Co-aligned Optical Aiming System for Laser Distance Meters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser distance meters lack an effective through-the-lens, co-aligned aiming system for accurate and reliable distance measurement, especially in varying field conditions and with non-reflective targets.
Innovation Solution
A laser-based distance measuring device incorporating a phase-type laser transmitting and receiving module, an optical aiming system, and a digital processor with a bright red LED display, integrated tilt sensor, and user actuatable buttons for enhanced visibility and measurement capabilities, including slope and inclination calculations, and various operating modes for precise target selection and data handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a visible aiming pointer or reflex sight is used, then the device can identify a target, but the aiming system is not co-aligned with the measurement beam causing parallax errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the aiming system and measurement beam into a single co-aligned optical path. The laser beam and aiming pointer share the same optical axis, eliminating parallax errors between separate aiming mechanisms and measurement beams. This integration ensures that the visible aiming indicator and the actual measurement beam are perfectly aligned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that divides the laser beam into two paths: one for measurement and one for visible aiming. This beam splitter enables the user to see the aiming pointer through the lens while the measurement beam travels independently, ensuring both visibility and accuracy without mechanical alignment issues.
2Measurement precision
If a retroreflector is used for aiming, then zero parallax is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter serves as a compact intermediary that achieves the optical path separation needed for zero parallax without requiring a retroreflector. By splitting the beam into measurement and aiming paths within the same optical train, the system eliminates parallax errors while maintaining a simpler overall structure compared to retroreflector-based solutions.
3Device complexity
If conventional aiming systems are used, then the device structure is simple, but the sighting accuracy deteriorates in varying field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The co-aligned optical design merges the aiming and measurement functions into a unified system that maintains simplicity while improving accuracy. By eliminating the need for separate aiming mechanisms and their associated alignment procedures, the system achieves both structural simplicity and enhanced sighting accuracy across varying field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through the beam splitter that shows the user the exact position of the measurement beam on the target. This feedback mechanism allows real-time verification of beam placement, ensuring accurate sighting regardless of external conditions, while maintaining a relatively simple optical structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides improved sighting and aiming accuracy, enabling precise distance measurements in diverse conditions, including bright sunlight and with non-reflective targets, and automatically calculates horizontal, vertical, and 2D measurements, enhancing user experience and measurement reliability.
Implementation Method 1
phase-type, laser-based distance measuring device
Implementation Method 2
laser-based distance measuring device
Implementation Method 3
optical aiming system for directing pulses of laser energy
Implementation Method 4
optical aiming system
Implementation Method 5
view-through display superimposed on said optical aiming system
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A through-the-lens, co-aligned aiming system for a phase-type, laser-based distance measuring device incorporating a co-aligned aiming system with an in-scope, view through LCD display.