Desktop Electronic Magnifier

• US 20060158427A1
• Filed: 04/19/2006
• Published: 07/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/10/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Freedom Scientific Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Freedom Scientific Incorporated
• Inventors: Davis, Bradley S., Hamilton, Lee, Murphy, Patrick, Goldenberg, Michael, Tunkis, Waldemar H., Rodriguez, Carlos M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,929,013 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/026 and a display device, e.g. CRT, LCD, for adding markings or signs or to enhance the contrast of the viewed object
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/027 comprising magnifying means G02B27/023, G02B27/025, G02B27/04, G02B27/06 and G02B27/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 27/323 Copying cameras G03B27/34 - G03B27/70 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1607 Arrangements to support accessories mechanically attached to the display housing G06F1/1603, G06F1/1605 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/90 Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/2628 Alteration of picture size, shape, position or orientation, e.g. zooming, rotation, rolling, perspective, translation

Abstract

A desktop electronic magnifier in a first embodiment includes a monitor and a control panel mounted to the monitor so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a second embodiment, a monitor is positioned atop a flat platform that surmounts the camera so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a third embodiment, the control panel is mounted to the camera and the monitor is supported by a support surface independent of the magnifier. Access to the control panel is blocked only if the user positions the monitor in blocking relation to the control panel.

Claims

1. A desktop electronic magnifier, comprising:

a table adapted to support an object;

a camera mounted above said table, said camera adapted to view said object and said camera adapted to generate an enlarged image of said object;

a monitor in electrical communication with said camera, said monitor adapted to display said enlarged image of said object to facilitate viewing of said object by a person having low vision;

a support arm secured to a rearward side of said table;

said support arm having a first upstanding part and a second part extending forwardly relative to said rearward side of said table;

said camera being rigidly mounted to said support arm and thus having a fixed position;

a rigid link interconnecting said monitor and said support arm;

said rigid link having a rearward end pivotally secured to said support arm;

said rigid link having a forward end pivotally secured to said monitor; and

a control panel for controlling operation of said camera being fixedly mounted to said monitor so that movement of said monitor effects simultaneous and corresponding movement of said control panel;

whereby access to said control panel cannot be blocked by said monitor.

2. The desktop electronic magnifier of claim 1, further comprising:

said table having a top part and a bottom part;

said top part being movable with respect to said bottom part;

said support arm secured to said rearward side of said bottom part.

3. A desktop electronic magnifier, comprising:

a table adapted to support an object;

a camera mounted above said table, said camera adapted to view said object and said camera adapted to provide an enlarged image of said object;

a monitor in electrical communication with said camera, said monitor adapted to display said enlarged image of said object to facilitate viewing of said object by a person having low vision;

an upstanding support arm secured to a rearward side of said table;

said camera being rigidly mounted to an upper end of said support arm in cantilevered relation thereto;

a flat platform mounted atop said camera;

a control panel for controlling operation of said camera being fixedly mounted to a forward end of said camera in underlying relation to said flat platform so that unobstructed user access to said control panel is provided for any position of said monitor atop said flat platform.

4. The desktop electronic magnifier of claim 3, further comprising:

said table having a top part and a bottom part;

said top part being movable with respect to said bottom part;

said support arm secured to said rearward side of said bottom part.

5. A desktop electronic magnifier, comprising:

a table adapted to support an object;

a camera mounted above said table, said camera adapted to view said object and said camera adapted to provide an enlarged image of said object;

a monitor in electrical communication with said camera, said monitor adapted to display said enlarged image of said object to facilitate viewing of said object by a person having low vision;

a support arm secured to a rearward side of said table;

said upstanding support arm having an upstanding part and a horizontal part extending over said table in parallel relation thereto;

said camera being rigidly mounted to said horizontal part of said support arm;

a support surface for supporting said monitor, said support surface being independent of said desktop electronic magnifier;

a control panel for controlling operation of said camera being fixedly mounted to a forward end of said camera so that unobstructed user access to said control panel is provided for any position of said monitor atop said support surface that does not block said access.

6. The desktop electronic magnifier of claim 5, further comprising:

said table having a top part and a bottom part;

said top part being movable with respect to said bottom part;

said support arm secured to said rearward side of said bottom part.