Optical apparatus

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for providing magnification of an object for a device having a camera.SOLUTION: There is described an apparatus comprising a first optical element, a second optical element and a spacing element for use with a mobile user device. The first optical element is configured to provide an image of an object to an intermediate image plane and the second optical element magnifies the image to provide a final image in a final image plane in which a camera aperture of the device is supported. The spacing element maintains a fixed separation between the object and the first optical element. Image magnification is achieved while also providing a space for tool access. Mirrors may be used to divert the optical path, allowing the optical path to be folded for more compact apparatus. A third optical element disposed at the intermediate image plane may be used to reduce vignetting effects in the final image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2a

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an apparatus for magnifying an object in a device having a camera. Specifically, embodiments are directed to an apparatus for medical visual examination and an apparatus for assisting a user performing a medical procedure. Specifically, this application relates to an instrument configured to be used with a mobile user device and that improves image quality while maintaining sufficient access to the tool.

Background Art

[0002] Existing instruments for medical diagnosis rely on visual or photographic examination. Generally, they provide a means for observing an image magnifying the anatomical structure of an object in real time. Many examinations are often associated with procedures that require access to a tool, such as removing earwax from the external auditory canal. Detailed visualization of the structure being examined is important for both accurate diagnosis and minimizing potential pain and damage that may occur during the procedure. Performing the procedure while visualizing the object structure at the same time further improves the quality of care provided and provides a function for recording the entire process for subsequent analysis. Such devices are expensive and difficult to operate.

[0003] Some instruments incorporate a conventional optical system with a mobile user device, providing improved ergonomics, usability, and cost for extensive access to related procedures, such as micro-suction of the external auditory canal. However, such instruments often exhibit insufficient image magnification and detail and do not provide sufficient space for accessing the tool.

[0004] UK Patent Application Publication No. 2569325 (GB-A-2569325) discloses a handle, an endoscope mount, a smartphone mount, and a spacer element. The spacer element is configured to maintain an optical separation distance between the endoscope mount and the smartphone mount. The device also includes an optical path for the camera and light source of the smartphone, as well as optical elements for focusing on and / or guiding light. The optical elements may 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 inserting a micro-suction tool into the ear canal. A cannula grip and a guide for the micro-suction tool are also disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Aspects of the present invention are set forth in the independent claims, and the preferred features are set forth in the dependent claims.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] This specification describes an apparatus for providing magnification of an object to a device having a camera. The apparatus includes: a first optical element disposed at a first location for providing an image of the object to an intermediate image plane; a second optical element disposed at a second location for optically magnifying the intermediate image plane so as to provide a final image to a final image plane; means for attaching the apparatus to the device at a fixed position such that an aperture of the camera in the device is supported at the final image plane; A spacer element for maintaining the first optical element at a fixed distance from the object; 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; The second optical element is disposed in the optical path between the intermediate image plane and the final image plane; A first distance along the optical path from the intermediate image plane to the final image plane is significantly shorter than a second distance along the optical path from the first optical element to the intermediate image plane.

[0008] The device can provide a significantly increased magnification of the object being examined, while providing a free space for approaching a tool to the object. Specifically, the two optical elements arranged as described provide a significant increase in the magnification of the object, while the spacer element maintains the object at a constant distance from the first optical element, thereby enabling a space for approaching the tool to be provided.

[0009] The second distance can be at least twice the first distance, preferably about five times longer than the first distance. Alternatively, the second distance can be at least one order of magnitude longer than the first distance. Note that the distance along the optical path can be significantly larger than the physical straight-line distance, especially when the optical path is bent and routed as described in more detail below.

[0010] The device can include only a camera, as well as the hardware and software for operating the camera, while a device optionally having a camera can include a mobile user device such as a smartphone or a tablet device. The device can also include a custom device that includes a camera, hardware and software, and optionally a screen and wireless communication capabilities.

