Lens adapter suitable for digital SLR cameras for stereo microscopes

Abstract

The invention relates to an innovative lens adapter that enables the acquisition of high-magnification and high-resolution images from a stereo microscope by using a digital SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) camera. The invention particularly relates to a lens adapter that provides high-precision optical transmission between a stereo microscope and digital SLR cameras

Description

[0001] LENS ADAPTER SUITABLE FOR DIGITAL SLR CAMERAS FOR STEREO MICROSCOPES

[0002] Technical field to which the invention relates:

[0003] The invention relates to an innovative lens adapter that enables the acquisition of high-magnification and high-resolution images from a stereo microscope by using a digital SLR (SingleLens Reflex) camera. The invention particularly relates to a lens adapter that provides high-precision optical transmission between a stereo microscope and digital SLR cameras.

[0004] Known State of the Art:

[0005] Stereo microscopes are generally used in biological, industrial, forensic, and educational fields and are capable of providing a three-dimensional image through two separate optical paths. These devices facilitate analysis by enhancing depth perception and detail of the observed objects. Digital imaging systems are commonly used to obtain images from stereo microscopes. Today, stereo microscopes are generally equipped with integrated digital cameras. These systems operate with various camera systems to transfer optically magnified images into the digital environment. Some of the currently used methods and systems include:

[0006] Integrated digital cameras: Integrated digital cameras, produced as part of stereo microscopes, are specifically designed for use with microscopes. These cameras typically offer a resolution of 2-10 MP and are fixed to the microscope connection ports to transfer magnified images to digital displays. Users are required to work with digital camera systems specific to the microscope manufacturer. For example, C-mount type cameras developed by manufacturers are widely used for microscope connections; however, these cameras have limited compatibility with specific models.

[0007] External camera systems: In some stereo microscope systems, external digital cameras are connected to the eyepiece or objective lenses of the microscope. These cameras generally operate with CMOS or CCD sensor-based devices provided by microscope manufacturers. Cameras connected to the eyepiece capture the image produced by the microscope's optical system and generally produce a circular image. This is due to the optical design of microscopes, which forms the image within a circular light field.

[0008] Today, data transfer technologies such as USB 2.0, HDMI, or network connections (Ethernet) are used to transfer images to digital environments, enabling real-time image transmission to computers.Due to the rapid development of technology and the inability of existing stereo microscope cameras to keep up with these developments, users are required to purchase new cameras regularly to achieve higher resolution and performance. Moreover, even when a new stereo microscope is purchased, compatibility issues specific to the microscope often necessitate the purchase of a new camera. This situation results in increased costs and time loss.

[0009] Although various proposals and applications have been developed to obtain images from stereo microscopes in the prior art, these developments remain insufficient. Some applications related to inventions developed for this purpose are given below.

[0010] The invention disclosed in application number US12048485B2 relates to an ophthalmic stereo microscopy device designed to image the cornea. The device is described as comprising optics that form a pupil in the light path, a shutter that creates aperture patterns through which light passes for 3D imaging, and an entrance prism that directs light to or from the optical axis.

[0011] The invention disclosed in application number US6268957B1 relates to digitally controlled stereo microscopy in which the image is transferred to a computer screen, and magnification, zoom, and focus adjustments are controlled via a software-based interface.

[0012] In the prior art, various systems and methods are known for capturing images from stereo microscopes. However, such systems do not provide a low-cost, continuously usable camera and adapter solution that is compatible with stereo microscopes of all brands and models, ensures high color density, eliminates the need for repeated camera purchases, and does not restrict camera usage solely to stereo microscopes.

[0013] As a result of the disadvantages described above and the insufficiency of existing solutions, a development in the relevant technical field has become necessary.

[0014] Objective of the Invention:

[0015] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a universal intermediate adapter compatible with all types of stereo microscopes and commonly available digital SLR cameras. Through the adapter, the camera can also be used independently of the microscope in other systems, significantly increasing flexibility.

[0016] Another objective is to enable existing digital SLR cameras to be used in both laboratory environments and external applications, independently of the stereo microscope.

[0017] Another objective is to enable the use of digital SLR cameras with resolutions ranging from 24 to 50 MP, thereby allowing high-resolution image acquisition from stereo microscopes and facilitating the capture and analysis of micro-scale details.Another objective is to ensure rapid transfer of data obtained from a stereo microscope into a digital environment without image loss, by enabling the use of digital SLR cameras capable of high-speed data transfer.

[0018] Another objective is to provide the ability to optimize the sensor-to-object distance and the lenses used, allowing full user control over image size and resolution.

[0019] Another objective is to provide cost efficiency while maintaining enhanced functionality.

[0020] Description of the Figures:

[0021] FIGURE- 1: A drawing showing the general view of the lens adapter subject to the invention.

[0022] FIGURE-2: A drawing showing the internal detailed view of the lens adapter subject to the invention.

[0023] Reference Numbers:

[0024] 1. Camera Mount Head

[0025] 2. Body

[0026] 3. Lens Capsule

[0027] 4. Lens Set

[0028] 5. Microscope Connection Section

[0029] 6. Adapter

[0030] Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0031] The invention relates to an innovative lens adapter that enables the acquisition of high-magnification and high-resolution images from a stereo microscope by using a digital SLR (SingleLens Reflex) camera. The device particularly relates to a lens adapter that provides high-precision optical transmission between a stereo microscope and digital SLR cameras.

