Measuring device

Abstract

This surveying device is equipped with a collimation optical system (11) which is equipped with an object lens (14), a light-receiving prism (15), a focusing lens (16), an erecting prism (17), a reticle (18), and an ocular lens (19) that are arranged on a collimation axis. A beam splitter is provided on the collimation axis on a side closer to the ocular lens as compared to the focusing lens. The collimation axis is branched by the beam splitter. A guide light source (32) is provided at or near the focal distance of the objective lens on the branched optical axis. Guide light emitted from the guide light source is outputted through the focusing lens, the light-receiving prism, and the objective lens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a surveying instrument having a function of irradiating guide light for guiding surveying workers.

Background Art

[0002] In surveying work, when guiding surveying workers to a surveying point, there is a method of guiding by guide light.

[0003] The guide light has different colors on the left and right with the line of sight as the boundary, and is irradiated toward the surveying point. The worker visually recognizes the guide light and is guided to the surveying point by moving to the boundary position of the colors on the left and right.

[0004] Conventionally, a guide light irradiation device provided in a surveying instrument, such as a total station, is a device independent of the surveying instrument body. For this reason, both the optical system and the mechanical part have a separate configuration from the surveying instrument body, making the surveying instrument complicated and a factor contributing to high costs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a surveying instrument in which a guide light irradiation device is integrated with a surveying instrument body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention relates to a surveying device equipped with a sighting optical system, wherein the sighting optical system comprises an objective lens, a light-receiving prism, a focusing lens, an erecting prism, a reticle, and an eyepiece lens arranged on the sighting optical axis, a beam splitter provided on the eyepiece lens side of the focusing lens on the sighting optical axis, the beam splitter branching the sighting optical axis, a guide light source provided at or near the focal length of the objective lens on the branched optical axis, and guide light emitted from the guide light source being emitted through the focusing lens, the light-receiving prism, and the objective lens.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surveying device in which the divergence angle of the guide light can be changed by adjusting the focus state of the focusing lens.

[0009] The present invention further comprises a remote controller, which allows for remote control of the focusing state of the focusing lens and the divergence angle of the guide light.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surveying device configured such that a beam splitting film is formed on one of the reflective surfaces constituting the erecting prism, a part of the erecting prism functions as a beam splitter, and the beam splitting film branches the sighting optical axis.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surveying device in which the erecting prism is a Porro prism type II.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surveying device in which the erecting prism is a Porro prism of type I.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surveying device in which the erecting prism is a Schmidt-Péchan prism.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surveying device in which the erecting prism is an Abbe-König prism.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surveying device configured to have a beam splitter having a beam splitting film between the erecting prism and the reticle, and to split the sighting optical axis with the beam splitting film.

[0016] The present invention also relates to a surveying device in which the guide light source emits light having a broadband wavelength as guide light, a color-generating element is provided on the surface of the erecting prism facing the beam-splitting film, the color-generating element is divided into left and right halves with respect to the optical axis of the guide light source, and the left and right dividing surfaces are configured to have different spectral characteristics, and the guide light is emitted as light with different spectral characteristics on the left and right sides through the color-generating element.

[0017] The present invention also relates to a surveying device configured such that a right-angle prism mirror is arranged in an inverted position facing the beam splitting film, light sources are provided facing two surfaces of the right-angle prism mirror, the two light sources emit light of different colors toward the two surfaces, and the light reflected by the two surfaces is emitted as guide light split into two colors.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surveying device in which the color-generating element is one of a dichroic film, a wavelength-absorbing film, colored glass, a fluorescent film, or an EW element.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surveying device in which the color-generating element is a liquid crystal display.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surveying device to which a flashing means is added to the color-generating element, and the flashing means makes it possible to flash at least one of the divided surfaces. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, in a surveying instrument equipped with a collimation optical system, the collimation optical system includes an objective lens, a light receiving prism, a focusing lens, an erecting prism, a reticle, and an eyepiece lens arranged on the collimation optical axis. A beam splitter is provided on the eyepiece lens side of the focusing lens on the collimation optical axis. The beam splitter branches the collimation optical axis, and a guide light source is provided at the focal length of the objective lens on the branched optical axis or near the focal length. The guide light emitted from the guide light source is configured to be emitted through the focusing lens, the light receiving prism, and the objective lens. Therefore, there is no need to separately provide a guide light irradiation optical system, and the configuration of the optical system is simplified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of a surveying instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the collimation optical system in this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the erecting prism in this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the coloring element in this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the optical characteristics of the dichroic film and the spectral characteristics of the guide light. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of work by guide light irradiation in this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B) are explanatory diagrams showing the relationship between the spread angle of the guide light and the operator. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a first modification of the erecting prism. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a main part of the guide light irradiation optical system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the erecting prism when the erecting prism is a Porro prism type I. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the erecting prism when the erecting prism is a Schmidt-Pechan prism. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the first modified example when the erecting prism is a Schmidt-Péchan prism. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of a second modified example in which the erecting prism is a Schmidt-Péchan prism. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of a third modified example in which the erecting prism is a Schmidt-Péchan prism. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of a fourth modified example in which the erecting prism is a Schmidt-Péchan prism. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of an erecting prism when the erecting prism is an Abbe-König prism. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram of the first modified example in which the erecting prism is an Abbe-König. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram of a second modified example in which the erecting prism is an Abbe-König. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sighting optical system in the third embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sighting optical system in a modified example of the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 shows a total station 1 as a surveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, where 2 is the leveling section, 3 is the base plate section provided on the leveling section 2, 4 is the mounting section provided on the base plate section 3, and 5 is the telescope section provided on the mounting section 4.