[0011] The device may further comprise a body for defining an opening through which the anatomical structure of a human or animal is examined. The optical path preferably passes through this opening. The body may be an otoscope for positioning in the patient's external auditory canal. The device may comprise an ear mirror. The otoscope is disposed at the distal end of a spacer element which may be configured to provide a gap for accessing a tool into the external auditory canal through the otoscope.

[0012] The device may further comprise a third optical element disposed in the optical path at an intermediate image plane. The third optical element may encompass the overall image at the intermediate image plane. The third optical element may be arranged such that the first and second optical elements lie on a conjugate plane. Advantageously, this feature reduces the effect of astigmatism in the final image. The effect of astigmatism is caused by light at a higher field angle where the second optical element is off.

[0013] At least one, preferably each, optical element may consist of a lens. The first optical element may comprise two sets of doublet lenses.

[0014] The device may further comprise an aperture diaphragm disposed in the optical path. Here, the aperture diaphragm optically causes a reduction in the diameter at the entrance pupil of the device. The first optical element comprises two sets of doublet lenses and the aperture diaphragm is disposed between the two sets of doublet lenses. This deepens the depth of field of the final image by increasing the F-number of the optical system.

[0015] The device may further comprise a mirror device having a plurality of mirrors arranged to displace the optical path away from an axis extending between the first optical element and the final image plane and then to deflect it towards this axis. Thereby, the optical path becomes longer than the distance between the first optical element and the final image plane. The plurality of mirrors may deflect the optical path along a path that is substantially parallel and close to the distal surface of the device, i.e., parallel to the back of the mobile device. This provides the advantage of enabling part of the optical path to be refracted and providing a smaller and more ergonomic device while maintaining sufficient free space for approaching the tool.

[0016] The first optical element may be achromatic. The front focal length of the first optical element may be about 80 mm or more, preferably 100 mm or more. The front focal length of the first optical element may be about 180 mm or less, preferably 150 mm or less. The refractive power of the second optical element may be about 3 diopters or more, preferably 5 diopters or more. The refractive power of the second optical element may be about 25 diopters or less, preferably 23 diopters or less. The optical magnification of the device may be about 8 or more, preferably 11 or more. 1 diopter = 1 m -1 It should be noted that it is.

[0017] The device may further comprise a lighting device. This lighting device comprises a powered light source, preferably a plurality of white LEDs. The device may further comprise an optical device configured to direct light from the powered light source towards the object. The powered light source may be provided by the device. It may be, for example, flash light associated with the device's camera. The lighting device further comprises an electronic circuit for controlling the powered light source, and further comprises means for mounting the powered light source and the electronic circuit on a spacer element. The optical device may comprise a collimator. Advantageously, the lighting configuration increases the illuminance of the final image for better image quality. The device may further comprise a power source for supplying power to the light source, preferably a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and may further comprise an electronic circuit for controlling this power source. The device may further comprise a handle. The power source and the electronic circuit for controlling the power source may be arranged on the handle.

[0018] The attached application may be provided for a mobile computing device having a camera that receives images from the device described above. Such an application may be configured to crop the image, digitally enlarge the image, and / or invert the image in real time.

[0019] This application may further be configured to control and set other parameters associated with this system. For example, it may be programmed to control the intensity, frequency, and beam width of the powered light source and to control the diameter of one or more apertures of the device.

[0020] According to another aspect, the present specification describes a method for magnifying an object for a device having a camera. The method comprises: placing a first optical element at a first location to provide an image of the object on an intermediate image plane; placing a second optical element at a second location to optically enlarge the intermediate image plane so as to provide a final image on a final image plane; Attaching a first and a second optical element to the device at a fixed position with respect to the device such that the aperture of the camera in the device is supported on the final image plane; Including the step of maintaining the first optical element at a certain distance from the object through the use of a spacer element; 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; The second optical element is disposed in the optical path between the intermediate image plane and the final image plane; A first distance along the optical path from the intermediate image plane to the final image plane is significantly shorter than a second distance along the optical path from the first optical element to the intermediate image plane.

