Magnifying glass device

Abstract

To miniaturize and lighten a magnifying glass device capable of automatically focusing the user's eyes on enlarged images of visual objects at different distances. 【Solution means】A magnifying glass device comprising: a magnifying optical unit 4 that outputs an enlarged image of a visual object viewed by a user; a distance detection unit 21 that detects the distance to the visual object; and a focus adjustment unit that adjusts the focus of the enlarged image output from the magnifying optical unit based on the detection result of the distance detection unit 21. The focus adjustment unit includes a variable focus lens 3 disposed on the optical path passing through the magnifying optical unit 4 and having a variable focal length, and a control unit 10 that controls the focal length of the variable focus lens 3 to an adaptive focal length adapted to the user's eye based on the detection result of the distance detection unit 21.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnifying glass device used for a user to visually recognize an enlarged image of an object to be visually recognized.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a surgical loupe (magnifying glass device) used for a surgeon to magnify and visually recognize an object to be visually recognized during surgery. This surgical loupe is integrated with glasses or a glasses frame and is worn on the face of the surgeon (user) for use. This surgical loupe is provided with a focus adjustment unit that measures the distance to the object to be visually recognized (visual recognition distance) with a distance measuring sensor unit (distance detection unit) and automatically performs focus adjustment (diopter adjustment) based on the measured distance. In this focus adjustment unit, the position of the focusing lens is moved by controlling a focus adjustment driving unit (moving mechanism) that moves the position of the focusing lens by a control unit, thereby performing focus adjustment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in order for each user with various refractive abnormalities such as myopia and hyperopia to focus on the enlarged image of the object to be visually recognized, a conventional magnifying glass device requires a moving mechanism that moves the position of the focusing lens, so there is a problem that it is difficult to miniaturize and reduce the weight.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a magnifying glass device including a magnifying optical unit that outputs an enlarged image of a visual object to be visually recognized by a user, a distance detection unit that detects the distance to the visual object, and a focus adjustment unit that adjusts the focus of the enlarged image output from the magnifying optical unit based on the detection result of the distance detection unit that detects the distance to the visual object. The focus adjustment unit is disposed on the optical path passing through the magnifying optical unit and includes a variable focus lens capable of changing the focal length, and a control unit that controls the focal length of the variable focus lens to an appropriate focal length adapted to the user's eye based on the detection result of the distance detection unit. In this magnifying glass device, the focus adjustment unit adjusts the focus of the enlarged image output from the magnifying optical unit based on the detection result of the distance detection unit that detects the distance to the visual object. The focus adjustment unit in this magnifying glass device has a variable focus lens, and based on the detection result of the distance to the visual object by the distance detection unit, the focal length of the variable focus lens is controlled to an appropriate focal length adapted to the user's eye. Thereby, it is possible to automatically focus the user's eyes on the enlarged images of any visual objects with different distances. Moreover, the variable focus lens can change the focal length without requiring a moving mechanism for moving the position of the lens, and it is easy to achieve miniaturization and weight reduction. Therefore, it is easy to realize a small and lightweight magnifying glass device using a small and lightweight variable focus lens. The miniaturization and weight reduction of the magnifying glass device are a great advantage directly related to the improvement of the user's convenience, especially when the magnifying glass device is worn and used on the user's face or the like.

[0006] In the magnifying glass device, the focus adjustment unit may have a storage unit that stores focus distance specific information for specifying the focal length of the variable focus lens according to the distance to the visual object, and the control unit may control the focal length of the variable focus lens to the appropriate focal length based on the detection result of the distance detection unit and the focus distance specific information in the storage unit. In this magnifying glass device, distance-specific information for specifying the focal length (adaptive focal length) of a variable-focus lens that adapts to the user according to the distance to the object to be visually recognized is stored in advance in the storage unit. Then, the distance to the object to be visually recognized by the user through this magnifying glass device is detected by the distance detection unit, and the control unit controls the focal length of the variable-focus lens to be the adaptive focal length based on the detection result and the distance-specific information in the storage unit. As a result, by storing in advance in the storage unit the distance-specific information for specifying different adaptive focal lengths for each user, it becomes possible to automatically focus the images of any objects to be visually recognized at different distances for each user.

[0007] In the magnifying glass device, the magnifying optical unit may be a magnifying optical system including an objective lens and an eyepiece lens. According to this, the configuration of the magnifying optical unit can be made simple, and a small and lightweight magnifying optical unit can be obtained. Therefore, the configuration of the magnifying glass device is simplified, which is more advantageous for miniaturizing and lightening the magnifying glass device.

[0008] In the magnifying glass device, the variable-focus lens may be a shape-variable lens whose refractive surface shape changes and focal length changes by an electric signal controlled by the control unit. Such a shape-variable lens is small and lightweight, which is more advantageous for realizing a small and lightweight magnifying glass device.

[0009] The magnifying glass device may include a pair of left and right autofocus magnifying glass units including the magnifying optical unit and the variable-focus lens, and a holding unit for holding the pair of left and right autofocus magnifying glass units. According to this, a binocular magnifying glass device can be provided.

