note that 1 diopter = 1 m -1 。

[0023] The device may also include an illumination arrangement that includes an energized light source, preferably a plurality of white light LEDs. The device may also include an optical arrangement configured to direct light from the energized light source towards an object. The energized light source may be provided by a device, for example, it may be a flash associated with the device's camera. The illumination arrangement may also include an electronic circuit for controlling the energized light source and further includes means for attaching the energized light source and the electronic circuit to a spacer element, wherein the optical arrangement includes a collimator. Advantageously, for better image quality, the illumination configuration increases the brightness of the final image. The device may also include a power source for powering the light source, preferably a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and also includes an electronic circuit for controlling the power source. The device may also include a handle. The power source and the electronic circuit for controlling the power source may be arranged in the handle.

[0024] An accompanying application may be provided for a mobile computing device having a camera that receives an image from the above-described device, and such application may be configured to crop the image, digitally zoom the image, and / or invert the image in real time.

[0025] The application may also be configured to control and set other parameters associated with the system. For example, it may be arranged to control the intensity, frequency, and beam width of the energized light source, and control the diameter of one or more apertures in the device.

[0026] According to another aspect, a method for magnifying an object for a device having a camera is described herein, the method comprising the steps of:

[0027] Arranging a first optical element at a first position to provide an image of the object in an intermediate image plane; and

[0028] Arranging a second optical element at a second position to optically magnify the intermediate image to provide a final image in a final image plane;

[0029] Mounting the first optical element and the second optical element in fixed positions relative to the device such that the viewfinder of the device is supported in the final image plane;

[0030] Holding the first optical element at a fixed distance from the object by using a spacer element;

[0031] wherein the intermediate image plane and the second optical element are arranged along an optical path extending between the first optical element and the final image plane;

[0032] wherein the second optical element is arranged on the optical path between the intermediate image plane and the final image plane;

[0033] wherein a first distance along the optical path from the intermediate image plane to the final image plane is significantly less than a second distance along the optical path from the first optical element to the intermediate image plane.

[0034] As described above, the embodiments can greatly increase the magnification of the object being inspected while providing a clean space for the tool to approach the object.

[0035] The method may also include the step of arranging a third optical element on the optical path in the intermediate image plane, the third optical element including the entire image at the intermediate image plane and arranged such that the first optical element and the second optical element are in conjugate planes.

[0036] The method may also include the steps of arranging a plurality of mirrors to deflect the optical path away from and then towards an axis extending between the first optical element and the final image plane such that the optical path is longer than the distance between the first optical element and the final image plane. The method may also include the steps of arranging a plurality of mirrors to deflect the optical path to a plane substantially parallel to and adjacent to the distal surface of the device. The method may also include the steps of mounting the optical element and the plurality of mirrors in a housing, wherein the housing is partially or completely sealed and provides space for the optical path through one or more internal cavities.

[0037] The method may also include the steps of illuminating the object using an energized light source and an associated optical arrangement, the light source preferably being a plurality of white light LEDs. The energized light source may be provided by the device. The method may also include the steps of controlling the energized light source using an electronic circuit and attaching the electronic circuit to the spacer element. The method may also include the steps of coupling a handle to the spacer element. The method may also include powering the energized light source using a power supply and an associated electronic circuit. The power supply and the associated electronic circuit may be arranged in the handle.

[0038] Any system feature described herein may also be provided as a method feature and vice versa. As used herein, a device-plus-function feature may alternatively be expressed in terms of its corresponding structure.

[0039] Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied in any suitable combination to other aspects of the invention. Specifically, method aspects may be applied to system aspects and vice versa. Additionally, any, some, and / or all features in one aspect may be applied in any appropriate combination to any, some, and / or all features in any other aspect.

