Field of the invention

The subject invention relates to a ring illuminator with a maximizing intensity of illumination, i.e., an object illuminator, whether it is used as an independent device or as a component of an optical device. The optical device may, for example, be a camera or a camcorder.

Technical problem

When recoding or observing objects or manifestation where an illuminator is used, the problem of illuminating the observed objects arises when they are of various sizes. Taking into account that the size of an observed object affects the distance from which an object will be observed, the varying sizes of objects to be observed generate a problem of illuminating objects at various distances. This is especially evident when an object is observed, photographed or filmed under a fluorescent light. In this case, a substantial intensity of excitation light which illuminates the object is necessary. Such excitation light is of a different wavelength than fluorescent light emitted by the said object. The problem arises when objects of small dimensions are photographed or filmed at short distances in a macro regime as well as when photographing or filming is switched to larger objects at a distance. Existing illuminators configured to operate at short distances (close-up) are unsuitable for illuminating larger objects at greater distances. Illuminators with fixed beam diameters cannot be used when observing and recoding the fluorescence of near and distant objects. Furthermore, the problem of devices that have been used so far for illuminating objects was the complexity of their production as well as the costs of manufacturing such devices. Precisely because of their complexity, using such devices was known to be complicated. Therefore, use of the optical instruments having such devices was also complicated. State of the art

In the current state of the art, a large number of ring illuminators with differing configurations, possibilities, purposes and uses exist. An overview of patent applications and patents relevant to subject invention is set out hereinafter.

Patent JP9147089 describes a ring illuminator whose light sources are situated on a perforated elastic ring, which is fixed between two rigid and interlocked rings. The elements of the perforated elastic ring are bent during the vertical movement of the exterior ring and in this manner the angle of the light sources affixed to the elastic ring changes. The invention of the mentioned document provides an illuminator that is able to illuminate the surface of an object at different angles in respect to the optical axis. The largest deflection that an optical axis of an illuminator can have in respect to the optical axis of an optical device is when the stated optical axes are parallel. The problem of the stated illuminator is that with the movement of the exterior ring in respect to the interior ring, the light sources synchronically move the illumination angle, and such an illuminator cannot maintain a specific illumination angle with certainty throughout the duration of photographing, filming or observing an object. Furthermore, as all light sources are in synchronous motion and at the same angle in respect to the illuminator, the incident light of those light sources is not at the same angle on the illuminated object. Depending on its position on the illuminator, the light sources cast light at the same angle but with the same distance between their beams. Such a device is not intended to be used with clustered light sources. Likewise, this type of device does not offer the possibility of different angles for each of light sources.

Patent US 20040212996 describes a device that consists of a circular support on which light emitting diodes are situated, arranged in numerous concentric rings. The diodes on the edge of the devices can be moved simultaneously with the motion of the exterior ring and in this manner the light emitting diodes on the edge can fall under the influence of the exterior ring and simultaneously move with its inclination.

Patent WO2006099834 refers to an illuminator for optical, medical and especially reflexive microscopes. In this device the incident light angle can be changed in respect to the illuminator's optical axis, changing the angle of the lighting elements by the relative movement of the configuration ring. The structure of the subject illuminator does not allow the configuration of individual light beams into a position where they are parallel with the optical axis of the device. Due to this, the aforementioned illuminator does not ensure the illumination of objects at greater distances.

Patent US 6454437 describes a device that consists of a circular support on which light emitting diodes are fixed. The light of these diodes is directed by a Fresnel lens. The illuminator is effective for illuminating at a wide angle.

Patent US20040175027 describes an illuminator with seven LED rings, where each ring is at a different and specific angle in respect to the axis. Each ring emits a different wavelength. As a result thereof, it is possible to attain various visual effects. With the selection of individual rings, various angles of beam emitting can be achieved.

Patent JP2003315678 describes a device that is comprised of LEDs fixed around an optical axis. Each LED possesses its own converter that directs emitted light and directs it to a specific point on the optical axis.

Patent JP2004361552 describes a ring illuminator whose LEDs are positioned on a slanted plane in respect to the illuminator's optical axis. The arrangement of the light sources enables a homogenous distribution of illumination.

