DE102005025048B4 - telescope - Google Patents

Abstract

contraption for direct observation of objects with an image recording device (2) for taking an image of a natural object, a Image output device (4) for outputting the natural image to the user, between the image pickup device (2) and the image output device (4) an optical beam path is arranged, an image forming device (7) for the production of an artificial Image, a position determining device (5) to the position the image pickup device and to the image forming device (7) forward a picture coupling device (8) to the artificial Picture to couple into the beam path, wherein the image forming device (7) the artificial one Image generated using data from the position of the image Imaging device are derived, characterized in that the image generating device (7) has a storage device (71) has stored in the image data of all the natural images are, which are receivable with the image pickup device (8), and the position determination device (5) has a detection device which is the natural one Image picks up and forwards to the image forming device.

Description

The The present invention relates to an apparatus for direct Watching objects. The invention is described with reference to a telescope described. It is noted, however, that the invention also in other devices for direct observation can be used by objects such as binoculars, telescopes or similar.

at Such devices are known from the prior art, the observer next to the actual object observed additional information to convey For example, symbols, numbers or the like.

The EP 1 335 231 A1 describes a periscope with a device for displaying additional information. In this case, additional information is superimposed on the external image in the angle system of a periscope, which in the case of the use of cameras can be daylight or infrared terrain images, which can be viewed on the periscope as on a monitor. In this device, the observer in addition to the observed object information about the interior, where the periscope is located, given as he loses contact with these sources of information in the interior, such as a dashboard when viewing an external image. Thus, the additionally recorded or displayed information is completely independent of the externally observed object.

The DE 33 173 50 C1 describes a device for reflecting additional information into a pair of binoculars with the aid of a prism arrangement. The additional information carrier described in this publication consists of a map section with angle data and thus there is no correlation between the observed by means of the binoculars object and the additional information in this case.

The US 4,897,715 describes helmet-mountable displays that can be used in systems such as exercise machines or while operating an aircraft or vehicle as a display for sensor instruments.

In public Observatories or the like are often the visitor to telescopes Available, by means of which he can observe astronomical objects. Such observations of astronomical objects using telescopes, however, are for the non-professional Visitors often disappointing, because the observed objects are visually colorless, unstructured and appear low in detail. On the other hand, users are from magazines and other media color photos of the same objects known. Besides can telescope optics only a static impression of the considered Objects are won while in particular the illustration of the movement of the objects Observers can visualize a series of complex physical relationships would clarify.

In the US 5,133,050 A a position detecting device for a telescope is described and thereby additional graphics depending on the position of the telescope are displayed. These additional graphics serve to enable the observer to adapt the searched image to the displayed image. No images corresponding to the natural image are displayed from a database.

DE 200 00 288 U1 does not show the fade in images corresponding to the observing image. In addition, no device is described that captures the natural image and forwards it to an imaging device. Rather, in this document is spoken by a so-called orientation device having a rotation angle sensor which is arranged on the pivot bearing, and a pivot angle sensor which is arranged on the pivot bearing, wherein the sensors apply an angle-dependent signal to the orientation device.

DE 102 37 952 A1 shows a pair of binoculars. Again, the positions of the binoculars can be determined and additional information can be displayed. However, no memory device is provided in which the images of all the recordable objects are stored. This is also true DE 199 16 138 A1 to.

US 6,181,302 B1 shows no storage device in which the basic data of all the recordable images are stored.

Of the The present invention is therefore based on the object by an observation device observed object or its image to complete. From the prior art, in addition to the above objects also Devices are known with which an image taken by a camera becomes and the user over a display with additional recorded information is displayed. Through this recording the image is no longer directly observing the object, but a falsified by the representation on the display observation. A direct observation is therefore understood to mean an observation which a continuous optical beam path between about a lens and about an eyepiece, and in particular no displays for transmission the pictures are used.

A Another object of the present invention is the observer a natural impression of the original telescope image and this telescope sight through to supplement an image improvement. This object is achieved by An apparatus according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 12 reached.

Further advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The inventive device for direct observation of objects has an image pickup device on to the image of a natural object and an image output device to apply the image to the Output user, between the Bildaufnahmeeinrichung and the image output device arranged an optical beam path is. Further, an image forming device is provided to a artificial picture to generate, as well as a position determining device to the To determine the position of the image pickup device. Furthermore an image coupling device is provided to the artificial Picture in the beam path coupled with the imaging device the artificial one Image generated using data from the position of the image Imaging device are derived.