[0040] It should also be understood that specific combinations of the different features described and defined in any aspect of the invention may be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Embodiments of the invention will now be described only by way of example and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1a A schematic side view of a device including a first optical element and a second optical element is shown;

[0043] Figure 1b shows a schematic side view of which also includes a third optical element; Figure 1a ;

[0044] Figure 2a shows Figure 1b a schematic side view of the device, in which the optical path is redirected by a mirror arrangement;

[0045] Figure 2b shows a perspective distal schematic view of the device according to one embodiment; Figure 2a ;

[0046] Figure 2c shows a perspective distal schematic view of the device according to an alternative embodiment; Figure 2a ;

[0047] Figure 2d shows a perspective distal schematic view of the device according to another alternative embodiment; Figure 2a ;

[0048] Figure 2e shows an exemplary device according to an embodiment of Figure 2a ;

[0049] Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a first optical element according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0050] Figure 4a shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an illumination arrangement according to a first example;

[0051] Figure 4b shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an illumination arrangement according to a second example;

[0052] Figure 5a shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the handle of the device according to FIG. 2;

[0053] Figure 5b shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an associated charging stand according to an embodiment;

[0054] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an application performing an imaging operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Referring to Figure 1a and Figure 1b, Device 100 for magnifying an object 102 for a device with a camera (in this embodiment, a mobile user device) according to a first embodiment will now be described. The device includes a second optical element 112 and a first optical element 104 at a first position 106. The first optical element 104 provides an image 108 of the object 102 in an intermediate image plane 110. The image 108 is then optically magnified by the second optical element 112 to provide a final image 114 in a final image plane 116. The intermediate image plane 110 and the second optical element 112 are arranged along an optical path 118 extending between the first optical element 104 and the final image plane 116. The focal lengths of the optical elements 104, 112 are such that the distance from the first optical element 104 to the intermediate image plane 110 is greater than the distance from the intermediate image plane 110 to the second optical element 112.

[0056] As Figure 1b shown, a third optical element 120 may be provided at the intermediate image plane 110 such that the third optical element 120 encompasses the entire image 108. The third optical element 120 is arranged such that the first optical element 104 and the second optical element 112 are in conjugate planes.

[0057] In both embodiments, a spacer element ( Figure 1a or Figure 1b , not shown) maintains a fixed spacing between the first optical element 104 and the object 102. Means for mounting the device 100 in a fixed position relative to the mobile user device (also not shown in Figure 1a or Figure 1b ) are provided such that the viewfinder of the mobile user device is supported in the final image plane 116. Preferably, at least one of the optical elements is a lens or a lens system.

[0058] The length of the optical path 118 obtained between two positions will be referred to as the distance along the optical path 118 and is different from the shortest spatial distance between the two positions. The distance along the optical path 118 from the intermediate image plane 110 to the final image plane 116 is significantly less than the distance along the optical path 118 from the intermediate image plane 110 to the first optical element 104.

[0059] Note that Figure 1a and Figure 1b are not drawn to scale and the distance between the plane of the first optical element 104 and the object 102 may be greater than the spatial distance between the optical elements 104, 112 and the spatial distance between the first optical element 104 and the image plane 116. That is, the spacer element is arranged to provide a large enough clearance to allow access to surgical tools or other devices.

[0060] For the avoidance of doubt, the end of the device 100 closest to the object 102 will be referred to as the distal end, i.e., the end furthest from the user, and the end of the device 100 closest to the mobile user device will be referred to as the proximal end, i.e., the end closest to the user.

[0061] The second optical element 112 is arranged to reduce the minimum focusing distance (and the effective focal length) of the camera, thereby allowing the image 108 to be placed closer to the final image plane 116 for the focused final image 114.

[0062] The device 100 can be used for medical examinations and any associated surgeries. Thus, for example, the device 100 can be incorporated into or implemented in combination with a medical device (such as an otoscope, an endoscope, or an ophthalmoscope) for examining internal or external anatomical structures.

