RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/801 ,428, filed March 13, 2013, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/836,121, filed March 15, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/736,457, filed December 12, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. CRI-OOl-PPv), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of viewing systems. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention pertain to viewing systems for optical and/or other measuring equipment, and methods of making and using the same.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

[0003] Optical measuring instruments are commonly used in scientific research, quality control or production measurement. Examples of optical measuring instruments include photometers, colorimeters and spectroradiometers. Optical measuring instruments can be used for color matching, colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and quality control (e.g., during the manufacture of CRT, LCD and LED displays), etc.

[0004] Optical measuring instruments may incorporate a fixed reflex viewing system, where it is important to see exactly the object at which the optical measuring instrument is looking. Reflex viewing systems have a single optical path that allows the user to have the same optical view as the instrument. Further, in such a viewing system, the image is erect, and not reversed as in a "mirror image." For example, a single lens reflex camera generally comprises a mirror and a prism, and allows the viewer to see the object directly through the lens, and thereby view the image that will be captured by the camera. Frequently in research and online production measurement setups, it is not possible for the observer to be directly behind the apparatus, as in the single lens reflex viewing system example.

[0005] A Pritchard optical system (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,813,172 and 3,799,680) may be used in conventional optical measuring instruments such as a colorimeter. Light and/or an image pass through an objective lens of the measuring instrument and strike a mirror with an aperture formed therein. In a conventional Pritchard optical system, a portion of the light and/or image being processed and/or measured passes through the aperture of the mirror and is further processed and/or measured by the measuring instrument. Another portion of the light and/or image that reflects from the mirror passes into the viewing portion of the measuring instrument (e.g., an eyepiece).

[0006] The Pritchard optical system has been utilized for several decades and is typically used in optical measuring instruments. However, the eyepiece is in a fixed location on the instrument, and is otherwise non-detachable and/or non-movable. The viewer must align himself or herself with the angle of the viewing optics to use the eyepiece. This can be disadvantageous in situations where the eyepiece is in an inaccessible and/or uncomfortable spot for the viewer. For example, the viewer may be doing work on the right side of the instrument, but has to repeatedly move over to the left side of the measuring instrument to look through the eyepiece or viewing system. Alternatively, the limitations and/or requirements of the measuring/testing setup and/or the layout of the work area may make using the viewing system of the measuring instrument uncomfortable and/or inconvenient. This can be an issue in research and online production measurement setups where it is not possible for the viewer to be directly behind the apparatus (e.g., a reflex viewer).

[0007] Furthermore, the viewing systems of conventional optical measuring instruments are generally permanently attached to the measuring instrument. In situations where a user has multiple optical measuring instruments, the user will have multiple viewing systems. This means that a user having tens or hundreds of optical measuring instruments will have spent additional money on redundant viewing systems attached to those optical measuring instruments. Further, a relatively small number of persons use the instruments at any given time, resulting in infrequent use of the multiple, redundant viewing systems. Those persons who use the instrument(s) may do so constantly or frequently, resulting in inefficient use of the multiple, redundant viewing systems.

[0008] This "Background" section is provided for background information only. The statements in this "Background" are not an admission that the subject matter disclosed in this "Background" section constitutes prior art to the present disclosure, and no part of this "Background" section may be used as an admission that any part of this application, including this "Background" section, constitutes prior art to the present disclosure. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide a moveable, removable, rotatable and/or detachable viewing system for measuring instruments, such as optical measuring instruments (e.g., photometers, colorimeters, spectroradiometers, etc.).

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention provides a rotatable viewing device comprising a housing having an interface end opposite a viewing end, and configured to have one or more bends between the first and second ends. The rotatable viewing device further comprises a mirror in the housing, one or more rotatable joints or connections allowing at least part of the housing to be rotated in a plane parallel or orthogonal to an optical axis of an apparatus to which the viewing device interfaces at the interface end, and an eyepiece located at or near the viewing end.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a detachable viewing device, comprising a housing, having an interface end opposite a viewing end; an eyepiece, having one or more lenses, and located at or near the viewing end; and an attachment mechanism configured to releaseably or detachably connect the viewing device to an optical measuring instrument. In some embodiments, the detachable viewing device further comprises one or more rotatable joints or connections allowing at least part of the viewing device to be rotated (e.g., horizontally and/or vertically).

[0012] In a further aspect, the present invention concerns an optical measuring system comprising an optical measuring instrument and the present viewing device, detachably connected to the optical measuring instrument. The optical measuring instrument may have an opening comprising a ring or collar on the inside, configured to engage with a corresponding groove or notch on the viewing device. Alternatively, the viewing device may comprise the ring or collar on and/or near the interface end of the housing. In a further alternative, the viewing device may have the opening, and the optical measuring instrument may have the interface with an attachment mechanism for detachably and/or reversibly connecting the viewing device.

[0013] In a still further aspect, the present invention provides an optical measuring kit comprising an optical measuring instrument having an opening, a viewing device having an interface end that is detachably connectable to the opening of the optical measuring instrument, and one or more caps or plugs configured to be removable or detachably connected to the opening of the optical measuring instrument and/or the interface end of the viewing device. The cap(s) may fit over and/or mate with the opening of the optical measuring instrument and/or the interface end of the viewing device. For example, the plug(s) may be insertable into the opening of the optical measuring instrument and/or adapted to closely and/or snugly fit over the interface end of the viewing device. At least one of the caps or plugs may comprise a groove configured to engage with an inner surface of the opening of the optical measuring instrument (e.g., a corresponding ring or collar on the surface of the opening) and/or the interface end of the viewing device.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of making a rotatable viewing device comprising forming a housing, attaching a mirror inside the housing at or near a bend in the housing, and connecting an eyepiece to the housing. The housing has an interface end, a viewing end, and one or more bends therein. The rotatable viewing device includes one or more joints or connections configured to allow the housing to rotate in a plane parallel and/or perpendicular to an optical axis of the apparatus to which the viewing device interfaces. The eyepiece may be permanently or detachably connected to the viewing end of the housing. The method further comprises aligning the optical components of the viewing device to allow light entering the interface end of the housing to exit at the viewing end.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of using the viewing device that comprises aligning an optical measuring instrument comprising the viewing device with an object, rotating the viewing device to a position enabling the user to view the object using the viewing device, and taking one or more measurements of the object using the optical measuring instrument.

[0016] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of viewing an object comprising attaching the present detachable viewing device to an optical measuring instrument, observing an object through the viewing device and the optical measuring instrument, and removing the viewing device from the optical measuring instrument.

[0017] In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a method of making a detachable viewing device comprising forming a housing having an interface end opposite a viewing end, permanently or detachably connecting an eyepiece to the viewing end of the housing, and forming an attachment mechanism at or near the interface end of the housing configured to releasably or detachably connect to an optical measuring instrument.

[0018] These and other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description of various embodiments below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1A is a cut-away view of an exemplary horizontally rotational viewing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. IB is a top-down view of an exemplary horizontally rotational viewing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 A is a cut-away view of an exemplary vertically rotational viewing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2B is a front view of an exemplary vertically rotational viewing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a cut-away view of an embodiment of a viewing apparatus equipped with a shutter.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method for making a rotational viewing apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method for using a rotational viewing device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of an embodiment of a detachable viewing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a cut-away view of another embodiment of a detachable viewing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary cap for the detachable viewing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a cut-away view of a measuring instrument without a viewing system and fitted with the exemplary cap of FIG. 8. [0030] FIG. 10 is a cut-away view of a detachable rotational viewing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a cut-away view of a detachable rotational viewing apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a cut-away view of a further embodiment of a detachable viewing apparatus equipped with a shutter.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method for using a viewing device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method of manufacturing a detachable viewing device according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the following embodiments, it will be understood that the descriptions are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

[0036] For the sake of convenience and simplicity, the terms "eyepiece," "viewfinder" and "viewing system" are generally used interchangeably herein, but are generally given their art-recognized meanings. Also, for convenience and simplicity, the terms "measuring instrument" and "optical measuring instrument" may be used interchangeably, but these terms are also generally given their art-recognized meanings. Further, for convenience and simplicity, the terms "optical axis," "measurement axis," "travel" and "path" may be used interchangeably, but these terms are also generally given their art-recognized meanings. Further, for convenience and simplicity, the terms "detachable," "removable," and "insertable" may be used interchangeably, but these terms are also generally given their art-recognized meanings.

[0037] The present invention relates to a horizontally rotational viewing apparatus, a vertically rotational viewing apparatus, and methods of making and using the same. Embodiments of the present invention can advantageously provide for a viewing system that can freely rotate to enable observation of an image or object under inspection from substantially any angle. Further, embodiments of the present invention can advantageously provide for the viewing system to rotate in the horizontal plane parallel to the measurement axis. Additional embodiments of the present invention can advantageously provide for the viewing system to rotate in a vertical plane perpendicular to the measurement axis.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a removable viewing system and methods of making and using the same. The present removable viewing system advantageously provides a cost savings, where one viewing system can be used with multiple optical measuring instruments. Also, the present invention provides for using multiple viewing systems with a single instrument. Further, the present removable viewing system allows the viewer to use a viewing system that may be easier, more comfortable, and/or better suited for use with multiple optical measuring instruments or experiment/test setups than a traditional, fixed viewing system. Further still, removable optics may lessen the mass of the optical measuring instrument when it needs to be moved (e.g., when mounted on a robotics-controlled XYZ table, positioned on a rotating or transportable support, and/or transported at high velocities and/or acceleration rates).

