Optical device

Abstract

The present invention describes an apparatus (100) comprising a first optical element (104), a second optical element (112), and a spacer element (206) for use with a mobile user device (200). The first optical element is configured to provide an image (108) of an object (102) at an intermediate image plane (110), and the second optical element magnifies the image and provides a final image at a final image plane (116), where the device's camera aperture is supported. The spacer element maintains a constant separation between the object and the first optical element. Image magnification is achieved while providing space (212) for tool access. A mirror (222) may be used to divert the optical path (218), allowing it to bend for smaller devices. A third optical element (120), disposed at the intermediate image plane, may be used to reduce the effects of vignetting in the final image.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application relates to an apparatus for magnifying an object of a device having a camera. In particular, embodiments are directed to an apparatus for medical visual examination and to an apparatus for assisting a user performing a medical procedure. In particular, this application relates to an instrument configured for use with a mobile user device that improves image quality while maintaining sufficient tool access. [Background technology]

[0002] Existing instruments for medical diagnosis rely on visual or photographic examination. They generally provide the means to observe magnified images of the target anatomical structures in real time. Some examinations are often coupled with procedures that require access of tools, such as removing ear wax from the ear canal. Detailed visualization of the structures being examined is important both for an accurate diagnosis, as well as to minimize potential pain and damage caused during the procedure. Performing the procedure with simultaneous visualization of the target structures further improves the quality of care provided and provides the ability to record the entire process for subsequent analysis. Such devices are expensive and difficult to operate.

[0003] Some instruments incorporate traditional optical systems with mobile user devices, providing improved ergonomics, usability, and cost for widespread access to related procedures, such as ear canal micro-aspiration, However, such instruments often exhibit insufficient image magnification and detail, and do not provide sufficient space for tool access.

[0004] GB-A-2569325 discloses a handle, a speculum mount, a smartphone mount, and a spacer element. The spacer element is configured to maintain an optical separation between the speculum mount and the smartphone mount. The device also comprises an optical path for the smartphone camera and light source, and optical elements for focusing the image and / or directing the light. The optical elements may be configured to provide a dual image to the smartphone camera. In use, the device allows a clear view of the ear canal while the micro-suction tool is inserted into the ear canal. A cannula grip and guide for the micro-suction tool are also disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] GB Patent Application Publication No. 2569325 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims and preferred features are set out in the dependent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Described herein is an apparatus for providing object magnification to a device having a camera. The apparatus comprises: a first optical element disposed at a first location for providing an image of the object at an intermediate image plane; a second optical element disposed at a second location for optically magnifying the intermediate image plane to provide a final image at the final image plane; means for mounting the apparatus in a fixed position relative to the device such that a camera aperture in the device is supported at the final image plane; a spacer element for maintaining the first optical element at a fixed distance from the object; an intermediate image plane and a second optical element disposed along an optical path extending between the first optical element and the final image plane; a second optical element disposed in the optical path between the intermediate image plane and the final image plane; A first distance along the optical path from the intermediate image plane to the final image plane is significantly less than a second distance along the optical path from the first optical element to the intermediate image plane.

[0008] The device can provide significantly increased magnification of an object being examined while providing free space for a tool to approach the object. In particular, the two optical elements arranged as described provide significantly increased magnification of the object while the spacer element maintains the object at a constant distance from the first optical element, thereby allowing space to be provided for a tool to approach.

[0009] The second distance may be at least twice the first distance, and preferably about five times greater than the first distance. Alternatively, the second distance may be at least an order of magnitude greater than the first distance. It should be noted that the distance along the optical path may be significantly greater than a physical linear distance, especially if the optical path is bent and diverted as described in more detail below.

[0010] While a device may include only a camera and the hardware and software to operate the camera, devices that optionally have a camera include mobile user devices such as a smart phone or tablet device. The device may also include custom-built devices that include a camera, hardware and software, and optionally a screen and wireless communication capabilities.

[0011] The device may further comprise a body for defining an opening through which the human or animal anatomy is examined. The optical path preferably passes through the opening. The body may be a speculum for positioning in the patient's ear canal. The device may include an otoscope. The speculum may be disposed at a distal end of a spacer element, the spacer element may be configured to provide a clearance for access of a tool through the speculum to the ear canal.