[0025] The mounting section 4 is provided on the leveling section 2 via the base plate section 3, the base plate section 3 is capable of horizontal rotation around a vertical axis, and the telescope section 5 is capable of vertical rotation around a horizontal axis.

[0026] The telescope unit 5 houses a sighting optical system, a rangefinder, and a tracking unit. The sighting optical system sights the object to be measured, emits rangefinder light, and receives reflected rangefinder light from the object. The rangefinder unit measures the distance based on the received reflected light. The tracking unit emits tracking light onto the object via the sighting optical system, receives reflected tracking light via the sighting optical system, and tracks the movement of the object based on the received light.

[0027] In this embodiment, a guide light illumination optical system is incorporated into the sighting optical system housed in the telescope unit 5, as will be described later, and the system is configured to illuminate with guide light through the sighting optical system.

[0028] Furthermore, the total station 1 is capable of automatic operation or has a communication function that allows for remote control. In Figure 1, 6 indicates a remote controller for remotely controlling the total station 1. The remote controller 6 may be one specifically manufactured for this embodiment, or a smartphone or the like may be adapted for this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the sighting optical system 11 in the first embodiment.

[0030] In Figure 2, 13 indicates the sighting optical axis, and 14 indicates the objective lens mounted on the sighting optical axis 13.

[0031] On the sighting optical axis 13, a light-receiving prism 15, a focusing lens 16, an erecting prism 17, a reticle 18, and an eyepiece lens 19 are arranged in order from the objective lens 14 side.

[0032] The focusing lens 16 is movably mounted on the sighting optical axis 13 and is moved by the motor 20, allowing adjustment of the focal position of the objective lens 14, that is, changing the focus state of the focusing lens 16. Alternatively, the motor 20 may be controlled remotely by the remote controller 6 to adjust the focus state of the objective lens 14.

[0033] The aforementioned light-receiving prism 15 is formed by combining the first prism 21, the second prism 22, and the third prism 23.

[0034] The first prism 21 is a pentagonal prism, and its first surface 21a is the incident surface, which is perpendicular to the sighting optical axis 13. Furthermore, an AR (Anti-Reflection) coating is formed over the entire surface 21a.

[0035] The second surface 21b of the first prism 21 is opposite the first surface 21a and intersects with the sighting optical axis 13, and the third surface 21c of the first prism 21 is opposite the second surface 21b and adjacent to the first surface 21a.

[0036] The second prism 22 is triangular in shape and is integrated with the first prism 21 via the second surface 21b. The second surface 21b has a dichroic film formed on it, for example, which separates visible light (background light) from the reflected ranging light and the reflected tracking light.

[0037] The dichroic film has optical properties that transmit visible light and reflect reflected ranging light and reflected tracking light. Furthermore, the exit surface 22a of the second prism 22 is configured such that the visible light that has passed through the second surface 21b is incident at an incident angle of 0°.

[0038] The third prism 23 is integrated with the first prism 21 via the third surface 21c, and a dichroic film is formed on the third surface 21c, which has optical properties that transmit reflected ranging light and reflect reflected tracking light.

[0039] A bandpass filter 24 that transmits only distance-measuring light is provided on the emission surface of the third prism 23, and the reflected distance-measuring light that has passed through the bandpass filter 24 is received by a distance-measuring light-receiving sensor 25. Distance measurement is performed based on the light-receiving result of the distance-measuring light-receiving sensor 25.

[0040] Therefore, the objective lens 14 and the light-receiving prism 15 constitute the light-receiving optical system of the distance measuring unit.

[0041] The reflected tracking light selectively reflected by the third surface 21c is emitted from the fourth surface 21d of the first prism 21. The fourth surface 21d is provided with a bandpass filter 26 that transmits only the reflected tracking light, and the reflected tracking light that has passed through the bandpass filter 26 is received by a tracking light receiving sensor 27. Tracking is performed based on the light received by the tracking light receiving sensor 27.

[0042] Therefore, the objective lens 14 and the light-receiving prism 15 constitute the light-receiving optical system of the tracking unit.

[0043] The background light (background image) transmitted through the second surface 21b passes through the focusing lens 16, the erecting prism 17, and the reticle 18 to the eyepiece lens 19. The background image is focused by the focusing lens 16 and erected by the erecting prism 17, and is viewed by the operator through the eyepiece lens 19.

[0044] Therefore, the light-receiving prism 15, the focusing lens 16, the erecting prism 17, the reticle 18, and the eyepiece lens 19 constitute the light-receiving optical system of the sighting unit.

[0045] Next, the guide light irradiation optical system 31 will be described.

[0046] The guide light illumination optical system 31 shares the erecting prism 17, the focusing lens 16, the light-receiving prism 15, and the objective lens 14 with the sighting optical system.

[0047] The erecting prism 17 has a guide light axis branched from the sighting optical axis 13, and also has a guide light incident surface 17a perpendicular to the guide light axis.