[0039] These and other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description of various embodiments below.

A First Exemplary Viewing System

[0040] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a viewing system comprising one or more angled mirrors (e.g., a 45° mirror), one or more rotating joints, and an eyepiece. FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary viewing system 100 coupled to optical measuring instrument 110. While FIG. 1A illustrates a general viewing system, embodiments of the present invention should not be limited to the exemplary configuration of FIG. 1A. Because viewing system 100 can rotate in a plane parallel to the optical axis of optical measuring instrument 110 (e.g., a horizontal plane above the optical measuring instrument 110), it may be considered a "horizontal" viewing system for use with the optical measuring instrument 110 (e.g., a colorimeter).

[0041] Optical measuring instrument 110 can be any optical measuring instrument that may utilize a viewing system. For example, optical measuring instrument 110 can be any device that measures the photometric, colorimetric and/or spectral characteristics of an object. Optical measuring instrument 110 may contain a focusing and/or objective lens (hereinafter, "focusing lens") 120 and an angled mirror 130. The angled mirror 130 has at least one aperture or opening. However, angled mirror 130 may have multiple apertures and may also be rotatable (e.g., like a Pritchard optical system). Light from the object being measured or otherwise processed travels through focusing lens 120 and at least one aperture in angled mirror 130 and passes on to the other sections of optical measuring instrument 110. Optical measuring instrument 110 may comprise a coupler lens 111, an optical fiber 112, one or more optical filters 113, one or more photodiodes 114, electronic circuitry 115 configured to process information from the photodiode(s) 114, mounting hardware 116, one or more stand-offs 117, one or more soft stop(s) 118a-b, a lens (e.g., objective lens) 120, a lens hood 119, a hollow 122, and/or an F-stop 124. Optical measuring instrument 110 may also comprise an instrument mounting platform 105. In a further embodiment, instrument mounting platform 105 may have one or more holes (e.g., holes 106a-b) drilled and/or formed therein for facile mounting of the instrument 110 onto a (movable) surface or platform, for example. Further, angled mirror 130 may have any angle that allows for some light to pass through the aperture to the optical measuring instrument 110 and some light to reflect to the viewing system 100. In a preferred embodiment, the angled mirror 130 has a 45° angle relative to the optical axis 180 of the optical measuring instrument 110.

[0042] Viewing system 100 has an interface end (e.g., a light receiving end) and a viewing end (e.g., a light output or exit end). Viewing system 100 has a cavity between the interface end and viewing end for holding optics, such as mirrors, lenses, prisms, and/or an eyepiece. Viewing system 100 may have any shape capable of holding the optics and transmitting light from the interface end to the viewing end. In one embodiment, the housing and/or cavity has a substantially cylindrical shape. The overall shape of viewing system 100 can generally be the same as or different from the shape of the cavity. For example, viewing system 100 can be generally cylindrical, rectangular or oval. Further, the body between the interface end and a viewing end of viewing system 100 is angled (or bent) in at least one location. In another embodiment, the body between the interface end and a viewing end of viewing system

100 has a bend with an angle of 90°. The body of viewing system 100 can comprise any material, or combination of materials, capable of housing optics. For example, viewing system 100 may comprise one or more tubes, plates, rings, wires, etc. of metal, plastic, ceramic, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0043] Rotating joint 160 allows for the upper section 170 of viewing system 100 to rotate any number of degrees in a plane that is (i) parallel to the measurement axis 180 of optical measuring instrument 110 and (ii) perpendicular to the plane of the page. In one embodiment, the upper section 170 may rotate 360° in this plane. The ability to rotate the upper section 170 of viewing system 100 allows the viewer to view the object being measured from all sides of optical measuring instrument 110. Further, to facilitate positioning of the viewing system 100, the rotating joint 160 may have soft stops every 360°/n, where n is an integer of 2 or more (e.g., from 4 to 24, resulting in increments of 30°, 45°, or 90°, or other fixed value or angle between the rotational soft stops), relative to the optical axis 180. The soft stops may be in a fitting inside rotating joint 160. The soft stops may comprise one or more complementary notches and ridges or projections on opposed surfaces of rotating joint 160, or a notch-and-spring-loaded-bearing mechanism 118a-b and/or 162, etc. Pressure on bearing 118a can be adjusted through a spring between it and a screw or bolt in fitting/opening 165. Further, projection 118b can also be similarly adjusted. In another embodiment, the viewing system 100 may comprise a ring 164 (e.g., a "locking" ring) configured to releasably or permanently secure the upper section 170 to the optical measuring instrument 110. It should be noted that as viewing system 100 is rotated about the rotating joint 160, the image, as viewed though eyepiece 150, may change its orientation.

[0044] FIG. IB illustrates various exemplary horizontally rotated positions 170a-e of the upper section 170 of viewing system 100 with respect to the optical measuring instrument 110. For example, position 170c may be the default position of the upper section 170 of viewing system 100 (e.g., at an angle of 0° with respect to the optical axis of the optical measuring instrument 110). The upper section 170 may be rotated 45° from the default position 170c to a soft stop at position 170b or position 170d. Further, the upper section 170 may be rotated another 45° from position 170b or position 170d (or 90° from the default position 170c) to a soft stop at position 170a or position 170e, respectively. While FIG. IB shows exemplary positions of the upper section 170 at 45° (e.g., positions 170b and 170d) and 90° (e.g., positions 170a and 170e) from the default position 170c, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that rotations of the upper section 170 are not limited thereto, and the upper section 170 may be rotated any number of degrees relative to the default position.

[0045] Referring back to FIG. 1A, viewing system 100 further comprises angled mirror

140, one or more rotating joints (e.g., rotating joint 160), and eyepiece 150. In one embodiment, viewing system 100 can have an angle of 90°, such that a first section of viewing system 100 extends generally perpendicular to the optical axis 180 of optical measuring instrument 110, and a second section is generally parallel to the optical axis 180 of optical measuring instrument 110. Light from the object being measured and/or evaluated by the optical measuring instrument 110 reflects from angled mirror 130 to angled mirror 140, and then from angled mirror 140 to eyepiece 150 of viewing system 100. A viewer can thus look through the eyepiece 150 to view the object being measured by the optical measuring instrument 110.

[0046] Angled mirror 140 may be aligned with the optical axis of the light reflected from or by angled mirror 130. Angled mirror 140 is mounted or affixed at or near a bend in viewing system 100. In one embodiment, the angled mirror 140 may be mounted or attached on substrate 190 that serves as an exterior in the upper section 170, and the substrate 190 may be configured to fit in a space and/or opening in the upper section 170. Angled mirror 140 can be placed at any angle suitable to allow angled mirror 140 to be aligned with the optical axis of the light reflected off angled mirror 130 and eyepiece 150. In one embodiment, the angled mirror 140 is placed at or about a 45° angle to the optical axis 180 of the light reflected by angled mirror 130.

[0047] The eyepiece (or ocular lens) 150 can be any eyepiece that allows the viewer to view the object being measured by optical measuring instrument 110. Further, eyepiece 150 can comprise a barrel (e.g. 152 and one or more lenses 154 and/or groups of lenses. Eyepiece 150 may further comprise an eye lens 156. Eyepiece 150 may also comprise a cup 158 of any suitable shape and distance from the eye lens 156. In further embodiments, the eyepiece 150 may further comprise a diopter adjustment and/or aperture. In other embodiments, the eyepiece may have a diameter of 20mm - 30mm. In still other embodiments, the one or more lenses may be concave, convex, and any combination thereof. In other embodiments, eyepiece 150 may comprise a mechanism for attaching a camera and/or computer display.

A Second Exemplary Viewing System

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 2A, another aspect of the present invention relates to a viewing system 200 that generally includes an angled mirror 140, a pentaprism 260, one or more rotating joints (e.g., rotating joint 270), and an eyepiece 150. In a further embodiment, viewing system 200 may have one or more lenses and/or groups of lenses (e.g., lens 250) between the angled mirror 140 and the pentaprism 260. Because viewing system 200 can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of optical measuring instrument 210 (e.g., a vertical plane above the optical measuring instrument 210), it may be considered a "vertical" viewing system for use with the optical measuring instrument 210 (e.g., a colorimeter).

[0049] Similar to FIG. 1A, optical measuring instrument 210 in FIG. 2A can be any optical measuring instrument that utilizes a viewing system. For example, optical measuring instrument 210 can be any device that measures the photometric, colorimetric and/or spectral characteristics of an object. Optical measuring instrument 210 may contain focusing lens 220 and angled mirror 240. Angled mirror 240 has at least one aperture therein. Alternatively, angled mirror 240 may have multiple apertures, and may also be rotatable (e.g., like a Pritchard optical system). Light from the object being measured or otherwise processed travels through focusing lens 220 and at least one aperture in angled mirror 240 and passes on to the other sections of optical measuring instrument 210. Optical measuring instrument 210 may comprise a coupler lens 211, an optical fiber 212, one or more optical filters 213, one or more photodiodes 214, electronic circuitry 215 configured to process information from the photodiode(s) 214, mounting hardware 216, one or more stand-offs 217, a lens (e.g., objective lens) 220, a lens hood 219, a hollow 222, and/or an F-stop 224. Further, angled mirror 240 may have any angle that allows for some light to pass through the aperture to the optical measuring instrument 210 and some light to reflect to the viewing system 200. In one embodiment, the angled mirror 240 has a 45° angle with respect to the optical axis 180 of instrument 210.

[0050] Viewing system 200 has an interface end, proximal to the optical measuring instrument 210, and a viewing end, distal to the optical measuring instrument 210. Viewing system 200 has a cavity between the interface end and viewing end for holding optics, such as mirrors, lenses, prisms, and/or an eyepiece. Viewing system 200 may have any shape capable of holding the optics and transmitting light from the interface end to the viewing end. In one embodiment, the housing and/or cavity has a substantially cylindrical shape The overall shape of viewing system 200 can generally be the same as or different from the shape of the cavity. For example, viewing system 200 can be generally cylindrical, rectangular or oval. Further, the body between the interface end and a viewing end of viewing system 200 is angled (or bent) in at least one location. In one embodiment, the body between the interface end and a viewing end of viewing system 200 has a bend with an angle of 90°. The body of viewing system 200 can comprise any material, or combination of materials, capable of housing optics. For example, viewing system 200 may comprise one or more tubes, plates, rings, wires, etc. of metal, plastic, ceramic, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0051] In one embodiment, viewing system 200 comprises a first section 230, a second section 235 and a rotatable joint 270 between the first and second sections 230 and 235. The first section 230 of the body of viewing system 200 extends generally perpendicular to the optical axis 180 of optical measuring instrument 210. The second section 235 also extends generally perpendicular to the optical axis 180 of optical measuring instrument 210.

[0052] In one exemplary embodiment, angled mirror 140 is mounted or affixed in the first section 230, and a pentaprism 260 is mounted or affixed in the second section 235. Light from the object being measured and/or evaluated by the optical measuring instrument 210 reflects from angled mirror 240 towards the angled mirror 140, then from angled mirror 140 through an optional lens 250 into the pentaprism 260. The light continues from pentaprism 260 to the eyepiece 150 of the viewing system 200. A viewer can thus look through the eyepiece 150 to view the object being measured by the optical measuring instrument 210.

[0053] Angled mirror 140 may be aligned with the optical axis of the light reflected from and/or by angled mirror 240. Angled mirror 140 is mounted or affixed at or near where the first section 230 and the second section 235 meet in the body of viewing system 200. In one embodiment, the angled mirror 140 may be mounted or attached on substrate 290 that serves as an exterior in the first section 230 of viewing system 200, and the substrate 290 may be configured to fit in a space and/or opening in the upper section 230. In another embodiment, the viewing system comprises a third section (not shown) between the first section 230 and the second section 235, configured to separate the first and second sections 230 and 235 and/or facilitate a second (e.g., horizontal) degree of rotational freedom in the viewing apparatus 200. In a further embodiment, the third section may be substantially parallel to the measuring instrument. In further embodiments, the angled mirror 140 may be positioned at or about a location equidistance from pentaprism 260 and the interface end of the optical measuring instrument 210. Angled mirror 140 can be placed at any angle allowing angled mirror 140 to be aligned with the optical axis of the light refiected from angled mirror 240 (and optionally, from pentaprism 260). In one embodiment, the angled mirror 140 has a 45° angle with respect to the optical axis of light reflected by mirror 240. [0054] In general, a pentaprism is a five-sided reflecting prism used to reflect a beam of light by a constant 90°. This reflection angle may result even if the entry beam is not at 90° to the face of the prism that it enters. In other embodiments, the pentaprism can be replaced with one or more mirrors. In further embodiments, the pentaprism can be replaced with a second mirror. Pentaprism 260 is mounted or affixed at or near a second bend in the body of viewing system 200. In one embodiment, the pentaprism 260 may be mounted or attached on substrate 265 that serves as an exterior in the second section 235 of viewing system 200, and the substrate 265 may be configured to fit in a space and/or opening in the second section 235. One face of pentaprism 260 is generally perpendicular to the optical axis of the light reflected from angled mirror 140, and a second face is generally perpendicular to the optical axis of eyepiece 150.

[0055] The eyepiece (or ocular lens) 150 can be any eyepiece that allows the viewer to view the object being measured by optical measuring instrument 210. Further, eyepiece 150 can comprise a barrel (e.g. 152 and one or more lenses 154 and/or groups of lenses. Eyepiece 150 may further comprise an eye lens 156. Eyepiece 150 may also comprise a cup 158 of any suitable shape and distance from the eye lens 156. In further embodiments, the eyepiece 150 may further comprise a diopter adjustment and/or aperture. In other embodiments, the eyepiece may have a diameter of 20mm - 30mm. In still other embodiments, the one or more lenses may be concave, convex, and any combination thereof. In other embodiments, eyepiece 150 may comprise a mechanism for attaching a camera and/or computer display.

[0056] Rotating joint 270 allows for the upper section 235 of viewing system 200 to rotate a number of degrees in a plane that is perpendicular to the measuring instrument 210. In one embodiment, vertical viewing system 200 rotates up to about 270°. The ability to rotate upper section 235 of viewing system 200 allows the viewer to view the object being measured from different sides of optical measuring instrument 210. Further, the rotating joint 270 may have soft stops every 30°, 45° or 90° (or other fixed value or angle) relative to the optical axis 180 to facilitate positioning of viewing system 200. The soft stops may be located in a fitting inside 230. Further, the soft stops may comprise complementary notches 221a-b and ridges or projections 218a-b on opposing surfaces inside the rotatable joint 270, a similar notch-and- spring-loaded-bearing mechanism, etc. The observed image may rotate as viewing system 200 is rotated about rotating joint 270, but the image is not rotated or reversed when the image of the object being measured is observed with the eyepiece rotated +90° or -90° from the vertical position. In another embodiment, vertical viewing system 200 has a second rotating joint 275 in the same location as rotating joint 160 in the first exemplary viewing system (FIG. 1A).

[0057] FIG. 2B illustrates various exemplary vertical rotational positions 235a-e of the second section 235 of viewing system 200 about rotatable joint 270. For example, position 235c may be the default position of the upper section 235 of viewing system 200 (e.g., at an angle of 0° with respect to the optical axis of the optical measuring instrument 210). The upper section (e.g., upper section 235) may be rotated 45° from the default position 235c to position 235b or position 235d. Further, the upper section 235 may be rotated another 45° from position 235b or position 235d (or 90° from the default position 235c) to position 235a or position 235e. While FIG. 2B shows exemplary positions of the upper section 235 at 45° (e.g., positions 235b and 235d) and 90° (e.g., positions 235a and 235e) from the default position 235c, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that rotations of the upper section 235 are not limited thereto, and the upper section 235 may be rotated any number of degrees relative to the default position.

An Exemplary Shutter for a Viewing System

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 3, another aspect of the present invention relates to a rotatable viewing device that generally includes a shutter 310. For example, the viewing system 100 in FIG. 1 and/or the viewing system 200 in FIG. 200 may comprise shutter 310. In one embodiment, shutter 310 may be permanently or detachably mounted or placed between the eyepiece 150 and the interface end or a bend in the housing of the rotatable viewing system 170 (FIG. 1A). In another embodiment, shutter 310 may be permanently or detachably mounted or placed between the pentaprism 260 and the eyepiece 150 in the upper section 235 of the rotatable viewing system of FIG. 2 A. Shutter 310 may comprise an aperture capable of opening or closing, and be configured to control the amount of light that passes through the viewing system 100 to eyepiece 150. Shutter 310 may further comprise a lever, knob, dial, or switch 320 configured to control the extent to which the aperture or the shutter 310 opens or closes.

An Exemplary Method of Making a Rotatable Viewing Device

[0059] The present invention further relates to method of making a rotatable viewing device. Specifically, the method of making a rotatable viewing device may comprise forming a housing comprising a plurality of elongated members and/or sections, including one or more bends between adjacent sections and one or more rotatable joints or connections, attaching or mounting a mirror inside the housing, and permanently or detachably connecting an eyepiece to the housing, wherein all components are aligned to allow light entering an interface end of the housing to exit at a viewing end of the housing. In one embodiment, the mirror and eyepiece comprise pre-assembled components.

[0060] Flow chart 400 of FIG. 4 illustrates a method of making a viewing device according to the present invention. The method encompasses forming a housing having one or more bends and one or more rotatable joints or connections, attaching a mirror inside the housing, and permanently or detachably connecting an eyepiece to the housing, wherein all optical components are aligned to allow light entering an interface end of the housing to exit at a viewing end of the housing.

[0061] The method may begin at 410, and at 420, the method comprises forming a housing comprising one or more bends and one or more rotatable joints or connections. In a further embodiment, the housing may comprise one or more sections. In still further embodiments, the one or more sections, rotatable joints and/or connections may be connected using adhesives, welds, grooves and o-rings, screws, rivets, combinations thereof, etc. In still further embodiments, various parts of the housing may have complementary threads and grooves configured to connect to one or more other parts of the housing. In other embodiments, there may be one or more openings in the housing, in one or more sections and/or at one or more intersections of the one or more sections. In further embodiments, the one or more openings are configured to receive a mirror and/or pentaprism. In still further embodiments, the mirror(s) and/or pentaprism may be mounted or affixed onto a substrate configured to mate with or fit over and/or into the opening in the housing using an adhesive, welds, a groove and O-ring fitting, screws, rivets, snap-on fittings, combinations thereof, etc.

