Improved visualization telescopic loupe with image capturing

Abstract

Multiple embodiments of a telescopic loupe system with image capturing with improved visualization have been presented. The telescopic loupe system is suitable for Galilean and Keplerian telescopic configurations, where image capturing and recording elements may be included to capture images viewed by a user. Further disclosed is the incorporation of an optically clear material that provides for improved visualization of an object viewed.

Description

Serial No.: TBDFiling Date: TBDFor: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image CapturingAttn. Doc. No.: DVI102Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780 August2024 August 2025IMPROVED VISUALIZATION TELESCOPIC LOUPE WITH IMAGE CAPTURINGCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims, pursuant to 35 USC 119, priority to, and the benefit of the earlier filing date of patent application serial number 63 / 691, 134 filed on September 5, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference, herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This application relates to the field of optical viewing devices and more specifically to devices for viewing and recording images of objects under different lighting conditions.RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application is related to, and incorporates by reference, the content and disclosure, in their entirety, of US Patents 11,231,165-Multiple Light Source Configuration; 11, 099, 376-User Wearable Fluorescence Enabled Visualization System; 10,895,735- Magnification Devices with Filtering and Method for Selection of Said Filters; 10,061,115- Magnification Device and Assembly, 10,247,384-LED Lighting assembly and Method of Manufacturing Same; 7690806-llluminating Headlamp Providing Substantially Uniform Illumination; USP 12038630 -Telescopic Image Capture / Recording Device, and US Published Patent Application 2024 / 0168275 and from those patents from which they depend as Continuation, Divisional and Continuation-in-Part and the patents and patent applications that are dependent as Continuation, Divisional, Continuation-in-part application and Reissues, therefrom.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Head-borne or wearable eyewear utilizing telescopic lens provide a practitioner with a magnified view of an area that the practitioner is viewing. Whether this is a patient's mouth, as in the case of a dentist, or in a body cavity, as in the case of a surgeon, the magnified view enables the practitioner to both see details that may not be viewable without the telescopic lens and provide more precise location of their instruments.

[0005] In addition, image capture devices (e.g., digital cameras) have allowed for the capturing and memorializing of the images (photographic and / or video) viewed by a practitioner.Serial No.: TBDFiling Date: TBDFor: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image CapturingAttn. Doc. No.: DVI102Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780August2024August 2025

[0006] Smart microscopes, such as the Axiolab 5, by Carl Ziess, use microscope cameras to capture magnified images of an area being viewed through the microscope. And further provide for the identification of areas of infection that remain doing a surgical or dental procedure.

[0007] However, such devices are large, stationary and expensive and generally used by pathologists to analyze segments that may be taken outside of the area where the procedure is occurring. In addition, smart, or similar type operating, microscopes can also provide for the real-time capturing of a magnified image during a procedure (e. g. , openheart surgery), but are expensive to install and operate, and further require skilled technical support to maintain them properly.

[0008] Hence, there is a need in the industry for the capturing of photographic and / or video images, in real-time, during dental or medical procedures (or other fields where close inspection and viewing is required) that provides for the real-time presentation of image and / or information data to the user.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Disclosed is a magnification device or loupe for viewing of an object while concurrently recording images of the object.

[0010] Disclosed is magnification device or loupe with enhanced visualization and concurrent image capturing.

[0011] Disclosed is a Keplerian magnification device or loupe utilized with an image capturing device that allows for the concurrent viewing and image capturing of an object.

[0012] Disclosed is a Keplerian magnification device or loupe utilized with an image capturing device that allows for the concurrent viewing and image capturing of an object, wherein the loupe includes an enhancement element.

[0013] Disclosed is a Galilean magnification device or loupe utilized with an image capturing device that allows for the concurrent viewing and image capturing of an object, wherein the loupe includes an enhancement element.

