Electronic magnifier

Abstract

To provide an electronic magnifier that enables weak-sighted people, people with impaired vision and elderly people to enjoy reading, painting, checking newspaper articles, or the like with ease or easily check the contents of letters, postcards, contracts, or the like.SOLUTION: An electronic magnifier which displays a camera video of an object placed on a table captured by a camera on a display includes a control unit for performing image processing of the camera video and outputting the processed camera video to the display, and a camera holding mechanism for holding the camera. The camera holding mechanism and the camera are arranged out of a line of sight between an observer and the display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic magnifiers for use by individuals, particularly those with low vision and the elderly. [Background technology]

[0002] When electronic magnifiers are used for industrial purposes, they are generally assumed to be performed by a dedicated person who sets the object in front of the camera and performs a series of operations to project the camera image onto a large screen or large display, and multiple observers are expected to view the display. In order for multiple observers to view the same display, they must be spaced apart, which inevitably results in a large display.

[0003] On the other hand, electronic magnifiers have the function of enlarging and displaying minute details in objects and documents such as books, newspaper articles, paintings, letters, postcards, and contracts, which are difficult for observers, especially elderly people and those with weak eyesight, to recognize more easily.

[0004] When used for home or personal use, the user, especially the visually impaired or elderly, must capture minute details with a camera, project this onto a screen or display, and simultaneously act as an observer to view the details in order to recognize them.

[0005] When used by people with low vision or the elderly, the display on the control panel needs to be large, easy to see, and easy to operate, and because some people have poor eyesight or physical strength, it needs to be possible to observe with minimal effort.

[0006] Furthermore, using a computer or smartphone requires passwords and other complicated operations, which can be a burden for people with weak eyesight and the elderly. Therefore, it is desirable to have a dedicated device that can be used as simply as possible by simply turning it on.

[0007] It is also possible to use a smartphone as an electronic magnifier. Smartphones are widely used as devices that many people can easily use, but for example, if you want to use the smartphone's camera function to scan an object (such as a newspaper) and enlarge it to read it, simply turning on the smartphone will not perform the desired function. You must enter a password, select the camera from a number of menus, understand the meaning of the many submenus displayed within that menu, select photo, determine the flash and timer mode, and finally press the photo switch.

[0008] More specifically, (1) Identify the area you want to read, such as a newspaper, and move the camera roughly. (2) Pinch to adjust the camera display magnification (3) Move the camera field of view (4) Once your field of vision is determined (5) Check the location of the photo switch and press it. (6) Press the photo review switch to display the photos you have taken and adjust the display magnification by pinching, etc. (7) Read the article (8) Scroll to the end of the article and read If there are more, go back to (1) and repeat the above steps.

[0009] One of the major burdens of this action for elderly people is that they are not used to the numerous operations. However, in addition to steps (1) to (5), they also move the smartphone to the location in the newspaper they want to read, check the article content on the smartphone screen, adjust the display position of the article, and press the photo switch to prevent blurring. During this process, they also need to hold the smartphone at a constant height to prevent it from shifting. If they continually move to the desired location, they will need to remember the location of the smartphone and move it accordingly, which is a significant burden for observers with reduced physical strength. Furthermore, even if they manage to take a photo, the smartphone screen is small, and depending on the magnification, the information display is likely to be choppy.

[0010] In addition, when many observers hold a smartphone in their hands while using it, the distance and position between the observer's eyes and the smartphone are constantly changing, and the ciliary muscles and eye muscles are constantly working to focus and track the direction.When the flexibility of the lens is lost or muscle strength decreases with aging, for example, excessive strain is placed on the ciliary muscles, causing eye fatigue.

[0011] It is possible to obtain a magnified image similar to that of a smartphone using the camera attached to a computer, but in addition to the same problems as those of smartphones mentioned above, the weight and size are several times that of a smartphone, making it painful to hold the computer at a constant height to prevent the image from shifting focus.

[0012] Alternatively, you can use a scanner to capture the document you want to read as a scanned image, then import the scanned image into a computer to obtain an enlarged image. In this case, in addition to operating the computer and files, you also need to understand and operate the scanner. The operating procedure is quite complicated, and those who are not familiar with it can have a hard time. In addition, scanners have limitations on the size, thickness, and hardness of documents, so you need to make a judgment as to whether or not they can be scanned.

[0013] As described above, there were challenges in observing magnified images using conventional PCs or smartphones.

[0014] Meanwhile, there is a device that allows an observer to obtain a magnified image simply by holding a camera over a document to be read. According to Patent Document 1, the device has the following configuration: Specifically, the device comprises a main body case, a display unit provided on the top surface of the main body case, a reading unit provided on the bottom surface of the main body case, and a control unit that enlarges the image read by the reading unit and displays it on the display unit. With this configuration, the main body case is placed on, for example, a book, and the control unit enlarges the image read by the reading unit and displays it on the display unit. In other words, the electronic magnifier disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a camera and display unit integrated into one unit, making it compact and highly portable.

[0015] Patent Document 2 describes a document camera device that includes, for example, a video camera body that captures an image of an object, converts the captured image into a video signal, and outputs the video signal; an arm attached to one end of the video camera body; a video camera support to which the other end of the arm is attached; a mount to which the video camera support is detachably attached; an operation unit on the mount; and an anti-tip mechanism that prevents the video camera support from tipping over when the video camera support is attached to the mount. There is also a description of connecting this document camera to a projector. Note that in this document, the terms camera and video camera are synonymous. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0016] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-161682 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-211350 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0017] To provide an electronic magnifying glass that allows even weak-sighted people, people with poor eyesight, and the elderly to easily enjoy reading, painting, checking newspaper articles, etc., or to easily check the contents of letters, postcards, contracts, etc., in view of the above circumstances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] The inventor of the present application has found that when an individual uses an electronic magnifying glass to observe objects and materials such as books and newspapers, Condition 1) The observer is positioned normally opposite one side of the table. Condition 2) The display is (1) The distance between the observer and the display should be kept at a distance that does not cause fatigue in the observer's ciliary muscles, which control the adjustment of vision, even when staring at the display for a long period of time. (2) When the observer looks at the materials and the display alternately, the materials and the display are placed in front of the observer at a distance that makes it easy for the observer to focus, so that the observer feels less fatigued. (3) Arrange an object that can display the image of the real field of view captured by the camera with sufficient resolution and magnification for the observer. Condition 3) The object should be placed in front of the observer, and when the observer moves the material, etc., and alternates between looking at the material and the display, the positioning should be such that there is little movement of the neck or eyes, and fatigue from repeated adjustments is minimized. Condition 4) For the observer, the area to be enlarged of the object to be observed must be located approximately in front of the observer, and there must be no obstacles and it must be easy for the observer to manually move the object and change the camera's imaging area. There must also be no obstacles and it must be easy for the observer to move the camera and change the imaging area. Condition 5) The resolution of the camera must be such that the observer can distinguish the fine details of the minute information being observed. Condition 6) Both the camera and the camera support part that attaches the other end of the arm attached to the camera are (1) It does not obstruct the view of the observer to the display. (2) The positioning must be such that there are few obstacles to the movement of the object relative to the camera. (3) When moving the camera, it is light and easy, and no correction operations other than movement are required. Condition 7) Easy-to-use control panel and layout. Control panel with large, easy-to-read display. When the object needs to be moved, the control panel must not be hidden under the material or obstruct operation. Condition 8) Guidelines for the observer to write or sign while looking at the magnified image must be displayed on the display. Condition 9) It is possible to select a light source that produces minimal halation from the light source material. Condition 10) The device must be lightweight and compact, with the installation area of ​​the following parts being as small as possible and easy to handle. (1) Display (2) Camera, camera arm, and camera support or camera arm stand (3) Control unit, operation unit, etc. We have come to the conclusion that the more the above conditions are satisfied, the smaller the equipment footprint, the more compact it is, the less physical movement is required, and the less adjustment of vision is required by the observer during observation, i.e., the less physical strain is placed on the observer.

[0019] [Problems with Patent Document 1] The problem with the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is that there is an issue with operability. According to the configuration of Patent Document 1, a display unit, which is a display, is provided on the top surface of the main body case, and a reading unit, which is a camera, is provided on the bottom surface of the main body case, resulting in a compact and highly portable device, which is highly rated.

[0020] On the other hand, in light of the above conditions, it is desirable to arrange the display to satisfy condition 2) such that it is large enough to display an image of the field of view captured by the camera that is wide enough for the observer to see, at a sufficient display magnification. However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 integrates the camera and display into the main body, which means that the main body must be easily moved manually over the material, which places limitations on size and weight. In order to make it easier to grasp the content of the material, it may be desirable to set the camera's field of view wide, but the wider the camera's field of view, the smaller the display magnification displayed on the display. While a larger display allows for a higher display magnification, it becomes bulky, increases the weight placed on the material, and reduces operability.

[0021] Conversely, if the camera's field of view is narrowed and the display magnification is increased, for example, if the device is placed on top of horizontally written text with the device tilted to the right, the image displayed on the display unit of the main body case will also be tilted, and if you scroll the screen in this state in the direction the text is being read, that is, to the right (move the main body), the more you scroll to the right, the more the text on the line you are currently reading will disappear, for example, diagonally upwards.

[0022] Therefore, in order to read the rest of the text, the observer must first move the screen to the right, and then, while in that state, move the screen upwards, repeating this process, before finally being able to read the line of text. In other words, when the field of view is narrow, the observer must perform the above-mentioned left-right, up-down, and right-left movements to read several lines of text. This violates condition 6)(3) of the 10 conditions for observing documents, so some kind of countermeasure is necessary, which places a heavy burden on the observer. The same is true for vertically written text.

[0023] As described above, when observing, every time the device needs to be moved or the field of view needs to be adjusted, the observer must adjust the focus or shift their line of sight, i.e., frequently exercise the ciliary muscles and eye muscles, which can easily cause eye fatigue. Furthermore, as the flexibility of the lens decreases with age and muscle strength declines, excessive strain is placed on the ciliary muscles used for focusing, causing eye fatigue.

[0024] [Problems with Patent Document 2] Patent Document 2 introduces a document camera device. This is a combination of a camera device and a projector, and because the screen is used as a display to magnify the imaged object, the display magnification can be increased, which in turn widens the camera's field of view, making it easier to grasp the general situation and display in an easy-to-read format. Recently, cameras with HDMI (registered trademark) and USB outputs have become available, making it possible to connect them to PCs, TVs, and LCD displays. As shown in Figure 1, this document camera device is defined by at least the following A+B. A = video camera body; an arm having one end attached to the video camera body; The arm is assumed to be an R-θ type, but the other end of the arm is attached to a video camera support part, B = A mounting base for detachably mounting the video camera support unit; The document camera device is provided with a tip-over prevention mechanism that is provided on the mount base and prevents the video camera support unit from tipping over when the video camera support unit is attached to the mount base.

