Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an image magnifying apparatus which automatically brings a target into focus using a diopter lens depending on whether the target is at a short distance or at a long distance. The orientation of a camera and short- or long-distance focusing of a camera lens can be automatically controlled to provide a clear image to a user, whereby even a user with low vision, a blind user, an aged user, a hand tremor user, etc. can easily use the apparatus. Furthermore, the present invention provides lighting suitable for user environment, thus providing a clear image to the user.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to image magnifying apparatuses which automatically brings a target into focus using a diopter lens depending on whether the target is at a short distance or at a long distance, and more particularly, to an image magnifying apparatus in which the orientation of a camera and short- or long-distance focusing of a camera lens can be automatically controlled to provide a clear image to a user, whereby even a user with low vision, a blind user, an aged user, a hand tremor user, etc. can easily use the apparatus. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Generally, visual impairment refers to a visual function disability resulting from damage in the visual system. According to an extent to which eyesight and a range of vision are limited, visual impairment is classified into blindsight and low vision. The low vision disability refers to a low visual recognition ability in which it is possible to recognize an object but impossible to recognize small font letters, and it is difficult to recognize an object or letter at a long distance because of a short focal distance. The extent of the low vision disability varies depending on the cause and extent of visual impairment of each one. 
         [0005]    To complement the visual function of such a visually impaired person with low vision, image magnifying apparatuses were introduced, which electronically magnify an image of a target, such as a book, a medicine bottle, a check, a newspaper, cash, etc., on which there are small letters. 
         [0006]    Particularly, for example, in the case of a student who uses an image magnifying apparatus, he/she must be able to see letters of both a chalkboard and a book. To satisfy these conditions, an image magnifying apparatus which can cover a short distance and a long distance is required. 
         [0007]    A conventional image magnifying apparatus is configured in such a way that a camera is disposed above a monitor that displays an image, and the orientation of the camera can be manually changed depending on whether it is used for a short or long distance. However, such an operation method of the conventional image magnifying apparatus in which a user manually rotates the camera depending on the purpose of use inconveniences the user. Particularly, in the case of a user such as the old, a hand tremor patient or a person with hand or arm dysfunction, it is very difficult to handle the apparatus. Moreover, if a fingerprint is applied to a lens of the camera, an image degradation phenomenon is caused. Degraded image quality may become a factor of gradually deterioration in the eyesight of a person with low vision. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, the conventional image magnifying apparatus adjusts camera focus in such a way that a diopter lens is disposed on the lens of the camera when the apparatus is used for the short distance, and the diopter lens is removed from the lens of the camera when the apparatus is used for the long distance. The user must manually install the diopter lens onto the lens of the camera or remove it therefrom. However, there may be a case where an image of a long-distance target is output without the diopter lens being removed from the lens of the camera. In this case, the image is out of focus, and it is not easy for the user with low vision to determine whether the out-of-focusing problem is a problem resulting from incorrect setting of the diopter lens or not. 
         [0009]    Furthermore, in the conventional image magnifying apparatus, the image quality is varied depending on the intensity of lighting in a place where the apparatus is used. If the brightness of the place is comparatively low, an image degradation phenomenon may occur due to low illuminance. This problem restricts a place where the image magnifying apparatus can be used, and the image quality inconveniences the user. 
         [0010]    Therefore, development of an image magnifying apparatus, which is configured such that the orientation of a camera can be easily adjusted whether the apparatus is used for a short distance or a long distance, and the intensity of illuminance can be automatically adjusted depending on environmental conditions of a place where the apparatus is used, is required. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image magnifying apparatus which is configured such that a camera can be remotely operated to capture an image of a short-distance or long-distance target, disposition or removal of a diopter lens can be automatically adjusted depending on whether a target is at a short distance or at a long distance, and the intensity of lighting can be automatically controlled depending on illuminance of a place where the apparatus is used. 
         [0012]    In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides an image magnifying apparatus, including: an image capturing unit provided with an image capturing device to capture an image of a target; a support unit coupled at a first end thereof to the image capturing unit; a base coupled to a second end of the support unit; and an output displaying unit an image captured by the image capturing device, wherein, on the assumption that a longitudinal direction of the base is designated as a first direction and a lateral direction of the base perpendicular to the first direction is designated as a second direction, the image magnifying apparatus further comprises: a first drive unit installed on the support unit, the first drive unit rotating the image capturing unit with respect to the first direction; and a second drive unit installed in the image capturing unit, the second drive unit rotating the image capturing unit with respect to the second direction. 
