Telescope Rangefinder Dual-Receiver Layout for Longer Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optical rangefinders have limitations in range and flexibility of use, particularly in leisure and sporting activities, and face challenges in maintaining beam path alignment and reducing measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
The electro-optical rangefinder incorporates a second receiver beam path aligned parallel to the transmission beam path, synchronized using a phase shifter with a phase-locked loop or delay line, and utilizes evaluation electronics with ADCs and a controller to synchronize and combine measurement signals from multiple receivers, allowing for improved distance measurement accuracy and increased range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single receiver beam path is used in the observation beam path, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement range and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the receiver system into two separate receiver beam paths (first and second receiver beam paths) that are aligned in parallel to the transmission beam path. This segmentation allows each receiver to operate independently in different spatial configurations, thereby expanding the measurement range and flexibility without creating an overly complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a spatial dimension by arranging the two receiver beam paths at different distances from the observation beam path and aligning them in parallel. This dimensional arrangement enables the system to measure distances to objects at various ranges and positions, enhancing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two receiver beam paths are used to expand range, then the measurement range increases, but maintaining beam path alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention aligns both receiver beam paths in parallel to the transmission beam path, creating a symmetric and balanced optical configuration. This equipotential-like arrangement ensures that both beam paths experience similar optical conditions and alignment requirements, making it easier to maintain consistent alignment across both paths during manufacturing and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses identical or similar optical components and beam path configurations for both the first and second receiver beam paths. This homogeneity ensures that alignment procedures and calibration methods can be applied uniformly to both paths, reducing the complexity of maintaining alignment precision while expanding measurement capabilities.
3Reliability
If signals from two receivers are combined without synchronization, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but measurement errors increase due to phase differences
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a phase shifter that uses feedback from the clock signal to synchronize the ADC sampling times with the modulation frequency of the optical signal. This feedback mechanism ensures that signals from both receivers are combined at the correct phase points, maintaining measurement precision while benefiting from the improved signal-to-noise ratio of combined signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically adjusts the sampling timing parameters of the ADCs based on the clock signal phase. By changing the sampling time points to coincide with the peak or specific phase points of the modulated signal, the system optimizes both the signal-to-noise ratio and measurement accuracy when combining signals from multiple receivers.
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 design enhances the rangefinder's range and flexibility by maintaining beam path alignment with reduced effort and minimizing measurement errors, achieving accurate distance measurements with improved signal-to-noise ratio through synchronized signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
the distance of an object is calculated from a run time of the radiation from the transmitter to the first receiver
Implementation Method 2
a first receiver and a first receiver beam path, wherein the first receiver beam path extends at least partially in a first observation beam path of the telescope, and wherein a second receiver with a second receiver beam path
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rangefinder for a telescope having a transmitter and a transmission beam path and having a first receiver and a first receiver beam path, wherein the first receiver beam path extends at least partially in a first observation beam path of the telescope. The rangefinder additionally comprises a second receiver with a second receiver beam path which is aligned in parallel to the first transmission beam path, and which is arranged at a distance from the first observation beam path of the telescope.