While describing the state of the art above, expressions as stated in the state of the art were used. However, where that was possible, it was attempted to use expressions that will further be used throughout the description of the subject invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The subject invention attempts to solve the problem of illuminating objects of various sizes as well as the problem of illuminating objects at differing distances without the necessity of using different illuminators that are specific for each method of illumination. The aforementioned problem arises in the event when an illuminator is used individually as well as when an illuminator is used together with optical instruments for the illumination of objects to be observed, photographed or filmed.

The term "illumination" in the subject invention implies the irradiation by emitting electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet band of the spectrum (UV radiation), in the visible band of the spectrum (visible light) and in the infrared band of the spectrum (IR radiation).

For example, when using various optical devices, a need to achieve the best illumination of an item or object exists. Since illuminated objects are not regularly of equal dimensions, it is necessary that the same optical device is able to observe such objects from various distances. In some cases, it is required that the optical device is used at a medium distance when observing, photographing or filming larger objects and at a very short distance when observing, photographing or filming smaller objects. In the technique of photography (optics), images obtained from such short distances are named macro photographs.

Taking into account that changing distances from objects is frequently required when operating with optical devices, it is necessary to adapt the manner of illuminating an object for such requirements. In order to enable the illuminator to be used for different operational conditions, adjustment of the illuminator's light source to various operating conditions had to be facilitated.

The expression "light source" in the subject invention implies sources of electromagnetic radiation that emit visible light, ultraviolet radiation and infrared radiation.

The term "light" in the subject invention implies electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet band of the spectrum (UV radiation), in the visible band of the spectrum (visible light) and in the infrared band of the spectrum (IR radiation).

The expression "angle θ" in the subject invention implies the angle at which the optical axis of the light source intersects the optical axis of the illuminator. The expression "individual light source" in the subject invention implies such a light source where one light source is attached to one pedestal of a light source.

The expression "cluster light" in the subject invention implies such a light source where several light sources are attached to one pedestal of a light source, notwithstanding the expression used for the same arrangement in other state of art documents.

The expression "optical axis of the illuminator" in the subject invention implies the optical axis of the ring illuminator with a maximizing intensity of illumination.

The expression "the beginning of the slit" in the subject invention implies the point on the slit that is positioned nearest the optical axis of the illuminator.

The expression "the end of the slit" in the subject invention implies the point on the slit that is farthest from the optical axis of the illuminator.

Furthermore, experience has shown that illuminators should have the possibility to accept numerous light sources that would illuminate the observed object. When using numerous light sources, whether they are arranged in clusters or in several individual light sources in several different rows, a problem arises when they are to be controlled in a manner that all light sources are to be directed to a specific observation, photographing or filming point. In this manner, a large number of light sources results in thorough illumination, but their poor positions with respect to one another lessen the light intensity on the object being illuminated. More precisely, even a small number of light beams of light sources outside the illumination point disperses the light onto the surrounding area and thereby lessens the concentrated light intensity (beam diameter, spot). Therefore, it was necessary to invent an illuminator whose structure will enable a simple installation of numerous light sources, whether they are clustered light sources or the arrangement of several individual light sources in several different rows, and enable the uninterrupted change and adjustment of light sources' angles. This would ultimately enable the illumination of objects with a maximum intensity of light regardless of whether the object is situated at a medium or macro distance from the subject invention. Likewise, the structure of the subject invention enables the simple achieving of maximum light intensity when changing the distance and size of the object. The subject invention attempts to solve the above-mentioned problems that arose in the state of the art. The ring illuminator of the subject invention refers to an illuminator with a concentrating effect with the possibility of concentrating light intensity at various distances. Precisely, this is the ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination that uses individual light sources or cluster light sources. The subject invention enables simple achievement of the maximum illumination intensity upon observing, photographing and filming from macro to medium distances, by adjusting the size of the beam's diameter in accordance to the object's size, and in this way enabling maximum illumination intensity at any of the stated distances.

