U.S. patent application number 17/187401 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-01 for device for viewing and imaging the sun and solar phenomena.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graphic Arts Systems Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Graphic Arts Systems Inc.. Invention is credited to Jordan Katz, Stewart Nozette.
Application Number | 20220279096 17/187401 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005448444 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220279096 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Katz; Jordan ; et
al. |
September 1, 2022 |
DEVICE FOR VIEWING AND IMAGING THE SUN AND SOLAR PHENOMENA
Abstract
A viewing device adapted to support an imaging device includes a
panel defining an imaging aperture to facilitate a capture of an
image, by a camera sensor of the imaging device, of solar
phenomena, and a viewing window to facilitate a view, by one of the
human eyes, of the solar phenomena. The viewing window is arranged
distally from a first longitudinal end of the panel relative to the
imaging aperture and is arranged laterally offset from the imaging
aperture. The viewing device also includes an optical filter
attached to the panel and arranged covering the viewing window to
filter parasitic light rays, and an engagement member adapted to
releasably engage with the imaging device and retain the imaging
device with the panel such that the camera sensor is aligned with
the imaging aperture. The viewing device uses an authentication
identification to eliminate the risk of counterfeiting and preserve
safety.
Inventors: |
Katz; Jordan; (Shaker
Heights, OH) ; Nozette; Stewart; (South Euclid,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Graphic Arts Systems Inc. |
Maple Heights |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Graphic Arts Systems Inc.
Maple Heights
OH
|
Family ID: |
1000005448444 |
Appl. No.: |
17/187401 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/35581 20130101;
H04N 5/2254 20130101; G02B 7/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225; G02B 7/00 20060101 G02B007/00; H04N 5/355 20060101
H04N005/355 |
Claims
1. A viewing device adapted to support an imaging device having a
camera sensor and a display to display an image captured by the
camera sensor, the viewing device comprising: a panel having a
first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end and defining:
an imaging aperture to facilitate a capture of an image, by the
camera sensor, of a solar eclipse, a viewing window to facilitate a
view, by one of the human eyes, of the solar eclipse, the viewing
window is arranged distally from the first longitudinal end
relative to the imaging aperture and is arranged laterally and
longitudinally offset from the imaging aperture; a first optical
filter attached to the panel and arranged covering the imaging
aperture; a second optical filter, comprising optical
characteristics differing from optical characteristics of the first
optical filter, attached to the panel and arranged covering the
viewing window to filter parasitic light rays; and an engagement
member adapted to releasably engage with and support the imaging
device and retain the imaging device with the panel such that the
camera sensor is aligned with the imaging aperture, wherein the
viewing device facilitates a simultaneous capturing of the image of
the solar eclipse through the imaging aperture and the viewing of
the solar eclipse through the viewing window.
2. (canceled)
3. The viewing device of claim 1 further including a first
identifier disposed on the panel to enable an authentication of the
viewing device.
4. The viewing device of claim 3, wherein the first identifier is
one of a barcode, a QR code, a watermark, or a color code.
5. The viewing device of claim 1, wherein the optical filter
includes a second identifier to enable an authentication of the
optical filter.
6. The viewing device of claim 5, wherein the second identifier is
one of a barcode, a watermark, a color code, or a QR code.
7. The viewing device of claim 1, wherein the engagement member
includes an adhesive member to adhesively engage the imaging device
with the panel.
8. The viewing device of claim 1, wherein the engagement member
comprises a bracket to mechanically engage the imaging device with
the panel.
9. (canceled)
10. A viewing device adapted to support an imaging device having a
camera sensor and a display to display an image captured by the
camera sensor, the viewing device comprising: a panel having a
first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end and defining
an imaging aperture to facilitate a capture of an image, by the
camera sensor, of a solar eclipse, a viewing window to facilitate a
view, by one of the human eyes, of the solar eclipse, the viewing
window is arranged distally from the first longitudinal end
relative to the imaging aperture and is arranged laterally and
longitudinally offset from the imaging aperture; a first optical
filter attached to the panel and arranged covering the imaging
aperture; a first identifier disposed on the panel to enable an
authentication of the viewing device; a second optical filter,
comprising optical characteristics differing from optical
characteristics of the first optical filter, attached to the panel
and arranged covering the viewing window to filter parasitic light
rays; and an engagement member adapted to releasably engage with
and support the imaging device and retain the imaging device with
the panel such that the camera sensor is aligned with the imaging
aperture, wherein the viewing device facilitates a simultaneous
capturing of the image of the solar eclipse through the imaging
aperture and the viewing of the solar eclipse through the viewing
window.
11. (canceled)
12. The viewing device of claim 10, wherein the optical filter
includes a second identifier to enable an authentication of the
light filter.
