WO1995031747A1

WO1995031747A1 - Kit for the modular production of a device for observing and photographing objects

Info

Publication number: WO1995031747A1
Application number: PCT/EP1995/001327
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Strauss
Original assignee: Peter Strauss
Priority date: 1994-05-16
Filing date: 1995-04-11
Publication date: 1995-11-23
Also published as: DE9408059U1

Abstract

A kit for the modular production of a device for observing and photographing objects, comprising a focussing device, an interchangeable object lens and an image utilisation unit, is to be improved in such a way that it is suitable for observing and photographing objects in varying outside lighting conditions. To attain this end, the invention proposes that a central unit be fitted between the object lens and the focussing device and the image utilisation unit be fitted with an interchangeable module unit on the focussing device.

Description

Kit for manufacturing a modular device for viewing and photographing objects

The invention relates to a kit for producing a device in modular design, for viewing and photographing objects, which has as a unit a focusing device, an exchangeable lens and an image processing unit.

An object of this type which can be used as a telesystem is known from phototechnology. As an image processing unit, the latter has a camera in which the focusing device and interchangeable lens are specifically aligned with the light parameters that occur during photography. Unfortunately, such an object can only be used to a limited extent for the precise observation or enlargement of objects. The photographic setting options hardly meet the requirements for viewing objects.

Spotting scopes for viewing objects, in particular for landscape and animal viewing, are also known. In order to use these spotting scopes for photo recordings, it is possible to attach a camera to the spotting scope instead of the eyepiece by means of a photo attachment. Unfortunately, the possible uses of this photosystem are very limited, since the spotting scope has limited adjustment options and only with. certain lighting conditions, which have necessary adjustment options for a good shot. The area of application of this photosystem is very limited and can only be expanded by purchasing expensive spotting scopes with other optical parameters.

The invention is based on the technical problem of creating a device of the type mentioned above which is used for Viewing and photographing objects in a wide variety of external light conditions is suitable.

This technical problem is solved according to the invention in that a central unit is arranged between the lens and the focusing device and the image processing unit is attached to the focusing device with a replaceable module unit.

The central unit is a component on which lenses of various focal lengths or magnifications can be attached on one side. On the opposite side of the central unit, the focusing device can be attached, which is connected to the lens via the central unit. Depending on the choice of the central unit, the focusing device and lens can be adapted to each other as desired. The lens ensures the appropriate magnification, which may be adjustable on the lens, and the focusing device enables the viewer to precisely focus the image depending on the magnification setting of the lens.

There are attempts to find a corresponding photo lens with a focusing device and e.g. B. use aperture by attaching a specially adapted eyepiece for viewing lenses; however, these result in an excessively limited variation possibility for different observations of objects.

In contrast, the setting options for magnification and sharpness of the image in the kit according to the invention enable excellent results for viewing objects and also an ideal setting of the image parameters for photographing objects. By means of the solution according to the invention, different lenses and different focusing devices can be used with one another, so that for every enlargement or reduction of objects for viewing and photographing tograph the ideal compilation is possible. Since all components can be used with one another via the central unit, a variety of different application possibilities result from different variations of the optical devices, so that expensive new purchases for special optical devices can be compensated for by a suitable combination of the focusing unit central unit and lens.

Other adjustment devices, for example a diaphragm, can be attached to the central unit, so that an additional adjustment of the image parameters is possible via the central unit. The loss of light in the arrangement according to the invention is advantageously minimal, so that good results are still possible under extremely poor lighting conditions.

A wide variety of image processing units can be adapted to the focusing device via the module unit. It creates a new connection level for the image processing units, so that the light path can be changed, split, or left in the same direction, for example. In particular, various imaging systems, such as e.g. Film camera, camera, various eyepieces or a screen system can be connected. As a result, the entire kit can be used for many different applications and provides ideal setting options and images for each of these different uses. An expensive special equipment for different applications can be saved.

The central unit particularly advantageously has a diaphragm body. The amount of light that passes through the device according to the invention can be limited via the diaphragm body. The diaphragm body can be changed or fixed. Optionally, it can be locked in different positions. By appropriate choice of the aperture can both very strong as well as very weak light conditions objects are viewed or photographed. This special adaptability of the system increases the wide range of possible uses.

In an open position, the diaphragm body expediently completely releases the light transmission. As a result, the maximum amount of light can reach the image processing unit, so that recordings and viewing in extremely poor lighting conditions are also possible.

In a special way, the aperture can be changed via an adjusting ring. As a result, the aperture can be changed by a simple rotary movement. This is suitable for adjusting the aperture while viewing the object through the device. The aperture can be adapted to the corresponding light conditions, so that optimal image results are achieved.

The focusing device may have a filter. This is favorable for filtering out light components which are unfavorable for viewing objects or which can damage the quality of the image to be recorded, for example a photo. In addition, light components which impair the sharpness of the image can be compensated. Pole filters, sky light filters and UV filters are conceivable. Different filters, which influence the image in different ways, can be favorably combined to form an effective filter or connected in series.