[0063] In one example, the first optical element 104 has a focal length of approximately 100 mm - 150 mm and is placed along the optical path 118 away from the object 102 by approximately one focal length. Thus, the intermediate image plane 110 is approximately 300 mm from the first optical element 104 along the optical path 118. As can be seen in this example, magnification can be achieved using the first optical element 104, and is found to be achieved by the ratio of the distances along the optical path 118 from the first optical element 104 to the object 102 and from the first optical element 104 to the intermediate image plane 110. The second optical element 112 has a refractive power of approximately 10 dioptres and reduces the minimum focusing distance of the camera by a factor of 1.6, and is combined with the first optical element 104 having a magnification factor of approximately 3.2 (equal to 2 x 1.6, where the ratio of the distance between the object 102 and the first optical element 104 to the distance between the first optical element 104 and the intermediate image plane 110 is 2:1). Alternatively, if the refractive power of the second optical element 112 is 23 dioptres, the minimum focusing distance is reduced by approximately 2.4 times, and a magnification factor of approximately 4.8 is achieved. Advantageously, the device 100 achieves a magnification greater than approximately 8 times using the second optical element 112 with 10 dioptres, and a magnification greater than approximately 11 times using the second optical element 112 with 23 dioptres, compared to a similar separation when using the camera alone with the object 102.

[0064] Reference Figure 2a, Device 100 including an otoscope according to a second embodiment will now be described. An appliance for mounting device 100 in a fixed position relative to a mobile user device 200 includes a housing 204, and a spacer element 206 extends distally from housing 204. A handle 208 and an endoscope 210 are coupled to spacer element 206, and endoscope 210 defines a bore through which a human or animal anatomical structure (such as a patient's ear canal) can be examined. Endoscope 210 is disposed at the distal end of spacer element 206 and is placed in the patient's ear canal during operation of device 100. This provides a fixed spacing between an object 102 (the ear canal) and a first optical element 104. Gap 212 is large enough for tools to access the ear canal through endoscope 210 to accommodate medical procedures such as micro-aspiration.

[0065] Device 100 also includes a mirror arrangement 220 that includes a plurality of mirrors 222 to deflect an optical path 218 away from and then towards an axis extending between a first optical element 104 and a final image plane 116. Thus, optical path 218 is longer than the distance between first optical element 104 and final image plane 116. The plurality of mirrors 222 are preferably a plurality of planar mirrors, for example with a diameter of about 10 or 12.5 mm. The aperture of camera 202 is shown supported in Figure 2a final image plane 116 therein. Corresponding to Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2e In one example, the bounding dimensions of housing 204 are approximately 80 mm x 30 mm x 170 mm.

[0066] As Figure 2c shown, the plurality of mirrors 222 can deflect optical path 218 into a plane that is substantially parallel to and close to the distal surface (i.e., the rear surface) of mobile user device 200. There are many other folding arrangements, for example, an additional arrangement is shown in Figure 2d . In Figure 2c one example, the bounding dimensions of housing 204 are approximately 20 mm x 50 mm x 120 mm.

[0067] Referring to Figure 3 , the first optical element 104 in device 100 according to an alternative embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, first optical element 104 includes two achromatic doublets 300, 302 arranged in opposite orientations. As Figure 3As shown by example light ray 320, the achromatic doublets 300, 302 have an infinite conjugate, meaning that light ray 320 forms a collimated beam between the achromatic doublets 300, 302. Using the achromatic doublets 300, 302 reduces the achromatism that can cause color fringing artifacts. The performance of the achromatic doublets 300, 302 is diffraction limited when the device 100 has a field of view angle of less than about 5 degrees, meaning that other common forms of aberration are reduced, such as spherical aberration, coma aberration, and astigmatism. The achromatic doublets 300, 302 can be different, where their focal lengths (equal to the front focal length and the rear focal length of the first optical element 104, respectively) are different according to the respective distances of the object 102 and the intermediate image plane 110 from the first optical element 104.

[0068] The first optical element 104 further includes an aperture stop 310, which is disposed between the achromatic doublets 300, 302. The aperture stop 310 effects a reduction in the diameter of the entrance pupil of the device 100, where the entrance pupil is the smallest optical aperture along the optical path 118 in the device 100. This has the effect of increasing the f-number of the device 100 (i.e., the ratio of the focal length to the diameter of the entrance pupil). The depth of field in the final image 114 is reduced due to magnification. To compensate, a larger depth of field is achieved by increasing the f-number. In some embodiments, the diameter of the aperture stop 310 can be adjusted between a plurality of different sizes.