[0010] The magnifying glass device may include a distance adjustment unit that adjusts the distance between the pair of left and right autofocus magnifying glass units to match the interpupillary distance of the user. According to this, since the distance between a pair of left and right autofocus magnifying parts (the distance between output parts that output magnified images to the user's eyes) can be adjusted according to the interpupillary distance of each user, it is not necessary to individually design and manufacture binocular magnifying devices for both eyes, and a general-purpose binocular magnifying device capable of adjusting the distance between a pair of left and right autofocus magnifying parts according to the user's interpupillary distance can be provided.

[0011] In the magnifying device, the holding part may include an eyeglass frame. According to this, the user can wear and use this magnifying device with the same wearing feeling as glasses. The eyeglass frame is composed of, for example, the temples of glasses, the nose pads, etc.

[0012] The magnifying device may have a mounting part for mounting on a user's wearing tool. According to this, by mounting this magnifying device on a user's wearing tool (such as glasses, goggles, headband, helmet, etc.) that is configured separately from this magnifying device, the user can wear and use this magnifying device.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of a magnifying device capable of automatically focusing the user's focus on magnified images of visual recognition objects with different distances.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a binocular magnifier as a magnifying device will be described. Note that the magnifying device of the present embodiment will be described by taking, as an example, a glasses-type binocular magnifier that is worn on the face of a user (hereinafter referred to as a "user"), but is not limited thereto.

[0016] For example, instead of a glasses type that is worn on the user's face by hanging the temple part of the glasses frame on the user's ears, a goggle type that is worn on the user's face using the tension of a band wrapped around the user's back head, a helmet type that is worn on the user's head, etc., a magnifying device having the form of a wearing tool worn by the user is suitable. Further, not limited to wearing tools, a stationary type magnifying device placed and used at a workplace or the like may be used, or a handy type magnifying device held by the user's hand and used may be used. The type of the magnifying device is appropriately selected according to the use of the magnifying device and the like.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a binocular loupe 1 which is a glasses-type binocular magnifier according to the present embodiment. The binocular loupe 1 in the present embodiment mainly includes a glasses frame 2, a pair of left and right autofocus magnifying parts 5, 5, and a loupe main body part 6.

[0018] The spectacle frame 2 includes a bridge portion 2a, a pair of left and right temple portions 2b, 2b, a pair of left and right armor portions 2c, 2c, and a pair of left and right transparent plate portions 2d, 2d.

[0019] The bridge portion 2a is disposed at a position that deviates upward from the field of view of the user, who is the wearer, when worn, and extends in the left - right direction across between the left and right temple portions 2b, 2b. At both left - right ends in the left - right direction of the bridge portion 2a, armor portions 2c, 2c are provided, and the left and right temple portions 2b, 2b are connected to both ends of the bridge portion 2a via the armor portions 2c, 2c.

[0020] The temple portions 2b, 2b are members that are placed on the ears of the user when the user wears the binocular loupe 1. The left and right temple portions 2b, 2b in the present embodiment are configured such that they can be folded respectively toward the center in the left - right direction of the binocular loupe 1 by hinge portions provided in the armor portions 2c, 2c.

[0021] The pair of left and right transparent plate portions 2d, 2d are members that are held by the bridge portion 2a and are disposed in front of the left and right eyes of the user when the user wears the binocular loupe 1. The transparent plate portions 2d, 2d are mainly for protecting the eyes of the user. For example, the transparent plate portions 2d, 2d function to protect the left and right pair of autofocus magnifying lens portions 5, 5 disposed in front of the left and right eyes of the user from coming into contact with the user's eyes for any reason. Note that the transparent plate portions 2d, 2d may be prescription lenses or astigmatism - correcting lenses.

[0022] Figure 2 is a cross - sectional view schematically showing the autofocus magnifying lens portion 5 of the binocular loupe 1 in the present embodiment. In the binocular loupe 1 of the present embodiment, two autofocus magnifying lens portions 5, 5 that form a pair of left and right corresponding to each eye of the user are provided. The two autofocus magnifying lens portions 5, 5 have substantially the same configuration, and each autofocus magnifying lens portion 5, 5 is provided with a variable - focus lens 3 and a magnifying optical portion 4.

[0023] The magnifying optical unit 4 of the present embodiment is configured by a magnifying optical system including an objective lens 4a and an eyepiece lens 4b. The objective lens 4a and the eyepiece lens 4b are held on the inner wall of the lens barrel 4c and are fixedly arranged. For the magnifying optical unit 4, for example, a simple Galilean magnifying optical system using a convex lens for the objective lens 4a and a concave lens for the eyepiece lens 4b can be used. In this case, since the configuration is simple, it is easier to realize a simpler and lighter magnifying optical unit 4.

