Prismatic deflection magnifier, binocular magnifier system and kit

Abstract

The present application relates to prism deflection magnifiers, binocular magnifier systems and kits. A prism deflection magnifier comprises: an eyepiece optic at a fixed eyepiece position at a proximal portion of a magnifier body; a prism at a fixed position within the magnifier body for deflecting input light propagating along an input path from a given entrance optic at a distal portion of the housing to propagate along an optical path towards the eyepiece optic, the optical path being substantially parallel to an optical axis of the eyepiece optic and forming a predetermined angle with the input path; an adjustable magnification module upstream of the eyepiece optic and comprising spaced apart at least first and second lenses having substantially parallel optical axes; and an adjustment mechanism for controllably modifying a distance between the first and second lenses to modify a magnification power of the prism deflection magnifier over a predetermined magnification power range while maintaining a given working distance of the magnifier defined by the given entrance optic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to the field of magnifying observation devices and relates to a prismatic deflection loupe, which is specifically intended for use as ergonomic eyewear for medical professionals. Background Technology

[0002] Ergonomic magnifying glasses are specialized magnifying devices used in medical fields such as surgery, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. Their primary function is to provide magnification for precise tasks while maintaining proper posture and minimizing physical strain, especially neck and back pain. Ensuring they meet ergonomic standards is crucial for both the health of physicians and the quality of patient care. Utility Model Content

[0003] This disclosure provides a novel prism deflection magnifier configured to achieve adjustable magnification over a wide range of magnifications (e.g., 3x to 10x or higher) while maintaining a given (desired) working distance of the magnifier.

[0004] The working distance is the distance from the user's eye to the area the user is observing. Typically, the working distance can range from approximately 30cm to approximately 75cm. Maintaining a given working distance during medical procedures prevents the physician from needing to lean forward, adjust their posture, or adjust additional optics when switching magnifications (between different magnifications). For the physician, this minimizes strain on the neck, back, and shoulders. In terms of workflow, this ensures a stable focal plane, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and thus improving the accuracy of procedures requiring high precision.

[0005] In a prism deflecting magnifying lens configuration, the general path of the input light collection is tilted relative to the user's line of sight in a neutral head position. The ideal and commonly used tilt angle is approximately 35°–45° to minimize downward head tilt.

[0006] This tilt between the general path of the input light collection and the user's line of sight is provided by a prism configured and operable to deflect the input light collected by a given entering optics, so that it propagates along an optical path parallel to the user's line of sight toward the ocular optics at the user's eye. The optical path is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the ocular optics and forms a predetermined angle with the general input path.

[0007] Typically, any suitable prism configuration can be used to provide a predetermined angle between the optical path and the input path, for example, in the range of approximately 20 to 45 degrees. In some applications, a Schmidt prism is preferred. A Schmidt prism is typically a right-angled prism with a unique geometry comprising two surfaces at different angles, finely polished to produce specific light deflection characteristics. Schmidt prisms are primarily used for image deflection and for inverting or rotating images without causing significant distortion. A Schmidt prism redirects light in a controlled manner, typically altering the optical path by 90° or other specific angles, thereby providing a 45° tilt angle between the general input path and the line of sight.

[0008] The prism-deflecting magnifier disclosed herein includes an eyepiece optics and a magnification module on one side of the prism, and includes an entry optics (objective) on the other side of the prism or an entry optics (objective) that allows attachment to the other side of the prism. The magnification module is adjustable to vary the magnification over a wide range while maintaining a desired working distance. This wide range can be formed by two or more sub-ranges, each relatively large, using two or more different entry optics to maintain the working distance.

[0009] For example, such subranges can include multiples of 3 to 7 times, and multiples of 5 to 10 times or higher.

[0010] A novel configuration of a magnifying glass, in which a novel adjustable magnification module is housed between the prism and eyepiece optics, enables the use of a relatively small and lightweight magnifying glass, while providing changes in the operating state of the magnifying glass through a relatively wide range of magnifications.

[0011] For example, the length of the adjustable magnification module can be approximately 13.6 mm, and the cross-sectional dimension (diameter) is approximately 17.6 mm. The weight of the magnifying glass, including the prism and eyepiece optics (without the optics itself), can be approximately 12.2 g.

[0012] The adjustable magnification module includes at least two lenses, the optical axes of which are substantially parallel to the optical axis of the eyepiece optics, and the at least two lenses are mounted for movement, thereby allowing the distance between the lenses to be controllably modified by means of two or more discrete positions corresponding to two or more magnifications. Each controlled displacement of the two lenses between different positions results in the lenses moving a different distance from each other, such that for multiple different magnifications, the effective focus of the combination of all lenses in the magnifying glass is maintained according to the working distance.