[0062] In one embodiment, the housing comprises one bend and one rotatable joint. For example, referring to FIG. 1A, the housing may generally have the shape of the upper section 170 of viewing system 100, and the rotatable joint may be at an interface end of the housing. In another embodiment, the rotatable joint may be located at the interface between first and second sections of the housing. In such an embodiment, the housing may have two bends and one or more rotatable joints. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the housing may generally have the shape of the first and second sections 230 and 235 of the viewing system 200.

[0063] In one embodiment, the housing is formed with a cavity having a cylindrical, rectangular or oval shape. In another embodiment, the housing is formed with one or more bend(s) having an angle of about 90°. In other or further embodiments, the housing includes one or more tubes, plates, rings, wires, etc. of metal, plastic, ceramic, etc., or a combination thereof. In yet other or further embodiments, the housing limits the amount of outside (e.g., external or extraneous) light that enters the viewing device, or substantially completely prevents external light from entering the viewing device.

[0064] At 430, a mirror is mounted or attached inside the housing. The mirror can be of any type and dimension capable of allowing or facilitating light entering the interface end of the housing to exit the viewing end of the housing. Alternatively, the mirror allows or facilitates light entering the interface end of the housing to exit an interface with a second section of the housing. In one embodiment, the mirror may be substantially flat. Alternatively, the mirror may be concave, convex, or otherwise shaped to focus the light from the optical measuring instrument to another location in the optical path (e.g., the eyepiece). The mirror may be mounted or affixed inside the housing using an adhesive, rivets, screws, clips, etc. In a further embodiment, the mirror may be placed into a holder that is clipped, adhered, attached and/or otherwise mounted or affixed on or in the housing. In still further embodiments, the mirror may be mounted or affixed onto a substrate configured to mate or fit over and/or into an opening in the housing. In still further embodiments, the mirror may be mounted or attached into one section of the housing, and the sections subsequently connected to form the housing. In one such embodiment, the housing may comprise two pieces bisected along the optical axis, with substantially semi-cylindrical cavities therein. The mirror (and other optical components) may be mounted in one or the other semi-cylindrical cavity, and the two bisected pieces fastened or connected to each other after the optical components are securely mounted inside the housing cavity(ies). In another embodiment, the mirror may be located at or near a bend in the housing, and/or be at or about at a 45° angle relative to the optical axis of the light entering the interface end of the housing. In another embodiment, the mirror may be pre-assembled and/or pre- machined. Examples of locations and/or positions of the mirror are shown by mirror 140 in FIGS. 1 A and 2A.

[0065] Referring back to FIG. 4, at 440, an eyepiece (which may be pre-assembled) is permanently or detachably connected to the viewing end of the viewing housing. The eyepiece may comprise a barrel, one or more adjustable and/or focusing lenses, an eye lens, and/or a cup. In further embodiments, the eyepiece may further comprise a diopter adjustment and/or aperture. The eyepiece may have a diameter of 20mm - 30mm. The lens(es) may be concave, convex, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the eyepiece may be detachably connected to the housing using a quick release mechanism, a groove and O-ring mechanism, a notch-and- bearing mechanism, complementary thread(s) and groove(s) on the housing and eyepiece, and/or a slidable (e.g., tongue-and-groove) connection to the housing. In another embodiment, the eyepiece may comprise a mechanism for attaching a camera and/or computer display. In another embodiment, the eyepiece may be formed inside the housing. For example, the eyepiece may be formed inside the housing by permanently connecting one or more lenses, an eye lens, and/or a cup to the housing.

[0066] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the components of the rotatable viewing device are aligned to allow light entering an interface end of the housing to exit at a viewing end of the housing. For example, the location and/or angle of the mirror inside the housing may be any location and/or angle that ensure good viewing characteristics of an object when viewed through the eyepiece. In another example, the length and/or diameter of the one or more sections of the housing may vary depending on the viewing characteristics of the eyepiece (e.g., the focal length and/or diameter of the eyepiece) and vice versa. In various embodiments, alignment of the optical components of the rotatable viewing device may generally involve aligning the components with each other (e.g., an adjacent optical component) during assembly of the rotatable viewing device, and then having a final alignment of all components once all of the optical components have been mounted or affixed within the housing. At 450, the method ends.

An Exemplary Method of Using a Rotatable Viewing Device

[0067] The present invention further relates to method of using a rotatable viewing device. Specifically, the method of using the rotatable viewing device may comprise aligning an optical measuring instrument comprising the rotatable viewing device with an object, rotating the viewing device to a position allowing a user to view the object using the viewing device, and taking one or more measurements of the object using the optical measuring instrument.

[0068] Flow chart 500 of FIG. 5 illustrates a method of using a rotatable viewing device according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the rotatable viewing device can be detachably connected to the optical measuring instrument. The method may begin at 510, and at 520, the method comprises aligning an optical measuring instrument comprising the rotatable viewing device with an object. In various embodiments, the optical measurement instrument may comprise any instrument capable of taking optical measurements (e.g., a photometer, colorimeter, spectrophotometer, or spectroradiometer). The object may be any object on which the user wants to obtain measurements. For example, the object may be a manufactured object, or a chemical gas, solid (e.g., powder) and/or solution. Examples of specific objects may include manufactured objects that may have one or more labels, inks, or attachments thereon, chemical or material samples, environmental samples (e.g., water and/or soil), medical samples (e.g., blood), textiles, precious stones, LCD or LED displays, etc. Alignment of the optical measuring instrument may be done in any manner for subsequently obtaining one or more measurements of the object. For example, alignment of the optical measuring instrument may include adjusting the distance between the optical measuring instrument and the object, the orientation of the optical measuring instrument relative to the object (and/or vice versa), and/or the ambient conditions (e.g. light and/or temperature) the optical measuring instrument and/or the object.

[0069] In one embodiment, the method may include rotating the viewing device to a desired position enabling the user to view the object, and optionally, facilitating alignment of the optical measuring instrument with the object. For example, the user may rotate the viewing device to a position where the user can view the object, and then align the object and/or the optical measuring instrument according to the user's view through the viewing device.

[0070] At 530, the viewing device may be rotated any number of degrees that allow a user to view the object using the viewing device. For example, referring to FIG. 1A, the upper section 170 of viewing system 100 (e.g., the viewing device) may be rotated one or more of a plurality of predetermined numbers of degrees in a plane parallel or orthogonal to the optical measuring instrument 110 about rotating joint 160. The user may rotate the viewing device to any position that is accessible, convenient, comfortable and/or desirable for the user. In various embodiments, at least one of the one or more rotatable joints or connections has soft stops at predetermined degree values and/or angles.

[0071] At 540, the optical measuring instrument may take one or more measurements of the object. For example, the optical measuring instrument may take one or more measurements relating to color matching and/or calibration, colorimetry, spectrophotometry, etc. of the object. In one embodiment, the optical measuring instrument is a colorimeter capable of measuring the wavelength and intensity of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light). In a further example, the optical measuring instrument is a spectroradiometer capable of measuring the radiance (e.g., intensity) and/or irradiance of light. At 550, the method ends. As will be readily understood by one skilled in the art, the flow 500 can loop any number of times through steps 530 and 540.

A First Exemplary Detachable Viewing Device

[0072] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a viewing device that is detachable from an optical measuring instrument. For example, the present viewing device is easily detachable from the instrument's main body (e.g., it may snap in and out manually), and can be replaced with a different type of viewing device depending on the user's needs. Alternatively, or if not needed, the viewing device can be safely stored while the instrument is free for independent use and/or transportation. FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of a viewing system 600 including a viewing device 610 that is detachably connected to an optical measuring instrument 605 (e.g., at opening 670). A detachable viewing device can be any viewing device capable of viewing light from the object being measured and configured to be removably attached to an optical measuring instrument. For example, viewing device 610 as shown in FIG. 6, viewing device 710 as shown in FIG. 7, viewing device 1070 as shown in FIG. 10, and/or viewing device 1130-1135 as shown in FIG. 11, respectively, may be detachably connected to optical measuring instrument 605.

[0073] Optical measuring instrument 605 can be any optical measuring instrument that may utilize a viewing system. For example, optical measuring instrument 605 can be any device that measures the photometric, colorimetric and/or spectral characteristics of an object. Optical measuring instrument 605 may contain a focusing and/or objective lens (hereinafter, "focusing lens") 620 and an angled mirror 640. The angled mirror 640 has at least one aperture or opening. However, angled mirror 640 may have multiple apertures and may also be rotatable (e.g., like a Pritchard optical system). Light from the object being measured or otherwise processed travels through focusing lens 620 and at least one aperture in angled mirror 640 and passes on to the other sections of optical measuring instrument 605. Optical measuring instrument 605 may comprise a coupler lens 611, an optical fiber 612, one or more optical filters 613, one or more photodiodes 614, electronic circuitry 615 configured to process information from the photodiode(s) 614, mounting hardware 616, one or more stand-offs 617, one or more soft stop(s) 618a-b, a lens (e.g., objective lens) 620, a lens hood 619, a hollow 622, and/or an F-stop 624. Optical measuring instrument 605 may also comprise an instrument mounting platform 605. In a further embodiment, instrument mounting platform 605 may have one or more holes (e.g., holes 606a-b) drilled and/or formed therein for facile mounting of the instrument 610 onto a (movable) surface or platform, for example. Further, angled mirror 640 may have any angle that allows for some light to pass through the aperture to the optical measuring instrument 605 and some light to reflect to the viewing device 610. In a preferred embodiment, the angled mirror 640 has a 45° angle relative to the optical axis 980 (FIG. 9) of the optical measuring instrument 605.

