Composite Optical Device Integrating Laser and Thermal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional composite optical devices for fire control and sighting are bulky, heavy, and difficult to operate in varying temperatures and light conditions, with inadequate light control and reduced usability due to size and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
A composite optical device integrating day-time, thermal imaging, and laser application devices with a light attenuator for efficient light control, featuring a beam shaping lens, focus lens, folding mirror, and beam splitters to enhance laser transmission and operability, while reducing volume and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all functions (day-time optical device, thermal imaging optical device, laser optical device, and displaying device) are included in one composite device, then object detection performance is maximized, but the device becomes large in size and heavy in weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical devices (day-time optical device, thermal imaging optical device, laser optical device, and displaying device) into a single composite optical device. The day-time optical device and thermal imaging optical device share common structural components including the objective unit, beam splitter, relay unit, and eye-piece, allowing multiple functions to be integrated without proportionally increasing weight.
2Illumination intensity
If an aperture is used to control the amount of incoming light, then light control is achieved, but uniform distribution of light control is difficult and operation under various temperatures and physical impacts becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical aperture system with a polarizer-based light control system. The polarizer can be rotated to adjust the amount of light entering the optical device, providing uniform and precise light control. This system is more reliable under various temperatures and physical impacts compared to mechanical apertures.
3Illumination intensity
If a polarizer is used to control light in each optical device, then light control is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and requires separate control for each device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal light control system where a single polarizer is strategically positioned to control light for multiple optical devices simultaneously. The polarizer is located in the optical path such that rotating it adjusts light intensity for the day-time optical device, thermal imaging optical device, and laser optical device together, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each device.
4Illumination intensity
If the display is illuminated by bright light such as sunlight or vehicle headlamp, then the display can be seen, but the contrast of displayed texts and images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polarizer as an intermediary element between the display and the external environment. The polarizer filters out excessive ambient light while allowing sufficient light to reach the display panel, maintaining display contrast even under bright lighting conditions such as sunlight or vehicle headlamps.
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 maximizes object detection performance, enhances display contrast, and simplifies operation by optimizing the placement of attenuators, allowing for effective use in diverse environments and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a beam shaping lens for shaping and sighting a laser emitted from a laser source
Implementation Method 2
a focus lens installed in front of the beam shaping lens for controlling a emitting angle of the laser
Implementation Method 3
a folding mirror installed in front of the focus lens for reflecting the laser passed through the beam shaping lens and the focus lens
Implementation Method 4
an objective lens for transmitting a light reflected from the first beam splitter
Implementation Method 5
a first beam splitter, a first attenuator, a second beam splitter
Implementation Method 6
a first attenuator, a second beam splitter, relay unit, eye-piece lens, and a second attenuator
Implementation Method 7
relay unit, eye-piece lens, and a second attenuator, which are located between the first beam splitter and the eye-piece
Implementation Method 8
a thermal imaging optical device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims to provide a composite optical device which includes the day-time optical device, thermal imaging optical device, laser application device and displaying device while reducing the volume and weight, further comprising attenuator that can control the amount of light for easy display on the display. The present invention also aims to provide a composite optical device with enhanced efficiency of transmitting laser and easy operability by installing the attenuator at an appropriate location. To attain the object of the invention, the composite optical device for day and night time sighting and measuring distance, having a laser application device, a day-time optical device, a thermal imaging optical device and a display, comprises a laser transmitting optical device comprising a beam shaping lens 120 for shaping and sighting the laser emitted from a laser source 110, a focus lens 130 installed in front of the beam shaping lens 120 for controlling the emitting angle of the laser, and a folding mirror 140 installed in front of the focus lens 130 for reflecting the laser passed through the beam shaping lens 120 and focus lens 130 to a first beam splitter 270, a day-time optical device installed between a objective unit 290 and a eye-piece 210, the eye-piece and objective unit being arranged seeing each other, comprising a objective lens 280 for transmitting the light reflected from the first beam splitter, a first beam splitter 270, a first attenuator 260, a second beam splitter 250, relay unit 240, eye-piece lens 230, and a second attenuator 220, which are located between the first beam splitter and the eye-piece 210 in the order described above, and a display 300 installed on one side of the second beam splitter 250 to transmit a specific image to the second beam splitter 250.