         [0013]    The image capturing unit may include: a second lens installed on the image capturing unit so as to be rotatable such that the second lens can be disposed ahead of a first lens of the image capturing device, or removed from the first lens so that the image capturing unit can capture the image of the target that is positioned at a short distance or at a long distance; and a third drive unit rotating the second lens. 
         [0014]    A fixed shaft may protrude from the first end of the support unit, with a first gear provided around a circumferential outer surface of the fixed shaft. The first drive unit may include: a first housing having a coupling hole into which the fixed shaft is inserted; an insert rod protruding upwards from an upper surface of the first housing, with a second gear provided around on a circumferential outer surface of the insert rod; and a first motor installed in the first housing and connected to a third gear engaging with the first gear of the fixed shaft, the first motor rotating the third gear such that the first housing is rotated around the fixed shaft. The second drive unit may include: a second housing in which the image capturing device is installed, the second housing being rotatably coupled to the insert rod; and a second motor installed in the second housing and connected to a fourth gear engaging with the second gear, the second motor rotating the fourth gear such that the second housing is rotated around the insert rod. 
         [0015]    The third drive unit may include a third motor which is installed in the image capturing unit and rotates the second lens. 
         [0016]    The third drive unit may include: a rotating rod rotatably installed in the image capturing unit, the rotating rod being provided at a first end thereof with the second lens and provided at a second end thereof with the first link plate; a third motor connected to a second link plate to rotate the second link plate; and a connection link connecting the second link plate to the first link plate so that the first link plate is rotated in a direction in which the second link plate is rotated. 
         [0017]    The insert rod may be open on both ends thereof and have a hollow structure so that an internal space of the second housing connects with an internal space of the first housing. The support unit may have a hollow structure, and the fixed shaft may be open on both ends thereof and have a hollow structure so that an internal space of the support unit connects with an internal space of the first housing. 
         [0018]    The image capturing unit may include: an illuminance sensor provided ahead of the image capturing device to sense brightness of a periphery of the image capturing unit; and a lighting device emitting light onto the target depending on the brightness sensed by the illuminance sensor. 
         [0019]    The image magnifying apparatus may further include a control unit controlling the first drive unit, the second drive unit and the third drive unit in a wired or wireless manner. 
         [0020]    The image capturing device may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the insert rod and the fixed shaft by a predetermined distance. 
         [0021]    In an image magnifying apparatus according to the present invention, a first motor and a second motor are installed in an image capturing unit provided with an image capturing device. Thereby, the image capturing unit can be rotated upwards, downwards, leftwards and rightwards, and short- or long-distance image capturing operation can be remotely controlled. 
         [0022]    Furthermore, the present invention is configured such that the first motor and second motor are operated in a wired or wireless manner. Therefore, a user, even one who has difficulty in directly controlling the orientation of the image capturing device, for example, a person with a hand tremor or a physically handicapped patient, can easily use the image magnifying apparatus. In addition, a first lens of the image capturing device can be prevented from being contaminated by a fingerprint of the user, whereby an image degradation phenomenon can be prevented from occurring. 
         [0023]    In the present invention, depending on whether the image magnifying apparatus is used for the short-distance target or the long-distance target, the orientation of the image capturing device can be automatically controlled by the first motor and the second motor under the control of a control unit. Disposition or removal of a second lens which is used for focusing of the image capturing device is automatically converted by a third motor depending on the purpose of use of the image magnifying apparatus, thus providing convenience to the user, and reducing occurrence of an error resulting from unskilled manipulation. Moreover, when the image magnifying apparatus is converted between the short-distance mode and the long-distance mode, the orientation of the image capturing device can be automatically controlled using a former image capturing location which has been recorded, thus making it easy for a user with low vision to determine the location of a target. 
         [0024]    Furthermore, when the image capturing device captures an image of a short-distance target, the second lens can be disposed precisely parallel to the first lens of the image capturing device by the third motor, thus preventing an image distortion phenomenon which may be caused when the first lens of the image capturing device and the second lens are misaligned from each other. Thereby, a clear image can be reliably provided to the user. 