[0021] As described above, the embodiment can provide a significantly increased magnification of the object being examined, while providing free space for approaching tools to the object.

[0022] The method may further include the step of arranging a third optical element in the optical path at the intermediate image plane. The third optical element encompasses the entire image in the intermediate image, and the first and second optical elements are arranged such that they lie on conjugate planes.

[0023] The method may further include the step of arranging a plurality of mirrors to move the optical path away from an axis extending between the first optical element and the final image plane and then bend it towards this axis. Thus, the optical path becomes longer than the distance between the first optical element and the final image plane. The method may further include the step of arranging a plurality of mirrors for bending the optical path towards a plane substantially parallel and close to the distal surface of the device. The method may further include the step of setting the optical elements and the plurality of mirrors in a housing. This housing is partially or fully sealed and provides space for the optical path through one or more internal cavities.

[0024] The method may further include illuminating an object using a powered light source and associated optical devices. This light source is preferably a plurality of white LEDs. The powered light source may be provided by a device. The method may further include controlling the powered light source using an electronic circuit and attaching this electronic circuit to a spacer element. The method may further include connecting a handle to the spacer element. The method may further include supplying power to the powered light source using a power supply and associated electronic circuits. The power supply and associated electronic circuits may be disposed on the handle.

[0025] The functions of any system as described herein may be provided as method features and vice versa. When used herein, functional features in addition to means features may alternatively be expressed in terms of their corresponding structures.

[0026] Any function in one aspect of the present invention may be applied to other aspects of the present invention in any suitable combination. Specifically, method aspects may be applied to system aspects and vice versa. Further, any, some, and / or all functions in one aspect may be applied to any, some, and / or all functions in any other aspect in any suitable combination.

[0027] It should also be understood that specific combinations of various functions described and defined in any aspect of the present invention can be implemented, applied, and / or used independently.

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1a

Figure 1b

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 2c

Figure 2d

Figure 2e

Figure 3

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Figure 5a

Figure 5b

Figure 6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, an apparatus 100 for providing an enlargement of an object 102 for a device having a camera according to a first embodiment, which is a mobile user device in this embodiment, will be described next. The apparatus includes a first optical element 104 at a first location 106 and a second optical element 112. The first optical element 104 provides an image 108 of the object 102 at an intermediate image plane 110. Next, the image 108 is optically enlarged by the second optical element 112 to provide a final image 114 at 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 longer than the distance from the intermediate image plane 110 to the second optical element 112.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1b, 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 lie on conjugate planes.

[0032] In both embodiments, a spacer element (not shown in FIGS. 1a or 1b) maintains a constant separation between the first optical element 104 and the object 102. Means (also not illustrated in FIGS. 1a or 1b) for attaching the apparatus 100 in a fixed position relative to the mobile user device are provided such that the camera aperture of the mobile user device is supported at the final image plane 116. At least one, preferably each, optical element is a lens or a lens system.

[0033] The length of the optical path 118 taken between two locations refers to the distance along the optical path 118 and is different from the shortest spatial distance between the two locations. The distance along the optical path 118 from the intermediate image plane 110 to the final image plane 116 is significantly shorter than the distance along the optical path 118 from the intermediate image plane 110 to the first optical element 104.

[0034] FIGS. 1A and 1B are not drawn to scale, and it should be noted that the distance between the first optical element 104 and the object surface 102 can be longer than the spatial distance between the optical elements 104, 112 and also longer than the spatial distance between the first optical element 104 and the image plane 116. That is, the spacer element is arranged to provide a gap large enough to allow access by a surgical tool or other device.

[0035] To avoid ambiguity, the end of the device 100 closest to the object 102, i.e., the end furthest from the user, is referred to as the distal end. The end of the device 100 closest to the mobile user device, i.e., the end closest to the user, is referred to as the proximal end.

[0036] The second optical element 112 is arranged to reduce the minimum focal length (and effective focal length) of the camera and to enable the image 108 to be placed near the final image plane 116 for the focused final image 114.

[0037] The device 100 can be used for medical examinations and any associated procedures. Thus, by way of example, the device 100 can be incorporated into a medical device such as an otoscope, an endoscope, or an ophthalmoscope, or be implemented with a medical device, to examine inner or outer anatomical structures.

[0038] In one example, the first optical element 104 has a focal length of approximately 100 to 150 mm and is disposed along the optical path 118 at approximately one focal length away from the object 102. Thus, the intermediate image plane 110 is approximately 300 mm from the first optical element 104 along the optical path 118. As in this example, magnification can be achieved using the first optical element 104 and is obtained as the ratio of the distance along the optical path 118 from the first optical element 104 to the object 102 to the distance along the optical path 118 from the first optical element 104 to the intermediate image plane 110. The second optical element 112 has a refractive power of approximately 10 diopters, reduces the minimum focal length of the camera by a factor of 1.6, and the combination with the first optical element 104 has a magnification of approximately 3.2 (equal to 2×1.6, 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 diopters, the minimum focal length is reduced by approximately 2.4 times and a magnification of approximately 4.8 is achieved. Advantageously, this device 100 achieves approximately 8× magnification with a second optical element 112 of 10 diopters and approximately 11× magnification with a second optical element 112 of 23 diopters, compared to using only the camera at a similar separation from the object 102.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2a, the apparatus 100 with an otoscope according to a second embodiment will next be described. Means for attaching the apparatus 100 to a fixed position relative to the mobile user device 200 includes a housing 204 from which a spacer element 206 extends distally. A handle 208 and an otoscope 210 are coupled to the spacer element 206, and the otoscope 210 defines an opening through which an anatomical structure of a human or animal, such as a patient's ear canal, can be examined. The otoscope 210 is disposed at the distal end of the spacer element 206 and is placed in the patient's ear canal during operation of the apparatus 100. This provides a constant separation between the object 102 (ear canal) and the first optical element 104. The gap 212 is large enough to allow access to the ear canal through the otoscope 210 with a tool and is suitable for medical procedures such as micro suction.

[0040] The apparatus 100 further includes a mirror device 220 having a plurality of mirrors 222 for deflecting the optical path 218 away from and then redirecting it from an axis extending between the first optical element 104 and the final image plane 116. Thus, the optical path 218 is longer than the distance between the first optical element 104 and the final image plane 116. The plurality of mirrors 222 are preferably a plurality of planar mirrors having a diameter of, for example, about 10 mm or 12.5 mm. The aperture of the camera 202 is shown in FIG. 2a as being supported by the final image plane 116. In one example corresponding to FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2e, the boundary dimensions of the housing 204 are approximately 80 mm × 30 mm × 170 mm.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2c, the plurality of mirrors 222 can deflect the optical path 218 to a plane that is substantially parallel and close to the distal surface (i.e., the back surface) of the mobile user device 200. There are several other refractive arrangements. For example, another arrangement is shown in FIG. 2d. In the example of FIG. 2c, the boundary dimensions of the housing 204 are approximately 20 mm × 50 mm × 120 mm.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, the first optical element 104 in the apparatus 100 according to an alternative embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the first optical element 104 comprises two sets of achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302 arranged in opposed orientations. As illustrated in FIG. 3 by way of example of a ray 320, the achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302 have one infinite conjugate. This means that the ray 320 forms a parallel beam between the achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302. By using the achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302, chromatic aberration, which may cause chromatic edge artifacts, is reduced. The performance of the achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302 is to limit diffraction when the apparatus 100 has an angular field of view of less than about 5°, which means that common forms of other aberrations, such as spherical aberration, coma aberration, and astigmatism, are reduced. The achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302 may not be identical. Their focal lengths (equivalent to the front focal length and the rear focal length of the first optical element 104 respectively) differ depending on the distances from the first optical element 104 to the object 102 and the intermediate image plane 110 respectively.