The Image-forming device has a memory device, in the basic data of essentially all natural images stored are, which are receivable with the image pickup device. In the Memory device in which it is preferably a database is thus stored a star map, with the over the Image recording device actually observed celestial bodies correlated. In this embodiment the exact orientation of the observation device of this telescope continuously determined and the displayed image information to the just visible image section adjusted.

The Position determination device has a detection device on that the natural picture receives and forwards to the image forming device. at This detection device may be, for example, a Video camera or to a CCD chip, which is essentially takes the same picture as the observation device or the Telescope itself. This image is sent to the imaging device forwarded. The image generator arranges the forwarded to her Image to an image stored in the database and created on Basis of this information the artificial picture. The detection device can be arranged next to the image pickup device. Also can via beam splitter or similar Elements parts of the natural Picture are output to the video camera.

Under direct observation of objects is understood as stated above, that the observation takes place in a purely optical way and the picture not picked up by electronic means such as CCD chips and then forwarded becomes. This direct observation is usually done by means of telescopes, binoculars and the same.

Under An image capture device is understood to mean any device which is capable of taking pictures of objects or rooms. Especially is under an image pickup device, the lens of a telescope Understood. An image output device is understood to mean a device the particular recorded by the image pickup device Output image directly to a user. In particular, but not exclusively acts the image output device is the eyepiece of a telescope, a telescope or the like.

Between the image pickup device and the image output device is a Beam path arranged, said as above, this beam path not through the interposition of electronic detection elements as CCD chips or the like is interrupted.

Under An imaging device is understood to mean any device the pictures and especially artificial ones Images generated. So would For example, a computer that has a particular on an example Monitor to be output image as an image forming device be understood. Under an artificial Image is an image understood, which is not directly from a Illustration of a natural Subject. In addition, for example, on numbers or symbols displayed as artificial images on a monitor understood in the sense of the definition.

Under An image coupling device is understood to mean a device the image generated in the between the image pickup device and the image output device introduces beam path and in particular such that it is on the image output device can be issued.

According to the invention, the artificial image is generated using data derived from the position of the image pickup device. This means that both the image of the natural object imaged on the image output device and the image generated by the image product device are at least partially due to information originating from the observed object. By means of this procedure, the superimposed generated image can be matched to the content of the field of view and registered exactly be blinded. This also causes a change in the observation of the objects, for example, in the sky, a change of the artificially generated image.

In a further preferred embodiment the position-determining device has at least one sensor element on, which determines the position of the image pickup element. It is for example, it is possible known from the prior art and therefore not described in detail sensor elements provide that the angular position of the lens with respect to a Tripod determine and prefers this data, taking into account the Forward local time. This procedure is also called electronic image tracking known.

Prefers For example, the image pickup device has an optical element and is preferred a lens on. The image output device also has at least an optical element and preferably an eyepiece.

In a further preferred embodiment the image coupling device has a projection device on to the artificial one Projecting an image into the beam path. It is in a special preferred embodiment the picture over a mirror projected onto the eyepiece.

Prefers is the intensity of the light emitted by the projection device light variable. By this variability the system can adapt to the lighting conditions at night Use adapted without affecting the dark adaptation of the eye. In addition, in this way, a further dynamic range of brightness realized, in turn, to an authentic visual impression of the telescope sight leads.

at a further preferred embodiment is a telescopic device provided to the natural picture to project onto the detection device. By this procedure a particularly accurate representation of the natural image is achieved. Prefers are the telescope device and the image pickup device on a common carrier device arranged. In this way it is achieved that by a movement the carrier device the telescope device and the image pickup device in the same Be moved and thus changes in the observed Image in the same way to the telescope device and the image pickup device impact.

Prefers is an image extraction device from the beam path above the image coupling device provided. Instead or next to the telescope device serves the image output device to the observed image on both the image output device and to guide to the image forming device. This will ensure that an image forming device and an observer the same Image received. This image output device may be For example, to act a beam splitter or the like.