[0048] A guide light source 32 is provided in close proximity to the guide light incident surface 17a. The guide light source 32 uses a light source that emits light with a broadband wavelength, such as white light, as the guide light 33, such as an LED.

[0049] The optical axis of the guide light source 32 (guide light optical axis) is perpendicular to the sighting optical axis 13, and the guide light incident surface 17a is also perpendicular to the optical axis of the guide light source 32. The guide light source 32 and the guide light incident surface 17a are set to be located at or near the focal point of the objective lens 14.

[0050] The erecting prism 17 will be explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0051] Here, the erecting prism 17 shown in Figure 3 is constructed by combining an erecting prism 34, which is called a Porro prism type II, with an auxiliary prism 35. The auxiliary prism 35 is configured such that the guide light incident surface 17a is at or near the focal position of the objective lens 14.

[0052] The erecting prism 34 has first to fourth reflective surfaces 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d, and the incident background light (background image) 36 is sequentially reflected by the first to fourth reflective surfaces 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d, so that an erect image is emitted.

[0053] The auxiliary prism 35 is joined to the fourth reflective surface 34d of the erecting prism 34, and the surface of the auxiliary prism 35 facing the fourth reflective surface 34d is the guide light incident surface 17a. The guide light incident surface 17a is perpendicular to the optical axis of the background light 36 reflected by the third reflective surface 34c.

[0054] A color-generating element 37 is provided on the guide light incident surface 17a. The color-generating element 37 is divided into left and right halves around the optical axis of the guide light source 32, and the left and right divided surfaces are configured to have different spectral characteristics (spectral transmittance). One of the left and right divided surfaces may be colorless and transparent, or the color-generating element may be omitted.

[0055] Examples of the color-generating element 37 include a dichroic film, a wavelength-absorbing film, colored glass, a fluorescent film, or an EW element (electrowetting element), and the color-generating element 37 is provided on at least one of the left and right dividing surfaces.

[0056] The guide light source 32 emits white light, and when the white light passes through the color-emitting element 37, light rays with different wavelengths (different colors) are emitted on the left and right sides of the optical axis.

[0057] A beam split film 38 is formed on the fourth reflective surface 34d. The beam split film 38 has optical properties that split the guide light axis from the sighting optical axis 13, reflect a portion of the incident light ray onto the guide light axis, and transmit the remainder. For example, in this embodiment, it has optical properties that transmit approximately 1 / 3 of the guide light 33 and reflect the remaining approximately 2 / 3 of the background light 36.

[0058] Furthermore, the transmission / reflection ratio of the beam split film 38 is not limited to 1 / 3:2 / 3, but can be set appropriately considering the working environment, etc.

[0059] In this embodiment, the beam splitting film 38 is formed on the fourth reflective surface 34d, so that a portion of the erecting prism 34 functions as a beam splitter.

[0060] The reason for increasing the reflectivity of the background light 36 is to improve workability during sighting, and also because even if the transmittance ratio of the guide light is low, the insufficient light can be compensated for by increasing the power of the guide light source 32.

[0061] In the above description, the color-producing element 37 is divided into two sections, left and right, but it may also be divided into four sections, top, bottom, left, and right, or a gradient may be provided for the color change.

[0062] In this embodiment, one guide light source 32 can form guide light 33 having multiple colors.

[0063] Figure 4 shows the color-generating element 37 provided on the guide light incident surface 17a, and illustrates the case where the color-generating element 37 is a dichroic film.

[0064] The color-generating element 37 is divided into two parts, left and right, around the optical axis of the guide light 33. In the figure, the left part 37a is uncoated or AR coated, and a dichroic film is formed on the right part 37b.

[0065] Figure 5 shows the optical properties of the dichroic film and the spectral characteristics of the guide light.

[0066] In Figure 5, curve A shows the spectral characteristics of the light emitted from the LED used in this embodiment, curve B shows the transmittance characteristics of the dichroic film, and curve C shows the spectral characteristics of the light after transmission through the dichroic film.

[0067] Therefore, of the light transmitted through the guide light incident surface 17a, light with a wavelength of approximately 440 nm (red light) is emitted from the right portion 37b, and white light is emitted from the left portion 37a.

[0068] As described above, since the color-generating element 37 and the guide light source 32 are set at or near the focal position of the objective lens 14, the guide light 33 is made into a substantially parallel beam by the objective lens 14, and is illuminated while maintaining a state of being divided around the optical axis of the guide light 33, that is, the left half is white and the right half is red.

[0069] The irradiated guide light 33 is sequentially reflected by the third to first reflective surfaces 34c, 34b, and 34a, and emitted onto the optical axis of the background light 36. Furthermore, it passes through the focusing lens 16, the light-receiving prism 15, and the objective lens 14, and is emitted onto the sighting optical axis 13.

[0070] Furthermore, since the guide light 33 passes through the focusing lens 16, the divergence angle of the guide light 33 emitted from the objective lens 14 can be changed by adjusting the position of the focusing lens 16.

[0071] Next, the operation of the surveying device according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0072] First, the total station 1 is set up at a known point and sighted in the direction of the measurement point P.

[0073] When the sighting direction of the total station 1 is set, the guide light source 32 is turned on to emit the guide light 33, and the total station 1 is put into guidance mode. In guidance mode, the distance measurement and tracking operations are stopped. The left half of the guide light 33 is red and the right half is white.