[0074] Viewing device 610 has an interface end (e.g., a light receiving end) and a viewing end (e.g., a light output or exit end). Viewing device 610 has a cavity between the interface end and viewing end for holding optics, such as mirrors, lenses, prisms, and/or an eyepiece. Viewing device 610 may have any shape capable of holding the optics and transmitting light from the interface end to the viewing end. In one embodiment, the housing and/or cavity has a substantially cylindrical shape. The overall shape of viewing device 610 can generally be the same as or different from the shape of the cavity. For example, viewing device 610 can be generally cylindrical, rectangular or oval.

[0075] The body of viewing device 610 can comprise any material, or combination of materials, capable of housing optics. For example, viewing device 610 may comprise one or more tubes, plates, rings, wires, etc. of metal, plastic, ceramic, etc., or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, viewing device 610 may comprise an adapter or mount 655 for a camera 660, and one or more lenses 630. The adapter 655 may have a length facilitating or enabling the focal point of the light or image from lens 630 to be at or near the imaging unit (e.g., a charge- coupled device [CCD] or digital [e.g., CMOS] image sensor) and/or lens of the camera 660. Alternatively, an interface for a computer and/or display device can be mounted on or attached to the adapter 655, in place of the camera 660.

[0076] Opening 670 can have any shape that allows the optical measuring instrument 605 to receive the viewing device 610 as shown in FIG. 6, viewing device 710 as shown in FIG. 7, viewing device 1070 as shown in FIG. 10, and/or viewing device 1130-1135 as shown in FIG. 11. In one embodiment, the viewing device may have an attachment mechanism on the interface end of the housing. In another embodiment, opening 670 is a cylindrical opening with smooth interior sides wherein a portion of the interface end of the viewing device 610 or 710 has a complementary or matching shape that is insertable into opening 670. The portion of the viewing device placed into opening 670 may be any length, as long as the viewing system is still capable of allowing the user to view the object being measured by optical measuring instrument 605. [0077] In another embodiment, opening 670 may have a ring or collar 720 on the inside, configured to engage with a corresponding groove or notch on the barrel of the insertable portion of the viewing system. Further, ring or collar 720 may be any configuration for releasably detaching the viewing system (e.g., viewing device 610 as shown in FIG. 6, viewing device 710 as shown in FIG. 7, viewing device 1070 as shown in FIG. 10, and/or viewing device 1130-1 135 as shown in FIG. 11). For example, ring or collar 720 may be a continuous ring, a partial ring, and/or one or more protrusions from or on the inside of the opening 670. In a further embodiment, the ring or collar 720 (e.g., an attachment mechanism) may be on the barrel (e.g., at or near the interface end) of the viewing device 700, and the groove or notch may be in the opening 670.

[0078] In another embodiment, a gasket may be on the interface end of the viewing device and/or on the inside of the opening of the optical measuring instrument. In one embodiment, the interface end having the gasket is configured to be insertable into the opening, having smooth sides, of the optical measuring instrument. In another embodiment, a viewing device having smooth sides on the interface end can be insertable into the opening of the optical measuring instrument fitted with the gasket. In a further embodiment, the smooth sides of the interface end of the viewing device and/or the opening of the optical measuring instrument can be lubricated and/or coated with a silicone and/or Teflon.

[0079] In yet another embodiment, the diameter of the interface end of the viewing device is less than the diameter of the opening of the optical measuring instrument. For example, the difference between the diameter of the interface end of the viewing device and the diameter of the opening of the optical measuring instrument to provide a snug fit for inserting and/or sliding the viewing device into the opening of the optical measuring instrument. In another embodiment, the difference between the dimensions of the interface end of the viewing device and the opening of the optical measuring instrument is expressed as mathematical relationship between the two (e.g., a percentage or absolute number).

[0080] Referring back to FIG. 6, a detachable viewing device 610 is shown that includes an adapter 655 and a camera 660. Detachable viewing device 610 is generally straight and perpendicular to optical measuring instrument 605. In various embodiments, viewing device 610 may have one or more lenses and/or groups of lenses (e.g., lens 630) between the interface end and the viewing end of the viewing device 610. Viewing device 610 may further comprise any adapter, mount or fixture capable of mounting or affixing an instrument adapted to capture, display and/or further process an image of the object being measured, such as a camera, computer, monitor, and/or display (e.g., CRT, LCD, and/or LED display and/or monitor).

A Second Exemplary Detachable Viewing Device

[0081] Referring now to FIG. 7, another aspect of the present invention relates to a detachable viewing device 710 that includes an eyepiece 750. Like detachable viewing device 610, detachable viewing device 710 is generally straight and perpendicular to optical measuring instrument 605. Similarly, detachable viewing device 710 can be attached and removed from the optical measuring instrument 705 in substantially the same manner as detachable viewing device 610 can be attached and/or removed from optical measuring instrument 605 (FIG. 6).

[0082] Similar to FIG. 6, optical measuring instrument 705 in FIG. 7 can be any optical measuring instrument that utilizes a viewing system. For example, optical measuring instrument 705 can be any device that measures the photometric, colorimetric and/or spectral characteristics of an object. Optical measuring instrument 705 may contain focusing lens 720 and angled mirror 740. Angled mirror 740 has at least one aperture therein. Alternatively, angled mirror 740 may have multiple apertures, and may also be rotatable (e.g., like a Pritchard optical system). Light from the object being measured or otherwise processed travels through focusing lens 720 and at least one aperture in angled mirror 740 and passes on to the other sections of optical measuring instrument 705. Optical measuring instrument 705 may comprise a coupler lens 711, an optical fiber 712, one or more optical filters 713, one or more photodiodes 714, electronic circuitry 715 configured to process information from the photodiode(s) 714, mounting hardware 716, one or more stand-offs 717, a lens (e.g., objective lens) 720, a lens hood 719, a hollow 722, and/or an F-stop 724. Further, angled mirror 740 may have any angle that allows for some light to pass through the aperture to the optical measuring instrument 705 and some light to reflect to the viewing device 710. In one embodiment, the angled mirror 740 has a 45° angle with respect to the optical axis 980 (as shown in FIG. 9) of instrument 705. Optical measuring instrument 705 may also comprise an instrument mounting platform 707. Instrument mounting platform 707 may have one or more holes (e.g., holes 706a-b) drilled and/or formed therein for facile mounting of the instrument 705 onto a (movable) surface or platform.

[0083] Viewing device 710 has an interface end (e.g., a light receiving end) and a viewing end (e.g., a light output or exit end). Viewing device 710 has a cavity between the interface end and viewing end for holding optics, such as mirrors, lenses, prisms, and/or an eyepiece. Viewing device 710 may have any shape capable of holding the optics and transmitting light from the interface end to the viewing end. In one embodiment, the housing and/or cavity has a substantially cylindrical shape. The overall shape of viewing device 710 can generally be the same as or different from the shape of the cavity. For example, viewing device 610 can be generally cylindrical, rectangular or oval. The body of viewing device 710 can comprise any material, or combination of materials, capable of housing optics. For example, viewing device 710 may comprise one or more tubes, plates, rings, wires, etc. of metal, plastic, ceramic, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 7, opening 670 can have any shape that allows the optical measuring instrument 705 to receive the viewing device 610 as shown in FIG. 6, viewing device 710 as shown in FIG. 7, viewing device 1070 as shown in FIG. 10, and/or viewing device 1130- 1135 as shown in FIG. 11. In one embodiment, opening 670 is a cylindrical opening with smooth interior sides. A portion of the interface end of the viewing device having a complimentary or matching shape is inserted into opening 670. The portion of the viewing device placed into opening 670 may be any length, as long as the viewing system is still capable of allowing the user to view the object being measured by optical measuring instrument (e.g., 605 of FIG. 6 and/or 705 in FIG. 7).

[0085] In another embodiment, opening 670 may have a ring or collar 720 on the inside, configured to engage with a corresponding groove or notch on the barrel of the insertable portion of the viewing system. Further, ring or collar 720 may be any configuration for releasably detaching the viewing system (e.g., viewing device 610 as shown in FIG. 6, viewing device 710 as shown in FIG. 7, viewing device 1070 as shown in FIG. 10, and/or viewing device 1130-1 135 as shown in FIG. 11). For example, ring or collar 720 may be a continuous ring, a partial ring, and/or one or more protrusions from or on the inside of the opening 670. In a further embodiment, the ring or collar 720 may be on the barrel of the viewing device 700, and the groove or notch may be in the opening 670.

[0086] In another embodiment, a gasket may be on the interface end of the viewing device and/or on the inside of the opening of the optical measuring instrument. In one embodiment, the interface end, having a gasket, is configured to be insertable into the opening, having smooth sides, of the optical measuring instrument. In another embodiment, a viewing device having smooth sides on the interface end can be insertable into the opening of the optical measuring instrument fitted with the gasket. In a further embodiment, the smooth sides of the interface end of the viewing device and/or the opening of the optical measuring instrument can be lubricated and/or coated with a silicone and/or Teflon.