The subject invention provides a ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination with two or more light sources, which contains: the basic ring that represents the stationary part of the ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination, where the pedestal of the light source (hereinafter "pedestal") of each light source is attached onto the basic ring via the mobile bracket, attaching in this manner each of the light sources to the ring illuminator while simultaneously enabling each light source to change the angle of the optical axis of the light source in respect to the optical axis of the illuminator - angle θ. The mobile bracket is connected to the pedestal in a manner that the position of the light source inside the subject invention and the mutual position of two or more light sources in the subject invention cannot be altered, while the change of angle θ is enabled for each light source in the manner that each source can rotate about its axis. the adjustment ring, which contains two or more slits and is located between the basic ring and the pedestal, so that each pin of the pedestal of the light source (hereinafter "pedestal pin") that is attached onto the pedestal is situated in one of the slits of the adjustment ring, where the pedestal pins are mobile inside the slit, so that the rotating of the adjustment ring with slits around the optical axis of the illuminator causes the pedestal pins to change their position inside the slits and the position of the pedestal pin inside the slit determines angle θ, i.e., the angle at which the optical axis of the light source intersects the optical axis of the illuminator. The shape of the slits and their position on the adjustment ring determine the change of angle θ during the rotation of the adjustment ring around the optical axis of the illuminator. This means that the shapes of slits and their position on the adjustment ring determine all angles θ that each of the light sources may attain through use of the subject invention.

The basic ring and the adjustment ring of the subject invention are mechanically connected. The various possibilities of the mechanical connection of the mentioned rings are known to the average professional active in the field of the subject invention. It is preferred that the rotation of the adjustment ring around the illuminator's optical axis is executed with the assistance of a rotation mechanism.

The connection between the rotation mechanism and the adjustment ring is such that with the rotation of the mechanism, the adjustment ring with slits rotates around the illuminator's axis. Accordingly, the change of angle θ is carried out by moving the rotating mechanism, which rotates the adjustment ring. With the rotation of the ring, the slits on the adjustment ring rotate as well, which leads to the pedestal pin's change of position inside each slit. Changing the position of the pedestal pin causes the angular motion of the light source. Taking into account that the connection between the mobile bracket and the light source does not allow the light source to change positions within the subject invention, the light source only changes angle θ. Angle θ will depend upon the position change of the pedestal pin within the slits.

The shape of the slit determines the ratio of the adjustment ring's angle of rotation around the axis of the adjustment ring and angle θ. The shape of the slit enables the continuous change of the pedestal pin's position inside the slit. The pedestal pin's position can change along the entire length of the slit, i.e., from the beginning to the end of the slit without jamming.

It is preferred that the subject ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination contains light emitting diodes or cluster of light emitting diodes as light sources. It is preferred that the aforementioned light sources emit visible light.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the light sources on the subject illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination are arranged circularly and symmetrical to the optical axis of the illuminator. It is preferred that the slits on the adjustment ring are of such a shape and have such a position in respect to the adjustment ring so as to ensure that all light sources at all times are at the same angle with the illuminator's optical axis (angle θ) during use.

In order to uniformly change the angle θ of all light sources from a minimum to a maximum value when rotating the adjustment mechanism, i.e., the adjustment ring, it is preferred that the slits are of a spiral shape, i.e., that the slits are spiral slits. With such spiral slits more precise control of the light intensity at greater angles of θ is enabled, i.e., for shorter distances from the illuminated object, which is usually more difficult to accomplish than control of smaller angles of θ.

With the mechanism of the subject invention it is possible to reach various angles of the light sources' optical axes in respect to the optical axis of the illuminator. Specifically, angle θ can assume any value, from the minimum of 0° where the optical axis of the radiation source is parallel with the optical axis of the illuminator, to the maximum value. The maximum value of the angle is conditioned by the constitution of the light source and the pedestal used during each handling of the subject invention as well as the shape and position of the slits on the adjustment ring.

Angle θ of each light source of the subject ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination is regulated by the position of the pedestal pin of each light source in the slit of the adjustment ring. When all mentioned slits have the same shape and are axially symmetrically arranged on the adjustment ring, all angles θ of the subject invention's light sources then synchronously change according to the particular shape of the slits on the adjustment ring of the subject invention. In this manner, all of the illuminator's light sources accordingly change their angle θ to a previously determined shape.