[0024] Also, as the magnifying optical unit 4, for example, a magnifying optical system of a prism type (Porro prism type, Dahp prism type, etc.) in which a prism is arranged on the optical path between the objective lens 4a and the eyepiece lens 4b can be used. Note that the magnifying optical unit 4 is not particularly limited as long as it can output a magnified image of the object to be visually recognized by the user.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the autofocus magnifier unit 5 of the present embodiment has a lens holding portion 5a that holds a variable focus lens 3 attached to a portion on the eyepiece lens side of the lens barrel 4c that holds the objective lens 4a and the eyepiece lens 4b in the magnifying optical unit 4. Thereby, the variable focus lens 3 is arranged such that their optical axes LO coincide with each other in the vicinity of the downstream side of the optical path of the eyepiece lens 4b of the magnifying optical unit 4. In the present embodiment, the lenses (the objective lens 4a and the eyepiece lens 4b of the magnifying optical unit 4, and the variable focus lens 3) provided in the autofocus magnifier unit 5 are all fixedly arranged, and there is no moving mechanism for moving the positions of these lenses. Therefore, the autofocus magnifier unit 5 can be made small and lightweight.

[0026] However, the magnifying optical unit 4 may be configured to include a moving mechanism for moving the position of the lens. That is, it is sufficient that the configuration for focusing the user (that is, the variable focus lens 3 of the present embodiment) does not include a moving mechanism for moving the position of the lens.

[0027] As described above, in the autofocus magnifying lens unit 5 of the present embodiment, in the optical path passing through the magnifying optical unit 4 (the optical path from the object to be viewed to the user's eyes), the magnifying optical unit 4 is arranged on the upstream side, and the variable focus lens 3 is arranged on the downstream side. Therefore, the image of the object to be viewed that the user views through the binocular loupe 1 is enlarged by the magnifying optical unit 4 into an enlarged image, and the enlarged image output from the magnifying optical unit 4 is output to the user's eyes through the variable focus lens 3.

[0028] Note that the arrangement of the variable focus lens 3 with respect to the magnifying optical unit 4 is not limited to the arrangement of the present embodiment. For example, a configuration in which the variable focus lens 3 is on the upstream side and the magnifying optical unit 4 is on the downstream side is also possible. Also, a configuration in which the variable focus lens 3 is arranged on the optical path inside the magnifying optical unit 4, for example, between the objective lens 4a and the eyepiece lens 4b, is also possible.

[0029] The variable focus lens 3 in the present embodiment is not limited to its configuration as long as it can electrically control the focal length of the lens without requiring a moving mechanism for moving the position of the lens. However, the variable focus lens 3 is preferably a shape-variable lens whose focal length changes due to a change in the shape of the refracting surface. Among shape-variable lenses, a liquid lens (also referred to as an electro-wetting device, etc.) that can change the focal length by using the interface between two types of liquids as the refracting surface and electrically controlling the wettability of the liquid to change the shape of the interface is preferable. If it is a liquid lens, high-degree control of the focal length can be achieved at high speed.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the variable focus lens 3 in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the variable focus lens 3 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the variable focus lens 3 of this embodiment has a configuration in which an insulating liquid 311 and a conductive liquid 312 that are in contact in an unmixed state at the interface I are enclosed by an annular first electrode 301 and two transparent window members 303 and 304 that close the upper and lower ends of the first electrode 301. The insulating liquid 311 is, for example, an oily liquid, and the conductive liquid 312 is, for example, an aqueous liquid with a relatively low conductivity. A voltage V0 is applied to the first electrode 301, but in this embodiment, since the annular first electrode 301 is grounded, V0 = 0V. Further, the first electrode 301 is insulated from the enclosed insulating liquid 311 and conductive liquid 312 by an insulating layer 301a.

[0031] In addition, in the variable focus lens 3 of this embodiment, a plurality of pairs of second electrodes 302A, 302B,... are arranged at symmetric positions with respect to the axis O of the first electrode 301. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, four pairs of second electrodes 302A to 302H are arranged on a circumference centered on the axis O, and a total of eight second electrodes 302A to 302H are provided.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the second electrodes 302A to 302H are arranged at positions in contact with the conductive liquid 312. When voltages VA to VH are applied to the second electrodes 302A to 302H, a potential difference is generated between each of the second electrodes 302A to 302H and the first electrode 301, and the end portion Ia of the insulating liquid 311 (the end portion Ia of the interface I) can be displaced along the insulating layer portion 301b on the first electrode 301 by the electro-wetting effect. When the end portion Ia of the insulating liquid 311 is displaced in this way, the shape of the insulating liquid 311 changes and the curvature of the interface I is changed. Therefore, by controlling the voltages VA to VH applied to the second electrodes 302A to 302H, the focal length of the variable focus lens 3 having the interface I as a refracting surface can be changed.

[0033] In particular, the variable focus lens 3 of this embodiment can deform the interface I, which is a refracting surface, into a diffusing lens (concave lens), a plano lens, or a condensing lens (convex lens) by controlling the voltages VA to VH applied to the second electrodes 302A to 302H.

[0034] The variable focus lens 3 of the present embodiment can change the focal length within a range of -15D to +15D in terms of diopter (the reciprocal of the focal length). By using the variable focus lens 3 with such a wide range of focal length change, it is possible to accommodate users with low vision such as amblyopia, for example.

