WO2011138089A1

WO2011138089A1 - Optical observation device having an ergonomic eyepiece illumination system

Info

Publication number: WO2011138089A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/054592
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tobias Kaufhold; Reiner Mitzkus; Thomas Bocher
Original assignee: Carl Zeiss Microimaging Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-05-07
Filing date: 2011-03-25
Publication date: 2011-11-10
Also published as: DE102010020015A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical observation device in which an object field is imaged into a field of vision (1) that is visible to a viewer on looking into an eyepiece (5). According to the invention, the eyepiece (5) is equipped with an ergonomic eyepiece illumination system, wherein means for illuminating a peripheral region (3) outside the field of vision (1) are provided, so that to the eye of the viewer the field of vision (1), an edge of the field of vision (2) and the illuminated peripheral region (3) are simultaneously visible.

Description

title

Optical observation device with ergonomic eyepiece illumination

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an optical observation device, in which the image of an object field is in a field of view, which is visible to a viewer when looking into an eyepiece. According to the invention, an ergonomic eyepiece illumination is provided.

State of the art

For the purposes of this invention, the term eyepiece is to be understood to mean loupes with which real intermediate images can be viewed, which are produced in optical observation devices, such as microscopes or binoculars. The ocular field of view corresponds to the field in which the observer visually perceives the intermediate image to be surveyed. The parameter for a visual field, which is also known as the field of view, is the indication of the field of view diameter in mm.

In order to clearly delimit intermediate images towards their edges, screens are usually used. In addition to the limitation of the field of view, such a field stop also prevents interference and scattered light, which can lead to negative effects on the intermediate image, for example, to contrast reductions. However, in the case of microscope eyepieces, the suppression of stray and scattered light also causes, for example, the field of view in the radial direction to be dark towards the outside, whereby there is a strong contrast between the visual field and its edge area visible to the viewer. With longer-term observation of the object image, these pronounced differences in brightness have a tiring effect.

DE 10024686 A1 describes an "optical observation device with a device for introducing visually perceptible information into the observation beam path". ben, which is equipped with an eyepiece, in which a device for imprinting additional information in the intermediate image plane and thus in the per se dark edge region of the visual field is present. An illumination of the field of view in the eyepiece for ergonomic and physiological purposes is neither intended nor intended in this observation device.

Arrangements are also known in which a diffuse illumination of the visual field itself is provided for sehphysiologischen reasons, but no illumination of the visual field environment.

Description of the invention

Based on this prior art, the invention has the object, an optical observation device of the type described in ergonomic and sehphysiologischer respects educate so that permanently a relaxed and fatigue-free observation of the imaged object field is possible.

This object is achieved with an optical observation device in which means are provided for illuminating at least one peripheral area outside the field of view so that the field of view and the illuminated peripheral area are simultaneously visible to the eye of the observer. The illuminated area preferably surrounds the entire field of view, but it is also within the scope of the invention if the illuminated area is formed only in sections on the circumference of the field of view.

In this way, an improvement of the visual performance and the visual comfort is achieved, fatigue symptoms in long-term observation are at least reduced. The solution of the invention provides for further improvement from a physiological point of view, a sharp boundary of the field of view through a narrow, concentric around the field of view extending dark edge, then followed in the radial direction to the outside of the illuminated peripheral area. This field of view forms a narrow transition zone between the field of view and the illuminated peripheral area, the brightness in this transitional zone being less than the brightness in the field of vision and also the brightness in the peripheral area.

The illumination of the peripheral region can be carried out according to the invention either with uniform brightness or with a decreasing brightness in the radial direction. In the case of a uniform illumination, it is advantageous if the brightness over the entire illuminated peripheral area of the average Sehfeldhelligkeit corresponds. In the case of illumination with a brightness decreasing in the radial direction, additional advantages result if the illumination intensity near the visual field corresponds to the average visual field brightness.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the brightness and the color temperature of the illumination in the peripheral region are variable as a function of the average brightness in the field of view and the average color temperature in the field of view.

For the change in brightness, the criteria already mentioned above apply, according to which the brightness should correspond to the average visual field brightness at least in the vicinity of the visual field. The variation of the color temperature of the light for the illumination of the peripheral region is predetermined, for example, by additive color mixing of the light emitted by RGB LED s.