[0014] For a better understanding of exemplary embodiments and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. It is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example only and for purposes of illustrativeSerial No.: TBDFiling Date: TBDFor: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image CapturingAttn. Doc. No.: DVI102Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780August2024August 2025 discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are presented to clarify the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention. The description taken with the drawings make apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The advantages, nature, and various additional features of the invention will appear more fully upon consideration of the illustrative embodiments described in detail in connection with the accompanying drawings, where like or similar reference numerals are used to identify like or similar elements throughout the drawings:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a conventional telescopic loupe.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a viewing / image capture telescopic loupe in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a viewing / image capture telescopic loupe in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a second aspect of the second exemplary embodiment of a viewing / image capture telescopic loupe in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a viewing / image capture telescopic loupe in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a second aspect of the third exemplary embodiment of a viewing / image capture telescopic loupe in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0022] FIGs. 7and 8 and illustrates side views of further aspect of the exemplary embodiments of telescopic loupes with an enhancement element in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0023] It is to be understood that the figures, which are not drawn to scale, and descriptions of the present invention described herein have been simplified to illustrate the elementsSerial No.: TBDFiling Date: TBDFor: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image CapturingAttn. Doc. No.: DVI102Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780August2024August 2025 that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, many other elements. However, because these omitted elements are well-known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements are not provided herein. The disclosure, herein, is directed also to variations and modifications known to those skilled in the art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "has", "having", or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the term "of1refers to an inclusive "or" and not to an exclusive "or". For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present); A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present); and both A and B are true (or present).

[0025] The terms "a" or "an" as used herein are to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done for convenience to the reader and to provide a general sense of the invention. The use of these terms in the description, herein, should be read and understood to include one or at least one. In addition, the singular also includes the plural unless indicated to the contrary. For example, reference to a composition containing "a compound" includes one or more compounds. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term "about," whether or not explicitly indicated. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that one skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e. , having the same function or result). In any instance, the terms "about" may include numbers that are rounded (or lowered) to the nearest significant figure.

[0027] Although the terms "perpendicular." "orthogonal," "parallel" are used herein to describe a relationship between two elements, it would be understood and recognized bySerial No.: TBD Filing Date: TBD For: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image Capturing Attn. Doc. No.: DVI102 Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780 August2024 August 2025 those skilled in the art that the terms "perpendicular," "orthogonal" and "parallel" are not used in the mathematical sense (e.g., precisely ninety (90) degrees). But rather in the manufacturing sense wherein a tolerance value is imposed. Such tolerance values may be considered, for example, + / - 1 degree or + / - 2 degrees, etc. Thus, the terms "substantially perpendicular, "substantially "orthogonal," "substantially center," "substantially parallel," etc. should be understood as being used to represent a relationship between elements in the manufacturing sense (i.e., within known tolerance values).

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a conventional telescopic loupe.

[0029] In this illustrates a side view, the telescopic loupe 100, which is referred to as a Keplerian telescopic or loupe, comprises an objective lens 120 and an eye lens (or assembly) 130 that define a magnification level along optical axis 150 associated with loupe 100. As is known in the art, light 152 from a viewed object (not shown) traveling along optical axis (or light path) 150 is magnified by the characteristics of the objective lens 120, the eye lens 130 and at least the distance between objective lens 120 and eye lens assembly 130.

[0030] Further illustrated is prismatic assembly 140, which is used in the illustrated configuration to properly present the image of the viewed object to user 170. As is known in the art, the use of convex objective lens 120 and convex eye-lens assembly 130 causes the image of the viewed object to be inverted when viewed by user 170. Accordingly, prismatic assembly 140 is inserted between objective lens 120 and eye-lens assembly 130 to correct the orientation of the image to user 170 such that the object (not shown) is correctly viewed. That is, prismatic assembly 140, which is illustrated as a Pechan prism 175 and Schmidt roof prism assembly 177, directs light 152 along optical or light paths 181, 183, 185, 187 and 189 by reflection of light from surfaces 188, 180, 182, 184 and 186, respectively.

[0031] As is known in the art, light 152 incident upon a corresponding one of the illustrated surfaces at an angle is reflected as a same angle, with respect to a normal (i.e., perpendicular) to the surface, such that light 152 is reflected off the surface. As would be known in the art, light 152 along light paths 183, 185 and 187 strike corresponding surfaces 182, 184 and 186, respectively, at angles that are not greater than a critical angle, wherein the critical angle is the greatest angle at which a ray of light, travelling in on transparentSerial No.: TBD Filing Date: TBD For: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image Capturing Attn. Doc. No.: DVI102 Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780 August2024 August 2025 medium, can strike a surface to reflect substantially one hundred (100) percent of the light.This is referred to in the art as total internal reflection.

[0032] In addition, each of the surfaces 181, 183, 185, and 187 may include a reflective surface or coating to prevent any loss of light that may occur because of imperfections in the materials used to construct prism assembly 140 or an incorrect angle of incidence to the traversing light.

