DE102019132858A1 - Optoelectronic device, system made up of optoelectronic device and optical device, as well as display methods for optoelectronic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

It describes an optoelectronic device, a system of optoelectronic device and optical device and a display method for optoelectronic devices, wherein the optoelectronic device can be used as a monocular and as an attachment for optical devices and an automatic switch between a first display mode in which the image information recorded by an image sensor (150) can be displayed essentially over the entire display surface of a display unit, and a second display mode takes place in which the image information recorded via the image sensor (150) can be displayed scaled in only a section of the display surface of the display unit, if by a A feedback is given to the sensor element (180) that the optoelectronic device is connected to an optical device, and a switchover from the at least one second display mode to the first display mode takes place automatically when the Sens orelement (180) a feedback is given that the optoelectronic device is no longer connected to an optical device.

Description

An optoelectronic device, a system made up of an optoelectronic device and an optical device, and a display method for optoelectronic devices are described.

background

Optoelectronic devices have both optical and electronic components. These devices convert electromagnetic radiation into electronic data and vice versa.

Thermal imaging devices or thermal imaging cameras and night vision devices are examples of optoelectronic devices. Thermal imaging devices and (digital) night vision devices are available in various basic technical designs. They are either designed as hand-held devices for observation directly with the eye (monocular), or they are used as attachments for conventional target optics (glass optics). Some devices also fulfill both uses, but with restrictions.

Thermal imaging devices can, for example, have a lens, an image sensor with associated electronics, a microdisplay for displaying the electronically revised image and an eyepiece. The sharpness of the recorded image can be adjusted via the lens. The electromagnetic rays arriving via the lens reach the image sensor. The image sensor designed as a thermal image sensor processes the recorded information via the electronics and the correspondingly processed image information is displayed as an image on the microdisplay. A user can view the image shown on the microdisplay via the eyepiece and, if necessary, make adjustments to the sharpness.

Thermal imaging cameras usually have a rectangular sensor (thermal image sensor or light-sensitive image sensor) and a corresponding rectangular display. In addition to the image information, this also displays additional symbols that provide information on the status of the device (battery, zoom level, image mode, date, time, etc.).

Instead of such thermal imaging cameras, there are also other optoelectronic devices that receive image information and can show it on a display.

Such devices are used, for example, for observing animals and for hunting. In particular during hunting, for example thermal imaging cameras are used by a hunter to observe the game, the hunter holding the thermal imaging camera in his hand and viewing the game shown on the microdisplay through the eyepiece.

If the hunter also wants to use the thermal imaging camera as an attachment for a telescopic sight, the thermal imaging camera must first be connected to the telescopic sight. In addition, the connection must not cause the telescopic sight to be adjusted if the attachment is frequently removed and reassembled. The connection between the thermal imaging device and the riflescope must be designed precisely and with high repeatability, so that there is no offset of the point of impact when it is removed and put on.

State of the art

When using optoelectronic devices, such as, for example, a thermal imaging camera, as an attachment device and as a monocular, there are also further problems.

Using the eyepiece, an image is shown on the microdisplay, which in most cases is viewed directly. The eyepiece and optics are therefore coordinated in such a way that when viewed directly with the eye, satisfactory viewing can be achieved.

In combination with other optical devices, in particular magnifying optical devices such as, for example, a telescopic sight, which use such an ocular system for viewing, problems and a loss of image quality or depth of detail arise because the microdisplay is now displayed in an optically enlarged manner so that fewer pixels are available for information transmission.

Out US 2011/0074823 A1 or. US 8,564,668 B2 For this purpose, it is known to use a display which has a greater resolution than the image sensor, so that when the thermal imaging camera is used as an attachment for a telescopic sight, the image recorded via the image sensor can be displayed with the same sharpness on a reduced section of the display, whereby the full image is available for the riflescope and there is no restriction. For this purpose, a control button is provided that enables switching from a mode as an attachment to a mode as a handheld device (“monocular”).

In the case of the thermal imaging camera known from the prior art, however, a manual switchover between the two modes has to be carried out each time. This is to be regarded as particularly disadvantageous, since on the one hand, for example, a weapon on which the telescopic sight and the thermal imaging camera are mounted can only be held with one hand can be, and on the other hand, a pressure is exerted on the arrangement of telescopic sight and thermal imaging camera every time the operating button is actuated, which can lead to an adjustment of the alignment of the telescopic sight and / or the thermal imaging camera. Therefore, frequent adjustment of the telescopic sight and the arrangement of the telescopic sight and thermal imager are required. In addition, it is time-consuming to switch over each time. Especially when hunting, it is desirable to be able to switch over quickly without looking for an operating button and switching over.

