Photocopying – Projection printing and copying cameras – With focusing or projection screen
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-18
2001-10-09
Gray, David M. (Department: 2851)
Photocopying
Projection printing and copying cameras
With focusing or projection screen
C355S040000, C396S001000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06300999
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical apparatus, and more particularly to an optical apparatus for installation at a tourist attraction, scenic spot or the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Binoculars and telescopes usable for a certain period of time upon insertion of a coin are typical of conventional optical apparatus. One drawback of optical apparatus of this type is that they are designed to be used by only one person at a time. Two or more persons cannot share a view simultaneously. The fact that the optical apparatus are equipped with binoculars or a telescope of fixed magnification causes further problems. When the magnification is set high, as is often the case, the field of view is so narrow that the target is easily lost from sight, and the user (viewer) has considerable trouble finding it again. The high magnification also makes the apparatus impossible to use for anything other than observing distant scenes.
Recently, there has also been developed a video telescopic system utilizing a CCD (charged-coupled device) camera. These optical apparatus are usually installed at scenic spots frequented by tourists and are ordinarily operated by persons not familiar with the local scenery and not used to using this type of optical apparatus.
The typical user therefore frequently needs considerable time to bring the desired scene or object into view and, when using the optical apparatus at night or during bad weather, may not even be able make out what is being observed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to overcome the foregoing drawbacks of the prior art by providing an optical apparatus that permits two or more persons to view a scene simultaneously.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical apparatus that permits the magnification of a scene being viewed by two or more persons to be varied simply as desired.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an optical apparatus that enables display of a simulated image corresponding to the image being obtained by the optical apparatus.
An optical apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an optical imaging system, an image pickup device for capturing an image focused by the optical imaging system, a display device for displaying the captured image, and means responsive to insertion of a coin for outputting and displaying the captured image on the display device for a predetermined period of time.
An optical apparatus according to the present invention is preferably provided with a system for zooming the optical imaging system. The zooming system is constructed to be operable from outside for desired magnification of the displayed image.
An optical apparatus according to the present invention is preferably further provided with a demonstration image display system for displaying a predetermined image on the display device until a coin is inserted.
An optical apparatus according to the present invention is preferably further provided with a printer for printing an image displayed on the display device.
In the optical apparatus according to the present invention, scene images taken by the optical imaging system are displayed on a display device for a predetermined period of time in response to insertion of a coin. It therefore permits two or more persons to view a scene simultaneously. The optical apparatus is also provided with excellent functional features that optimize its operability. For example, it has an optical imaging system equipped with a zooming system and is provided with an operating system that the user can use to operate the zooming system from the exterior. The user can therefore easily locate the scene or object to be viewed at a low magnification and then view it at a high magnification. When not in use by a user (when no coin has been inserted), the optical apparatus can be used to display a predetermined image taken and recorded beforehand. For instance, until activated by insertion of a coin, it can be used to display tourist information or the like stored in the image file device. This further enhances the utility of the optical apparatus.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an optical apparatus comprises an optical imaging system, an image pickup device for capturing an image focused by the optical imaging system, display means for displaying the captured image, means for directionally varying the optical imaging system, storage means for storing captured images taken beforehand within a range of directional variability of the optical imaging system, sensing means for detecting the direction of the optical imaging system, and means responsive to the direction of the optical imaging system detected by the sensing means for reading from the storage means an image obtained in the detected direction and outputting the read-out image to the display means for display thereof.
In an optical apparatus according to the present invention, an image from the storage means is displayed on the display means for display in place of an image actually being taken by the optical imaging system.
An optical apparatus according to the present invention is preferably provided with means responsive to insertion of a coin for causing images to be displayed on the display means for a predetermined period of time.
An optical apparatus according to the present invention is preferably further provided with a system for zooming the optical imaging system and varying a magnification of a read-out image in proportion to a magnification of the optical imaging system.
In an optical apparatus according to the present invention, the stored images are images taken at different times of the day and seasons of the year and an image from among the stored images is selected and read-out for display thereof.
In the optical apparatus in the present invention, scene images that can be taken by its optical imaging system are stored in advance in storage means, and an image corresponding to the current direction of the optical imaging system is read from the storage means and displayed on display means. It therefore enables the user to observe a simulated image or a model image corresponding to the real-time image actually being taken by the optical imaging system. Therefore, even if the scene or object desired to be viewed cannot be clearly seen due to clouds or haze, the user can locate the desired scene or object from the model image and quickly aim the optical system in that direction.
Moreover, the optical apparatus according to the present invention enables the user to select from among various model images. Therefore, assuming for example that it is now an afternoon in summer, the user is able to observe not only the current real-time scene but also the same scene as it would be seen in winter, in the morning or under ideal viewing conditions with no mist, fog or haze. The user is therefore readily able to enjoy various simulated (virtual) experiences.
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Komatsu Akio
Mizukusa Yutaka
Adams & Wilks
Gray David M.
Kowa Company Ltd.
Nguyen Hung Henry
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