[0013] Therefore, according to a broad aspect of this disclosure, a prism deflection magnifying lens is provided, the prism deflection magnifying lens comprising:

[0014] The eyepiece optics are located at the fixed eyepiece position on the proximal part of the magnifying glass body;

[0015] A prism, located at a fixed position within the body of a magnifying lens, is configured and operable to deflect input light propagating along an input path from a given entry optics to propagate along an optical path toward an eyepiece optics, the optical path being substantially parallel to the optical axis of the eyepiece optics and forming a predetermined angle with the input path.

[0016] An adjustable magnification module, housed upstream of the eyepiece optics relative to the direction of propagation of input light through the magnifying lens, includes at least a first lens and a second lens spaced apart with substantially parallel optical axes; and

[0017] An adjustment mechanism is configured to controllably modify the distance between the first lens and the second lens, thereby modifying the lateral configuration of the first lens and the second lens to modify the magnification of the prism deflection magnifier within a predetermined magnification range, while maintaining a given working distance of the magnifier defined by a given access optics.

[0018] In some embodiments, the adjustable amplification module is housed in the optical path between the prism and the eyepiece optics, such that the optical axes of at least the first and second lenses are substantially parallel to the optical path, thereby causing the deflected input light to interact sequentially with the first and second lenses as it propagates toward the eyepiece optics.

[0019] In some other embodiments, the adjustable amplification module is accommodated in the input path upstream of the prism (at the distal portion of the magnifying glass body) relative to the direction of propagation of the input light, such that the input light interacts sequentially with the first lens and the second lens as it propagates toward the prism.

[0020] The entry optics can be mounted at a fixed objective position on the distal portion of the magnifying glass body; or they can be removably mounted on the magnifying glass body at a fixed objective position on the distal portion of the magnifying glass body, thereby enabling the entry optics to be replaced to define different values ​​within the range of magnification while maintaining the working distance of the magnifying glass.

[0021] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism is configured and operable to controllably modify the distance between the first lens and the second lens by simultaneously moving the first lens and the second lens in opposite directions along the optical axis of the lens.

[0022] In some embodiments, the predetermined angle between the optical path and the input path is approximately 20 to 45 degrees.

[0023] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism includes a position controller connected to a barrel cam assembly for transferring the rotational movement of the position controller between a series of K discrete circumferential positions (K≥2) to a corresponding series of K different lateral configurations of the first and second lenses along the optical axis, wherein the series of K different lateral configurations correspond to a series of K magnifications {M} of the magnifying glass. k}

[0024] One of the first and second lenses is a positive lens, and the other is a negative lens. For example, the first lens (upstream of the second lens) is a negative lens, while the second lens is a positive lens.

[0025] The focal length of a positive lens can be equal to the absolute value of the focal length of a negative lens. In some other embodiments, the focal length of the positive lens differs from the absolute value of the focal length of the negative lens.

[0026] The adjustment mechanism is configured and operable to control the simultaneous movement of the first lens and the second lens such that the displacement between each two successive lateral configurations of the first lens and the second lens corresponds to a different first distance ΔX1 and a second distance ΔX2, respectively, for the first lens and the second lens.

[0027] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism is configured and operable to provide the simultaneous movement of the first lens and the second lens between different lateral configurations corresponding to different magnifications, satisfying the following condition: (1) a first distance ΔX1 of the movement of the first lens caused by the displacement between every two consecutive lateral configurations is linearly varied for every two consecutive lateral configurations [i; (i+1)] and [(i+1); (i+2)], such that ΔX1 (i,i+1) =aΔX1 (i+1,i+2) ; and (2) the second distance ΔX2 of the movement of the second lens caused by the displacement between every two consecutive transverse configurations is a nonlinear function of the first distance ΔX1.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first lens and the second lens are moved by distances ΔX1 and ΔX2 respectively between the lateral configurations of the first lens and the second lens, such that the ratio ΔX1 (i,i+2) / ΔX1(i,i+1) With ratio ΔX2 (i,i+2) / ΔX2 (i ,i+1) The difference is at least 5%.

[0029] In some embodiments, the adjustable magnification module and adjustment mechanism are configured such that, for a given characteristic of the entry optics and the eyepiece optics, the distance between the first lens and the second lens is changed by providing at least two different discrete positions with at least two different magnifications, thereby providing the modification of the lateral configuration of the first lens and the second lens.

[0030] In some embodiments, the adjustable magnification module and adjustment mechanism are configured such that, for a given characteristic of the entry optics and the eyepiece optics, the distance between the first lens and the second lens is changed by providing at least three different discrete positions with at least three different magnifications, thereby providing the modification of the lateral configuration of the first lens and the second lens.

[0031] The magnifying glass may also include a duplex achromatic lens located between the second lens and the eyepiece optics.

[0032] Eyepiece optics may include collimator lenses.

[0033] Eyepiece optics may include optical lenses with specified vision correction characteristics.