         [0025]    In addition, in the present invention, the image capturing unit is provided with an illuminance sensor which senses illuminance of a place where the target is located. If the illuminance is comparatively low, the intensity of light emitted from the lighting device is increased so that the quantity of light which enters the image capturing device can always be maintained constant, whereby a clear image can be reliably provided to the user. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an image magnifying apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a critical part of a first drive unit according to the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a critical part of a Second drive unit according to the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the first drive unit according to the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a partially broken perspective view illustrating a critical part of a third drive unit according to the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is another partially broken perspective view illustrating the critical part of the third drive unit according to the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing an image capturing unit from which a second lens has been removed so as to capture an image of a target at a long distance according to the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating the operation of rotating the image capturing unit using the first drive unit and the second drive unit according to the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  is a front view showing a range within which an image capturing device can capture an image at a short distance according to the present invention; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  is a left side view showing the range within which the image capturing device can capture an image at a short distance according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily embody the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified into various shapes rather than being limited to the following embodiment. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an image magnifying apparatus according to the present invention.  FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a critical part of a first drive unit according to the present invention.  FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a critical part of a second drive unit according to the present invention.  FIG. 4  is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the first drive unit according to the present invention.  FIG. 5  is a partially broken perspective view illustrating a critical part of a third drive unit according to the present invention.  FIG. 6  is another partially broken perspective view illustrating the critical part of the third drive unit according to the present invention.  FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing an image capturing unit from which a second lens has been removed so as to capture an image of a target at a long distance according to the present invention.  FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating the operation of rotating the image capturing unit using the first drive unit and the second drive unit according to the present invention.  FIG. 9  is a front view showing a range within which the image capturing device can capture an image at a short distance according to the present invention.  FIG. 10  is a left side view showing the range within which the image capturing device can capture an image at a short distance according to the present invention. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the image magnifying apparatus according to the present invention includes an image capturing unit  1000 , a support unit  2000 , a base  3000  and an output unit  4000 . The image capturing unit  1000  includes an image capturing device S which captures an image of a target. The image capturing unit  1000  is rotatably coupled to a first end of a support unit  2000 . A second end of the support unit  2000  is rotatably coupled to the base  3000 . The base  3000  is configured to be able to structurally stably support the support unit  2000  and the image capturing unit  1000  structurally stably. The following shape and structure of the base  3000  are only one embodiment. The image magnifying apparatus of the present invention has a foldable structure. The output unit  4000  displays an image captured by the image capturing device S. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a direction corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the base  3000  is designated as a first direction, while a direction perpendicular to the first direction is expressed as a second direction. 
         [0041]    The image capturing unit  1000  includes a first drive unit  1100  and a second drive unit  1200 . The first drive unit  1100  is installed on the first end of the support unit  2000  and rotates the image capturing unit  1000  with respect to the first direction. The second drive unit  1200  rotates the image capturing unit  1000  with respect to the second direction. In other words, the image capturing unit  1000  can be rotated by the first drive unit  1100  or the second drive unit  1200  in the first or second direction such that it can capture not only an image of a short-distance target that is placed on the base  3000  but also an image of a far-distance target that is positioned at a long distance. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the image capturing unit  1000  includes a third drive unit  1300 . The third drive unit  1300  is installed in the image capturing unit  1000  and functions to rotate a second lens L2 which is rotatably installed in the image capturing unit  1000 . The second lens L2 is disposed in front of a first lens L1 of the image capturing device S. The second lens L2 is used to bring the image capturing device S into focus when capturing an image of a target which is positioned at a long distance or short distance, whereby a clear image can be provided to a user by the output unit  4000 . 
         [0043]    The third drive unit  1300  includes a third motor  1320 . The third motor  1320  is provided with a rotating shaft which is integrally rotated along with the third motor  1320  when the third motor  1320  is operated. The second lens L2 is connected to the rotating shaft of the third motor  1320  and is rotated in a direction in which the third motor  1320  rotates. In other words, the second lens L2 is directly connected to the third motor  1320 . Therefore, as the third motor  1320  rotates in one direction, the second lens L2 is installed onto or removed from the front of the first lens L1 so as to bring the first lens L1 into focus suitable for the image-capturing purpose. 
         [0044]    In the present invention, the third drive unit  1300  comprises the third motor  1320  which is installed in the image capturing unit  1000  and functions to rotate the second lens L2. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a fixed shaft  2100  protrudes from the first end of the support unit  2000 , and a first gear  2110  is formed around a circumferential outer surface of the fixed shaft  2100 . 