Furthermore, with the thermal imaging cameras known from the prior art with a rectangular display, the problem arises that when used as an attachment in front of another lens (regardless of the magnification), status displays are no longer visible, since classic optical systems are always circular and thus the Crop the image. The user thus loses important information about the thermal imaging camera. This problem is exacerbated by the use of downstream optics with magnification, since no information is visible any more.

task

In contrast, the object is to specify an optoelectronic device that can be used both as an attachment and as a monocular for viewing in the hand of a user, the disadvantages of the prior art being eliminated and improved control being provided. In addition, an alternative solution to the solutions known from the prior art is to be specified, with rapid switching being achieved.

solution

• - die Displayauflösung größer als die Bildsensorauflösung ist,
• - das optoelektronische Gerät mit einer optischen Einrichtung verbindbar ist,
• - das mindestens eine erste Sensorelement im Bereich des Okulars angeordnet ist, und
• - die Steuereinheit automatisch eine Umschaltung von einem ersten Anzeigemodus, in dem die über den Bildsensor aufgenommenen Bildinformationen im Wesentlichen über die gesamte Displayfläche der Displayeinheit darstellbar sind, in mindestens einen zweiten Anzeigemodus, in dem die über den Bildsensor aufgenommenen Bildinformationen skaliert in nur einem Abschnitt der Displayfläche der Displayeinheit darstellbar sind, bewirkt, wenn von dem mindestens einen ersten Sensorelement eine Rückmeldung gegeben wird, dass das optoelektronische Gerät mit einer optischen Einrichtung verbunden ist, und die Steuereinheit automatisch eine Umschaltung von dem mindestens einen zweiten Anzeigemodus in den ersten Anzeigemodus auslöst, wenn von dem mindestens einen ersten Sensorelement eine Rückmeldung gegeben wird, dass das optoelektronische Gerät nicht mehr mit einer optischen Einrichtung verbunden ist.

The above-mentioned object is achieved by an optoelectronic device for use as a monocular and as an attachment for optical devices, at least having an image sensor, a display unit with a display surface for displaying image information, a controller, optical elements for refraction, an eyepiece and at least one first Sensor element, where

• - the display resolution is greater than the image sensor resolution,
• - the optoelectronic device can be connected to an optical device,
• - The at least one first sensor element is arranged in the area of the eyepiece, and
• - The control unit automatically switches from a first display mode, in which the image information recorded via the image sensor can be displayed essentially over the entire display surface of the display unit, to at least one second display mode, in which the image information recorded via the image sensor is scaled in only one section of the Display surface of the display unit can be shown, caused when a feedback is given by the at least one first sensor element that the optoelectronic device is connected to an optical device, and the control unit automatically triggers a switch from the at least one second display mode to the first display mode when feedback is given by the at least one first sensor element that the optoelectronic device is no longer connected to an optical device.

The resolution of the display surface of the display of the display unit is advantageously to be selected greater than the resolution of the image sensor, so that image information can be displayed on only a section of the display surface in the second display mode with the same depth of detail as in the first display mode. With a subsequent enlargement of the scaled image information displayed in the section, the same image content can be displayed with the same sharpness as in the display over the entire display area. The area of the display unit over which image information can be displayed is often referred to as the active display area. The active display area is the area of the display of the display unit that can be used to display the image information. In the first display mode, for example, the image information can be displayed over the entire active display area, with the image information only being displayed over a part of the active display area in at least one second display mode.

In particular, a display with very few pixels can be used, which also allows a reduced representation of a recorded scene, so that the same image content can be displayed again through the subsequent enlargement with the downstream optics and thus the same quality is achieved as with direct viewing.

The optoelectronic device can be hand-held directly in front of the eye ("monocular") or as an attachment, eg for a telescopic sight. For this purpose, the optoelectronic device can be mounted on the telescopic sight or another optical device and / or via an adapter, for example in front of a target optics, via a corresponding design of a connection point and a corresponding connection point. It will thus enabling the user to use the optoelectronic device efficiently in both cases.

The at least one first sensor element can advantageously be used to determine whether or not the optoelectronic device is connected to an optical device. This eliminates the need to manually switch between different display modes. The technical teaching described herein enables automatic switching to the corresponding display mode, depending on the use of the optoelectronic device as an attachment or as a monocular. The automatic switching makes it easier for the user to use. A hunter, for example, can use the optoelectronic device in monocular mode. After finding a target, he can attach the device to the target optics and aim and shoot without having to do anything. In the prior art, two devices were sometimes used in order to avoid removing and putting on and the associated switching or relocating. The solution described herein enables a device to be operated in different modes and thus offers a solution which makes the use of multiple devices in different modes unnecessary.

The arrangement of the at least one first sensor element must be selected such that a connection to an optical device, for example a telescopic sight, can also be detected. In addition, it should be ensured that there is no incorrect information and thus unnecessary switching. Various measures are conceivable for this purpose. For example, several first sensor elements can be provided or the at least one first sensor element requires at least one second sensor element which is arranged on the optical device to be connected.

The at least one first sensor element can, for example, be arranged in the area of the eyepiece and oriented such that it is opposite an optical device to be connected.