[0043] The first optical element 104 further comprises an aperture stop 310 disposed between the achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302. The aperture stop 310 results in a reduction in the diameter of the entrance pupil in the apparatus 100. The entrance pupil is the smallest optical aperture in the apparatus 100 along the optical path 118. This has the effect of increasing the F-number of the aperture of the apparatus 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 becomes shallower as a result of the magnification. To compensate for this, a deeper depth of field is achieved by increasing the F-number. In some embodiments, the diameter of the aperture stop 310 may be adjusted between a plurality of different sizes.

[0044] In one example, both the distal achromatic doublet lens 300 and the proximal achromatic doublet lens 302 have an effective focal length of 100 - 150 mm and are separated from each other by a gap of 1 mm. The aperture stop 310 has an aperture diameter of 6.3 mm. The third optical element 120 has an effective focal length of 30 mm and is disposed approximately 148 mm proximal along the optical path 118 from the proximal achromatic doublet lens 302. The second optical element 112 has a refractive power of 12.5 diopters and is disposed approximately 30 mm proximal along the optical path 118 from the third optical element 120 and 1 mm distal along the optical path 118 from the final image plane 116. The closest focal plane is located approximately 147 mm distal from the distal achromatic doublet lens 300 and 5 mm from the distal end of the eyepiece 210. At the closest focal plane, the depth of field is 2 mm and the F-number is 3. The farthest focal plane is located 17 mm distal from the closest focal plane, and the depth of field at the farthest focal plane is 2.6 mm. The optical elements 104, 112, 120 in this example have a diameter of 12.5 mm. The optical characteristics of the apparatus 100 can be designed to conform to a specific optical system in a specific mobile user device. This enables the quality of the final image 114 to be appropriately adjusted, particularly with respect to the depth of field and the focus range.

[0045] In a similar example, the aperture stop 310 has an aperture diameter of 3 mm, and the optical elements 104, 112, 120 have a diameter of 8 mm. In this example, the closest focal plane is located 5 mm from the distal end of the eyepiece 210, and the farthest focal plane is located 16.8 mm distal from the closest focal plane. The depths of field at the closest and farthest focal planes are 7.7 mm and 9.6 mm, respectively. The F-number at the closest focal plane is 6.3.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, according to a preferred embodiment described below, the apparatus 100 further includes an illumination device 400. The illumination device 400 includes a powered light source 410 and an optical device 420 configured to direct light from the powered light source 410 to the object 102. The illumination device 400 is attached to the apparatus 100, for example, in a microscope (see FIG. 4a) or substantially adjacent to the mobile user device 200 (see FIG. 4b). As shown in FIG. 4b, the powered light source 410 is supplied by the mobile user device 200; or the powered light source 410 is a plurality of white LEDs. The optical device 420 is a collimator for collimating the light emitted from the powered light source 410. Thus, by guiding additional light to the object 102, the illuminance of the object 102 in the final image 114 is increased, providing good image quality regardless of the part of the aperture 100, such as the aperture stop 310, that can reduce the available light.

[0047] The illumination device 400 further includes an electronic circuit 502 for controlling the powered light source 410 and means for attaching the powered light source 410 and the electronic circuit 502 to the apparatus 100, including positioning them internally in the above-described parts. The illumination device 400 further includes a power supply 504 for supplying power to the light source 410 and an electronic circuit 506 for controlling the power supply. The power supply 504 is preferably a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. In addition, the apparatus 100 includes a charging stand.