[0074] The operator holding the target device 41 faces the total station 1 and confirms the guide light 33.

[0075] The worker can determine whether to move left or right based on the color of the guide light 33 they observe. For example, if the guide light 33 is white when the worker observes it, they are to the right of the optical axis of the guide light 33 (measurement point P), and the worker can determine that they should move to the left.

[0076] The worker faces the total station 1 and moves to the left of their current position until they reach a position where white and red appear equally visible (i.e., the sighting position). Consequently, the worker is guided to the measurement point P by the guide light 33.

[0077] After directional guidance to the measurement point P is provided, the measurement point P can be set by measuring the distance of the prism 42 of the target device 41 with the total station 1 and confirming the distance.

[0078] As described above, in this embodiment, the motor 20 can be driven remotely, the position of the focusing lens 16 can be adjusted, and the focusing state of the objective lens 14 can be changed. In other words, the divergence angle of the guide light 33 can be changed remotely.

[0079] At the start of the work, it is possible that the worker is outside the spread range of the guide light 33, as shown in Figure 7(A). In this case, since the worker cannot see the guide light 33, the motor 20 is remotely operated to adjust the position of the focusing lens 16 and increase the spread angle so that the worker is included in the spread range of the guide light 33 (Figure 7(B)).

[0080] Furthermore, if the operator moves near the measurement point P while the divergence angle is large, the divergence angle of the guide light 33 may be reduced. By reducing the divergence angle, the guide light 33 becomes brighter, and the boundary between different colors becomes clearer, making it easier to set the measurement point P.

[0081] Therefore, the divergence angle of the guide light 33 can be set to a divergence angle that is suitable for the work environment, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0082] In the above description, the left portion 37a of the color-generating element 37 provided on the guide light incident surface 17a is uncoated or AR coated, and the right portion 37b is a dichroic film. However, a dichroic film with a different transmission wavelength band (different spectral characteristics) than the dichroic film on the right portion 37b may be formed on the left portion 37a.

[0083] For example, a dichroic film that transmits wavelengths near 550 nm may be formed, and green guide light 33 may be irradiated from the left portion 37a.

[0084] Furthermore, as described above, instead of the dichroic film, wavelength-absorbing films with different wavelength absorption characteristics may be provided in the left portion 37a and the right portion 37b, or different colored glasses, fluorescent films, or EW elements may be provided so that light of different colors is produced on the left and right sides when transmitted through the left portion 37a and the right portion 37b.

[0085] As described above, in the first embodiment, the guide light irradiation optical system 31 is incorporated into the sighting optical system 11, so there is no need to provide a separate optical system for irradiating guide light, resulting in a simpler configuration. Furthermore, since a single guide light source 32 can emit color-coded guide light 33, the guide light irradiation optical system 31 can be constructed at a low cost.

[0086] Figure 8 shows a modified example of the first embodiment. In Figure 8, components equivalent to those shown in Figure 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0087] In this modified example, the auxiliary prism 35 is joined to the third reflective surface 34c of the erecting prism 34, thereby combining the erecting prism 34 and the auxiliary prism 35.

[0088] In this modified example, the guide light 33 passes through the auxiliary prism 35 and is incident on the third reflective surface 34c. A color-generating element 37 is provided on the guide light incident surface 17a of the auxiliary prism 35, and the beam split film 38 is provided on the third reflective surface 34c. In this modified example, the portion of the third reflective surface 34c on which the beam split film 38 is provided functions as a beam splitter.

[0089] Next, the guide light irradiation optical system 31 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the color-generating element 37 is omitted, and two-color light sources are used.

[0091] Figure 9 shows the main parts of the guide light irradiation optical system of the second embodiment. Components equivalent to those shown in Figure 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the components other than the guide light irradiation optical system 31 are the same as those of the first embodiment, so they are not shown.

[0092] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a Porro prism type II erecting prism 17 is used in the main part of the guide light irradiation optical system.

[0093] An auxiliary prism 35' is joined to the fourth reflective surface 34d of the erecting prism 17. The surface of the auxiliary prism 35' facing the fourth reflective surface 34d is the guide light incident surface 17b, which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the background light 36. The position of the guide light incident surface 17b is located on the objective lens 14 side of the focal position of the objective lens 14.

[0094] A right-angle prism mirror 45 is positioned in an inverted position opposite the guide light incident surface 17b. The apex angle of the right-angle prism mirror 45 is 90°, and the two adjacent surfaces on either side of the apex angle are reflective surfaces 45a and 45b.

[0095] A first light source 46a is provided facing the reflective surface 45a. The first light source 46a is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) that emits red light, and the optical axis of the first light source 46a is at a 45° angle with respect to the reflective surface 45a, so that the red guide light 47a emitted from the first light source 46a is reflected by the reflective surface 45a and incident perpendicularly on the guide light incident surface 17b.

[0096] Furthermore, a second light source 46b is provided opposite the reflective surface 45b. The second light source 46b is, for example, an LED that emits green light, and the optical axis of the second light source 46b is at a 45° angle with respect to the reflective surface 45b, so that the green guide light 47b emitted from the second light source 46b is reflected by the reflective surface 45b and incident perpendicularly on the guide light incident surface 17b.

