Modular view lens attachment for micro video imaging camera

• US 5,124,797 A
• Filed: 07/20/1990
• Issued: 06/23/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 07/20/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Coast Business Credit
• Original Assignee: New Image Industries, Inc.
• Inventors: Williams, Ronald R., Mortensen, Steven M., Williams, P. Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Britton, Howard W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HSIA, SHERRIE Y
• Application Number:
  US07/556,557
• Time in Patent Office: 704 Days
• Field of Search: 358/225, 358/229, 358/98, 358/100, 358/901, 358/99, 358/93, 128/6, 128/4, 433/29, 433/31
• US Class Current: 348/340
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00105 characterised by modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00142 with means for preventing contamination, e.g. by using a sanitary sheath
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/042 characterised by a proximal camera, e.g. a CCD camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/55 Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensors; Mounting thereof

Abstract

A micro video imaging camera has a detachable distal module which is replaceable with one of different characteristics (e.g., angled), and sterilizable. Thus a non-replaceable CCD and video transmitter are connected to an inner body which comprises in effect a lens tube. The module comprises an outer body encasing the inner body which has a filter (optional) at its tip and a magnifying lens optically connected to an image conduit optical segment. The inner body receives the image conduit, the output of which is focused by the lens in the inner body on a CCD microprocessor. The model may be replaced with an angular distal end or lenses of different fields of view. Fiber optic light filaments may be used to illuminate the field of view of the tip of the module, either housed internally or externally of the inner body.

Claims

1. In a miniature video camera of the type having a proximal housing containing a CCD and video transmitter, the combination comprising:

an inner body having a focusing lens therein formed with a distal opening and proximal attachment means to connect said inner body to the housing with said focusing lens focused on the CCD;

a module comprising an outer body shaped to fit around said inner body, a distal magnifying lens for receiving an image through an open distal end of said outer body, and an image conduit optical segment fixed in said inner body to receive the output of said magnifying lens, said image conduit optical segment fitting into the distal opening in said inner body and transmitting light to said focusing lens;

a sleeve-like CCD body receiving the distal end of the proximal CCD housing, including first locating means for orienting the proximal CCD housing relative to said CCD body and second locating means for orienting said CCD body relative to said inner body;

a retainer ring surrounding said CCD body;

first cooperating means connecting the proximal end of said outer body to the distal end of said retainer ring;

a hollow rear body for receiving the proximal end of said CCD body; and

second cooperating means connecting the proximal end of said CCD housing to the distal end of said rear body.

2. A camera according to claim 1 which further comprises cooperable means on said outer body and said CCD body to align said open distal end of said outer body relative to said CCD body.