One of the advantages of the subject invention is that it enables the adjustment of the maximum possible illumination intensity for macro and medium distances from objects. The size and distance of the ring illuminator's beam diameter depends on angle θ of each light source.

Taking into account that the change of angle θ is determined by the shape and position of the slit on the adjustment ring, handling the subject invention is executed with simplicity and precision. The subject illuminator can be equipped with a removable adjustment ring. This enables the simple substitution of adjustment rings with varying slit shapes on the device, which determine the angle of the light source's optical axis in respect to the optical axis of the illuminator. This enables, for example, insertion of an adjustment ring having the slits which determine that each light source has a different angle of incidence on the illuminated surface of the object or that one-third of the light sources have the same angle of incidence, while all other angles vary. In this manner, the subject invention may, for example, be used when asymmetrical illumination of an object is necessary.

In some cases the requirements when illuminating an object for observation, photographic or filming purposes are specific and at times it is necessary to adapt to special requirements of specific professions. Taking into account that the subject ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination can be easily dismantled, the adjustment ring can even be replaced during the course of use in order to change the illumination mode.

One of the objectives of the invention is to create a device that will enable illumination during observation, photographing and filming of objects, especially when a strong intensity of primary or excitation light is necessary. This especially refers to the use of the subject invention for observing, photographing and filming fluorescent images of biological objects, for close-up photographing or filming of small objects while using significant magnification, when it is necessary to enhance the fluorescence of a biological object by illuminating with the subject invention. In this case, it is preferred that the light sources of the ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination can emit light from the ultraviolet band of the spectrum.

Furthermore, the light sources of the ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination can likewise emit light from the infrared band of the spectrum, if necessary.

The adjustment ring of the subject invention is a simple plate with slits. Because the mentioned plate with slits is straight, it can be manufactured in any appropriate manner, such as by plastic deformation (piercing), alloy or polymer casting processes or machined processing (milling, grinding). Complex and expensive production is not required, e.g. with computer number control (CNC) machines, but it may be manufactured in this manner as well. Such simplicity and cost-efficiency regarding the production of the subject invention represents an additional advantage in respect to the state of the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are included in the invention description and are a constituent part thereof. The drawings depict the structure, constitution and operation mode of the ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination.

Figures 1a and 1b clarify the geometric relations between light beams of each light source and the entire beam of the ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination on an observed object, with an example of two different angles of the light source's axis and the illuminator's axis.

Figure 2 represents the front and side view of one of the embodiments of the invention with light sources.

Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show the front and side view of one of the embodiments of the invention and the position of the light sources determined by the defined angle θ.

DETAILED DECRIPTION OF ONE OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination (Figures 2 and Figures 3a, 3b and 3c) comprises two or more light sources (1) whether they are individual light sources or cluster lights. It is preferred that each light source (1) contains at least one light emitting diode, a converter (2) and pedestal (3) as well as a pedestal pin (7). Each pedestal (3) is, via the mobile bracket (4), attached to the basic ring (9) of the subject invention, which represents the stationary part of the ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination. In this manner, the mobile bracket (4) attaches each light source (1) to the basic ring (9), enabling simultaneous angular motion. The adjustment ring (8) of the subject invention is located between the basic ring (9) and the pedestal (3). The adjustment ring (8) further comprises slits (6). Attached onto the pedestal (3), is pedestal pin (7) which passes through the slit (6) on the adjustment ring (8). In this embodiment of the subject invention, the slits (6) on the adjustment ring (8) are spiral slits (6) in a manner that the slit's parts nearer to the optical axis of the illuminator (5) are bent more than the slit's parts that are farther from the optical axis of the illuminator (5). Since the pedestal pins (7) are not attached in a stationary position on the adjustment ring (8), by rotating the adjustment ring (8) with the spiral slits (6) around the optical axis of the illuminator (5) using the rotation mechanism (13), the pedestal pins (7) can be found at any location along the spiral slit (6), in which they are. Accordingly, rotation of the adjustment ring (8) around the optical axis of the illuminator (5) forces, via pedestal pins (7), the change of the angle of each light source's optical axis in respect to the optical axis of the illuminator (5), i.e., changes angle θ.

