Image sensor inspection and cleaning device
AssigneeParkside Optical Inc.
InventorPeter Meurrens
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A loupe for use in conjunction with a digital SLR camera. The loupe is designed to couple to the lens mount of a camera to enable detection of any dust particles or other debris present on camera's image sensor. The loupe has a tubular housing having an access window slot formed therein to permit insertion of a cleaning tool into the interior of the housing to clean the image sensor while the loupe remains coupled to the camera. The invention thereby permits a user to more easily see dust particles or other debris on the image sensor during the cleaning operation.
Claims22
A device for use in conjunction with a camera having a lens mount and an image sensor, wherein said device comprises:
- (a) a housing having a lower portion sized to engage said lens mount;
- (b) a magnifying lens mounted within an interior of said housing;
- and
- (c) an illumination source mounted on said housing for illuminating said image sensor,
- wherein said housing comprises a cut-out slot to permit insertion of a cleaning tool therethrough, said device thereby enabling cleaning of said image sensor with said cleaning tool while said housing remains in engagement with said lens mount.
A kit comprising:
- (a) a device for use in conjunction with a camera having a lens mount and an image sensor, wherein said device comprises:
- (i) a housing having a lower portion sized to engage said lens mount, wherein said housing comprises a cut-out slot formed therein;
- (ii) a magnifying lens mounted within an interior of said housing, and
- (iii) an illumination source for illuminating said lens;
- and
- (b) a cleaning tool insertable through said slot for cleaning said image sensor when said housing is engagement with said lens mount.
12 The kit as defined in claim 10, wherein said lens is mounted within a barrel adjustably coupled within the interior of said housing to permit movement of said barrel relative to said housing;
The kit as defined in claim 12, wherein said barrel is threadedly coupled to said housing and said device comprises an annular adjustment ring for adjusting the vertical position of said barrel within said housing.
A method of cleaning an image sensor of a camera comprising:
- (a) providing an inspection device comprising a housing and a magnifying lens mounted within said housing, said housing having a slot formed therein;
- (b) coupling said inspection device to said camera;
- (c) inserting a cleaning tool through said slot while maintaining said device in engagement with said camera;
- and
- (d) cleaning said image sensor with said tool while viewing said image sensor through said magnifying lens.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.