[0025] Or, instead of B, B1 = a mounting base for detachably mounting the video camera support unit; This mounting base is provided, and by clamping and tightening the object to be mounted, a clamping and fixing portion for fixing the mounting base to the object to be mounted.

[0026] Or, instead of B, B2 = This video camera support part can be detachably attached, and can be attached to the video camera body part. The input video signal is converted into video light and projected, When the video camera is attached to the video camera support part, a projector body that forms a document stage together with the video camera support; A data projector equipped with a document camera device.

[0027] In Patent Document 2, the positions of the camera, display, operator, and observer are not clear, and it seems to assume that there are multiple observers for one object or camera operator. In other words, the camera operator is almost entirely focused on operating the camera, and the observer is only looking at the display.

[0028] For this reason, it is up to the operator to consider how to make the display easier for the operator to see, how to adjust the positioning of the operator and the materials, and how to easily adjust the tilt angle of the camera relative to the materials.

[0029] Now, using the configuration of Patent Document 2, we will consider what arrangement would be preferable when the operator on the camera side is also the observer, taking a newspaper (open spread approximately 56 cm high x 80 cm wide) as an example of the material.

[0030] First, in Patent Document 2, A+B, The document camera device includes a video camera main body and an arm having one end attached to the video camera body; a video camera support portion to which the other end of the arm is attached; The video camera support unit is comprised of a mount for detachably mounting the video camera support unit and a tip-over prevention mechanism, so that the video camera can be installed above the material, and the video camera support unit can be installed to the side of the material or behind the display.

[0031] In addition, in Patent Document 2, A+B1, The document camera device includes a video camera main body and an arm having one end attached to the video camera body; a video camera support portion to which the other end of the arm is attached; The video camera support unit is comprised of a mounting base for detachably mounting the video camera support unit and a clamping and fixing unit.

[0032] As a result, the video camera is connected to the arm, video camera support, mounting base and clamping fixture, and the video camera can be installed above the material, and the video camera support can be installed to the side of the material or behind the display.

[0033] In Patent Document 2, A+B2, The document camera device includes a video camera main body and an arm having one end attached to the video camera body; a video camera support portion to which the other end of the arm is attached; The video camera support part is detachably attached to the video camera body part. The input video signal is converted into video light and projected, When the video camera is attached to the video camera support part, a projector body forming a document stage together with the video camera support; It is configured as a data projector with a document camera device.

[0034] As a result, the document camera device has the camera connected to the arm, the video camera support, and the projector body, and the camera can be installed above the material and the video camera support to the side of the material or behind the display.

[0035] Considering the 10 conditions for observing materials in the above arrangement, if the screen or display projecting the image from the projector is placed in front of the observer and the object is placed in front of the observer, and if the device of Patent Document 2 is placed with the part that connects to the camera directly in front of the observer, it is likely that the camera, the camera main body, or the camera support part that attaches the other end of the arm attached to the camera main body will be within the field of view of the display seen by the observer, violating condition 6) (1) The camera, the camera main body, or the camera support part that attaches the other end of the arm attached to the camera main body must not obstruct the observer's field of view of the display. This makes operation cumbersome and requires a solution.

[0036] Furthermore, if the part that connects to the camera is located in front of the observer, it will interfere with the left and right movement of the observer's arm, which violates the condition "Condition 6) (2) The position should be such that there is minimal obstruction to the movement of the object relative to the camera." This makes operation cumbersome and requires measures to be taken.

[0037] Furthermore, when the device of Patent Document 2 is arranged with the camera and the part connected to the camera to the right or left of the observer, as shown in Figure 2, in accordance with condition 6) (2) of the 10 conditions for observing materials, "the arrangement must present minimal obstacles when the object is moved relative to the camera," if the camera and the part connected to the camera are arranged within a range that satisfies the condition that when the observer moves the area of ​​the object (for example, a newspaper approximately 56 cm high x 80 cm wide) that they wish to enlarge laterally within the camera's field of view, the range of lateral movement of the object > {80 cm wide - horizontal size of the camera's field of view}, an arm length of approximately 80 cm in a straight line is required, and measures are therefore required in terms of load-bearing capacity, an anti-tip mechanism, and operation.

[0038] Additionally, for objects that are more than 80cm wide, further measures will be required, such as imposing restrictions on the size of the object.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, when the device in Patent Document 2 is used with only the camera and arm positioned in front of the display, i.e., on the observer's side, and the other connected parts positioned behind the display, the camera must be positioned above the object, so the camera and part of the arm pass over the display, and the remaining part connected to the arm that has passed over the display is positioned behind the display together with the operating unit, which goes against condition 7) of the 10 conditions for observing materials, which states that the operating unit should be easy to operate, making it virtually impossible to operate. This makes operation cumbersome, and improvements are needed.

[0040] Furthermore, when the device in Patent Document 2 is used with the camera and arm positioned in front, i.e., toward the observer, from below the outer frame of the display, and the other connecting parts are positioned below the outer frame of the display, the operating unit is positioned below the outer frame of the display, which contradicts condition 7) of the 10 conditions for observing materials, which states that the operating unit and layout should be easy to operate, making operation cumbersome and requiring improvement.

[0041] Furthermore, in the case of an R-θ type arm, regardless of the configuration described above, the distance or angle of the camera relative to the material changes depending on the direction of rotation of the rotary shaft built into the arm, so that focus position correction or angle correction is necessary each time the camera position is changed, which violates condition 4) and requires some kind of improvement. Furthermore, with an R-θ type, the camera's range of motion is circular, and the range of left and right movement is limited near the limit of movement. Furthermore, the arm must be folded to move it backward, and the camera cannot be moved further back than the space required for folding. The arm length is also increased by the amount of space required, so consideration must be given to its load-bearing capacity.

[0042] In particular, with arms that fold vertically, there is a high possibility that the observer's field of view will be obstructed, and some kind of countermeasure is necessary. In other words, with an R-θ type arm, some kind of countermeasure is necessary because it violates condition 6)(3) of the 10 conditions for observing materials. [Effects of the Invention]

[0043] When an observer focuses a camera on a sample and then projects the image onto a display, the distance between the observer and the display is, strictly speaking, the distance between the observer's eyes or eyeglasses and the display surface. If this distance is kept constant and minimizes eye strain, focusing through the lens's ciliary muscle accommodation will also be less tiring. The position of a flat display is fixed unless moved, and the observer's position is fixed at the edge of the table, so the distance between the display and the observer is also nearly constant, minimizing strain on the ciliary muscle and reducing eye fatigue. This is the greatest advantage of observing images projected onto a display from the edge of the table. If a camera or camera arm obstructs the observer's view of the display, the observer's ciliary muscle and eye muscles will unconsciously be used, contributing to eye strain. In this sense, it is important to avoid placing objects that obstruct the observer's view of the display.

[0044] The distance at which eyestrain is minimal varies from person to person, depending on whether one wears glasses or not, and one's age, and is something that should be managed by the individual. Distance adjustment can be done by moving the display position.

[0045] According to the present invention, an electronic magnifying glass is provided that enables even weak-sighted people, people with reduced eyesight, and elderly people to easily enjoy reading, checking pictures, newspaper articles, etc., or to easily check the contents of letters, postcards, contracts, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are a side view and a top view of the arm and its surroundings of a conventional electronic magnifier. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a top view of a conventional electronic magnifier. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a top view of a conventional electronic magnifier. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an electronic magnifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view of an electronic magnifier according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 20 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 20 is a plan view of an electronic magnifier according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 20 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 23 is a plan view of an electronic magnifier according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 23 is a front view of a display and an operating section of an electronic magnifier according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 23 is a rear view of the electronic magnifier according to the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the functions of the electronic magnifier according to a thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the functions of the electronic magnifier according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 23 is a plan view of the electronic magnifier for explaining the line drawing function of the electronic magnifier according to a fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 23] 20 is an image displayed on a display to explain the line drawing function of the electronic magnifier according to the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 24] 20 is an image displayed on a display to explain the line drawing function of the electronic magnifier according to the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a front view of a camera and a display for explaining halation. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a front view of a camera and a display for explaining halation. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a front view of a camera and a display for explaining halation. [Figure 28] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the camera holding part of the electronic magnifier according to the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 23 is a front view of a camera holder of an electronic magnifier according to a sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 20 is a front view of an electronic magnifier according to a seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 20 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 23 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to an eighteenth embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 23 is a front view of an electronic magnifier according to an eighteenth embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 23 is a side view of a portion of the electronic magnifier and a front view of the mobile lighting unit of the electronic magnifier according to the nineteenth embodiment. [Figure 35] 20 is a side view of a portion of an electronic magnifier and a front view of a mobile lighting unit of the electronic magnifier according to embodiment 20. FIG. [Figure 36] FIG. 21 is a front view of an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-first embodiment. [Figure 37] 21 is a side view of a portion of an electronic magnifier and a front view of a mobile lighting unit of the electronic magnifier according to a twenty-first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 38] 22 is a side view of a portion of an electronic magnifier and a front view of a mobile lighting unit of the electronic magnifier according to a twenty-second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 39] 23 is a side view of a portion of an electronic magnifier and a front view of a mobile lighting unit of the electronic magnifier according to the twenty-third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 40] FIG. 24 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-fourth embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 24 is a front view of an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-fourth embodiment. [Figure 42]FIG. 25 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-fifth embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 25 is a front view of an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-fifth embodiment. [Figure 44] FIG. 26 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-sixth embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 26 is a front view of an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-sixth embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 26 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-sixth embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 26 is a front view of the display and display stand of the electronic magnifier according to the twenty-sixth embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 26 is a front view of a camera stand for an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-sixth embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 26 is a top view of a camera stand for an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-sixth embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 27 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-seventh embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 27 is a front view of the display and display stand of the electronic magnifier according to the twenty-seventh embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 27 is a front view of a camera stand for an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-seventh embodiment. [Figure 53] FIG. 28 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-eighth embodiment. [Figure 54] FIG. 28 is a side view of the vicinity of the camera holder of the electronic magnifier according to the twenty-eighth embodiment. [Figure 55] FIG. 29 is a plan view of an electronic magnifier according to a twenty-ninth embodiment. [Figure 56] FIG. 29 is a side view of the vicinity of the camera holder of the electronic magnifier according to the twenty-ninth embodiment. [Figure 57] FIG. 30 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a thirtieth embodiment. [Figure 58] FIG. 31 is a front view of an electronic magnifier according to a thirty-first embodiment. [Figure 59] FIG. 31 is a front view of an electronic magnifier according to a thirty-first embodiment. [Figure 60] FIG. 31 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a thirty-first embodiment. [Figure 61]FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the height of the tip-over prevention mechanism. [Figure 62] FIG. 32 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a thirty-second embodiment. [Figure 63] FIG. 32 is a front view of an electronic magnifier according to a thirty-second embodiment. [Figure 64] FIG. 13 is a side view of an electronic magnifier according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 65] FIG. 13 is a front view of an electronic magnifier according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 66] FIG. 13 is a front view of a lower body of a display stand of an electronic magnifier according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 67] FIG. 13 is a top view of a lower body of a display stand of an electronic magnifier according to a ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic magnifying glass of the present invention is composed of a device for capturing an image of an object, i.e., a document, with a camera and displaying the image captured by the camera on a display. The object of the present invention refers to paper media such as books, newspaper articles, advertisements, photographs, letters, postcards, contracts, medical warnings, publicly distributed information, important documents, and other general documents.