[0097] The first light source 46a and the second light source 46b are positioned at or near the focal position of the objective lens 14. In the second embodiment, the first light source 46a and the second light source 46b constitute the guide light source 32.

[0098] When the first light source 46a and the second light source 46b are emitted simultaneously, the guide light 47a and the guide light 47b are combined with the plane passing through the vertex of the right-angle prism mirror 45 as the boundary, and the guide light 47, which has different colors on the left and right sides with respect to the optical axis, is incident on the fourth reflective surface 34d.

[0099] A beam splitting film 38 is formed on the fourth reflective surface 34d, similar to the first embodiment. A portion of the guide light 47 passes through the beam splitting film 38 and is irradiated from the objective lens 14 as the guide light 47. The fourth reflective surface 34d on which the beam splitting film 38 is formed functions as a beam splitter.

[0100] Furthermore, the optical properties of the beam split film 38 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0101] The worker can determine which direction to move by judging the color of the guide light 47 when they see it.

[0102] Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the divergence angle can be changed by changing the position of the focusing lens 16.

[0103] In the second embodiment as well, since the guide light irradiation optical system is incorporated into the sighting optical system 11, there is no need to provide a separate optical system for irradiating guide light, resulting in a simpler configuration.

[0104] Figure 10 shows another erecting prism 49 applicable to the present invention. The position of the erecting prism 49 is between the focusing lens 16 and the reticle 18 of the sighting optical system, as in the first embodiment (see Figure 2).

[0105] The erecting prism 49 is constructed by combining an erecting prism 50, which is called a Porro prism type I, with an auxiliary prism 51.

[0106] The erecting prism 50 is constructed by placing a pair of right-angle triangular prisms opposite each other, rotating one of them by 90°, and joining them together. It has a first reflective surface 50a, a second reflective surface 50b, a third reflective surface 50c, and a fourth reflective surface 50d.

[0107] The auxiliary prism 51 is joined to the fourth reflective surface 50d, and a beam split film 38 is formed on the fourth reflective surface 50d. The optical properties of the beam split film 38 are the same as those shown in the first embodiment.

[0108] The fourth reflective surface 50d on which the beam split film 38 is formed functions as a beam splitter.

[0109] A guide light source 32 is provided facing the guide light incident surface 51a of the auxiliary prism 51. The guide light source 32 emits light having a broadband wavelength, for example, white light.

[0110] A color-generating element 37 is provided on the guide light incident surface 51a, and the guide light incident surface 51a and the guide light source 32 are configured to be at or near the focal position of the objective lens 14.

[0111] The white light emitted from the guide light source 32 passes through the color-generating element 37 to become two-colored guide light 33, which then passes through the beam split film 38 and is sequentially reflected by the third reflective surface 50c, the second reflective surface 50b, and the first reflective surface 50a before being emitted.

[0112] Figure 11 shows another erecting prism 52 applicable to the present invention.

[0113] The erecting prism 52 is formed by combining an erecting prism 53, known as a Schmidt-Pechan prism, with a first auxiliary prism 55a and a second auxiliary prism 55b, which are right-angled triangular prisms. The erecting prism 53 is composed of two prisms 53a and 53b that are slightly separated and arranged in a plane that forms a 45° angle with respect to the sighting optical axis 13.

[0114] The erecting prism 53 has an incident surface 54a and an exit surface 54b perpendicular to the sighting optical axis 13. The two prisms 53a and 53b have a first reflective surface 54c and a third reflective surface 54f that are inclined at a 45° angle with respect to the sighting optical axis 13 between the incident surface 54a and the exit surface 54b, with the first reflective surface 54c and the third reflective surface 54f facing each other at a slight distance. The two prisms 53a and 53b have a roof surface 54d formed between the first reflective surface 54c and the incident surface 54a, and a second reflective surface 54e formed between the exit surface 54b and the third reflective surface 54f.

[0115] The first auxiliary prism 55a has one of its two faces adjacent to the right-angle vertex angle joined to the exit surface 54b, and the inclined surface of the first auxiliary prism 55a is joined to the inclined surface of the second auxiliary prism 55b. The surface of the second auxiliary prism 55b that is perpendicular to the sighting optical axis 13 is the exit surface 52a of the erecting prism 52.

[0116] A beam split film 38 is formed on the joint surface (slant) between the first auxiliary prism 55a and the second auxiliary prism 55b. The beam split film 38 branches the guide light axis 56 from the sighting optical axis 13, and the surface of the first auxiliary prism 55a perpendicular to the guide light axis 56 becomes the guide light incident surface 57, on which a color-generating element 37 is formed.

[0117] The portion of the erecting prism 52 where the beam split film 38 is formed functions as a beam splitter.

[0118] The beam split film 38 has optical properties such that it reflects 1 / 3 of the incident light rays and transmits 2 / 3 of the incident light rays. In this embodiment, 1 / 3 of the guide light 33 is reflected and 2 / 3 of the background light 36 is transmitted.

[0119] It goes without saying that the reflectance / transmittance of the beam split film 38 can be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the surveying equipment, etc.

[0120] A guide light source 32 that emits light having a broadband wavelength is provided opposite the color-generating element 37. The color-generating element 37 and the guide light source 32 are provided at or near the focal position of the objective lens 14.