[0069] In one example, the distal achromatic doublet 300 and the proximal achromatic doublet 302 both have an effective focal length of 100 - 150 mm and are separated from each other by a 1 mm gap. The aperture stop 310 has a hole diameter of 6.3 mm. The third optical element 120 has an effective focal length of 30 mm and is disposed proximally along the optical path 118 from the proximal achromatic doublet 302 by approximately 148 mm. The second optical element 112 has a refractive power of 12.5 diopters and is disposed approximately 30 mm proximally along the optical path 118 from the third optical element 120 and approximately 1 mm distally along the optical path 118 from the final image plane 116. The nearest focal plane is at approximately 147 mm away from the distal achromatic doublet 300 and 5 mm away from the distal end of the mirror 210; at the nearest focal plane, the depth of field is 2 mm and the f-number is 3. The farthest focal plane exists 17 mm away from the nearest focal plane; at the farthest focal plane, the depth of field is 2.6 mm. In this example, the optical elements 104, 112, 120 have a diameter of 12.5 mm. The optical characteristics of the device 100 can be designed to match the specific optics of a particular mobile user device. This allows the quality of the final image 114 to be appropriately tuned, especially with reference to the depth of field and the focusing range.

[0070] In a similar example, the aperture stop 310 has a hole diameter of 3 mm, and the optical elements 104, 112, 120 have a diameter of 8 mm. In this example, the nearest focal plane is present 5 mm from the distal end of the speculum 210, and the farthest focal plane is present 16.8 mm away from the nearest focal plane. The depth of field at the nearest focal plane and the farthest focal plane are 7.7 mm and 9.6 mm, respectively. The f-number at the nearest focal plane is 6.3.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the apparatus 100 further includes an illumination arrangement 400 according to a preferred embodiment now to be described. The illumination arrangement 400 includes an energized light source 410 and an optical arrangement 420 configured to direct light from the energized light source 410 towards the object 102. The illumination arrangement 400 is mounted to the apparatus 100, e.g., in the speculum (refer to Figure 4a ) or substantially adjacent to the mobile user device 200 (refer to Figure 4b ). As in Figure 4b , the energized light source 410 is provided by the mobile user device 200; otherwise, the energized light source 410 is a plurality of white light LEDs. The optical arrangement 420 is a collimator for collimating the light emitted from the energized light source 410. In this way, additional light is directed onto the object 102 to increase the brightness of the object 102 in the final image 114, thereby providing good image quality regardless of the parts of the apparatus 100 that may reduce the available light, such as the aperture stop 310.

[0072] The illumination arrangement 400 further includes an electronic circuit 502 for controlling the energized light source 410, and means for attaching the energized light source 410 and the electronic circuit 502 to the apparatus 100, including positioning the energized light source and the electronic circuit inside the apparatus. The illumination arrangement 400 further includes a power source 504 for powering the light source 410 and an electronic circuit 506 for controlling the power source, the power source 504 being preferably a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. In addition, the apparatus 100 includes a charging cradle

[0073] In one example, as in Figure 4a , Figure 5a and Figure 5bAs shown, the illumination arrangement 400 is disposed within the speculum 210. In this arrangement, the powered light source 410 includes a white light LED ring disposed on a circular printed circuit board that extends circumferentially around the speculum 210. The optical arrangement 420 extends around a section of the internal profile of the speculum 210 and is coupled to the powered light source 410 to direct light along the length of the speculum 210 towards the object 102. The electronic circuit 502 and the user-operable button 510 for activating the powered light source 410 are disposed within the spacer element 206. The power source 504 and its associated circuitry 506 are disposed within the handle 208, thereby providing a counterweight for the mobile user device 200. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements of the light source and its associated power source may be provided.