[0048] [Embodiment 1] The electronic magnifier will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 6. The X axis is the left-right direction as seen by the observer, the Y axis is the front-back direction as seen by the observer, and the Z axis is the up-down direction (vertical direction). A display stand is placed in front of the observer, and the display is supported by the display stand. The observer operates the electronic magnifier to take a photo of a document placed on the stand with a camera, project the image onto the display, and read the document displayed on the display. The display may be installed on the same stand as the electronic magnifier, or in a different location.

[0049] Such an electronic magnifier includes at least one light (not shown) that illuminates an object, a control unit that performs image processing on the camera image and outputs the image to a display, and a camera holding mechanism that holds the camera.

[0050] Specifically, the camera holding mechanism comprises a camera arm to which the camera is attached and a camera holding part to which the camera is held. The camera holding part is attached to one end of the camera arm (referred to as "part of the camera arm" in the claims).

[0051] The camera holding unit is configured to hold the camera so that the camera and the material are approximately parallel and the camera's field of view is within the range of the focal depth. The camera holding unit holds the camera so that the position and angle of the camera can be adjusted. This is a function used when the need arises to correct the angle between the material and the camera. For example, the camera or the camera holding unit may be provided with a rotation mechanism that rotates the camera to any angle in the horizontal direction. This allows the camera holding unit to adjust the camera's angle relative to the object. Of course, the camera holding unit is not limited to a configuration that rotatably holds the camera, and may also be a configuration that simply fixes the camera.

[0052] The camera arm shown in Figures 4 and 5 is a rod-shaped member. The other end of the camera arm, which is the attachment part ("other part of the camera arm" in the claims), is engaged with the upper outer frame of the display. The camera is also approximately parallel to the mounting surface of the stand. Therefore, the camera arm and the camera held by it are out of the viewer's line of sight toward the display, ensuring visibility of the display.

[0053] If the observer wishes to move the image capture range of the material, he or she can move the material by hand. In this case, there is no theoretical obstacle to moving the material left or right, and all of the ten conditions for observing materials are almost satisfied except for conditions 8) and 9) and the fact that the camera position is fixed.

[0054] [Embodiment 2] As shown in Figure 6, the camera arm is not limited to a fixed type, but may be movable. For example, the camera arm may be an R-θ type. That is, the camera arm may be configured by connecting multiple rod-shaped members with a horizontal rotation axis that rotates or stops horizontally. In such a camera arm, the camera arm rotates horizontally at the joint where the rod-shaped members are connected. In an R-θ type camera arm with a joint that rotates the camera arm horizontally, the camera moves horizontally and the distance between the camera and the material is constant, but the camera angle changes each time the camera moves, so the changed angle must be adjusted. It should also be noted that the limit of the movable range is circular.

[0055] The R-θ camera arm has been described as having rod-shaped members connected together so that they can rotate horizontally, but it may also be configured so that the rod-shaped members can rotate vertically instead of horizontally. However, care must be taken in this case as the camera will move up and down and this may obstruct the viewer's field of view.

[0056] [Embodiment 3] A modified example is shown in Figure 7. The mounting part of the camera arm is engaged with the outer frame on the side of the display. The camera arm is rod-shaped and is approximately parallel to the mounting surface of the stand. This ensures the visibility of the display, just like in Figure 4.

[0057] [Embodiment 4] A modified example is shown in Figure 8. The mounting part of the camera arm is attached to a display stand that is located below the lower outer frame of the display. The camera arm is tilted so that it points upward as it approaches the viewer, and becomes approximately parallel to the surface of the stand halfway through. Therefore, the camera holding part keeps the camera and the material parallel. In this way, the camera arm may be designed to move the camera away from the material as long as it does not interfere with the viewer's field of view. Of course, it may also be designed to be approximately parallel to the surface of the stand as in Figure 4 without being tilted in this way. In either case, the visibility of the display is ensured as in Figure 4.

[0058] [Embodiment 5] A modified example is shown in Figure 9. The camera arm may be attached to the display via a holder attachment, which is one element of the camera holding mechanism. The holder attachment is a member that holds the mounting portion of the camera arm and can be engaged with the display. The holder attachment may be configured to be attached to the upper outer frame of the display as shown in Figure 9, or to the outer frame on the side or lower side of the display as shown in Figures 4-8, or to a display stand. Using the holder attachment allows the camera arm to be stably attached to the display.

[0059] It is also preferable to prepare multiple types of holder attachments, each with a different configuration for the part that engages with the display, to suit displays of various shapes and sizes. All types of holder attachments have a common configuration for the part that holds the camera arm mounting part. This type of holder attachment allows a common camera arm and camera holding part to be used for displays of various shapes and sizes.

[0060] In the electronic magnifying glasses shown in Figures 4-5, 7, and 9, the camera is fixed in position, and the material is moved to match the desired portion of the material. Instead of moving the material, a camera movement mechanism can be used, as shown in Figures 8, 10-15, 29-46, 48-50, 52-53, 55, and 58-63. That is, the camera holding mechanism is provided with a mechanism for moving the camera, and instead of moving the material, the camera is moved to capture the desired portion of the material. When it is difficult to move the material, the observer can simply select a camera holding mechanism that allows the camera to be moved as needed.

[0061] [Embodiment 6] An example of a camera holding mechanism is shown in Figure 10. A camera holding mechanism that can move the camera forward and backward is called a front-rear linear motion mechanism. The front-rear linear motion mechanism is composed of a front-rear linear motion guide and a front-rear sliding block (hereinafter referred to as the front-rear block).

[0062] The front-rear linear guide is a member that guides the movement of a rod-shaped front-rear block, and a camera is attached to one end via a camera holder. The front-rear block is a member that supports the front-rear linear guide so that it can move in the front-rear direction and can be fixed to the outer frame of the display. The front-rear linear guide is also approximately parallel to the mounting surface of the table. With this type of front-rear linear mechanism, the camera can be moved in the front-rear direction of the observer together with the front-rear linear guide.

[0063] With a camera that slides linearly in the front-to-back direction along with the front-to-back guides, once the orientation of the material or camera is aligned with the angle of the text arrangement in the material, sliding the camera back and forth does not result in changes in the distance or angle between the camera and the material as it moves, unlike with an R-θ type arm, so unless the material is at different heights, there is no need to correct the camera's focal length or adjust the camera angle.In this way, for the observer, the method of movement of a camera that moves back and forth is simple and easy to understand.

[0064] The forward / backward linear motion mechanism in Figure 10 is configured to fix a camera together with a camera holding part to one end of a linear motion guide. In such a forward / backward linear motion mechanism, the linear motion guide can move forward and backward using the forward / backward block while holding the camera via the camera holding part.

[0065] The present invention is not limited to such a configuration. A camera holding portion may be provided on the front and rear block, and the camera may be held by the camera holding portion. The front and rear linear guide supports the front and rear block so that it can move in the front and rear direction, and is fixed to the outer frame of the display. In such a front and rear linear mechanism, the front and rear block holds the camera via the camera holding portion and can slide back and forth on the linear guide fixed to the outer frame of the display. However, when the camera is moved, the linear guide itself does not move, so the camera can move more easily due to its small mass.

[0066] Another camera movement mechanism is the R-θ movement mechanism, which rotates the camera in a horizontal plane. An R-θ camera arm is created by providing a horizontal rotation axis between an upper extension attached to the upper outer frame of the display and a camera arm with a camera holder at one end and the other end holding the camera. The camera can be positioned at the furthest point from the display, with the camera arm's rotation angle perpendicular to the display screen. Furthermore, by providing a horizontal rotation mechanism between the camera holder and the camera, the camera angle can be corrected in accordance with the rotation angle of the camera arm, making it easy to correct the angle of the camera field of view and the material.

[0067] [Embodiment 7] Figure 11 shows an example of a left-right linear motion mechanism. The left-right linear motion mechanism is an example of a camera holding mechanism that can move the camera left and right as seen by the observer. The left-right linear motion mechanism is composed of a left-right linear motion guide and a left-right sliding block (hereinafter referred to as the left-right block).

[0068] The left-right linear guide is a guide member that slides the left and right blocks along a straight line. The left-right linear guide is fixed to the upper outer frame of the display so as to extend in the left-right direction as seen by the viewer. A camera arm is fixed to the left and right blocks, and a camera is fixed to the camera arm via a camera holder. The camera arm is also approximately parallel to the mounting surface of the stand. With this type of left-right linear mechanism, the camera arm and camera can be moved left and right from the viewer by sliding the left and right blocks along the left-right linear guide.

[0069] In the case of a camera that slides left and right, the angle of the camera and the angle of the material do not change even if the camera arm is moved left and right, just like when the camera arm is slid back and forth as shown in Figure 10. Therefore, there is no need to change or correct the camera angle. For the observer, the movement of an arm that moves linearly left and right is simple and easy to understand.

[0070] Although not specifically shown, the front-rear linear motion mechanism of Figure 10 and the left-right linear motion mechanism of Figure 11 may be combined to move the camera left and right and front-rear relative to the observer. By moving the camera front-rear and left-right, the effort required to move the material relative to the observer is reduced, and since moving the camera arm front-rear and left-right does not change the distance or angle from the material, there is no need to adjust the camera's focal length or angle. In this way, an arm that moves front-rear and left-right is simple and easy to understand for the observer, and moving the material is not a burden.

[0071] The front-rear linear motion mechanism and the left-right linear motion mechanism shown in Figures 10 and 11 are configured to manually move the front-rear linear motion guide and the front-rear block, and the left-right linear motion guide and the left-right block, but are not limited to this configuration and may be automatically moved. For example, a motor may be used to move the camera. By controlling the motor and taking a picture with the camera and processing the image, a field of view corresponding to the entire range of movement of the camera can be synthesized, making it easier to zoom in on the entire object and key points, which is even more convenient.

[0072] [Embodiment 8] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the front-rear linear movement mechanism and / or the left-right linear movement mechanism may be provided below the lower outer frame of the display on a display stand that supports the display.

[0073] The display stand is provided with a front-rear linear motion mechanism, which is made up of a front-rear sliding block and a front-rear linear motion guide, and is provided with a camera holder and a camera attached to the front-rear linear motion guide.

[0074] Furthermore, the front-to-rear sliding block is attached to the display stand so that the camera can be moved forward and backward. The camera holding mechanism having such a display stand can move the camera forward and backward.