         [0046]    The first drive unit  1100  includes a first housing  1110 . The first housing  1110  has a coupling hole  1111  into which the fixed shaft  2100  of the support unit  2000  is inserted, and can rotate around the fixed shaft  2100  which is disposed in the coupling hole  1111 . An insert rod  1130  is provided on an upper surface of the first housing  1110 , and protrudes upwards from the upper surface of the first housing  1110  and is integrally formed on the first housing  1110 . A second gear  1120  is formed around a circumferential outer surface of the insert rod  1130 . A first motor  1150  is installed in the first housing  1110 . A stepper motor, a DC motor or a servo motor which can be reversibly rotated is used as the first motor  1150 . The first motor  1150  is connected to a third gear  1140  which engages with the first gear  2110 , and when the first motor  1150  rotates, the third gear  1140  rotates on its own axis and simultaneously revolves around the fixed shaft  2100  while engaging with the first gear  2110 . Therefore, the first housing  1110  can be rotated around the fixed shaft  2100 . 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the second drive unit  1200  includes a second housing  1210 , and the image capturing device S is installed in the second housing  1210 . A guide rod  1240  is integrally installed in the second housing  1210  and has a hollow cylindrical pipe shape so that the insert rod  1130  can be inserted into the guide rod  1240 . The insert rod  1130  is rotatably disposed in the guide rod  1240 . Thereby, the second housing  1210  can be rotated around the insert rod  1130 . 
         [0048]    A coupling groove  1131  is formed in a circumferential outer surface of an upper end of the insert rod  1130 . A snap ring  1241  is fitted into the coupling groove  1131 . The snap ring  1241  is placed on an upper end of the guide rod  1240  while an inner edge of the snap ring  1241  is fitted into the coupling groove  1131 , whereby the insert rod  1130  is coupled to the guide rod  1240 . As such, the snap ring  1241  prevents the second housing  1210  from being removed upwards from the insert rod  1130 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a second motor  1230  is installed in the second housing  1210 . A stepper motor, a DC motor or a servo motor which can be reversibly rotated is used as the second motor  1230 . The second motor  1230  is connected to a fourth gear  1220  which engages with the second gear  1120  so that the fourth gear  1220  is rotated by the second motor  1230 . That is, when the second motor  1230  rotates, the fourth gear  1220  rotates on its own axis and simultaneously revolves around the insert rod  1130  while engaging with the second gear  1120 . Therefore, the second housing  1210  can be rotated around the insert rod  1130  by the operation of the second motor  1230 . 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the insert rod  1130  has a hollow cylindrical pipe shape which is open on both ends thereof. As such, because the insert rod  1130  is the hollow cylindrical pipe that is open on both ends thereof, the internal space of the second housing  1210  and the internal space of the first housing  1110  connects with each other through the insert rod  1130 . 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the support unit  2000  has a hollow structure. The fixed shaft  2100  provided on the support unit  2000  has a hollow cylindrical pipe shape which is open on both ends thereof. Because the fixed shaft  2100  is disposed in the first housing  1110 , the internal space of the support unit  2000  connects with the internal spaces of the first and second housings  1110  and  1210 . By virtue of this structure in which the internal space of the support unit  2000  connects with the internal spaces of the first and second housings  1110  and  1210 , cables which are used to supply power to the image capturing device S and the first through third motors  1150 ,  1230  and  1320 , signal lines which are used for transmission of images, signal lines which are used to control the motors, etc. can lead out of the apparatus through the support unit  2000 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the third drive unit  1300  includes a rotating rod  1310 . The rotating rod  1310  extends a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the second housing  1210 , and is rotatably installed in the second housing  1210 . The rotating rod  1310  is connected at a first end thereof to the second lens L2, and the second lens L2 is integrally rotated along with the rotating rod  1310 . A first link plate  1311  is provided on a second end of the rotating rod  1310 . The first link plate  1311  has a plate shape having a predetermined thickness. 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a second link plate  1321  is provided, having the same shape as that of the first link plate  1311 . The second link plate  1321  is connected to the third motor  1320  such that the second link plate  1321  is rotated by the operation of the third motor  1320 . A stepper motor, a DC motor or a servo motor which can be reversibly rotated is used as the third motor  1320 . 