[0035] In the present embodiment, by applying the same voltage to all the second electrodes 302A to 302H arranged at symmetric positions with respect to the axis O of the first electrode 301, the focal length can be changed while keeping the optical axis of the variable focus lens 3 coincident with the axis O of the first electrode 301. On the other hand, if different voltages are applied to each of the second electrodes 302A to 302H, it is possible not only to change the focal length but also to shift or tilt the optical axis of the variable focus lens 3. That is, the variable focus lens 3 of the present embodiment can change either one or both of the position and direction of the optical axis by controlling the applied voltages VA to VH.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the loupe main body 6 of the present embodiment is attached to a holding arm 2e supported at the center in the left - right direction of the bridge portion 2a of the spectacle frame 2. The main body case 6a of the loupe main body 6 is provided with a distance adjustment portion 6b for adjusting the distance between a pair of left - and - right autofocus magnifying portions 5, 5 (the distance between the output portions that output an enlarged image to the user's eyes). Specifically, the distance adjustment portion 6b in the present embodiment adjusts the lens - to - lens distance between the variable focus lenses 3, 3 provided in the pair of left - and - right autofocus magnifying portions 5, 5 respectively. The lens - to - lens distance can be defined, for example, by the distance between the reference positions (for example, the center positions) on the variable focus lenses 3, 3. Here, the reference positions of the variable focus lenses 3, 3 are equal to, for example, the optical center positions of the variable focus lenses 3, 3, and the lens - to - lens distance is equal to the distance formed by the optical centers of the respective variable focus lenses 3, 3.

[0037] By providing such a distance adjustment unit 6b, it is not necessary to individually design and manufacture the binocular loupe 1 according to the interpupillary distance PD for each user. Instead, a general-purpose binocular loupe 1 can be provided in which the distance between the pair of left and right autofocus magnifying units 5, 5 can be adjusted according to the user's interpupillary distance PD. In particular, when the variable focus lenses 3, 3 are small as in the present embodiment, it is beneficial to be able to adjust the lens distance of the variable focus lenses 3, 3 for each user according to the user's interpupillary distance PD.

[0038] The distance adjustment unit 6b in the present embodiment is provided for each of the pair of left and right autofocus magnifying units 5, 5, and is constituted by grooves formed on the lower surface of the main body case 6a of the loupe main body unit 6. Each groove extends in the left-right direction along the lower surface of the main body case 6a. In these grooves, attachment portions 5b (see FIG. 2) provided on the upper portions of the lens holding portions 5a of the respective autofocus magnifying units 5, 5 are respectively fitted and slidably attached.

[0039] In the present embodiment, for example, when the user grips and moves the respective autofocus magnifying units 5, 5 left and right, the respective autofocus magnifying units 5, 5 can be moved in the left-right direction along the grooves of the main body case 6a of the loupe main body unit 6. Also, for example, when the user releases their hand from the respective autofocus magnifying units 5, 5, the positions of the respective autofocus magnifying units 5, 5 are fixed by the static frictional force between the attachment portions 5b of the respective autofocus magnifying units 5, 5 and the grooves of the main body case 6a. In the present embodiment, the distance between the autofocus magnifying units 5, 5 can be adjusted in this way.

[0040] Also, in the present embodiment, the attachment portions 5b of the respective autofocus magnifying lens portions 5, 5 are attached to the groove of the main body case 6a so as to be rotatable around an axis RO extending perpendicular to the lower surface of the main body case 6a. Therefore, for example, when the user grips the autofocus magnifying lens portions 5, 5 and rotates them around the axis RO, the direction of the optical axis LO of the respective autofocus magnifying lens portions 5, 5 can be changed. As a result, it becomes possible to adjust the convergence angle in the pair of left and right autofocus magnifying lens portions 5, 5. For example, if the user releases their hand from the autofocus magnifying lens portions 5, 5, the rotational position of the respective autofocus magnifying lens portions 5, 5 is fixed by the static frictional force between the attachment portion 5b of the autofocus magnifying lens portions 5, 5 and the groove of the main body case 6a.

[0041] Further, the loupe main body portion 6 is provided with a control device 10, a battery 20, and a distance detection unit 21.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 10 is provided inside the main body case 6a of the loupe main body portion 6 together with the battery 20. The control device 10 can control the focal length of the variable focus lens 3 by controlling the voltage (electrical signal) applied from the battery 20 to each of the second electrodes 302A to 302H of the variable focus lens 3.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 10 in the present embodiment. The control device 10 in the present embodiment includes a main control unit 11, a voltage changing unit 12, an operation unit 13, and a storage unit 14. The control device 10 is connected to the second electrodes 302A to 302H of the two variable focus lenses 3, 3, a battery 20 as a power source for supplying voltage, and a distance detection unit 21 for detecting the distance to a visual target visually recognized by the user through the autofocus magnifying lens portions 5, 5.