The optical observation device according to the invention may be a microscope in which an intermediate image plane is formed within the eyepiece and the coupling of the light for illuminating the peripheral region - viewed from the object or object field - takes place behind the intermediate image plane.

The illumination light for the peripheral region comes from the object field or from light sources, which are preferably arranged in the form of LEDs, for example outside the eyepiece. For transmitting the light from the light sources into the interior of the eyepiece, light-conducting media are provided. For radiating the illumination light into the eyepiece inside eyepiece surfaces are advantageously used. As a light-conducting media, for example, optical fibers are used or transparent material from which the eyepiece - at least in sections - is made and in which the light is transmitted to one or more radiating out.

In the context of the invention, it is also to arrange flat-shaped light sources outside the eyepiece, being provided for transmitting the light from the light sources into the interior of the eyepiece transparent media, or flat trained light sources in Okularinneren, for example on the Okularinnenwandung to provide in the latter case, the light is emitted directly into the eyepiece interior and illuminates the peripheral area. To power the light sources, it is conceivable to integrate on loadable battery ^' s in the eyepiece and to connect within the eyepiece with the light sources. A compound built-in battery ^'s with a charger can contacts to Au ßenflächen of the eyepiece can be produced.

If the eyepiece can be inserted into a tube socket, it is possible to accommodate the light and current sources in the tube socket and to provide light-conducting media for transmitting the light from the tube socket into the eyepiece and further into the eyepiece interior.

In the intermediate image plane, as is often the case, a diaphragm for limiting the field of view may be present. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below are not only protected in the means-effect contexts expressly stated in detail, but also in other combinations.

In order to avoid scattered light and thus caused contrast reductions in the object field image, the illumination of the field of view should be done only above the intermediate image. To adjust the brightness of the illuminated peripheral area to the field brightness, the brightness in this area is adjustable or adjustable. This also applies to the setting of the color temperature in the illuminated peripheral area.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments. 1 shows an image of an object field which is visible to the eye of an observer when viewing an eyepiece, wherein according to the invention a peripheral area which surrounds the field of view and the field of view is illuminated in the radial direction with a decrease in brightness.

FIG. 2 shows a first example of an eyepiece in which light coming from the object field and not required for image generation is used to lighten the peripheral area, FIG. a second example of an eyepiece, in which the non-image-forming light coming from the object field is used to lighten the peripheral area,

various examples of an eyepiece, in which separate light sources in the form of LEDs s are provided for generating the illumination light for the peripheral area, wherein a ring aperture is illuminated indirectly, an example of an eyepiece, in which also separate light sources in the form of LED s Provision of the illumination light for the peripheral area are provided, but the ring diaphragm is illuminated directly, different examples of an eyepiece, in which separate areal light sources are provided for generating the illumination light for the peripheral area,

two embodiments of an eyepiece, which is inserted into a tube socket and in which separate light sources in the form of LEDs s are provided for generating the illumination light for the peripheral region in the tube socket.

Detailed description of the invention

1 shows, by way of example, an object field image which is visible to a viewer who looks into the eyepiece of a microscope tube. The figure appears in a circular field of view 1. Deviating from the prior art and thus according to the invention, the visual field 1 is concentrically surrounded by a narrow dark field edge 2 and by a wider illuminated peripheral area 3. The illumination intensity in the peripheral region 3 is, as illustrated by the brightness diagram 4, highest in the immediate vicinity of the field edge 2. It corresponds there to an average intensity determined for the visual field 1. In the radial outward direction, the brightness decreases in the peripheral region 3, for example according to an exponential function. For the eye of the observer, the illuminated peripheral area 3 is visible simultaneously with the field of view 1 and the field of view 2, it is achieved in this way an improvement in visual performance and visual comfort by reducing fatigue in long-term observation of the object image and thus the Invention solved object.

The technical means for the embodiment of the invention exist in principle

either in the use of the light from the object or the object field that is not used for imaging, and guiding this light to the peripheral area 3, or the or in the use of light generated by separate light sources, is introduced into the eyepiece interior and directed within the eyepiece to the peripheral region 3. 2 shows a first example of an eyepiece 5, in which light coming from the object field and not required for image generation is used to lighten the peripheral area 3. The eyepiece 5 consists of an upper part 5.1, which serves as a socket for tube lenses 6, and a lower part 5.2, in which an intermediate image plane 7 is formed. With the outer surface 8 of the lower part 5.2, the eyepiece 5 in a tube socket 14 can be inserted (see Fig. 7).