         [0054]    The first link plate  1311  is connected to the second link plate  1321  by a connection link  1330 . That is, a first end of the connection link  1330  is rotatably connected to the first link plate  1311 , and a second end thereof is rotatably connected to the second link plate  1321 . When the third motor  1320  is operated, the second link plate  1321  is rotated, and the rotating force which is transmitted from the third motor  1320  to the second link plate  1321  is transmitted to the first link plate  1311  through the connection link  1330 . Then, the first link plate  1311  is rotated in a direction in which the second link plate  1321  rotates. The rotating rod  1310  and the second lens L2 are rotated by the rotation of the first link plate  1311 . The third motor  1320  can rotate the second lens L2 in the above-mentioned manner. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 7 , in order to capture an image of the target at a short distance using the image capturing device S, the third motor  1320  rotates in the normal direction and disposes the second lens L2 in front of the first lens L1, thus bringing the first lens L1 of the image capturing device S into focus. On the contrary, to capture an image of the target at a long distance using the image capturing device S, the third motor  1320  reversely rotates so that the second lens L2 is removed from the front of the first lens L1. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , after the second lens L2 of the image capturing device S has been positioned at a position spaced apart from the insert rod  1130  and the fixed shaft  2100 , the image capturing device S can capture images of all areas of the target placed on the base  3000  with focus at a close range in such a way that the image capturing unit  1000  rotates with respect to the first and second directions. 
         [0057]    In the case where the image capturing unit  1000  rotates with respect to the first direction, when the image capturing device S captures an image of a portion of the target that is disposed on a left or right side portion of the base  3000 , a distance between the second lens L2 and a point D1 of the left side portion of the base  3000  or a point D2 of the right side portion thereof is the longest distance at which the image capturing device S can capture an image of the target at a close range. The distance between the second lens L2 and the point D1 is the same as the distance between it and the point D2. Furthermore, a distance between the second lens L2 and a target point d which is formed on the upper surface of the base  3000  is within the distance range defined by the point D1 or D2 which is disposed on the left or right side portion of the base  3000 . As such, the image capturing device S can capture images of all the areas between the left and right side portions of the base  3000  at a close range. 
         [0058]    In the case where the image capturing unit  1000  rotates with respect to the second direction, when the image capturing device S captures an image of a portion of the target that is disposed on a front or rear side portion of the base  3000 , a distance between the second lens L2 and top of paper D3 of the front side portion of the base  3000  or bottom of paper D4 of the rear side portion thereof is the longest distance at which the image capturing device S can capture an image of the target at a close range. The distance between the second lens L2 and the top of paper D3 is the same as the distance between it and bottom of paper D4. Furthermore, a distance between the second lens L2 and the target point d is within the distance range at which the image capturing device S can capture an image of the target at a close range. Therefore, the image capturing device S can capture images of all the areas between the front and rear side portions of the base  3000  at a close range. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an illuminance sensor  1001  is installed in the first housing  1210  of the image capturing unit  1000 . In detail, the illuminance sensor  1001  is disposed ahead of the image capturing device S so as to sense the brightness of the periphery of the image capturing unit  1000 . 
         [0060]    Furthermore, a lighting device  1002  is provided in the first housing  1210  of the image capturing unit  1000 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The lighting device  1002  is disposed in the front of the image capturing device S. Depending on the brightness of the periphery of the image capturing unit  1000  that is sensed by the illuminance sensor  1001 , the lighting device  1002  emits light onto the target. A plurality of lighting devices  1002  may be provided. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the image magnifying apparatus according to the present invention further includes a control unit  3100  which controls the first motor  1150  of the first drive unit  1100 , the second motor  1230  of the second drive unit  1200  and the third motor  1320  of the third drive unit  1300 . The control unit  3100  may be integrally provided in the base  3000  or the support unit  2000  such that it can control the first motor  1150 , the second motor  1230  and the third motor  1320  in a wired manner. Alternatively, the control unit  3100  may be a separate remote controller type such that the first, second and third motors  1150 ,  1230  and  1320  are controlled in a wireless manner. 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a sound input terminal  3300  which is connected to a sound input device may be provided in the base  3000  or the support unit  2000  to record sound when the image capturing device S is capturing images of the target. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the present invention is configured such that the image capturing unit  1000  can be rotated forwards, rearwards, leftwards or rightwards, thus facilitating the operation of selectively capturing an image of a short-distance target or a long-distance target. 
         [0064]    Furthermore, the first motor  1150 , the second motor  1230  and the third motor  1320  can be controlled in a wired or wireless manner. Thus, a user, even one who has difficulty in directly controlling the orientation of the image capturing device, for example, a person with a hand tremor or a physically handicapped patient, can easily use the image magnifying apparatus. 
         [0065]    Moreover, the first lens L1 and the second lens L2 of the image capturing device S of the present invention can be arranged precisely parallel to each other by the third motor  1320 , thus preventing an image distortion phenomenon which may be caused when the first lens L1 and the second lens L2 are misaligned from each other. Thereby, a clear image can be reliably provided to the output unit  4000 . 
         [0066]    Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.