[0075] The front-rear sliding block may also be attached to the left-right sliding block of a left-right linear guide attached to the display stand, and a camera holding mechanism having such a display stand can move the camera forward, backward, left and right.

[0076] Even if the camera arm is moved forward, backward, left, or right, the angle with the material does not change, so there is no need to adjust the camera angle each time it is moved.In addition, an arm that moves forward, backward, left, and right is simple and easy for the observer to understand, eliminating the burden of moving the material.

[0077] [Embodiment 9] [Display stand lower body] Figures 64 to 67 show the display stand lower body separated from the camera holding mechanism including the linear motion mechanism and the lighting and tip-over prevention mechanism, which are located below the lower outer frame of the display shown in Figures 12 and 13. Figure 64 shows the display stand lower body arranged in a horizontal line on the display stand.

[0078] As shown in Figures 64 and 65, the display stand has display stand legs that support the display, and a large opening for the display's lower body is formed between the display stand legs and the ceiling near the lower outer frame of the display. The inside of the opening for the display stand's lower body is designed to allow the mobile lighting unit holder to pass through. By separating the display stand's lower body in this way, the display stand and the camera can be separated. In Figure 64, the width of the display stand's lower body in the front-to-back direction is depicted as being the same as the width of the display stand legs, but this is not limited to this.

[0079] FIG. 66 is a front view of the lower body of the display stand, and FIG. 67 is a top view of the lower body of the display stand.

[0080] The use of moving lights is optional. The position of the display and the position of the display stand lower body, i.e., the position of the camera, can be adjusted independently. While the use of a linear motion mechanism is optional, the left-right linear motion mechanism and the front-back linear motion mechanism enable left-right and front-back movement of the camera, respectively.

[0081] The display can be positioned to reduce eye fatigue, and the lower part of the display stand can be positioned to make it easy to operate the materials.

[0082] The display stand may be provided with a moving means to facilitate adjustment of the display position. For example, although not shown, multiple wheels may be provided at the bottom of the display stand, allowing the wheels to rotate when moving and lock when stopped.

[0083] Furthermore, a distance measuring device may be provided on the display stand so that the distance between the display and the observer can be measured. If the distance that causes the least fatigue for the observer at the time of measuring the distance can be recognized, it will be possible to reproduce the least tiring distance and deal with changes in that distance.

[0084] The distance measuring means may be a distance measuring sensor installed on the outer frame of the display, the display stand, or an extension thereof, to measure the distance between the viewer and the display. An ultrasonic sensor may also be used as the distance measuring sensor. The control unit may measure the distance using a communication function with the distance measuring sensor (not shown), store the result, and display it on the display in response to an operation. Alternatively, a tape measure, such as a convex or tape measure, may be used, with the tab at the end of the tape hooked onto a hook for hanging the tape corresponding to the position on the front of the display provided on the display or display stand, as shown in Figures 64 and 65, and the other end of the tape aligned with the position corresponding to the viewer's eye, the value on the scale read, and this is the distance between the display and the viewer. Recording the read distance as the distance between the viewer and the display is useful for later repositioning the display or changing the distance between the viewer and the display, and is also convenient for managing eyesight.

[0085] Furthermore, the display stand and the lower part of the display stand are of a size that allows them to be stored together, making it convenient for compact packaging during transportation.

[0086] The display stand or the display may be provided with a rotation mechanism (not shown) that allows the display to be rotated in 90-degree increments. Furthermore, by providing a rotation display switch in 90-degree increments on the operation unit and control unit, it becomes possible to change the angle of view of the display when reading vertically written text, further improving convenience for observation.

[0087] [Embodiment 10] Although the electronic magnifier described above has a configuration in which the camera holding mechanism is attached to the display and the display stand, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Figures 14 and 15 show examples of the configuration of a camera holding mechanism having a camera stand.

[0088] The camera stand is provided with a front-rear linear motion mechanism, which is made up of a front-rear sliding block and a front-rear linear motion guide, and is provided with a camera holder and a camera attached to the front-rear linear motion guide.

[0089] Furthermore, the front-rear sliding block is attached to a camera stand so that the camera can be moved forward and backward. A camera holding mechanism having such a camera stand can move the camera forward and backward.

[0090] The front-rear sliding block may also be attached to the left-right sliding block of a left-right linear guide attached to a camera stand, and a camera holding mechanism having such a camera stand can move the camera forward, backward, left and right.

[0091] The distance by which the camera is slid back and forth is determined by the range that satisfies the condition that when the observer moves the area of ​​a document (for example, a newspaper approximately 56 cm long x 80 cm wide) that they want to enlarge back and forth within the camera's field of view, the camera's forward and backward movement range > {56 cm long - vertical size of camera field of view}, and the document can be covered vertically by moving the camera alone, without having to move the document back and forth.

[0092] If the camera has a high pixel count, it may be possible to obtain sufficient image quality for observation by simply enlarging a portion of the captured field of view and displaying it on the display. In this case, the display can be properly displayed by operating the image movement switch on the operation unit to move the display start position of the captured image data and also by operating the zoom switch.

[0093] Although the linear motion mechanism including the linear motion guide and the sliding block has been exemplified, the linear motion mechanism is not limited to this. For example, a slide rail, a linear shaft, or the like may be used.

[0094] The camera stand has a camera arm, a camera holder, and a camera, and is placed between the viewer and the display. The height from the surface of the stand to the camera arm is lower than the bottom frame of the display. When placed between the display and the viewer, it is preferable that the height be approximately 20 cm or less. This ensures visibility of the display.

[0095] The camera stand also has an anti-tip mechanism. The anti-tip mechanism is a flat, plate-like member placed on the base to prevent the entire camera stand from tipping over regardless of the camera's position. The force required for preventing tipping by the anti-tip mechanism is calculated as the tipping moment, which is calculated from the center of gravity of the entire camera stand, including the camera arm, camera holding mechanism, lighting, control unit, and anti-tip mechanism, and the contact position of the anti-tip mechanism with the base. The anti-tip mechanism is preferably thin, easy to place materials on, and has a shape with few steps. This is to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles, unevenness, or other tilting in the materials caused by steps. If the anti-tip mechanism is installed within the camera's field of view, it is desirable for it to be thin and flat. If the anti-tip mechanism is installed outside the camera's field of view, it is desirable for at least a portion of the area where materials are placed to be approximately the same height as the camera's field of view. The area where materials are placed and the camera are configured so that their projections are approximately parallel to a plane perpendicular to the display and the base.

[0096] This type of anti-tip mechanism not only prevents the camera stand from tipping over, but also makes it less likely for wrinkles, tilts, or unevenness to occur in the material placed on the anti-tip mechanism. This allows for better camera images of the material when photographed. It also reduces lighting halation and significantly reduces the need for focusing on each uneven surface, making it easy to use.

[0097] [Embodiment 11] Figure 16 shows an extension for attaching a camera holding mechanism. An extension is a component for combining existing components. An extension is a reinforcing structure provided to reinforce the strength of the outer frame when attaching the other end of the camera arm to the outer frame of a display, or a structure that fixes the parallelism, perpendicularity, angle, and distance between components. Here, an example of an extension for attaching a camera holding mechanism to a display stand is shown.

[0098] 16 illustrates a stand extension as a component for combining the display stand and the camera holding mechanism. The stand extension is attached to the top of the display stand on the rear side of the display and holds the holder attachment. In this way, the holder attachment (camera holding mechanism) may be attached to the display stand via the extension.

[0099] [Embodiment 12] 17 to 19 show examples of extensions for attaching the operating unit to a display stand. Fig. 17 is a plan view of the electronic magnifier, Fig. 18 is a front view of the display and operating unit as seen from the observer's side, and Fig. 19 is a rear view of the display as seen from the back side.

[0100] The electronic magnifying glass in the figure comprises stand extensions 1 and 2 attached to a display stand. Stand extension 1 is a long member attached to the back side of the display stand so as to extend in the left-right direction as seen by the viewer. The right end of stand extension 1 protrudes outward beyond the display, and stand extension 2 is attached to this right end. Stand extension 2 is a long member attached to the right end of stand extension 1 so as to extend in the front-to-back direction as seen by the viewer. Of course, stand extension 1 and stand extension 2 may be formed integrally.

[0101] An operating unit is attached to the front end of the stand extension 2. The operating unit is a device that serves as a user interface for operating the electronic magnifier. The operating unit is provided with switches for focusing on the subject and for causing the camera to capture images of materials, a touch panel, etc. The operating unit is detachably attached to the stand extension 2 as described above, making it easy for the observer to operate the operating unit.

[0102] When a camera arm is provided to balance the center of gravity of the display, an anti-tip mechanism may be provided. The anti-tip mechanism is a mechanism for preventing the camera holding mechanism and / or the attached body from losing balance of the center of gravity and tipping over. The force that prevents the anti-tip mechanism from tipping over is calculated from the center of gravity of the entire attached body including the camera arm, gravity, the tipping direction, and the contact boundary position with the base of the anti-tip mechanism. The object to be mounted is the equipment to which the camera holding mechanism is attached. When mounted on a display, this refers to the display (Figures 4-7, 9-11), display stand (Figures 8, 12-13), display stand extension (Figures 14-15, 16-19, 53), and anti-tip mechanism (Figures 7-13, 16-17, 19, 22, 30-39, 47, 51). When mounted on a camera stand, this refers to the camera stand (Figure 14-15), camera arm, and camera included in the camera holding mechanism. These include the laser holder and camera (Figures 4-17, 22, 28-33, 36-46, 48-50, 52-63), lighting (Figure 13, 28-29, 30, 32-35, 36-39, 41, 42-50, 52), operation unit and control unit (Figures 4, 13-15, 17-19, 22-24, 30, 33, 36, 41, 43, 45, 47, 51, 53, 55, 61-63), and anti-tip mechanism (Figures 14-15, 40-46, 48-50, 52-53, 55, 61).

[0103] There are no particular limitations on the shape of the anti-tip mechanism, and it may be, for example, a leg-like, column-like, or flat-plate-like member that supports a display, display stand, camera arm, etc. to prevent it from tipping over. It is particularly preferable that the anti-tip mechanism be a flat-plate-like member so that it does not interfere with the placement of materials.

[0104] As shown in Figures 7-9 and 16-17, if an anti-tip mechanism is installed within the camera's field of view, it is desirable for it to be thin and flat. This will prevent unevenness and wrinkles from forming on materials placed on the anti-tip mechanism. Such an anti-tip mechanism does not need to be flat across the entire field of view; as long as the contact boundary between the anti-tip mechanism and the base is linear, the position of the contact boundary can be within the range allowed by the tipping moment. Even if this boundary exists somewhere in the field of view, a thin, flat anti-tip mechanism will allow for good lighting without halation by switching the lighting.