[0044] The main control unit 11 is constituted by, for example, a control board (computer) on which a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, etc. are mounted, and performs overall control of the binocular loupe 1 by executing a predetermined control program stored in the ROM. In particular, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 11 functions as a control unit (control means) that controls the variable focus lenses 3, 3 so that the focal lengths of the variable focus lenses 3, 3 change based on the viewing distance (detection result) to the viewing object detected by the distance detection unit 21.

[0045] The voltage changing unit 12 changes the voltage applied from the battery 20 to each of the second electrodes 302A to 302H of the variable focus lens 3 under the control of the main control unit 11. The voltage changing unit 12 can change the voltage applied to each of the second electrodes 302A to 302H individually for each of the second electrodes 302A to 302H. However, the voltage changing unit 12 may be capable of partially changing only a part of the second electrodes 302A to 302H (for example, only a pair of second electrodes).

[0046] The operation unit 13 outputs an operation signal indicating the operation content of the user to the main control unit 11 when operated by the user. Examples of the user operation received by the operation unit 13 include, for example, power on / off operation, execution instruction of the main control unit 11, and change of the control content of the main control unit 11. In particular, the operation unit 13 in the present embodiment receives a user operation for changing the focal lengths of the two variable focus lenses 3, 3.

[0047] The operation unit 13 is constituted by an operation device (buttons such as mechanical or electrostatic touch type, rotary operation units such as dials, etc.) suitable for the content of the user operation received. The operation unit 13 of the present embodiment is constituted by two dial units 13a, 13a capable of rotary operation (dial operation) and push operation (button operation) as shown in FIG. 1.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 1, the dial parts 13a, 13a are respectively provided at both left and right ends of the loupe main body part 6, and are configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in a substantially vertical direction. When the dial part 13a provided on the left side is rotated in the forward rotation direction, an instruction operation to shorten the focal length of the variable focus lens 3 in the autofocus magnifying lens part 5 for the left eye is received. When rotated in the reverse rotation direction, an instruction operation to lengthen the focal length of the variable focus lens 3 in the autofocus magnifying lens part 5 for the left eye is received. Further, when the dial part 13a provided on the right side is rotated in the forward rotation direction, an instruction operation to shorten the focal length of the variable focus lens 3 in the autofocus magnifying lens part 5 for the right eye is received. When rotated in the reverse rotation direction, an instruction operation to lengthen the focal length of the variable focus lens 3 in the autofocus magnifying lens part 5 for the right eye is received.

[0049] Also, the dial parts 13a, 13a receive the user's instruction operation by being pushed so as to press their rotation axes inward in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, the push operation on the dial parts 13a, 13a is used for, for example, a switching operation for switching the operation mode of the main control unit 11, an instruction operation for user determination, and the like.

[0050] The switching operation by the push operation on the dial parts 13a, 13a is an operation for switching between a setting mode and a use mode. The setting mode is an operation mode for setting the focal length specific information used in the use mode, and sets the user's appropriate focal length according to the visual recognition distance detected by the distance detection unit 21. The use mode is an operation mode for automatically controlling the focal lengths of the variable focus lenses 3, 3 to be the appropriate focal length according to the visual recognition distance detected by the distance detection unit 21.

[0051] The instruction operation for user determination by the push operation on the dial parts 13a, 13a is, for example, to search for (measure) the appropriate focal length for the user while changing the focal lengths of the variable focus lenses 3, 3 by the rotation operation on the dial parts 13a, 13a, and perform the instruction operation for determination when the appropriate focal length is determined.

[0052] The memory unit 14 stores programs and data used by the control device 10. In particular, in the present embodiment, as data used for controlling the focal length of the variable focus lenses 3, 3 in the usage mode, the memory unit 14 stores focal length specification information for specifying the focal length of the variable focus lenses 3, 3 according to the distance to the object to be viewed.

[0053] The focal length specification information is, for example, information indicating the relationship between the viewing distance to the object to be viewed (the detection result of the distance detection unit 21) and the focal lengths of the two variable focus lenses 3, 3 corresponding to each viewing distance (the focal lengths suitable for the user corresponding to each viewing distance). Such information can be stored in the memory unit 14, for example, as table data describing the correspondence relationship between the viewing distance and the focal lengths of the two variable focus lenses 3, 3 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0054] In particular, in the present embodiment, the focal length specification information includes measurement information obtained by measuring the focal lengths (suitable focal lengths) of the two variable focus lenses 3, 3 suitable for the user according to the viewing distance to the object to be viewed. According to this, in the usage mode, the focal lengths of the two variable focus lenses 3, 3 can be adjusted to appropriate focal lengths for each user.

[0055] The battery 20 functions as a power source for the control device 10 and outputs a voltage to be supplied to the second electrodes 302A to 302H of the variable focus lens 3. The battery 20 may be a primary battery or a secondary battery. Further, it may be provided with a power generation function such as a solar panel.