[0048] In one example shown in FIGS. 4a, 5a, and 5b, the illumination device 400 is disposed on the inspection mirror 210. In this arrangement, the powered light source 410 comprises a ring of white LEDs. This ring is disposed on a printed circuit board printed in a circular shape extending around the outer periphery of the inspection mirror 210. The optical device 420 extends around a portion of the inner contour in the inspection mirror 210 and is coupled to the powered light source 410 to direct light along the length of the inspection mirror 210 towards the object 102. The electronic circuit 502 and the button 510 operable by the user to activate the powered light source 410 are disposed on the spacer element 206. The power supply 504 and the associated circuit 506 are disposed on the handle 208 and provide a counterweight to the mobile user device 200. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements of the light source and its associated power supply may be provided.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5b, the charging stand 520 is configured to receive the handle 208 of the device 100 in order to charge the power supply 504. The charging stand 520 includes a charging stand cover 522 and a cable 526 for connection to an external power supply. The cable 526 is coupled to the charging stand 520 via a cable storage system 528 to mechanically bias the cable 526 towards the cover 522. For example, the cable storage system 528 may include a plurality of springs and pulleys. An electronic circuit 524 for controlling the charging of the power supply 504 is disposed within the charging stand 520. Thus, the charging stand 520 provides means for charging the power supply 504 of the device 100.

[0050] In the above-described embodiment of the apparatus 100, the optical elements 104, 112, 120 may be further configured to provide a three-dimensional final image 114, for example, via the arrangement of one or more mirrors, lenses, and / or prisms. The camera 202 may be a stereo camera, and the mobile user device 200 may include built-in hardware for displaying such a stereo image, such as an autostereoscopic screen, for example. Alternatively, the mobile user device 200 may be connected to external viewing hardware, such as binocular glasses, suitable for the user. Advantageously, this enables the user to view a double 2D image of the object 102 and provides a sense of depth.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 6, next, an application 600 operable with all of the foregoing embodiments will be described. The application 600 receives the final image 114 in digital format via one or more image sensors in the camera 202 of the mobile user device 200. The application 600 is configured to select any number of operations 610 in the image and generate 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. In addition, the application 600 is operable to cause a change in the configuration in the apparatus 100 using any number of selections of configuration controls 620. Thus, the application 600 can be used to enable further enrichment of digital images and optimally display the image 114 of the object 102 to the user.

[0052] In one example, operation 610 includes cropping 612, digital zoom 614, and / or real-time image inversion 616. Cropping 612 and digital zoom 614 can maximize the target area in image 114 on the screen. Zoom 614 can zoom the image excessively, that is, zoom beyond a one-to-one mapping between the sensor pixels of camera 202 and the screen pixels. The optical element of device 100 can be configured such that the final image shows an inverted version of object 102. Real-time image inversion 616 makes it possible to correct this inaccurate display.

[0053] In another example, configuration control 620 includes controlling the illuminance 622 of object 102 and the aperture 624 in the optical system of device 100. Illuminance control 622 communicates with lighting device 400 via electronic circuits 502, 506, and changes, for example, the intensity, frequency, and beam width of power source 410. Aperture control 624 adjusts the diameter of one or more adjustable apertures present in device 100, such as aperture diaphragm 310 or an internal aperture, in camera 202 of mobile user device 200. Those skilled in the art should understand that other adjustable elements of device 100 can be controlled in application 600 by appropriate electromechanical communication. Similarly, this application can be implemented without configuration control 620.

[0054] In all of the above embodiments and examples, some or all of the zooming can be implemented using optical elements other than lenses, such as mirrors and / or prisms. Sufficient quality of the optical elements (including lenses, mirrors, and prisms) is used assuming that the optical performance of device 100 is diffraction-limited. Effects such as field curvature and geometric distortion are not important when a sufficiently small angle of view is used as described above.

[0055] The device 100 can be used for other medical examination scopes other than the medical examination of the external auditory canal. For example, the device 100 may be used for the examination of the nose, throat, and mouth, including assistance with dental procedures. The device 100 can also be used for external examinations such as the examination of the eyeball or the skin surface. For this purpose, specialized fixtures such as restraints or supports may be required. Different bodies for defining the opening can be provided at the distal end of the spacer element for different specific use cases. For example, an endoscope designed for use in a patient's mouth or body that defines an aperture through which the surface of the patient's skin can be examined is conceivable. The device can be used for veterinarians in the same way as for human medical use.