[0105] When installing an anti-tip mechanism outside the camera's field of view, it is desirable to set the height (thickness) of the anti-tip mechanism as follows. As shown in Figure 61, the height of at least the area of ​​the anti-tip mechanism where the material is placed (area R1 in Figure 61) should be approximately the same as the height of the material within the camera's field of view (area R2 in Figure 61). By minimizing the difference in height between the anti-tip mechanism and the base, it is possible to prevent the formation of unevenness or wrinkles on the material placed on the anti-tip mechanism. If the difference in height between R1 and R2 is small, even if unevenness or wrinkles form on the material placed on the anti-tip mechanism, the impact on the material within the field of view is minimal. As a result, good illumination without halation can be achieved by switching the lighting. If the difference in height between R1 and R2 is small, the contact boundary between the anti-tip mechanism and the base does not need to cover the entire area where the material is placed. The contact boundary position can be set as long as it is within the range permitted by the tipping moment.

[0106] [Embodiment 13] A block diagram showing the functions of the electronic magnifier is shown in Figure 20. As an example, we will explain the case where an object marked "A" is imaged, and the image is displayed on a display after undergoing predetermined image processing.

[0107] The camera is equipped with an objective lens, an autofocus unit, an imaging unit, etc. The camera's various operations, such as autofocus and imaging, can be controlled by the imaging control unit described below. In addition to the camera, the electronic magnifier is equipped with lighting that illuminates the object. The lighting can be individually controlled by the imaging control unit to turn on and off and adjust brightness.

[0108] The operation unit is composed of operation switches for functions that can be operated by the observer, and includes operation switches for autofocus, zoom in, zoom out, rotation, lighting, - (line), execution, etc. The operation unit is capable of inputting operation input, which is a signal indicating a state such as when an operation switch has been pressed, to the control unit (operation input unit) via communication means. There are no specific limitations on the communication means, but for example, wired communication means such as USB or wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0109] The display may be a computer display or a home television (TV). If the display is a home TV, the signal from the video output unit is transmitted to the home TV using a communication standard of the home TV, such as wireless HDMI (registered trademark) or wireless USB. Alternatively, the home TV may be provided with a receiving unit that receives the signal from the video output unit, and the receiving unit may convert the signal from the video output unit into a signal format that the home TV can receive and output it to the home TV. If the home TV and the camera are located far apart, using wireless HDMI (registered trademark) or wireless USB is convenient as it eliminates the need for running cables.

[0110] The operation unit may be provided with a power switch and an input channel changeover switch (not shown) similar to a TV remote control. As a result, by pressing the switch on the operation unit, the TV power is turned on and the TV channel is changed to the channel that receives the image output from the electronic magnifier, so that the image from the camera can be immediately displayed on the home TV.

[0111] The control unit controls the camera based on operations performed on the operation unit, and performs predetermined image processing on camera images captured by the camera and controls the display to display them. Specifically, the control unit includes functional units such as an operation input unit, a function selection unit, a video input unit, a display control unit, a control function display unit, a synthesis unit, a video output unit, and an imaging control unit.

[0112] The operation input unit receives operation input from the operation unit. The operation input input to the operation input unit is interpreted by the function selection unit and transmitted to the imaging control unit and the control function display unit in accordance with the operation input.

[0113] The video input unit is composed of a memory into which a video signal (camera video) is input from the camera, a memory for storing the camera video as a result of image processing performed on the camera video by the imaging control unit, and the like.

[0114] The display control unit has an internal memory (not shown), which stores the names of the operation switches on the operation unit, the display contents of their corresponding options, and the submenus and display contents of their corresponding options corresponding to each operation switch. The names of the operation switches on the operation unit correspond to the functions of the imaging control unit. The display control unit copies the display contents of the operation unit from the internal memory to the image memory and creates an image. The display control unit copies the submenus to the image memory according to the selection and creates an image. These images are called operation images. Here, the "operation images" refer to symbols, names, and pictures that evoke the names of the switches.

[0115] When a specific operation switch is operated on the operation unit, the display control unit selects an image memory area of ​​the display content corresponding to that operation switch, and forms an operation image in the selected memory area by adding an identification mark or writing a distinction using a shading or color display to show the viewer that the selection has been made.

[0116] Once the display control unit has created the operation image, the control function display unit outputs the operation image from the image memory via the synthesis unit. The operation image is superimposed on the camera image by the synthesis unit and displayed on the display via the image output unit.

[0117] The synthesis unit receives the camera image output from the image input unit and the operation image output from the control function display unit, synthesizes them, and sends them to the image output unit.

[0118] The video output unit converts the image from the composition unit into a signal such as HDMI (registered trademark), USB, or WiFi, and outputs it to the display. As an example of an image, the display shows the letter "A" written on the document captured by the camera on the left half, and the names corresponding to the operation switches are clearly displayed on the right half.

[0119] The imaging control unit controls the camera, performs predetermined image processing, and controls lighting in response to operation inputs transmitted from the function selection unit. Specifically, the imaging control unit includes an autofocus unit, a magnification unit, a reduction unit, a rotation unit, a lighting unit, a line drawing unit, an execution unit, and other functions. for example The autofocus unit causes the camera to perform autofocus if the operation input is "autofocus." The enlargement unit executes image processing to enlarge the camera image input to the image input unit when the operation input is "enlarge." The reduction unit, when the operation input is "reduce", executes image processing to reduce the camera image input to the image input unit. The rotation unit executes image processing to rotate the camera image input to the image input unit when the operation input is "rotate." The lighting unit controls the lighting when the operation input is "lighting." The line drawing unit (shown as "-" in the figure) executes image processing to draw a line on the camera image input to the image input unit when the operation input is "-" (line drawing).

[0120] Furthermore, functions such as thickening or darkening character lines and removing image noise may be provided.

[0121] When the operation input made after the above-mentioned "enlargement, etc." is "execution," the execution unit actually executes the above-mentioned autofocus, image processing, lighting processing, etc. In other words, when the observer operates the operation switch of the operation unit to operate "enlargement," etc., the processing by the enlargement unit, etc. is not executed immediately, but is actually executed when the operation input of "execution" is received.

[0122] Furthermore, each component of the imaging control unit may obtain detailed parameters used in its processing from a submenu operation unit. For example, the enlargement unit may use the magnification of the camera image as a subparameter and obtain the parameter from the operation of the operation unit. Such parameters may be obtained, for example, as follows: The display control unit forms an image for inputting the subparameter, and the control function display unit outputs the image to the image output unit and displays it on the display. When the observer selects and inputs a subparameter via the operation switch of the operation unit, the operation input unit transmits the corresponding parameter to the function selection unit, and the function selection unit transmits the parameter to the imaging control unit. In this way, each component, such as the enlargement unit, can perform image processing such as enlargement using the parameters provided by the observer.

[0123] In an electronic magnifying glass in which the camera can be automatically moved back and forth or left and right by a motor or the like, the imaging control unit may include a camera movement unit that controls the motor, etc. The operation switch is provided with an operation switch for moving the camera, and the display control unit forms an operation image for moving the camera. This allows the observer to automatically move the camera by operating the operation unit.

[0124] The operation of the electronic magnifying glass by the control unit described above will now be described. First, after turning on the power switch (not shown), the power supply supplies power to the camera, control unit, and display. After turning on the power, the display, the control unit, and the image memory for superimposing and displaying on the display are initialized. The contents of the image memory are output through the display control unit. The operation contents immediately before the previous termination may be restored.

[0125] The timing of displaying the operation image on the display can be when the power is turned on or when one of the operation switches is pressed. When the power is turned on, the display control unit writes the display pattern corresponding to each switch in the built-in memory into the image memory and outputs the operation image from the image memory.

[0126] The timing for erasing the operation images from the display, except for "-" (a line displayed on the display, as will be described in detail later), can be any time after the last operation switch is pressed. To erase the "-", a line display erasure switch or a line erasure submenu can be provided.

[0127] When an operation image of an operation switch displayed on a display is erased, if any of the operation switches is pressed, a display control section copies the name of the switch of the operation section immediately before the operation image is erased from an internal memory to an image memory to restore the operation status, and displays the operation image on the display via a synthesis section.

[0128] The camera captures the material placed on the table by the observer and forms a camera image, which is sent to the image input unit, where it is combined with the operation image and displayed on the display.

[0129] The observer operates the operation unit as necessary. For example, when the observer presses the "autofocus" operation switch, the part of the operation image displayed on the display indicates that autofocus has been selected and is ready to be executed, for example, by displaying a red frame. Next, when the observer presses the "execute" operation switch, the autofocus unit of the imaging control unit is activated, an execution command is transmitted to the autofocus unit of the camera, and the image obtained by the imaging unit is controlled so that it is as sharp as possible.

[0130] In the example of FIG. 20, the operation unit and the control unit are shown as being separate, but the operation unit and the control unit may be integrated.

[0131] [Embodiment 14] Fig. 21 shows a modified example of the operation unit. In the modified example of Fig. 21, the operation switches of the operation unit in Fig. 20 are configured as ↑ (up arrow), ↓ (down arrow), → (right arrow), ← (left arrow), and ○ (circle). Of these operation switches, ↑↓→← are an example of a selection switch for selecting one from a list of operation images displayed on the display. Also, ○ among the operation switches is an example of an execution switch for executing a function unit corresponding to the selected operation image. When the power is turned on, etc., the display control unit copies the names of the selectable switches from the internal memory to the image memory to form operation images, and displays them on the display via the synthesis unit.

[0132] When the observer presses the selection switch (↑↓) while looking at the display to move through the names (function parts) of the selectable switches, the operation input part recognizes the pressed switch and communicates this to the function selection part, which then communicates the recognized switch content to the display control part, and to show the observer proof of selection, an operation image is formed by adding an identification mark to the selected memory area or writing in a shading or color display to distinguish it.

[0133] As soon as the operation image is formed, the control function display unit outputs the operation image to the display via the synthesis unit. By pressing the execution switch at the location of the distinguished switch name on the display, the imaging control unit executes the function corresponding to the distinguished switch.

[0134] If the selected menu has a submenu, the submenu is displayed using a selection switch (←→), etc. The display control unit copies the display corresponding to the submenu from the internal memory to the image memory to form an operation image, and as soon as the operation image is formed, outputs the operation image to the display.

[0135] To show the observer proof of selection, an operation image is formed by adding an identification mark or writing a distinction by gray scale or color display in the selected memory area. As soon as the operation image is formed, the control function display unit outputs the image of the image memory to the display via the synthesis unit. By pressing the execution switch at the location of the distinguished switch name on the display, the imaging control unit executes the function corresponding to the distinguished switch.

[0136] The timing for erasing the displayed operation switches from the display, except for "-", may be any time after a suitable time has elapsed since the last operation switch was pressed. To erase "-", a line display erasure switch or a line erasure submenu may be provided.

[0137] [Embodiment 15] The line drawing function will be described with reference to Figures 22 to 24. The line drawing function is one of the image processing functions implemented by the imaging control unit, and is a function for drawing lines on camera images.