[0056] The distance detection unit 21 is not limited in its configuration as long as it can detect the distance to a visual object existing in the area (visual recognition area) in front of the binocular loupe 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the distance detection unit 21 of the present embodiment is disposed at the center in the left-right direction in the main body case 6a of the loupe main body 6, but it may be disposed at the left-right end of the main body case 6a or at a location away from the main body case 6a (for example, a location on the spectacle frame 2). However, it is preferably at a position where the distance detection unit 21 is less likely to be covered by hair (front hair) when the user wears the binocular loupe 1.

[0057] The distance measurement method in the distance detection unit 21 is not particularly limited, and existing distance measurement methods such as a laser method and a sound wave method can be widely adopted. When it is difficult for one distance detection unit to cover the range of the visual recognition distance (range from short distance to long distance) to be detected by the distance detection unit 21, a plurality of distance detection units with different effective detection distance ranges (distance ranges in which high-precision detection is possible) may be arranged.

[0058] Next, an example of the focal length control of the variable focal length lenses 3, 3 of the autofocus magnifier units 5, 5 in the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the flow of the focal length control in the present embodiment. However, FIG. 7 shows the control content in the setting mode, and FIG. 8 shows the control content in the use mode. In the focal length control in the present embodiment, in the use mode, the main control unit 11 that executes a predetermined control program controls the voltage change unit 12, and based on the visual recognition distance (detection result) to the visual object detected by the distance detection unit 21 and the focal length specific information in the storage unit 14, the focal length of the variable focal length lenses 3, 3 is controlled.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the operation unit 13 receives a power-on operation by the user (S1), first, as an operation mode of the main control unit 11, it receives a switching operation to switch to the setting mode or the use mode (S2). Specifically, after the power-on operation, when a pressing operation on the dial units 13a, 13a is performed within a predetermined time, the setting mode is entered (Yes in S2), and when the pressing operation is not performed within the predetermined time, the use mode is entered (No in S2). Here, although the example is that the focus distance control is started by performing the power-on operation, it is not limited to this. For example, a wearing detection unit for detecting that the binocular loupe 1 is worn by the user may be provided, and the focus distance control may be configured to be started by detecting that the user has worn the binocular loupe 1.

[0060] When the setting mode is entered (Yes in S2), the main control unit 11 executes a program for operating in the setting mode. In the setting mode, the user first performs a rotation operation (dial operation) on the left dial unit 13a while visually recognizing a visual target at the reference visual recognition distance (Yes in S3). As a result, the operation signal is sent from the operation unit 13 to the main control unit 11, and the main control unit 11 controls the voltage changing unit 12 so that the voltage corresponding to the operation signal is applied to the second electrodes 302A to 302H of the variable focus lens 3 (adjustment target lens) of the autofocus magnifying glass unit 5 for the left eye. Thereby, due to the shape change of the interface I between the insulating liquid 311 and the conductive liquid 312 in the variable focus lens 3 for the left eye, the curvature of the interface I is changed, and the focus distance of the variable focus lens 3 for the left eye is changed according to the user operation on the left dial unit 13a (S4). Then, the user adjusts the focus distance of the variable focus lens 3 for the left eye by performing a rotation operation on the left dial unit 13a so that the visual target at the reference distance is in focus.

[0061] When the focal length of the variable focus lens 3 in the autofocus magnifier unit 5 for the left eye is adjusted, next, while viewing a viewing object at the same reference distance, the user performs a rotation operation (dial operation) on the right dial unit 13a (Yes in S5). As a result, the operation signal is sent from the operation unit 13 to the main control unit 11, and the main control unit 11 controls the voltage changing unit 12 so that a voltage corresponding to the operation signal is applied to the second electrodes 302A to 302H of the variable focus lens 3 in the autofocus magnifier unit 5 for the right eye. Thereby, due to the change in the shape of the interface I between the insulating liquid 311 and the conductive liquid 312 in the variable focus lens 3 for the right eye, the curvature of the interface I is changed, and the focal length of the variable focus lens 3 for the right eye is changed according to the user operation on the right dial unit 13a (S6). Then, the user adjusts the focal length of the variable focus lens 3 for the right eye by performing a rotation operation on the right dial unit 13a so that the viewing object at the reference distance is in focus.

[0062] In this way, when the focal lengths of the left and right variable focus lenses 3, 3 are adjusted so that the viewing object at the reference distance is in focus by the rotation operations on the left and right dial units 13a, 13a, the user performs a pressing operation (button operation) on the dial units 13a, 13a (Yes in S7). The main control unit 11 that has received this operation signal acquires the detection result of the viewing distance detected by the distance detection unit 21 for the viewing object at the above-described reference distance (S8). Then, the main control unit 11 stores, in the storage unit 14 as focal length specific information, the focal lengths of the left and right variable focus lenses 3, 3 at the time when the pressing operation on the dial units 13a, 13a is performed and the acquired detection result of the viewing distance (S9).

[0063] For example, when the detection result of the viewing distance detected by the distance detection unit 21 is d10, the main control unit 11 adds d10 as the viewing distance data in the table data shown in FIG. 6. Then, the main control unit 11 stores, as the focal lengths of the left and right variable focus lenses 3, 3 corresponding to the viewing distance d10, fL10 and fR10, which are the focal lengths (matched focal lengths) adjusted by the user.