In the intermediate image plane 7 is a Sehfeldbegrenzung in the form of an annular aperture 9, which ensures that a part of the coming of the R from the object field and falling into the eyepiece 5 light is hidden, is thus not used to generate the image, but Instead scattered on the dashed shown Okularinnenf laugh 10 hits, which is seen from the field of view behind the intermediate image plane 7 and brightens them so that they look at the eyepiece 5 as a luminous, the field of view 1 and the field of view edge 2 concentrically enclosing peripheral area. 3 is visible, as shown in Fig.1.

According to the invention, the light suppressed in the prior art by blinding, blackening, corrugation of surfaces and similar measures and thus lost for the production of images light is used to lighten the peripheral area 3. An advantage of using this light is that brightness and color character in the peripheral area 3 automatically adjust to the brightness and the color character in the object field image.

A second example of an eyepiece 5, in which light coming from the object field is used to lighten the peripheral area 3, is shown in FIG. Here, a partially transmissive and diffusely scattering aperture 11 is provided which homogeneously distributes the light in the interior of the eyepiece 5 above the intermediate image plane 7 and also illuminates the peripheral area 3.

In order to set a brightness gradient running in the radial direction in the peripheral region 3, the partially transmissive diaphragm 11 is to be designed in the radial direction with different thickness, different scattering behavior or different transmission.

Fundamental further possibilities to use part of the light coming from the object field for illuminating the peripheral area 3 are: Reflection on the eyepiece inside underneath the stop on surface coatings and / or by surface shaping, so that the reflected light is directed to the field of view without causing any disadvantageous effects on the object field image,

- Light pipe within the lower part 5.2, which is made in this case of a translucent and photoconductive material,

Optical fibers, which in the interior of the eyepiece 5, a part of the light from the lower part 5.2, in the direction R, from below the intermediate image plane 7 in the eyepiece on intermediate image plane 7 lead.

In Figure 4 different embodiments of an eyepiece 5 are shown in which, in contrast to the examples of Figure 2 and Figure 3 separate light sources in the form of LED s 12 are provided for generating the illumination light for the peripheral region 3. For the illustrations in FIGS. 4a to 4c, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 also apply to comparable components and can also be read there.

In FIG. 4 a to FIG. 4 c eyepieces 5 are drawn in cross section as in FIGS. 1 to 3. As can be seen from the illustrations, the LEDs s 12 are arranged in different planes on the circumference of the lower part 5.2 of the eyepiece 5, of which only 2 LEDs are visible in the cross-sectional plane of the representations corresponding to the plane of the drawing ,

The light radiated by the LED s 12 is propagated within the part 5.2 made in this case wholly or partly of transparent material by transmission and multiple reflections, thereby homogenized with respect to the intensity distribution in the beam path and then emitted from the Okularinnenfläche 10, so that the peripheral region 3 is brightened. By blackening, different material transparency or similar, the light propagation in undesired directions preventing measures ensures that the light coming from the light sources exits only above the intermediate image or diaphragm plane. Alternatively, the light pipe can be made by optical fibers inside the eyepiece base.

In addition to the LED's 12 other light sources into account, such as ^OLEDs or electroluminescent come.

In Figure 5, an eyepiece is shown, in which also separate light sources in the form of LED s are provided for generating the illumination light for the peripheral region, but, unlike in the embodiments of Figure 4, the coming of the LED s Illumination light is directed directly to the annular aperture 9, is reflected by the annular aperture 9 and thus brightens the field edge 3 for the viewer.

6 shows various exemplary embodiments of an eyepiece 5, in which planar light sources 13 are provided for generating the illumination light for the peripheral region 3.

Below that, in FIG. 6a, a surface-extended light source 13 is arranged outside on the circumference of the lower part 5.2 of the eyepiece 5. The light emitted by the light source 13 is guided by transmission to the eyepiece inner surface 10 within the lower part 10, which is made transparent at least in the section between the light source 13 and the eyepiece inner surface 10, where it is radiated and thus lightens the peripheral region 3.

FIG. 6 b shows a surface-extended light source 13, such as an electroluminescent foil, on the annular diaphragm 9 and / or on the eyepiece inner surface 10.

