DESC:PRIORITY CLAIM:
This application claims priority from the provisional application numbered 201841002952 filed with Indian Patent Office, Chennai on 24th January 2018 entitled “A Digital Video Magnifier (DVM)”, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
Preamble to the Description
[0001] The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which is to be performed:
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Technical field of the invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a magnification system. More particularly, the invention relates to a rigid and portable magnification system to capture the image of any sample or object.
Background of the invention
[0003] Portable magnifiers to magnify samples and objects are known in the art. These magnifiers have large magnifying lenses with lighting, mounted on a stand and are used to carry out a close visual inspection or fine assembly work on parts placed under the lens on a table. The user looks through the magnifying lens with both eyes, by holding on to the part or component under inspection, or placing it on a table. While the magnified image was required for seeing minute defects and working on the part. The magnification provided by the conventional glass magnifier lenses is very low.
[0004] Conventional microscopes are another well-known means of magnifying objects. They have a high center of gravity and are only stable when placed on a solid flat surface. This makes it difficult to form a stable image outside the laboratory, for example in the field or classroom. Additional stabilization can be added in the form of a stand, ballast weight or both. However, these add to the size and weight of the instrument and make it less portable.
[0005] Digital magnifiers are a low cost version of laboratory microscopes. These devices can be used outside the laboratory to capture images onto digital memory or a screen. However, digital magnifiers usually have only a mediocre practical resolution, because it is difficult to hold them still without adding a stand, ballast weight or both. The stand and ballast weight add to the size and weight of the magnifier and make it less portable. Furthermore, these magnifiers are usually not designed to view standard microscope slides, so it is difficult to use them for the large number of applications where the sample is mounted on a slide.
[0006] In Digital Cameras, the image captured by it is fed into a high resolution computer Monitor to give a very high resolution image of the part under inspection. An auto-focus feature enables very easy auto focusing of the part under inspection. An LED lighting provided with the machine enables even the most difficult parts to be inspected.
[0007] Commercially available digital microscopes or microscope systems are intended to suit particular applications and thus mostly designed either as upright or inverted microscopes. The option of changing the design from upright type to inverted type or vice versa is either not available at all or highly laborious.
[0008] The US patent application US 20140176690 A1 titled “Magnification system” discloses a magnification system which allows viewing a magnified representation of an object. The magnification system includes two main components namely a handheld device and a base station. The handheld device includes a camera module, a processing unit and, optionally, a display unit. The base station has a frame structure and, optionally, a monitor. The handheld device can function as a stand-alone device and can be carried away from the base station for use outside the home or office, or it can be mounted on the base station. The images of documents or other objects disposed on a workspace of the frame structure can be acquired by the camera module of the handheld device and shown on the monitor through the processing unit. However, the major disadvantage is that the magnification system does not have high resolution or a flexible stand.
[0009] The patent US 6574051 B1 titled “Portable reading magnifier” discloses a magnifying system to aid in the viewing or reading of book, papers or similar documents by those with impaired vision. A magnifying lens with approximate overall dimensions of eight by eleven inches is supported in an attractive wood or plastic frame of various designs and is supported by a series of four legs in each corner. The legs are adjustable in length by the use of a spring-based telescopic adjustment system that allows the user to adjust for different parameters such as strength of magnification, object size, level of vision impairment and the like. However, this invention does not reveal any information regarding the portable stand and high resolution.
[0010] Hence, there exists a need for a device that ensures high resolution of the objects in an efficient manner.
Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention relates to a rigid and portable magnification system to capture the image of any sample or object with high resolution. The invention comprises of an auto-focusing digital camera, with a built in motorized zoom lens mounted on a flexible articulating, portable stand. The unit is provided with a built in LED light for glare free, uniform lighting.
[0012] The Digital Video Magnifier (DVM) comprises a flat, stable base or stand and an optical head containing the digital camera and one or more lenses. The digital camera is a High Definition (HD) camera with autofocus zoom and high resolution.
[0013] The optical head is attached to an articulating arm through a swivel hinge and locking clamp. The articulating arm is used for adjusting the coarse focus for samples of different heights. The articulating arm is pivoted through a clamped swivel hinge to the arm attached to the base. The optical head and the base have provisions for adjustable illumination provided by LED. A wireless communication module is fitted in the base, the head, or elsewhere to provide wireless communications.
[0014] In an embodiment the head moves up and down the arm to achieve the correct coarse focus for samples of varying height. The head is tightly locked to the arm, once it is in the desired position, to avoid any movement that would degrade the image. This allows the DVM to be focused for samples placed on the base which have thickness between 0.01mm and 100mm.
[0015] In another embodiment, one or more display implementations are coupled to the DVM which allow the user to select the portion of the sample to be viewed, focus and optimize the image properly and view, store and share images captured by it.
[0016] In the present invention a digital camera, motorized zoom lens, auto-focusing feature, auto zoom feature, LED lighting, image storage feature are all conveniently mounted on an articulating flexible, portable stand. The captured image/video is sent to the monitor/display device, by-passing the necessity for a computer which results in a unique product with great advantage. The zoom function enables the viewing of a large area at low magnification, or a smaller area at high magnification. The DVM also enables the viewing of the image by multiple persons on the monitor at the same time.
[0017] The advantage of automatic adjustment of the focus and sample positioning in the present invention is very useful to scan multiple images at different focal lengths. A suitable software is used to combine multiple images into a three dimensional visualization of the object/sample. This facility will be very useful in medical and metrology applications.