[0087] In yet another embodiment, the diameter of the interface end of the viewing device is less than the diameter of the opening of the optical measuring instrument. For example, the difference between the diameter of the interface end of the viewing device and the diameter of the opening of the optical measuring instrument to provide a snug fit for inserting and/or sliding the viewing device into the opening of the optical measuring instrument. In another embodiment, the difference between the dimensions of the interface end of the viewing device and the opening of the optical measuring instrument is from 0.001 mm to 2 mm, or from 0.001% to 5%, or any range of values therein.

An Exemplary Protective Device for an Optical System with a Detachable Viewing Device

[0088] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an optical measurement kit comprising the present viewing device, the optical measuring instrument, and a first cap or plug configured to be removably or detachably connected to an opening of the optical measuring instrument and/or the interface end of the viewing device. The protective cap or plug can be used to prevent light, dust, water, and/or other contaminants from entering the viewing device and/or optical measuring instrument when the viewing device is removed from the optical measuring instrument. The protective cap or plug is removably attached to the interface end of the viewing system and/or inserted into opening in the optical measuring instrument. The protective cap or plug can be of almost any shape and material. For example, the cap or plug may comprise rubber, metal, plastic, cloth, or the like, or any combination thereof.

[0089] As is shown in FIG. 8, cap 800 has a top portion 803 that has a greater diameter than opening 670 in FIG. 6. For example, the top portion 803 of the cap 800 can have a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening in the measurement instrument of from 1 mm to 10 cm, or from 0.01% to 50%, or any value or range of values therein. In one embodiment, the top portion 803 of cap 800 has a diameter of or about 10-35 mm (e.g., about 23.5 mm). In a further embodiment, top portion 803 of cap 800 may have a beveled edge 807 around the topmost surface 805. A lower portion 830 of cap 800 is capable of being inserted into opening 670. In one embodiment, the lower portion 830 of cap 800 capable of being inserted into opening 670 has a diameter of or about 5-35 mm (e.g., about 18.8 mm) and a length of or about 5-25 mm (e.g., about 11.8 mm).

[0090] In another embodiment, cap 800 may have a space 835 (e.g., a gap, hollow, or opening) inside the lower portion 830. Space 835 may be configured to mate and/or receive a corresponding tube and/or housing portion of optical measuring instrument 605. In such an embodiment, space 835 may have the same diameter or a greater diameter than a corresponding tube and/or housing portion of optical measuring instrument 605. In one embodiment, space 835 has a diameter of or about 5-35 mm (e.g., about 11.2 mm) and a length of or about 5-25 mm (e.g., about 11.8 mm).

[0091] In another embodiment, cap 800 may have one or more grooves 810 on the lower portion 830. The groove(s) 810 may be configured to engage with a corresponding ring or collar 720 in the opening 670 of the optical measuring instrument (e.g., 605 in FIG. 6 and/or 705 in FIG. 7). Further, ring or collar 720 may have any configuration for releasably detaching cap 800. For example, ring or collar 720 may be continuous, partial, and/or a series of projections. In a further embodiment, the ring or collar (e.g., similar to ring or collar 720, but made of a material for the cap 800) may be on the cap 800, and the groove or notch may be in the sidewall of the opening 670.

[0092] Any mechanism for facilitating removal of the cap can be used in the present invention. In one embodiment, the cap may have multiple grooves, ring(s) and/or collar(s) on the upper portion 803 (e.g., 820 and 822). The grooves 820 and 822 may facilitate gripping the upper portion 803 of cap 800 with one's fingers. In another embodiment, cap 800 may have a gasket on lower portion 830 or on the underside 825 of top portion 803. For example, the gasket may be made of rubber, metal, cloth, felt, or any combination thereof.

[0093] Referring now to FIG. 9, the exemplary cap (or plug) 800 can be inserted into opening 670 to prevent light, dust, water or other contaminants from entering optical measuring instrument 605 when the viewing system (e.g., viewing device 610 as shown in FIG. 6, viewing device 710 as shown in FIG. 7, viewing device 1070 as shown in FIG. 10, and/or viewing device 1130-1135 as shown in FIG. 11) is removed. The cap 800 may have any shape and/or size for preventing damage to and/or contamination from entering the optical measuring instrument (e.g., 605 in FIG. 6 or 705 in FIG. 7) via opening 670. In one embodiment, the cap fits over opening 670. In another embodiment, a portion (e.g., lower portion 830) of cap 800 is inserted into opening 670. In a further embodiment, space 835 fits over a corresponding tube and/or housing portion of the optical measuring instrument (e.g., 605 in FIG. 6 or 705 in FIG. 7).

An Exemplary Detachable and Rotatable Viewing Device

[0094] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a detachable viewing device comprising one or more rotating joints. Viewing devices with one or more rotating joints, adapted for use with optical measuring instruments, are disclosed in co-pending and commonly- assigned U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 13/801,428, filed March 13, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. CRI-002), the relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0095] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary detachable viewing device 1010 coupled to optical measuring instrument 605. Because viewing device 1010 can rotate in a plane parallel to the optical axis 1080 of optical measuring instrument 705 (e.g., a horizontal plane above the optical measuring instrument 705), it may be considered a "horizontal" viewing system.

[0096] Viewing device 1010 has an interface end (e.g., a light receiving end) and a viewing end (e.g., a light output or exit end). Viewing device 1010 has a cavity between the interface end and viewing end for holding optics, such as mirrors, lenses, prisms, and/or an eyepiece. Viewing device 1010 may have any shape capable of holding the optics and transmitting light from the interface end to the viewing end. In one embodiment, the housing and/or cavity has a substantially cylindrical shape. The overall shape of viewing device 1010 can generally be the same as or different from the shape of the cavity. For example, viewing device 1010 can be generally cylindrical, rectangular or oval. Further, the body between the interface end and a viewing end of viewing device 1010 is angled (or bent) in at least one location. In another embodiment, the body between the interface end and a viewing end of viewing device 1010 has a bend with an angle of 90°. The body of viewing device 1010 can comprise any material, or combination of materials, capable of housing optics. For example, viewing device 1010 may comprise one or more tubes, plates, rings, wires, etc. of metal, plastic, ceramic, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0097] Rotating joint 1060 allows viewing device 1010 to rotate any number of degrees in a plane that is (i) parallel to the measurement axis 680 of optical measuring instrument 605 and (ii) perpendicular to the plane of the page. In one embodiment, the viewing device 1010 may rotate 360° in this plane. The ability to rotate the viewing device 1010 allows the viewer to view the object being measured from all sides of optical measuring instrument 705. Further, to facilitate positioning of the viewing device 1010, the rotating joint 1060 may have soft stops every 360°/n, where n is an integer of 2 or more (e.g., from 4 to 24, resulting in increments of 30°, 45°, or 90°, or other fixed value or angle between the rotational soft stops), relative to the optical axis 1080. The soft stops may be in a fitting inside rotating joint 1060. The soft stops may comprise one or more complementary notches and ridges or projections on opposed surfaces of rotating joint 1060, or a notch-and-spring-loaded-bearing mechanism 718a-b and/or 762, etc. Pressure on bearing 618a can be adjusted through a spring between it and a screw or bolt in fitting/opening 665. Further, the projection 718b can also be similarly adjusted. Viewing device 1010 further comprises angled mirror 1040, one or more rotating joints (e.g., rotating joint 1060), and eyepiece 650. In one embodiment, viewing device 1010 can have an angle of 90°, such that a first section of viewing device 1010 extends generally perpendicular to the optical axis 1080 of optical measuring instrument 705, and a second section is generally parallel to the optical axis 1080 of optical measuring instrument 705. Light from the object being measured and/or evaluated by the optical measuring instrument 705 reflects from angled mirror 740 to angled mirror 1040, and then from angled mirror 1040 to eyepiece 650 of viewing device 1010. A viewer can thus look through the eyepiece 650 to view the object being measured by the optical measuring instrument 705.

[0098] Angled mirror 1040 may be aligned with the optical axis of the light reflected from or by angled mirror 740. Angled mirror 1040 is mounted or affixed at or near a bend in viewing device 1010. In one embodiment, the angled mirror 1040 may be mounted or attached on substrate 690 that serves as an exterior in the housing of viewing device 1010, and the substrate 690 may be configured to fit in a space and/or opening in the housing of viewing device 1010. Angled mirror 1040 can be placed at any angle suitable to allow angled mirror 1040 to be aligned with the optical axis of the light reflected off angled mirror 740 and eyepiece 650. In one embodiment, the angled mirror 1040 is placed at or about a 45° angle to the optical axis 1080 of the light reflected by angled mirror 740.

[0099] The eyepiece (or ocular lens) 650 can be any eyepiece that allows the viewer to view the object being measured by optical measuring instrument 705. Further, eyepiece 650 can comprise a barrel (e.g. 652 and one or more lenses 654 and/or groups of lenses. Eyepiece 650 may further comprise an eye lens 656. Eyepiece 650 may also comprise a cup 658 of any suitable shape and distance from the eye lens 656. In further embodiments, the eyepiece 650 may further comprise a diopter adjustment and/or aperture. In other embodiments, the eyepiece may have a diameter of 20mm - 30mm. In still other embodiments, the one or more lenses may be concave, convex, and any combination thereof. In other embodiments, eyepiece 650 may comprise a mechanism for attaching a camera and/or computer display.