It is proposed to design the filter so that it can be replaced. Different filters with different effects for the system can thus be used, which considerably increases the possible uses of the system since the filter can adapt it to the respective lighting conditions. As a variant of the invention, the filter can be inserted into the light path via a drawer mechanism. The drawer mechanism is advantageous for easy replacement of the filter. A translatory and / or rotary movement of the filter can either be introduced into the light path as a single component alone or can be introduced into the light path by a device attached to the respective component. Contamination of the light path, which has a negative influence on the image quality, is kept away from the light path by the drawer mechanism and the image deterioration is minimized by changing the filter.

The focusing device can expediently have a fine adjustment tube. A fine adjustment tube enables fine adjustment with regard to the sharpness of the image. As a result, the light is fine-tuned and changed for optimal image quality.

The focusing device or the central unit can advantageously be designed as a residual light amplifier. As a result, the kit becomes a high-quality night vision device.

As a preferred embodiment, the focusing device has a focus lock mechanism. As a result, the focusing is designed to be lockable in order to secure the focusing device in this position after it has been optimally adjusted once. This is advantageous if the focus is to be kept constant for several pictures or for a longer viewing of an object.

A handle is preferably arranged on the focusing device and / or central unit. The entire modular system can be carried or aligned using the handle. For example, a handle, a fastening device for a tripod, another spatially fixed mounting are conceivable take or also a fastening device for a movement device.

The handle is preferably designed as a quick-grip handle. A quick-release handle is easier to handle for the operator and adapted to his body shape. For example, a shaped handle that is aligned with an arm fork is conceivable. This allows the entire device to be gripped and aligned securely. The essential parameters of the system can be set on the quick-action handle by simple mechanisms, for example buttons or adjusting wheels.

The handle particularly advantageously has a releasably connectable breast / shoulder support. The device assembled from the modular system is thus adapted to the shape of an operator's body. Different supports are optionally designed only as breast, shoulder or as a combination of breast and shoulder support. By supporting the device via this support, weight forces of the device can easily be absorbed by the operator. This is particularly important if a blurred image is to be viewed or captured by a photo unit. The weight forces of the device or the external influences acting on the device, for example wind movements, are transferred to parts of the body that can counter these forces. Such a support or support can also be used to take pictures when the operator is moving.

In a special way, the system can be mounted on a tripod. As a result, the system can be fixed in place and blurred, high-quality images are produced. The system can be mounted on a tripod and disassembled from it for easy transport.

The module unit is advantageously designed as an eyepiece holder. This means that different modules can be used Eyepieces, for example for viewing objects, are attached. The eyepiece holder forms a transition unit between the eyepiece and focusing device, so that with different eyepiece holders, ie module units, different eyepieces with different adjustment options can be attached to the focusing device. As a result, a device can be produced that is adapted to the lighting conditions and the wishes of the operator. The eyepiece holder can move the image from the image plane of the focusing device to other connection planes which are favorable for viewing or photoraphing objects or which are suitable for spatial reasons. Eyepiece holders can hold monoculars or binoculars or divert the image into two different eyepieces. The latter enables two viewers to view an object through different eyepieces but through the same device.

The module unit is advantageously designed as an angle adapter, extension tube or astro adapter. These different variants of the module unit increase the usability and multiple usability of the device. Angle adapter and extension tube transfer the connection plane for the image processing unit from the focusing direction to a plane parallel to it or to a plane running obliquely to it. Devices for viewing celestial bodies can be connected via the Astro adapter.

As a variant of the invention, the module unit has a reflection device. For example, crosshairs, graticules or scales can be imported into the image recorded by the image processing unit via the reflection device. By exchanging the module unit or the reflection image in the module unit, different reflection images can be reflected in the end image. This increases the versatility of the device. Eyepieces can preferably be used as the utilization unit. Eyepieces represent an important device for adjusting the image for a viewer. The image can be adapted to the visual acuity of the respective viewer. Depending on the viewer's wishes, binoculars or monoculars can be used as eyepieces.

Photo or camera systems can advantageously be used as the utilization unit. As a result, the device can be used to produce permanent still or moving images. The transfer of the image to a screen unit is equivalent to this.

As a variant of the invention, the image processing unit has eyecups. A viewer can place his eye on the eye cup, so that the eye is protected while viewing and external light influences on the eye are avoided.

It is conceivable that the eyecups can be turned inside out. This is particularly favorable for spectacle wearers who can move glasses with glasses in the immediate vicinity of the image processing unit, for example an eyepiece. The eyecup is ideal for viewing with or without glasses due to the reversible fit.

A sun visor can be attached to the lens in a special way. The sun visor protects the lens from undesired solar radiation and disturbances in the image quality due to undesired reflection or effects caused by light rays that appear obliquely on the lens of the lens. This helps, for example, with high external light intensity before overexposing the image. The sun visor can be designed to be displaceable so that it can be adapted to the respective incidence of light. For example, it is conceivable to use a bellows sun visor, the length of which can be changed as required by extending or pushing the bellows together. Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained below. The figure shows schematically the different elements of a kit with the variants shown outlined.