[0121] The background light 36 incident from the incident surface 54a is sequentially reflected by the first reflecting surface 54c, the roof surface 54d, the incident surface 54a, the second reflecting surface 54e, and the third reflecting surface 54f, passes through the beam split film 38, and is emitted from the emission surface 52a.

[0122] Furthermore, the white light emitted from the guide light source 32 passes through the color-generating element 37 to become two-colored guide light 33, which is reflected by the beam split film 38, and then sequentially reflected by the third reflective surface 54f, the second reflective surface 54e, the incident surface 54a, the roof surface 54d, and the first reflective surface 54c, and is emitted from the incident surface 54a.

[0123] In this embodiment as well, since the guide light irradiation optical system 31 is incorporated into the sighting optical system 11, there is no need to provide a separate optical system for irradiating guide light, resulting in a simpler configuration. Furthermore, since a single guide light source 32 can emit color-coded guide light 33, the guide light irradiation optical system 31 can be constructed inexpensively.

[0124] Figure 12 shows an erecting prism 58, a first modified example using a Schmidt-Péchanm prism 53.

[0125] In addition, components equivalent to those shown in Figure 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals in Figure 12, and their explanations are omitted.

[0126] In the first modification, the shapes of the first auxiliary prism 55a and the second auxiliary prism 55b, which are combined with the emission surface 54b of the Schmidt-Péchan prism 53, are changed to reduce the angle between the sighting optical axis 13 and the beam split film 38, thereby reducing the angle of incidence of the guide light source 32 to the beam split film 38. By reducing the angle of incidence, the loss of light when reflected and transmitted by the beam split film 38 is reduced.

[0127] Figure 13 shows an erecting prism 59, a second modified example using a Schmidt-Péchan prism 53. Note that in Figure 13, components equivalent to those shown in Figure 11 are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0128] In the second modification, the Schmidt-Péchan prism 53 and the first auxiliary prism 55a are integrated, and the guide light axis 56 is split in the opposite direction to that of the first modification by the beam splitting film 38.

[0129] Figure 14 shows an erecting prism 60, a third modified example using a Schmidt-Péchanm prism 53. Note that in Figure 14, components equivalent to those shown in Figure 11 are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0130] In a third modification, an auxiliary prism 61 is joined to the second reflective surface 54e. The auxiliary prism 61 has a guide light incident surface 57 and a reflective surface 61a, and a beam split film 38 is formed on the second reflective surface 54e.

[0131] A color-generating element 37 is formed on the guide light incident surface 57, and the guide light source 32 is provided in the vicinity of the color-generating element 37. The color-generating element 37 and the guide light source 32 are located at or near the focal point of the objective lens 14.

[0132] Guide light 33 emitted from guide light source 32 enters from guide light incident surface 57, is reflected by the reflective surface 61a, passes through the beam split film 38, and is sequentially reflected by the incident surface 54a, roof surface 54d, and first reflective surface 54c before being emitted.

[0133] In the third modified example, the beam split film 38 has optical properties of approximately 1 / 3 transmission and approximately 2 / 3 reflection. It goes without saying that the reflectance / transmittance of the beam split film 38 can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the surveying equipment, etc.

[0134] Figure 15 shows an erecting prism 63, a fourth modified example using a Schmidt-Péchanm prism 53. Note that in Figure 15, components equivalent to those shown in Figure 11 are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0135] In the fourth modification, an auxiliary prism 64 is joined to the second reflective surface 54e. The auxiliary prism 64 has a guide light incident surface 57, and a beam split film 38 is formed on the second reflective surface 54e. The guide light source 32 is provided near the color-generating element 37, and the color-generating element 37 and the guide light source 32 are located at or near the focal point of the objective lens 14.

[0136] Guide light 33 emitted from guide light source 32 enters from guide light incident surface 57, passes through beam split film 38, and is sequentially reflected by incident surface 54a, roof surface 54d, and first reflection surface 54c before being emitted.

[0137] Furthermore, in the fourth modified example, the beam split film 38 has optical properties of approximately 1 / 3 transmission and approximately 2 / 3 reflection. Needless to say, the reflectance / transmittance of the beam split film 38 can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the surveying equipment, etc.

[0138] Figure 16 shows another erecting prism 66 applicable to the present invention.

[0139] The erecting prism 66 is formed by joining a triangular prism auxiliary prism 68 to one side of an erecting prism 67 based on an Abbe-Konig prism, and forming a beam split film 38 at the joint surface between the erecting prism 67 and the auxiliary prism 68. The portion where the beam split film 38 is formed functions as a beam splitter.

[0140] Furthermore, the erecting prism 67 is formed by joining two prisms 67a and 67b in a V-shape, and has a first reflective surface 69a, a second reflective surface 69c that form a V-groove, and a roof surface 69b that faces the first reflective surface 69a and the second reflective surface 69c.

[0141] The auxiliary prism 68 is joined to the prism 67b, and a reflective surface 69d is formed at the joining surface between the auxiliary prism 68 and the prism 67b, and a beam split film 38 is formed on the reflective surface 69d. The portion of the prism 67b where the beam split film 38 is formed functions as a beam splitter.

[0142] The portion of the second reflective surface 69c facing the beam split film 38 is the incident surface 69e of the guide light, and a color-generating element 37 is formed on the incident surface 69e.

