Optical waveguide camera and optical system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an optical waveguide camera and an optical system, and relates to the technical field of optics. The optical waveguide camera comprises an optical waveguide and an image acquisition device; the optical waveguide comprises a coupling-in grating and a coupling-out grating. The light beam is divided into two light beams by the coupling grating of the optical waveguide, and one light beam enters human eyes through the optical waveguide, so that the optical waveguide camera has an observation function; the other light beam is totally reflected in the optical waveguide and transmitted to the coupling-out grating, the light beam emitted by the coupling-out grating enters the image acquisition device, the image acquisition device converts an optical signal into an electric signal, and the electric signal is converted into image data, so that the recording of an image is realized; namely, a user can observe through the optical waveguide camera, and the optical waveguide camera can record the image; moreover, the second light beam is transmitted in the optical waveguide in a total reflection manner, thereby reducing the energy loss, improving the light efficiency, and improving the experience feeling of a user when the user uses the optical waveguide camera.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of optics, in particular to an optical waveguide camera and an optical system. Background Art

[0002] White-light telescopes and riflescopes are widely used in various fields. Because telescopes and riflescopes are optical systems composed of a series of optical lenses, they can only provide real-time observation, aiming, and ranging functions. They cannot record the observed scene or target status in real time, nor can they analyze the observed scene or transmit it to others in real time. These limitations in actual use affect the user experience of white-light telescopes and riflescopes.

[0003] It can be seen that increasing the image recording function of telescopes and sights without affecting the observation of telescopes and sights to improve the user experience is a technical problem that people in this field urgently need to solve. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an optical waveguide camera and an optical system to solve the technical problem that the existing optical observation instrument composed of an optical system consisting only of a series of optical lenses cannot record images.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides an optical waveguide camera for use connected to the front end of an optical observation device, comprising an optical waveguide and an image acquisition device; the optical waveguide comprises an incoupling grating and an outcoupling grating located at both ends of the optical waveguide; and the image acquisition device is located on one side of the outcoupling grating;

[0006] The coupling grating is used to receive the light beam emitted from the front end of the optical observation device and split the received light beam into a first light beam and a second light beam;

[0007] The first light beam is emitted through the optical waveguide to enter the human eye; the second light beam is totally reflected in the optical waveguide after changing its transmission direction, and enters the image acquisition device after passing through the outcoupling grating.

[0008] Exemplarily, the coupling-in grating and the coupling-out grating are located on the same surface of the optical waveguide, or the coupling-in grating and the coupling-out grating are located on two opposite surfaces of the optical waveguide, respectively.

[0009] Exemplarily, the coupling-in grating is attached to a first target surface of the optical waveguide; wherein the first target surface is a surface of all surfaces of the optical waveguide that is closest to the optical observation device; and / or, the coupling-out grating is attached to a second target surface of the optical waveguide; wherein the second target surface is a surface of all surfaces of the optical waveguide that is closest to the image acquisition device.

[0010] Exemplarily, the image acquisition device includes an objective lens, a photoelectric conversion module, and an image processing module of the image acquisition device;

[0011] The photoelectric conversion module in the image acquisition device is used to convert the optical signal corresponding to the light beam passing through the objective lens of the image acquisition device into an electrical signal, and the image processing module in the image acquisition device is used to convert the electrical signal into image data.

[0012] Exemplarily, the photoelectric conversion module is a CMOS sensor.

[0013] Exemplarily, the image acquisition device further includes a wireless transmission module; the wireless transmission module is connected to the image processing module.

[0014] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention also provides an optical system, including an optical observation device and the above-mentioned optical waveguide camera;

[0015] The optical observation device includes an objective lens and an eyepiece;

[0016] The objective lens of the optical observation device is used to receive the light beam emitted by the external scene, so that the light beam emitted by the external scene forms an image in the optical observation device;

[0017] The eyepiece is used to collimate the light beam formed in the optical observation device;

[0018] The coupling-in grating of the optical waveguide is used to receive the light beam collimated by the eyepiece and split the collimated light beam into a first light beam and a second light beam.

[0019] Exemplarily, the image acquisition device and the optical observation equipment are located on the same side or on both sides of the optical waveguide.

[0020] Exemplarily, the size of the coupling-in grating is greater than or equal to the size of the eyepiece; and / or the size of the coupling-out grating matches the image acquisition device; and / or the size of the coupling-in grating is greater than the size of the coupling-out grating.

[0021] Exemplarily, the image acquisition device is built-in or externally mounted on the optical observation device; and / or the optical waveguide is built-in or externally mounted on the front end of the optical observation device.

[0022] The optical waveguide camera provided by the utility model includes an optical waveguide and an image acquisition device; the optical waveguide includes an in-coupling grating and an out-coupling grating. The in-coupling grating of the optical waveguide splits a light beam into two beams. One beam passes through the optical waveguide and enters the human eye, enabling the optical waveguide camera to perform observation. The other beam undergoes total reflection in the optical waveguide and is transmitted to the out-coupling grating. The beam emitted by the out-coupling grating enters the image acquisition device, where the optical signal is converted into an electrical signal, and then into image data, thereby recording the image. This allows the user to observe and record images through the optical waveguide camera. The second beam is transmitted by total reflection in the optical waveguide, reducing energy loss, improving light efficiency, and enhancing the user experience when using the optical waveguide camera.

[0023] In addition, the present invention also provides an optical system, including the above-mentioned optical waveguide camera, which has the same or corresponding technical features as the above-mentioned optical waveguide camera and has the same effects as above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an optical waveguide camera provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an optical system provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an optical waveguide provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0029] 1-Optical observation device; 1.1-Objective lens of the optical observation device; 1.2-Eyepiece; 2-Optical waveguide; 2.1-Incoupling grating; 2.2-Outcoupling grating; 3-Image acquisition device; 3.1-Objective lens of the image acquisition device; 3.2-Photoelectric conversion module; 3.3-Wireless transmission module; 4-Human eye. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] The core of the utility model is to provide an optical waveguide camera and an optical system to solve the technical problem that the existing optical observation instruments composed of an optical system consisting only of a series of optical lenses cannot record images.

[0032] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an optical waveguide camera provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The optical waveguide camera is used to be connected to the front end of an optical observation device 1. Figure 1 As shown, the optical waveguide camera includes an optical waveguide 2 and an image acquisition device 3. The optical waveguide 2 includes an incoupling grating 2.1 and an outcoupling grating 2.2 located at either end of the optical waveguide 2. Because the incoupling grating 2.1 is used to receive the light beam emitted from the front end of the optical observation device 1, it is necessary to ensure that the incoupling grating 2.1 can receive the light beam emitted from the front end of the optical observation device 1. In other words, the position of the incoupling grating 2.1 must be compatible with the front end of the optical observation device 1. After the position of the incoupling grating 2.1 in the optical waveguide 2 is determined, the other end of the optical waveguide 2 is the location of the outcoupling grating 2.2. Figure 1 In the figure, the coupling-in grating 2.1 is located at the end a of the optical waveguide 2, and the coupling-out grating 2.2 is located at the end b of the optical waveguide 2.

[0033] There is no limitation on the specific positions of the coupling-in grating 2.1 and the coupling-out grating 2.2 at the two ends of the optical waveguide 2. For example, they can be arranged inside the optical waveguide 2 (not in contact with the surface of the optical waveguide 2) or attached to the surface of the optical waveguide 2. In order to improve the stability of the optical waveguide 2 structure including the coupling-in grating 2.1 and the coupling-out grating 2.2, the coupling-in grating 2.1 and the coupling-out grating 2.2 are both attached to the inner surface of the optical waveguide 2. For example, the coupling-in grating 2.1 and the coupling-out grating 2.2 can be attached to the inner surface of the optical waveguide 2 by means of embossing, etching, masking, or exposure and development. In implementation, the coupling-in grating 2.1 and the coupling-out grating 2.2 are located on the same surface of the optical waveguide 2, or the coupling-in grating 2.1 and the coupling-out grating 2.2 are respectively located on two opposite surfaces of the optical waveguide 2. Figure 1 In FIG. 2 , the coupling-in grating 2 . 1 and the coupling-out grating 2 . 2 are both located on the left surface of the optical waveguide 2 .

[0034] There is no limitation on the surface of the optical waveguide 2 to which the coupling-in grating 2.1 and the coupling-out grating 2.2 are attached. In order to reduce energy loss and improve light efficiency, the coupling-in grating 2.1 is attached to the first target surface of the optical waveguide 2; wherein the first target surface is the surface of all surfaces of the optical waveguide 2 that is closest to the optical observation device 1. Figure 1 In the figure, the first target surface of the optical waveguide 2 is the left surface of the optical waveguide 2.

[0035] To enable the optical waveguide camera to record scenes in addition to providing observation capabilities, an image acquisition device 3 is provided. The image acquisition device 3 includes an objective lens 3.1, a photoelectric conversion module 3.2, and an image processing module (not shown).

[0036] The photoelectric conversion module 3.2 in the image acquisition device 3 is used to convert the optical signal corresponding to the light beam passing through the image acquisition device's objective lens 3.1 into an electrical signal. The image processing module in the image acquisition device 3 is used to convert the electrical signal into image data. The photoelectric conversion module 3.2 can be a charge-coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, or the like. To reduce power consumption, the photoelectric conversion module 3.2 used in the embodiment of the present invention is a CMOS sensor.

[0037] To enable the user to observe the recorded images, the image acquisition device 3 is also provided with a wireless transmission module 3.3; this module is connected to the image processing module. It is worth noting that, in practice, the image processing module and the wireless transmission module 3.3 can be integrated on the same chip. The wireless transmission module 3.3 can wirelessly connect to the wireless transmission module 3.3 on the terminal device, thereby wirelessly transmitting the image data from the image acquisition device 3 to the terminal device, allowing the user to view the image on the terminal device.

[0038] In the aforementioned optical waveguide camera, the coupling-in grating 2.1 receives the light beam emitted from the front end of the optical observation device 1 and splits it into a first beam and a second beam. The first beam passes through the optical waveguide 2 and enters the human eye 4. The second beam changes direction, undergoes total internal reflection in the optical waveguide 2, passes through the coupling-out grating 2.2, and enters the image acquisition device 3.

[0039] The optical waveguide camera provided by the present embodiment includes an optical waveguide 2 and an image acquisition device 3. The optical waveguide 2 includes an incoupling grating 2.1 and an outcoupling grating 2.2. The incoupling grating 2.1 of the optical waveguide 2 splits a light beam into two beams. One beam passes through the optical waveguide and enters the human eye, enabling the optical waveguide camera to observe. The other beam undergoes total internal reflection within the optical waveguide 2 and is transmitted to the outcoupling grating 2.2. The beam emitted by the outcoupling grating 2.2 enters the image acquisition device 3. The image acquisition device 3 converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, and then converts the electrical signal into image data, thereby recording the image. This allows the user to observe and record images through the optical waveguide camera, improving the user experience when using the optical waveguide camera. Furthermore, the second beam undergoes total internal reflection within the optical waveguide 2, which prevents beam transmission, reduces energy loss, improves light efficiency, and enhances the user experience when using the optical waveguide camera.

[0040] An optical waveguide camera is described above. This embodiment further provides an optical system including an optical observation device 1 and the optical waveguide camera described above. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an optical system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The optical observation device 1 includes an objective lens 1.1, an imaging lens assembly (not shown), and an eyepiece 1.2. The optical observation device 1 is not limited to any specific embodiment and may be, for example, a white light telescope or a white light sight. The objective lens 1.1 of the optical observation device is used to receive a light beam emitted by an external scene, so that the light beam emitted by the external scene forms an image within the optical observation device 1.

[0041] The eyepiece 1.2 is used to collimate the light beam formed in the optical observation device 1;

[0042] The coupling-in grating 2.1 of the optical waveguide 2 is used to receive the light beam collimated by the eyepiece 1.2 and to split the collimated light beam into a first light beam and a second light beam.

[0043] The image acquisition device 3 and the optical observation device 1 are located on the same side or both sides of the optical waveguide 2. In practice, in order to ensure the use and habits of the human eye 4 when using the optical observation instrument, the embodiment of the present invention sets the image acquisition device 3 and the optical observation device 1 on the same side of the optical waveguide 2. Figure 2 In the figure, the human eye observation position is located on the right side of the optical waveguide 2, and the image acquisition device 3 and the optical observation device 1 are both located on the left side of the optical waveguide 2. In addition, the image acquisition device 3 is built-in or externally mounted on the optical observation device 1. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the image acquisition device 3 is externally mounted on the optical observation device 1. In addition, the optical waveguide 2 is internally or externally mounted on the front end of the optical observation device 1.

[0044] To ensure the amount of light entering the coupling-in grating 2.1, the area of the coupling-in grating 2.1 is set to be greater than or equal to the area of the eyepiece 1.2. To ensure the amount of light entering the image acquisition device 3, the area of the coupling-out grating 2.2 is set to match the image acquisition device 3. Specifically, the area of the coupling-out grating 2.2 is less than or equal to the light-collecting area of the objective lens 3.1 of the image acquisition device. Preferably, the coupling-out area of the coupling-out grating 2.2 is equal to the light-collecting area of the objective lens 3.1 of the image acquisition device. Alternatively, the area of the coupling-out grating 2.2 is determined by the sensitivity of the photoelectric conversion module in the image acquisition device 3, the amount of light entering the module, etc. If the sensitivity of the photoelectric conversion module 3.2 is higher, a smaller area of the coupling-out grating 2.2 can be set; otherwise, a larger area of the coupling-out grating 2.2 can be set.

[0045] In order to ensure the brightness of the image observed by the human eye 4, the area size of the coupling-in grating 2.1 can be set to be larger than the area size of the coupling-out grating 2.2, such as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an optical waveguide provided by an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the area size of the coupling-in grating 2.1 is larger than the area size of the coupling-out grating 2.2.

[0046] When a light beam passes through optical waveguide 2, most of the beam energy passes through optical waveguide 2 and enters the human eye 4. A small portion of the light beam is received by the coupling grating 2.1 of optical waveguide 2. The internal grating changes the propagation direction of the light beam, and then it is emitted from the coupling grating 2.2 of the output window of optical waveguide 2 and propagates outward. The light beam is converged by the lens of the waveguide camera, and the optical signal is converted into an electrical signal by the photoelectric conversion module 3.2. The electrical signal is then converted into image data by the image processing module, realizing the recording of the image.

[0047] In order to help those skilled in the art better understand the present invention, the overall technical solution of the present invention will be further described below using the optical observation device 1 as a telescope or a sight as an example. The optical system includes a telescope or a sight, an optical waveguide 2, and a waveguide camera.

[0048] 1. The objective lens in a telescope or riflescope primarily focuses incoming light from the external scene, while the eyepiece 1.2 in the telescope or riflescope primarily directs the resulting image light into the human eye 4 for viewing.

[0049] 2. The main function of the coupling-in region of the optical waveguide 2 is to couple part of the outgoing light into the optical waveguide 2, thereby changing its propagation direction; the main function of the coupling-out region of the optical waveguide 2 is to emit the light propagating inside the optical waveguide 2 from this region.

[0050] 3. The waveguide camera's objective lens focuses light coupled from waveguide 2 onto the waveguide camera's sensor. The waveguide camera's CMOS sensor senses light energy, converts it into electrical signals, and then processes it through a series of image processing steps to create an image. Wireless transmission module 3.3 enables real-time sharing of images for others to observe.

[0051] 4. The human eye 4 can see distant scenes directly through a telescope or a scope through the optical waveguide 2.

[0052] The operating principle of this optical system is as follows: a light beam reflected from a distant scene enters optical observation device 1 through the device's objective lens 1.1. The light beam is transformed into an image through a series of lens systems and collimated by eyepiece 1.2. A portion of the light beam smoothly passes through the coupling region of optical waveguide 2 and enters optical waveguide 2 for propagation. Another portion of the light beam, after passing through the coupling region, passes through optical waveguide 2 and enters the human eye 4, allowing the human eye 4 to observe the distant scene. The light beam propagating through optical waveguide 2 ultimately exits through the coupling region and passes through the waveguide camera's objective lens, where it is focused onto a CMOS sensor. The optical signal is sensed and converted into an electrical signal. After circuit processing, the image data is recorded and stored. The observed image can be transmitted to others via wireless transmission module 3.3 for real-time observation.

[0053] The optical system provided by this utility model enhances the image recording capabilities of telescopes and sights without affecting their observation capabilities. This optical system utilizes the principle of light splitting by waveguides and their thin and lightweight nature. Furthermore, when a miniature CMOS camera is used as the image acquisition device, its compact size allows it to be installed on existing optical equipment without significantly increasing the size and weight of existing optical observation and sighting instruments, nor does it alter user usage habits. This waveguide camera boasts advantages such as small size, light weight, and ease of use, and can enhance the scene recording and transmission capabilities of existing telescopes and sights.

[0054] An optical waveguide camera or optical system is applied to an optical observation instrument. The optical waveguide camera includes an optical waveguide 2 and an image acquisition device 3; the optical waveguide 2 includes an in-coupling grating 2.1 and an out-coupling grating 2.2. The in-coupling grating 2.1 of the optical waveguide splits the light beam into two beams. One beam passes through the optical waveguide and enters the human eye, enabling the optical waveguide camera to observe. The other beam undergoes total reflection in the optical waveguide and is transmitted to the out-coupling grating 2.2. The light beam emitted by the out-coupling grating 2.2 enters the image acquisition device 3, which converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, and then converts the electrical signal into image data, thereby recording the image. This means that the user can observe through the optical observation instrument and the optical observation instrument can record images, improving the user's experience when using the optical observation instrument.

[0055] The above describes in detail the optical waveguide camera and optical system provided by the present invention. The various embodiments are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from the other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between the various embodiments can be referred to in detail. It should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and such improvements and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0056] It should also be noted that, in this specification, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

Claims

1. An optical waveguide camera, characterized in that: For use in connection with the front end of an optical observation device (1), comprising an optical waveguide (2) and an image acquisition device (3); the optical waveguide (2) comprises an in-coupling grating (2.1) and an out-coupling grating (2.2) located at both ends of the optical waveguide (2); and the image acquisition device (3) is located on one side of the out-coupling grating (2.2); The coupling grating (2.1) is used to receive the light beam emitted from the front end of the optical observation device (1) and split the received light beam into a first light beam and a second light beam; The first light beam is emitted through the optical waveguide (2) to enter the human eye (4); the second light beam changes its transmission direction and undergoes total reflection in the optical waveguide (2), and enters the image acquisition device (3) after passing through the outcoupling grating (2.2).

2. The optical waveguide camera according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling-in grating (2.1) and the coupling-out grating (2.2) are located on the same surface of the optical waveguide (2), or the coupling-in grating (2.1) and the coupling-out grating (2.2) are respectively located on two opposite surfaces of the optical waveguide (2).

3. The optical waveguide camera according to claim 2, wherein: The coupling-in grating (2.1) is attached to a first target surface of the optical waveguide (2); wherein the first target surface is the surface closest to the optical observation device (1) among all surfaces of the optical waveguide (2); and / or the coupling-out grating (2.2) is attached to a second target surface of the optical waveguide (2); wherein the second target surface is the surface closest to the image acquisition device (3) among all surfaces of the optical waveguide (2).

4. The optical waveguide camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The image acquisition device (3) comprises an objective lens (3.1) of the image acquisition device, a photoelectric conversion module (3.2) and an image processing module; The photoelectric conversion module (3.2) in the image acquisition device (3) is used to convert the light signal corresponding to the light beam passing through the objective lens (3.1) of the image acquisition device into an electrical signal, and the image processing module in the image acquisition device (3) is used to convert the electrical signal into image data.

5. The optical waveguide camera according to claim 4, wherein: The photoelectric conversion module (3.2) is a CMOS sensor.

6. The optical waveguide camera according to claim 4, wherein: The image acquisition device (3) further comprises a wireless transmission module (3.3); the wireless transmission module (3.3) is connected to the image processing module.

7. An optical system, characterized in that: comprising an optical observation device (1) and an optical waveguide camera according to any one of claims 1 to 6; The optical observation device (1) includes an objective lens and an eyepiece (1.2); The objective lens (1.1) of the optical observation device is used to receive a light beam emitted by an external scene, so that the light beam emitted by the external scene forms an image in the optical observation device (1); The eyepiece (1.2) is used to collimate the light beam formed in the optical observation device (1); The coupling grating (2.1) of the optical waveguide (2) is used to receive the light beam collimated by the eyepiece (1.2) and to split the collimated light beam into a first light beam and a second light beam.

8. The optical system according to claim 7, wherein: The image acquisition device (3) and the optical observation device (1) are located on the same side or on both sides of the optical waveguide (2).

9. The optical system according to claim 7, wherein: The size of the coupling-in grating (2.1) is greater than or equal to the size of the eyepiece (1.2); and / or the size of the coupling-out grating (2.2) matches the image acquisition device (3); and / or the size of the coupling-in grating (2.1) is greater than the size of the coupling-out grating (2.2).

10. The optical system according to claim 9, wherein: The image acquisition device (3) is built-in or externally mounted on the optical observation device (1); and / or the optical waveguide (2) is built-in or externally mounted on the front end of the optical observation device (1).

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