[0033] Accordingly, since light 152 travelling along optical or light path 181 is incident to surface 180 at an angle that is less than the critical angle, surface 180 may be coated with a highly polished mirror finish to direct light 152 incident upon surface 180 along light path 183. In addition, a black paint layer may be included on to surface 180 to protect the mirror coat and to prevent light leakage.

[0034] Although the illustrated telescopic assembly 100 refers to a Schmidt-Pechan prism 175, which as would known by those skilled in the art causes both the inversion and reversion of light entering the prism (i.e., image rotator). In addition, the design of the two prisms (i.e., Schmidt roof prism 177 and Pechan prism 175 separated by an air gap) is such that the light entering assembly 140 is coaxial with the light exiting assembly 140. Although aa Schmidt-Pechan prism assembly 140 is illustrated, one skilled in the art would understand that the operation of telescopic assembly 100 may include an Abbe-Koenig prism, a Porro Prism or a double Porro Prism, without altering the invention recited in the claims.

[0035] Further illustrated is working distance lens 160 that assists in focusing light 152 emitted or reflected by an object (not shown) a known distance from loupe 100. Working distance lens 160 defines a distance from loupe 100 wherein the object when viewed by the user 170 is in focus.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a Keplerian viewing / image capture loupe (telescopic device) in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0037] Loupe 200 includes working lens 160, objective lens 120, prism assembly 140 and eye lens assembly (lens) 130 as previously discussed. Light director 210 inserted within optical path 150 diverts a known portion (e.g., 10%, 20%, etc.) of the input light 152 along a second optical axis (or light path) 153, wherein a known percentage light is passed to prismatic assembly 140 and subsequently viewed by user 170.Serial No.: TBD Filing Date: TBD For: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image Capturing Attn. Doc. No.: DVI102 Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780 August2024 August 2025

[0038] Although light director 210 is shown as a plate beam splitter, it would be recognized that light director 210 may comprise a block beam splitter, etc., or other similar devices that divide an incoming beam of light into at least two components.

[0039] Positioned along second axis 153 is image capture device 231, which captures that portion of light 152 (i.e., light 154) diverted by light director 210 along axis 153 to record an image of the viewed object (not shown). The light (i.e., light 156), remaining after being divided by light director 210, is directed along optical axis or light path 150 to be viewed by user 170 as previously discussed.

[0040] Image capture device 231, which may comprise a digital camera, which is known in the art as comprising a CCD or CMOS chip with an integrated lens assembly. Alternatively, image capture device 231 may comprise a CCD or CMOS chip (which convert image data to electronic data) with a separate lens assembly (not shown). Further illustrated is Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 232 that may be used to provide electrical energy to image capture device 232. In addition, PCB 232 may comprise electrical and electronic elements (e.g., resistors, capacitors, telecommunications elements) to transfer electrical information associated with the viewed light toward one or more external devices (not shown) that may be used to process the viewed light. For example, PCB 232 may include a transmitter that wirelessly transmits the electrical information associated with the viewed light to one or more display systems (not shown) or other processing systems (not shown) for the viewing and / or processing (e.g., color enhancement, storage, etc.) of the images of the viewed object. Alternatively, PCB 232 may be in a wired communication with one or more devices that allow for the transfer of information from PCB 232 to one or more device to receive the information.

[0041] In one aspect of the invention, a second eye lens assembly 230 may be incorporated into the optical path to create a second magnification device with respect to the objective lens 120. In this illustrated example, second eye lens assembly 230 may be similar to eye lens assembly 130 such that a magnification of object observed through objective lens 120 may be magnified by a substantially same degree or level of magnification as that viewed by user 170.Serial No.: TBDFiling Date: TBDFor: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image CapturingAttn. Doc. No.: DVI102Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780August2024August 2025

[0042] Although light director 210 is shown positioned between objective lens 120 and prismatic structure or assembly 140, it would be recognized by those skilled in the art that light director 210 may be positioned between assembly 140 and eye4ens assembly 130 without altering the scope of the invention claimed.

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a Keplerian Telecam Loupe in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0044] In this illustrated embodiment, which includes working lens 160, objective lens 120, and eye-lens 130, as previously discussed, prismatic assembly 140 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2 is altered and represented as prismatic assembly 340.

