Abstract:
An optical apparatus is provided with storage means for storing captured images taken beforehand within a range of directional variability of an optical imaging system. The direction of the optical imaging system is detected and an image obtained in the detected direction is read from the storage means and displayed in place of an image actually being taken by the optical imaging system. When the scene desired to be viewed is not clearly visible or hard to find owing to cloudiness or the like, the user can view a corresponding simulated scene and, based on the simulated scene, can quickly find and view the actual scene. The real or simulated scene can be displayed for a predetermined period of time in response to insertion of a coin.

Description:
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. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The purposes and features of the present invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 a  is a side view showing the internal arrangement of an optical apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 1 b  is a front view of the optical apparatus shown in FIG. 1 a , and FIG. 1 c  is an explanatory view showing in detail a mechanism for detecting the elevation angle and depression angle of the optical system of the same optical apparatus; 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the optical apparatus of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how an image is read from an image file device and displayed; and 
     FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing the flow of operations during use of the optical apparatus according to the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The invention will now be described in detail on the basis of the preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings. 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 show the arrangement of an optical apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. The optical apparatus includes an optical imaging system  1  such as a zoom lens, an image pickup device  2  such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera for capturing the image focused by optical system  1 , and a display device  3  such as an LCD (liquid crystal device) or a CRT (cathode ray tube) for displaying the image. The display device  3  is mounted on a base plate  6 . An image file device  4 , which may be a hard disk or the like, and a circuit board  5  are also mounted on the base plate  6 . All of the foregoing components are enclosed by a cover of the main optical apparatus unit  9 . A hood  10  is attached to surround the display device  3  so as to shield the displayed image from external light and to make it difficult for bystanders to view the image. A base section  60  of the main optical apparatus unit  9  is supported on a shaft  7   a  pivotably mounted on a post  7  by bearings. The main optical apparatus unit  9  can therefore be swung about the shaft  7   a  vertically with respect to the post  7  by operating handles  11 ,  11 ′. This enables adjustment of the elevation angle (up angle) and depression angle (down angle) of the optical system  1 . 
     As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 1 c , a gear  61  is fixed on the shaft  7   a  so as to mesh with a gear  62  rotatably mounted on a shaft  7   b  fixed on the post  7 . A belt pulley  63 , which is unitary with the gear  62 , is also rotatably mounted on the shaft  7   b . A slit disk  64  is rotatably mounted on a shaft  7   c  also fixed on the post  7 . A belt  63   a  is wound around the belt pulley  63  and the slit disk  64 . When the main optical apparatus unit  9  is swung vertically about the shaft  7   a , the rotation of the gear  61  this produces is therefore transmitted through the gear  62 , the belt pulley  63  and the belt  63   a  to rotate the slit disk  64 . As shown in the inset in FIG. 1 c , the slit disk  64  is disposed between a light emitter  24   a  and a light receiver (encoder)  24   b  of an angle sensor  24 . When the slit disk  64  rotates, the angle sensor  24  successively detects the slits by the light passing therethrough. The angle sensor  24  is therefore able to detect the amount of rotation of the slit disk  64  and thus the elevation angle or depression angle of the optical system  1 . A signal representing the detected angle is sent to a CPU (central processing unit)  23  shown in FIG.  2 . 
     The post  7  is constructed so that it can be rotated as a whole about its vertical axis. The left and right handles  11 ,  11 ′ are fixed on the post  7 . By operating the handles  11 ,  11 ′, the entire optical apparatus can be rotated about the vertical axis of the post  7  either counterclockwise (as viewed from above; defined as the X direction) or clockwise (Y direction). The angle of rotation is detected by an angle sensor  25  shown in FIG.  2  and sent to the CPU  23 . As the angle sensor  25  can be structured in substantially the same way as the angle sensor  24 , the details thereof are not shown in FIG.  1 . Specifically, the angle of rotation can be detected by detecting the amount of rotation of the optical apparatus about the vertical axis of the post  7  using a slit disk rotated by a gear and belt transmission mechanism like that shown in FIG. 1 c.    
     Buttons  12 ,  12 ′ are provided at the tips of the handles  11 ,  11 ′ and are linked with the CPU  23  to enable zooming of the optical system  1  so as to change the magnification. Zooming control can, for instance, be arranged so that the CPU  23  responds to a signal received from the button  12  (left side) to zoom the optical system  1  in the direction of increasing magnification and responds to a signal from the button  12 ′ to zoom it in the direction of decreasing magnification. 
     A row of various operating buttons is provided under the display device  3 . Button  20  is a print button. When pressed, the CPU  23  responds to the signal produced to operate a printer  26  and print the image displayed on the display device  3 . Button  21  is a real-time button. When pressed, the CPU  23  responds to the signal produced to send the real-time image obtained by the image pickup device  2  via the optical system  1  to a capture port of the circuit board  5  for display on the display device  3 . 