[0012] The device may further comprise a third optical element disposed in the optical path at the intermediate image plane. The third optical element may encompass the entire image at the intermediate image plane. The third optical element may be disposed such that the first optical element and the second optical element lie on a conjugate plane. Advantageously, this feature reduces the effect of vignetting in the final image. The effect of vignetting comes from light at higher angles of view where the second optical element misses.

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

[0014] The apparatus may further comprise an aperture stop disposed in the optical path, where the aperture stop optically effects a reduction in diameter at an entrance pupil of the apparatus, and where the first optical element comprises two sets of doublet lenses and the aperture stop is disposed between the two sets of doublet lenses, which increases the F-number of the optical system, thereby increasing the depth of field of the final image.

[0015] The device may further comprise a mirror device with multiple mirrors arranged to divert the optical path away from and toward an axis extending between the first optical element and the final image plane, whereby the optical path is longer than the distance between the first optical element and the final image plane. The multiple mirrors may divert the optical path to a surface that is substantially parallel and proximal to the distal surface of the device, i.e. along a path parallel to the back of the mobile device. This provides the advantage of allowing a portion of the optical path to be refracted, providing a more compact and ergonomic device while maintaining sufficient free space for tool access.

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

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

[0018] The accompanying applications may be provided for mobile computing devices having a camera that receive images from the above-mentioned apparatus. Such applications may be configured to crop images, digitally enlarge images, and / or flip images in real time.

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

[0020] According to another aspect, the present specification describes a method for magnifying an object for a device having a camera, the method including: positioning a first optical element at a first location to provide an image of the object at an intermediate image plane; disposing a second optical element at a second location for optically magnifying the intermediate image plane to provide a final image at the final image plane; mounting the first and second optical elements in fixed positions relative to the device such that an aperture of a camera in the device is supported at a final image plane; maintaining the first optical element at a constant distance from the object through the use of a spacer element; an intermediate image plane and a second optical element disposed along an optical path extending between the first optical element and the final image plane; a second optical element disposed in the optical path between the intermediate image plane and the final image plane; A first distance along the optical path from the intermediate image plane to the final image plane is significantly less than a second distance along the optical path from the first optical element to the intermediate image plane.

[0021] As discussed above, embodiments can provide significantly increased magnification of an object being examined, while providing free space for tools to access the object.

[0022] The method may further include disposing a third optical element in the optical path at the intermediate image plane, the third optical element being disposed such that it encompasses the entire image at the intermediate image and the first optical element and the second optical element lie on a conjugate plane.

[0023] The method may further include disposing a plurality of mirrors to divert the optical path away from and toward an axis extending between the first optical element and the final image plane, such that the optical path is longer than the distance between the first optical element and the final image plane. The method may further include disposing a plurality of mirrors to divert the optical path to a plane substantially parallel to and proximate to the distal face of the device. The method may further include placing the optical element and the plurality of mirrors in a housing, which is partially or fully sealed and provides space for the optical path through one or more internal cavities.

[0024] The method may further include illuminating the object using a powered light source and associated optics. The light source is preferably a plurality of white LEDs. The powered light source may be provided by the device. The method may further include controlling the powered light source using electronic circuitry and mounting the electronic circuitry to the spacer element. The method may further include coupling a handle to the spacer element. The method may further include providing power to the powered light source using a power source and associated electronic circuitry. The power source and associated electronic circuitry may be disposed in the handle.

[0025] Any system features as described herein may also be provided as method features and vice versa. As used herein, function features as well as means features may alternatively be expressed in terms of their corresponding structures.

[0026] Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention in any suitable combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to system aspects and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some, and / or all features in one aspect may be applied to any, some, and / or all features in any other aspect in any suitable combination.

[0027] It is also to be understood that specific combinations of the various features described and defined in any embodiment of the present invention may be implemented and / or applied and / or used independently.