[0143] A guide light source 32 that emits guide light 33 of a broadband wavelength (for example, white light) is provided near the color-generating element 37. The guide light source 32 and the color-generating element 37 are set at the focal position, or approximately the focal position, of the objective lens 14 (see Figure 2).

[0144] The background light 36 incident on the prism 67a is sequentially reflected by the first reflective surface 69a, the roof surface 69b, and the second reflective surface 69c, and is emitted after passing through the beam split film 38.

[0145] Furthermore, the guide light 33 emitted from the guide light source 32 passes through the color-generating element 37 and enters the beam split film 38 as light rays with different wavelengths (different colors) on the left and right sides of the optical axis, and is reflected at a sharp angle by the beam split film 38. In addition, the guide light 33 is sequentially reflected and emitted by the second reflective surface 69c, the roof surface 69b, and the first reflective surface 69a.

[0146] The beam split film 38 has optical properties that reflect approximately 1 / 3 of the incident light and transmit approximately 2 / 3 of it. Needless to say, the reflectance / transmittance of the beam split film 38 can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the surveying equipment, etc.

[0147] Figure 17 shows a first modified example using an erecting prism 67 based on an Abbe-König prism. In Figure 17, components equivalent to those shown in Figure 16 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted.

[0148] In the first modified example, the incident surface 69e of the guide light 33 is formed parallel to the sighting optical axis 13, and the junction surface (beam split film 38) of the prism 67b and the auxiliary prism 68 is configured to intersect the sighting optical axis 13 at a 45° angle. The portion where the beam split film 38 is formed functions as a beam splitter.

[0149] The guide light 33 incident on the beam split film 38 is reflected at a right angle by the beam split film 38. The optical properties of the beam split film 38 are the same as those of the Abbe-König prism.

[0150] Figure 18 shows a second modified example using an erecting prism 67 based on an Abbe-König prism. In Figure 18, components equivalent to those shown in Figure 16 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted.

[0151] The second modified example shows the case where the auxiliary prism 68 is joined to the second reflective surface 69c of the prism 67b.

[0152] In the second modification, an auxiliary prism 68 is provided on the reflected optical axis from the roof surface 69b of the sighting optical axis 13, and an incident surface 69e perpendicular to the reflected optical axis is formed on the auxiliary prism 68. A beam split film 38 is provided on the bonding surface of the auxiliary prism 68, and a color-generating element 37 is formed on the incident surface 69e. A guide light source 32 is provided opposite the color-generating element 37. The guide light source 32 and the color-generating element 37 are set at the focal position, or approximately the focal position, of the objective lens 14 (see Figure 2).

[0153] The background light 36 incident on the erecting prism 67 is sequentially reflected and emitted by the first reflective surface 69a, the roof surface 69b, and the second reflective surface 69c (beam split film 38). The guide light 33 passes through the beam split film 38 and is sequentially reflected and emitted by the roof surface 69b and the first reflective surface 69a.

[0154] In the second modified example, the beam split film 38 has optical properties of approximately 1 / 3 transmission and approximately 2 / 3 reflection. It goes without saying that, even in the second modified example, the reflectance / transmittance of the beam split film 38 can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the surveying equipment.

[0155] Figure 19 shows a third embodiment. In Figure 19, components equivalent to those shown in Figure 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0156] In the third embodiment, a beam splitter 71 is provided between the erecting prism 17 and the reticle 18 on the sighting optical axis 13, in the sighting optical system shown in the first embodiment.

[0157] The beam splitter 71 has a beam splitting film 38 at an angle of 45° with respect to the sighting optical axis 13, and branches the guide optical axis 56 at an angle of 90° from the sighting optical axis 13.

[0158] A color-generating element 37 is provided on the surface of the beam splitter 71 perpendicular to the guide light optical axis 56, and a guide light source 32 is provided opposite the color-generating element 37.

[0159] The color-generating element 37 and the guide light source 32 are set at the focal position or approximately the focal position of the objective lens 14.

[0160] The broadband wavelength guide light 33 emitted from the guide light source 32 passes through the color-generating element 37 and enters the beam splitter 71 as light rays with different wavelengths (different colors) on the left and right sides of the optical axis, is reflected by the beam split film 38, and is irradiated toward the object to be measured after passing through the focusing lens 16, the light-receiving prism 15, and the objective lens 14.

[0161] The divergence angle of the guide light 33 emitted from the objective lens 14 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the focusing lens 16. Alternatively, the divergence angle can be adjusted by the operator using the remote controller 6 (see Figure 1).

[0162] In the third embodiment, the optical properties of the beam split film 38 are approximately 1 / 3 reflect and approximately 2 / 3 transmit. Of course, it goes without saying that the reflectance / transmittance of the beam split film 38 can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the surveying equipment, etc.

[0163] Furthermore, the beam splitter 71 may be provided between the focusing lens 16 and the erecting prism 17.

[0164] Figure 20 shows a modified example of the third embodiment.

[0165] In this modified example, the incident angle of the sighting optical axis 13 to the beam splitting film 38 of the beam splitter 72 is smaller (shallower) than in the third embodiment.

[0166] By making the incident angle on the beam split film 38 shallower, the characteristics of the beam split film 38 are improved.

[0167] Other aspects, such as the configuration and operation, are the same as in the third embodiment.