     Operating buttons  22  are for selecting an operating mode for the season of the year (spring, summer, autumn or winter) and the part of the day (morning, afternoon or night). As shown in FIG. 3, when “spring” and “morning” are pressed, for example, an image obtained beforehand in that mode is transferred from the image file device  4  to the total memory space  30  of the circuit board memory. This image includes all scenes that can be viewed by swinging the optical apparatus between its upper and lower limits and rotating it as far as possible in the X-Y direction, namely, an image encompassing all scenes viewable in every direction in which the optical system  1  can be pointed. Such an image is taken in advance at the lowest magnification for every mode, i.e., every combination of season and part of the day, and stored in the image file device  4  in association with the mode concerned. The images for the individual modes are read from the image file device  4  in response to the mode designated by operation of the buttons  22 . 
     The CPU  23  uses the encoder values received from the encoders of the angle sensors  24  and  25  to calculate the address corresponding to the angular position O, adds thereto the vertical direction address L and the X-Y direction address M at the display limits of the display device  3  to determine the address space  31 , accesses the address space  31  to acquire the image data recorded therein, and sends the data to a video circuit of the circuit board  5 , which displays it on the display device  3 . When the optical apparatus is swung about the shaft  7   a  or rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the angular position O moves to the new angular position detected by the angular sensors  24  and  25 . Thus, as indicated by the broken line  32 , a scene at a different location is displayed on the display device  3 . The operator (user) therefore views a model scene (simulated scene) adjusted for the selected season and part of day and corresponding to the real-time scene being acquired by the optical apparatus at the vertical and X-Y position to which it has been rotated (pointed). 
     A coin-operated actuator  8  is installed in the post  7 . Insertion of a coin (or coins of a specified value) in the coin-operated actuator actuates a timer provided in the circuit board  5 . This causes the real-time image from the image pickup device  2  or a simulated image of one of the various modes read from the image file device  4  to be displayed on the display device  3  for a predetermined period of time. When no coin has been inserted, an image stored in the image file device  4  is displayed on the display device  3 . The content of the image displayed at this time can, for instance, be local tourist information or an advertisement/commercial (still or moving). As used herein, the phrase “coin-operated means any type of payment means including, without limitation, coin acceptators, bill validators, credit/debit card readers and any other type of suitable payment means. 
     The optical apparatus can, for example, be installed at a scenic spot frequented by tourists or at some other location where visitors often want a closer view. To view the surrounding scenery or get a close-up view with the optical apparatus according to the invention, the user inserts the specified coin or coins in the coin-operated actuator  8  as indicated at step  40  of FIG.  4 . The coin-operated actuator  8  then sends a signal to the circuit board  5  to actuate the timer and display an image of the scene or object picked up by the image pickup device  2  through the zoom lens of the optical system  1  on the display device  3  in real time for a predetermined period of time (step  41 ). If a different magnification is desired, the viewer can freely zoom in or out by operating the zoom buttons  12 ,  12 ′ at the ends of the handles  11 ,  11 ′ (step  43 ). To view a different scene or object, the user operates the handles  11 ,  11 ′ to swing the optical axis of the optical apparatus (step  42 ) and direct the zoom lens in the direction of the next scene or object to be viewed. At this time, the next scene or object can be easily found by first zooming out, then swinging the optical apparatus in the general direction of the next view desired, and finally zooming in to observe details. 
     The real image captured through the optical system and displayed on the display device  3  can thus be simultaneously viewed by a party of two or more people. On the other hand, the presence of the hood  10  prevents persons who are not members of the party from viewing images without inserting a coin. 
     The user can obtain a print of the image displayed on the display device  3  by pressing the print button  20  (step  44 ). This displays a still image (step  45 ) and if the user indicates that it is satisfactory (step  46 ), the image is output to the printer  26  (step  47 ). If the image is not what the user wants, the program goes back to step  41  to enable selection of another image by repeating the foregoing loop. 
     Upon the passage of the predetermined period of time, the optical apparatus times out and an advertisement/commercial or the like is displayed on the display device  3  (step  48 ). 
     On the other hand, if, while a real-time image from the optical imaging system  1  is being displayed, the user selects a model scene of a desired mode by pressing a combination of the buttons  22  (step  50 ), e.g., if the user presses the “spring” and “morning” buttons, image data of the same scene obtained on a morning in spring are transferred from the image file device  4  to the total memory space  30 . As shown in FIG. 3, image data over an address space of predetermined length from the address detected by the angular sensors  24  and  25  at this time are displayed on the display device  3  instead of the real-time image actually being taken by the optical imaging system (step  51 ). The user can thus view a model scene. If the user operates the zoom buttons (step  52 ), the magnification of the model scene is varied in direct proportion to the zooming. If the user changes the direction of the optical system (step  53 ), another model scene is displayed that corresponds to the new direction detected by the angular sensors  24  and  25 . The user can also print out the model image by pressing the print button  20  (steps  44  to  47 ). 
     If, while a model scene is being displayed ,the user presses the real-time button  21  (step  54 ), the real-time image actually being taken by the optical imaging system is displayed again instead of the model scene (step  41 ). When the predetermined time period expires while a model image is being displayed, a video commercial, for example, is displayed (step  48 ), in the same manner as when time runs out during display of a real-time image. 
     In this embodiment, the model scene is displayed in place of the real-time scene actually being taken by the optical imaging system. Instead, the real-time and model scenes can be displayed alternately in succession. It is also possible to split the screen and simultaneously display the real-time and model scenes side by side. The user may find this more fascinating because it allows him or her to compare the simultaneously displayed real-time and simulated scenes.