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1a] 1 is a schematic side view of an apparatus comprising first and second optical elements; [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b shows a schematic side view of FIG. 1a further comprising a third optical element. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1c is a schematic side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1b with the optical path diverted by a mirror arrangement. [Figure 2b] 2b is a schematic perspective view of the distal end of the device of FIG. 2a, according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2c] 2b is a schematic perspective view of a distal end of the device of FIG. 2a according to an alternative embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2d] 2b is a schematic perspective view of a distal end of the device of FIG. 2a according to another alternative embodiment. [Figure 2e] FIG. 2b is a schematic perspective view of the distal end of an example of a device according to the embodiment of FIG. 2a. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic side view of a first optical element according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4a] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lighting device according to a first example. [Figure 4b] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lighting device in a second example. FIG. [Figure 5a] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a handle of the device according to FIG. 2. [Figure 5b] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an associated charging station according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an application for performing image manipulation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] With reference to Figures 1a and 1b, an apparatus 100 for providing magnification of an object 102 for a device with a camera according to a first embodiment, which in this embodiment is a mobile user device, will now be described. The apparatus comprises a first optical element 104 at a first location 106 and a second optical element 112. The first optical element 104 provides an image 108 of the object 102 at an intermediate image plane 110. The image 108 is then optically magnified by the second optical element 112 to provide a final image 114 at a final image plane 116. The intermediate image plane 110 and the second optical element 112 are arranged along an optical path 118 extending between the first optical element 104 and the final image plane 116. The focal lengths of the optical elements 104, 112 are such that the distance from the first optical element 104 to the intermediate image plane 110 is longer than the distance from the intermediate image plane 110 to the second optical element 112.

[0031] 1b, the third optical element 120 may be disposed at the intermediate image plane 110 such that the third optical element 120 encompasses the entire image 108. The third optical element 120 is positioned such that the first optical element 104 and the second optical element 112 lie in a conjugate plane.

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

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

[0034] 1a and 1b are not drawn to scale, and it should be noted that the distance between the first optical element 104 and the object surface 102 may be greater than the spatial distance between the optical elements 104, 112, and greater than the spatial distance between the first optical element 104 and the image surface 116. That is, the spacer elements are positioned to provide a gap large enough to allow access for surgical tools or other devices.

[0035] For the avoidance of doubt, the end of the apparatus 100 closest to the object 102, i.e., the end furthest from the user, will be referred to as the distal end. The end of the apparatus 100 closest to the mobile user device, i.e., the end closest to the user, will be referred to as the proximal end.

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

[0037] The apparatus 100 can be used for medical examination and any associated procedures, thus, by way of example, the apparatus 100 is incorporated into or implemented with a medical device, such as an otoscope, endoscope, or ophthalmoscope, to examine internal or external anatomical structures.

[0038] In one example, the first optical element 104 has a focal length of approximately 100-150 mm and is located along the optical path 118 approximately one focal length away from the object 102. The intermediate image plane 110 is therefore approximately 300 mm from the first optical element 104 along the optical path 118. As in this example, magnification can be achieved using the first optical element 104 as a ratio of the distance along the optical path 118 from the first optical element 104 to the object 102 and the distance along the optical path 118 from the first optical element 104 to the intermediate image plane 110. The second optical element 112 has a refractive power of approximately 10 diopters, reducing the minimum focal length of the camera by a factor of 1.6, and in combination with the first optical element 104 has a magnification of approximately 3.2 (equal to 2×1.6, where the ratio of the distance between the object 102 and the first optical element 104 to the distance between the first optical element 104 and the intermediate image plane 110 is 2:1). Alternatively, if the refractive power of the second optical element 112 is 23 diopters, the minimum focal length is reduced by a factor of approximately 2.4, achieving a magnification of approximately 4.8. Advantageously, the device 100 achieves approximately 8 times magnification with the 10 diopters second optical element 112, and approximately 11 times magnification with the 23 diopters second optical element 112, compared to using only the camera at a similar distance from the object 102.

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

[0040] The apparatus 100 further comprises a mirror arrangement 220 with a number of mirrors 222 for diverting the optical path 218 away from and towards an axis extending between the first optical element 104 and the final image plane 116. The optical path 218 is thus longer than the distance between the first optical element 104 and the final image plane 116. The number of mirrors 222 are preferably a number of planar mirrors, for example with a diameter of about 10 mm or 12.5 mm. The aperture of the camera 202 is shown in FIG. 2a supported at the final image plane 116. In one example corresponding to FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2e, the housing 204 has bounding dimensions of approximately 80 mm×30 mm×170 mm.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 2c, a number of mirrors 222 may redirect the optical path 218 to a plane that is substantially parallel and proximal to the distal (i.e., rear) face of the mobile user device 200. Several other refractive arrangements exist. For example, another arrangement is shown in Fig. 2d. In the example of Fig. 2c, the housing 204 has bounding dimensions of approximately 20mm x 50mm x 120mm.