[0074] As Figure 5b shown, the charging dock 520 is configured to receive the handle 208 of the device 100 for charging the power source 504. The charging dock 520 includes a charging dock cover 522 and wiring 526 for connection to an external power source, wherein the wiring 526 is coupled to the charging dock 520 via a cable retraction system 528 for mechanically biasing the wiring 526 towards the cover 522. For example, the cable retraction system 528 may include a plurality of springs and pulleys. The electronic circuit 524 for controlling the charging of the power source 504 is disposed within the charging dock 520. The charging dock 520 thus provides means for charging the power source 504 of the device 100.

[0075] In the above embodiments of the device 100, the optical elements 104, 112, 120 may be further configured to provide a stereoscopic final image 114, for example, via an arrangement of one or more of mirrors, lenses, and / or prisms. The camera 202 may be a stereoscopic camera, and the mobile user device 200 may include built-in hardware for displaying such a stereoscopic image, such as an autostereoscopic screen. Alternatively, the mobile user device 200 may be coupled to a suitable external viewing hardware of the user, such as binocular glasses. Advantageously, this allows the user to view a binocular 2D image of the object 102, thereby providing depth perception.

[0076] Referring Figure 6 to, an application 600 that may operate with all of the previous embodiments will now be described. The application 600 receives the final image 114 in digital format via one or more image sensors of the camera 202 of the mobile user device 200. The application 600 is configured to perform any number of selected operations 610 on the image to produce an output image 630. Via the graphical user interface of the mobile user device 200, the application 600 displays the output image 630 on the screen. Additionally, the application 600 is operable to effect configuration changes in the device 100 using any number of selected configuration controls 620. The application 600 thus allows further digital image enhancement and may be used to optimally display the image 114 of the object 102 for the user.

[0077] In one example, operation 610 includes cropping 612, digital zooming 614, and / or real-time image inversion 616. Cropping 612 and digital zooming 614 allow maximizing the region of interest in image 114 on the screen. Zooming 614 can super-zoom the image, i.e., zoom the image beyond the one-to-one mapping between the sensor pixels in camera 202 and the screen pixels. The optics of device 100 can be configured such that the final image shows an inverted version of object 102. Real-time image inversion 616 allows correcting this incorrect representation.

[0078] In another example, configuration control 620 includes controlling the illumination 622 of object 102 and the aperture 624 of the optics in device 100. Illumination control 622 communicates with illumination arrangement 400 via electronic circuits 502, 506, for example to change the intensity, frequency, or beam width of the powered light source 410. Aperture control 624 adjusts the diameter of one or more adjustable apertures present in device 100, such as aperture stop 310 or the internal aperture of camera 202 of mobile user device 200. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other adjustable elements of device 100 can be controlled by application 600 via appropriate electromechanical communication. Similarly, the application can be implemented without configuration control 620.

[0079] In all of the above embodiments and examples, some or all of the magnification can be achieved with optical elements other than lenses, such as mirrors and / or prisms. Optical elements (including lenses, mirrors, and prisms) with sufficient quality are used such that the optical performance of device 100 is assumed to be diffraction-limited. Effects such as field curvature and geometric distortion are not significant when using a sufficiently small field angle, as described above.

[0080] Device 100 can be used for a range of other medical examination procedures besides ear canal examinations. For example, device 100 can be used to examine the nose, throat, and mouth, including for assisting in dental procedures. Device 100 can also be used for external examinations, such as examinations of the eye or skin surface, for which specialized accessories, such as restrictors or supports, may be required. For different specific usage scenarios, different bodies for defining the aperture can be provided at the distal end of the spacer element. For example, a speculum designed for a patient's mouth or body that defines an aperture through which the surface of the patient's skin can be examined. The device can similarly be used for veterinary as well as human medical applications.

[0081] While many of the above examples are directed to medical examinations, the apparatus 100 as described can equally be used for a range of applications in other industries. These can include, but are not limited to, manufacturing quality control, inspecting electronic circuits, and inspecting items for forensic purposes. As part of a quality control process, the apparatus 100 can be used to detect surface defects (such as cracks) in manufacturing materials. Alternatively, the apparatus 100 as described can be used to non-invasively inspect physical and biological items for forensic investigations.