13. The viewing device of claim 12, wherein the second identifier
is one of a barcode, a watermark, a color code, or a QR code.
14. The viewing device of claim 10, wherein the engagement member
includes an adhesive member to adhesively engage the imaging device
with the panel.
15. The viewing device of claim 10, wherein the first identifier is
one of a barcode, a QR code a watermark, or a color code.
16. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates, generally, to a viewing
device, and more particularly relates to a viewing device that
facilitates simultaneous viewing and capturing an image of the sun
and solar phenomena.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Currently, specifically designed glasses, goggles, and hand
cards are used to directly view the sun and solar phenomena, such
as a solar eclipse, and protect the eyes from harmful solar
radiation. However, these eye-wears are made for viewing only, and
cannot record the solar events. In the current age, smart phone
imaging is ubiquitous. Smart phone cameras do have available sun
safe filters that can be installed. However, there is no safe and
dependable way to hold the smartphone up to the sun without risking
the user's eyes. Also, it is generally difficult to see and hold
one's smart phone up to the sun, while wearing a protective
eyewear. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can
facilitate a simultaneous viewing and imaging of the sun, which
also takes eye safety into account.
SUMMARY
[0003] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure,
a viewing device is disclosed. The viewing device is adapted to
support an imaging device having a camera sensor and a display to
display an image captured by the camera sensor. The viewing device
includes a panel having a first longitudinal end and a second
longitudinal end and defines an imaging aperture to facilitate a
capture of an image, by the camera sensor, of a solar eclipse. The
panel also defines a viewing window to facilitate a view, by one of
the human eyes, of the solar eclipse. The viewing window is
arranged distally from the first longitudinal end relative to the
imaging aperture and is arranged laterally offset from the imaging
aperture. Moreover, the viewing device includes an optical filter
attached to the panel and arranged covering the viewing window to
filter parasitic light rays. Additionally, the viewing device
includes an engagement member adapted to releasably engage with the
imaging device and retain the imaging device with the panel such
that the camera sensor is aligned with the imaging aperture. The
viewing device facilitates a simultaneous capturing of the image of
the solar eclipse and the viewing of the solar eclipse.
[0004] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, a viewing device is disclosed. The viewing device is
adapted to support an imaging device having a camera sensor and a
display to display an image captured by the camera sensor. The
viewing device includes a panel having a first longitudinal end and
a second longitudinal end and defines an imaging aperture to
facilitate a capture of an image, by the camera sensor, of a solar
eclipse. The panel also defines a viewing window to facilitate a
view, by one of the human eyes, of the solar eclipse. The viewing
window is arranged distally from the first longitudinal end
relative to the imaging aperture and is arranged laterally offset
from the imaging aperture. Further, the viewing device includes a
first identifier disposed on the panel to enable an authentication
of the viewing device. Moreover, the viewing device includes an
optical filter attached to the panel and arranged covering the
viewing window to filter parasitic light rays. Additionally, the
viewing device includes an engagement member adapted to releasably
engage with the imaging device and retain the imaging device with
the panel such that the camera sensor is aligned with the imaging
aperture. The viewing device facilitates a simultaneous capturing
of the image of the solar eclipse and the viewing of the solar
eclipse.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary viewing
device, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the viewing device
of FIG. 1 with an imaging device engaged with a panel of the
viewing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
and
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the imaging device of FIG.
2 depicting a camera sensor of the imaging device, in accordance
with an embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be
apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present
disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In
other instances, apparatus and methods are shown in block diagram
form only in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.
[0009] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The
appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Further, the terms "a" and "an"
herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote
the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Moreover,
various features are described which may be exhibited by some
embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are
described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not
for other embodiments.
[0010] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be
described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention
are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention may be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy
applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to
like elements throughout. The, use of any term should not be taken
to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present
invention.
[0011] The embodiments are described herein for illustrative
purposes and are subject to many variations. It is understood that
various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated
as circumstances may suggest or render expedient but are intended
to cover the application or implementation without departing from
the spirit or the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be
regarded as limiting. Any heading utilized within this description
is for convenience only and has no legal or limiting effect.