[0042] With reference to FIG. 3, the first optical element 104 in the device 100 according to an alternative embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the first optical element 104 comprises two pairs of achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302 arranged in opposite orientation. As illustrated in FIG. 3 by the example of light ray 320, the achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302 have one infinite conjugate. This means that the light ray 320 forms a parallel beam between the achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302. The use of the achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302 reduces chromatic aberrations that may cause color fringing artifacts. The performance of the achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302 is to limit diffraction when the device 100 has an angle of view less than about 5°, which means that other common forms of aberrations, such as spherical aberration, coma, and astigmatism, are reduced. The achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302 do not have to be identical. Their focal lengths (which are equivalent to the front and back focal lengths, respectively, of the first optical element 104) vary with the distance of the object 102 and the intermediate image plane 110, respectively, from the first optical element 104.

[0043] The first optical element 104 further comprises an aperture stop 310 disposed between the achromatic doublet lenses 300, 302. The aperture stop 310 results in a reduction in the diameter of the entrance pupil of the device 100. The entrance pupil is the smallest optical opening in the device 100 along the optical path 118. This has the effect of increasing the F-number of the aperture of the device 100, i.e. the ratio of the focal length to the entrance pupil diameter. The depth of field in the final image 114 is reduced as a result of the magnification. To compensate for this, a deeper depth of field is achieved by increasing the F-number. In some embodiments, the diameter of the aperture stop 310 can be adjusted between several different sizes.

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

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

[0046] 4 and 5, the device 100 further comprises an illumination device 400 according to a preferred embodiment described next. The illumination device 400 comprises a powered light source 410 and an optical device 420 configured to direct light from the powered light source 410 to the object 102. The illumination device 400 is mounted on the device 100, for example in a speculum (see FIG. 4a) or substantially adjacent to the mobile user device 200 (see FIG. 4b). As in FIG. 4b, the powered light source 410 is provided by the mobile user device 200; or the powered light source 410 is a number of white LEDs. The optical device 420 is a collimator for collimating the light emitted from the powered light source 410. In this way, directing additional light to the object 102 increases the illumination of the object 102 in the final image 114, providing good image quality regardless of parts of the aperture 100 that may reduce the available light, such as the aperture stop 310.

[0047] The lighting device 400 further comprises electronic circuitry 502 for controlling the powered light source 410 and means for mounting the powered light source 410 and the electronic circuitry 502 to the device 100, including internally positioning the above-mentioned parts. The lighting device 400 further comprises a power source 504 for providing power to the light source 410 and electronic circuitry 506 for controlling the power source. The power source 504 is preferably a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Additionally, the device 100 comprises a charging stand.

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

[0049] As shown in Fig. 5b, the charging stand 520 is configured to receive the handle 208 of the device 100 for charging the power source 504. The charging stand 520 comprises a charging stand cover 522 and a cable 526 for connecting to an external power source. The cable 526 is coupled to the charging stand 520 via a cable storage system 528 for mechanically biasing the cable 526 towards the cover 522. For example, the cable storage system 528 may comprise a number of springs and pulleys. An electronic circuit 524 for controlling the charging of the power source 504 is disposed within the charging stand 520. The charging stand 520 thus provides a means for charging the power source 504 of the device 100.

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

[0051] With reference to Fig. 6, an application 600 operable with all the previous embodiments will now be described. The application 600 receives the final image 114 in digital format via one or more image sensors in the camera 202 of the mobile user device 200. The application 600 is configured to select any number of actions 610 on the image to generate an output image 630. Through a graphical user interface of the mobile user device 200, the application 600 displays the output image 630 on the screen. In addition, the application 600 is operable to effect configuration changes in the apparatus 100 using any number of selections of configuration controls 620. The application 600 thus allows further digital image enrichment and can be used to optimally display the image 114 of the object 102 to the user.

[0052] In one example, the operations 610 include cropping 612, digital magnification 614, and / or real-time image flipping 616. Cropping 612 and digital magnification 614 can maximize the area of ​​the object in the image 114 on the screen. Magnification 614 can over-zoom the image, i.e., magnify it beyond the one-to-one mapping between the sensor pixels of the camera 202 and the screen pixels. The optics of the device 100 can be configured such that the final image shows an inverted version of the object 102. Real-time image flipping 616 allows for correcting this inaccurate display.