[0064] When executing the usage mode, it is desirable to set the user's adaptive focal length for a greater viewing distance. The user can set the user's adaptive focal lengths (in FIG. 6, fL1, fL6, fL10, fR1, fR6, fR10) for a plurality of viewing distances (in FIG. 6, three points d1, d6, d10) by repeating the operation of changing the viewing distance to the object to be viewed and performing the above-described setting mode.

[0065] Next, the usage mode will be described. If an operation of pressing the dials 13a, 13a is not performed within a predetermined time after the power-on operation, or if the setting mode ends, the process proceeds to the usage mode shown in FIG. 8 (S10). When shifting to the usage mode, the main control unit 11 first calculates an approximate expression as represented by the graph shown in FIG. 9 from the focal length specifying information (for example, the table data shown in FIG. 6) stored in the storage unit 14 (S11).

[0066] This approximate expression is an expression showing the relationship between the viewing distance detected by the distance detection unit 21 and the user's adaptive focal length at that viewing distance, and as shown in FIG. 9, it is an expression representing the approximate line when the focal length specifying information (table data) stored in the storage unit 14 is plotted. For calculating the approximate expression, for example, the least squares method, the Hough transform, or the like can be used. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the table data used for calculating the approximate expression is stored in the storage unit 14 as the focal length specifying information, but this approximate expression may be stored in the storage unit 14 as the focal length specifying information.

[0067] When the approximate formula is calculated in this way, the main control unit 11 acquires the detection result of the visual recognition distance from the distance detection unit 21 to the visual recognition target (S12). Then, the main control unit 11 derives the appropriate focal length corresponding to the acquired visual recognition distance (detection result) using the approximate formula calculated in processing step S11 (S13). And the main control unit 11 controls the voltage changing unit 12 so that the focal lengths of the left and right variable focal lenses 3, 3 become the derived appropriate focal length, and changes the voltage applied to the second electrodes 302A to 302H of the left and right variable focal lenses 3, 3. As a result, the focal lengths of the variable focal lenses 3, 3 in the left and right autofocus magnifying lens units 5, 5 are changed to the focal lengths that fit the user (S14), and the focus of the visual recognition target is automatically adjusted.

[0068] In this embodiment, when the operation unit 13 receives an operation to turn off the power by the user (Yes in S15), the main control unit 11 ends the focal length control. At this time, the voltage supply to each of the second electrodes 302A to 302H of the variable focal lens 3 may be turned off or on. If the voltage supply to each of the second electrodes 302A to 302H of the variable focal lens 3 is turned off, the power consumption of the battery 20 can be saved.

[0069] According to this embodiment, when the user views a relatively close visual recognition target using this binocular loupe 1, the focal lengths of the variable focal lenses 3, 3 of the left and right autofocus magnifying lens units 5, 5 are automatically changed so that the relatively close visual recognition target is in focus. Also, for example, when the user views a relatively distant visual recognition target using this binocular loupe 1, the focal lengths of the left and right variable focal lenses 3, 3 are automatically changed so that the relatively distant visual recognition target is in focus.

[0070] As a specific example, an aspect of using the binocular magnifier 1 as a surgical magnifier used by an operator such as a doctor during surgery will be given as an example. In this aspect, the operator wearing the binocular magnifier 1 performs surgery while observing (visually recognizing) an enlarged image of a visual recognition object such as the operator's hand or the affected part of the patient through the binocular magnifier 1. Also, during the surgery, the operator needs to visually recognize visual recognition objects at different distances from each other, such as a monitor displaying the patient's information, an assistant for the surgery, and surgical instruments. According to the binocular magnifier 1 of the present embodiment, even if the operator changes the line of sight to visual recognition objects at different distances from each other, the focus of the operator can be automatically adjusted to each visual recognition object. Therefore, the operator can visually recognize the enlarged images of any of the visual recognition objects at different distances from each other in a focused state.

[0071] The binocular magnifier 1 is not limited to a surgical magnifier and can be used for any purpose. For example, it is beneficially used by technicians, craftsmen who handle minute members and equipment, inspection technicians who perform detailed work, nail artists, and others who perform work using a magnifying glass.

[0072] In particular, it is preferably of the type of a wearable device worn and used by the user, like the binocular magnifier 1 of the present embodiment. Conventional binocular magnifiers cannot change the focal length or have a narrow range of focal lengths at which the user's focus is in focus. Therefore, when visually recognizing another visual recognition object that is at a different distance from the target visual recognition object located at that focal length, the focus is not in focus. Therefore, if it is of the type of a wearable device worn by the user, every time the user tries to visually recognize that other visual recognition object, the user is forced to perform the cumbersome operation of removing the binocular magnifier and then putting it on again when visually recognizing the target visual recognition object again. However, since the binocular magnifier 1 of the present embodiment automatically focuses on any enlarged image of visual recognition objects at different distances from each other, even if it is of the type of a wearable device worn by the user like the binocular magnifier 1, the user is not forced to perform cumbersome operations such as removing and reinstalling the binocular magnifier.