As an alternative to electroluminescent also ^OLEDs can be used, which can be advantageously combined with a device for imprinting in the field of view. The data may additionally be imprinted in the illuminated peripheral area 3 or temporarily instead of the illumination of the peripheral area 3.

7a and 7b each show an exemplary embodiment of an eyepiece 5, which is inserted with its lower part 5.2 into a tube socket 14 and in which light sources in the form of LED s 12 for generating the illumination light for the peripheral region 3 in the tube 14 are positioned.

Again, the lower part 5.2 consists wholly or partly of transparent or partially transparent material. The light radiated by the LED s 12 enters the eyepiece 5 via the boundary layers between tube socket 14 and part 5.2, is forwarded in the eyepiece 5 and emitted at the eyepiece inner surface 10.

These embodiments of the invention have the advantage that the eyepiece 5 itself does not need supplies for supply voltages for the light sources. In connection with light sources which are integrated in the eyepiece 5, a power supply via lines or via contacts, which are closed when inserting the eyepiece 5 in the tube socket 14. In the context of the invention is also a non-contact power supply, for example via with each other corresponding induction loops. Devices and controls for varying the brightness and the color characteristic may be provided and alternatively may be arranged in the eyepiece 5 or outside. In addition, it is possible to use sensors for controlling the light intensity to a predetermined brightness or color temperature.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

5 1 field of view

2 field of view edge

3 illuminated peripheral area

4 brightness diagram

5 eyepiece

10 5.1 upper part

5.2 lower part

6 tube lenses

7 intermediate image plane

8 Okularausßenf laugh

15 9 ring diaphragm

10 eyepiece inner surface

1 1 partially transparent aperture

12 LEDs

13 flat light source

20 14 tubing spouts

Claims

Claims 1. Optical observation device, in which the imaging of an object field into a field of view (1), which is visible to a viewer when looking into an eyepiece (5), characterized by

Means for illuminating at least one peripheral area (3) outside the field of view (1) so that the visual field (1) and the illuminated peripheral area (3) are visible to the viewer at the same time.

2. An optical observation device according to claim 1, wherein means for illuminating a circular field of view (1) concentrically enclosing the peripheral region (3) are provided.

3. An optical observation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the illumination of the peripheral region (3) takes place with uniform brightness, wherein the brightness in the peripheral region (3) corresponds to the average Sehfeldhelligkeit.

4. An optical observation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the illumination of the peripheral region (3) takes place with a decreasing brightness in the radial direction, wherein the brightness in the vicinity of the field corresponds to the average Sehfeldhelligkeit.

5. An optical observation device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein between the field of view (1) and the peripheral region (3) a field of view (2) is formed as a transition zone whose brightness is less than the brightness in the adjacent peripheral region (3) and / or in the field of view (1).

6. An optical observation apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brightness and the color temperature of the illumination light for the peripheral area (3) in dependence on the average brightness and the average color temperature in the field of view (1) are variable, wherein the change of the color temperature is provided by additive color mixing of the light emitted by RGB LED s light.

7. Optical observation device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein within the eyepiece (5) an intermediate image plane (7) is formed, and the coupling of light to the illumination of the peripheral region (3), viewed from the object field, takes place behind the intermediate image plane (7).

Optical observation device according to one of the preceding claims, in which light-conducting media for transmitting light from outside the eyepiece (5), preferably in the form of LED s (12), coming illumination light for the peripheral region (3) in the eyepiece (5 ) and into the illumination of the illumination light of Okularinnenflächen (10) are provided in the eyepiece interior.

Optical observation device according to claim 8, in which optical fibers are provided as light-guiding media or transparent material from which the eyepiece (5) consists at least in sections.

Optical observation device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which surface light sources (13) are present in the eyepiece interior.

Optical observation apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the integrated power sources for supplying the light sources, preferably chargeable battery ^'s, in the eyepiece (5) and inside of the eyepiece (5) are connected to the light sources.

Optical observation device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the eyepiece (5) in a tube socket (14) can be inserted, the light and power sources in the tube nozzle (14) are arranged and interconnected and for transmitting the light from the tube nozzle (14) in the eyepiece interior light-conducting media are provided.

13. An optical observation device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the intermediate image plane a ring diaphragm (9) for limiting the field of view (1) is present.