[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a viewing device 100 that
facilitates a simultaneous viewing and imaging of a solar eclipse
is shown. The viewing 100 device includes a panel 102, for example,
a rectangular flat panel, having a first surface 104, a second
surface 106 arranged opposite and parallel to the first surface
104, a first longitudinal end 110 (i.e., top end 110), a second
longitudinal end 112 (i.e., bottom end 112) arranged opposite and
spaced apart from the first longitudinal end 110, a first lateral
end 114, and a second lateral end 116 disposed opposite to the
first lateral end 114. Although a rectangular flat panel 102 is
shown and contemplates, it may be appreciated that the panel 102
may include an arcuate shape, a square shape, a trapezoidal shape,
etc. The panel 102 is adapted to be arranged in front of a user's
face for viewing and imaging the solar eclipse such that the first
longitudinal end 110 is arranged proximate to a forehead of the
user and at least a portion of the panel 102 is arranged directly
in front of the forehead, while the second longitudinal end 112 is
arranged relatively proximate to a chin of the user and below the
eyes of the user. Also, the panel 102 is shaped and sized such that
the panel 102 is adapted to cover both the eyes of the user when
the panel 102 is arranged in front of the face of the user, while
viewing the solar eclipse. Accordingly, the panel 102 includes a
length 1' and a width `W` so as to completely cover eyes of the
user to prevent the eyes of the user from an exposure of solar rays
when the viewing device 100 is positioned in front of the user to
simultaneously image and view the solar eclipse. In some
embodiments, viewing device 100 may include one or more side flaps
adapted to move between an extended position and folded position.
In the extended position, the one or more side flaps extends
outwardly from panel 102 and may cover a space between the panel
102 and the face of the user to prevent a direct exposure of the
eyes of the user to the solar eclipse.
[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the panel 102 defines an
opening, for example, a viewing window 120, extending from the
first surface 104 to the second surface 106, and an imaging
aperture 122 (shown in FIG. 1) extending from the first surface 104
to the second surface 106. As shown, the viewing window 120 is
arranged on a first side, for example, a right side, of a
longitudinal central axis 124 of the panel 102, while the imaging
aperture 122 is arranged on a second side, for example, a left side
of the longitudinal central axis 124 of the panel 102. The viewing
window 120 enables a viewing of the solar eclipse, by the eye of
the user, and is arranged distally from the first longitudinal end
110 relative to the imaging aperture 122. As shown, the viewing
window 120 may be arranged substantially centrally to the length 1'
of the panel 102 to ensure sufficient extension of the panel 102 on
both sides of the eye of the user, in a longitudinal direction, to
prevent the eyes from an exposure of solar radiations while using
the viewing device 100.
[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging aperture 122 is arranged
proximate to the first longitudinal end 110 relative to the viewing
window 120 and is disposed laterally offset from the viewing window
120. The imaging aperture 122 facilitates an imaging of the solar
eclipse via an imaging device 200. In an embodiment, the imaging
device 200 may be a mobile phone 202, such as, a smart phone,
having a camera sensor 204 (shown in FIG. 3) and a display 206
adapted to display a scene and/or image captured by the camera
sensor 204. The imaging aperture 122 facilitates a transmission of
light to the camera sensor 204 from an ambient. It may be
appreciated that a position of the imaging aperture 122 is selected
so as to enable an alignment of the camera sensor 202 with the
imaging aperture 122 when the imaging device 200 is engaged with
the panel 102.
[0015] To engage and retain the imaging device 200 with the viewing
device 100, the viewing device 100 includes an engagement member
130 coupled to the panel 102. As shown, the engagement member 130
may be an elongated adhesive member or strip 132 arranged on the
second side of the panel 102 and between the imaging aperture 122
and the second longitudinal end 112 of the panel 102. A length and
width of the adhesive strip 132 may be selected to ensure the
retention of the imaging device 200 with the panel 102. The
adhesive strip 132 may facilitate an adhesive
engagement/coupling/attachment of the imaging device 200 with the
panel 102 and enables a releasable engagement of the imaging device
200 with the panel 102. In an embodiment, the adhesive strip 132
may be dual side adhesive tape and may be releasably attached to
the first surface 104 of the panel 102. Although the engagement
member 130 is depicted in the figures as an adhesive strip 132, in
embodiments the engagement member 130 may comprise any other
suitable engagement element, such as, but not limited to, a
magnetic member, a bracket, a Velcro, etc., and may also be
utilized for engaging and retaining the imaging device 200 with the
viewing device 100.
[0016] Additionally, the viewing device 100 includes an optical
filter 140 attached to the panel 102 and arranged covering the
viewing window 120. As shown, the optical filter 140 completely
covers the viewing window 120 and may be attached to the second
surface 106 of the panel 102. The optical filter 140 is arranged
such that a light incident on the optical filter 140 is transmitted
through the optical filter 140 to the eye of user through the
viewing window 120. In an embodiment, the optical filter 140 is a
solar filter which is at least partially transparent so that at
least part of light incident on the optical filter 140 may be
transmitted through the optical filter 140.
