Laser Range Finder Optical Pathway Design for Power Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems for laser-based range-finding devices are complex, space inefficient, and costly to manufacture and align, while also consuming excessive power due to the need for continuous illumination.
Innovation Solution
A high precision optical system with an etched aiming reticle and low-power back-lit liquid crystal display that minimizes auxiliary illumination, using a pentaprism and reflective surfaces to redirect beams and provide a compact, efficient beam pathway with reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical systems with multiple lenses and prisms are used, then beam transmission and visual observation can be achieved, but the device becomes complex, space inefficient, and costly to manufacture and align
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser beam transmission path and the visual observation path into a single integrated optical pathway. The laser diode, beam combining optics, and objective lens work together to transmit both the laser beam and visual image through the same optical channel, eliminating the need for separate optical systems and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified pathway: it transmits laser beams for distance measurement, captures visual images of the target, and displays both laser dot position and visual target image through the same eyepiece. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed
2Reliability
If conventional optical systems with multiple lenses and prisms are used, then beam transmission and visual observation can be achieved, but the device occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the laser beam path and visual observation path into one common optical channel, the patent eliminates redundant optical components and space. The single objective lens serves both functions, and the compact arrangement of beam combining optics minimizes the overall device volume while maintaining reliable beam transmission
3Reliability
If conventional optical systems with multiple lenses and prisms are used, then beam transmission and visual observation can be achieved, but manufacturing and alignment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated optical system reduces the number of separate optical assemblies that need to be manufactured and aligned. With a unified beam transmission and visual observation pathway, there are fewer alignment interfaces between separate optical trains, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing alignment costs while maintaining reliable beam transmission
4Illumination intensity
If continuous illumination is used for the aiming reticle, then visibility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs intermittent or on-demand illumination for the aiming reticle rather than continuous illumination. The illumination is activated only when needed (e.g., in low-light conditions or during specific operational phases), significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate reticle visibility when required
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 enables a compact, high-performance laser-based range-finder with reduced power consumption and improved beam transmission/reception, suitable for demanding applications like surveying, with minimal auxiliary illumination required, especially during nighttime operations.
Implementation Method 1
a pentaprism for intercepting the emitted beam and producing a redirected beam for direction through a transmission aperture toward a target
Implementation Method 2
a visual path superimposed upon the second beam transmission path and at least a portion of the first beam transmission path for redirection by the pentaprism along a visual path crossing the second beam transmission path; and an at least partially reflective surface disposed in the visual path for providing a redirected visual path
Data Source
AI summary
A high precision, high performance optical system and beam pathway design for laser-based distance measuring, or range-finding, devices includes an etched, or etched and filled, aiming reticle in the image plane which does not require daytime use illumination, and only minimal auxiliary illumination during nighttime operation, thereby conserving available battery power. In a preferred embodiment, a low power consuming back-lit liquid crystal display provides high contrast distance or other operational information to a user superimposed upon a black-appearing field stop thereby further providing operational power savings.