[0082] Although a particular architecture is shown, any suitable hardware or software architecture can be employed. The above embodiments and examples should be understood as illustrative examples. Additional embodiments, aspects, or examples are contemplated. It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any one embodiment, aspect, or example can be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and can also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment, aspect, or example, or any combination of any other embodiment, aspect, or example. In addition, equivalents and modifications not described above can also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for magnifying an object for a device having a camera, the apparatus comprising: A first optical element disposed at a first position to provide an image of the object in an intermediate image plane; A second optical element disposed at a second position to optically magnify the intermediate image to provide a final image in a final image plane; And A spacer element for holding the first optical element at a fixed distance from the object; Wherein the intermediate image plane and the second optical element are arranged along an optical path extending between the first optical element and the final image plane; Wherein the second optical element is disposed on the optical path between the intermediate image plane and the final image plane; and Wherein a first distance along the optical path from the intermediate image plane to the final image plane is less than a second distance along the optical path from the first optical element to the intermediate image plane.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The device having the camera includes a mobile user device.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for mounting the apparatus in a fixed position relative to the device such that the viewfinder of the device is supported in the final image plane.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first distance along the optical path from the intermediate image plane to the final image plane is significantly less than the second distance along the optical path from the first optical element to the intermediate image plane.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A body for defining an aperture through which an object, optionally a human or animal anatomical structure, is inspected.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein The object is a human or animal anatomical structure.

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein The body is a speculum for placement in the ear canal of a patient.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The apparatus includes an otoscope.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein The speculum is disposed at the distal end of the spacer element, and wherein the spacer element is configured to provide a gap for a tool to enter the ear canal through the speculum.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A third optical element disposed on the optical path at the intermediate image plane, wherein: The third optical element includes the entire image at the intermediate image plane; and The third optical element is arranged such that the first optical element and the second optical element are in conjugate planes.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first optical element and the second optical element includes a lens.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first optical element includes two doublets.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An aperture stop disposed on the optical path, wherein the aperture stop reduces the diameter of the entrance pupil of the apparatus.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein The first optical element includes two doublets, and the aperture stop is disposed between the two doublets.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A mirror arrangement including a plurality of mirrors to turn the optical path away from and then towards an axis extending between the first optical element and the final image plane such that the optical path is longer than the distance between the first optical element and the final image plane.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The plurality of mirrors turn the optical path to a plane substantially parallel to and close to the distal surface of the device.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The first optical element is achromatic.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein The front focal length of the first optical element is not less than 80 mm.

19. The device according to claim 1, wherein The front focal length of the first optical element is not greater than 180 mm.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The refractive power of the second optical element is not less than 3 diopters.

21. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The refractive power of the second optical element is not greater than 25 diopters.

22. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The optical magnification factor of the device is not less than 8.

23. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: A lighting arrangement including an energized light source.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein, The energized light source is a plurality of white light LEDs.

25. The device according to claim 23, further comprising: An optical arrangement configured to direct light from the energized light source towards the object.

26. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein, The energized light source is provided by the device.

27. The device according to claim 25, wherein the lighting arrangement further comprises: An electronic circuit for controlling the energized light source; And A device for attaching the energized light source and the electronic circuit to the spacer element; Wherein the optical arrangement includes a collimator.

28. The device according to claim 23, further comprising: A power source for powering the light source; And An electronic circuit for controlling the power source.

29. The device according to claim 28, further comprising a handle.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein, The power source and the electronic circuit for controlling the power source are provided in the handle.

31. An application for a mobile computing device having a camera that receives an image from the device according to claim 1, the application configured to: Crop the image; Digitally magnify the image; and / or Invert the image in real time.

32. The application according to claim 31, the application configured to: Control the intensity, frequency, and beam width of the energized light source of the device; and Control the diameter of one or more apertures in the device.

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