IES84370B2

IES84370B2 - A viewing device

Info

Publication number: IES84370B2
Authority: IE
Inventors: Francis Alan Johnston
Original assignee: Ash Technologies Res Ltd
Priority date: 2005-07-14
Filing date: 2006-07-14
Publication date: 2006-10-04
Also published as: GB0614010D0; IE20060517A1; IES20060522A2; GB2428530A; GB2428530B

Abstract

A viewing device 1 comprises a display unit 2 and a handheld optical device 3 connected to the display unit by means of a flexible lead 26. The optical device comprises a rotatable scroll wheel 6 for adjusting the degree of image magnification. This is achieved by moving an internal camera (40, see figure 8) via a rack and pinion arrangement. The viewing device has a first capturing configuration in which the optical device is docked in the display unit (see figure 9) and a second capturing configuration in which the optical device is movable relative to the display unit. The camera is enclosed within a housing 4 and captures images of a page of reading material. In the first capturing configuration, a base surface 14 of the optical device is flush with a base surface 24 of the display unit. In the first capturing configuration, the display unit is placed resting upon a page of reading material, and the optical device also rests upon the page. The optical device then captures a visual image of the page of reading material through an opening 23 in the display unit. In the second capturing configuration, the optical device is placed resting upon a page of reading material. The display unit may or may not be placed upon the page.

Description

This invention relates to a viewing device. In particular this invention relates to a viewing device suitable for use by the partially sighted or visually impaired to assist in viewing of a surface, such as a page of reading material.

This invention is aimed at providing an improved viewing device which overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of conventional viewing devices.

Statements of Invention According to the invention there is provided a handheld optical device for location in proximity to a surface to be viewed, the device comprising: means to capture a visual image of at least part of the surface; and means for varying the magnification of a visual image captured.

The magnification varying means may comprise a mechanical means.

In one embodiment of the invention the device comprises a handheld housing. Preferably the magnification varying means is operable to move the capturing means relative to the housing to vary the magnification of a visual image captured. Ideally the capturing means is movable relative to the housing in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of a surface to be viewed. The handheld optical device of the invention is particularly compact. By arranging the capturing means to move in a direction parallel to the plane of the surface being viewed, the overall size of the device is minimised. The housing may have a base surface, and the capturing means may be movable relative to the housing in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of the base surface.

In another case the capturing means is configured to face in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of a surface to be viewed. By arranging the capturing means to face in a direction parallel to the plane of the surface being viewed, the overall size of the device is minimised. The housing may have a base surface, and the capturing means may face in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of the base surface. The device may comprise a mirror to deflect a visual image from a surface to be viewed to the capturing means.

The direction in which the capturing means faces may be the direction of a line from the centre of a light sensitive array of the capturing means and normal to the plane of the light sensitive array. Typically the light sensitive array is an electronic chargecoupled-device or CMOS sensor.

In another embodiment the magnification varying means is coupled to the capturing means by a rack-and-pinion arrangement. Preferably the capturing means comprises a toothed rail axially movable relative to the housing. The toothed rail may be movable in a direction parallel to the direction in which the capturing means faces. Ideally the magnification varying means comprises a co-operating toothed cog rotatable relative to the housing. The magnification varying means may comprise a finger control operable to move the capturing means relative to the housing. The finger control is a particularly easy-to-use, ergonomic means of varying the magnification. In particular the user may operate the finger control using a single finger only. Preferably the finger control comprises a finger wheel coupled to the cog. Ideally at least part of the finger wheel is accessible from externally of the housing. The finger control may comprise a scroll wheel. Most preferably the housing encloses at least part of the magnification varying means. The housing may enclose the capturing means.

In one case the magnification varying means is rotatable to vary the magnification of a visual image captured. The magnification varying means may be rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to a plane of a base surface of the housing. The magnification varying means may be rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the capturing means faces.

In one embodiment the device comprises means to focus a visual image captured. Preferably the device has a first focussing configuration for focussing a visual image captured of at least part of a surface located at a first distance from the housing, and a second focussing configuration for focussing a visual image captured of at least part of a surface located at a second distance from the housing.