The various element groups of the invention are lined up next to one another by the dashed lines in different columns. An image processing unit 1, a module unit 2, a focusing device 3, a central unit 4, lenses 5 and sun visors 6 are shown in the columns one behind the other.

In the column of the image processing unit 1, a monocular 7 with a focus adjustment 8 and an eyecup 9 is shown. Below this, an oblique eyepiece 10 is shown analogous to the above configuration. Furthermore, a camera 11 is shown as an image processing unit, which can optionally be connected to a photo attachment 12. A camera 13 is also shown in the column of the image processing unit 1.

In the column of the module unit 2, angle attachments 14, a connecting piece 15, an extension tube 16 and an image splitter 17 are shown as embodiments. The image splitter 17 directs the image or parts of the image into two different channels, for example for viewing through two different eyepieces.

In the column of the focusing device 3, various devices are equipped with filters 18 which are arranged in the light passage. A drawer mechanism 19 is optionally attached to the focusing device 3, into which filters 18 can be inserted and the filters 18 can be pushed into the focusing device 3 in the direction of arrow 20. Furthermore, the focusing devices 3 have adjusting wheels 21, by means of which the sharpness can be adjusted. In one embodiment, a quick-action handle 22 with two handles 23 arranged one behind the other is shown poses. On one of the two handles 23 there are actuating elements 24 for focusing or for locking a focusing position. One embodiment of a focusing device 3 has a mounting piece 25 with which the focusing device 3 can be attached, for example, to a tripod.

In the column of the central unit 4, a central unit is shown with an aperture body 26, the aperture of which can be changed via an adjusting ring 27. A central unit 4 is provided with a mounting piece 25 for fastening the central unit 4, for example on a tripod.

In the column of lenses 5 there are schematically a plurality of lenses 5 which, for example, can have different lens diameters, different focal lengths or can consist of different glass qualities. For example, the use of fluoride lenses in the objectives is particularly favorable.

In the column of the sun visors 6, a tube visor 28 is shown, which can be pushed onto a lens 5. As a further embodiment, a bellows sun visor 29 is shown, which has an extendable bellows 30 and an adjustment slide 31.

The mode of operation and functioning of the exemplary embodiments of a kit according to the invention shown in the drawing are explained in more detail below.

A lens 5 is placed on the object side on a central unit 4, which is provided, for example, with a diaphragm body 26 and a mounting piece 25. A sun visor 6 can be placed on the object 5 on the object side. At the other end of the central unit 4, a focusing direction 3 can be attached and at the other end one Matching module unit 2 with the desired image processing unit 1.

The lens 5 is depending on the corresponding conditions, such as adaptable to the distance to the object or external light conditions, so that an optimal image can be achieved in cooperation with central unit 4 and focusing device 3. By connecting a suitable module unit 2 with the desired image processing unit 1, an image of the desired quality can be achieved through this optical arrangement. With this arrangement, objects can be viewed, photographed or filmed. Depending on the external conditions or the desired utilization of the picture, an optimal picture can be achieved by suitable selection of the parts of the kit.

Claims

Expectations

1. Kit for producing a device in modular construction, for viewing and photographing objects, which has as a unit a focusing device, an interchangeable lens and an image processing unit, characterized in that between the objective (5) and focusing device (3) Central unit (4) is arranged and the image processing unit (1) with an exchangeable module unit (2) is attached to the focusing device (3).

2. Kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the central unit (4) has a panel body (26) auf¬.

3. Kit according to claim 2, characterized in that the diaphragm body (26) completely releases the light transmission in an open position.

4. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diaphragm can be changed via an adjusting ring (27).

5. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ScharfStell¬ device (3) has a filter (18).

6. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter (18) is replaceable.

7. Kit according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized ge indicates that the filter (18) via a drawer mechanism (19) can be introduced into the light path.

8. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the focusing device (3) has a fine adjustment tube.

9. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the focusing device (3) or the central unit (4) is designed as a residual light amplifier.

10. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the focusing device (3) has a focus lock mechanism.

11. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a handle is arranged on the focusing device (3) and / or central unit (4).

12. Kit according to claim 10 or 11, characterized gekennzeich¬ net that the handle is formed as a quick-shot handle (22).

13. Kit according to at least one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the handle has a releasably connectable breast / shoulder support.

14. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system can be mounted on a tripod.

15. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module unit (2) is designed as an eyepiece holder (14, 15, 16, 17).

16. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module unit (2) is designed as an angle adapter (14), extension tube (16) or Astro adapter.

17. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module unit (2) has a reflection device.

18. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that eyepieces (7, 10) can be used as the image utilization unit (1).

19. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that photo (11) or camera systems (13) can be used as the image utilization unit (1).

20. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image processing unit (1) has eyecups (9).

21. Kit according to claim 20, characterized in that the eyecups (9) can be turned inside out.

22. Kit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sun visor (6) can be attached to the lens (5).