[0034] The magnifying glass body can be configured to be mounted on eyeglasses by means of an opening in the lens of the eyeglasses through which the magnifying glass body is attached to the lens of the eyeglasses at its proximal end.

[0035] According to another broad aspect of this disclosure, a prism deflection magnifying glass is provided, comprising:

[0036] The eyepiece optics are located at the fixed eyepiece position on the proximal part of the magnifying glass body;

[0037] A prism, located at the distal portion of the magnifying lens body, is configured and operable to deflect input light propagating along an input path from a given entry optics towards an eyepiece optics, the optical path being substantially parallel to the optical axis of the eyepiece optics and forming a predetermined angle with the input path; and

[0038] An adjustable magnification module, housed between a prism and an eyepiece optics, includes at least a first lens and a second lens. The first and second lenses have optical axes substantially parallel to the optical axis of the eyepiece optics and are positioned along an optical path such that deflected input light interacts sequentially with the first and second lenses as it propagates toward the eyepiece optics.

[0039] An adjustment mechanism is configured to controllably modify the distance along the optical path between the first lens and the second lens, thereby modifying the lateral configuration of the first lens and the second lens to modify the magnification of the prism deflection magnifier within a predetermined magnification range, while maintaining a given working distance of the magnifier defined by a given access optics.

[0040] According to yet another broad aspect, this disclosure provides a prism deflection magnifying glass comprising:

[0041] The eyepiece optics are located at the fixed eyepiece position on the proximal part of the magnifying glass body;

[0042] A prism, located at a fixed position within the body of a magnifying glass, is configured and operable to deflect a given input light propagating along an input path from a distal portion of the magnifying glass body into an eyepiece optics, so that the light propagates along an optical path toward the eyepiece optics, the optical path being substantially parallel to the optical axis of the eyepiece optics and forming a predetermined angle with the input path.

[0043] An adjustable amplification module includes at least a first lens and a second lens spaced apart with substantially parallel optical axes. The adjustable amplification module is accommodated in an input path upstream of a prism relative to the propagation direction of the input light, such that the input light interacts sequentially with the first lens and the second lens as it propagates toward the prism; and

[0044] An adjustment mechanism is configured to controllably modify the distance between the first lens and the second lens, thereby modifying the lateral configuration of the first lens and the second lens to modify the magnification of the prism deflection magnifier within a predetermined magnification range, while maintaining a given working distance of the magnifier defined by a given access optics.

[0045] This disclosure provides, in another broad aspect, a binocular magnifying lens system comprising: a frame configured to be worn on a user's head; and a pair of prism-deflecting magnifying lenses mounted on the frame to be aligned with a pair of the user's eyes respectively when the user wears the frame, wherein each of the prism-deflecting magnifying lenses is configured as described above.

[0046] This disclosure also provides a binocular magnifying lens system, comprising: a user's eyeglasses, and a pair of prism deflecting magnifying lenses mounted on the eyeglasses, the pair of prism deflecting magnifying lenses being aligned with a pair of the user's eyes respectively when the user wears the eyeglasses, wherein each of the prism deflecting magnifying lenses is configured as described above.

[0047] This disclosure also provides a kit comprising: the aforementioned binocular magnifying lens system, and a set of two or more entry optics having different optical properties, each of the entry optics being removably mounted on a distal portion of the magnifying lens body. Attached Figure Description

[0048] To better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how it can be implemented in practice, embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An example is illustrated of a prism-deflecting magnifying glass based on the principles of this disclosure, wherein... Figure 1A The configuration shown is in which the magnification module is housed between the prism and the eyepiece optics, and Figure 1B The configuration in which the amplification module is housed upstream of the prism (i.e., between the prism and the entry optics) is shown;

[0050] Figure 1C and Figure 1D Examples are given respectively. Figure 1A and Figure 1B A magnifying glass with a configuration in which a specific implementation of an adjustment mechanism for controlling the operation of the magnification module is illustrated;

[0051] Figure 2 The optical components and their applications are shown in more detail. Figure 1A The arrangement in the configuration;

[0052] Figures 3A to 3C An example of an adjustment mechanism is shown, which is implemented by a cylindrical cam assembly and a follower in three different rotational positions, the three different rotational positions corresponding to different operating states of the magnification module corresponding to different magnifications of the magnifying glass;

[0053] Figures 4A-4C , Figures 5A-5C and Figures 6A-6C The operating status of the position controller is shown. Figure 4A , Figure 5A , Figure 6A ), the lateral configuration of the first and second lenses of the magnification module ( Figure 4B , Figure 5B , Figure 6B), and beam tracking of the prism deflection magnifying glass ( Figure 4C , Figure 5C , Figure 6C These three elements, while maintaining the working distance of the magnifying glass, correspond to three different magnifications within a given range of magnification achievable for a given optical device.