A plurality of first sensor elements can also be arranged, which together have to provide feedback in order to trigger a corresponding use and switchover. In further embodiments, conclusions can be drawn about the type of optical device to which the optoelectronic device is connected via different first sensor elements or via first sensor elements arranged at different positions. Accordingly, in addition to a first display mode and a second display mode, further display modes can be selected via the control unit and the image information can be displayed over partial areas of the (active) display area. For example, different optical devices can have objectives of different sizes. It is thus possible to display image information adapted to the width of the lenses via correspondingly adapted areas of the display surface.

As a result, different reduction levels can be implemented via the microdisplay, which are adapted to different telescopic sights or other optical devices.

Due to the automatic switching to the different display modes, it is no longer necessary for a user to take their hand away, for example from a weapon, to switch, or to tamper with the electronic device already mounted on the telescopic sight or other optical device and to exert pressure on it . This counteracts any unwanted adjustment. Furthermore, the switchover takes place immediately and automatically when the necessary circumstances occur. A user has the advantage that he no longer has to pay any attention to the switchover.

Improved handling is thus achieved through the automatic switchover, since the corresponding display mode is selected immediately and the image information is displayed accordingly as soon as the corresponding states are present.

In addition, when switching from the first display mode to the second display mode, the magnification can be selected via the control so that the magnification is set to 1.0 by the control. The magnification is composed of an objective and the image sensor, electronic scaling or magnification, and the display unit and the eyepiece. The three groups mentioned above affect the magnification. When these groups are multiplied, the magnification is obtained, which is optically perceptible and, for example, serves as an input on the telescopic sight as an optical device. The control selects the parameters of these groups or the parameters in such a way that in the second display mode (e.g. "Rifle scope mode") a system magnification of exactly 1.0 results, which means that there is no point of impact offset on a rifle scope when the device is moved forward. Even if the device is attached at an angle or always slightly differently, the set magnification of 1.0 does not result in a point of impact offset. The system magnification 1.0 does not change the angles of incidence and emergence, so angle errors when touching down do not play a role. When used as an attachment for riflescopes for hunting, this results in a significant advantage and also a security.

In further embodiments, the optoelectronic device can have an adapter for connecting to an optical device, the adapter being able to be arranged in the area of the eyepiece. The adapter can be releasably connected to the optoelectronic device. The adapter is used to attach the optoelectronic device to an optical device. The adapter can, for example, be placed on a corresponding section of the optoelectronic device via a bayonet lock, a screw lock or the like and connected to it via this. Locks, such as a bayonet lock, enable a defined alignment of the devices or devices to be connected to one another.

In further embodiments, it would be conceivable, in addition to a second sensor element on the telescopic sight or adapter, to provide at least a third sensor element on the adapter or on the telescopic sight, which provides feedback to the at least one first sensor element as to whether the adapter has an optical device or the telescopic sight connected or not.

At least one second sensor element can be arranged in and / or on the adapter in further designs. E.g. the at least one first sensor element can be completely received in the adapter. However, it can also protrude only partially from the adapter or be arranged completely on an outer surface of the adapter. In such designs, there is a signaling connection (electrical, mechanical, optical) between the adapter and the optoelectronic device so that, in interaction with a second sensor element or an interface of an optical device, feedback from the at least one first sensor element can be given to the control unit.
In further embodiments, the at least one first sensor element, the at least one second sensor element and / or the at least one third sensor element can be a mechanically, electrically or optically acting sensor. A mechanically acting sensor can, for example, realize that there is a connection with an optical device, whereby a displacement of elements occurs, which in turn can be converted into an electrical or electronic signal. The signal is then forwarded to the control unit, which obtains the information therefrom that a connection with an optical device is present or not. An electrically acting sensor can, for example, comprise two sensor elements which are spaced apart from one another when they are not connected. An electrically conductive connection between the two sensor elements can be provided via a correspondingly designed optical device. The current flow that occurs then serves as feedback via the connection to an optical device. However, inductively operating sensors can also be provided, via which a change can be measured. Proximity sensors can be used here.

Furthermore, an optically acting sensor can be provided, which is designed, for example, as a photodiode and, depending on the light conditions, reports a connection to an optical device by means of a corresponding signal.

Depending on the design of first sensor elements, second and / or third sensor elements can be designed to provide feedback of a connection between the optoelectronic device and the optical device.

E.g. For example, second and / or third sensor elements can be formed by light-reflecting elements or surfaces, electrically conductive elements or surfaces or projections that do not themselves output signals, but provide measurable or detectable feedback in interaction with first sensor elements.

In further embodiments, a reduction level in at least one second display mode can be set via input means and / or a control interface. This enables settings to be changed with regard to the second display mode. The change then takes effect every time this display mode is automatically called up until the display mode is changed again.

In further embodiments, in addition to the image information, a status display can be displayed on the display surface, with the status display being adaptable to the display surface of the display unit used for displaying the image information when switching from the first display mode to the at least one second display mode and vice versa.

The status display is scaled and / or adapted via the control. The controller receives feedback via the at least one first sensor element that an optical device is connected to the optoelectronic device, so that in addition to switching from the first display mode to the at least one second display mode, the status display is also automatically adapted. If an enlargement is carried out by optics or a control, this can also be recognized and automatically lead to an adaptation of the status display.

When the optoelectronic device is separated from the optical device again and the Image information is shown again over the full available area of the display (active display area), or if an image section is reduced, the status display can also be adapted, with the status display being enlarged.

It is also possible to adjust the status display when selection controls are operated to reduce the image section and to enlarge it. In further versions, an adaptation can also take place if a reduction of the image section and an enlargement are called up via a menu.

The aforementioned object is also achieved by a system comprising an optoelectronic device according to one of the embodiments described above and an optical device, the optical device having an interface via which the optical device can be connected to the optoelectronic device.

The system is suitable, for example, for use in rifles for hunting, the optical device being a telescopic sight and the optoelectronic device being a thermal imaging camera or a night vision device. The switch from the first display mode to the at least one second display mode is advantageously carried out automatically when the two devices are combined to form a system, with no manual selection or any other switching or even adjustment of optical devices (objective, eyepiece) being required.

In further embodiments, the optical device can have at least one second sensor element which interacts with the at least one first sensor element of the optoelectronic device to provide feedback via a connection between the optoelectronic device and the optical device. As already stated above, the at least one second sensor element can be used to ensure that, on the one hand, there is actually a connection between the optoelectronic device and the optical device, and that, for example, a photo sensor or proximity sensor is not covered by the hand of a user, which results in false feedback would lead via a connection, and on the other hand ensure that the optoelectronic device and the optical device are correctly aligned with one another.

• - Erfassen von Bildinformationen durch den Bildsensor,
• - Darstellen der von dem Bildsensor erfassten Bildinformationen über die Displayfläche der Displayeinheit,
• - Darstellen der erfassten Bildinformationen in einem ersten Anzeigemodus im Wesentlichen über die gesamte Displayfläche der Displayeinheit, wenn von dem mindestens einen ersten Sensorelement eine Rückmeldung erhalten wird, dass keine Verbindung mit einer optischen Einrichtung vorliegt,
• - Darstellen der erfassten Bildinformationen in einem zweiten Anzeigemodus skaliert über einen Abschnitt der Displayfläche der Displayeinheit, wenn von dem mindestens einen ersten Sensorelement eine Rückmeldung erhalten wird, dass eine Verbindung mit einer optischen Einrichtung vorliegt, und
• - automatisches Umschalten zwischen dem ersten Anzeigemodus und dem zweiten Anzeigemodus durch die Steuereinheit nach Maßgabe der über das mindestens eine erste Sensorelement vorliegenden Information hinsichtlich der Verbindung des optoelektronischen Geräts mit einer optischen Einrichtung.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a display method for optoelectronic devices that can be used as a monocular and as an attachment for optical devices, having at least one image sensor, a display unit with a display surface for displaying image information, the display resolution being greater than the image sensor resolution , a controller, optical elements for light refraction, an eyepiece and at least one first sensor element, comprising the following steps:

• - Acquisition of image information by the image sensor,
• - Representation of the image information captured by the image sensor on the display surface of the display unit,
• - Representation of the captured image information in a first display mode essentially over the entire display area of the display unit when a feedback is received from the at least one first sensor element that there is no connection to an optical device,
• - Representation of the captured image information in a second display mode scaled over a section of the display surface of the display unit when a feedback is received from the at least one first sensor element that a connection to an optical device is present, and
• automatic switching between the first display mode and the second display mode by the control unit in accordance with the information available via the at least one first sensor element with regard to the connection of the optoelectronic device to an optical device.

The operation of an optoelectronic device is considerably simplified by the method described above. It is not necessary to switch manually, so that the correct display mode is always selected.

In further versions, a status display can be displayed in addition to the image information on the display surface, with the status display being adapted to the display surface of the display unit used for displaying the image information when switching from the first display mode to the at least one second display mode and vice versa. This offers the possibility of having relevant information about the optoelectronic device in the field of view in all display modes.

In further versions, the control is used to set the magnification to 1.0 in the second display mode, as already explained above, which results in an improved display when used as an attachment, since there is no offset of the point of impact and the angles of incidence and reflection are not changed .

The advantages specified above for the optoelectronic device and the system of optoelectronic device and optical device also apply in a corresponding manner to the display methods for displaying image information via an optoelectronic device.

Further advantages, features and design options result from the following description of the figures of non-restrictive exemplary embodiments.

Figure list

• 1 eine perspektivische, teilweise geschnittene Darstellung eines als Wärmebildkamera ausgebildeten optoelektronischen Geräts sowie einen damit verbundenen Adapter;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung der Wärmebildkamera und des Adapters von 1;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems bestehend aus einer Wärmebildkamera gemäß 1 und einer als Zielfernrohr ausgebildeten optischen Einrichtung;
• 4 schematische Darstellungen der Displayfläche einer Displayeinheit der Wärmebildkamera von 1;
• 5 eine konventionelle Anzeige über ein Display;
• 6 eine konventionelle Anzeige über ein Display mit eingeschränkter Darstellung bei Verwendung einer optischen Einrichtung;
• 7 eine konventionelle Anzeige über ein Display mit eingeschränkter Darstellung bei Verwendung einer optischen Einrichtung mit Vergrößerung; und
• 8 eine adaptive Anzeige über die Displayfläche der Displayeinheit der Wärmebildkamera von 1 bei einem Verbund aus Wärmebildkamera und Zielfernrohr gemäß dem System von 3.

In the drawings shows:

• 1 a perspective, partially sectioned illustration of an optoelectronic device designed as a thermal imaging camera and an adapter connected thereto;
• 2 a schematic representation of the thermal imager and adapter of 1 ;
• 3 a schematic representation of a system consisting of a thermal imaging camera according to 1 and an optical device designed as a telescopic sight;
• 4th schematic representations of the display area of a display unit of the thermal imaging camera from 1 ;
• 5 a conventional indication via a display;
• 6th a conventional display via a display with limited representation using an optical device;
• 7th a conventional display via a display with limited representation using an optical device with magnification; and
• 8th an adaptive display via the display surface of the display unit of the thermal imaging camera from 1 in the case of a combination of thermal imaging camera and telescopic sight according to the system of 3 .

Elements provided with the same reference symbols in the drawings essentially correspond to one another, unless otherwise stated. In addition, there is no need to show and describe components that are not essential for understanding the technical teaching disclosed herein. In the following, the reference symbols are not repeated for all elements that have already been introduced and shown, provided that the elements themselves and their function have already been described or are known to a person skilled in the art.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

1 shows a perspective, partially sectioned illustration of a thermal imaging camera 100 trained optoelectronic device and an adapter connected to it 200 .

The thermal imaging camera 100 has a housing 110 on, which can consist of plastic, aluminum or a similar light metal. The thermal imaging camera 100 points in a front section 130 a lens 140 on. There is an image sensor behind it 150 , which is designed as a thermal image sensor. The thermal imaging camera 100 has a thermal imaging module 160 to generate image information that is generated by the image sensor 150 were recorded. The thermal imaging camera 100 also has a microdisplay 170 on which the thermal imaging module 160 generated image information on a display surface 174 (please refer 4th ) can be displayed. Behind it is a section of the thermal imaging camera 100 with an eyepiece 190 with a lens array.

In the middle section of the case 100 There is a battery compartment that locks over 120 can be opened. The closures 120 have a thread and can in corresponding openings in the housing 110 for the battery compartment and connected to it via the thread. In the battery compartment batteries or accumulator elements are used, which are used to operate the thermal imaging camera 100 and for supplying energy to the electronic components in the thermal imaging camera 100 serve.

The objective 140 has a lens arrangement which can be actuated to adjust the focus. Electromagnetic rays guided through the lens arrangement strike the image sensor 150 , which generates signals from the electromagnetic rays and sends the signals to the thermal imaging module 160 forwards. In the thermal imaging module 160 the received signals from the image sensor are processed 150 for the generation of image information. This image information is sent to the microdisplay 170 forwarded, which on its designed for display area 172 displays the image information. The area 172 can therefore also be used as an active surface 172 are designated. The active area 172 is the area 172 of the microdisplay 170 which image information can be displayed. In the various display modes described below, the image information is sometimes only displayed over part of the active area 172 . The area actually used for display can therefore depend on the active area 172 differ (e.g. be smaller than this).

The eyepiece 190 has a lens arrangement that can be operated to adjust the focus. Via the eyepiece 190 In particular, compensation can be made with regard to the eyesight of the viewer.

The thermal imaging camera 100 has a controller that outputs the instructions required for operation to the components and the presentation on the microdisplay 170 regulates. The control can be influenced via a control interface. E.g. can be via control buttons 114 a selection can be made from a menu on the microdisplay 170 is shown. Switching on the thermal imaging camera 100 and the menu can be called up and exited using the key 112 respectively. Depending on how long the button is pressed 112 this can turn the thermal imager on or off 100 or call up and exit the menu or select menu items. The button's 114 allow the selection of menu items and the adjustment of values or ranges.

This is via the arrows of the buttons 114 displayed, with either an increase or a decrease or a jump to the next menu item in the corresponding direction.

This can be used, for example, to change the scaling in various display modes, as described below. In addition to the version shown with buttons 112 , 114 A further interface can optionally be provided, which enables access to the controller and the uploading of new processes and the overwriting and deletion of data. Such an interface can, for example, be designed as a USB interface.

The image sensor 150 can be designed to accommodate different wavelength ranges, such as UV, VIS, IR. In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is the image sensor 150 around a thermal image sensor, which works in the wavelength range of 8-14 µm. Resolutions of such thermal image sensors are, for example, 640x480 pixels or 384x288 pixels. In other versions, the image sensor 150 also have other resolutions.

The microdisplay 170 has a higher resolution than the image sensor 150 so that the image information on the eyepiece side can be scaled differently, depending on how many pixels of the image sensor 150 the microdisplay 170 of the eyepiece 190 be assigned. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the microdisplay has 1024x768 pixels in RGB.

In 1 is also an adapter 200 shown of an eyepiece 190 the thermal imaging camera 100 surrounds and with the housing 100 connected is.

Without the in 1 shown adapter 200 can the thermal imaging camera 100 can be used as a monocular. A user can use the thermal imaging camera 100 hold it in your hand and hold the one on the display surface over your eye 174 displayed image information via the eyepiece 190 consider. In this type of use the microdisplay 170 operated in a first display mode. In the first display mode, the display is over the entire (active) area 172 of the microdisplay 170 generated. The display area 174 therefore corresponds to the (active) area 172 of the microdisplay 170 .

On the housing 110 is a first sensor element 180 arranged. The first sensor element 180 works with a second sensor element 210 on the adapter 200 together. The second sensor element 210 is in the illustrated embodiment a magnet and the first sensor element 180 a magnetic sensor. The first sensor element is located 210 or the magnet in close proximity to the sensor element 180 or to the magnetic sensor, as shown for example in 1 is shown, this leads to the fact that the first sensor element 180 forwards a corresponding signal to the controller.

The signal provides the information that the thermal imager 100 properly with the adapter 200 connected is. The magnetic sensor and the magnet are designed so that a signal via the magnetic sensor or the first sensor element 180 is only output if the required arrangement in terms of spacing and orientation of the adapter 200 to the housing 110 has been achieved.

The feedback from the first sensor element 180 via the connection of the housing 110 the thermal imaging camera 100 with the adapter 200 causes the control to switch to a second display mode. In the second display mode, the is scaled over the area 172 of the microdisplay 170 displayed image information, the image information over a reduced display area 176 can be represented (see 4th ).

Due to the higher resolution of the microdisplay 170 can, for example, every pixel of the image sensor in the second display mode 150 one pixel of the microdisplay 170 assigned and the corresponding image information is displayed. The display area required for this 176 is significantly smaller than the display area 174 in the first display mode. In the first display mode, the entire (active) area 172 are used for the display, so that the image information of a pixel of the image sensor 150 over several pixels of the Microdisplay 170 can be represented. This has the advantage that images that are in focus in the first display mode also have a reduced display area in the second display mode 176 in the same sharpness and with the same depth of detail on a reduced display area 176 can be represented.

In the second display mode, the thermal imager 100 therefore through the adapter 200 with a riflescope 300 are connected, which causes an increase in the image information over the area 172 being represented. According to the magnification through the telescopic sight 300 becomes a section of the area 172 enlarged. If now the thermal imaging camera 100 would be operated in the initial display mode and with a telescopic sight 300 is connected, only a partial section of the complete image would be enlarged. This would result in a loss of image information. Because in the second display mode the image information only covers a section of the area 172 can be displayed, the complete image content can be viewed through a telescopic sight 300 or other optics can be enlarged and all image information can be enlarged without the loss of image information. Switching takes place automatically when the thermal imager 100 with the adapter 200 is connected, because the congruent arrangement of the sensor elements 180 and 210 a corresponding feedback to the control of the thermal imaging camera 100 is given.

The adapter 200 is basically with a telescopic sight 300 connected and is therefore in use on the rifle scope 300 . The connection between riflescope 300 and thermal imaging camera 100 occurs only when the thermal imager 100 as an attachment for the riflescope 300 or another optic is to be used. The thermal imager is connected in this operating mode 100 through the adapter 200 with the riflescope 300 . Should the thermal imaging camera 100 can only be used as a monocular, the thermal imaging camera 100 from the adapter 200 removed the one on the telescopic sight 300 can remain.

The adapter 200 is in the embodiment shown above a bayonet lock with a corresponding section of the housing 110 connectable. The bayonet catch enables the connection in a defined manner, so that the adapter in the connected state 200 not only in the intended position on the housing 110 is arranged, but also the corresponding alignment with respect to the central axis of the adapter 200 having.

The adapter 200 points to this on the inner circumferential surface of the ring, which the second sensor element 210 is turned away, a thread. The adapter 200 with a riflescope 300 get connected. The riflescope 300 has a corresponding external thread section in the area of an objective 320 on. Instead of a connection via a thread, the adapter 200 also via a bayonet lock similar to the connection with the housing 110 with the riflescope 300 in the area of the lens 320 get connected. In further embodiments, not shown, the telescopic sight is 300 in the area of a lens 320 designed so that the rifle scope 300 directly to the corresponding housing section of the housing 110 is connectable and there a second sensor element analogous to the sensor element 210 having.

It is essential for the technical teaching described here that the adapter 200 with a riflescope 300 or another optic and preferably remains connected to it. Should the thermal imaging camera 100 can be used as a monocular, the adapter 200 not with the case 110 be or will be connected, because otherwise the thermal imager 100 would be operated permanently in the second display mode, since a corresponding feedback about the coupling of the sensor element 180 and 210 present.

The thermal imaging camera 100 thus offers a "double benefit" for the user. Will cover the entire area 172 of the microdisplay 170 used to display the generated image, the thermal imaging camera is suitable 100 ideal for observation directly with the eye (first display mode). However, if a scaling of the image is used that is smaller than the area 172 of the microdisplay 170 is (second display mode), there are great advantages for use with a downstream optical system, in particular a magnifying optical system, such as a telescopic sight 300 . By reducing the image, the subsequent use of magnifying optics can be implemented without any loss of information or quality. The image is therefore electronically reduced and enlarged by the downstream optics.

A system 400 (please refer 3 ) from thermal imaging camera 100 and rifle scope 300 In this way it enables the user to also use downstream optics with a higher magnification. In this way, the device ideally fulfills two application scenarios: firstly as a monocular directly in front of the eye and secondly as an attachment in front of the downstream optics (e.g. telescopic sight 300 ).

The size of the reduced display area 176 depends on the magnification that is beyond the downstream optics, for example the telescopic sight 300 should be achieved. It is obvious that with a higher magnification the reduced display area 176 occupies a smaller area than with a not so great magnification.

Different reduction levels can be used for the microdisplay 170 can be implemented depending on the optics to be connected. The individual display modes and the corresponding reduction level can be transmitted and / or changed via the control interface of the controller.

There are then different optics or telescopic sights 300 With different magnifications, different display modes (second display mode, third display mode, fourth display mode, etc.) are assigned with different reduction levels.

It is thus possible to call up various second or further display modes with a reduced display area 176 to be provided, the corresponding display modes being selected when a corresponding feedback is received via sensor arrangements for detecting the connection to an adapter 200 or a telescopic sight 300 exist. Different adapters 200 on riflescopes 300 with different magnifications or differently designed telescopic sights 300 that goes directly to the case 110 are connectable, have magnets of different strength, so that the magnetic sensor or the first sensor element 180 can perceive a distinction by the signal strength of the magnetic sensor or first sensor element 180 on the strength of the magnets on the adapters 200 or the riflescopes 300 depends. The controller assigns the signals with the different signal strengths according to the different display modes and then calls them up.

In further embodiments, several sensor elements can also be used 180 or magnetic sensors distributed around the circumference of the housing 110 be arranged in the corresponding section. Different adapters can then be used 200 with the case 110 be connected, the adapter 200 in their end positions each to a different one of the plurality of first sensor elements 180 congruent opposite. Depending on the adapter used 200 and thus the telescopic sight used 300 only supplies the associated first sensor element 180 feedback about a proper connection. Depending on the first sensor element 180 , which sends feedback to the controller, a corresponding display mode is then called up and a corresponding display is shown on the microdisplay 170 generated.

It should be noted that the smallest reduced display over the (active) area 172 of the microdisplay 170 the resolution of the image sensor 150 corresponds.

The embodiments described above make it possible to automatically call up the corresponding display mode, which is used for the display and for enlargement via a corresponding one with a thermal imaging camera 100 Associated optics is required to always have a complete representation of the image sensor 150 to achieve the recorded image with sufficient focus and detail.

2 shows a schematic representation of the thermal imaging camera 100 and the adapter 200 from 1 in a disconnected state. The adapter 200 has a ring 220 on, at the end of which the second sensor element 210 or the magnet is arranged. This section or ring 220 is used to connect to the thermal imaging camera 100 via a corresponding, annular section of the housing 110 the thermal imaging camera 100 brought. The connection is made via a bayonet lock in which the ring 220 on the inside and the corresponding annular section of the housing 110 on the outer circumferential surface correspondingly have a protruding guide section and a guide groove, so that, in accordance with a bayonet connection, fastening by rotating the ring 220 around the annular portion of the housing 110 is required to reach the end position. Due to the design of the guide groove and the guide section, only a certain orientation can be achieved. This ensures that the connection between the adapter 200 and thermal imaging camera 100 always takes place in a defined arrangement and orientation. The same naturally applies to the arrangement and alignment of the connection between the adapter 200 and the rifle scope 300 as for the system 400 in 3 shown.

3 shows a schematic representation of a system 400 consisting of a thermal imaging camera 100 according to 1 and one as a rifle scope 300 trained optical device. The term "optical device" is used herein as a synonym for the term "optics" with regard to the use of the thermal imaging camera 100 used as an attachment.

The riflescope 300 has a housing 310 with a front section in which there is a lens 320 is located. At the opposite end, the housing 310 a section containing the eyepiece 340 of the riflescope 300 is located. Via the eyepiece 340 is viewed by a user. In the middle section of the Housing 310 there is an assembly section 330 over which the rifle scope 300 can be connected to a rifle. In the middle section there is also a facility 350 for reticle adjustment with a control wheel 352 and a control wheel 354 that are used to compensate for deviations and for horizontal and vertical alignment.