[0045] In accordance with the principles of the invention, prismatic assembly 340 incorporates a modification of the reflective surface 180, wherein reflective surface 180 is altered to represent a partially reflective / partially transmission surface 380. Partially reflective / partially transmissive surface 380 enables a portion (light 354) of light 152, reflected by surface 188 and travelling along axis 181, to proceed through surface 380, along axis 353, to be captured by image capture device / PCB 231 / 232. Partially reflective / partially transmissive surface 380 further reflects a portion (light 356) of light 152 along axis 183 to be viewed by user 170, as previously discussed.

[0046] Accordingly, the alteration of surface 180 into a surface comprising a partially reflective / partially transmissive transforms surface 180 (now surface 380) into a light director similar in operation to light director 210, shown in FIG. 2. Hence, light 152 incident to surface 380 is directed along a first axis or light path 183 (light 356) and a second axis or light path 353 (light 354).

[0047] Although surface 180 is referred to and illustrated as comprising a partially reflective / partially surface (i.e., surface 380), it would be recognized that those skilled in the art that surface 184 (FIG. 1) may be altered to include a partially reflective / partially surface without altering the scope of the invention claimed.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a second aspect of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

[0049] In this illustrated embodiment, which is similar to that shown in FIG. 3, a second eyelens assembly 230 is introduced within optical or light path 353. Second eye-lens assembly 230 creates a second magnification device, with respect to objective lens 120, such that theSerial No.: TBDFiling Date: TBDFor: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image CapturingAttn. Doc. No.: DVI102Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780August2024August 2025 images captured by imaged capture device / PCB 231 / 232 may be viewed with the same magnification level as that being viewed by user 170. In this case, as the optical characteristics of eye-lens 130 and second eye-lens 230 are the same and the distance between eye-lens 130 and objective lens 120 is the same as a distance between second eyelens 230 and objective lens 120, the magnification level of the image captured by image capture device 231 and viewed by user 170 is substantially the same.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, where the eye-lens assembly 230 is physically positioned closer to, or further away from, objective lens 120, the magnification level of the viewed object captured by image capture device 231 may be different than the magnification level viewed user 170.

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates a further aspect of the telecam configuration shown in FIGs. 3 and 4.

[0052] In this illustrated configuration 500, which is similar to those shown in FIGs.3 and 4, a highly reflective surface 510, (e.g., mirror, metal, etc.) is introduced into optical or light path 353. Reflective surface 510 re-directs light 354 toward image capture device / PCB 231 / 232.Image capture device 231 captures and records images associated with a viewed object (not shown).

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a still further aspect of the telecam configuration shown FIG. 5.

[0054] In this illustrated aspect of the invention, an eye-lens assembly 230 is incorporated into the optical path which is created by the reflective of light 354 from reflective surface 510 prior to image capture device 231, wherein the image captured by device 231 provides a magnified image of the viewed object.

[0055] The configurations shown in FIGs. 5 and 6 are advantageous as to allows for the positioning of image capture device 231 in an optical path that is substantially parallel to optical axis 152.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, a second image capture system may be incorporated into the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGs. 5 and 6 wherein reflective surface 510 may rather than being a completely reflective surface may comprise a partially reflective / partial transmissive surface, wherein light 354 passing along axis 354 is partially reflected as discussed with regard to FIGs. 5 and 6 wherein the remaining light continues along axis 354 to be captured by a second image capture device (not shown) positionedSerial No.: TBD Filing Date: TBD For: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image Capturing Attn. Doc. No.: DVI102 Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780 August2024 August 2025 along axis 354 extending through surface 150. The incorporation of a second image capture device into the configurations shown in FIGs. 5 and 6 is similar to the teaching of USP 12, 332, 507, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0057] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a second aspect of the conventional loupe in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[0058] In this illustrated aspect, the space 720 between objective lens 120 and prism assembly 140 and space 730 between prism assembly 140 and eye-lens assembly 130 may be filed with an optical clear and light-weight filler material 725.

[0059] For example, spaces 720 and 730 may be filled with a material (or enhancement element / agent), such as an immersion oil, that possesses known refractive index. An immersion oil, such as that manufactured by Merck XGaA of Germany (ref no.1.04699.0100), may be injected into spaces 720, 232 to improve the visual presentation of an object (not shown) at a known distance from working lens 160. That is, the known refractive index of the filler material may be selected to remove or minimize reflections of the light along optical path 150 caused by the different reflective indices of the spaces (or air gaps) between the disclosed elements. For example, an air / glass (or air / plastic) interface created by the free space between the disclosed elements (e.g., objective lens, eye-lens assembly) causes one of reflection of the light or an alteration of the light path when light transitions the air gap and contacts the surface of the next element . Accordingly, the selection of filler material is based at least on a reflective index (or other optical characteristic) similar to the reflective index (or other characteristic) of the materials comprising the disclosed elements (e.g., glass, plastic) to reduce reflection or alteration of the light path between disclosed elements (i.e., eye-lens assembly, objective lens, etc.).

[0060] In one aspect of the invention, space 720, for example, may include sealing means (e.g., O-rings) 720a, 720b that seal space 720 (i.e., forming a compartment) to contain the inserted filler material 725 within space or compartment720. Similarly, space 730 may include sealing means 730a, 730b (e.g., O-rings) positioned to seal space or compartment 730 to contain an inserted filler material.

[0061] Additionally, one or more of spaces 710, 740 and 750 may include sealing means (e.g., 710a, 710b; 740a, 740b; 750a, 750b) that may be used to contain filler material 725Serial No.: TBD Filing Date: TBD For: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image Capturing Attn. Doc. No.: DVI102 Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780 August2024 August 2025 that may be inserted or injected into one or more of corresponding spaces 710, 740 and 750.

[0062] Filler material 725 provides for an improved visual presentation of the viewed object (not shown). In one aspect of the invention, the filler material 725 may be encased within an optically clear packaging that may be inserted or placed within one or more spaces 710, 720, 730, 740 and 750.

[0063] In one aspect of the invention, grooves may be machined or etched in corresponding ones of the illustrated components to retain sealing means (O-rings) 720a, 720b; 730a, 730b, etc.) For example, in this illustrated embodiment, groove 160a is shown machined into working lens 160 to contain sealing means 710a that is used to retain filler material 725 within space 710. Similarly, a groove may be matched or etched into objective lens 120 to prevent filler material 725 from escaping from space or compartment 710.

[0064] FIG. 8 illustrates another example of the use of a filing material 725 within spaces or compartments within a Galilean loupe 800 including an image capture / recording section.

[0065] In this illustrated example, loupe 800 is representative of a Galilean loupe including an objective lens 120 with an incorporated working distance lens 160. Further illustrated is eye-lens 130, wherein the distance between objective lens 120 and eye-lens 130 defines a level of magnification of the loupe. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, a light director 810 is shown positioned between objective lens 120 and eye-lens 130, wherein light director 810 is represented as a block beam splitter. Light director 810 includes surface 811 that is partially transmissive and partially reflective such that a portion of light 152 entering objective lens 120 is reflected (i.e., light 154) by light director 810 along optical axis 153 toward image capture device / PCB 231 / 232. A remaining portion (i.e., light 156) of light 152 is passed through light director 810 to be viewed by user 170.

[0066] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, second eye-lens 230 is shown positioned along axis 153, wherein a second magnification device is formed between objective lens 120 and image capture device 231. In this manner, images captured by image capture device 231 are magnified by substantially a same magnification level as the magnification level viewed by user 170. Alternatively, the magnification level associated with an image captured by image capture device 231 may be different than theSerial No.: TBD Filing Date: TBD For: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image Capturing Attn. Doc. No.: DVI102Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780August2024August 2025 magnification level viewed by user 170. For example, the optical distance between second eye-lens 230 and objective lens 120 may be greater than or smaller than the optical distance between objective lens 120 and eye-lens 130.

[0067] Further illustrated are space 720 (chambers, areas) positioned between objective lens 120 and light director 810, space 730 between light director 810 and eye-lens 130 and space 740 between light director 810 and second eye-lens 230. In accordance with one embodiment, spaces 720,730 and 740 may include a sealing means, similar to those shown in FIG. 7, wherein a filler material may be inserted or injected into spaces 720, 730, 740 to retain the filler material therein.

[0068] As is shown in FIG. 8, loupe 800 includes housing 810 into which the illustrated components or elements may be placed. In one aspect, housing 810 may include ridges or areas into which the illustrated components may be placed. The filler material 725 may be placed within the spaces (720, 730, 740) formed between the ridges not occupied by the illustrated components.

[0069] In summary, multiple embodiments of a telescopic loupe system with image capturing with improved visualization have been presented. The telescopic loupe system is suitable for Galilean and Keplerian telescopic configurations, where image capturing and recording elements may be optionally included. Further disclosed is the incorporation of an optically clear material that provides for improved visualization of an object viewed.