A Further Exemplary Detachable and Rotatable Viewing Device

[0100] Referring now to FIG. 11, another aspect of the present invention relates to a viewing device 1130-1135 that generally includes an angled mirror 1040, a pentaprism 1160, one or more rotating joints (e.g., rotating joint 1170), and an eyepiece 1150. In a further embodiment, viewing device 1130-1135 may have one or more lenses and/or groups of lenses (e.g., lens 1150) between the angled mirror 1040 and the pentaprism 1160. Because viewing device 1130-1135 can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of optical measuring instrument 1105 (e.g., a vertical plane above the optical measuring instrument 1105), it may be considered a "vertical" viewing system for use with the optical measuring instrument 1105 (e.g., a colorimeter).

[0101] Viewing device 1130-1135 has an interface end, proximal to the optical measuring instrument 1105, and a viewing end, distal to the optical measuring instrument 1105. Viewing device 1130-1135 has a cavity between the interface end and viewing end for holding optics, such as mirrors, lenses, prisms, and/or an eyepiece. Viewing device 1130-1135 may have any shape capable of holding the optics and transmitting light from the interface end to the viewing end. In one embodiment, the housing and/or cavity has a substantially cylindrical shape The overall shape of viewing device 1130-1135 can generally be the same as or different from the shape of the cavity. For example, viewing device 1 130-1135 can be generally cylindrical, rectangular or oval. Further, the body between the interface end and a viewing end of viewing device 1130-1135 is angled (or bent) in at least one location. In one embodiment, the body between the interface end and a viewing end of viewing device 1130-1135 has a bend with an angle of 90°. The body of viewing device 1 130-1135 can comprise any material, or combination of materials, capable of housing optics. For example, viewing device 1130-1135 may comprise one or more tubes, plates, rings, wires, etc. of metal, plastic, ceramic, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0102] In one embodiment, viewing device 1130-1135 comprises a first section 1130, a second section 1135 and a rotatable joint 1170 between the first and second sections 1130 and 1135. The first section 1130 of the body of viewing device 1130-1135 extends generally perpendicular to the optical axis 1080 of optical measuring instrument 1105. The second section 1135 also extends generally perpendicular to the optical axis 1080 of optical measuring instrument 1105.

[0103] In one exemplary embodiment, angled mirror 1040 is mounted or affixed in the first section 1130, and a pentaprism 1160 is mounted or affixed in the second section 1135. Light from the object being measured and/or evaluated by the optical measuring instrument 1105 reflects from angled mirror 1140 towards the angled mirror 1040, then from angled mirror 1040 through an optional lens 1150 into the pentaprism 1160. The light continues from pentaprism 1160 to the eyepiece 1150 of the viewing device 1130-1135. A viewer can thus look through the eyepiece 1150 to view the object being measured by the optical measuring instrument 1105.

[0104] Angled mirror 1040 may be aligned with the optical axis of the light reflected from and/or by angled mirror 1140. Angled mirror 1040 is mounted or affixed at or near where the first section 1130 and the second section 1135 meet in the body of viewing device 1130- 1135. In one embodiment, the angled mirror 1040 may be mounted or attached on substrate 1190 that serves as an exterior in the first section 1130 of viewing device 1130-1135, and the substrate 1190 may be configured to fit in a space and/or opening in the upper section 1130. In another embodiment, the viewing system comprises a third section (not shown) between the first section 1130 and the second section 1135, configured to separate the first and second sections 1130 and 1135 and/or facilitate a second (e.g., horizontal) degree of rotational freedom in the viewing apparatus 1100. In a further embodiment, the third section may be substantially parallel to the measuring instrument. In further embodiments, the angled mirror 1040 may be positioned at or about a location equidistance from pentaprism 1160 and the interface end of the optical measuring instrument 1105. Angled mirror 1040 can be placed at any angle allowing angled mirror 1040 to be aligned with the optical axis of the light reflected from angled mirror 1140 (and optionally, from pentaprism 1160). In one embodiment, the angled mirror 1040 has a 45° angle with respect to the optical axis of light reflected by mirror 1140.

[0105] In general, a pentaprism is a five-sided reflecting prism used to reflect a beam of light by a constant 90°. This reflection angle may result even if the entry beam is not at 90° to the face of the prism that it enters. In other embodiments, the pentaprism can be replaced with one or more mirrors. In further embodiments, the pentaprism can be replaced with a second mirror. Pentaprism 1160 is mounted or affixed at or near a second bend in the body of viewing device 1130-1135. In one embodiment, the pentaprism 1160 may be mounted or attached on substrate 1165 that serves as an exterior in the second section 1135 of viewing device 1130- 1135, and the substrate 1165 may be configured to fit in a space and/or opening in the second section 1135. One face of pentaprism 1160 is generally perpendicular to the optical axis of the light reflected from angled mirror 1040, and a second face is generally perpendicular to the optical axis of eyepiece 1150.

[0106] The eyepiece (or ocular lens) 650 can be any eyepiece that allows the viewer to view the object being measured by optical measuring instrument 1105. Further, eyepiece 650 can comprise a barrel (e.g. 652 and one or more lenses 654 and/or groups of lenses. Eyepiece 650 may further comprise an eye lens 656. Eyepiece 650 may also comprise a cup 658 of any suitable shape and distance from the eye lens 656. In further embodiments, the eyepiece 650 may further comprise a diopter adjustment and/or aperture. In other embodiments, the eyepiece may have a diameter of 20mm - 30mm. In still other embodiments, the one or more lenses may be concave, convex, and any combination thereof. In other embodiments, eyepiece 650 may comprise a mechanism for attaching a camera and/or computer display.

[0107] Rotating joint 1170 allows for the upper section 1135 of viewing device 1130-

1135 to rotate a number of degrees in a plane that is perpendicular to the measuring instrument 1110. In one embodiment, vertical viewing device 1130-1135 rotates up to about 270°. The ability to rotate upper section 1135 of viewing device 1130-1135 allows the viewer to view the object being measured from different sides of optical measuring instrument 1105. Further, the rotating joint 1170 may have soft stops every 30°, 45° or 90° (or other fixed value or angle) relative to the optical axis 980 to facilitate positioning of viewing device 1130-1135. The soft stops may be located in a fitting inside 1130. Further, the soft stops may comprise complementary notches 1121a-b and ridges or projections 718a-b on opposing surfaces inside the rotatable joint 1170, a similar notch-and-spring-loaded-bearing mechanism, etc. The observed image may rotate as viewing device 1130-1135 is rotated about rotating joint 1 170, but the image is not rotated or reversed when the image of the object being measured is observed with the eyepiece rotated +90° or -90° from the vertical position. In another embodiment, the lower section 1135 of the vertical viewing device has a second rotating joint in the same location as rotating joint 1060 in the exemplary viewing system of FIG. 10. An Exemplary Shutter for a Viewing System

[0108] Referring now to FIG. 12, another aspect of the present invention relates to a rotatable viewing device that generally includes a shutter 1210. For example, the viewing device 610 as shown in FIG. 6, viewing device 710 as shown in FIG. 7, viewing device 1070 as shown in FIG. 10, and/or viewing device 1130-1135 as shown in FIG. 11 may comprise a shutter 1210. In one embodiment, shutter 1210 may be permanently or detachably mounted or placed between the viewing end and either the interface end or a bend in the housing of the viewing device. For example, the shutter 1210 may be permanently or detachably mounted or placed between the eyepiece 650 or the camera mount 660 (FIG. 6) and the interface end in the housing of the viewing device. In another embodiment, shutter 1210 may be permanently or detachably mounted or placed between the pentaprism 1060 and the eyepiece 650 in the upper section 1035 of the rotatable viewing system of FIG. 10. Shutter 1210 may comprise an aperture (i) capable of opening or closing, and/or (ii) configured to control the amount of light that passes through the viewing system to eyepiece 650. Shutter 1210 may further comprise a lever, knob, dial, or switch 1220 configured to control the extent to which the aperture or the shutter 1210 opens or closes.

An Exemplary Method of Using an Optical Measuring Device

[0109] The present invention further relates to a method of using an optical measuring device. Specifically, the method of using an optical measuring device may comprise attaching a detachable viewing device to an optical measuring instrument, observing an object through the viewing device and the optical measuring instrument, and removing the viewing device from the optical measuring instrument (e.g., when not in use).

[0110] Flow chart 1300 of FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary method of using an optical measuring device according to the present invention. The method may begin at 1310, and at 1320, the method comprises attaching a detachable viewing device to an optical measuring instrument to form an optical measuring system. The viewing device may be any viewing device that allows a user to use the optical measuring instrument. For example, the viewing device may be the viewing device 610 as shown in FIG. 6, viewing device 710 as shown in FIG. 7, viewing device 1070 as shown in FIG. 10, and/or viewing device 1130-1135 as shown in FIG. 11. The optical measurement instrument may comprise any instrument capable of taking optical measurements. In various embodiments, the optical measurement instrument may comprise a photometer, colorimeter, spectrophotometer, or spectroradiometer.

[0111] At 1330, the method comprises making one or more measurements with the optical measuring system. Examples of optical measurements may include measurements relating to color matching and/or calibration, colorimetry, spectrophotometry, etc. In various embodiments, the optical measuring system may take optical measurements (e.g., photometry, colorimetry, spectrophotometry, optical spectroscopy, or spectroradiometry) of various objects. Examples of specific objects may include manufactured objects that may have one or more labels, inks, or attachments thereon, chemical or material samples (which may be in the solid, liquid and/or gas phase[s]), environmental samples (e.g., water and/or soil), medical samples (e.g., blood), textiles, precious stones, LCD, CRT, or LED displays, etc.

