Teleoptic device and focusing unit

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a long-range optical device and a method for observing a distant object with the long-range optical device according to the preambles of claims 1 and 7.

[0002] Document US 2001 / 046085 A1 describes a long-range optical device in the form of a binocular, i.e., an observation device equipped with two viewing channels and an image acquisition channel located between the viewing channels. The image acquisition channel has a CCD camera for electronically recording images. The image acquisition channel is focused by moving the objective lens of the image acquisition channel together with the objective lenses of the viewing channels. In addition, diopter adjustment can be performed on the right tube or viewing channel by adjusting the eyepiece.

[0003] Document EP 2 094 507 A1 discloses a telescope with an objective lens, an eyepiece, and a prism reversing system. An image of a reticle generated by projection optics is projected into the focal plane of the eyepiece via the prism reversing system arranged in the observation beam path extending between the objective lens and the eyepiece. The projection optics comprise a focusing device by which the position of the image plane of the reticle's reticle can be focused on the image plane of the eyepiece.

[0004] Document US 2010 / 322483 A1 describes a system for the automatic identification of wild animals. This system comprises a long-range optical observation device with a digital image sensor and a computer running an image recognition program. In the binocular system according to document US 2010 / 142044 A1, a reticle is arranged in the beam path of one of the two tubes, the position of which is adjustable along the optical axis.

[0005] An image recording device in the form of a third tube is attached to the binocular described in document US 0 470 953 B1. To focus the beam path of the image recording device, the adjustment movement of its focusing lens is mechanically coupled to the adjustment knob of the binocular.

[0006] It is the object of the invention to provide a device and a method with which images of distant objects can be produced with the highest possible image quality and by means of which a user is able to carry out a simple, comfortable operation of a long-range optical device.

[0007] This object is achieved by a device and a method according to the claims.

[0008] The problem is solved by a long-range optical device with at least one viewing channel and with an image capture channel, wherein the image capture channel comprises a camera module for the electronic recording of images, and wherein a first beam path through a first objective, a first focusing lens, an inversion system and a first eyepiece is formed in the viewing channel, and wherein a second beam path through a second objective, a second focusing lens and a second eyepiece is formed in the image capture channel, and wherein the first focusing lens and the second focusing lens are jointly displaceable by means of a first focusing device, wherein a reference image plane is determined in the first beam path of the viewing channel by a reticle or by an image projected by projection optics, and wherein the first eyepiece of the viewing channel is displaceable by means of a second focusing device for focusing on the reference image plane.

[0009] Advantageously, in the long-range optical device, the first focusing device comprises a focusing ring and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the focusing ring for displacing the first focusing lens and the second focusing lens parallel to optical axes of the first and second beam paths.

[0010] Furthermore, it is provided that the second focusing device comprises a diopter ring for shifting the eyepiece lenses parallel to the optical axis of the first beam path.

[0011] According to a further development of the long-range optical device, the camera module comprises a third focusing device.

[0012] Another advantage is that the camera module includes an electronic image capture sensor, and the third focusing device includes an autofocus device. This allows for consistently high-quality focusing on the camera's image sensor, something that would not be possible based solely on the subjective assessment of the image sharpness perceived by an operator.

[0013] Furthermore, it may be expedient for the second beam path of the image acquisition channel to comprise an afocal lens system.

[0014] The design of the long-range optical device, according to which the first focusing lens of the viewing channel is arranged on a side of the reference image plane facing away from the first eyepiece, has the advantage that the focusing of the eyepiece lenses on the reticle and the focusing of the image of the distant object on the reference image plane can be carried out independently of each other.

[0015] Thanks to the advanced design, the long-range optical device is equipped with two viewing channels, allowing an operator to observe comfortably with both eyes.

[0016] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for observing a distant object with a long-range optical device, in one of the embodiments as specified above, wherein an operator, when looking through the viewing channel, subjectively focuses the first eyepiece of the viewing channel on the reference image plane by means of the second focusing device, and then, when sighting the distant object, focuses an image of the distant object by means of the first focusing device, and then, by means of the third focusing device of the camera module, an image of the distant object is automatically focused in the image acquisition channel.

[0017] The procedure is advantageous in which a processor unit detects the termination of a movement of the focusing lens and then the processor unit automatically triggers the focusing of the image of the distant object in the image acquisition channel.

[0018] An alternative measure provides that when the operator presses an electronic control button, the focusing of the image of the distant object in the image acquisition channel is triggered.

[0019] It is also advantageous if, in the method, a wireless connection is established between the long-range optical device and an electronic terminal, and the image of the distant object is displayed by the electronic terminal on a display device. When the operator selects a section of the image of the distant object on the electronic terminal, the autofocus function of the camera module is automatically activated to focus on the selected section. This has the advantage that the electronic terminal can be used to focus on different details or objects at different distances in the displayed scene without the need for manual focusing on the long-range optical device itself.

[0020] A long-range optical device comprising at least one viewing channel and one image capture channel with a camera module has proven particularly advantageous, wherein the viewing channel and the image capture channel are coupled to one another by means of an adjustment mechanism in such a way that a first image section viewed in the viewing channel largely corresponds to a second image section recorded by the camera module, at least one interface module for establishing a connection to an electronic terminal device, a processor unit, at least one memory unit, wherein the memory unit is designed to record parameters and / or functions, wherein an electronic operating button is provided for calling up a preselected parameter and for executing a function.

[0021] By combining a viewing channel and an image capture channel in a single long-range optical device, an operator or user can observe distant objects without any visual impairment and, if desired, easily record a digital image, an image sequence, or a video of the viewed image section. Instead of a long-range optical observation device and a separate image capture device, two devices or functions are now combined in the long-range optical device according to the invention, which is designed to be particularly compact.

[0022] Optionally, a second viewing channel can be provided to allow viewing of an image with two eyes.

[0023] By arranging the viewing channel and the image acquisition channel one above the other, the long-range optical device can be gripped and operated equally with both the left and right hand of the operator.

[0024] If a digital image, image sequence, or video is captured from a section of the image viewed by the long-range optical device, it is transmitted to the electronic device via the connection essentially in real time or with low latency. Images, image sequences, or videos therefore only need to be buffered briefly in the storage unit of the long-range optical device. The storage unit therefore only needs to provide a small amount of storage space. The long-range optical device according to the invention can thus continue to be designed simply and compactly.

[0025] Alternatively, if there is no active connection to an electronic device, a digital image, image sequence, or video can also be temporarily stored in the storage unit of the long-range optical device. Later, as soon as an active connection is established again, a digital image, image sequence, or video can be forwarded to the electronic device and displayed, evaluated, or stored there.

[0026] Advantageously, the long-range optical device according to the invention is coupled to an electronic terminal. The electronic components or parts provided in the long-range optical device can thus be easily removed, since all logic is provided on the electronic terminal. The electronic terminal can be a smartphone, a tablet computer, a portable computer, a desktop PC, or a server device. Since the long-range optical device comprises very few electronic components or parts, its energy consumption is also comparatively low.

[0027] The electronic control button is a simple mechanical button with an actuating contact. The actuating contact can be designed as a normally open contact, whereby a preselected parameter is called up or a function is executed when the control button is actuated. A function can be switching the long-range optical device on, switching the long-range optical device off, coupling the long-range optical device with the electronic terminal, taking an image using the image capture channel, recording a video using the image capture channel, starting object recognition, object detection, object classification, etc. The functions are each called up via a predefined actuation of the electronic control button, for example, by an actuation over a specific period of time or several defined actuations in succession.A parameter can be a trigger pressure or a trigger time for recording an image, an image sequence or a video, which are defined or stored for a specific operator.

[0028] In an embodiment not shown in detail, it is also conceivable that the electronic control button is designed as a button, rotary knob or touch control panel.

[0029] Furthermore, it may be useful if a single electronic control button is provided for executing a majority of the group of parameters and functions.

[0030] With just a single electronic control button, the operator can operate the long-range optical device particularly easily and intuitively. By pressing the control button for varying lengths, the operator can access or execute a variety of parameters and functions. Alternatively, a sequence of defined presses can be provided to access specific parameters or execute a function.

[0031] Furthermore, a compact and cost-effective design of the long-range optical device according to the invention is made possible with only a single electronic operating button, since mechanical and electronic components only have to be provided for one operating button.

[0032] Furthermore, the control button can be designed to be substantially elliptical and / or symmetrical to the housing's central axis. The control button can thus be ergonomically shaped so that it can be easily actuated by the operator.

[0033] Furthermore, the control button can be designed to be substantially flush with the surface of a housing of the long-range optical device. This allows the housing to be compact and ergonomically designed.

[0034] Also advantageous is a form of embodiment according to which it can be provided that the operating button has a recess, wherein the recess is designed as an orientation aid for at least one finger of a hand of an operator.

[0035] This allows the operator to quickly and easily locate the control button while simultaneously observing an object or a section of an image through the long-range optical device.

[0036] According to a further development, it is possible for a display unit to be arranged on the housing, by means of which the retrieval of a parameter and / or the execution of a function can be visualized.

[0037] This allows the operator to receive immediate visual feedback on whether and which parameter is being called, and whether and which function is being executed. Furthermore, visual feedback is conceivable, signaling incorrect execution or the abort of a function.

[0038] Furthermore, it may be expedient if the display unit comprises at least one color-changing lighting unit.

[0039] This allows for different visualizations of different parameters or functions. This makes it easy for the operator to distinguish which parameter is being called or which function is being executed. Visualization is also possible in the dark using the lighting unit. The lighting unit can include one or more LEDs, enabling energy-saving illumination.

[0040] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one illuminable display segment is provided on the housing, by means of which a charge state of an energy storage device of the long-range optical device can be displayed.

[0041] Advantageously, by illuminating individual or different display segments of the display unit, several different visualization and signaling options can be created, allowing different parameters or functions to be displayed differently. The display unit can thus be designed to be particularly compact and clear.

[0042] Furthermore, it can be provided that an acoustic output unit is provided by means of which the retrieval of a parameter and / or the execution of a function can be signaled.

[0043] In addition to visual signaling, it can be advantageous to also provide acoustic signaling. This can be used to indicate whether the operator is currently observing an object through the long-range optical device, capturing an image, an image sequence, or a video, or classifying an object in conjunction with an external device. The acoustic output unit can then provide simple signaling, for example, for the start of image capture or the completion of classification. The operator therefore does not need to take their eyes off the scene viewed through the visual channel.

[0044] According to a particular embodiment, it is possible for the operating button to be designed as an eyecup, wherein the eyecup is arranged on the eyepiece side of the viewing channel.

[0045] To continue to provide a compact and simple long-range optical device, the eyecup can be designed as an operating button. Pressing the eyecup activates the actuating contact to call up a parameter or execute a function. This eliminates the need for the operator to reach for a separately arranged operating button while observing a scene or object, further increasing operating comfort.

[0046] It may also be advantageous to use an integrated microphone to control the long-range optical device using voice commands (acoustic input device) or to support bird detection by recording and subsequently analyzing the bird song.

[0047] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the connection is designed as a wireless connection.

[0048] The wireless connection can be implemented as a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC connection. This eliminates the need for cabling between the long-range optical device and a mobile device, further increasing ease of use for the operator.

[0049] In particular, it may be advantageous if the electronic terminal device is designed as a smartphone, which can be coupled to the long-range optical device by means of the wireless connection.

[0050] Using the screens provided standardly on smartphones, captured images, image sequences, and / or videos can be easily viewed. The technologies provided standardly in smartphones for establishing a wireless connection can also be used to transmit the images, image sequences, and / or videos. This eliminates the need for additional hardware beyond the long-range optical device and the smartphone, further enabling a compact design of the overall system.

[0051] Furthermore, it can be provided that the operating button comprises a first measuring device for determining an actuation duration, wherein a first function can be executed during a first actuation duration and a second function different from the first function can be executed during a second actuation duration different from the first actuation duration.

[0052] For example, the time during which an actuating contact for the control button is closed can be measured.

[0053] Furthermore, it can be provided that the operating button comprises a second measuring device for determining a time interval between the actuations of the operating button, wherein a first function can be executed during a first actuation duration, at least a first time interval and at least a second actuation duration, and a second function different from the first function can be executed during a third actuation duration, at least a second time interval and at least a fourth actuation duration.

[0054] Between each actuation, the operating button is inactive, which means that the actuation contact is open.

[0055] Also advantageous is a form of embodiment according to which it can be provided that the operating button comprises a third measuring device for determining an actuating force, wherein a first function can be carried out with a first actuating force and a second function different from the first function can be carried out with a second actuating force different from the first actuating force.

[0056] The third measuring device can be a force transducer or force sensor, by means of which the actuating force is measured.

[0057] According to a further development, it is possible for the first measuring device and / or the second measuring device and / or the third measuring device to be coupled to the processor unit, wherein parameters can be retrieved and / or the functions can be executed on the basis of the determined actuation duration, the determined time interval and / or the determined actuation force.

[0058] Furthermore, it may be expedient if a carrier unit is formed in which carrier unit at least a first housing of the viewing channel, a second housing of the image acquisition channel, the adjustment mechanism, the interface module and the processor unit are arranged.

[0059] Advantageously, optical, mechanical and electronic components are pre-assembled on the carrier unit during assembly and then, during final assembly, the housing is simply inserted or pushed together with individual housing parts.

[0060] Furthermore, it can be provided that a first heat dissipation device is formed between the carrier unit and the processor unit and / or that a second heat dissipation device is formed between the carrier unit and the first housing of the viewing channel and / or that a third heat dissipation device is formed between the housing of the long-range optical device and the camera module.

[0061] Prolonged operation of the long-range optical device may result in increased heat dissipation from the processor unit or the image capture device. For heat dissipation, several heat dissipation devices are advantageously provided to dissipate the heat to the carrier unit or housing. For improved heat dissipation, the carrier unit can be made of aluminum and the heat dissipation devices of copper.

[0062] The invention further relates to an observation and image acquisition system comprising a long-range optical device and an electronic terminal, wherein the long-range optical device and the electronic terminal are at least temporarily coupled to one another via a connection.

[0063] According to a particular embodiment, it is possible for the electronic terminal device to comprise a display device on which display device an image and / or an image sequence recorded by means of a camera module of the long-range optical device can be displayed.

[0064] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the electronic terminal comprises a GPS receiver, wherein the location of the long-range optical device can be determined.

[0065] This allows standard components and standard functionalities of the electronic device to continue to be used. The long-range optical device can be manufactured and designed in a simple, compact, and cost-effective manner.

[0066] To establish a connection such as a WLAN, Bluetooth or NFC connection, a long-range optical device and an electronic device must be in a certain spatial proximity to each other, which allows the location of the electronic device to be determined relatively accurately.

[0067] Using a compass integrated into the long-range optical device, it can be advantageous to determine the horizontal alignment of the device to the magnetic north pole. The compass can also be used to determine the phase of observation of a distant, stationary object (the device is at rest).

[0068] In particular, it may be advantageous if an application software is installed in a server device, which application software is accessible by means of the electronic terminal and / or which application software is executable by means of the electronic terminal.

[0069] The application software can also be implemented as a mobile application and installed directly on the mobile device. The server device can also be integrated into the mobile device. Another advantage of this is that the observation and image acquisition system can be designed particularly compactly.

[0070] Furthermore, it can be provided that the server device comprises a storage system in which an image and / or an image sequence recorded by means of the camera module of the long-range optical device can be stored.

[0071] Thus, only a small amount of storage space can be provided directly on the long-range optical device by using an external storage system for storing, filing, analyzing, and / or classifying images, image sequences, or videos. The storage system can also be a storage system provided directly in the electronic device.

[0072] Furthermore, it can be provided that parameters and / or functions can be created and / or edited by means of the application software on the electronic terminal, wherein parameters and / or functions can be transferred via the connection from the electronic terminal to the long-range optical device and vice versa.

[0073] Parameters and / or functions can be easily created or edited using the mobile device's user interface and transferred back to the long-range optical device. The long-range optical device itself can still be simple in terms of electronic components and parts and feature a compact design.

[0074] Another advantageous embodiment is one in which the electronic device can be designed as a smartphone.

[0075] The invention further relates to a method for retrieving parameters and / or executing functions with an observation and image acquisition system, wherein the retrieval of a preselected parameter and / or the execution of a function is carried out by actuating an electronic control button of a long-range optical device.

[0076] The operator can call up parameters or execute functions as simply and intuitively as possible.

[0077] Furthermore, it may be expedient if a plurality of the group of parameters and functions is selected by a predetermined actuation of a single electronic control button of the long-range optical device.

[0078] By pressing the control button for different lengths of time, the operator can call up or execute a wide variety of parameters and functions.

[0079] Furthermore, it can be provided that the operational readiness of the long-range optical device is signalled by means of an illumination of a display unit of the long-range optical device with a first colour.

[0080] The operator advantageously receives immediate feedback that the long-range optical device is switched on and ready to record an image, an image sequence or a video.

[0081] Furthermore, it can be provided that the selection of a plurality from the group of parameters and functions takes place on the basis of a determined actuation duration and / or a determined time interval and / or a determined actuation force.

[0082] Different operating times, time intervals, and / or operating forces can be stored for different parameters and functions. This allows for simple and intuitive operation for the operator with just one control button.

[0083] Furthermore, it may be expedient if a coupling process of the long-range optical device with an electronic terminal is carried out during a first determined actuation duration.

[0084] The long-range optical device contains an interface module that can be used to establish a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC connection with the electronic device. The electronic device uses the standard interfaces provided for this purpose.

[0085] Furthermore, it can be provided that the coupling process is visualized by means of an illumination of the display unit with a second color, wherein the illumination of the display unit with the second color flashes during the coupling process and the illumination of the display unit with the second color is continuous for a predefined period of time after the successful coupling process.

[0086] The operator receives immediate feedback on the status of the pairing process and whether it was completed successfully.

[0087] In addition, it can be provided that a failed pairing process is signaled by illuminating the display unit with a third color.

[0088] Also advantageous is a form of embodiment according to which it can be provided that a charge state of an energy storage device of the long-range optical device is visualized by means of illuminating the display unit with a fourth color.

[0089] The operator can be continuously informed about the charge level of the energy storage device and initiate a charging process in good time if, for example, a longer use of the long-range optical device is planned.

[0090] According to a further development, it is possible for the charge state of the energy storage device to be visualized by means of at least one illuminable display segment.

[0091] Advantageously, the charge level of the energy storage device can be clearly seen or visualized even in the dark.

[0092] Furthermore, it may be expedient if the charge state of the energy storage device is visualized by means of a combined illumination of the display unit and at least one display segment.

[0093] In addition, it can be provided that the operational readiness of the long-range optical device is signalled by means of an acoustic output unit.

[0094] In addition to visual signaling, it may be advantageous to also provide acoustic signaling. If the operator is currently observing an object through the long-range optical device or capturing an image, an image sequence, or a video, the acoustic output unit can be used to provide a simple signal, for example, to indicate the start of image recording. This means the operator does not have to take their eyes off the scene viewed through the visual channel. Operation can also be simplified by an acoustic input unit with an integrated microphone.

[0095] Furthermore, it can be provided that a wireless connection of the long-range optical device is established with an electronic terminal, wherein parameters and / or functions are transmitted from the electronic terminal to the long-range optical device and vice versa.

[0096] According to a particular embodiment, it is possible for parameters and / or functions to be transmitted from one electronic terminal to a plurality of long-range optical devices and vice versa.

[0097] The same parameters and functions can be provided to a number of operators.

[0098] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that functions selected from the group comprising switching on the long-range optical device, switching off the long-range optical device, coupling the long-range optical device to the electronic terminal, recording an image by means of the image capture channel, recording a video by means of the image capture channel are carried out by actuating the operating button.

[0099] Further functions are conceivable depending on the intended use and the requirements of the operator, whereby these can be easily created on the electronic device and transmitted to a coupled long-range optical device.

[0100] In particular, it may be advantageous if the selection of a majority from the group of parameters and functions takes place immediately one after the other.

[0101] Furthermore, it can be provided that the program execution of a plurality of selected functions takes place largely in parallel. This can advantageously increase the speed of the individual program executions.

[0102] In addition, it can be provided that the program sequence of a plurality of selected functions takes place with a time delay.

[0103] Also advantageous is a form according to which it can be provided that the program execution takes place by means of application software of the coupled electronic terminal device.

[0104] Advantageously, the entire program logic is executed on the electronic terminal device, which allows the long-range optical device to be designed as simply and compactly as possible.

[0105] According to a further development, it is possible for parameters and / or functions to be created and / or edited by means of the application software on the electronic terminal, wherein parameters and / or functions are transmitted via the wireless connection from the electronic terminal to the long-range optical device and vice versa.

[0106] Furthermore, it may be expedient if, by a predefined actuation of the operating button, an image and / or an image sequence is recorded, which is displayed on a display device of the electronic terminal.

[0107] The long-range optical device can therefore continue to be designed in a simple and compact manner, and the standard components of the electronic device can be used to display the image.

[0108] According to a special embodiment, it is possible that when the control button is predefined, an acoustic signal is emitted by means of the acoustic output unit at the start of the recording of the image and / or the image sequence.

[0109] The operator can thus receive immediate feedback that recording has started without having to take their eyes off an object or image section being viewed.

[0110] Furthermore, it can be provided that a recorded image and / or a recorded image sequence is stored on a storage system of a server device.

[0111] The server device can be connected directly to the long-range optical device via a wireless connection, or to the electronic device itself. The long-range optical device thus requires only a small amount of integrated storage capacity and can still be designed compactly and simply.

[0112] Furthermore, it can be provided that the location of the long-range optical device is determined by means of a GPS receiver of the electronic terminal device.

[0113] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0114] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a long-range optical device; Fig. 2 shows a side view of the long-range optical device; Fig. 3 shows an eyepiece-side view of the long-range optical device; Fig. 4 shows an underside of the long-range optical device; Fig. 5 shows an observation and image acquisition system; Fig. 6 shows a first perspective view of a carrier unit of the long-range optical device; Fig. 7 shows an objective-side view of the carrier unit of the long-range optical device; Fig. 8 shows a second perspective view of the carrier unit of the long-range optical device; Fig. 9 shows the carrier frame of the carrier unit of the long-range optical device in perspective; Fig. 10 shows a top view of the carrier unit, showing the optical components; Fig. 11 shows a cross-section of the two optical systems of the viewing channel and the image acquisition channel; Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of the long-range optical device.

[0115] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0116] Fig. 1shows a perspective view of a long-range optical device 1. The long-range optical device 1 comprises a viewing channel 2 and an image acquisition channel 3, which are accommodated in a housing 4. The long-range optical device 1 further comprises a focusing ring 5 for focusing an image or image section viewed by the long-range optical device 1, a diopter ring 6 for setting a diopter compensation, a display unit 7, and several illuminable display segments 8 for displaying a charge level of an energy storage device 9 of the long-range optical device 1. By means of a color-changing lighting unit 10, the display unit 7 can be illuminated in different colors, whereby different operating states of the long-range optical device 1 or the retrieval of a parameter and / or the execution of a function can be visualized.

[0117] For example, the operational readiness or the switching on of the long-range optical device 1 is signaled by illuminating the display unit 7 with a first color. In this case, a plurality of parameters and functions can be selected based on a determined actuation duration and / or a determined time interval and / or a determined actuation force.

[0118] For example, a coupling process of the long-range optical device 1 with an electronic terminal 11 can be performed during a first determined actuation duration. The coupling process can be visualized by illuminating the display unit 7 with a second color. The illumination of the display unit 7 with the second color flashes during the coupling process and the illumination of the display unit 7 with the second color remains continuous for a predefined period of time after the successful coupling process. Furthermore, a failed coupling process can be signaled by illuminating the display unit 7 with a third color.

[0119] Alternatively or in addition to displaying the charge state of the energy storage device 9 by means of the illuminable display segments 8, the charge state of the energy storage device 9 can also be visualized by illuminating the display unit 7 with a fourth color.

[0120] Furthermore, an acoustic output unit 12 is provided on the long-range optical device 1, by means of which the retrieval of a parameter and / or the execution of a function can also be signaled. For example, a first signal tone can be output via the output unit 12 after the long-range optical device 1 has been switched on. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a second signal tone is output if a pairing process with an electronic terminal 11 was successful or a third signal tone is output if a pairing process with an electronic terminal 11 was unsuccessful.

[0121] An electronic control button 13 is provided to execute a plurality of the group of parameters and functions. In the illustrated embodiment, the control button 13 is essentially elliptical, although any geometric shape, such as round, rectangular, etc., is conceivable as the control button.

[0122] In the Fig. 2 a further and possibly independent embodiment of the long-range optical device 1 is shown, wherein again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Fig. 1 To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the previous Fig. 1 pointed out or referred to.

[0123] The Fig. 2 shows a side view of the long-range optical device 1, wherein the operating button 13 is designed to be substantially flush with a surface 14 of the housing 4 of the long-range optical device 1. The operating button 13 further has a recess 15, wherein the recess 15 is designed as an orientation aid for at least one finger of a hand of an operator.

[0124] Furthermore, the long-range optical device 1 comprises an eyecup 16 on the eyepiece side of the viewing channel 2, through which the operator of the long-range optical device 1 can view an image or a section of an image. According to an embodiment not shown in detail, it is conceivable for the operating button 13 to be designed as the eyecup 16, with the eyecup 16 being able to execute a plurality of the group of parameters and functions.

[0125] The eyecup 16 is designed to be adjustable in the longitudinal direction along the central axis of the viewing channel 2 in order to be able to be individually adjusted to an operator, who may be a spectacle wearer.

[0126] In the Fig. 3 a further and possibly independent embodiment of the long-range optical device 1 is shown, wherein again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Fig. 1 and 2To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the previous Fig. 1 and 2 pointed out or referred to.

[0127] Fig. 3 shows an eyepiece-side view of the long-range optical device 1, wherein cylindrical pins 17 are provided for receiving a carrying strap (not shown in detail).

[0128] In the Fig. 4 a further and possibly independent embodiment of the long-range optical device 1 is shown, wherein again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Fig. 1 to 3 To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the previous Fig. 1 to 3 pointed out or referred to.

[0129] Fig. 4shows an underside of the long-range optical device 1, wherein a socket 18 for a plug of a connection or charging cable (not shown in detail) is closed with a cover 19. After removing or opening the cover, the plug of a connection or charging cable can be inserted, whereupon a connection to an electronic terminal 11 can be established or a charging process of the energy storage device 9 can be started.

[0130] In the Fig. 5 a further and possibly independent embodiment of an observation and image acquisition system 20 is shown, wherein again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Fig. 1 to 4 To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the previous Fig. 1 to 4 pointed out or referred to.

[0131] The Fig. 5The observation and image acquisition system 20 shown comprises a long-range optical device 1 and an electronic terminal 11 in the form of a smartphone 21. The smartphone 21 is coupled to the long-range optical device 1 via a connection 22 in the form of a wireless connection 23. The wireless connection 23 can be, for example, a Bluetooth, WLAN, or NFC connection. To implement a connection 22 or a wireless connection 23 with an electronic terminal 11 or a smartphone 21, the long-range optical device 1 comprises an interface module 24. The interface module 24 can comprise a WLAN antenna (not shown in detail).

[0132] The long-range optical device 1 is in the Fig. 5shown in an exploded view with a first housing part 25, a second housing part 26, and a support unit 27. Arranged in or on the support unit 27 are a first housing 28 of the viewing channel 2, a second housing 29 of the image acquisition channel 3, an adjustment mechanism 30, the interface module 24, and a processor unit 31.

[0133] The carrier unit 27 can be a pre-assembled module that is inserted into the first housing part 25 and the second housing part 26 during final assembly. This enables easy assembly of the long-range optical device 1. The carrier unit 27 can be made of aluminum, and the housing 4 or the first housing part 25 and the second housing part 26 can be made of plastic.

[0134] A camera module 32 is also provided on the image capture channel 3, wherein the viewing channel 2 and the image capture channel 3 are coupled to one another by means of the adjustment mechanism 30 such that a first image section viewed in the viewing channel 2 largely corresponds to a second image section recorded by the camera module 32. Parameters and / or functions can be stored in the long-range optical device 1 by means of a memory unit 33. Via the wireless connection 23 between the long-range optical device 1 and the electronic terminal 11, parameters and / or functions can be transmitted from the electronic terminal 11 to the long-range optical device 1 and vice versa.

[0135] To call up a parameter and / or execute a function, the only electronic operating button 13 provided on the long-range optical device 1 is actuated, whereby an actuating contact 34 is actuated.

[0136] To determine an actuation duration, the operating button 13 comprises a first measuring device 35, wherein a first function can be executed during a first actuation duration and a second function different from the first function can be executed during a second actuation duration different from the first actuation duration.

[0137] In order to determine a time interval between the actuations of the operating button 13, the operating button 13 comprises a second measuring device 36, wherein a first function can be executed during a first actuation duration, at least a first time interval and at least a second actuation duration, and a second function different from the first function can be executed during a third actuation duration, at least a second time interval and at least a fourth actuation duration.

[0138] To determine an actuating force, the operating button 13 comprises a third measuring device 37, wherein a first function can be executed with a first actuating force and a second function different from the first function can be executed with a second actuating force different from the first actuating force.

[0139] The first measuring device 35, the second measuring device 36 and / or the third measuring device 37 can also be arranged on the actuating contact 34 according to an embodiment not shown in detail.

[0140] The first measuring device 35, the second measuring device 36 and the third measuring device 37 are in the Fig. 5 illustrated embodiment is coupled to the processor unit 31, wherein parameters can be retrieved and / or the functions can be executed on the basis of the determined actuation duration, the determined time interval and / or the determined actuation force.

[0141] The electronic terminal 11, coupled to the long-range optical device 1 via the wireless connection 23, includes a display device 38, such as a screen or a touchscreen. An image or video captured by the camera module 32 of the long-range optical device 1 can be displayed on the display device 38.

[0142] The recording of an image or an image sequence can be performed by a predefined actuation of the control button 13, e.g., by pressing the control button 13 for a duration of 0.5 seconds. When the recording starts, an acoustic signal can be emitted by the acoustic output unit 12.

[0143] The location of the long-range optical device 1 can also be determined by means of a GPS receiver 39 provided in the electronic terminal 11.

[0144] The Fig. 5The observation and image acquisition system 20 shown further comprises a server device 40 with a storage system 41. Application software is installed in the server device 40, which application software can be accessed by the electronic terminal 11 via a second connection or wireless connection (not shown in detail). The application software can be executed by the electronic terminal 11. Parts of the application software can be installed on the electronic terminal 11 in the form of a mobile application. Parameters and / or functions can be created or edited by means of the application software on the electronic terminal 11, wherein parameters and / or functions can be transferred from the electronic terminal 11 to the long-range optical device 1 and vice versa via the connection 22.

[0145] In an embodiment not shown in detail, parameters and / or functions can be transmitted from an electronic terminal 11 to a plurality of long-range optical devices 1 and vice versa.

[0146] The functions may include switching on the long-range optical device 1, switching off the long-range optical device 1, coupling the long-range optical device 1 with the electronic terminal 11, capturing an image using the image capture channel 3, and recording an image sequence or a video using the image capture channel 3, which are executed or started by pressing the control button 13.

[0147] The selection of a majority of parameters and functions from the group can be performed directly one after the other. The program execution of a plurality of selected functions can be largely parallel or staggered. The program execution is carried out by means of the application software of the connected electronic terminal device 11.

[0148] An image and / or an image sequence recorded by the camera module 32 of the long-range optical device 1 can also be stored in the storage system 41.

[0149] An application software or a mobile application can be a first mobile application that offers the functions of live streaming, image management, and installing updates for the firmware of the long-range optical device 1. Live streaming involves a real-time transmission of an image or video captured by the image capture channel 3 or camera module 32 to the coupled electronic terminal 11. It is also possible to couple not just a single device, but several terminals at once, so that several people can view the live stream simultaneously. Images or videos can then be viewed by an operator on the display device 38 of the electronic terminal 11. During image management, transmitted images or videos can be stored in a memory 42 of the electronic terminal 11 or transferred to the storage system 41 and stored there.In an embodiment not shown in detail, the storage system 41 may also be a cloud storage.

[0150] A second mobile application can be an identification application for birds. Based on an image of a bird captured by the image capture channel 3 or camera module 32, which is transmitted to the electronic terminal 11, the species of the bird can be identified using an image database (not shown in detail) and an image recognition algorithm. The species of the bird can then be displayed on the display device 38 of the electronic terminal 11. It is also conceivable that additional information, such as a description of the species, a bird call, and / or a representation of the geographical location, can be displayed on the mobile terminal 11.

[0151] A third mobile application could be an identification application for mountains, where the names of mountain peaks are displayed based on a captured image of mountains.

[0152] By means of a fourth mobile application, it is also conceivable that a recorded image or an image sequence or a video is shared with a second operator, whereby a transmission takes place to a second electronic terminal device not shown in detail.

[0153] In the Figs. 6 and 7 a further and possibly independent embodiment of the carrier unit 27 of the long-range optical device 1 is shown, wherein again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Fig. 1 to 5 To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the previous Fig. 1 to 5 pointed out or referred to.

[0154] Fig. 6 shows a first perspective view of the carrier unit 27 of the long-range optical device 1 and Fig. 7 an objective-side view of the carrier unit 27 of the long-range optical device.

[0155] For thermal management, a first heat dissipation device 43 is formed between the carrier unit 27 and the processor unit 31, and a second heat dissipation device 44 is formed between the carrier unit 27 and the first housing 28 of the viewing channel 2. The waste heat of the processor unit 31 or a voltage regulator (not shown in detail) is transferred to the carrier unit 27 via the first heat dissipation device 43. For improved transfer of the waste heat, the carrier unit 27 can be made of aluminum. Fig. 8a further and possibly independent embodiment of the carrier unit 27 of the long-range optical device 1 is shown, wherein again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Fig. 1 to 7 To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the previous Fig. 1 to 7 pointed out or referred to.

[0156] Fig. 8 shows a second perspective view of the carrier unit 27 of the long-range optical device 1. For thermal management, a third heat dissipation device 45 is also formed between the housing 4 of the long-range optical device 1 and the camera module 32. Thermal coupling of the camera module 32 or the image capture channel 3 to the housing 4 can be achieved via a heat-conducting plate made of copper.

[0157] The Fig. 9shows the support frame 101 of the support unit 27 of the long-range optical device 1 in perspective. For reasons of clarity, components or assemblies arranged on the support frame 101 for constructing the support unit 27 are not shown ( Fig. 5 ). The viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3 are accommodated in two tubular recesses of the support frame 101, which is also indicated by a first optical axis 102 of the viewing channel 2 and a second optical axis 103 of the image acquisition channel 3. The support frame 101 is preferably formed in one piece, whereby a precise and stable alignment of the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3 relative to each other can be ensured. Also visible on the support frame 101 are a first and a second bearing bushing 104, 105 for receiving a push rod 106 of the adjustment mechanism 30 ( Fig. 10 ).

[0158] The Fig. 10shows a plan view of the carrier unit 27, in which the carrier frame 101 is shown together with optical components of the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3. The illustration corresponds to a plan view in the direction perpendicular to a plane containing the optical axes 102, 103 of the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3, respectively. The push rod 106 of the adjustment mechanism 30 is coupled by means of a first driver 107 and a second driver 108 to corresponding displaceable lens mounts of the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3. The focusing ring 5 ( Fig. 1) when actuated, act on the adjustment mechanism 30 in such a way that the push rod 106 is moved parallel to the optical axes 102, 103. By coupling to the push rod 106 by means of the drivers 107, 108, a first focusing lens 109 of the viewing channel 2 on the one hand and a second focusing lens 110 of the image acquisition channel 3 on the other hand ( Fig. 11 ) in the axial direction. The focusing ring 5, the push rod 106, and the two drivers 107, 108 thus form a first focusing device, by means of which the first focusing lens 109 of the viewing channel 2 and the second focusing lens 110 of the image acquisition channel 3 can be displaced together.

[0159] On the other hand, at the observer-side end region of the viewing channel 2 of the support frame 101, an eyepiece mount 111 of a first eyepiece 112 (a lens system formed from several individual lenses) of the viewing channel 2 can also be seen ( Fig. 11). The eyepiece lenses 112 can be adjusted by operating or turning the diopter ring 6 ( Fig. 1 ) in the direction of the optical axis 102. In this way, a second focusing device is formed in the viewing channel 2 of the long-range optical device 1.

[0160] The Fig. 11 shows the two optical systems of the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3, represented by a cross-section corresponding to a cutting plane with the optical axes 102, 103 of the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3, respectively. For better clarity, in the representation of the long-range optical device 1 in Fig. 11The depiction of components other than the lenses or prisms responsible for the optical image has been largely omitted. Furthermore, it should also be noted at this point that, insofar as "lenses" such as an eyepiece lens, an objective lens, or a focusing lens are referred to below, and the term "lens" is used in the singular, this is not to be understood in a restrictive sense, but rather that it may also refer to a system of multiple lenses. This is common practice in technical optics to prevent or compensate for aberrations.

[0161] Both the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3 are provided with a cover glass 113 and a cover glass 114 on the object side. The viewing channel 2 contains, adjacent to the cover glass 113, an objective lens 115, the focusing lens 119, an inversion system 116 formed by prisms, a field lens 117, a reticle 118, and the eyepiece lens 112. These optical elements form a first beam path for the magnified representation of a distant object. A second beam path is also formed in the image acquisition channel 3. Its optical elements, adjacent to the cover glass 114, are an objective lens 119, the focusing lens 110, an eyepiece lens 120, and the camera module 32. The objective lens 119, the focusing lens 110, and the eyepiece lens 120 of the image acquisition channel 3 together form an afocal lens system.The camera module 32 is preferably formed as a unit with an electronic image capture sensor, its own lens and an integrated autofocus function.

[0162] Indicated by dashed lines, in the illustration according to Fig. 11Also shown are parts of the adjustment mechanism 30, such as the push rod 106 and the two drivers 107, 108, for jointly displacing the focusing lens 109 of the viewing channel 2 and the focusing lens 110 of the image acquisition channel 3. As already mentioned above, the eyepiece lens 112 is also displaceable in the direction of the optical axis 102 of the viewing channel 2. This allows a user, by actuating the diopter ring 6, to initially focus the eyepiece lens 112 on markings (not shown) on the reticle 118. The reticle 118 is arranged in a fixed location in the viewing channel 2 in the direction of the optical axis 102. The spatial arrangement of the markings provided on the reticle 118 thus defines a reference image plane 121.

[0163] On the other hand, the markings applied to the reticle 118 are arranged in such a way that an operator or observer can identify an image section captured by the camera module 32. Thus, preferably, markings are provided that indicate the lateral edges of a rectangular image section or the corners of the image section.

[0164] When operating the long-range optical device 1 to observe a distant object, a person will therefore proceed by first focusing the eyepiece or eyepiece lens 112 on the reference image plane 121 using the diopter ring 6 while looking through the viewing channel 2. Subsequently, when aligning the long-range optical device 1 to a distant object (or when sighting), an image of the distant object can also be focused by turning the focusing ring 5. This focusing of the image of the distant object is equivalent to shifting an image plane of the image of the distant object so that it lies as precisely as possible in the reference image plane 121. Thus, when looking through the eyepiece 112, the markings on the reticle 118 and the image of the distant object appear equally sharp to the operator.

[0165] The focusing lens 109 of the viewing channel 2 is arranged on a side of the reference image plane 118 facing away from the eyepiece 112. This allows the focusing of the eyepiece lens 112 onto the reticle 118 and the focusing of the image of the distant object onto the reference image plane 121 to be performed independently of one another. This is because a displacement of the focusing lens 109 of the viewing channel 2 does not lead to a defocusing of the eyepiece lens 112 onto the reticle 118, and vice versa.