[0032] The adapter subject to the invention has broad application potential in various fields, such as healthcare and engineering, where stereo microscopes are used. Designed to operate integrally with a digital SLR camera, the invention ensures that images obtained via the stereo microscope are transferred to the digital environment at high resolution while preserving optical quality. The invention is integrated into the camera connection output of the stereo microscope, enabling images optimized with different lenses to be projected onto the sensor of the digital SLR camera. Additionally, the sensor-to-object distance can be adjusted depending on the size and diameter ofthe lenses used. Thus, the size and resolution of the images can be varied as desired. The invention not only provides direct connection to a digital SLR camera, but also enables high-resolution and high-magnification image acquisition through lenses of various sizes and characteristics placed therein.

[0033] The lens capsule (3) is located within the body (2) of the adapter (100). The lens capsule (3) comprises a lens set (4) consisting of multiple optical lenses with different focal lengths. The lens set (4) located within the lens capsule (3) enables image acquisition by transferring the image coming from the stereo microscope to the sensor of digital SLR cameras in a suitable manner. Through the precise individual placement of the lenses within the lens capsule (3), image loss is prevented, color accuracy is increased, and high-resolution images are obtained.

[0034] A camera mount head (1) compatible with an E-mount connection system for digital SLR cameras is located on the upper part of the body (2). The camera mount head (1) enables the adapter (100) to be connected to SLR cameras and provides a fast and secure connection. It can also be used compatibly with different SLR models.

[0035] The microscope connection section (5), located at the lower part of the body (2) of the adapter (100), is fully compatible with the camera connection ports of stereo microscopes and enables the adapter (100) to be connected to the stereo microscope. The microscope connection section (5) allows the adapter (100) to be easily mounted onto the microscope and used in a stable manner. The lens set (4) provides a wide dynamic range while preserving the natural color and contrast of light. This feature ensures accurate imaging of microscopic details. Through the lens set (4) located within the lens capsule (3), optimization of light and image quality is achieved. In addition, the circular image field produced by microscopes is directly converted into a rectangular format suitable for the camera sensor by means of the lens set (4) of the adapter (100). This directly provides the standard format required for scientific studies and publications.

[0036] The adapter (100) provides higher resolution compared to low-resolution microscope cameras by utilizing the large sensor size of SLR cameras.

[0037] The invention provides a universal intermediate adapter compatible with all types of stereo microscopes and commonly available digital SLR cameras. The adapter allows the camera to be used independently of the microscope in other systems, thereby significantly increasing flexibility. Digital SLR cameras used with the adapter subject to the invention offer resolutions ranging from 24 MP to 50 MP, providing 4 to 10 times higher resolution than that offered by stereo microscope cameras. This difference is of critical importance, particularly for capturing and analyzing microscale details.

[0038] The adapter subject to the invention operates compatibly with digital SLR cameras that provide high-speed data transfer (for example via USB 3.0 or SD cards), thereby offering faster and more reliable transfer without image loss.With the invention, digital SLR cameras used on stereo microscopes provide color accuracy of 95% or higher, enabling more precise transmission of natural colors and contrast.

[0039] The invention provides the ability to optimize the sensor- to-object distance and the lenses used, allowing full user control over image size and resolution.

[0040] Thanks to the adapter subject to the invention, cost-effective digital SLR cameras commonly available on the market can be used on stereo microscopes, providing both cost advantage and functionality. Additionally, the invention enables digital SLR cameras to be used independently in both laboratory and external environments.

[0041] The adapter subject to the invention transfers the circular image optically produced by the microscope into square or rectangular formats in the digital environment by means of the lens set (4) placed within the lens capsule (3). This feature directly provides the format commonly used in scientific studies. The elimination of any requirement for additional software intervention accelerates the processing workflow and saves time for the user. Moreover, images acquired directly in the appropriate format become usable without loss of detail at high resolution.

[0042] CMOS sensors used in digital SLR cameras have superior characteristics compared to CMOS / CCD sensors in microscope cameras in terms of both physical size and light-gathering capacity. Microscope systems generally operate at lower resolutions but with high optical compatibility due to the need for field-specific sensitivity. When digital SLR cameras are used on microscopes through the invention, microscope systems with broad application potential and enhanced performance capabilities are realized.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lens adapter (100) suitable for digital SLR cameras for stereo microscopes, characterized in that it comprises:• a camera mount head (1) having an E-mount connection system, located on the upper part of the body (2), enabling the adapter (100) to be connected to SLR cameras,• a body (2) forming the main structure of the adapter (100), comprising the camera mount head (1) at its upper part, a microscope connection section at its lower part, and a lens capsule (3) therein,• a lens capsule (3) located within the body (2) of the adapter (100), consisting of a lens set (4) comprising multiple optical lenses,• a lens set (4) located within the lens capsule (3), comprising a plurality of optical lenses having different focal lengths and enabling the image coming from the stereo microscope to be transferred in a manner suitable for the sensor of digital SLR cameras,• a microscope connection section (5) located at the lower part of the body (2) of the adapter (100), fully compatible with camera connection ports of stereo microscopes and enabling the adapter (100) to be connected to the stereo microscope.

2. A lens adapter (100) suitable for digital SLR cameras for stereo microscopes according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a lens set (4) which, by virtue of its placement configuration, prevents image loss and enables the acquisition of high-resolution images with color accuracy.

3. A lens adapter (100) suitable for digital SLR cameras for stereo microscopes according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a lens set (4) which enables the circular image field of the microscope to be directly converted into a rectangular format suitable for the sensor of the camera.

4. A lens adapter (100) suitable for digital SLR cameras for stereo microscopes according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a camera mount head (1) enabling the digital SLR camera to be used externally, independently of the stereo microscope.

5. A lens adapter (100) suitable for digital SLR cameras for stereo microscopes according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a microscope connection section (5) enabling the use of digital SLR cameras on stereo microscopes.

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