Brief description of the drawings

[0018] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0019] FIG 1 shows the right-side view of the Digital Video Magnifier (DVM) according to an embodiment of the present invention in operating mode.

[0020] FIG 2 shows a front view of the Digital Video Magnifier (DVM) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and not a limitation. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention.
[0022] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a Digital Video Magnifier (DVM), which is designed to capture the image of any object/sample with high resolution. The invention comprises of an auto-focusing digital camera, with a built in motorized zoom lens mounted on a flexible articulating, portable stand. The unit is provided with a built in LED Light for glare free, uniform lighting. The lens head is capable of being swiveled for convenient positioning. The DVM is rigid enough for shop floor use, while being light enough to be portable, for moving from one inspection station to another.
[0023] FIG 1 shows the right-side view of an embodiment of the Digital Video Magnifier (DVM) (100) according to the present invention in operating mode. The DVM (100) comprises of a flat, stable base or stand (101) and an optical head (103) containing the digital camera (106), and LED (104) for illumination. The base (101) is attached to an arm (102) which in turn is coupled to articulating arm (105) through a swivel hinge with clamp (107). The head (103) is attached to the articulating arm (105) through a swivel hinge with locking clamp (108).
[0024] The digital camera (106) is typically a High Definition (HD) camera with autofocus zoom and CMOS sensor which has a high resolution. Any other kind of sensors may also be used. This camera (106) is a standard commercial component, widely used in webcams, mobile phones and other consumer goods. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a simple, low cost plastic lens is used. Alternatively, a more sophisticated multi element lens system may be used to further increase the quality of the image.
[0025] FIG 2 shows a front view of the Digital Video Magnifier (DVM) (100). The base (101) of the DVM is attached to the arm (102) which is coupled to the optical head (103) through the articulating arm (105), attached through swivel hinges with clamps. The optical head (103) is attached to a high definition, auto-focus camera (106) and has provisions for illumination in the form of LED (104).
[0026] The head (103) is firmly held above the base (101) on an arm (102). The object/sample is placed on a table near the base (101) which is moved in the directions of the X and Y axes. This allows users to select the section of the object/sample that they wish to view with reasonable accuracy.
[0027] The base (101) contains provision for bottom illumination by one or more LEDs. The head (103) is also provided with top illumination by one or more LEDs (104). The brightness of both the top and the bottom illumination is adjusted to show the best image possible.
[0028] It can be seen that the height of the optical head (103) is preferably less than the width of the base (101) in the operating mode. This gives the instrument a lower centre of gravity and makes it very stable without needing external stands and ballast.
[0029] The articulating arm (105) allows the head (103) to be raised and lowered relative to the base (101) to set coarse focus for samples of different height such as PCB circuits, pebbles, fingers, insects or flat samples on microscope slides. The head (103) is locked securely to the arm (102) once it is in a position such that the whole assembly is stable and a quality image is captured. The fine focus is achieved using the motorized control on the objective lens which is adjusted manually or by an autofocus mechanism using a small electric actuator as widely used in mobile phones and webcams.
[0030] The lens is mounted on the head (103) by way of a threaded mounting. Alternatively, the lens is moved in and out by a small electrical actuator to provide an auto focus facility as used on webcams and mobile phones.
[0031] In an embodiment, a mechanism is provided for moving the head (103) up and down the arm (102) to achieve the correct coarse focus for samples of varying height using the swivel hinge with clamp (107) and the articulating arm (105). This mechanism ensures that the head (103) is tightly locked to the arm (102), once it is in the desired position, to avoid any movement that would degrade the image. This mechanism allows the DVM to be focused for samples placed on the base (101) which have thickness between 0.01mm and 100mm.
[0032] In an embodiment, a plurality of batteries and electronics PCB is provided within the base (101). A USB socket is provided within the base (101) for wired communications and for saving images. Alternatively, the USB socket is provided in any other part of the DVM.
[0029] A wireless communication module is fitted in the base (101), the head (103), or elsewhere to provide wireless communications. The wireless communication includes conventional Wi-Fi, such as IEEE 802.11, Wi-Fi Direct or any other protocol. Wi-Fi Direct is a peer to peer protocol that allows the DVM (100) to connect directly to the display device (not shown) without a wireless access point or router. This is very useful when the DVM is used in remote locations where there is no internet.
[0030] Further, the DVM is fitted with additional provision for a Near Field Communications (NFC) or other RFID protocols to assist it in pairing with a tablet, PC or smart phone.
[0031] In another embodiment, one or more display implementations, which allow the user to select the portion of the sample to be viewed, focus and optimize the image properly and view, store and share images are also included in the DVM. These display implementations are a combination of mechanical, optical and software design. The software image processing algorithms of the display implementation are provided either within the DVM (100) or on the internet.
[0032] The display implementations are provided for viewing, storing and sharing images. The display implementation of the DVM (100) features a display which may be used to view, focus and store the image. The display may be operated by virtual buttons on the screen or physical buttons on the DVM (100).
[0033] In an embodiment, the display device would be a computer monitor by-passing a computer but it could also be a desktop computer, projector or any other display device.
[0034] The display device may be connected with a wired connection, such as a USB/ HDMI cable connected between the display device and a USB connector provided on the DVM (100). Alternatively, the display device may be connected to the DVM using a wireless protocol such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) or Wi-Fi Direct.
[0035] In an embodiment, the software provided on the display device of DVM (100) is used to facilitate focusing, to optimize the image or to enhance the images captured. The software is used to provide a lower resolution image or a high resolution image of a small portion of the object/sample to assist positioning of the slide and focusing. These smaller images need less data and are sent to the display very quickly which means that the display responds immediately to adjustments in focus or position. When the capture button is pressed, a high resolution image including a video is captured, stored and is transmitted to the display device. The process takes a few seconds, but is of great advantage in focusing or positioning the image.
[0036] The advantage of automatic adjustment of the focus and sample positioning in the present invention is very useful to scan multiple images at different focal lengths. A suitable software is used to combine multiple images into a three dimensional visualization of the object/sample. This facility will be very useful in medical and metrology applications.
[0037] The advantage of DVM (100) is that a very high magnification is achieved by using a Digital Camera (106). The DVM (100) is convenient, rigid, and portable with a flexible and articulating stand or base (101). For applications requiring higher magnifications, zoom lenses with higher magnification are used. The camera (106) sends the image directly to an HDMI monitor, eliminating the need to go through a computer system.
[0038] The zoom function enables the viewing of a large area at low magnification, or a smaller area at high magnification. This zoom feature which provides the ability to change the magnification from a low magnification / large field of view to a high magnification/small field of view is a very important feature, which is required for carrying out critical inspection, assembly or repair work on a part.
[0039] Photos or Videos of parts inspected are saved and stored on memory chips mounted in the camera, for later re-call or viewing. The DVM (100) enables the viewing of the image by multiple persons on the monitor at the same time. This enables the ability for many persons to view, discuss and find a solution to a problem.
[0040] Thus, the combination of a Digital Camera (106), motorized zoom lens, auto-focusing feature, auto zoom feature, LED lighting (104), image storage feature, all conveniently mounted on an articulating flexible, portable stand (101) is unique. The captured image/video is sent the image to an HDMI monitor/display device, by-passing the necessity for a computer which results in a unique product of great functionality. It fulfills the need for such a unique inspection tool which was previously unavailable worldwide.
[0041] The description of the present system has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
,CLAIMS:I claim:

1. A rigid and portable system (100) to capture the image of an object/sample with high resolution comprising:
a) a flat, flexible, articulating, portable base (101) for placing the object/sample to be examined, comprising a plurality of rechargeable batteries and electronic Printed Circuit Board for providing power supply;
b) an arm (102) attached to the base (101) for holding an optical head (103) above the base (101);
c) an articulating arm (105) attached to the arm (102) through a swivel hinge with clamp (107);
d) an optical head (103), coupled to the articulating arm (105) through a swivel hinge with locking clamp (108), comprising objective lens with focusing buttons mounted in a transparent focusing ring;
e) a High Definition (HD), auto-focusing digital camera (106) comprising motorized zoom lenses and high resolution sensors contained in the optical head (103);
f) a Light Emitting Diode (LED) (104) attached to the optical head (103) for providing illumination to capture the image of object/sample;
g) a display implementation for viewing, storing and sharing images; and
h) a wired or wireless communication module fitted to the head (103) for pairing the system (100) with a tablet, a Personal Computer or a smart phone for sharing the captured images.

2. The system as claimed in claim1, wherein the coarse focus for samples of different heights is adjusted by raising or lowering the head (103) using the articulating arm (105) attached to the arm (102).

3. The system as claimed in claim1, wherein the head (103) swivels up and down the arm (102) by movement at the swivel hinges with clamp (107) such that it either locks the head (103) tightly against the arm (102) to produce a stable image, or releases the head (103) to slide freely up and down the arm (102) to adjust the coarse focus.

4. The system as claimed in claim1, wherein the digital camera (106) is a single or multi element lens which is swiveled and locked in position using the swivel hinge with locking clamp (108) before capturing the image of the object/sample.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fine focusing of digital camera (106) is achieved using focusing buttons on the objective lens mounted in a transparent focusing ring on the head (103).

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display implementation is operated by virtual button on the screen or physical buttons on the system (100).

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a high resolution image of object/sample of varying thickness between 0.01 mm and 100 mm is captured by the system (100).

8. The system as claimed in claim1, wherein the LED (104) and the wired or wireless communication module is fitted to the base (101).