Prefers the device has an astronomical telescope. The device according to the invention However, it can also be used with a conventional telescope retrofitted become. There is a retrofit both possible with such lenses, the above an electronic tracking feature, as with such telescopes, which have no electronic tracking.

In a further preferred embodiment the device has a brightness measuring device for determination the brightness of the captured natural picture. Through this Measuring device determines the brightness and the artificial Image adjusted according to these brightness measurements.

The The present invention is further directed to a method for direct Observation of objects directed, being in one step an image is taken with a first image recording device, in a further method step position data of the first image recording device across from be determined at least one space-fixed object, in another Procedural step an artificial one Image is generated for use of data resulting from the position data the first image pickup device are derived and in one further process step simultaneously from that of the first image pickup device taken picture and the artificial Image is output to the user.

Prefers the position becomes the geometric position of the first image pickup device determined, but especially not exclusively the spatial position of a telescope across from the floor. This spatial Location can be as listed above by means of suitable sensors and one of the prior art be known per se electronic tracking. Prefers the position of the first image pickup device is determined by that by means of a second image pickup device, the image also is received and forwarded this image to the image forming device becomes. In the database of the image forming device are essentially all images recordable with the first image capture device stored and in this way can be assigned to the take second image recording device recorded image.

The artificial Picture can be taken as shown above, to improve the recorded natural Serve the picture. It is also possible, Additional Information in the recorded natural Import picture like data over the observed object or the like.

Essential is also in the method according to the invention, that over the imaging device data, which provides information about the Position the device, such as the telescope, be processed and a corresponding image is generated. Prefers becomes the artificial picture with a projection device in the beam path between the first Image recording device and the image output device coupled, the brightness of the projection device in the beam path coupled light is variable. In this way, an adaptation to appropriate environmental conditions carried out become.

Prefers are the data output to the image output device selected from a group of data, the texts, images, coordinate systems, Contains graphics, videos and the like. That's the way it is but not exclusively possible, to deposit a recorded standing object with a time lapse, which illustrates a movement of this object over time. In addition, you can also display specific data of the recorded object, such as weight or size information on a recorded star or planets.

The The present invention is further directed to a computer program for generating of artificial pictures based on data obtained from a position-determining device were recorded using data stored in a database are stored and correspond to the recorded images.

there be first the data transmitted by the position-determining device with the help evaluated by the computer program and through this evaluation the position of the image pickup device inferred. Subsequently, will a database addressed in all with the image capture device recordable images are stored and selected the image that the corresponds with the image recording device recorded image. Then be those coupled with this particular image stored in the database Data used to create the artificial picture to create.

The For example, the present invention can be applied to a standard telescope, a telescope, an astronomical telescope or the like can be applied.

Further Advantages and embodiments emerge from the attached Drawings. Show:

1 a representation of a telescope which has been retrofitted according to the invention;

2 a schematic representation of an image coupling device;

3 a schematic representation of the present invention in a first embodiment; and

4 a schematic representation of the present invention in a second embodiment.

1 shows a telescope that has been retrofitted with the present invention. In this case, the reference numeral refers 2 to an image pickup device, ie in this embodiment, the lens of the telescope. The reference number 4 refers to an image output device which in this embodiment is an eyepiece 4 is. The lens and the eyepiece are in a common housing 3 arranged, the housing 3 opposite a fork 34 around a pivot 25 is rotatable. At the fulcrum 25 are (not ge showed) sensor elements provided, which is a determination of the inclination of the observation device 2 opposite the fork 34 allow. This sensor element transmits the corresponding angles of inclination to the image generating device.

The fork 34 is about a pivot 36 over the tripod 27 rotatably arranged. The device has another (not shown) sensor element to the angle of rotation of the fork 34 to determine against the tripod.

By determining these two angles, ie the angle, the housing 3 opposite the fork 34 occupies and the angle that the fork 34 opposite the tripod 27 occupies the exact position of the image pickup device relative to the room can be determined. In conjunction with other data such as the exact date and the time of day can be from this data through the image capture device 2 observed image in the firmament can be accurately calculated. This electronic tracking is known from the prior art per se and is therefore not shown in more detail.

In addition, the device has a telescopic device 13 on that on the case 3 is arranged. This means that every rotation of the housing 3 the telescope device 13 is turned. The telescope device 13 can with a video camera or an image capture element, such as egg nem CCD chip are connected and in this way by the telescope device 13 On the CCD chip, an image can be imaged, that of the observer through the eyepiece 4 perceives, corresponds. This image taken by the telescope is relayed to an image generator (not shown).

According to the invention in the beam path between the observation device 2 and the image output device 4 coupled to the image generated by the image forming device, wherein the image is controlled by feedback from the above-mentioned video camera and / or the tracking unit of the telescope. In this way, the displayed image can be matched to the content of the field of view and superimposed superimposed. In addition to the Teleskopeinrchtung shown here 13 can also be the image from the beam path between the observation device 2 and the image output device 4 be decoupled.

The system can be used or retrofitted in any lens or mirror telescope with or without tracking unit. The imaging device is in this embodiment in the telescope device 13 or at the telescope device 13 coupled CCD chip coupled. The reference number 28 refers to a control device for the telescope device. With this control device, the position can be aligned via the image recording device.

2 shows a schematic representation of the image coupling device according to the invention 8th , The telescope or the housing 3 of the telescope is by means of two connecting units 51 and 52 attached to the coupling device. For attachment serve two screws 53 , That of the observation device 2 originating image passes through a mirror acting as a beam splitter 73 in the direction of the eyepiece 4 , The eyepiece is via a fastening device 75 with the housing 72 in which the mirror 73 is provided connected.

About another fastening device 83 as well as screws 84 is the projection device 81 also on the housing 72 attached. The projection device 81 has a receptacle or a receiving slot in order to use neutral glass filters, substantially in any strength, in order in this way the brightness of the in the housing 72 to control the incoming picture. The projection device 81 has an additional lens 87 or an additional lens system with a variable aperture.

3 shows a schematic representation of the device according to the invention in a first embodiment. About the image recording device 2 becomes the image of an object 20 along the beam path indicated by the dotted line S via the deflection mirror 73 and 78 on the output device 4 directed. In one embodiment, a telescope device is used 13 an image corresponding to that captured by the image capture device 2 is received, corresponds to the projection determining means 5 directed. In this embodiment, the projection determining means 5 a video camera or a CCD chip, the by the telescope device 13 recorded image and to the image forming device 7 , which is a laptop in this embodiment, forwards.

Instead of the telescope device 13 and the CCD chip 5 can also along the beam path a CCD chip 5 ' be arranged on which a predetermined portion of the beam path is imaged via an imaging optics. Also in this embodiment, the images are on the CCD chip 5 ' and the observation device 4 arrive, identical to each other.

The reference number 50 refers to another position determining device, which as stated above, the position of the image pickup device 2 determined directly, ie directly via (not shown) sensor elements. This position determination device can instead of or in addition to the telescope device 13 or the CCD chips 5 or 5 ' be arranged.

The respective double arrows P1-P3 illustrate that the values transmitted to the computer, which characterize the position of the observer, alternatively via the CCD chips 5 or the position determination device 50 can be won. Also, multiple position-determining devices can be used simultaneously, which allows a more accurate determination of the position.

In the image forming device 7 become the data from the position-determining devices 5 processed and associated with this data an image, which is stored in a database of the computer 7 or storage device 71 is stored. In this database, preferably all the images stored in each of the image recording device are stored 2 be received approachable position.

The computer 7 recognizes that from the position-determining device 5 incoming image or that of the position-determining device 50 incoming data and assigns it to an image stored in the database. From the data of the tracking unit of the telescope and / or the picture the camera calculates the computer 7 several times per second, which image section is currently visible in the eyepiece. An image video and information database of the objects seen through the telescope is stored on the computer. With the help of this database, the computer software generates a second image for the currently visible image section. The projection device 81 , which is connected to the computer via the external monitor output, for example, mirrors the generated image into the beam path of the telescope.

Optional can so information about the picture, photos or video sequences into the field of view of the observer. It can the video image congruent to the visible objects in the telescope section be projected. In a further preferred embodiment the projection device designed so that the brightness level of the displayed image continuously between night vision (scotopic) or color vision (photopic) can be varied. The image output device or the eyepiece can be changed, allowing the system for different magnifications remains usable. The entire system is preferred by use a laptop mobile and can be operated without mains connection become.

4 shows a further schematic representation of a device according to the invention. Opposite the in 2 In the embodiment shown, the arrangement of the image output device is modified. In this case, the object becomes 20 observed along the axis S.

By The present invention makes it possible, even animated or colored information in real time, i. adapted to each actual observed To deliver the object to the observer. Around to enable this real-time representation on the one hand the telescope mount can be used but also optional an additional Image pickup device like a video camera. This will create an exact overlay with that through the telescope actually perceived image possible, whereby by a suitable software a repeated update of the viewing direction possible per second is.

A high projection resolution and another dynamic range of brightness allow a natural authentic visual impression of the telescope sight. The software according to the invention allows a preferred exact merging of the signals from different Positioning devices such as CCD chips on the one hand and signals from Sensors of telescope mounting on the other hand. In addition - as above executed - any pictures fed to the observer become. So, for example Information about the observed objects can be imported or an artificial or virtual enlargement of the Telescope opening can be made in order to suggest a brighter picture to the observer. In addition, can also Animations for the visualization of object movements, for example be carried out in fast motion.

2

Image recording device

3

casing

4

The image output device

5

Location facility

5 '

CCD chip

7

Imaging device

8th

Bildeinkoppelungseinrichtung

13

telescopic device

14

imaging optics

20

observed object

25

pivot point

27

tripod

28

control device

34

fork

36

pivot point

51 52

connection units

53 84

screw

71

memory device

72

mirror housings

73

mirror

75, 83

fastening device

81

projection device

86

recording device for filters

87

additional lens

Claims (17)

Device for direct observation of objects with an image recording device ( 2 ) for taking an image of a natural object, an image output device ( 4 ) for outputting the natural image to the user, wherein between the image recording device ( 2 ) and the image output device ( 4 ) an optical beam path is arranged, an image forming device ( 7 ) for generating an artificial image, a position determining device ( 5 ) to determine the position of the image recording device and to the image generating device ( 7 ), an image coupling device ( 8th ) in order to couple the artificial image into the beam path, wherein the image generating device ( 7 ) generates the artificial image using data derived from the position of the image capture device, characterized in that the image generation device ( 7 ) a memory device ( 71 ) in which image data of all the natural images stored with the image recording device ( 8th ) are receivable, and the position determining device ( 5 ) has a detection device, the captures the natural image and forwards it to the imaging device. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that in that the position-determining device has at least one sensor element which determines the position of the image pickup element. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image recording device ( 2 ) an optical element ( 21 ) and preferably a lens ( 21 ) having. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image output device ( 4 ) has at least one optical element and preferably an eyepiece. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image coupling device ( 8th ) a projection device ( 81 ) to project the artificial image into the beam path. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the intensity of the of the projection device ( 81 ) emitted light is variable. Device according to at least one of claims 3-8, characterized in that a telescopic device ( 13 ) is provided to project the natural image onto the detection device. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the telescopic device ( 13 ) and the image recording device ( 2 ) on a common carrier device ( 34 ) are arranged. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an image extraction device above the image coupling device ( 8th ) is provided. Device according to at least one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the device is an astronomical Telescope has. Device according to at least one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the device is a brightness measuring device for Determining the brightness of the recorded natural image. Method for directly observing objects with the steps - taking an image with a first image recording device ( 2 ); Determination of position data of the first image recording device ( 2 ); - generating an artificial image using data derived using the position data of the first image pickup device; Simultaneous output from the first image pickup device ( 2 ) and the artificial picture at the user; characterized in that for determining the position data of the first image recording device ( 2 ) the natural image is captured by a detection device and sent to an image generation device ( 7 ), the data for generating the artificial image are taken from a storage device in which image data of all the natural images stored with the image recording device ( 8th ) are recordable, and the artificial image is output exactly coincident with the recorded image. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the determination of the position of the first image recording device ( 2 ) using a second image recording device ( 5 ) he follows. Method according to at least one of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the determination of the position of the first image recording device ( 2 ) using at least one sensor element. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the artificial image with a projection device ( 81 ) in the beam path between the first image recording device ( 2 ) and the image output device ( 4 ) is coupled. Method according to at least one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the brightness of the projection device ( 81 ) is variable in the beam path coupled light. Method according to at least one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the data sent to the image output device output are selected from a group of data, the texts, images, coordinate systems, graphics, videos and the like contains.