[0138] Figure 22 shows an example of a document displayed on the display before the line drawing function is executed. The document has the word "Name" printed on it, but no guide lines. This is shown in Figure 23.

[0139] FIG. 24 illustrates the material that appears on the display after the line drawing function has been performed.

[0140] When the observer operates the operation unit to select the operation switch "-" and press the execution switch, the operation input unit recognizes the pressed operation switch and transmits it to the function selection unit, which then transmits the recognized operation switch to the display control unit. The display control unit erases unnecessary images from the image memory, writes a horizontal line passing through the center of the display to the image memory, and outputs the contents of the image memory as a video.

[0141] The synthesis unit synthesizes the video output from the image memory with the video signal from the video input unit, which receives the video signal from the camera, and sends it to the video output unit and then to the display, where a horizontal line passing near the center of the display is displayed as a guide line, as shown in Figure 24.

[0142] It would also be possible to add a submenu to the "-" menu of the operation switch to adjust the position of the horizontal line up or down. The lines serve as a guide when signing documents and are extremely useful. Also, by placing a piece of paper for writing a draft on top of the document, a horizontal line guide can be displayed on the paper, allowing the draft paper to be used as a signature practice. It would also be possible to add a new menu to the "|" menu of the operation switch to display vertical lines. This is useful when writing or practicing vertically written documents such as New Year's cards.

[0143] To erase the line "-", a line display erase switch or a line erase submenu may be provided.

[0144] The electronic magnifier may be provided with a camera position detection means. In electronic magnifiers where the camera position can be moved by a forward / backward linear motion mechanism or a left / right linear motion mechanism, the camera position is variable. The position detection means detects the camera position in such electronic magnifiers.

[0145] For example, the position detection means can be an X and Y distance measuring sensor that can detect the position of the front and rear blocks or left and right blocks that have moved from the linear guide. To know the relative positional relationship between the front and rear blocks or left and right blocks and the camera, a reference mark with fixed X and Y coordinates is provided, and the reference mark is photographed with a camera to determine the camera coordinates. The camera position can then be calculated from the position of the front and rear blocks or left and right blocks. Such a sensor can detect the camera's position in the X and Y directions. Furthermore, if the relationship between the camera and the field of view is constant, the pixel-by-pixel coordinates of the field of view can be determined by using the camera position as a representative point of the field of view.

[0146] Another position detection means is an electronic magnifying glass in which a motor is fixed to the front-rear linear guide or the left-right linear guide, and the front-rear block or the left-right block is connected to the motor's rotation shaft via a drive medium such as a belt or ball screw to move the camera.The control unit can detect the position of the front-rear linear guide or the left-right block based on the origin and the rotation position of a rotary encoder attached to the motor's rotation shaft.To calculate the position of the camera from the position of the front-rear linear guide or the left-right block, a reference mark with fixed X- and Y-coordinates can be provided, and the camera coordinates can be determined by photographing the reference mark with the camera.Such a motor and control unit serve as the position detection means.

[0147] The camera is moved to the reading start position, the document is set in a predetermined position and reading begins, and if the size of the document exceeds the field of view, the camera is moved to the next location, but if the distance between the camera and the document is constant, the vertical x horizontal size of the field of view is known and the next imaging point can be calculated, so it is possible to move the camera to the next imaging point by moving a fixed distance, and when the movement is complete, a completion message is displayed on the display to notify the observer and then the image can be taken.The interval between imaging points can be set so that the fields of view of each other overlap.

[0148] Another position detection means is to detect the position by analyzing an image captured by a camera. For example, a mark having a specific shape may be displayed on the surface of the tip-over prevention mechanism as a location that may be within the camera's field of view. If the mark is detected in an image captured by the camera, it can be determined that the camera is positioned above the image. Therefore, if the position of the mark is set in advance, the position of the camera can be detected via the camera image. Such detection of the camera position using the camera image can be achieved by the control unit, and in this case, the position detection means is the camera and the control unit.

[0149] Then, when the camera is positioned at a predetermined position, the control unit causes the camera to take a photograph. The predetermined position can be a location where the marker can be photographed at a predetermined location within the field of view. Therefore, by moving the camera to the predetermined position using the operation unit, the camera automatically starts photographing the document without any operation for photographing. This further simplifies the operation for enlarging and displaying the document on the display.

[0150] Furthermore, the electronic magnifier may have an image storage unit in the control unit and a storage switch in the operation unit, so that when the storage switch is turned on, the image content displayed on the display is sequentially stored in the image storage unit of the control unit, and when a storage completion switch in the operation unit is turned on, a file is created. The file may be saved in an external memory such as a USB memory (not shown). A file playback switch may be provided in the operation unit so that the created file image can be played back. The configurations and controls related to the control unit in embodiments 13 to 15 can be applied to the electronic magnifiers of the other embodiments.

[0151] [Explanation of halation] Figures 25 and 26 show how the relationship between the lighting, material, and camera within the camera's field of view can cause particularly strong reflections of the lighting, resulting in halation, which makes characters and other elements invisible.

[0152] Figure 25 shows the reflection characteristics of a document with illumination as the light source within the camera's field of view when illumination A is on and the document is wrinkle-free and placed on a flat surface.

[0153] The angle of the incident light ray relative to the normal to the sample at the point of incidence indicates that the reflected light ray has the strongest light intensity at the angle of reflection relative to the normal to the sample. At this time, the light source, sample, and camera are optically collinear, and a light ray of such intensity enters that it is as if the image of the light source is being formed on the camera's image sensor.

[0154] Figure 26 shows a state in which, when Lighting A is turned on and light from Lighting A is incident on a wrinkle in the material within the camera's field of view, and the relationship between the camera and light source is such that the light is received on an optically collinear line due to the inclination angle of the wrinkle, the reflected light from the wrinkle enters the camera's image sensor at its strongest and is reflected on the camera, causing halation.

[0155] When the camera and light source are in a relationship where the inclination angle of the wrinkles causes the light to be received by the camera on an optically collinear line, and when the light reflected from the wrinkles reaches the camera's image sensor, the image of the light source is reflected through the material, and the camera's image sensor treats the material as a mirror and receives much stronger light than from a position within the field of view where simple scattered light is generated, as if looking at the light source reflected on the mirror surface, causing the field of view in the area where the light source is being viewed to shine white. This is the halation phenomenon.

[0156] If the document is made of paper that is reflective, such as high-quality paper for photogravure photography, the reflectivity will be higher, making halation more likely to be emphasized.

[0157] Figure 27 shows the same wrinkled area illuminated only with illumination B, not illumination A. In this case, all of the light reflected from the specimen within the field of view is weak scattered light, and there is no strong reflected light that would cause the light source to be visible, so no halation occurs. In this way, the occurrence of halation can be controlled simply by switching on and off illumination at multiple positions.

[0158] [Embodiment 16] Figure 28 is a bottom view of the camera holder, and Figure 29 is a front view of the camera holder as seen from the observer's side. A front-to-back linear motion mechanism is used as an example of the linear motion mechanism, but a left-to-right linear motion mechanism is also applicable. This is an example of an electronic magnifying glass in which the camera holder is engaged with the camera arm of the linear motion mechanism, and illuminations A, B, C, and D are arranged on the camera holder to hold the camera while preventing the camera holder from blocking the camera's objective lens.

[0159] It is also possible to provide lighting with a spot function that indicates where the camera's field of view is. Lighting with a spot function is lighting that can be turned on and off, and that can clearly indicate part of the camera's field of view when turned on. It is preferable that the lighting intensity can be confirmed visually or on a display. The lighting can also be colored. A spotlight switch is provided as an operating switch to turn the light on and off.

[0160] On the other hand, halation is likely to occur when the lighting is placed close to the camera, or when the document is slightly tilted relative to the camera due to wrinkles, etc., as shown in Figure 26. To reduce halation, you can place a document with fewer wrinkles, or, even if there are wrinkles or tilts, change the angle of incidence and azimuth from the lighting to position the lighting in a way that makes it less likely for halation to occur within the camera's field of view.

[0161] Assuming that the camera's field of view is directly below, and the angle of incidence for lighting is the angle between the incident light from the light source illuminating the camera's field of view and the camera's optical axis, with an angle parallel to the camera's optical axis being 90 degrees and a direction perpendicular to the camera's optical axis being 0 degrees, if the lighting is placed at a high angle close to 90 degrees, the lighting will be stronger, but slight wrinkles or slight tilts in the material will increase the chance that the camera will see the light source, making it more likely to produce halation. Conversely, even if the material has deep wrinkles or a large tilt, the camera is less likely to see the light source and is less likely to produce halation.

[0162] When lighting is applied at a low angle of incidence close to 0 degrees, the intensity of the lighting is weak, but in order for the camera to see the light source, deep wrinkles or a large tilt of about 45 degrees relative to the light rays entering the material are required, and halation is unlikely to occur with slight wrinkles or small tilts in the material.

[0163] When a book is opened to the left and right, a continuous curved surface occurs, ranging from a large angle to a small angle, so care must be taken when arranging the lighting.

[0164] As described above, the degree to which halation occurs varies depending on the angle of incidence of the illumination light relative to the camera field of view.

[0165] If the lighting is arranged so that it can be turned on individually for each angle of incidence relative to the camera field of view, it is possible to select lighting that avoids halation by changing the angle of incidence of the lighting to illuminate the material.

[0166] The above explanation explains how halation occurs due to the angle of incidence where the optical axis intersects with the incident light, as well as the angle of inclination or wrinkles on the specimen. However, halation can also occur due to the azimuth angle of the incident light and the angle of inclination or wrinkles on the specimen. This mechanism is similar to that of the angle of incidence. In other words, by changing the azimuth angle of the lighting and illuminating the specimen, it is possible to select lighting that avoids halation. Furthermore, it is possible to change the angle of incidence and azimuth angle relative to the camera's field of view simply by changing the position of a single lighting fixture, without having to install multiple lighting fixtures. Although not shown in the figure, this can be achieved by configuring the lighting to be adjustable in position.

[0167] Wrinkles and tilts in the material cause halation, and the reason why the anti-tip mechanism is made of a flat plate when the material is placed on it is to prevent halation from occurring due to tilting caused by the anti-tip mechanism.

[0168] A moving light that moves with the camera may be employed to achieve a consistent lighting environment regardless of the size of the camera's field of view.

[0169] [Embodiment 17] In Figure 30, individually lit lights 1 to 6 are placed at the bottom of the display stand, with lights 1, 2 and 3 positioned at the lowest positions to provide the lowest illumination angle for the camera's field of view of the materials.

[0170] Lights 4, 5, and 6 are positioned above lights 1, 2, and 3, and each light N has one or more light-emitting elements arranged therein. Figure 30 shows lights 1 and 4 turned on, illuminating the camera field of view from two different heights.

[0171] Regardless of the camera position, lighting 1 or lighting 4 can be turned on, and lighting 1, which has a low incident angle closer to the surface of the material, and lighting 4, which has a higher incident angle, can be selectively irradiated. Even if halation occurs at either incident angle, the occurrence of halation can be prevented by switching the lighting.