[0168] Furthermore, in the third embodiment and its modified form, the beam splitter 71 and beam splitter 72 may be replaced with a plate beam splitter of very thin thickness that does not affect the imaging performance of the sighting system, or with a pellicle film beam splitter.

[0169] In the above explanation, the broadband light emitted by the guide light source 32 was described as white light, but it is not limited to white light, and may also be near-infrared light.

[0170] Furthermore, if the broadband light emitted by the guide light source 32 is near-infrared light, the efficiency of both the sighting system and the guide light can be increased by using a near-infrared wavelength band not used in optical distance measurement (EDM) and making the beam splitter surface a dichroic surface.

[0171] Furthermore, when using the same wavelength band as the tracking wavelength band as a broadband light source, the efficiency of the sighting system can be maximized by using a dichroic film that transmits visible light and separates the near-infrared wavelength band being used.

[0172] Furthermore, if the guide light is near-infrared light, the user cannot directly see and judge the light because the guide light is invisible. Therefore, the user may carry a detector equipped with a photodiode capable of detecting near-infrared and infrared light, and the user may use this detector to detect the guide light. Alternatively, the detector may be equipped on the remote controller 6, and this method may also be applied to the case of visible light.

[0173] Methods for informing workers which side of the light is being detected, or which direction they should move to, could be one of the following: 1. Give instructions using the display device. 2. Communicate with the surveying device and indicate its status using the device's indicator LED. (Direction can be defined by LED color, flashing light, continuous light, etc.) 3. Follow the instructions via voice guidance.

[0174] In the above embodiments, dichroic films, wavelength-absorbing films, colored glass, fluorescent films, or EW elements were given as examples of color-generating elements. However, other color-generating elements may also be transmissive liquid crystal displays. For example, transmissive organic EL displays, transmissive inorganic EL displays, transmissive liquid crystal displays, etc.

[0175] Furthermore, to enhance identifiability, a blinking mechanism may be provided for the color-emitting element, and at least one divided surface may be blinked by the blinking mechanism. If a transmissive liquid crystal display is used as the blinking mechanism, it may be configured to blink an area in which a liquid crystal display driver is formed.

[0176] Alternatively, regions may be created using electrochromic materials with two different spectral properties, and these regions may be made to blink so that they can be identified.

[0177] Furthermore, a mechanical light-shielding shutter may be provided on the spectrometer as a flashing means, and the flashing of the region due to periodic light-shielding intervals may be used to improve the identifiability of the region. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0178] 1 Total Station 6 Remote Controller 14 Objective lens 15. Light-receiving prism 16 Focusing Lens 17 Erecting prism 20 motors 32 Guide light source 33 Guide light 34 Erecting prism 37 Color-developing elements 38 Beam Split Film 53 Erecting prism 67 Erecting prism 71 Beam Splitter

Claims

1. A surveying device equipped with a sighting optical system, wherein the sighting optical system comprises an objective lens, a light-receiving prism, a focusing lens, an erecting prism, a reticle, and an eyepiece lens arranged on the sighting optical axis, a beam splitter provided on the eyepiece lens side of the focusing lens on the sighting optical axis, the beam splitter branching the sighting optical axis, a guide light source provided at or near the focal length of the objective lens on the branched optical axis, and the guide light emitted from the guide light source being emitted through the focusing lens, the light-receiving prism, and the objective lens.

2. The surveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the divergence angle of the guide light can be changed by adjusting the focus state of the focusing lens.

3. The surveying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a remote controller, wherein the focusing state of the focusing lens can be remotely controlled by the remote controller, and the divergence angle of the guide light can be remotely controlled by the remote controller.

4. The surveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a beam splitting film is formed on one of the reflective surfaces constituting the erecting prism, a part of the erecting prism functions as a beam splitter, and the beam splitting film is configured to branch the sighting optical axis.

5. The surveying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the erecting prism is a Porro prism type II.

6. The surveying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the erecting prism is a Porro prism of type I.

7. The surveying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the erecting prism is a Schmidt-Péchan prism.

8. The surveying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the erecting prism is an Abbe-König prism.

9. The surveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a beam splitter having a beam splitting film is provided between the erecting prism and the reticle, and the beam splitting film is configured to branch the sighting optical axis.

10. The surveying apparatus according to claim 4 or 9, wherein the guide light source emits light having a broadband wavelength as guide light, a color-generating element is provided on the surface of the erecting prism facing the beam-splitting film, the color-generating element is divided into left and right halves with respect to the optical axis of the guide light source, the left and right dividing surfaces are configured to have different spectral characteristics, and the guide light is emitted through the color-generating element as light with different spectral characteristics on the left and right sides.

11. The surveying apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 9, wherein a right-angle prism mirror is arranged in an inverted position facing the beam splitting film, light sources are provided facing two surfaces of the right-angle prism mirror, the two light sources emit light of different colors toward the two surfaces, and the light reflected by the two surfaces is emitted as guide light split into two colors.

12. The measuring device according to claim 10, wherein the color-generating element is one of a dichroic film, a wavelength-absorbing film, colored glass, a fluorescent film, or an EW element.

13. The surveying apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the color-producing element is a liquid crystal display.

14. The surveying apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a flashing means is added to the color-emitting element, and at least one of the divided surfaces is made to flash by the flashing means.

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