Coaxial Laser Rangefinder Optics for Auto Focus and Aiming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical laser rangefinders with multiple optical paths face challenges in accurately focusing images of distant objects, leading to small image sizes on the imaging sensor and reduced data accuracy, which can only be compensated by depth of field.
Innovation Solution
A laser rangefinder with a common optical path for both laser ranging and digital imaging, allowing for coaxial design, automatic focal length adjustment based on measured distance data, and use of ranging values to optimize lens focal lengths for improved magnification and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical paths are used for laser ranging and digital imaging, then functional completeness is achieved, but device size increases and product integrity is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser ranging optical path and digital imaging optical path into a single common optical path. The laser transmitting path, laser receiving path, and digital imaging light path are all aligned coaxially, allowing one optical system to serve multiple functions simultaneously, thus reducing device size while maintaining functional completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single path: it can transmit laser beams for ranging, receive reflected laser beams for distance measurement, and simultaneously capture digital images of the target. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical paths for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical paths are used for laser ranging and digital imaging, then functional completeness is achieved, but product integrity is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical paths into one unified common optical path, creating a more integrated and compact product structure. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate optical components and their associated mounting structures, thereby preserving product integrity
3Ease of operation
If image comparison algorithm is used for focusing, then focus determination is achieved, but data accuracy decreases for long-distance objects due to small image size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses laser ranging to obtain accurate distance information about the target object, and this distance data is fed back to control the focal length adjustment of the imaging lens. The control system automatically adjusts the focal length based on the measured distance, ensuring the image is properly focused regardless of target distance, thereby maintaining data accuracy for both near and far objects
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the focal length parameter of the imaging lens based on the distance to the target object. By adjusting the focal length according to the ranging data, the system ensures that images of objects at different distances are captured with appropriate focus, preventing the image size from becoming too small and maintaining measurement precision
4Device complexity
If focal length is not automatically adjusted, then device complexity is reduced, but operating efficiency decreases when magnification adjustment is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic focal length adjustment without requiring manual intervention. The control system automatically processes the laser ranging data and adjusts the imaging lens focal length accordingly, making the system self-sufficient in maintaining optimal focus conditions. This automation improves operating efficiency while the overall device complexity remains manageable due to the integrated control mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary distance measurement using laser ranging before capturing the image. This preliminary action provides the necessary distance information that is used to pre-adjust the focal length before imaging, ensuring that the image is captured at the correct focus from the outset, thereby improving operating efficiency
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 solution significantly reduces the device size, ensures product integrity, enhances aiming performance, and improves operating efficiency and accuracy, especially when adjusting magnification.
Implementation Method 1
a laser emitter for emitting a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a first laser focusing lens for converging the laser beam to form a collimating ranging laser
Implementation Method 3
a bandpass filter lens for allowing the ranging laser to pass through but preventing natural light from passing through
Implementation Method 4
a dichroic mirror for reflecting the ranging laser and allowing the natural light to pass through
Implementation Method 5
an imaging sensor, a magnification adjusting worm and a focal length adjusting worm
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laser rangefinder having common optical path comprising a housing assembly, a control and display assembly mounted in the housing assembly, a mounting device mounted in the housing assembly, an imaging module mounted on the mounting device and a laser module movably mounted on the mounting device longitudinally next to the imaging module, the laser module being electrically connected with the control and display assembly, the laser module comprising a laser emitting apparatus, a laser receiving apparatus and a reference point indicating apparatus, wherein a light path of the laser emitting apparatus and a light path of the laser receiving apparatus are configured to be independent to a light path of the reference point indicating apparatus, an optical axis of light path of the laser emitting apparatus shooting at the target object and an optical axis of the reference point indicating apparatus are collinear.