Remote Optical Device Autofocus Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing long-range optical devices face challenges in achieving high imaging quality and user-friendly operation, particularly in focusing distant objects with subjective assessment limitations and the need for separate image capture devices.

Innovation Solution

A long-range optical device with integrated viewing and image capture channels, featuring a camera module with autofocus and an electronic control button for intuitive operation, allowing automatic focusing and wireless connectivity for image transmission and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual focusing with subjective assessment is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the focusing precision and image quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocusing precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical focusing with an automated autofocus system that uses a focusing lens driven by a motor (such as a voice coil motor or stepper motor). The system incorporates an image sensor and processing unit that automatically detect image sharpness and adjust the focusing lens position, eliminating the need for subjective manual assessment while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The autofocus system enables the device to focus automatically without user intervention. The processing unit continuously analyzes images captured by the image sensor and autonomously adjusts the focusing lens to achieve optimal sharpness, allowing the device to serve itself in the focusing task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate image capture devices are used, then the viewing and capturing functions are independent, but the overall system complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the viewing function (through the eyepiece and optical system) and the image capture function (through the image sensor and camera module) into a single integrated device. Both functions share common optical components including the objective lens, focusing lens, and beam path, allowing the user to view and capture images of the same target simultaneously without switching between separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical system is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a viewing instrument for direct observation through the eyepiece and an image capture system for electronic recording by the image sensor. The shared optical path and components enable universal usage for both observation and documentation purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If manual operation is required for focusing and image capture, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation and user comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical focusing operations with an automated autofocus system controlled by a processing unit that uses image analysis to determine optimal focus. This substitution significantly improves ease of operation, as users no longer need to manually adjust focusing mechanisms while waiting for focus confirmation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The autofocus system and image capture trigger system enable the device to operate with minimal user intervention. The processing unit autonomously manages focusing adjustments and can automatically trigger image capture based on detected focus quality or user input, reducing the operational burden on the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables high-quality imaging and comfortable operation by automating focusing and integrating image capture, reducing the need for separate devices and enhancing user interaction with distant objects through intuitive control and real-time image processing.

Implementation Method 1

a first beam path through a first objective, a first focusing lens, an inversion system and a first eyepiece is formed in the viewing channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 2

the first focusing lens and the second focusing lens are jointly displaceable by means of a first focusing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

a first beam path through a first objective, a first focusing lens, an inversion system and a first eyepiece is formed in the viewing channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage inversion: Prism

Data Source

PatentEP3767360B1Remote optical device and focusing device
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 SWAROVSKI-OPTIK AG & CO KG
  • EP3767360B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3767360B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3767360B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a tele-optical device (1) with at least one viewing channel (2) and with an image acquisition channel (3), wherein the image acquisition channel (3) comprises a camera module (32) for electronically recording images, and wherein a first beam path is formed in the viewing channel (2) through a first objective lens (115), a first focusing lens (109), an inverting system (116) and a first eyepiece (112), and wherein a second beam path is formed in the image acquisition channel (3) through a second objective lens (119), a second focusing lens (110) and a second eyepiece (120), and wherein the first focusing lens (109) and the second focusing lens (110) are jointly displaceable by means of a first focusing device, and wherein a reference image plane (121) is defined in the first beam path of the viewing channel (2) by a reticle (118) or by an image projected by a projection optic.and that the first eyepiece (112) of the viewing channel (2) can be moved by means of a second focusing device to focus on the reference image plane (121).