The device may focus on surfaces at different distances from the housing. This arrangement enables the device to focus on a sheet of paper which the housing is being moved across, for example as a user reads text on the sheet of paper. This arrangement also enables the device to be lifted away from the sheet of paper to provide the user with an overview of what part of the sheet of paper the text being read is.

Ideally in the first focussing configuration wherein the focussing means is configured to maintain a visual image captured in focus, upon varying of the magnification of the visual image captured. Most preferably in the first focussing configuration the focussing means is movable relative to the housing. In the first focussing configuration the focussing means may be movable relative to the capturing means. Preferably in the first focussing configuration the ratio of the distance between the capturing means and the focussing means to the distance between the focussing means and a surface to be viewed is proportional to the magnification required.

Ideally in the first focussing configuration the housing is configured to be located against a surface to be viewed.

In one case in the second focussing configuration the capturing means is fixed relative to the housing. Preferably in the second focussing configuration the focussing means is fixed relative to the housing. Ideally in the second focussing configuration the focussing means is fixed relative to the capturing means. Most preferably in the second focussing configuration the housing is configured to be located spaced-apart from a surface to be viewed.

The focussing means may comprise a lens.

In another embodiment the device comprises means to support the housing at a location spaced-apart from a surface to be viewed. When the housing is supported spaced-apart from the surface, this enables a user to write on the surface being viewed. Preferably the support means is mounted to the housing. Ideally the support means is movable between a supporting configuration and a stowed configuration.

The capturing means may comprise a camera.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a viewing device comprising: means to capture a visual image of at least part of a surface; and means to display a visual image; in a first capturing configuration, the capturing means being fixed relative to the display means to capture a visual image of at least part of a surface upon which the capturing means and/or the display means rests; and in a second capturing configuration, the capturing means being movable relative to the display means to capture a visual image of at least part of a surface in the proximity of which the capturing means is located.

The viewing device may be used to capture a visual image in the first capturing configuration and in the second capturing configuration. Depending on particular circumstances, the user may choose the most appropriate capturing configuration to use. The invention thus provides a convenient and easy-to-use viewing device.

In the first capturing configuration, the viewing device is particularly compact.

In one case in the first capturing configuration, the capturing means is mounted to the display means. Preferably in the first capturing configuration, the capturing means is releasably attached to the display means. Ideally in the second capturing configuration, the capturing means is demounted from the display means.

In one embodiment the display means comprises a housing. Preferably the housing comprises a base part and a top part. Ideally the top part is movable relative to the base part between a closed storage configuration and an open display configuration. Most preferably in the closed storage configuration, the capturing means is enclosed within the housing. In the closed storage configuration, the capturing means is protected within the housing. The display means may comprise a display mounted to the top part.

In the first capturing configuration, the capturing means is preferably mounted to the base part. Ideally the base part has an opening through which a visual image of at least part of a surface may be captured by the capturing means in the first capturing configuration. Most preferably the opening is provided in a base surface of the base part. ln one case in the first capturing configuration, the housing is configured to be placed resting upon a surface to be viewed. In the first capturing configuration, the capturing means may be configured to be placed resting upon a surface to be viewed. Preferably in the first capturing configuration, a base surface of the housing is substantially flush with a base surface of the capturing means. In the second capturing configuration, the capturing means may be configured to be placed resting upon a surface to be viewed.

In another embodiment the capturing means is connected to the display means by a flexible lead. Preferably the display means comprises a reception space for stowing at least part of the lead.

The capturing means may comprise a handheld optical device of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a viewing device according to the invention in an open display configuration; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the device of Fig. 1 in a closed storage configuration; Fig. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a base housing part of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of a top housing part of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a capturing means of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a part of the capturing means of Fig. 5; Figs. 7 and 8 are exploded, perspective views of the capturing means of Fig. 5; Fig. 8(a) is an exploded, perspective view of a part of the capturing means of Fig. 5; Fig. 8(b) is a perspective view of the capturing means of Fig. 5; Fig. 8(c) is an end view of the capturing means of Fig. 5; and Figs. 9 and 10 are perspective views of the device of Fig. 1, in use.