[0112] In other embodiments, operation of the detachable viewing device may include rotating the detachable viewing device to a desired position, thereby enabling the user to view the object, and optionally, facilitating alignment of the optical measuring instrument with the object. For example, the user may rotate the viewing device to any position that is accessible, convenient, comfortable and/or desirable for the user. For example, viewing device 1010 (FIG. 10) and/or viewing device 1130-1135 (FIG. 11) may be rotated one or more of a plurality of predetermined numbers of degrees in a plane parallel, orthogonal and/or vertical to the optical measuring instrument (e.g., 605 in FIG. 6 and/or 705 in FIG. 7).

[0113] At 1340, the method comprises determining whether different measurements are to be taken. Alternatively, at 1340, the method comprises determining whether different view(s) are to be made. For example, a different measurement may be taken when the first measurement(s) determine the wavelength and intensity of visible radiation reflected by an object, but another type of measurement is desired, such as measurements of the ultraviolet or infrared light absorption of the object. If different measurements are to be taken, the flow continues to 1360; otherwise, the flow continues to 1350. At 1350, if additional measurements or views are not to be made, then the flow ends at 1395. If at 1350 the viewer desires to take additional measurements or make additional views (e.g., using the same viewing device), then the flow returns to 1330.

[0114] At 1360, the method may comprise removing the viewing device from the optical measuring instrument. In a further embodiment, the method may comprise placing one or more caps or plugs on or in (i) the end of the viewing device that interfaces with the optical measuring instrument and/or (ii) an opening in the optical measuring instrument where the viewing device in inserted. For example, referring to FIG. 9, the cap 1300 may be placed in the opening 670 of the optical measuring instrument 605.

[0115] At 1370, one determines whether to use the same optical measuring instrument to take the different measurements. If the same optical measuring instrument is to be used, then the method continues to 1390. At 1390, a different viewing device may be attached to the same optical measuring instrument. For example, a viewer may want to use a different viewing device having different mechanical and/or optical characteristics (e.g., the viewing device 1200 in FIG. 12 having a shutter), that may be easier to use and position (e.g., the horizontally rotatable viewing device 1000 in FIG. 10 and/or vertically rotatable viewing device 1100 in FIG. 11), or that has a different viewing mechanism (e.g., a viewing device 600 in FIG. 6 having a camera 660 or the viewing device 710 in FIG. 7 having an eyepiece 650) The flow then continues at 1330.

[0116] If, at 1370, a different optical measuring instrument is to be used, then the flow continues to 1380. For example, if a colorimeter was used and now measurements of the radiance (e.g., intensity), reflectance, and/or absorbance of light are needed, the detachable viewing device may be removed from the colorimeter and attached to a different optical measuring instrument (e.g., a spectroradiometer). At 1380, the method attaches the same detachable viewing device to a different optical measuring instrument. The flow then continues at 1330.

[0117] Thus, by utilizing one or more detachable viewing devices, the present method is capable of efficiently using multiple viewing devices on multiple optical measuring instruments to take a variety of measurements. Alternatively, the present method provides for using one viewing device on many measuring instruments. In another alternative, the present method provides for using multiple viewing devices with one measuring instrument. Additionally, the present method avoids the issues and/or problems associated with redundant viewing devices.

An Exemplary Method of Making a Detachable Viewing Device

[0118] The present invention further relates to method of making a detachable viewing device. Specifically, the method of making a detachable viewing device may comprise forming a housing having an interface end opposite a viewing end, permanently or detachably connecting an eyepiece to the viewing end of the housing, and forming an attachment mechanism at or near the interface end of the housing configured to releasably or detachably connect to an optical measuring instrument. In one embodiment, the mirror and eyepiece comprise pre-assembled components.

[0119] Flow chart 1400 of FIG. 14 illustrates a method of making a detachable viewing device according to the present invention. The method encompasses forming a housing having an interface end opposite a viewing end, permanently or detachably connecting an eyepiece to the viewing end of the housing, and forming an attachment mechanism at or near the interface end of the housing configured to releasably or detachably connect to an optical measuring instrument.

[0120] The method may begin at 1410, and at 1420, the method comprises forming a housing. In further embodiments, the housing may comprise one or more sections, rotatable joints and/or connections. The one or more sections, rotatable joints and/or connections may be connected using adhesives, welds, grooves and O-rings, screws, rivets, combinations thereof, etc. In still further embodiments, various parts of the housing may have complementary screw-type threads and grooves configured to connect to one or more other parts of the housing. In other embodiments, there may be one or more openings in the housing, in one or more sections and/or at one or more intersections of the one or more sections. In further embodiments, the opening(s) are configured to receive a housing piece on or in which the mirror and/or pentaprism have been affixed or mounted. Thus, the mirror(s) and/or pentaprism may be mounted or affixed onto a substrate configured to mate with or fit over and/or into the opening in the housing using an adhesive, welds, a groove and O-ring fitting, screws, rivets, snap-on fittings, combinations thereof, etc.

[0121] In one embodiment, the housing is formed with a cavity having a cylindrical, rectangular or oval shape. In another embodiment, the housing may have one or more bend(s) having an angle of about 90°. In other or further embodiments, the housing includes one or more tubes, plates, rings, wires, etc. of metal, plastic, ceramic, etc., or a combination thereof. In yet other or further embodiments, the housing limits the amount of outside (e.g., external or extraneous) light that enters the viewing device, or substantially completely prevents external light from entering the viewing device. [0122] At 1430, an eyepiece (which may be pre-assembled) is permanently or detachably connected to the viewing end of the viewing housing. The eyepiece may comprise a barrel, one or more adjustable and/or focusing lenses, an eye lens, and/or a cup. In further embodiments, the eyepiece may further comprise a diopter adjustment and/or aperture. The eyepiece may have a diameter of 20mm - 30mm. The lens(es) may be concave, convex, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the eyepiece may be detachably connected to the housing using a quick release mechanism, a groove and O-ring mechanism, a notch-and-bearing mechanism, complementary thread(s) and groove(s) on the housing and eyepiece, and/or a slidable (e.g., tongue-and-groove) connection to the housing. In another embodiment, the eyepiece may comprise a mechanism for attaching a camera and/or computer display. In another embodiment, the eyepiece may be formed inside the housing. For example, one or more lenses, an eye lens, and/or a cup may be permanently connected inside and/or to the housing.

[0123] At 1440, an attachment mechanism is formed at or near the interface end of the housing configured to releaseably or detachably connect to an optical measuring instrument. In further embodiments, formation of the attachment mechanism comprises forming a ring, collar, notch, or groove at or near the interface end of the housing. In one embodiment, formation of the attachment mechanism comprises forming a ring or collar that can be a continuous ring, a partial ring, and/or one or more protrusions from or on the interface end of the housing. In a further embodiment, formation of the ring or collar may comprise forming a plurality of ball bearings in a semicircular groove from or on the interface end of the housing. In further embodiments, the attachment mechanism can be configured to detachable or removably connect with a corresponding ring, collar, notch, or groove in the optical measuring instrument.

[0124] In another embodiment, formation of the attachment mechanism comprises forming smooth sides configured to be insertable and/or slidable into the opening of the optical measuring instrument. In another embodiment, formation of the attachment mechanism comprises forming the diameter of the interface end of the housing to be smaller than the opening of the optical measuring instrument. In a further embodiment, formation of the attachment mechanism can include lubricating and or coating the attachment mechanism with silicone and/or Teflon. In yet another embodiment, formation of the attachment mechanism may comprise permanently or removably attaching a gasket on the interface end of the viewing device. [0125] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the components of the detachable viewing device are aligned to allow light entering an interface end of the housing to exit at a viewing end of the housing. For example, the location and/or angle of the mirror inside the housing may be any location and/or angle that ensure good viewing characteristics of an object when viewed through the eyepiece. In another example, the length and/or diameter of the one or more sections of the housing may vary depending on the viewing characteristics of the eyepiece (e.g., the focal length and/or diameter of the eyepiece) and vice versa. In various embodiments, alignment of the optical components of the rotatable viewing device may generally involve aligning the components with each other (e.g., an adjacent optical component) during assembly of the rotatable viewing device, and then having a final alignment of all components once all of the optical components have been mounted or affixed within the housing. At 1450, the method ends.

CONCLUSION / SUMMARY

[0126] Thus, the present invention provides for moveable and/or rotatable viewing systems used with optical measuring instruments. The present viewing system advantageously provides a viewing system that can freely rotate to enable observation of an image or object under inspection from substantially any angle.

[0127] The present invention also provides for a detachable viewing device that is removeably and/or detachably connectable to an optical measuring instrument. Alternatively, the present invention may also concern a viewing device having an opening and an optical measuring instrument having an interface with an attachment mechanism for detachably and/or reversibly connecting the viewing device. The present invention also concerns methods for manufacturing and using a viewing system according to the present invention.

[0128] The present invention reduces problems associated with conventional viewing systems and therefore enjoys particular advantages in use with measuring instruments (e.g., optical measuring instruments) such as having one viewing device for multiple measuring instruments or multiple viewing devices for use with a single instrument; reducing the weight of the instrument when not in use (e.g., when being moved); and protecting the viewing device when not in use.

[0129] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.