[0056] While many of the above examples are directed towards medical examinations, the described device 100 can also be used in the scope of applications in other industries. These can include, but are not limited to, processing quality control, inspecting electronic circuits, and analyzing items for forensic purposes. The device 100 can be used to detect surface defects such as cracks in the processed material as part of a quality control process. Alternatively, physical and biological items can be non-invasively analyzed for forensic investigations using the described device 100.

[0057] Although specific structures are shown, any suitable hardware or software structure can be utilized. The above embodiments and examples should be understood as illustrative examples. Other embodiments, aspects, or examples are conceivable. Any feature described with respect to any one embodiment, aspect, or example can be used alone or in combination with other described features. Further, any one or more features of any other embodiment, aspect, or example, or any combination of any other embodiment, aspect, or example can be used in combination. Additionally, equivalents and modifications not described above can be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for providing object magnification to a device having a camera, comprising: a first optical element disposed at a first location for providing an intermediate image of the object at an intermediate image plane; a second optical element disposed at a second location for optically magnifying the intermediate image to provide a final image at a final image plane; a spacer element for maintaining the first optical element at a constant distance from the object; an optical path extending between the first optical element and the final image plane; Equipped with the intermediate image plane and the second optical element are disposed along the optical path; the second optical element is disposed in the optical path between the intermediate image plane and the final image plane; the optical path defines a first distance from the intermediate image plane to the final image plane and a second distance from the first optical element to the intermediate image plane; The first distance is greater than the second distance. Device.

2. Further comprising a device having a camera, The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the device having a camera comprises a mobile user device.

3. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising means for mounting said apparatus in a fixed position relative to said device having a camera such that a camera aperture in said device having a camera is supported at said final image plane.

4. a body for defining an opening through which an object of the human or animal anatomy is optionally examined; the body being a speculum for placement in a patient's ear canal; the speculum is disposed at a distal end of the spacer element; An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spacer element is configured to provide a gap for access of a tool through the speculum to the ear canal.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 comprising an otoscope.

6. Further comprising a third optical element; the third optical element encompasses an entire image at the intermediate image plane; 6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the third optical element is disposed in the optical path at the intermediate image plane, and the first optical element and the second optical element are positioned such that they lie on a conjugate plane.

7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first optical element comprises two pairs of doublet lenses.

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an aperture stop disposed in the optical path, the aperture stop optically effecting a reduction in diameter at an entrance pupil of the apparatus, the first optical element comprising two sets of doublet lenses, the aperture stop being disposed between the two sets of doublet lenses.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mirror device comprising a plurality of mirrors for redirecting the optical path away from an axis extending between the first optical element and the final image surface and then towards the axis, whereby the optical path is longer than the distance between the first optical element and the final image surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the mirrors divert the optical path to a plane substantially parallel to and proximate to a distal face of the device having a camera.

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first optical element is achromatic.

12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first optical element has a front focal length of about 80mm or more, preferably 100mm or more.

13. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first optical element has a front focal length of about 180mm or less, preferably 150mm or less.

14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second optical element has a refractive power of about 3 diopters or more, preferably 5 diopters or more.

15. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second optical element has a refractive power of about 25 diopters or less, preferably 23 diopters or less.

16. 16. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture has an optical magnification of about 8 or more, preferably 11 or more.

17. a powered light source, preferably a lighting device having a plurality of white LEDs; electronic circuitry for controlling the powered light source; means for mounting the powered light source and the electronic circuitry to the spacer element; Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the powered light source is provided by the device.

18. an optical device configured to direct light from the powered light source to the object; The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the optical device comprises a collimator.

19. a power source, preferably a rechargeable lithium ion battery, for powering said light source; an electronic circuit for controlling the power supply; A handle, 19. The device of claim 17 or 18, wherein the power source and electronic circuitry for controlling the power source are disposed in the handle.

20. An application on a mobile computing device having a camera receiving images from an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising: To crop the image, digitally enlarging said image; and / or To invert the image in real time, Consists of To control the intensity, frequency, and beam width of the powered light source; and to control the diameter of one or more openings in the device; Further comprising,the application.

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