Detailed Description Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a viewing device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 comprises a display unit 2 and a handheld optical device 3. The optical device 3 is connected to the display unit 2 by means of a flexible lead 26 (Fig. 10).

The device 1 has a first capturing configuration in which the optical device 3 is fixed relative to the display unit 2 (Fig. 1) and a second capturing configuration in which the optical device 3 is movable relative to the display unit 2 (Fig. 10).

The optical device 3 is suitable for location in proximity to a surface to be viewed, such as a page of reading material. The device 3 may be placed resting against the page, or may be placed above the page in certain circumstances. The device 3 comprises a handheld housing 4, a camera 40 enclosed within the housing 4 for capturing a visual image of at least part of a surface, such as a page of reading material, a focussing lens 5 for focussing the visual image captured, and a mechanical means for varying the magnification of a visual image captured.

The camera 40 faces in a direction parallel to the plane of a base surface 14 of the housing 4. Typically the base surface 14 of the housing 4 is placed against the surface to be viewed, such as a page of reading material. Thus the camera 40 faces in a direction parallel to the plane of the page of reading material to be viewed. A mirror 15 is mounted within the housing 4 inclined at approximately 45° to the plane of the base surface 14 (Fig. 7). The mirror 15 deflects the visual image from the page of reading material to the camera 40.

The optical device 3 has a first focussing configuration for focussing a captured visual image of the page of reading material when the housing 4 is located resting against the page of reading material, and a second focussing configuration for focussing a captured visual image of the page of reading material when the housing 4 is spaced-apart from the page of reading material, for example held approximately 10cm (4) above the page of reading material.

The mechanical means is provided, in this case, in the form of a finger scroll wheel 6 and two large toothed cogs 7, 8 (Fig. 7). The large cogs 7, 8 are rotatably mounted to the housing 4. The finger wheel 6 has a small toothed cog 9, 10 at each side of the wheel 6, and the finger wheel 6 is coupled to the large cogs 7, 8 by means of engagement between the small cogs 9, 10 and the large cogs 7, 8 (Fig. 6).

The camera 40 and the lens 5 are mounted to a camera frame 11 (Fig. 8). Two toothed rails 12, 13 extend axially from the frame 11 (Fig. 8). The large cogs 7, 8 are coupled to the frame 11 by means of engagement between the large cogs 7, 8 and the rails 12, 13 (Fig. 7).

In this manner, the mechanical means is coupled to the camera 40 by a rack-andpinion arrangement.

In the first focussing configuration the finger wheel 6 is operated by rotating the wheel 6 about the axis A-A which passes through the small cogs 9, 10 (Fig. 7). The axis A-A is substantially parallel to the plane of the base surface 14 of the housing 4. Operation of the finger wheel 6 causes the camera frame 11, the camera 40 and the lens 5 to move axially relative to the housing 4, and thus relative to the mirror 15 to vary the magnification of a visual image captured. The camera 40 and the lens 5 move in a direction parallel to the plane of the base surface 14 of the housing 4. Typically the base surface 14 of the housing 4 is placed against the surface to be viewed, such as a page of reading material. Thus the camera 40 and the lens 5 move in a direction parallel to the plane of the page of reading material to be viewed.

In the first focussing configuration, as the lens 5 moves relative to the housing 4, the lens 5 also moves relative to the camera 40. The lens 5 is arranged to ensure that the ratio of the distance between the camera 40 and the lens 5 to the distance between the lens 5 and the page of reading material is proportional to the magnification required. In this manner the lens 5 maintains the captured visual image in focus, upon varying of the magnification of the captured visual image.

In further detail, U is the distance from the paper to the lens 5; V is the distance from the lens 5 to the sensor 40, M is the magnification and F is the focal length of the lens 5. The device 3 is arranged such that M=U/V assuming that the lens 5 is placed appropriately to focus the image, and 1/F=1 /U + 1/V.