[0053] In another example, the configuration control 620 includes controlling the illumination intensity 622 of the object 102 and the aperture 624 in the optical system of the device 100. The illumination control 622 communicates with the lighting device 400 via the electronic circuits 502, 506 to, for example, change the intensity, frequency, and beam width of the powered light source 410. The aperture control 624 adjusts the diameter of one or more adjustable apertures present in the device 100, such as the aperture stop 310 or an internal aperture in the camera 202 of the mobile user device 200. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other adjustable elements of the device 100 can be controlled by the application 600 by suitable electromechanical communication. Similarly, the application can be implemented without the configuration control 620.

[0054] In all of the above embodiments and examples, some or all of the magnification may be performed using optical elements other than lenses, such as mirrors and / or prisms. Sufficient quality of optical elements (including lenses, mirrors, and prisms) are used assuming that the optical performance of device 100 is diffraction limited. Effects such as field curvature and geometric distortion are insignificant when a sufficiently small angle of view is used, as described above.

[0055] The device 100 may be used for a range of other medical examinations besides medical examination of the ear canal. For example, the device 100 may be used to examine the nose, throat, and mouth, including assistance with dental procedures. The device 100 may also be used for external examinations, such as examination of the eye or skin surface. Specialized mountings, such as restraints or supports, may be required for this. For different specific use cases, different bodies for defining an opening may be provided at the distal end of the spacer element. For example, a speculum designed for use in the mouth or body of a patient is conceivable, defining an aperture through which the surface of the patient's skin may be examined. The device may be used for veterinary as well as human medical applications.

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

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

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for providing object magnification to a device having a camera, comprising: a first optical element disposed at a first location for providing an intermediate image of the object at an intermediate image plane; a second optical element disposed at a second location for optically magnifying the intermediate image to provide a final image at a final image plane; means for mounting the apparatus in a fixed position relative to the device such that a camera aperture in the device is supported at the final image plane; a spacer element for maintaining the first optical element at a constant distance from the object; the intermediate image surface and the second optical element are disposed along an optical path extending between the first optical element and the final image surface; the second optical element is disposed in the optical path between the intermediate image plane and the final image plane; An apparatus, wherein a first distance along the optical path from the intermediate image plane to the final image plane is significantly less than a second distance along the optical path from the first optical element to the intermediate image plane.

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

3. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a body for defining an opening, through which an object of the human or animal anatomy is optionally examined.

4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the body is a speculum for placement in a patient's ear canal.

5. 5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, comprising an otoscope.

6. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the speculum is disposed at a distal end of the spacer element, the spacer element being configured to provide a gap for access of a tool through the speculum to the ear canal.

7. a third optical element disposed in the optical path at the intermediate image plane; the third optical element encompasses an entire image at the intermediate image plane; The third optical element is disposed such that the first optical element and the second optical element are on a conjugate plane. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one, and preferably each, optical element comprises a lens.

9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first optical element comprises two pairs of doublet lenses.

10. Any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an aperture stop arranged in the optical path, the aperture stop optically effecting a reduction in diameter at an entrance pupil of the device, the first optical element comprising two sets of doublet lenses, the aperture stop being arranged between the two sets of doublet lenses.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of mirrors divert the optical path to a plane substantially parallel to and proximate to a distal face of the device.

13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first optical element is achromatic.

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

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

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

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

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

19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a powered light source, preferably an illumination device having a plurality of white LEDs.

20. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising an optical device configured to direct light from the powered light source to the object.

21. 21. Apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the powered light source is provided by the device.

22. The lighting device includes: electronic circuitry for controlling the powered light source; means for mounting said powered light source and said electronic circuitry to said spacer element; In preparation for The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the optical device comprises a collimator.

23. a power source, preferably a rechargeable lithium ion battery, for powering said light source; 、 an electronic circuit for controlling the power supply; 21. The apparatus of claim 19 or 20, further comprising:

24. 24. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising a handle.

25. 25. The device of claim 24 when dependent on claim 23, wherein the power source and electronic circuitry for controlling the power source are disposed in the handle.

26. An application on a mobile computing device having a camera receiving images from an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 25, comprising: To crop the image, digitally enlarging said image; and / or To invert the image in real time, Configured,Application.

27. To control the intensity, frequency, and beam width of the powered light source; and to control the diameter of one or more openings in the device; The application according to claim 26 dependent on claim 19 further comprising:

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