[0054] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The asymmetry in the movement of the first and second lenses during magnification adjustment is illustrated, wherein Figure 7A The diagram shows each of the first distance ΔX1 of the first lens and the second distance ΔX2 of the second lens as a function of magnification, and the corresponding linear and nonlinear curve fittings; and Figure 7B This shows ΔX2 as a function of ΔX1;

[0055] Figure 8 An example is illustrated of a prism-deflecting magnifying glass according to the principles of this disclosure, wherein different magnification ranges can be obtained for different entrance optics while maintaining the working distance of the magnifying glass; and

[0056] Figures 9A to 9D Different views of the user's glasses (or a headband) are shown, with a pair of prism-deflecting magnifying lenses mounted on the glasses and correctly aligned with the user's eyes. Detailed Implementation

[0057] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B This illustration shows a prism-deflecting magnifying glass 10 according to the principles of this disclosure. The magnifying glass 10 defines a magnifying glass body 20 having a proximal portion 20A and a distal portion 20B. The magnifying glass body may be constructed from a housing that carries / encloses the elements of the magnifying glass. In the following description, the terms "magnifying glass body" and "housing" are used interchangeably.

[0058] As shown in the figure, the housing 20 carries an eyepiece optics 40 mounted at a fixed eyepiece position on the proximal portion 20A of the housing 20, a prism 50 located at a fixed position in the housing, and an adjustable magnification module 60.

[0059] When in operation, the magnifying glass also includes an access optics module 30. The access optics module 30 may be integrated with the housing 20. Preferably, in order to enable the magnifying glass to operate within two or more different magnification ranges while maintaining the working distance of the magnifying glass, the housing 20 and the access optics module 30 are configured such that the access optics module can be removably attached to the distal portion 20B of the housing 20.

[0060] The optical module 30 carries a given / desired objective lens unit (e.g., formed by one or two lenses). The optical axis OA1 of the objective lens unit, and therefore the input path IP of the input light collected by the lens unit and propagating from the lens unit to the prism 50, is tilted relative to the optical path OP of the light propagating from the prism toward the eyepiece optics 40.

[0061] Therefore, prism 50 deflects the input light propagating along the input path IP from the given entry optics 30, so that it propagates along the optical path OP toward the eyepiece optics 40. The optical path OP is substantially parallel to the optical axis OA2 of the eyepiece optics 40 and forms a predetermined tilt angle with the input path IP. For example, the tilt angle is approximately 45 degrees.

[0062] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As illustrated, the adjustable magnification module 60 can be accommodated in the optical path OP between the prism 50 and the eyepiece optics 40. Figure 1A Alternatively, it can be housed in the input path IP upstream of prism 50 relative to the propagation direction of the input light. Figure 1B This allows the adjustable amplification module 60 to be positioned between the prism 50 and the entry optics 30 when the entry optics unit 30 is attached to the distal portion 20B of the housing.

[0063] The adjustable magnification module 60 includes at least two lenses and is associated with an adjustment mechanism 65. The adjustment mechanism 65 is configured to controllably modify the magnification along the optical path OP (in... Figure 1A In the configuration) or along the input path (in Figure 1B The distance d between the lenses of module 60 in the configuration is modified by altering the lateral configuration of the lenses, i.e., modifying the adjustment of the lenses relative to each other and relative to the prism and eyepiece optics 40 (or the entry optics 30). This modification of the lateral configuration of the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B results in a corresponding modification of the magnification of the prism deflection magnifying lens within a predetermined magnification range, while maintaining a given working distance of the magnifying lens defined by the given entry optics 30.

[0064] The adjustment mechanism 65 is implemented as a cylindrical cam mechanism and is associated with a position controller 66 mounted on the outer circumference of the housing 20. This will be described in further detail below. Figure 1C and Figure 1D The diagrams illustrate the use of the symbols in the diagrams. Figure 1A and Figure 1B A specific, non-limiting example of a configuration of a magnifying glass having an adjustment mechanism with a position controller.

[0065] In some embodiments, the prism deflection magnifier 10 further includes a doublet achromatic lens 70 located between the magnification module 60 and the eyepiece optics 40. It should also be noted that the eyepiece optics 40 may include an optical lens with user-specified vision correction characteristics.

[0066] As described above, the access optical module 30 is removably attached to the housing 20 so that the prism at the distal portion of the housing 20 is in a fixed objective position. This allows the access optical module 30 (i.e., the objective unit) to be interchanged to achieve different values ​​in the magnification range while maintaining the working distance of the magnifying lens.

[0067] The specific examples described below present Figure 1A The overall configuration of the magnifying glass. It should be noted that, generally, at least from the viewpoint of the magnifying glass's weight and center of gravity, Figure 1A The existing configuration can provide a better solution. However, the novel configuration of the magnifying module 60 and the associated adjustment mechanism 65 disclosed herein provides relatively lightweight optics and a relatively compact optical solution for the magnifying lens, thereby also improving... Figure 1B The magnifying glass configuration.

[0068] exist Figure 2 In all the non-limiting examples described herein, the access optics 30 can be implemented using meniscus and achromatic lenses. However, it should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to this particular embodiment. For example, the access optics module 30 may include multiple optical elements, generally indicated by 32, such as three lenses. Generally, the optical characteristics of the objective lens are considered to limit the number of lenses required to achieve the desired effect.

[0069] For example, prism 50 is configured as a Schmidt prism, which provides a compact and precise deflection of the input path IP relative to the optical path OP, approximately 20-45 degrees. Other types of deflection prisms can typically be used, but Schmidt prisms are preferred because they offer a smaller and lighter solution for magnifying glasses.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown in the example, the adjustable magnification module 60 includes a first lens 60A and a second lens 60B, which have optical axes substantially parallel to the optical axis OA2 of the eyepiece optics 40 and are housed on the optical path OP, such that input light deflected by a prism from the input path IP to the optical path OP interacts sequentially with the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B as it propagates toward the eyepiece optics 40.

[0071] In the example of the prism-deflecting magnifying lens 10 described herein, the first lens 60A is a negative lens, while the second lens 60B is a positive lens. It should be noted that the focal length of the second (positive) lens 60B may be equal to or different from the absolute value of the focal length of the first (negative) lens 60A. Using lenses with equal or different focal lengths will result in different movement paths when the lenses are shifted between different magnifications.

[0072] This arrangement of the adjustable magnification module 60 provides a zoom system in which the separation and movement of lenses 60A and 60B produce a change in magnification while maintaining the effective focal point defined by all the lenses of the magnifying glass, thereby maintaining the working distance.

[0073] The magnifying glass can be designed to provide a relatively low magnification, which can then be increased by an adjustment mechanism 65 operated by a position controller 66 (in which case the negative lens is located upstream of the positive lens); or alternatively, the magnifying glass can provide a relatively high magnification and the magnification can be decreased by an adjustment mechanism 65 operated by a position controller 66 (in the case where the positive lens is placed upstream of the negative lens).

[0074] refer to Figures 3A to 3C An example of an adjustment mechanism 65 according to the present disclosure is shown. The adjustment mechanism 65 includes a cylindrical cam assembly 67 configured and operable to convert rotational movement of a position controller 66 (not shown in these figures) between a series of K discrete circumferential positions (K≥2) along an optical path into a corresponding series of K different lateral configurations of the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B. The series of K different lateral configurations of the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B respectively correspond to a series of K magnifications of the magnifying glass 10.

[0075] According to this disclosure, the configuration of the adjustment mechanism is such that the rotational movement of the position controller 66 causes the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B to move simultaneously in opposite directions along the optical path OP.

[0076] The cylindrical cam assembly 67 includes two followers 69 that contact the cam surface and are configured to move according to the cam profile. The two followers 69 are respectively coupled to a first lens 60A and a second lens 60B, such that the simultaneous movement of the followers along the cam profile, controlled by the rotation of the position controller 66, moves lenses 60A and 60B, thereby modifying the lateral configuration of lenses 60A and 60B along the optical path OP.

[0077] Figure 3A A cylindrical cam assembly 67 is shown, in which two followers 69 are at the minimum distance between them, thereby providing a lateral configuration of lenses 60A and 60B corresponding to the minimum magnification of the prism deflection magnifying lens 10. Figure 3BA cylindrical cam assembly 67 is shown, in which two followers 69 are positioned at an intermediate distance, thereby providing a lateral configuration of lenses 60A and 60B corresponding to the intermediate magnification of the prism deflection magnifying lens 10. Figure 3C A cylindrical cam assembly 67 is shown, in which the two followers 69 are at their maximum distance, thereby providing a lateral configuration of lenses 60A and 60B corresponding to the maximum magnification of the prism deflection magnifying lens 10.

[0078] Therefore, the adjustment mechanism 65 implemented by the cylindrical cam assembly 67 is configured and operable to controllably modify the distance between the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B by controlling the simultaneous movement of the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B in opposite directions along the optical path.

[0079] refer to Figures 4A-4C , Figures 5A-5C and Figures 6A-6C The example illustrates the adjustable magnification module of the prism deflection magnifier 10, which has given entry optics and eyepiece optics for different operating states at three magnifications.

[0080] Specifically, the distance d between the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B is modified by different discrete positions corresponding to different magnifications. It should be noted that, among other things, the specific distance d between the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B is also defined by the lens material and the optical path configuration.

[0081] In a specific, non-limiting example, the discrete position can vary from d = 1.8 mm to d = 7.6 mm, corresponding to a minimum magnification M1 = 3.6 times. Figures 4A-4C ), intermediate magnification M2 = 5.3 times ( Figures 5A-5C ), and the maximum magnification M3 = 7.2 times ( Figures 6A-6C ).

[0082] Figure 4A , Figure 5A and Figure 6A The various operating states of the position controller 66 are shown, corresponding to multiple (e.g., three) discrete circumferential positions and changing the rotational movement of the cylindrical cam assembly 67 (not shown) between a series of such multiple (e.g., three) corresponding different lateral configurations along the optical path OP of the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B. As described above, the series of three different lateral configurations correspond to a series of three magnifications {3.6x, 5.3x, 7.2x} of the magnifying lens 10, respectively. Figure 4B , Figure 5B and Figure 6B Three different lateral configurations of the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B along the optical path are shown respectively. Figure 4C , Figure 5C and Figure 6C The beam tracking of the prism deflecting magnifying lens 10 in three lateral configurations along the optical path of the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B is shown respectively.

[0083] Therefore, when the position controller 66 is in its position Figure 4A In the operating state shown, the lateral configuration of lenses 60A and 60B provides a minimum magnification M1, for example, 3.6x. When the position controller 66 rotates to its position... Figure 5A In the operating state shown, this causes lenses 60A and 60B to move in opposite directions, bringing them into their intermediate lateral configuration, thereby changing the magnification from the lowest value M1 to an intermediate value M2, for example, 5.3x. The operating state of the position controller 66 is further modified to... Figure 6A The operating state shown causes lenses 60A and 60B to move in opposite directions into their highest lateral configuration, which corresponds to a higher M3, for example, 7.2 times.

[0084] As described above, the adjustment mechanism 65 of this disclosure may include a cylindrical cam assembly 67 configured to convert rotational movement of the position controller 66 between a series of K discrete circumferential positions (K≥2) on the housing 20 into a corresponding series of K different lateral configurations of the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B of the adjustable magnification module along the optical path.

[0085] The inventors have discovered that the predefined path of the follower 69 of the cylindrical cam assembly 67 (such as...) Figures 3A-3C (As shown) The displacements of the first (negative) lens 60A and the second lens 60B along the optical path correspond to lateral displacements and are not symmetrical. Specifically, the movement of the first (negative) lens 60A is linearly related to the magnification, while the corresponding simultaneous movement of the second (positive) lens 60B is non-linearly related to the magnification.

[0086] In other words, the adjustment mechanism 65 is configured and operable to control the simultaneous movement of the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B, such that a change between every two consecutive lateral configurations of the first lens and the second lens corresponds to different first distances ΔX1 and second distances ΔX2 for the first lens and the second lens, respectively.

[0087] This is Figure 7A and Figure 7B The explanation is as follows. Figure 7AThe diagram shows the absolute values ​​of the respective distance variables ΔX1 and ΔX2 of the first lens 60A and the second lens 60B along the optical path as the magnification increases from M1 to M3 (e.g., from M1 = 3.6 to M3 = 7.2). It can be seen that the first distance ΔX1 varies linearly with respect to the two consecutive lateral configurations [1; 2] and [2; 3], such that ΔX1 (1,2) =ΔX1 (2,3) On the other hand, the second distance ΔX2 is a non-linear function of the magnification. Figure 7B The second distance ΔX2 is shown as a function of the first distance ΔX1, which clearly demonstrates a nonlinear dependence.

[0088] As described above, the prism deflection magnifier of this disclosure provides a wide adjustable magnification range. After replacing the entry optics unit 30 with a different entry optics unit 30', the same magnification module 60 can be used for different magnification ranges, such as {5x to 10x}, while maintaining the working distance of the magnifier. This is in Figure 8 As shown, the entry into the optical unit 30' is different from, for example... Figure 1A The objective lens unit 32' that enters the optical unit 30' has a different focal length and a different field of view or numerical aperture relative to the surface being observed at the same desired working distance.

[0089] Referenced Figures 9A-9D The following illustrates a binocular magnifying lens system 100 of this disclosure. This binocular magnifying lens system 100 includes: a frame 102 configured to be worn on a user's head, the frame potentially consisting of the user's eyeglasses as illustrated in the figure; and a pair of prism-deflecting magnifying lenses 10 configured as described above, which, when the user wears the frame, are mounted or can be mounted on the frame / eyeglasses in a manner aligned with the user's pair of eyes respectively.

[0090] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the lens of the eyeglasses may have an opening (and possibly an attachment mechanism), and the housing of the magnifying glass may be configured (e.g., including a corresponding attachment mechanism at its proximal end) to be mounted / attached to a corresponding opening in the lens of the eyeglasses. As described above, the eyepiece optics of the magnifying glass may include an optical lens having the user's specified vision correction characteristics. As described above, each magnifying glass weighs slightly more than 10g, and when attached to the eyeglasses, the center of gravity may be approximately 9mm from the user's nose (or the mounting point of the frame).

[0091] It should also be noted that the technology disclosed herein can be implemented as a kit comprising: the aforementioned binocular magnifying lens system (the user's eyeglasses and a pair of prism-deflecting magnifying lenses mounted on the eyeglasses, the pair of prism-deflecting magnifying lenses being aligned with the user's pair of eyes respectively when the user wears the eyeglasses), and a set of two or more access optical units having different optical properties. Each of such access optical units is removably mounted on the distal portion of the housing.

Claims

1. A prism-deflecting magnifying glass, characterized in that, include: The eyepiece optics are located at the fixed eyepiece position on the proximal part of the magnifying glass body; A prism, located at a fixed position within the magnifying glass body, is configured and operable to deflect input light propagating along an input path from a given fixed position of an entry optics at a given distal portion of the magnifying glass body, so as to propagate along an optical path toward the eyepiece optics, the optical path being substantially parallel to the optical axis of the eyepiece optics and forming a predetermined angle with the input path. An adjustable magnification module is housed upstream of the eyepiece optics relative to the direction of propagation of the input light through the magnifying lens, the adjustable magnification module comprising: at least a first lens and a second lens spaced apart having substantially parallel optical axes; The adjustment mechanism is configured to move at least the first lens and the second lens relative to each other, thereby controllably modifying the distance between the first lens and the second lens, thereby modifying the lateral configuration of the first lens and the second lens to modify the magnification of the prism deflection magnifying lens within a predetermined magnification range, wherein the movement of at least the first lens and the second lens through the continuous lateral configuration is such that the movement of at least one of the first lens and the second lens is a non-linear function of the movement of at least the other of the first lens and the second lens, while maintaining a given working distance of the magnifying lens defined by the given entry optics at the given fixed position.

2. The prism deflection magnifying glass according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable amplification module is housed in the optical path between the prism and the eyepiece optics, such that the optical axes of at least the first lens and the second lens are substantially parallel to the optical path, thereby causing the deflected input light to interact sequentially with the first lens and the second lens as it propagates toward the eyepiece optics.

3. The prism deflection magnifying glass according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable amplification module is housed in the input path upstream of the prism relative to the propagation direction of the input light, such that the input light interacts sequentially with the first lens and the second lens as it propagates toward the prism.

4. The prism deflecting magnifying glass according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The entry optics are mounted at the fixed objective lens position on the distal portion of the magnifying glass body.

5. The prism deflecting magnifying glass according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The entry optics can be removably mounted on the magnifying glass body at a fixed objective position on the distal portion of the magnifying glass body, thereby allowing the entry optics to be replaced to define different values ​​within the range of magnification while maintaining the working distance of the magnifying glass.

6. The prism deflecting magnifying glass according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism is configured and operable to controllably modify the distance between the first lens and the second lens by simultaneously moving the first lens and the second lens in opposite directions along the optical axes of the first lens and the second lens.

7. The prism deflecting magnifying glass according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The predetermined angle between the optical path and the input path is approximately 20 to 45 degrees.

8. The prism deflecting magnifying glass according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism includes a position controller connected to a cylindrical cam assembly, which converts the rotational movement of the position controller between a series of K discrete circumferential positions (K≥2) into a corresponding series of K different lateral configurations of the first lens and the second lens along the optical axis. These K different lateral configurations correspond to a series of K magnifications {M} of the magnifying glass. k } 9. The prism deflecting magnifying glass according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, One of the first lens and the second lens is a positive lens, and the other is a negative lens.

10. The prism deflection magnifying glass according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first lens is a negative lens, and the second lens is a positive lens.

11. The prism deflection magnifying glass according to claim 9, characterized in that, The focal length of the positive lens is equal to the absolute value of the focal length of the negative lens.

12. The prism deflection magnifying glass according to claim 9, characterized in that, The focal length of the positive lens is different from the absolute value of the focal length of the negative lens.

13. The prism deflecting magnifying glass according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism is configured and operable to control the simultaneous movement of the first lens and the second lens, such that the displacement between every two consecutive lateral configurations of the first lens and the second lens corresponds to a different first distance ΔX1 and a second distance ΔX2 for the first lens and the second lens, respectively.

14. The prism deflecting magnifying glass according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism is configured and operable to provide simultaneous movement of the first lens and the second lens between different lateral configurations corresponding to different magnifications, satisfying the following condition: (1) The first distance ΔX1 of the movement of the first lens caused by the shift between every two consecutive lateral configurations is linearly varying for every two consecutive lateral configurations [i; (i+1)] and [(i+1); (i+2)], such that ΔX1 (i,i+1) =aΔX1 (i +1,i+2) ; (2) The second distance ΔX2 of the movement of the second lens caused by the displacement between every two consecutive transverse configurations is a nonlinear function of the first distance ΔX1.