[0017] In one embodiment, the optical filter 140 may be a
polarization filter selectively transmitting the incident light on
the basis of its polarization state. The polarization filter may
be, for example, a linear polarization filter transmitting linearly
polarized light, a circular polarization filter producing
circularly polarized transmitted light, or a cross polarization
filter changing the polarization orientation of incident, linearly
polarized light perpendicular to the initial orientation.
Accordingly, the optical filter 140 is selected such that the
optical filter 140 prevents an exposure of harmful radiation of the
sun to the eye of the user, while enabling the user to see/view the
solar eclipse. In alternate embodiments, the optical filter 140 may
be a filter that meets specific ISO and ASTM standards for eye
safety, which may be selected based on the specific application of
the viewing device 100.
[0018] Additionally, or optionally, the viewing device 100 may
include a light filter 150 attached to the panel 102 and arranged
covering the imaging aperture 122. Similar to the optical filter
140, the light filter 150 completely covers the imaging aperture
122 and is arranged such that a light incident on the light filter
150 is transmitted through the light filter 150 to the camera
sensor 204 via the imaging aperture 122. In an embodiment, the
light filter 150 is at least partially transparent so that at least
part of light incident on the light filter 150 may be transmitted
through the light filter 150, and which affects at least one of the
spectrum and the polarization state of such light incident on and
propagating through the light filter 150. In one embodiment, the
light filter 150 may be a polarization filter selectively
transmitting the incident light on the basis of its polarization
state. The polarization filter may be, for example, a linear
polarization filter transmitting linearly polarized light, a
circular polarization filter producing circularly polarized
transmitted light, or a cross polarization filter changing the
polarization orientation of incident, linearly polarized light
perpendicular to the initial orientation. Accordingly, the light
filter 150 may be a solar filter and is selected such that the
light filter 150 facilitates an imaging of the solar eclipse.
[0019] Moreover, to ensure an authentication of the viewing device
100, the viewing device 100 may include an identifier, for example,
a first identifier 152, arranged on the panel 102. In an
embodiment, the first identifier 152 may be a watermark, a color
code, a barcode, a QR code, or any other suitable identifier that
facilitates in recognizing the authenticity of the viewing device
100 by the user. The user may check the authenticity of the viewing
device 100 by comparing the watermark or the color code with a
predefined watermark and the color code. Accordingly, the user may
ascertain the authenticity of the viewing device 100 without using
any additional equipment or internet from a remote location. In
some embodiments, the user may scan the barcode or the QR code and
compares the code with the pre-recorded codes available at a
manufacturer website or an online database, and accordingly check
the authenticity of the viewing device 100.
[0020] Additionally, the viewing device 100 may include a second
identifier 154 to check an authenticity of the optical filter 140.
For so doing, the second identifier 154 may be arranged/printed on
the optical filter 140, and may be a watermark, a color code, a
barcode, a QR code, or any other suitable identifier in recognizing
the authenticity of the optical filter 140 by the user. The user
may check the authenticity of the optical filter 140 by comparing
the watermark or the color code with a predefined watermark and the
color code. Accordingly, the user may ascertain the authenticity of
the optical filter 140 without using any additional equipment or
internet at a remote location. In some embodiments, the user may
scan the barcode or the QR code and compares the code with the
pre-recorded codes available at a manufacturer website or an online
database, and accordingly check the authenticity of the optical
filter 140.
[0021] For simultaneously viewing the solar eclipse and capturing
the image of the solar eclipse, the user may engage the imaging
device 200, such as, the smartphone 202, to the panel 102 via the
engagement member 130. The user may engage the smartphone 202 with
the panel 102 such that the camera sensor 204 is aligned with the
imaging aperture 122 so that a light transmitted through the light
filter 150 is received by the camera sensor 204. Subsequently, the
user may hold the viewing device 100 and position the viewing
device 100 with the smartphone 200 in front of user's face such
that one eye (right eye) of the user is aligned with the viewing
window 120. Accordingly, a light transmitted through the optical
filter 140 and the viewing window 120 may reach the eye of the
user. It may be appreciated that the user may position the panel
102 (i.e., the viewing device 100) such that the panel 102 is
arranged directly in front of both the eyes of the user and the
display 206 is arranged in front of the other eye (i.e., left eye)
of the user. In this manner, the panel 102 (i.e., the viewing
device 100) prevents both the eyes of the user from a direct
exposure of the solar radiations (parasitic rays) during solar
eclipse and enables the viewing of the solar eclipse by the eyes of
the user and capturing image of the solar eclipse by the camera
sensor 204 (i.e., smartphone 202) simultaneously.
[0022] Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosures
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these disclosures pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosures
are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and
that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be
included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover,
although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings
describe example embodiments in the context of certain example
combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated
that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be
provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the
scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example,
different combinations of elements and/or functions than those
explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set
forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are
employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense
only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *