DERNOPTIC DEVICE WITH IMAGE CAPTURE CHANNEL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a remote optical device and an observation and image acquisition system.

[0002] Document DE 102 45 100 A1 describes a binocular device with a third optical path—in addition to the two viewing channels—for an image acquisition channel, in which a CCD image sensor is arranged for capturing images of a distant object. This long-range optical device includes a power supply switch (ON / OFF switch), a shutter release switch, and a mode selection switch, all located on the top of the main housing. The shutter release switch is half-pressed to activate the photometry function and fully pressed to activate the shutter release function. The two functions are thus activated by different positions of the shutter release switch's mechanical travel.

[0003] Document DE 10 2000 037599 A1 describes an optical observation device with a remote control. The binoculars have a trigger unit in the form of a control button, which can be used to trigger image capture or to start and stop video recording.

[0004] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide devices and a method by which a user is able to operate a remote optical device simply and conveniently and with which images of distant objects can be produced with the highest possible image quality.

[0005] This task is solved by a device according to the claims.

[0006] The invention relates to a remote optical device comprising at least one viewing channel and one image acquisition channel with a camera module, wherein the viewing channel and the image acquisition channel are coupled to each other by means of an adjustment mechanism such that a first image section viewed in the viewing channel largely corresponds to a second image section captured by the camera module, at least one interface module for establishing a connection with an electronic terminal device, a processor unit, at least one

[0007] A storage unit, wherein the storage unit is configured to hold functions and preferably parameters, and an electronic control button. It is provided that the selection of a function from the functions stored in the storage unit is defined by a type of actuation of the electronic control button, and the remote-optical device is configured to execute the function by the corresponding actuation of the control button (13), wherein the type of actuation of the electronic control button is selected from a group consisting of an actuation duration of the electronic control button, an actuation force of the electronic control button, and a time interval between successive actuations of the electronic control button, and wherein a first function can be executed during a first actuation duration, and a second function can be executed during a second actuation duration that differs from the first.a function different from the first function can be performed, and wherein a first function can be performed with a first actuation force and a second function different from the first function can be performed with a second actuation force, and wherein a first function can be performed with a first time interval between a first actuation and a second actuation and a second function different from the first function can be performed with a second time interval between a third actuation and a fourth actuation, and wherein the first function and the second function are selected from the group consisting of switching on the tele-optical device, switching off the tele-optical device, coupling the tele-optical device with the electronic terminal, capturing an image using the image acquisition channel, and recording a video using the image acquisition channel.

[0008] By combining a viewing channel and an image acquisition channel in a single remote optical device, an operator or user can observe distant objects without any optical loss and, if desired, easily capture a digital image, image sequence, or video of the viewed area. Instead of a remote optical observation device and a separate image acquisition device, two devices or functions are now combined in the remote optical device according to the invention, which is designed to be particularly compact.

[0009] Optionally, a second viewing channel can be provided to allow viewing of an image with two eyes.

[0010] By arranging the viewing channel and the image acquisition channel one above the other, the remote optical device can be gripped and operated equally well with both the left and right hand of the operator.

[0011] When a digital image, image sequence, or video is captured of a section of the image viewed by the remote-optical device, it is transmitted via the connection to the electronic terminal device essentially in real time or with low latency. Therefore, images, image sequences, or videos only need to be temporarily stored in the storage unit of the remote-optical device. Consequently, the storage unit requires only a small amount of storage space. The remote-optical device according to the invention can thus continue to be designed to be simple and compact.

[0012] Alternatively, if no active connection to an electronic terminal exists, a digital image, image sequence, or video can also be temporarily stored in the storage unit of the remote-optical device. Later, as soon as an active connection is re-established, the digital image, image sequence, or video can be forwarded to the electronic terminal and displayed, evaluated, or stored there. Advantageously, the remote-optical device according to the invention is coupled with an electronic terminal. The electronic components provided in the remote-optical device can therefore be very simple, since all the logic is located on the electronic terminal. The electronic terminal can be a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop, a desktop PC, or a server. Since the remote-optical device has very few electronic components,Due to the small number of components, energy consumption is also comparatively low. The electronic control button is a simple mechanical push button with an actuation contact. This actuation contact can be a normally open contact, with a function being executed when the button is pressed. Functions include switching the optical device on, switching it off, pairing the optical device with the electronic terminal, capturing an image via the image acquisition channel, or recording a video via the image acquisition channel. Each function is accessed via a predefined actuation of the electronic control button, for example, by pressing it for a specific period of time or by performing several defined actuations in succession.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to have a single electronic control button for executing multiple parameters and functions. Using just one electronic control button provides the operator with a particularly simple and intuitive way to operate the remote optical device. By pressing the button for varying lengths of time, the operator can access or execute a wide range of parameters and functions. Alternatively, a sequence of defined presses can be used to access specific parameters or execute a function.

[0015] Furthermore, the use of a single electronic control button enables a compact and cost-effective design of the remote optical device according to the invention, since mechanical and electronic components only need to be provided for one control button. The control button can also be designed to be essentially elliptical and / or symmetrical about the central axis of the housing. The control button can thus be ergonomically shaped so that it can be easily operated by the user.

[0016] Furthermore, the operating button can be designed to be essentially flush with a surface of the housing of the remote optical device. This allows the housing to be designed to be compact and ergonomically shaped.

[0017] It is also advantageous to have a design in which the operating button has a recess, the recess being designed as an orientation aid for at least one finger of an operator's hand.

[0018] This allows the operator to quickly and easily locate the operating button while simultaneously observing an object or a section of the image through the remote optical device.

[0019] According to further training, it is possible that a display unit is arranged on the housing, by means of which the retrieval of a parameter and / or the execution of a function can be visualized.

[0020] This allows the operator to receive immediate visual feedback on whether and which parameter is being retrieved, and whether and which function is being executed. Furthermore, visual feedback is conceivable that signals the faulty execution or termination of a function.

[0021] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the display unit includes at least one color-changing lighting unit.

[0022] This allows for different visualizations of various parameters and functions. This makes it easy for the operator to distinguish which parameter is being accessed 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-efficient illumination.

[0023] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one illuminated display segment is provided on the housing, by means of which a charge level of an energy storage device of the remote optical device can be displayed.

[0024] Advantageously, by illuminating individual or different display segments of the display unit, several different visualization and signaling options can be created, whereby different parameters or functions can be displayed differently. The display unit can therefore be designed to be particularly compact and clearly laid out.

[0025] Furthermore, it may be provided that an acoustic output unit is included, by means of which the retrieval of a parameter and / or the execution of a function can be signaled.

[0026] In addition to visual signaling, it can be advantageous to also provide acoustic signaling. This is useful when the operator is observing an object through the telescopic device, capturing an image, image sequence, or video, or performing object classification in conjunction with an external device. The acoustic output unit can then provide simple signaling, for example, of the start of image capture or the completion of classification. This allows the operator to maintain focus on the scene being viewed through the optical channel without having to take their eyes off it.

[0027] In one particular design, the operating button can be configured as an eyecup, positioned on the eyepiece side of the viewing channel. To maintain a compact and user-friendly long-range optical device, the eyecup can also function as an operating button. Pressing the eyecup activates the control contact to perform a function. This eliminates the need for the operator to reach for a separate operating button while observing a scene or object, further enhancing ease of use.

[0028] It can also be advantageous to control the remote optical device via voice commands using an integrated microphone (acoustic input device) or to support bird detection by recording and subsequently analyzing the birdsong.

[0029] According to an advantageous further development, it may be provided that the connection is designed as a wireless connection.

[0030] The wireless connection can be implemented as a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC connection. This eliminates the need for any cabling between the remote optical device and a mobile device, further increasing ease of use for the operator.

[0031] In particular, it can be advantageous if the electronic device is designed as a smartphone, which can be connected to the remote optical device via a wireless connection.

[0032] Images, image sequences, and / or videos can be easily viewed using the standard smartphone screen. The standard wireless connection technologies available in smartphones can also be used to transmit these images, image sequences, and / or videos. Therefore, no additional hardware beyond the optical device and the smartphone is required, allowing for a compact overall system design.

[0033] Furthermore, it is provided that the operating button includes a first measuring device for determining an actuation duration, wherein a first function can be performed during a first actuation duration and a second function, different from the first function, can be performed during a second actuation duration.

[0034] This measures the time during which an actuation contact for the operating button is closed.

[0035] Furthermore, it is provided that the operating button includes a second measuring device for determining a time interval between successive actuations of the operating button, wherein a first function can be performed during a first time interval between a first actuation and a second actuation, and a second function, different from the first function, can be performed during a second time interval between a third actuation and a fourth actuation.

[0036] Between each actuation, the operating button is unactuated, which means that the actuation contact is open.

[0037] Furthermore, it is provided that the operating button includes a third measuring device for determining an actuating force, wherein a first function can be performed with a first actuating force and a second function, different from the first function, can be performed with a second actuating force.

[0038] The third measuring device is a force transducer or force sensor, which is used to measure the actuating force.

[0039] According to further training, it is possible that the first measuring device and / or the second measuring device and / or the third measuring device are coupled with the processor unit, whereby parameters can be retrieved and / or the functions can be executed based on the determined actuation duration, the determined time interval and / or the determined actuation force.

[0040] Furthermore, it may be advantageous to have a carrier unit in which 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.

[0041] Advantageously, during assembly, optical, mechanical and electronic components are pre-mounted on the carrier unit and then, during final assembly, the housing is simply inserted or pushed together with individual housing parts.

[0042] Furthermore, it may 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 sight channel and / or that a third heat dissipation device is formed between the housing of the remote optical device and the camera module.

[0043] During prolonged operation of the telescopic device, the processor unit or image acquisition unit may generate increased heat. To dissipate this heat, several heat dissipation devices are advantageously provided to transfer the heat to the support unit or the housing. For improved heat dissipation, the support unit can be made of aluminum and the heat dissipation devices of copper.

[0044] The invention further relates to an observation and image acquisition system comprising a remote optical device and an electronic terminal device, wherein the remote optical device and the electronic terminal device are coupled to each other at least temporarily via a connection.

[0045] According to a particular embodiment, it is possible that the electronic terminal device includes a display device on which an image and / or image sequence captured by means of a camera module of the remote optical device can be displayed.

[0046] According to an advantageous further development, it may be provided that the electronic terminal device includes a GPS receiver, whereby the location of the remote optical device can be determined.

[0047] This allows the continued use of standard components and functionalities of the electronic device. The remote optical device can therefore be manufactured or implemented in a simple, compact, and cost-effective manner.

[0048] To establish a connection such as a WLAN, Bluetooth or NFC connection, a remote optical device and an electronic terminal must be in a certain spatial proximity to each other, which allows the location of the electronic terminal to be determined relatively accurately.

[0049] Using a compass integrated into the long-range optical device can be advantageous for determining the device's horizontal orientation relative to magnetic north. The compass can also be used to identify an observation phase focused on a distant, stationary object (where the device is at rest).

[0050] In particular, it can be advantageous if application software is installed in a server facility, which application software can be accessed via the electronic terminal device and / or which application software can be executed via the electronic terminal device.

[0051] The application software can also be run as a mobile application and installed directly on the mobile device. The server setup can also be integrated into the mobile device. A further advantage is that the observation and image acquisition system can be designed to be particularly compact.

[0052] Furthermore, the server setup may include a storage system in which an image and / or image sequence captured by the camera module of the remote optical device can be stored.

[0053] Therefore, the optical device itself may only have limited storage capacity, as an external storage system can be used to save, store, analyze, and / or classify images, image sequences, or videos. This storage system can also be integrated directly into the electronic device.

[0054] Furthermore, it may be provided that parameters and / or functions can be created and / or edited using the application software on the electronic terminal device, whereby parameters and / or functions can be transferred via the connection from the electronic terminal device to the remote optical device and vice versa.

[0055] Parameters and / or functions can be easily created or edited using the user interface of the mobile device and then transferred back to the remote optical device. The remote optical device itself can still be simple in terms of its electronic components and have a compact design.

[0056] It is also advantageous to have a version in which the electronic device can be designed as a smartphone.

[0057] The remote optical device enables the retrieval of parameters and / or the execution of functions with an observation and image acquisition system, whereby the execution of a function is carried out by pressing the electronic control button of the remote optical device.

[0058] The retrieval of parameters or the execution of functions can be carried out by the operator as easily and intuitively as possible.

[0059] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if a predetermined activation of a single electronic control button on the remote optical device allows the selection of a plurality of parameters and functions from the group.

[0060] By pressing the control button for different lengths of time, the operator can access and execute a wide variety of parameters and functions.

[0061] Furthermore, it may be provided that the operational readiness of the remote optical device is signaled by means of illumination of a display unit of the remote optical device with a first color.

[0062] The operator advantageously receives immediate feedback that the remote optical device is switched on and ready to take an image, an image sequence or a video.

[0063] Furthermore, it may be provided that, based on a determined actuation duration and / or a determined time interval and / or a determined actuation force, a plurality of parameters and functions are selected from the group.

[0064] Different functions are assigned different operating durations, time intervals, and / or operating forces. This allows for simple and intuitive operation by the operator using just one control button.

[0065] Furthermore, it may be useful to perform a coupling process between the remote optical device and an electronic terminal device after an initial determined operating duration.

[0066] The remote optical device includes an interface module that allows a WLAN, Bluetooth, or NFC connection to be established with the electronic device. The electronic device uses the corresponding standard interfaces for this purpose.

[0067] Furthermore, it may be provided that the coupling process is visualized by means of 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.

[0068] The operator receives immediate feedback on the status of the pairing process and whether it was successfully completed.

[0069] Furthermore, it may be provided that a failed pairing process is signaled by illuminating the display unit with a third color.

[0070] Another advantageous feature is one in which the charge level of an energy storage device of the remote optical device can be visualized by means of illumination of the display unit with a fourth color.

[0071] The operator can be continuously informed about the charge level of the energy storage device and initiate a charging process in good time, for example if a longer use of the remote optical device is planned.

[0072] According to further training, it is possible to visualize the state of charge of the energy storage device by means of at least one illuminated display segment.

[0073] Advantageously, the charge level of the energy storage device is clearly visible or visualizable even in darkness.

[0074] Furthermore, it may be useful to visualize the charge level of the energy storage device by means of a combined illumination of the display unit and at least one display segment.

[0075] Furthermore, it may be provided that the operational readiness of the remote optical device is signaled by means of an acoustic output unit.

[0076] In addition to visual signaling, it can be advantageous to also provide acoustic signaling. If the operator is observing an object through the telescopic device or capturing an image, image sequence, or video, a simple signal, such as the start of image capture, can be provided via the acoustic output unit. The operator thus does not have to take their eyes off the scene being viewed through the optical channel. Operation can also be simplified by an acoustic input unit via an integrated microphone.

[0077] Furthermore, it may be provided that a wireless connection is established between the remote optical device and an electronic terminal device, whereby parameters and / or functions are transmitted from the electronic terminal device to the remote optical device and vice versa.

[0078] According to a specific implementation, it is possible for parameters and / or functions to be transmitted from one electronic terminal to a plurality of remote optical devices and vice versa.

[0079] Multiple operators can be provided with the same parameters and functions.

[0080] It is intended that functions selected from the group consisting of switching on the remote optical device, switching off the remote optical device, coupling the remote optical device with the electronic terminal, capturing an image via the image capture channel, and recording a video via the image capture channel are executed by pressing the operating button.

[0081] In particular, it can be advantageous if the selection of a plurality from the group of parameters and functions takes place immediately one after the other.

[0082] Furthermore, it can be provided that the program execution of several selected functions runs largely in parallel. This advantageously increases the speed of the individual program executions.

[0083] Furthermore, it may be provided that the program execution of a number of selected functions occurs at different times.

[0084] It is also advantageous to have a configuration in which the program flow can be carried out using application software on the connected electronic device.

[0085] Advantageously, the entire program logic runs on the electronic terminal, allowing the remote optical device to be designed as simply and compactly as possible.

[0086] According to further training, it is possible for parameters and / or functions to be created and / or edited using the application software on the electronic terminal device, whereby parameters and / or functions are transmitted via the wireless connection from the electronic terminal device to the remote optical device and vice versa.

[0087] Furthermore, it may be useful if an image and / or image sequence is captured by a predefined activation of the operating button, which is then displayed on a display device of the electronic terminal.

[0088] This allows the remote optical device to remain simple and compact, and the standard components of the electronic terminal device can be used for image display.

[0089] According to a special version, it is possible that when the predefined operating button is pressed at the start of the recording of the image and / or image sequence, an acoustic signal is emitted by means of the acoustic output unit.

[0090] This allows the operator to receive immediate feedback that recording has started, without having to take their eyes off the object or image section they are viewing.

[0091] Furthermore, it may be provided that a recorded image and / or a recorded image sequence is stored on a storage system of a server facility.

[0092] The server setup can be connected directly to the remote optical device via a wireless connection, or to the electronic terminal. The remote optical device therefore only needs to have a small integrated storage capacity and can remain compact and simple in design.

[0093] Furthermore, it may be provided that the location of the remote optical device is determined by means of a GPS receiver in the electronic terminal.

[0094] It is also advantageous if a first beam path is formed in the viewing channel through a first objective, a first focusing lens, a reversing system and a first eyepiece, and if a second beam path is formed in the image acquisition channel through a second objective, a second focusing lens and a second eyepiece, wherein the first focusing lens and the second focusing lens are jointly movable by means of a first focusing device, and wherein a reference image plane is determined in the first beam path of the viewing channel by means of a reticle or by an image projected by a projection optic, and wherein the first eyepiece of the viewing channel is movable by means of a second focusing device for focusing on the reference image plane.

[0095] Advantageously, in the remote optical device, the first focusing device comprises a focusing ring and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the focusing ring for moving the first focusing lens and the second focusing lens parallel to the optical axes of the first and second beam paths.

[0096] Furthermore, it is provided that the second focusing device includes a diopter ring for shifting the eyepiece lenses parallel to the optical axis of the first beam path.

[0097] According to a further development of the remote optical device, the camera module includes a third focusing device.

[0098] Another advantage is that the camera module includes an electronic image capture sensor and the third focusing device is an autofocus system. This allows for consistently high-quality focusing on the camera's image sensor, which would not be possible based solely on the subjective assessment of image sharpness perceived by the operator.

[0099] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the second beam path of the image acquisition channel to include an afocal lens system.

[0100] The design of the tele-optical device, whereby 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 focusing the eyepiece lenses onto the reticle and focusing the image of the distant object onto the reference image plane can be carried out independently of each other.

[0101] Through further training, in which the telescopic device is equipped with two viewing channels, an operator is able to observe comfortably with both eyes.

[0102] With a remote optical device, in one of the trainings as described above, the following procedure can be used: an operator, while looking through the viewing channel, subjectively focuses the first eyepiece of the viewing channel onto the reference image plane using the second focusing device, and then, while aiming at the distant object, focuses an image of the distant object using the first focusing device, whereupon an image of the distant object is automatically focused in the image acquisition channel using the third focusing device of the camera module.

[0103] The procedure is advantageous in which a processor unit detects the cessation of movement of the focusing lens and subsequently automatically triggers the focusing of the image of the distant object in the image acquisition channel.

[0104] An alternative measure proposes 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.

[0105] It is also advantageous if the procedure involves establishing a wireless connection between the remote optical device and an electronic terminal, and the image of the distant object is displayed on a screen by the electronic terminal. If the operator selects a section of the image of the distant object on the electronic terminal, the camera module's autofocus function is then automatically activated to focus on the selected section. This has the advantage that different details or objects at varying distances within the scene can be focused on the electronic terminal without requiring manual focusing adjustments on the remote optical device itself.

[0106] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0107] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a long-range optical device; Fig. 2 a side view of the long-range optical device; Fig. 3 an eyepiece-side view of the long-range optical device; Fig. 4 a bottom view of the long-range optical device; Fig. 5 an observation and image acquisition system; Fig. 6 a first perspective view of a support unit of the long-range optical device; Fig. 7 an objective-side view of the support unit of the long-range optical device; Fig. 8 a second perspective view of the support unit of the long-range optical device; Fig. 9 the support frame of the support unit of the long-range optical device shown in perspective; Fig. 10 a top view of the support unit, showing the optical components; Fig. 11 a cross-section of the two optical systems of the viewing channel and the image acquisition channel; Fig. 12 a further embodiment of the long-range optical device.

[0108] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0109] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a remote optical device 1. The remote optical device 1 comprises a viewing channel 2 and an image acquisition channel 3, which are housed in a casing 4. The remote optical device 1 also includes a focusing ring 5 for focusing an image or image section viewed by the remote optical device 1, a diopter ring 6 for adjusting diopter compensation, a display unit 7, and several illuminated display segments 8 for displaying the charge level of an energy storage device 9 of the remote optical device 1. The display unit 7 can be illuminated in different colors by means of a color-changing illumination unit 10, thereby visualizing different operating states of the remote optical device 1, the recall of a parameter, and / or the execution of a function.

[0110] For example, the operational readiness or activation of the remote optical device 1 is signaled by illuminating the display unit 7 with a first color. Based on a determined actuation duration and / or a determined time interval and / or a determined actuation force, a plurality of parameters and functions can be selected from the group.

[0111] For example, after a first determined activation duration, a pairing process can be performed between the remote optical device 1 and an electronic terminal device 11. The pairing process can be visualized by illuminating the display unit 7 with a second color. During the pairing process, the second color of the display unit 7 flashes, and after successful pairing, it remains illuminated for a predefined period. Furthermore, a failed pairing process can be signaled by illuminating the display unit 7 with a third color.

[0112] Alternatively or in addition to displaying the state of charge of the energy storage device 9 by means of the illuminated display segments 8, the state of charge of the energy storage device 9 can also be visualized by illuminating the display unit 7 with a fourth color.

[0113] Furthermore, an acoustic output unit 12 is provided on the remote 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 emitted via the output unit 12 after the remote optical device 1 has been switched on. It is also conceivable that a second signal tone is emitted if a coupling process with an electronic terminal 11 was successful, or a third signal tone if a coupling process with an electronic terminal 11 was unsuccessful.

[0114] An electronic control button 13 is provided for executing a plurality of parameters and functions from the group. In the illustrated embodiment, the control button 13 is essentially elliptical in shape, although any geometric shape such as round, rectangular, etc. is conceivable for the control button.

[0115] In the Fig. 2 Another embodiment of the tele-optical device 1, which may be independent in itself, is shown, again using the same reference numerals or component designations for the same parts as in the preceding illustration. Fig. 1 to be used. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding sections. Fig. 1 pointed out or referenced.

[0116] The Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a side view of the tele-optical device 1, wherein the operating button 13 is essentially flush with a surface 14 of the housing 4 of the tele-optical device 1. The operating button 13 also has a recess 15, the recess 15 being designed as an orientation aid for at least one finger of an operator's hand.

[0117] Furthermore, the remote optical device 1 includes an eyecup 16 on the eyepiece side of the viewing channel 2, through which the operator of the remote optical device 1 can view an image or a section of an image. According to an embodiment not shown in detail, it is conceivable that the operating button 13 is designed as the eyecup 16, whereby a plurality of parameters and functions can be executed with the eyecup 16.

[0118] The eyecup 16 is designed to be adjustable longitudinally along the central axis of the viewing channel 2 in order to be individually adjusted to an operator, who may be a wearer of glasses.

[0119] In the Fig. 3 Another embodiment of the remote optical device 1, which may be independent in itself, is shown, with the same reference numerals or component designations used for the same parts as in the preceding illustrations. Figs. 1 and 2to be used. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding sections. Figs. 1 and 2 pointed out or referenced.

[0120] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows an eyepiece-side view of the tele-optical device 1, in which cylindrical pins 17 are provided for receiving a carrying strap which is not shown in detail.

[0121] In the Fig. 4 Another embodiment of the remote optical device 1, which may be independent in itself, is shown, with the same reference numerals or component designations used for the same parts as in the preceding illustrations. Figs. 1 to 3 to be used. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding sections. Figs. 1 to 3 pointed out or referenced.

[0122] Fig. 4Figure 1 shows an underside of the remote optical device 1, where a socket 18 for a connector of a connecting or charging cable (not shown) is closed by a cover 19. After removing or opening the cover, the connector of a connecting or charging cable can be plugged in, whereupon a connection to an electronic terminal 11 can be established or a positioning process of the energy storage device 9 can be started.

[0123] In the Fig. 5 Another embodiment of an observation and image acquisition system 20, which may be independent in itself, is shown, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the preceding Figs. 1 to 4 to be used. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding sections. Figs. 1 to 4 pointed out or referenced.

[0124] The one in Fig. 5The depicted observation and image acquisition system 20 comprises a remote-optical device 1 and an electronic terminal 11 in the form of a smartphone 21. The smartphone 21 is coupled to the remote-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 establish a connection 22 or a wireless connection 23 with an electronic terminal 11 or a smartphone 21, the remote-optical device 1 includes an interface module 24. The interface module 24 can include a WLAN antenna (not shown in detail).

[0125] The long-range optical device 1 is in the Fig. 5The exploded view shows a first housing part 25, a second housing part 26, and a carrier unit 27. 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 are arranged in or on the carrier unit 27.

[0126] 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 mounting of the remote 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.

[0127] Furthermore, a camera module 32 is provided on the image acquisition channel 3, wherein the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3 are coupled to each other 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 captured by the camera module 32. Parameters and / or functions can be stored in the remote optical device 1 by means of a storage unit 33. Parameters and / or functions can be transmitted from the electronic terminal 11 to the remote optical device 1 and vice versa via the wireless connection 23 of the remote optical device 1.

[0128] To execute a function, the only electronic operating button 13 provided on the remote optical device 1 is actuated, thereby actuating an actuating contact 34.

[0129] To determine an actuation duration, the operating button 13 comprises a first measuring device 35, wherein a first function can be performed during a first actuation duration and a second function, different from the first function, can be performed during a second actuation duration.

[0130] To determine a time interval between successive actuations of the operating button 13, the operating button 13 comprises a second measuring device 36, wherein a first function can be performed during a first time interval and a second function, different from the first function, can be performed during a second time interval.

[0131] To determine an actuating force, the operating button 13 includes a third measuring device 37, wherein a first function can be performed with a first actuating force and a second function, different from the first function, can be performed with a second actuating force.

[0132] 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.

[0133] The first measuring device 35, the second measuring device 36 and the third measuring device 37 are in the in the Fig. 5 The illustrated embodiment is coupled with the processor unit 31, wherein the functions can be executed on the basis of the determined actuation duration, the determined time interval and / or the determined actuation force.

[0134] The electronic terminal 11, which is connected to the remote optical device 1 via the wireless connection 23, includes a display device 38, such as a screen or a touchscreen. An image or video recorded by the camera module 32 of the remote optical device 1 can be displayed on the display device 38.

[0135] An image or image sequence can be captured by a predefined activation of control button 13, e.g., by pressing control button 13 for a duration of 0.5 seconds. An acoustic signal can be emitted via the acoustic output unit 12 when the recording starts.

[0136] The location of the remote optical device 1 can also be determined by means of a GPS receiver 39 provided in the electronic terminal 11.

[0137] The one in Fig. 5The depicted observation and image acquisition system 20 further comprises a server unit 40 with a storage system 41. Application software is installed on the server unit 40, which the electronic terminal 11 can access via a second connection (not shown) or wireless connection. 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 on the electronic terminal 11 using the application software, and these parameters and / or functions can be transferred from the electronic terminal 11 to the remote optical device 1 via connection 22, and vice versa.

[0138] In an embodiment not shown in detail, parameters and / or functions can be transmitted from an electronic terminal device 11 to a plurality of remote optical devices 1 and vice versa.

[0139] The functions can include switching on the remote optical device 1, switching off the remote optical device 1, coupling the remote optical device 1 with the electronic terminal 11, capturing an image using the image acquisition channel 3, capturing an image sequence or a video using the image acquisition channel 3, which are executed or started by pressing the operating button 13.

[0140] The selection of multiple parameters and functions from the group can occur directly one after the other. The program execution of multiple selected functions can occur largely in parallel or with a time delay. The program execution is carried out using the application software of the connected electronic terminal 11.

[0141] An image and / or image sequence captured by means of the camera module 32 of the remote optical device 1 can also be stored in the storage system 41.

[0142] An application software or mobile application can be a first mobile application that offers the functions of live streaming, image management, and firmware updates for the remote optical device 1. Live streaming involves the real-time transmission of an image or video captured by the image acquisition channel 3 or camera module 32 to the connected electronic terminal 11. It is also possible to connect not just one, but several terminals simultaneously, allowing multiple people to view the live stream at the same time. Subsequently, images or videos can 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 one embodiment not shown in detail, the storage system 41 can also be a cloud storage system.

[0143] A second mobile application could be a bird identification application. Using an image of a bird captured by image capture channel 3 or camera module 32, which is transmitted to the electronic device 11, the bird species can be identified using an image database (not shown) and an image recognition algorithm. Subsequently, the bird species can be displayed on the screen 38 of the electronic device 11. It is also conceivable that additional information, such as a description of the species, a bird call, and / or a map of its geographic distribution, could be displayed on the mobile device 11.

[0144] A third mobile application could be an identification application for mountains, where the names of the mountain peaks are output based on a recorded image of mountains.

[0145] A fourth mobile application makes it conceivable that a recorded image or image sequence or video can be shared with a second operator, with transmission taking place to a second electronic device not shown in detail.

[0146] In the Figs. 6 and 7 Another embodiment of the carrier unit 27 of the tele-optical device 1, which may be independent in itself, is shown, again using the same reference numerals or component designations for the same parts as in the preceding illustrations. Figs. 1 to 5 to be used. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding sections. Figs. 1 to 5 pointed out or referenced.

[0147] Fig. 6 shows a first perspective view of the carrier unit 27 of the long-range optical device 1 and Fig. 7 A lens-side view of the carrier unit 27 of the long-range optical device.

[0148] 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 from the processor unit 31, or a voltage regulator (not shown), is transferred to the carrier unit 27 via the first heat dissipation device 43. The carrier unit 27 can be made of aluminum to improve heat dissipation.

[0149] In the Fig. 8Another embodiment of the carrier unit 27 of the tele-optical device 1, which may be independent in itself, is shown, again using the same reference numerals or component designations for the same parts as in the preceding illustrations. Figs. 1 to 7 to be used. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding sections. Figs. 1 to 7 pointed out or referenced.

[0150] Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows a second perspective view of the carrier unit 27 of the remote optical device 1. For thermal management, a third heat dissipation device 45 is also provided between the housing 4 of the remote optical device 1 and the camera module 32. Thermal coupling of the camera module 32 or the image acquisition channel 3 to the housing 4 can be achieved via a copper heat-conducting plate.

[0151] The Fig. 9Figure 1 shows the support frame 101 of the carrier unit 27 of the long-range optical device 1 in perspective. For the sake of clarity, components or assemblies arranged on the support frame 101 for the construction of the carrier unit 27 are not shown. Fig. 5 The viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3 are accommodated in two tube-shaped recesses of the support frame 101, as 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, which ensures precise and stable alignment of the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3 relative to each other. A first and a second bearing bushing 104, 105 for receiving a push rod 106 of the adjustment mechanism 30 are also visible on the support frame 101. Fig. 10 ).

[0152] The Fig. 10Figure 1 shows a top view of the support unit 27, in which the support frame 101 is shown together with optical components of the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3. The representation corresponds to a top view 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 to corresponding movable lens mounts of the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3 by means of a first driver 107 and a second driver 108. The focusing ring 5 can be moved via corresponding control grooves (not shown). Fig. 1) when actuated, the adjusting mechanism 30 acts in such a way that the push rod 106 is moved parallel to the optical axes 102, 103. By coupling the push rod 106 via 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 moved together.

[0153] On the observer-side end region of the viewing channel 2 of the support frame 101, an eyepiece holder 111 of a first eyepiece 112 (a lens system formed from several individual lenses) of the viewing channel 2 is also recognizable ( Fig. 11). The eyepiece lenses 112 can be adjusted by pressing or rotating the diopter ring 6 ( Fig. 1 ) in the direction of the optical axis 102. In this way, a second focusing device is formed at the viewing channel 2 of the tele-optical device 1.

[0154] The Fig. 11 Figure 1 shows the two optical systems of the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3, represented by a cross-section corresponding to a section plane with the optical axes 102, 103 of the viewing channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3, respectively. For clarity, the representation of the remote optical device 1 in Figure 1 is shown. Fig. 11The depiction of components other than the lenses or prisms responsible for optical imaging has been largely omitted. Furthermore, it should be noted that whenever the term "lens" is used in the following text, such as an eyepiece lens, an objective lens, or a focusing lens, and the singular form is used, this is not to be understood restrictively, but rather as referring to, or potentially referring to, a system of multiple lenses. This is common practice in technical optics for the avoidance or compensation of aberrations.

[0155] Both viewing channel 2 and image acquisition channel 3 have a coverslip 113 or 114 on the object side, respectively. Viewing channel 2 contains, downstream of the coverslip 113, an objective lens 115, a focusing lens 109, a prism-based reversing system 116, 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. Image acquisition channel 3, on the other hand, has a second beam path. Its optical elements, downstream of the coverslip 114, are an objective lens 119, a 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 image acquisition channel 3 together form an afocal lens system.The camera module 32 is preferably formed as a unit with an electronic image acquisition sensor, its own lens and an integrated autofocus function.

[0156] Indicated by dashed lines, the following are shown in the diagram according to Fig. 11Parts of the adjustment mechanism 30, such as the push rod 106 and the two drivers 107, 108, for jointly moving the focusing lens 109 of the viewing channel 2 and the focusing lens 110 of the image acquisition channel 3, are also shown. As mentioned above, the eyepiece lens 112 is also movable in the direction of the optical axis 102 of the viewing channel 2. This allows a user to focus the eyepiece lens 112 on markings (not shown) on the reticle 118 by operating the diopter ring 6. The reticle 118 is fixed in position in the viewing channel 2 in the direction of the optical axis 102. The spatial arrangement of the markings on the reticle 118 thus defines a reference image plane 121.

[0157] On the other hand, the markings attached to the reticle 118 are arranged in such a way that an operator or viewer is shown a section of the image captured by the camera module 32. The markings are therefore preferably those that indicate the lateral edges of a rectangular image section or the corners of the image section.

[0158] When operating the telescopic device 1 to observe a distant object, a person will proceed as follows: First, while looking through the viewing channel 2, they will focus the eyepiece or eyepiece lens 112 onto the reference image plane 121 using the diopter ring 6. Subsequently, when aligning the telescopic device 1 with a distant object (or when aiming), an image of the distant object can also be focused by rotating the focusing ring 5. This focusing of the image of the distant object is equivalent to shifting the 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 of the reticle 118 and the image of the distant object appear equally sharp to the operator.

[0159] The focusing lens 109 of the viewing channel 2 is positioned on the 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 each other. 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.

[0160] Since the focusing lens 109 of the viewing channel 2 and the focusing lens 110 of the image acquisition channel 3 are moved together by actuating the focusing ring 5 and thus by moving the adjustment mechanism 30, the second focusing process of the viewing channel 2 described above (moving 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 then effected by the autofocus function of the camera or the camera module 32.The lens of camera module 32, which can be changed by the autofocus function of camera module 32, is automatically adjusted so that a sharp image of the distant object is projected onto the light-sensitive sensor surface.

[0161] The automatic focusing of the image in the image acquisition channel 3 using the autofocus function of the camera module 32 is preferably started immediately after pressing the electronic control button 13 to trigger image recording. Alternatively, the activation of the autofocus function of the camera module 32 can also be triggered programmatically by the processor unit 31. For example, the movements of the focusing lens 109 and the eyepiece lens 112 can be monitored by the processor unit 31 using optional sensors. If the processor unit 31 detects a sequence of adjustment of the eyepiece lens 112 using the diopter ring 6 followed by an adjustment of the focusing lens 109 by pressing the focusing ring 5, the autofocus function of the camera module 32 can be triggered by the processor unit 31 immediately after the movement of the focusing lens 109 has ended.This has the advantage that, in the case of using the mobile application with the function of live streaming on the electronic terminal 11, every change in the focus of the viewing channel 2 by the person operating the remote optical device 1 simultaneously leads to a corresponding focus of the image on the electronic terminal 11, without the need to press the electronic control button 13 again.

[0162] When the autofocus function of the camera module 32 is triggered by the processor unit 31, it is preferably provided that only the detection of one end of the movement of the focusing lens 109 is used as the criterion. This means that as long as the same person operates the telescopic device 1, readjustment of the eyepiece lens 112 for diopter compensation will not be necessary. Furthermore, the automatic triggering of the autofocus after completion of manual focusing has the advantage that when a picture / video recording is triggered by pressing the control button 13, a further autofocusing step is unnecessary. This significantly speeds up the entire recording process, as the time between triggering and the actual image capture is noticeably reduced.

[0163] Using an integrated compass (if applicable), the long-range optical device 1, or rather its processor unit 31, can detect whether an observation phase is taking place in which the long-range optical device 1 is pointed at a distant and stationary object (the device is at rest). If this is the case, automatic focusing can be started after the manual focusing phase is completed, as described above. It is also conceivable that automatic image / video recording is started in the background during the detected observation phase. The image data can, for example, be evaluated later or, in the case of a manual trigger, provide image data shortly before / after the triggering. With the images automatically recorded in the background, it would also be possible to perform an automatic selection by classifying the object (e.g., only birds or faces).

[0164] 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. 5It is also possible for an operator to select a section of the displayed image on the electronic device 11, and in response, the user program (the app) on the electronic device 11 controls the camera module 32 of the remote optical device 1. The autofocus system of the camera module 32 then refocuses on a corresponding detail of the image section selected on the electronic device 11. With the remote optical device 1 remaining otherwise unchanged in its setting and orientation towards a distant object or scene within its field of view, the electronic device 11 can thus focus on different details or objects at different distances within 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 that very object.

[0165] The optical systems of the sight channel 2 and the image acquisition channel 3 of the remote optical device 1 according to this embodiment are defined in more detail below in Tables 1 and 2 with reference to their technical data.

[0166] Table 1 lists the optical data of the lens system of viewing channel 2. "m" denotes the surface number, counting from the object-side end of the system. "r" represents the radius of curvature of the surface, and "d" represents the distance to the next surface. Radii of curvature and distances are given in mm. The sign of the surface radii of curvature "r" follows the convention commonly used in technical optics. That is, the radius is given as the distance from the surface's reference point (i.e., the point that coincides with the optical axis) to its center of curvature. If this direction (from the surface's reference point to its center of curvature) is the same as the direction from the object to the observer (the principal direction of light propagation, z-coordinate), the radius has a positive sign; otherwise, it has a negative sign.The abbreviation "inf" (= "Infinity") for the radius r denotes a flat surface. The fourth column, "Glass," specifies the glass type according to the catalog naming conventions of Schott AG. An "L" indicates an air gap between the glass types of two successive lenses or plates. Table 1: m r / mm d / mm Glass 1 info 2 N-BK7 2 info 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 info 22,24 N-BAK4 9 info 1 L 10 info 36,25 N-BAK4 11 int 5,1 L 12 -15,784 1 N-BK7 13 -255,750 2,62 L 14 info 1,5 N-BK7 15 info 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

[0167] Table 2 contains the optical data of the lens system of image acquisition channel 3. Here, an entry "asph" in the second column denotes an aspherical surface of a lens. Table 2: m r / mm d / mm Glass 1 info 2 N-BK7 2 info 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

[0168] Based on the Fig. 12 A second embodiment of a remote optical device 1 is described. Fig. 12Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of the remote optical device 1. In addition to the image acquisition channel 3 and the viewing channel 2, it comprises a second viewing channel 2' arranged parallel to the viewing channel 2. The remote optical device 1 according to this embodiment is thus designed in the manner of a binocular or binoculars. The housing parts 123, 124, which accommodate the two viewing channels 2, 2', are connected to each other by a hinged 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 be adjusted to the interpupillary distance of a user. Furthermore, the image acquisition channel 3 is arranged such that its optical axis 103 is positioned coaxially with the pivot axis 125. Likewise, the focusing ring 5 is also arranged coaxially with the pivot axis 125.

[0169] 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. Additionally, the adjustment mechanism 30 with the focusing ring 5 connected to it and the push rods 106 are also shown, by actuating 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.

[0170] The measures for operation in connection with focusing the ocular lens 112 of the first visual channel 2 onto the reference image plane 121 and the subsequent focusing of an image of the distant object onto the same reference image plane 121, as described above using the exemplary embodiment according to the Figs. 9 to 11The steps described above can also be applied in the same way to this embodiment of the tele-optical device 1. However, diopter adjustment between the right and left eyes of a user is also possible by adjusting the ocular lens 112' of the second viewing channel 2' with a diopter ring 6'. Therefore, when operating the tele-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.

[0171] The method for operating the remote optical device 1 when observing a distant object comprises – in the case of this embodiment of the remote optical device 1 – the following steps: a) Focusing the first viewing channel 2 onto the reticle 118 by operating the diopter ring 6 (to move the eyepiece lens 112); b) Focusing the first viewing channel 2 onto 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' onto the same distant object by operating the diopter ring 6' (to move the eyepiece lens 112').

[0172] After completion of steps a) and b), the autofocus device can automatically focus the image acquisition channel 3.

[0173] In another alternative embodiment of the tele-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 depict an illuminated mask or an electronic display. A further alternative method for determining the position of the reference image plane 121 involves a transparent display positioned in the beam path at the location of the reference image plane 121.

[0174] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field due to the teaching on technical action by the present invention.

[0175] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be consulted for the interpretation of the claims.

[0176] All references to value ranges in this description are to be understood as encompassing any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g., the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e., 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.

[0177] Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference numeral list 1 remote optical device 30 Adjustment mechanism 2, 2' visual channel 31 Processor unit 3 Image capture 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 terminal 40 Server setup 12 acoustic output unit 41 Storage system 13 electronic control button 42 memory 14 surface 43 first heat dissipation device 15 in-depth 16 eyecup 44 second heat dissipation device 17 Cylindrical pin 18 socket 45 third heat dissipation device 19 Lid 20 Observation and image acquisition system 101 axis 102, 102' axis 21 Smartphone 103 Bearing bushing 22 Connection 104 Bearing bushing 23 Wireless connection 105 Push rod 24 Interface module 106 drive 25 first housing part 107 drive 26 second housing part 108 Focusing lens 27 Carrier unit 109, 109' Focusing lens 28 first case 110 eyepiece holder 29 second case 111 eyepiece lens 112, 112' Cover glass 113 Cover glass 114 objective lens 115 Reversal system 116, 116' Field lens 117 reticle 118 objective lens 119 eyepiece lens 120 Reference image plane 121 visual channel 122 Housing part 123 Housing part 124 Swivel axis

Claims

1. A long-range optical device (1) comprising at least one sight channel (2) and an image capturing channel (3) with a camera module (32), wherein the sight channel (2) and the image capturing channel (3) are coupled to one another by means of an adjusting mechanism (30) such that a first image detail observed in the sight channel (2) essentially corresponds to a second image detail captured by the camera module (32); at least one interface module (24) for establishing a connection (22) with an electronic terminal (11); a processing unit (31); - at least one memory unit (33), wherein the memory unit (33) is formed for storing functions and preferably parameters; - and an electronic operating button (13), - wherein the selection of a function from the functions stored in the memory unit (33) is defined by a type of actuation of the electronic operating button (13) and the long-range optical device (1) is configured to execute the function by the corresponding actuation of the operating button (13), - characterized in that the type of actuation of the electronic operating button (13) is selected from a group consisting of an actuating period of the electronic operating button (13), an actuating force of the electronic operating button (13) and a time interval between subsequent actuations of the electronic operating button (13), - wherein in case of a first actuating period, a first function can be executed and in case of a second actuating period differing from the first actuating period, a second function differing from the first function can be executed, - and wherein in case of a first actuating force, a first function can be executed and in case of a second actuating force differing from the first actuating force, a second function differing from the first function can be executed, - and wherein in case of a first time interval between a first actuation and a second actuation, a first function can be executed, and in case of second time interval between a third actuation and a fourth actuation, a second function differing from the first function can be executed, - and wherein the first function and the second function are selected from the group of switching on the long-range optical device (1), switching off the long-range optical device (1), coupling the long-range optical device (1) to the electronic terminal, capturing an image by means of the image capturing channel (3), capturing a video by means of the image capturing channel (3).

2. The long-range optical device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the long-range optical device (1) comprises a single electronic operating button (13) for executing a plurality of functions.

3. The long-range optical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a display unit (7) which is arranged on the housing (4) of the long-range optical device (1) and by means of which the execution of the function can be visualized.

4. The long-range optical device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface module (24) is configured for establishing the connection (22) as a wireless connection (23).

5. The long-range optical device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the electronic terminal (11) configured as a smartphone (21) can be coupled to the long-range optical device (1) by means of the wireless connection (23).

6. The long-range optical device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating button (13) comprises a first measuring device (35) for determining the actuating period, the operating button (13) comprises a second measuring device (36) for determining the time interval between subsequent actuations of the operating button (13), and the operating button (13) comprises a third measuring device (37) for determining the actuating force, wherein the first measuring device (35) and the second measuring device (36) and the third measuring device (37) are coupled to the processing unit (31), wherein based on the determined actuating period, the determined time interval and / or the determined actuating force, one of the functions, the first function or the second function, can be executed.

7. The long-range optical device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a support unit (27), in which support unit (27) at least one first housing (28) of the sight channel (2), a second housing (29) of the image capturing channel (3), the adjusting mechanism (30), the interface module (24) and the processing unit (31) are arranged.

8. The long-range optical device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that a first heat dissipation device (43) is formed between the support unit (27) and the processing unit (31) and / or that a second heat dissipation device (44) is formed between the support unit (27) and the first housing (28) of the sight channel (2) and / or that a third heat dissipation device (45) is formed between the housing (4) of the long-range optical device (1) and the camera module (32), wherein the housing (4) of the long-range optical device (1) comprises a first housing part (25) and a second housing part (26), in which the support unit (27) is accommodated in the assembled state of the long-range optical device (1).

9. An observation and image capturing system (20) comprising a long-range optical device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and an electronic terminal (11), characterized in that the long-range optical device (1) and the electronic terminal (11) are coupled to one another via the connection (22) at least temporally.

10. The observation and image capturing system (20) according to claim 9, characterized in that the electronic terminal (11) comprises a display device (38), on which display device (38) an image and / or an image sequence captured by means of the camera module (32) of the long-range optical device (1) can be displayed.

11. The observation and image capturing system (20) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises a server device (40), on which an application software is installed, wherein the application software can be accessed by means of the electronic terminal (11) and / or wherein the application software can be executed by means of the electronic terminal (11).

12. The observation and image capturing system (20) according to claim 11, characterized in that the server device (40) comprises a memory system (41), in which an image and / or an image sequence captured by means of the camera module (32) of the long-range optical device (1) can be stored.

13. The observation and image capturing system (20) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the functions can be created and / or edited by means of the application software on the electronic terminal (11), wherein the functions can be transmitted from the electronic terminal (11) to the long-range optical device (1) and vice versa via the connection (22).