[0172] If halation occurs when lighting 1 or lighting 4 is turned on, turning off lighting 1 and lighting 4 and turning on lighting 2 or lighting 5 changes the azimuth angle of the light source, and the halation may disappear. At the very least, you can expect the location of the halation to be different. In this way, you can expect to be able to control the occurrence of halation by switching lighting.

[0173] [Embodiment 17] The arrangement of lighting will be described with reference to Figures 30 to 35. Figures 30 and 31 show the electronic magnifier, with Figure 30 being a front view and Figure 31 being a side view. A display stand opening is provided in the display stand.

[0174] In addition, a front-to-back linear motion mechanism is attached to the display stand, allowing the camera to be moved forward and backward. Furthermore, if a left-to-right linear motion mechanism is attached between the display stand and the front-to-back linear motion mechanism, the camera can be moved forward, backward, left, and right.

[0175] The display stand opening is an opening that does not obstruct the passage of the camera holding mechanism including the front-rear linear motion mechanism when only the front-rear linear motion mechanism is installed, and an opening that does not obstruct the passage of the camera holding mechanism including the left-right linear motion mechanism when a left-right linear motion mechanism is installed in addition to the front-rear linear motion mechanism, and is an opening that is long in the width direction of the display stand and is located below the underside of the outer frame of the display. Also, in Figure 30, lighting 1-6 is located on the display stand below the display stand opening. Lighting 1-3 is at the lowest height of the display stand, and lighting 4-6 is located at a higher position.

[0176] The position of the lighting can be adjusted by providing a mechanical up / down mechanism or left / right mechanism. This allows for more positional adjustments, and the angle of incidence and azimuth relative to the camera field of view can be changed simply by changing the position of the light.

[0177] [Embodiment 18] The electronic magnifying glass shown in Figures 32 and 33 is equipped with a moving illuminator holder. The moving illuminator holder is engaged with the left and right (sliding) blocks as an extension body, and has a shape that bends downward without contacting the front-rear linear motion guide or the left-right linear motion guide. The moving illuminator holder also engages the moving illuminator at the bent portion that bends downward. This moving illuminator moves in conjunction with the left-right movement of the moving illuminator holder and the camera.

[0178] [Embodiment 19] The electronic magnifying glass shown in Figure 34 is an example in which the moving illuminator is positioned so as not to touch either the front-rear linear guide or the display. This example shows that the height of the illuminator can be positioned higher than the position of the front-rear linear guide.

[0179] [Embodiment 20] The electronic magnifying glass shown in Figure 35 has a movable illuminator holder bent in a V-shape. The movable illuminators are positioned at an angle to the observer, with illuminator 1 at the lowest position and the greater the number of illuminators N, the higher the position relative to the specimen and the closer to the observer they are. In this type of arrangement, if the arrangement and spacing of the illuminators formed on the movable illuminator are the same, the greater the tilt angle, the smaller the pitch of the angle of incidence of each illuminator.

[0180] The mobile lighting units shown in Figures 32-35 are equipped with lighting units 1 to 4, which can be individually lit using a power supply and cables (not shown). When the camera moves left or right, the mobile lighting units also move left or right at the same time, allowing a common lighting environment for the material to be achieved with a common lighting configuration. Lighting unit N is made up of one or more light emitters, and each lighting unit can be individually lit.

[0181] In addition, in the figure, the lighting is divided into left and right sections, but it may be configured so that they can be turned on individually so that they can be used as lighting with different azimuth angles relative to the material.

[0182] Furthermore, the position of the lighting on the moving lighting body can be adjusted even further by providing a mechanical up / down mechanism or left / right mechanism, and the angle of incidence and azimuth angle relative to the camera field of view can also be changed simply by changing the position of the lighting.

[0183] This means that even if halation occurs, it can be avoided by turning off the relevant illuminant and turning on the non-relevant illuminant. Also, if the material is thick and the lighting casts a shadow that makes observation difficult, turning off the relevant illuminant and turning on the lighting that does not cast a shadow will eliminate the shadow and improve the quality of observation.

[0184] [Embodiment 21] Figures 36 to 39 show the camera holder provided on the linear guide of the front and rear linear moving body. This is an example of an electronic magnifying glass in which a moving illuminator is attached via an extension. Specifically, an opening through which the moving illuminator and extension pass is provided below the openings in which the left-right linear moving body and the front-back linear moving body are installed, which are provided at the bottom of the display stand. The camera holder is also fitted with a moving illuminator attached to the moving illuminator holder of an extension that is bent toward the display stand at a position lower than the opening and is engaged with the camera holder. Even when the camera moves toward the observer and the moving illuminator intersects with the display stand and reaches the rear beyond the opening, the moving illuminator can irradiate light into the camera's field of view through the opening without coming into contact with the display stand.

[0185] With this configuration, the camera and the mobile illuminator can move simultaneously, and by providing an opening further below the display stand, restrictions on camera movement are reduced. In the above explanation, the mobile illuminator is formed in a flat plate shape and placed behind the observer, but placement is not limited to the back side. The mobile illuminator may also be placed horizontally. This prevents contact with the material, such as a thick book. The mobile illuminator may also be made up of multiple pieces. It may also be configured in a rectangular prism or semi-cylindrical shape. However, when using the line drawing function to sign a signature, etc., careful placement in front of and to the left and right of the observer is recommended so as not to interfere with the action.

[0186] [Embodiment 22] Figure 38 has an extension similar to that of Figure 37, but differs in that it is inclined rather than perpendicular to the table. A mobile illuminator is fixed to the extension so that it is inclined relative to the table's mounting surface. This allows for a finer, more stepped angle of incidence relative to the camera's field of view than in the case of a mobile illuminator positioned perpendicular to the table. In addition, since the illumination is irradiated from above the specimen, it is easier to obtain strong scattered light.

[0187] [Embodiment 23] Figure 39 has an extension similar to that of Figure 37, but differs in that it extends horizontally to the rear at a height that passes through the opening of the display stand. A mobile illuminator is fixed to the extension so that it is approximately parallel to the base. This allows for a finer, stepwise adjustment of the angle of incidence relative to the camera field of view than would be possible with a mobile illuminator placed at an angle to the base. Furthermore, because the illumination is irradiated from above the material, it is easier to obtain strong scattered light.

[0188] [Embodiment 24] Figures 40 and 41 show examples of an electronic magnifying glass in which a camera stand is equipped with a front-rear linear motion mechanism and a left-right linear motion mechanism, and a camera is attached to the front-rear linear motion guide of the front-rear linear motion mechanism via a camera holder. The camera stand is long in the left-right direction by at least the left-right width of the front-rear linear motion mechanism even if the left-right linear motion mechanism is not present. If the left-right linear motion mechanism is present, the camera stand is long in the left-right direction by at least the left-right movement distance. A display opening may be provided to prevent the front-rear linear motion guide from colliding with the display stand when the camera is moved to the rear. However, if the distance between the display and the camera stand is sufficient, or if the camera and camera holder mechanism are attached to a front-rear (sliding) block, a display opening is not necessary. The necessity of an opening depends on whether the display stand interferes with the camera stand or whether the distance between the viewer and the display is appropriate for the viewer. If the distance between the viewer and the display is greater than the distance that would cause the front-rear linear motion guide to collide with the display stand, an opening is not necessary. Furthermore, lights 4, 5, and 6 are positioned on the camera stand above lights 1, 2, and 3.

[0189] As a result of this configuration, the position of the display and the position of the camera stand, i.e., the position of the camera, can be adjusted independently.

[0190] The display can be positioned to reduce eye fatigue, and the camera stand can be positioned to make it easier to manipulate materials.

[0191] To make it easier to adjust the position of the display, the display stand may be provided with a simple means for moving it. For example, although not shown, multiple wheels may be provided at the bottom of the display stand, allowing the wheels to rotate when moving the display and lock when the display stand is stopped.

[0192] Furthermore, a distance measuring device may be provided on the display stand to measure the distance between the display and the observer. If the distance that causes the least fatigue to the observer can be identified at the time of distance measurement, it will be possible to reproduce the distance that causes the least fatigue and to respond to changes in that distance. The distance measuring device may be a distance sensor installed on the display frame to measure the distance between the observer and the display. Alternatively, a tape measure, such as a convex or tape measure, can be used by hanging the end of the tape on a hook on the display or display stand that corresponds to the position in front of the display, as shown in Figures 64 and 65, and aligning the other end of the tape with the position corresponding to the observer's eye, reading the value on the scale, and determining this as the distance between the display and the observer. Recording the read distance as the distance between the observer and the display will be convenient for reference when reproducing or changing the display position.

[0193] [Embodiment 25] As shown in Figures 42 and 43, the camera stand has a camera stand opening. An extension similar to that shown in Figure 37 is attached to the camera holder. This extension is engaged with the camera holder and extends horizontally toward the rear at a height that passes through the camera stand opening, then extends further downward, with a mobile light engaged at the downward extension. The camera stand opening is designed so that the mobile light and the extension that engages it can pass through the camera stand opening without contacting it, and so that direct light from the light provided on the mobile light that passes through is not blocked by the edges that form the camera stand opening before reaching the camera's field of view. With this configuration, the camera and mobile light can move simultaneously, and the provision of an opening in the camera stand prevents the camera's rearmost position from coming into contact with the intersection of the mobile light and the camera stand, thereby preventing movement from being restricted.

[0194] [Embodiment 26] Modifications are shown in Figures 44 and 45. Figure 47 is a front view of a display supported by the display stand shown in Figures 44 to 46, Figure 48 is a front view of the camera stand shown in Figures 44 to 46, and Figure 49 is a top view thereof. Figures 47 to 49 show a large display opening provided so that the front-to-back linear motion mechanism, left-to-right linear motion mechanism, and movable illuminator of the camera stand do not come into contact with or interfere with the display or display stand within their movable ranges, so that the illumination light from the movable illuminator does not interfere with illuminating the field of view of the material, and so that the distance between the display and the observer can be adjusted, and so that the height and width of the camera stand do not interfere with the display stand.

[0195] Figures 44 to 46 show a state in which part of the forward / backward linear motion mechanism provided on the camera stand passes through the large display opening provided on the display stand. It can be seen that the distance between the viewer and the display can be made shorter than when there is no opening in the display stand. Figure 46 shows a state in which the camera stand has entered the large opening in the display stand. The distance between the viewer and the display can be made significantly shorter than when there is no opening in the display stand.

[0196] [Embodiment 27] Figures 50-52 show a structure in which camera material extensions and display material extensions are provided near the bottom of the camera stand and display stand, creating a passage for the materials to pass through.

[0197] The structure of the camera material extension section and the display material extension section is roughly U-shaped or L-shaped, with the upper part of the shape supporting the weight of the upper part and the lower part contacting the base, and has a connecting part that connects the upper and lower parts, and the connecting part is designed to create a gap between the upper and lower parts to allow material to pass through.