[0166] Since the focusing lens 109 of the viewing channel 2 and the focusing lens 110 of the image acquisition channel 3 are displaced together by actuating the focusing ring 5 and thus by moving the adjustment mechanism 30, the above-described second focusing process of the viewing channel 2 (displacing the focusing lens 109) simultaneously causes an axial displacement of the image planes of the distant object in the beam path of the image acquisition channel 3. This displacement of the image planes in the image acquisition channel 3 has the effect of a presetting or coarse adjustment of the image sharpness of the image acquisition channel 3. A subsequent fine adjustment of the image sharpness is finally effected by the autofocus function of the camera or the camera module 32.The lens of the camera module 32, which can be changed by the autofocus function of the camera module 32, is automatically adjusted so that a sharp image of the distant object is displayed on the light-sensitive sensor surface.

[0167] The automatic focusing of the image in the image capture channel 3 using the autofocus function of the camera module 32 is preferably started immediately after pressing the electronic control button 13 to trigger an image recording. However, the initiation of the autofocus function of the camera module 32 can alternatively also be triggered programmatically by the processor unit 31. For example, movements of the focusing lens 109 and the eyepiece lens 112 can be monitored by the processor unit 31 using sensors that may be provided. If the processor unit 31 detects a succession of adjustments of the eyepiece lens 112 using the diopter ring 6 and then an adjustment of the focusing lens 109 by actuating the focusing ring 5, the autofocus function of the camera module 32 can be triggered by the processor unit 31 immediately after the end of the movement of the focusing lens 109.This has the advantage that, when using the mobile application with the live streaming function on the electronic terminal 11, any change in the focus of the viewing channel 2 by the person operating the long-range optical device 1 simultaneously leads to a corresponding focus of the image on the electronic terminal 11, without the electronic control button 13 having to be pressed again.

[0168] When the autofocus function of the camera module 32 is triggered by the processor unit 31, it is preferably provided that the detection of the end of the movement of the focusing lens 109 is used as the sole criterion. As long as the same person operates the long-range optical device 1, readjustment of the eyepiece lens 112 for diopter compensation will not be necessary. Automatically triggering the autofocus after completing manual focusing has the further advantage that a repeat autofocusing process can be omitted when triggering an image / video recording by pressing the control button 13. This significantly accelerates the entire recording process, as the time between the triggering and the actual image recording is noticeably shortened.

[0169] By means of a compass (if present), which may be integrated, the long-range optical device 1 or its processor unit 31 can detect whether an observation phase is taking place in which the long-range optical device 1 is aimed at a distant and stationary object (the device is at rest). If this is the case, automatic focusing can be started as described above after the manual focusing has ended. It is also conceivable that automatic image / video recording is started in the background during the detected observation phase. The image material can, for example, be evaluated subsequently or, in the case of a manual trigger, image material can be provided shortly before / after the trigger. With the images automatically recorded in the background, it would also be possible to carry out an automatic selection using object classification (e.g. only birds or faces).

[0170] When displaying an image recorded by the camera module 32 on the display device 38 of the electronic terminal 11 of the observation and image acquisition system 20 ( Fig. 5) it is also possible for an operator to select a section of the displayed image on the electronic terminal 11 and, in response, for the user program (the app) on the electronic terminal 11 to control the camera module 32 of the long-range optical device 1. The autofocus device of the camera module 32 then refocuses on a corresponding detail of the image section selected on the electronic terminal 11. With the setting and alignment of the long-range optical device 1 to a distant object or a corresponding scene in the field of view remaining otherwise unchanged, the electronic terminal 11 can thus focus on different details or objects at different distances in the displayed scene.When using a display device 38 formed by a touchscreen, simply touching the screen at a point where an object is displayed could trigger such a new focus by the autofocus device of the camera module 32 on this very object.

[0171] The optical systems of the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3 of the long-range optical device 1 according to this embodiment are defined in more detail below in Tables 1 and 2 based on their technical data.

[0172] Table 1 lists the optical data of the lens system of viewing channel 2. "m" denotes the surface number, according to a counting system beginning at the object-side end of the system. "r" denotes the radius of curvature of the surface, and "d" denotes the distance to the next surface. Radii of curvature and distances are given in mm. Regarding the signs of the radii of curvature "r" of the surfaces, the convention commonly used in technical optics is used. That is, the radius is given as the distance from the reference point of the surface, i.e., the point common to the optical axis, to its center of curvature. If this direction (from the reference point of the surface to its center of curvature) is co-directional with the direction from the object to the observer (principal direction of light propagation, z-coordinate), the radius has a positive sign; otherwise, the sign is negative.The value "inf" (= "infinity") for the radius r indicates a flat surface. The fourth column, "Glass," indicates the glass type as used in Schott AG catalogs. An "L" represents the air space between the glass types of two consecutive lenses or plates. Table 1: m r / mm d / mm Glass 1 inf 2 N-BK7 2 inf 30,3 L 3 47,627 5,2 N-SK5 4 -55,033 1,8 N-LASF9 5 -169,540 30 L 6 -197,380 1,5 N-FK5 7 158,700 12,7 L 8 inf 22,24 N-BAK4 9 inf 1 L 10 inf 36,25 N-BAK4 11 int 5,1 L 12 -15,784 1 N-BK7 13 -255,750 2,62 L 14 inf 1,5 N-BK7 15 inf 4,2 L 16 -92,000 4,3 N-LASF44 17 -17,700 3,8 L 18 -68,592 1 FDS90 19 15,000 7,5 N-PSK53A 20 -25,101 0,3 L 21 16,535 5,4 N-LAF34 22 148,630

[0173] Table 2 contains the optical data of the lens system of image acquisition channel 3. Here, an entry "asph" in the second column indicates an aspherical surface of a lens. Table 2: m r / mm d / mm Glass 1 inf 2 N-BK7 2 inf 1,5 L 3 33,820 5,45 FCD1 4 -39,811 1,5 N-LASF43 5 204,370 0,45 L 6 29,726 3,6 FCD1 7 98,120 16,05 L 8 211,460 3,1 N-SF6 9 -27,600 1,3 N-SF10 10 64,590 26,77 L 11 9,640 5 N-LASF46A 12 12,050 5,85 L 13 asph 2,74 S-LAH60 14 asph 2,42 L 15 18,707 4,9 N-LASF44 16 -12,544 4 L 17 7,430 3,6 N-LAK12 18 -8,725 0,9 N-LAF21 19 -26,820

[0174] Based on the Fig. 12 A second embodiment of a long-range optical device 1 is described. Fig. 12shows the long-range optical device 1 in a simplified schematic representation. In addition to the image capture channel 3 and the viewing channel 2, this comprises a second viewing channel 2' arranged parallel to the viewing channel 2. The long-range optical device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment is thus designed in the manner of a binocular or a pair of binoculars. The housing parts 123, 124 accommodating the two viewing channels 2, 2' are connected to one another by a joint bridge with a pivot axis 125. By pivoting the two housing parts 123, 124 about the pivot axis 125, the relative distance between the two viewing channels 2, 102 can thus be adapted to the interpupillary distance of a user. Furthermore, the image capture channel 3 is arranged such that its optical axis 103 is positioned coaxially with the pivot axis 125. Likewise, it is provided that the focusing ring 5 is also arranged coaxially with the pivot axis 125.

[0175] In the Fig. 12Only those optical elements directly related to the formation of the beam paths of the two viewing channels 2, 2' and the image acquisition channel 3 are shown. Also shown is the adjustment mechanism 30 with the focusing ring 5 connected to it and the push rods 106, by the actuation of which the focusing lenses 109 of the two viewing channels 2, 2' and, on the other hand, the focusing lens 110 of the image acquisition channel 3 can be moved together for focusing.

[0176] The operating measures in connection with the focusing of the eyepiece lens 112 of the first visual channel 2 on the reference image plane 121 and the subsequent focusing of an image of the distant object on the same reference image plane 121, as described above with reference to the embodiment according to the Fig. 9 to 11can also be applied in the same way to this embodiment of the long-range optical device 1. Independently of this, however, diopter compensation between the right and left eye of a user is also possible by adjusting the eyepiece lens 112' of the second viewing channel 2' with a diopter ring 6'. When operating the long-range optical device 1 according to this binocular embodiment, an additional focusing process for the second viewing channel 2' can be performed following the focusing steps already described.

[0177] The method for operating the long-range optical device 1 when observing a distant object comprises - in the case of this embodiment of the long-range optical device 1 - the following steps: a) Focusing the first viewing channel 2 on the reticle 118 by operating the diopter ring 6 (to move the eyepiece lens 112); b) Focusing the first viewing channel 2 on a distant object by operating the focusing ring 5 (to move the focusing lenses 109, 109' and the focusing lens 110 of the image acquisition channel 3); c) Focusing the second viewing channel 2' on the same distant object by operating the diopter ring 6' (to move the eyepiece lens 112').

[0178] After completion of steps a) and b), the focusing of image acquisition channel 3 can be carried out automatically by the autofocus device.

[0179] In a further alternative embodiment of the long-range optical device 1, instead of the reticle 118, which determines the position of the reference image plane 121, an image of a reticle or its markings projected into the beam path of the viewing channel 2 can also be used. Such an image could be an illuminated mask or an electronic display. Another alternative possibility for determining the position of the reference image plane 121 is a transparent display arranged in the beam path at the location of the reference image plane 121.

[0180] The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.

[0181] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0182] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0183] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference symbol list 1 long-range optical device 30 adjustment mechanism 2, 2` Viewing channel 31 Processor unit 3 Image acquisition channel 32 Camera module 4 Housing 33 storage unit 5 Focusing ring 34 Actuating contact 6, 6` Diopter ring 35 first measuring device 7 Display unit 36 second measuring device 8 Display segment 37 third measuring device 9 Energy storage 38 Display device 10 lighting unit 39 GPS receiver 11 electronic device 40 Server setup 12 acoustic output unit 41 Storage system 13 electronic control button 42 memory 14 surface 43 first heat dissipation device 15 Deepening 16 Eyecup 44 second heat dissipation device 17 cylindrical pin 18 socket 45 third heat dissipation device support frame 19 Lid 20 Observation and image acquisition system 101 axis 102, 102' axis 21 smartphone 103 bearing bush 22 Connection 104 bearing bush 23 Wireless connection 105 push rod 24 Interface module 106 Driver 25 first housing part 107 Driver 26 second housing part 108 Focusing lens 27 carrier unit 109, 109' Focusing lens 28 first housing 110 Eyepiece mount 29 second housing 111 Eyepiece lens 112, 112` Cover glass 113 Cover glass 114 objective lens 115 Reversing system 116, 116` Field lens 117 reticle 118 objective lens 119 Eyepiece lens 120 Reference image plane 121 Viewing channel 122 Housing part 123 Housing part 124 Swivel axis

Claims

1. A long-range optical device (1) having at least one sight channel (2) and having an image capturing channel (3), wherein the image capturing channel (3) comprises a camera module (32) for electronically capturing images, and wherein in the sight channel (2), a first beam path is formed by a first objective (115), a first focusing lens (109), an erecting system (116) and a first eyepiece (112), and wherein in the image capturing channel (3), a second beam path is formed by a second objective (119), a second focusing lens (110) and a second eyepiece (120), and wherein the first focusing lens (109) and the second focusing lens (110) are displaceable together by means of a first focusing unit, wherein the first eyepiece (112) of the sight channel (2) is displaceable by means of a second focusing unit for focusing on a reference image plane (121), characterized in that in the first beam path of the sight channel (2), the reference image plane (121) is determined by a reticle (118) or by an image of a reticle and / or its markings reproduced by projection optics, and that the reticle (118) or the image of a reticle and / or its markings reproduced by projection optics is arranged stationarily with respect to a direction of an optical axis (102) of the sight channel (2), and that the camera module (32) comprises an electronic image capturing sensor and a third focusing unit with an autofocus unit.

2. The long-range optical device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first focusing unit comprises a focusing ring (5) and an adjusting mechanism (30), which is coupled to the focusing ring (5), for displacing the first focusing lens (109) and the second focusing lens (110) in parallel to the optical axis (102) of the first beam path and an optical axis (103) of the second beam path.

3. The long-range optical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second focusing unit comprises a diopter ring (6) for displacing the eyepiece lens (112) in parallel to the optical axis (102) of the first beam path.

4. The long-range optical device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second beam path of the image capturing channel (3) comprises an afocal lens system.

5. The long-range optical device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first focusing lens (109) of the sight channel (2) is arranged on a side of the reference image plane (118) facing away from the first eyepiece (112).

6. The long-range optical device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two sight channels (2, 2`) are formed.

7. A method for observing a distant object with a long-range optical device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that - an operator, while looking through the sight channel (2), subjectively focuses the first eyepiece (112) of the sight channel (2) to the reference image plane (121) by means of the second focusing unit; - and subsequently, while aiming at the distant object, an image of the distant object is focused by means of the first focusing unit; - and subsequently an image of the distant object is automatically focused in the image capturing channel (3) by means of the third focusing unit of the camera module (32).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that a processing unit (31) detects the completion of movement of the focusing lens (109) and subsequently the processing unit (31) automatically triggers the focusing of the image of the distant object in the image capturing channel (3).

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that when an electronic operating button (13) is actuated by the operator, focusing of the image of the distant object in the image capturing channel (3) is triggered.

10. The method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that a wireless connection of the long-range optical device (1) to an electronic terminal (11) is established and the image of the distant object is displayed on a display device (38) by the electronic terminal (11), and that the operator selects an image detail of the image of the distant object on the electronic terminal (11), and that the autofocus function of the camera module (32) is automatically controlled to focus on the selected image detail.