Referring to Fig. 8(a), in the first focussing configuration the camera system 40 is focussed on the plane of the camera base 14, generally the document being read. As the camera assembly 11 slide forwards and backwards on the guide rails 41, the cam followers on the lens holder 5 track the cam in the guide rails 41 causing the lens holder 5 to rotate. The screw thread on the lens holder 5 and its counterpart in the camera chassis 11 cause the lens 5 to approach and recede from the camera sensor 40 adjusting the focus in such a way that focus is maintained on the base 14 of the camera 4, for example the document, at all positions of the camera system. By this means the optical magnification of the camera system is altered.

It is of benefit to the operator of this magnifying device to be able to obtain an overview of the document they are reading in order to position themselves within the page. This is achieved using the second focussing configuration. To accomplish this, the camera assembly 11 is moved back further by the user rotating the scroll wheel 6. The rear stop feature 43 on the camera holder 44 comes into contact with the rear stop feature 45 on the guide rails 41 forcing the camera holder 44 to move forward relative to the lens holder 5. This causes the focal plane to move further away from the base 14 of the camera 4. The distances are chosen so that when the clip 46 engages in the detente 47, the focal plane is approximately 10 cms beyond the base 14 of the camera module 4, allowing the user to raise the camera module 4 above the document and still maintain a substantial degree of focus.

The overview mode is also suitable for using writing stands 50.

In the second focussing configuration the camera 40 remains fixed relative to the housing 4, the lens 5 remains fixed relative to the housing 4, and the camera 40 remains fixed relative to the lens 5.

When the user rotates the scroll wheel 6 forwards, the camera assembly 44 exits from the detente hold position and is returned to the first focussing configuration operating position by the leaf spring features 48 bearing on the camera holder 44.

The small cogs 9, 10, the large cogs 7, 8, the camera frame 11, and the toothed rails 12, 13 are all enclosed within the housing 4. Part of the finger wheel 6 protrudes out of the housing 4 and is thus accessible from externally of the housing 4 (Fig. 5).

The optical device 3 also comprises two support stands 50 mounted to the base surface 14 of the housing 4 (Figs. 8(b) and 8(c)). Each stand 50 is movable relative to the housing 4 between a supporting configuration and a stowed configuration. In the supporting configuration the stands 50 support the housing 4 at a location spacedapart from the page of reading material.

The support means 50 are provided to support at least part of the optical device 3 above a surface to be viewed, such as a page of reading material. The support means 50 may be provided in the form of one or more legs. The legs 50 may be arranged to move between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration. In one case the legs 50 flip out when required to support the optical device 3 above the page.

By supporting at least part of the optical device 3 above the page, this enables the user to write on the page and simultaneously view what is being written on the display 25. In this manner the flip-out legs 50 may support the optical device 3 in a writing configuration.

The display unit 2 comprises a housing 20 having a base part 21 and a top part 22. In the first capturing configuration, the optical device 3 is mounted to the base part 21 (Fig. 1), and in the second capturing configuration the optical device 3 is demounted from the base part 21 (Fig. 10).

The base part 21 has an opening 23 in a base surface 24 of the base part 21. In the first capturing configuration, the base surface 14 of the optical device 3 is flush with the base surface 24 of the base part 21. Typically in the first capturing configuration, the base part 21 is placed resting upon a surface to be viewed, such as a page of reading material. Because the base part 21 and the optical device 3 are flush, the optical device 3 also rests upon the page. The optical device 3 then captures a visual image of a surface, such as a page of reading material, through the opening 23.

Mounted to the top part 22 is a flat -screen electronic display 25 to display a visual image captured by the optical device 3.

The top part 22 is attached to the base part 21 by means of a hinge arrangement to facilitate movement of the top part 22 relative to the base part 21 between a closed storage configuration (Fig. 2) and an open display configuration (Fig. 1). In the closed storage configuration, the display 25 and the optical device 3 are enclosed within the housing 20.

The base part 21 comprises a reception space 27 for stowing at least part of the lead 26. An access door 28 is openable in a hinging manner to reveal the reception space 27 and closable in a hinging manner for stowing of the lead 26.

When the access door 28 is closed, the door 28 engages the optical device 3 to releasably attach the optical device 3 to the base part 21 in the first capturing configuration. To release the optical device 3, the door 28 may be opened.