[0073] Note that the binocular magnifier 1 of this embodiment is of a type of accessory integrated with the spectacle frame 2, but it is not limited to this, and it may also be of an attachment type that is attached to the user's accessory. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, an attachment-type binocular magnifier 1' having an attachment portion 8 for attaching to the spectacle 200 which is the user's accessory may be used. This binocular magnifier 1' is attached to the spectacle 200 by attaching the attachment portion 8 to the center in the left-right direction of the bridge portion of the user's spectacle 200. According to this, it becomes possible to attach and use the binocular magnifier 1' to the user by using the spectacle 200 suitable for each user.

[0074] In addition, in this embodiment, the magnifying device according to the present invention has been described by taking the example of a binocular magnifier, but it can also be applied to a monocular magnifier. In particular, when the magnifying device according to the present invention is used for the purpose of visually recognizing a visual recognition object at a very close distance, the monocular magnifier may be more convenient for the user.

[0075] In addition, the processing steps and the components of the control device described in this specification can be implemented by various means. For example, these steps and components may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0076] Regarding hardware implementation, means such as a processing unit used to implement the above-described steps and components may be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to execute the functions described in this specification, computers, or a combination thereof.

[0077] Also, regarding the firmware and / or software implementation, means such as the processing unit used to implement the above components may be implemented by a program (e.g., code such as procedures, functions, modules, instructions, etc.) that executes the functions described in this specification. Generally, any computer / processor-readable medium that clearly embodies the firmware and / or software code may be used for the implementation of means such as the processing unit used to implement the above steps and components described in this specification. For example, the firmware and / or software code may be stored in a memory in a control device, for example, and executed by a computer or a processor. The memory may be implemented inside the computer or the processor, or may be implemented outside the processor. Also, the firmware and / or software code may be stored in a computer- or processor-readable medium such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, floppy (registered trademark) disk, compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), magnetic or optical data storage device, etc. The code may be executed by one or more computers or processors, and may also cause the computer or processor to execute the functional aspects described in this specification.

[0078] Also, the medium may be a non-transitory recording medium. Also, the code of the program only needs to be readable and executable by a computer, a processor, or other device or apparatus machine, and its format is not limited to a specific format. For example, the code of the program may be any of source code, object code, and binary code, or may be a mixture of two or more of these codes.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0079] 1,1': Binocular magnifier 2: Eyeglass frame 2a: Bridge part 2b: Temple part 2c: Armor part 2d: Transparent plate part 2e: Holding arm 3: Variable focus lens 4: Magnifying optical part 4a: Objective lens 4b: Eyepiece lens 4c: Lens barrel 5: Auto-focus magnifier part 5a: Lens holding part 5b: Mounting part 6: Magnifier main body part 6a: Main body case 6b: Distance adjustment part 8: Mounting part 10: Control device 11: Main control part 12: Voltage change part 13: Operation part 13a: Dial part 14: Memory part 20: Battery 21: Distance detection part 200: Eyeglasses

Claims

1. a magnifying optical unit that outputs a magnified image of an object visually recognized by a user; A distance detection unit that detects a distance to a visually recognized object; and a focus adjustment unit that adjusts the focus of the magnified image output from the magnifying optical unit based on a detection result of a distance detection unit that detects a distance to a visually recognized object, The focus adjustment unit is a variable-focus lens that is arranged on an optical path passing through the magnifying optical unit and is capable of changing a focal length; a control unit that controls a focal length of the variable-focus lens to a suitable focal length that is suitable for the eye of the user based on a detection result of the distance detection unit, the magnifying optical unit is a magnifying optical system including an objective lens and an eyepiece lens, A magnifying glass device, characterized in that the variable focus lens is arranged separately from the magnifying optical unit and downstream of the magnifying optical unit in the optical path from the object to be viewed to the user's eye.

2. 2. The magnifying device according to claim 1, the focus adjustment unit has a storage unit configured to store focal length specification information for specifying a focal length of the variable focus lens according to a distance to a visually recognized object; The control unit controls the focal length of the variable-focus lens to the suitable focal length based on the detection result of the distance detection unit and focal length specification information in the memory unit.

3. In the magnifying device according to claim 1 or 2, The variable-focus lens is a shape-variable lens whose focal length is changed by changing the shape of its refracting surface in response to an electrical signal controlled by the control unit.

4. 3. The magnifying device according to claim 1, a pair of autofocus magnifying glass units, each of which includes the magnifying optical unit and the variable focus lens; a holder for holding the pair of left and right auto-focusing magnifying glass units.

5. 5. The magnifying device according to claim 4, a distance adjusting section for adjusting the distance between the pair of right and left autofocusing magnifying glass sections so as to match the interpupillary distance of a user;

6. 5. The magnifying device according to claim 4, The magnifying glass device, wherein the holding portion includes an eyeglass frame.

7. 3. The magnifying device according to claim 1, A magnifying glass device having an attachment part for attachment to the wearer's equipment.

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