In this embodiment of the subject invention, the rotation mechanism (13) is an exterior toothed ring. Accordingly, in this embodiment of the subject invention, rotation of the adjustment ring (8) is executed by manually rotating the exterior toothed ring (13).

It is preferred that the ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination is attached, via the basic ring (9), to the optical device in a manner that the optical axis of the illuminator (5) and the optical axis of the optical device concur. It is likewise preferred that such an optical device is a camera. The connection between the camera and the subject invention can further be accomplished by the support (10) on which the bore (11) for attaching the camera is located. A handle with a switch (12) for switching on the subject invention is attached onto the support (10). The handle with a switch (12) enables easier operation of the subject invention when connected with a camera.

In this embodiment of the subject invention, all light sources in every moment are at the same angle with the optical axis of the illuminator (5) and the objective of the optical device. With the rotation of the adjustment ring (8) around the optical axis of the illuminator (5), angle θ changes from a minimum to a maximum value. This embodiment of the subject invention is especially suitable for macro photography and most suitable for macro photography where the ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination is used for enhancing fluorescence.

In Figure 1a, the effect of the ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination, with a maximum angle between the optical axis of each light source and the axis of the illuminator (5), i.e., angle θ _max , is shown. In other words, the optical axis of each light source is in this case maximally averted from the optical axis of the illuminator (5). The cross-sections of the individual light sources' beams with a vertical plane are elongated ellipses. The sum of those individual elliptic beams yields a resultant beam of a star shape. The observed central circle with the diameter d _max is of maximum intensity at the distance l _mιn from the plane of the light source.

In Figure 1b, a situation with one of the possible angles θ is shown. It is observed that the cross-sections of the individual light sources' beams are less elongated. The diameter of the resultant beam is less deformed and enlarged in respect to figure 1a. Likewise, the vertical plane is at a greater distance from the plane of the individual sources. The observed central circle of diameter d is of maximum intensity at the distance I from the plane of the light source.

Upon change of angle θ, a change in the size of the beam diameter d and its distance I from the plane of the illuminator's individual sources is observed in Figures 1a and 1b.

When the ring illuminator with maximizing intensity of illumination is used to enhance fluorescence, it is possible to choose an emitting wave length for individual sources in a wide range from 255 nm to 1.800 nm, i.e., this range extends to available wave lengths of existing light emitting diodes. In such cases, the subject invention would be used for enhancing the fluorescence of a biological sample by illumination, which serves for observation, photographing and filming fluorescent images of biological objects in situations where small objects are photographed or filmed close-up with strong magnification.

It is also possible to use white light when enhancing fluorescence. It is possible to combine wavelengths of partial sources so that the diameter of the resultant beam yields white light of a specific colour temperature. Configuring the maximum intensity of illumination

Depending on the distance of photographing or filming, the beam diameter of the illuminator is configured in a manner that it yields maximum illumination intensity at a specific distance.

Figures 3a, 3b and 3c display the operation of the subject invention.

Figure 3a shows the direction of the light source (1) in the base position. The adjustment ring (8) is located in the far right position, and the pedestal pins (7) inside the slits (6) are located in the position nearest to the axis of the illuminator (6). The axes of the light sources are minimally deflected in respect to the optical axis of the illuminator (5). In this case, the minimal deflection of the light source's axes is where the light source's axes are parallel with the axis of the illuminator (5), i.e., the angle θ is 0°. In this position, the subject invention is configured for photographing, filming and observation at maximum distances.

In Figure 3b, the situation when the adjustment ring (8) is rotated in one of the interpositions in respect to the ends of the spiral slits (6) is shown. The pedestal pins (7) are located in the centre of the spiral slits (6), and the light sources (1) are at half the maximum angle θ. This is an optimal position for photographing, filming and observing at medium distances.

Figure 3c shows a situation when the adjustment ring (8) is rotated into the far left position. In this case, the pedestal pins (7) inside the slits (6) are located in a position farthest from the axis of the illuminator (5). The light source's axes are at a maximum angle with the axis of the illuminator (5). In this case, the light's beam diameter is nearest to the camera and determined by a minimal diameter and a maximum possible intensity. This position is optimal for macro photography, especially when significant intensities are required, as with macro fluorescent photographs.