15. The prism deflection magnifying glass according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first lens and the second lens are moved by distances ΔX1 and ΔX2 respectively between the lateral configurations of the first lens and the second lens, such that the ratio ΔX1 (i,i+2) / ΔX1 (i,i+1) With ratio ΔX2 (i,i+2) / ΔX2 (i,i+1) The difference is at least 5%.

16. The prism deflecting magnifying glass according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The adjustable magnification module and the adjustment mechanism are configured such that, for a given characteristic of the entry optics and the eyepiece optics, the distance between the first lens and the second lens is changed by providing at least two different discrete positions with at least two different magnifications, thereby providing the modification of the lateral configuration of the first lens and the second lens.

17. The prism deflecting magnifying glass according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The prism deflecting magnifying lens also includes a double achromatic lens positioned between the second lens and the eyepiece optics.

18. The prism deflecting magnifying glass according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The eyepiece optics include a collimator lens.

19. The prism deflecting magnifying glass according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The eyepiece optics include an optical lens having specified vision correction characteristics.

20. The prism deflecting magnifying glass according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The magnifying glass body is configured to be mounted on the eyeglasses by means of an opening in the lens of the eyeglasses through which the magnifying glass body is attached to the eyeglasses via its proximal end.

21. A prism-deflecting magnifying glass, characterized in that, include: The eyepiece optics are located at the fixed eyepiece position on the proximal part of the magnifying glass body; A prism, located at the distal portion of the magnifying lens body, is configured and operable to deflect input light propagating along an input path from a given fixed position entering the optics, so as to propagate along an optical path toward the eyepiece optics, the optical path being substantially parallel to the optical axis of the eyepiece optics and forming a predetermined angle with the input path. as well as An adjustable magnification module is disposed between the prism and the eyepiece optics. The adjustable magnification module includes at least a first lens and a second lens, the first lens and the second lens having optical axes substantially parallel to the optical axis of the eyepiece optics and disposed on the optical path, such that deflected input light interacts sequentially with the first lens and the second lens as it propagates toward the eyepiece optics. And an adjustment mechanism configured to move at least the first lens and the second lens relative to each other, thereby controllably modifying the distance between the first lens and the second lens along the optical path, thereby modifying the lateral configuration of the first lens and the second lens to modify the magnification of the prism deflection magnifying lens within a predetermined magnification range, wherein the movement of the first lens and the second lens through the continuous lateral configuration is such that the movement of one of the first lens and the second lens is a non-linear function of the movement of the other of the first lens and the second lens, while maintaining a given working distance of the magnifying lens defined by the given entry optics at the given fixed position.

22. A prism-deflecting magnifying glass, characterized in that, include: The eyepiece optics are located at the fixed eyepiece position on the proximal part of the magnifying glass body; A prism, located at a fixed position within the magnifying glass body, is configured and operable to deflect input light propagating along an input path from a given fixed position of an entry optics at a given distal portion of the magnifying glass body, so as to propagate along an optical path toward the eyepiece optics, the optical path being substantially parallel to the optical axis of the eyepiece optics and forming a predetermined angle with the input path. An adjustable amplification module includes at least a first lens and a second lens spaced apart with substantially parallel optical axes. The adjustable amplification module is accommodated in the input path upstream of the prism relative to the propagation direction of the input light, such that the input light interacts sequentially with the first lens and the second lens as it propagates toward the prism. And an adjustment mechanism configured to move the first lens and the second lens relative to each other, thereby controllably modifying the distance between the first lens and the second lens, thereby modifying the lateral configuration of the first lens and the second lens to modify the magnification of the prism deflection magnifying lens within a predetermined magnification range, wherein the movement of the first lens and the second lens through the continuous lateral configuration is such that the movement of one of the first lens and the second lens is a non-linear function of the movement of the other of the first lens and the second lens, while maintaining a given working distance of the magnifying lens defined by the given entry optics at the given fixed position.

23. A binocular magnifying lens system, characterized in that, include: A frame that is configured to be worn on the user's head; And a pair of prism deflecting magnifying lenses, the pair of prism deflecting magnifying lenses being mounted on the frame to be aligned with a pair of the user's eyes respectively when the user wears the frame, wherein each of the prism deflecting magnifying lenses is configured according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

24. A binocular magnifying lens system, characterized in that, include: A user's glasses, and a pair of prism deflecting magnifying lenses mounted on the glasses, the pair of prism deflecting magnifying lenses being aligned with a pair of the user's eyes when the user wears the glasses, wherein each of the prism deflecting magnifying lenses is configured according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

25. A kit, characterized in that, include: The binocular magnifying lens system according to claim 24, and a group of two or more entry optics having different optical properties, each of the entry optics being removably mounted on the distal portion of the magnifying lens body.

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