[0070] The invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than with a restrictive view, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0071] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above regarding specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefits, advantages, or solutions to occur or become more pronounced, are not to be construed as a critical, required, or an essential feature or element of any or all of the claims.

Claims

Serial No.: TBDFiling Date: TBDFor: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image CapturingAttn. Doc. No.: DVI102Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780August2024August 2025What is claimed is:

1. A loupe comprising: an objective lens; and an eye-lens assembly, the objective lens and the eye-lens assembly forming a first optical axis therebetween, wherein light associated with an image entering the objective lens is magnified by a known level of magnification; a light director positioned between the objective lens and the eye-lens assembly, the light director comprising: a partially reflective / partially transmissive surface, the light director configured to: direct a first portion of a light entering the objective lens along the first optical path toward the eye-lens assembly; and direct a second portion of the light entering the objective lens along a second optical path; and an image capture device configured to: capture the second portion of light along the second optical path; and transmit the image associated with the second portion of light to at least one external receiving device.

2. The loupe of claim 1 comprising: at least one compartment between the objective lens and the eye-lens assembly, the at least one compartment including a material selected based on optical characteristics of at least one of: the objective lens and the eye-lens assembly.

3. The loupe of claim 1, comprising: a prismatic structure positioned within the first optical path, the prismatic structure configured to: output an inversion and reversion of the light entering the prismatic structure.

4. The loupe of claim 3, wherein the prismatic structure comprises one of: a Schmidt- Pechan prism, an Abbe-Koenig prism and a Double Perro prism.Serial No.: TBDFiling Date: TBDFor: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image CapturingAttn. Doc. No.: DVI102Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780August2024August 20255. The loupe of claim 3, wherein the light director is positioned between the objective lens and the prismatic structure.

6. The loupe of claim 3, wherein the light director is positioned between the prismatic structure and the eye-lens assembly.

7. The loupe of claim 3, wherein the light director is incorporated into a surface of the prismatic structure.

8. The loupe of claim 1 comprising: a lens system incorporated within the second optical path, the lens system configured to: magnify the light captured by the image capture device.

9. The loupe of claim 8, wherein a level of magnification of the lens system is different than the level of magnification along the first optical path.

10. The loupe of claim 8, wherein a level of magnification of the lens system is substantially same as the level of magnification along the first optical path.

11. A Keplerian loupe comprising: an objective lens, an eye-lens, the objective lens and the eye-lens forming a magnification device achieving a first level of magnification; a prismatic structure positioned between the objective lens and the eye-lens; and a light director comprising: a partially reflective / a partially reflective surface, the light director configured to: direct light contacting the light director along a first axis directed toward the eye-lens and along a second axis; and an image capture device positioned along the second axis, the image capture device configured to: capture the light directed along the second axis; and convert the captured light into an image.

12. The Keplerian loupe of claim 11, wherein the light director is positioned between the objective lens and the prismatic structure.Serial No.: TBDFiling Date: TBDFor: Improved Visualization Telescopic Loupe with Image CapturingAttn. Doc. No.: DVI102Attn.: C. A. Giordano, Reg. No.: 41780August2024August 202513. The Keplerian loupe of claim 11, wherein the light director is positioned between the prismatic structure and the eye-lens assembly .

14. The Keplerian loupe of claim 11, wherein the light director is incorporated into a surface of the prismatic structure.

15. The Keplerian loupe of claim 11, comprising: a second eye-lens assembly positioned within the second axis, the second eye-lens assembly in conjunction with the objective lens forming a second magnification device, the second magnification device achieving a second level of magnification.

16. The Keplerian loupe of claim 11, wherein the prismatic structure is one of: a Schmidt- Pechan prism, an Abbe-Koenig prism and a Double Perro prism.

17. The Keplerian loupe of claim 15, wherein the second level of magnification is the same as the first level of magnification.

18. The Keplerian loupe of claim 15, wherein the second level of magnification is different than the first level of magnification.

19. The Keplerian loupe of claim 11, comprising: at least one compartment between the objective lens and the eye-lens, the at least one compartment including a material selected based on optical characteristics of at least one of: the eye-lens, and the prismatic structure.

20. The Keplerian loupe of claim 11 comprising: a reflective surface positioned with the second axis, wherein the reflective surface alters a direction of the second optical axis.

Images