[0198] When the camera material extension section is provided only on the camera stand, the position of the material can be adjusted relative to the rear side of the observer, and the extension distance of the camera arm toward the observer can be shortened by the amount of the position adjustment.

[0199] When a display material extension part is provided on the display stand in addition to the camera material extension part, even if the distance between the camera stand and the display stand is shortened, the position of the material can be adjusted without being hindered by the display stand when adjusting the position of the material on the rear side of the observer.

[0200] The camera, control unit, and operation unit can also be replaced with a smartphone. The operation panel can be replaced with the smartphone's operation switches, or a separate operation panel can be used via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or a communication cable. Camera magnification and display changes can be controlled by downloading dedicated software to the smartphone.

[0201] By eliminating as many of the cumbersome operations that are unique to smartphones as possible, even people with low vision can use the device easily.

[0202] [Embodiments 28 and 29] Fig. 53 is a side view of the electronic magnifier when the camera holder holds a camera with a normal camera arrangement, and Fig. 55 is a top view thereof. Fig. 54 is a side view of the vicinity of the camera holder when the camera shown in Figs. 53 and 55 is replaced with a smartphone, and Fig. 56 is a top view thereof. The camera holder is positioned above the position of the camera arm, making it easy to place a smartphone on it.

[0203] The camera holding part is provided on the upper surface of the camera arm so that the smartphone can be easily placed from above, and a stop mechanism may be provided to prevent the smartphone from shifting position when placed, so that the smartphone camera is placed facing the object.

[0204] In this case, the camera holder etc. must be shaped so as not to obstruct the field of view of the smartphone, so as not to obstruct the field of view of the camera.

[0205] The camera holder may be provided with a rotation mechanism so that it can tilt around the front-to-back axis. This makes it easier to see the tip of the brush and get a feel for it when practicing signing.

[0206] [Embodiment 30] Figure 57 shows a display consisting of a projector and a screen, with the camera stand having at least one light that can be turned on individually and a camera holding mechanism, the other end of the camera arm being engaged with the camera holding mechanism, images of materials captured by a camera held in the camera holding part provided on part of the camera arm being input to the projector via the control unit, and the projector placed on the projector stand projecting the captured images onto the screen through a projection lens.

[0207] The camera, camera stand, arm, control unit, and projector are positioned so as not to obstruct the field of view of the observer viewing the image of the material projected on the screen display. An anti-tip mechanism (not shown) is fixed to the bottom of the camera stand. The camera holding mechanism may be equipped with a forward / backward linear motion mechanism, a left / right linear motion mechanism, or an R-θ drive mechanism.

[0208] The camera material extension section may also be formed in an approximately U-shape or an approximately L-shaped structure, with the upper part of the shape supporting the weight of the upper camera stand, camera arm, camera or camera holder, and the lower part contacting the base, with a part connecting the upper and lower parts, i.e., a connecting part, which may be structured to create a gap between the upper and lower parts to allow material to pass through.

[0209] [Embodiment 31] Figures 58 to 60 show an electronic magnifying glass attached to a notebook computer. The upper extension, which is attached to the upper frame of the notebook computer's display, and the camera holder that holds the camera are supported by part of the camera arm, and are connected to the other end of the camera arm by a horizontal rotation shaft that rotates or stops horizontally. The camera arm is divided at the end of the upper extension, with the side of the camera arm facing the horizontal rotation shaft designated as the first arm and the side that supports the camera arm designated as the second arm. The first arm and the second arm are connected by a vertical rotation shaft that rotates or stops vertically. A side extension with a camera arm storage mechanism is provided on the outer frame of the side of the display, storing the camera, camera holding mechanism, and camera arm. This configuration is an R-θ type camera arm. This example is not limited to this, and a forward / backward linear motion mechanism or a left / right linear motion mechanism may also be configured.

[0210] The control unit and operation unit (not shown) may be provided on the extension for easier operation by the observer, the operation unit software may be created as dedicated software, and the operation keyboard and mouse of the laptop computer may be used, or a separate operation console may be provided as the operation unit. The first arm and the second arm may be connected by one or more auxiliary arms and a horizontal rotation axis that rotates horizontally, and the storage mechanism may be provided on the upper extension rather than the side extension. Furthermore, to simplify the structure, the camera arm does not necessarily have to be divided.

[0211] Furthermore, a material extension stand having a roughly "C" or "L" shaped material extension section may be provided below the keyboard input section, as shown in Figure 62, to allow materials to be moved smoothly to the back.

[0212] [Embodiment 32] 62 and 63 show a display stand that is used to read materials from a portable display device such as a notepad that is not normally fixed to a display stand.

[0213] The display stand is composed of a display receiving part having a display stopper at the tip, a leaning part for leaning the display against, and an operation part stand for storing the operation part, a control part or a power supply part is attached to the display receiving part and the leaning part, and the operation part is detachably stored in the operation part stand.

[0214] The camera holder that holds the camera is supported by part of the camera arm, and a horizontal rotation axis that rotates or stops horizontally connects the other end of the camera arm to the tip of the support part, forming an R-θ camera arm. The camera holding mechanism can rotate the camera horizontally, and it can also be rotated 90 degrees depending on the angle correction or article composition of the document. Alternatively, a forward / backward linear motion mechanism such as that shown in Figure 10 can be formed, or a left / right linear motion mechanism can be added to allow the camera to move forward / backward and left / right. Lighting can be placed on the display stopper, or an extension can be attached to the camera holding part to form a mobile lighting unit.

[0215] Furthermore, a material extension stand having a roughly "C" or "L" shaped material extension section may be provided below the display receiving section, as shown in Figure 62, to allow materials to be moved smoothly to the back.

[0216] The upper part of the character supports the weight of the display, stand, camera, camera holding mechanism, operation unit, power supply unit, etc. above it, while the lower part is grounded to the base and has a part that connects the upper and lower parts, i.e. a connector, which is structured to create a gap between the upper and lower parts to allow materials to pass through. The operation unit software can be created as dedicated software.

Claims

1. An electronic magnifying glass that displays on a display a camera image of an object placed on a table, a control unit that performs image processing on the camera image and outputs the image to the display; a camera holding mechanism for holding the camera, The camera holding mechanism and the camera are positioned out of the line of sight between the viewer and the display. An electronic magnifier characterized by:

2. at least one light for illuminating the object; The camera holding mechanism includes: Camera stand and a camera arm supported by the camera stand; a camera holding portion attached to the camera arm and holding the camera; a flat-plate-shaped anti-tip mechanism placed on the platform, the camera stand is attached to the tip-over prevention mechanism; The camera stand is characterized in that the lighting is provided below the camera arm.

10. The electronic magnifier of claim 1.

3. the camera holding mechanism further includes a movable part; The movable unit has a front-to-back linear motion mechanism that moves the camera in the front-to-back direction of the observer via the camera arm, a left-to-right linear motion mechanism that moves the camera in the left-to-right direction of the observer, or an R-θ type movement mechanism that rotates the camera. Characterized by 3. The electronic magnifier of claim 2.

4. The camera stand is a camera stand opening that penetrates in the front-to-rear direction as seen from an observer; an extension body that extends in the front-to-rear direction as seen from an observer and that passes through the opening of the camera stand; One end of the extension is fastened to the camera holding portion, and the other end is provided with a moving light source. The moving lighting body When the camera moves backward through the opening of the camera stand, the lighting is positioned on the opposite side of the camera holding part with respect to the opening of the camera stand, and is provided so as to project light toward the opening of the camera stand.

4. The electronic magnifier of claim 3.

5. The camera holding mechanism includes: a display receiving portion on which the display is placed; a support portion provided on the display receiving portion and on which the display can be supported; a camera arm supported by the stand; the camera holding portion attached to the camera arm and holding the camera; a display stand having 2. The electronic magnifier according to claim 1.

6. the camera holding mechanism includes a camera arm and the camera holding portion that holds the camera; a part of the camera arm having the camera holding portion; The other part of the camera arm is attached to the camera stand, the outer frame of the display, the back surface of the display, a display stand that holds the display, the outer frame of the display of a notebook computer, or an extension of these. The electronic magnifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the camera holding mechanism further includes a movable part; The movable unit has a front-to-back linear motion mechanism that moves the camera in the front-to-back direction of the observer via the camera arm, a left-to-right linear motion mechanism that moves the camera in the left-to-right direction of the observer, or an R-θ type movement mechanism that rotates the camera.

7. The electronic magnifier of claim 6.

8. the camera holding mechanism has a tip-over prevention mechanism that prevents the camera holding mechanism from tipping over, the anti-tip mechanism is positioned inside or outside the field of view of the camera; The fall prevention mechanism, which is disposed inside the field of view of the camera, is configured such that part or all of the field of view is made up of a flat plate, The electronic magnifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the anti-tip mechanism, which is arranged outside the field of view of the camera, has a part or all of an area where the object is placed made of a flat plate and is formed with almost no step with the inside of the field of view of the camera.

9. a position detection means for the camera, 8. The electronic magnifier according to claim 7, wherein the control unit causes the camera to take an image when the position detection means detects that the camera has reached a predetermined position.

10. an operation unit for operating the camera, The operation unit is arranged on the camera stand, the outer frame of the display, the back surface of the display, a display stand that holds the display, or an extension of these. The electronic magnifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. the camera and the control unit are a smartphone with a camera, The camera holding mechanism holds the camera-equipped smartphone. The electronic magnifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. The operation unit includes an operation switch, a selection switch, and an execution switch, The control unit It has a functional unit that executes various processes, When the operation switch is pressed, a list of the selectable function units is displayed on the display as an operation image; When the selection switch is pressed, one of the operation images displayed as a list of the functional units is selected and displayed in a distinctive manner from the others; When the execution switch is pressed while the operation image is displayed in a distinctive manner, the function unit corresponding to the selected operation image is executed.

11. The electronic magnifier according to claim 10.

13. The control unit 6. The electronic magnifier according to claim 1, further comprising a functional unit that outputs a line superimposed on the image output from the camera.

14. at least one light for illuminating the object; The electronic magnifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the illumination is arranged so that the angle of incidence, which is the angle formed by the incident light irradiating the camera field of view and the camera optical axis, changes, or the illumination is arranged so that the azimuth angle with respect to the camera field of view changes.

15. Multiple lights that can be turned on individually are provided, It is characterized by the fact that only the lighting that causes halation during observation can be turned off and only the lighting that is effective for observation can be turned on. The electronic magnifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

16. The display stand is characterized in that it has a moving means for moving the display and a distance measuring means for measuring the distance between the display and a viewer.

6. The electronic magnifier of claim 5.

17. at least one light for illuminating the object; The lighting is arranged behind the observer. The electronic magnifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

18. the camera and / or the display 6. The electronic magnifier according to claim 1, wherein the electronic magnifier is a magnifying glass.

Images