In the second capturing configuration, the optical device 3 is located in the proximity of a surface to be viewed. For example the optical device 3 may be placed resting upon a surface to be viewed, such as a page of reading material. The display unit 2 may or may not be placed against the page.

In use, the top part 22 is moved relative to the base part 21 from the closed storage configuration (Fig. 2) to the open display configuration (Fig. 1). In the first capturing configuration with the optical device 3 mounted to the base part 21, the base part 21 is placed resting against a surface to be viewed, such as a page of reading material. Because the optical device 3 is flush with the base part 21, the optical device 3 also rests against the page.

The optical device 3 captures a visual image of the page through the opening 23 in the base part 21, and the captured visual image is displayed on the display 25 for the user to view. The magnification of the visual image may be varied by the user by rotating the finger wheel 6 using a finger.

If appropriate the user may move the base part 21 and the optical device 3 across the page by sliding the base part 21 over the page. Because the optical device 3 is mounted to the base part 21 in the first capturing configuration, the base part 21 and the optical device 3 move together over the page.

The viewing device 1 of the invention also accommodates movement of the optical device 3 relative to the base part 21 in the second capturing configuration.

To arrange the viewing device 1 in the second capturing configuration, the access door 28 is hinged open (Fig. 9) and a length of the stowed lead 26 is removed from the reception space 27. The optical device 3 is then demounted from the base part 21, and the optical device 3 is placed resting against the page (Fig. 10).

If appropriate the user may move the optical device 3 across the page by sliding the optical device 3 over the page while maintaining the position of the base part 21 fixed.

In further detail, Fig. 1 illustrates the lid 22 opened. The device 1 can be used with the mouse camera 3 in the docking station 21. Fig. 2 illustrates the device 1 in the stored position with the lid 22 closed. Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate the exploded assembly 21, 22. Fig. 5 illustrates the mouse assembly 3 complete. Fig. 6 illustrates the mouse assembly 3 with the top cover 4, the button and the printed circuit board removed. Fig. 7 illustrates the mouse assembly 3 partially exploded. Fig. 8 illustrates the mouse assembly 3 fully exploded. Fig. 8(b) illustrates the underside of the camera module 4 showing one writing stand 50 extended. Fig. 8(c) illustrates an end view of the camera module 4 with one writing stand 50 extended. Fig. 9 illustrates the cable door 28 lifted to reveal the mouse cable 26. The mouse 3 can now be removed. Fig. 10 illustrates the mouse 3 removed from the docking station 21 for remote use.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims

1. A viewing device comprising: means to capture a visual image of at least part of a surface; and means to display a visual image; in a first capturing configuration, the capturing means being fixed relative to the display means to capture a visual image of at least part of a surface upon which the capturing means and/or the display means rests; and in a second capturing configuration, the capturing means being movable relative to the display means to capture a visual image of at least part of a surface in the proximity of which the capturing means is located.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein in the first capturing configuration, the capturing means is mounted to the display means, in the first capturing configuration, the capturing means may be releasably attached to the display means, in the second capturing configuration, the capturing means may be demounted from the display means.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the display means comprises a housing, the housing may comprise a base part and a top part, the top part may be movable relative to the base part between a closed storage configuration and an open display configuration, in the closed storage configuration, the capturing means may be enclosed within the housing, the display means may comprise a display mounted to the top part, in the first capturing configuration, the capturing means may be mounted to the base part, part may have an opening through which a visual image of at least part of a surface may be captured by the capturing means in the first capturing configuration, the opening may be provided in a base surface of the base part, 5 in the first capturing configuration, the housing may be configured to be placed resting upon a surface to be viewed, in the first capturing configuration, the capturing means may be configured to be placed resting upon a surface to be viewed, in the first capturing configuration, a base surface of the housing may be substantially flush with a base surface of the 10 capturing means.

4. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein in the second capturing configuration, the capturing means is configured to be placed resting upon a surface to be viewed, the capturing means may be connected to the display 15 means by a flexible lead, the display means may comprise a reception space for stowing at least part of the lead.

5. A viewing device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.