Handheld Observation Device Stabilization with LRF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held observation devices with rangefinders face challenges in maintaining measurement accuracy due to hand-jitter, leading to unstable targeting and reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), especially when measuring distant targets, which results in measurement errors or 'total miss' of the target.
Innovation Solution
An opto-mechanical stabilization unit that automatically adjusts the position of lenses in the observation and laser range finding optical axes using gyro sensor data to compensate for hand-jitter, ensuring both axes are stabilized simultaneously, allowing for precise and rapid stabilization with minimal size and weight, and integrating this stabilization into a compact, robust device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-held observation devices are used for distance measurement, then the device is portable and easy to operate, but hand-jitter causes unstable targeting and reduced measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stabilization systems (gimbals, tripods) with an opto-mechanical stabilization unit that uses optical elements (lenses, mirrors) combined with minimal mechanical adjustment to compensate for hand-jitter. The stabilization unit adjusts the optical path to counteract device movement, maintaining targeting accuracy while preserving hand-held portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The opto-mechanical stabilization unit acts as an intermediary between the unstable hand-held device and the target. It introduces optical elements that can independently adjust the optical path, effectively decoupling the stability of the measurement from the stability of the handheld device.
2Weight of moving object
If the observation device is made compact and lightweight, then portability is improved, but the stabilization mechanism size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is segmented into independent functional modules: optical elements (lenses, mirrors), adjustment mechanisms, and control systems. This modular approach allows for compact integration and selective placement of components within the device structure, minimizing overall size and weight while maintaining stabilization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical dimension by introducing optical elements that can adjust the optical path without requiring large mechanical movements. The stabilization is achieved through optical path modification rather than physical displacement of the entire device or large mechanical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If measurement range is extended to distant targets, then the utility of the device is improved, but hand-jitter causes total miss of the target
Solution Approach 1:
The opto-mechanical stabilization unit incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor device movement and adjust the optical path in real-time to compensate for hand-jitter. This feedback control maintains stable targeting even when measuring distant objects, ensuring reliable target acquisition across extended measurement ranges.
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
This solution significantly improves measurement accuracy and extends the reliable distance range for hand-held devices, enabling the laser to hit small distant targets with high probability, while maintaining the device's compactness and robustness for field use.
Implementation Method 1
the first opto-mechanical stabilization unit being adapted for continuously adjusting and setting a lateral position (with respect to the optical axis) of at least one lens of the objective optical system
Implementation Method 2
a gyro sensor unit for recording gyro sensor data giving indication about hand-jitter during observation
Implementation Method 3
an optical signal, for example as optical radiation in the form of laser light pulses, is emitted by the device in the direction of the target object
Implementation Method 4
The surface of the target object casts back at least a portion of the emitted optical signal, usually in the form of a diffuse reflection. In the device, the cast-back optical radiation is converted into an electrical reception signal by a photosensitive detector element
Implementation Method 5
The distance between the device and the target object can be determined with knowledge of the propagation speed of the optical signal and on the basis of the determined travel time between emission and reception of the signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hand-held observation device. The observation device is characterized in that a first observation channel comprises a first opto-mechanical stabilization unit for actively and equally stabilizing, during an observation, a first observation optical axis and an LRF axis of an integrated laser range finder by compensating for hand jitter during the observation, the first opto-mechanical stabilization unit being adapted for continuously adjusting and setting a lateral position (with respect to the optical axis) of at least one lens of the objective optical system of the first optical observation channel, in a way automatically controlled by an electronic processing and control unit, which reads and processes the gyro sensor data, particularly in a way wherein the adjusting of the lateral position of the at least one lens equally stabilizes the first observation optical axis and the LRF axis in one go.