With the system 400 is the thermal imaging camera 100 through the adapter 200 with the riflescope 300 connected. The thermal imaging camera 100 is used in this mode as an attachment for the telescopic sight 300 used. The sensor elements are located here 180 and 210 congruent with each other, so that a corresponding feedback about the connection of the thermal imaging camera 100 with the adapter 200 and thus with the riflescope 300 to the control of the thermal imaging camera 100 is transmitted. The thermal imaging camera 100 automatically calls up the second display mode, using the image sensor 150 received and in the thermal imaging module 160 processed image information only on a reduced display area 176 of the microdisplay 170 being represented. An enlargement of the displayed image via the telescopic sight 300 takes place without the image information being cropped or restricted, since the complete image is displayed enlarged and via the eyepiece 340 of the riflescope 300 is visible.

If the thermal imager 100 from the adapter 200 is removed, delivers the first sensor element 180 or the magnetic sensor no longer gives any feedback to the controller, so that the controller automatically calls up the first display mode again, with the recorded image information on the display area 174 are shown, which cover the entire (active) area 172 of the microdisplay 170 includes.

4th shows schematic representations of the display surface of the microdisplay 170 the thermal imaging camera 100 .

On the left is the microdisplay 170 shown, the (active) area 172 is the area surrounded by the gray frame. The display of image information can only be done via the active area 172 of the microdisplay 170 respectively. For the first display mode, the representation is made over the entire active area 172 so that the display area 174 the active area 172 corresponds. 4th shows the microdisplay on the left 170 for the first display mode.

On the right shows 4th a reduced display area 176 that are only part of the active display area 172 matters. 4th shows the microdisplay on the right 170 for the second display mode.

In the second display mode, this is used by the reduced display area 176 enlarged image content can be used, for example, for downstream optics, such as the telescopic sight 300 , on the eyepiece 340 the full picture can be displayed. If an enlargement were to take place in the first display mode, only a section of the image content of the active area would be 172 enlarged so that image information is lost. Hence when using the thermal imaging camera 100 as an attachment, a reduction of the display over the active area 172 required and also beneficial.

Advantageously, this takes place automatically in accordance with the technical teaching described herein if the thermal imaging camera is used accordingly 100 takes place as an attachment, whereby no manual switching or the like has to take place.

5 shows a conventional indication via a display 70 according to an embodiment from the prior art. Also the 6th and 7th show embodiments from the prior art and are only briefly outlined below for a better understanding of the technical teaching described herein.

In conventional devices from the prior art with a rectangular display 70 both the actual image information and additional symbols over the active area 72 of the display 70 which inform about the status of the device (status display 78 - Battery, zoom level, picture mode, date, time, etc.). Furthermore, such devices usually have a display 70 with a higher resolution than that of an image sensor for recording the image information, so that the sensor signal is directed to the larger number of pixels on the display 70 is upscaled (see 5 ).

Will now be such a device, with the rectangular display 70 used as an attachment in front of another optic (regardless of the magnification), so are the status displays 78 no longer visible, as classic optical systems are always circular and thus crop the image. The user thus loses important information about his device ( 6th ). 6th shows a conventional indication on a display 70 with limited representation when using an optical device.

This problem is exacerbated by the use of downstream optics with magnification, since no information is visible any more, as in 7th shown, with a conventional indication via a display 70 is shown with limited representation when using an optical device with magnification.

In order to counteract this problem, the control of the thermal imager causes 100 of the technical teaching described herein an adaptive adjustment of a status display 178 which is adapted to the circumstances in the corresponding display modes.

8th shows an adaptive display over the display area 174 the display unit of the thermal imaging camera 100 from 1 with a combination of thermal imaging cameras 100 and rifle scope 300 according to the system 400 from 3 . As the rifle scope 300 provides a circular image section, the status display in the second display mode 178 as in 8th shown, adapted to the corresponding magnification level, so that all essential information, such as battery, zoom level, picture mode, date, time, etc. are visible.

In addition to displaying the image on the full size of the (active) area 172 of the microdisplay 170 in the first display mode the possibility of displaying the image smaller in at least one second display mode, up to the minimum scaling in which one sensor pixel of the image sensor 150 a display pixel of the microdisplay 170 corresponds. In between there are steps so that the user automatically receives the optimal image according to his optics and always has all information in view.

In addition, the unnecessary image areas are masked and the status information is displayed in a changed layout, optimized for the round field of view, for example, as in 8th shown.

The scaling and / or adaptation of the status display 178 is done via the control. The controller receives over the first sensor element 180 information that the thermal imager 100 is used as an attachment, so that the status display is then automatically adjusted 178 he follows.

• - Objektiv 140 und Bildsensor 150
• - Elektronische Skalierung durch die Steuerung
• - Mikrodisplay 170 und Okular 190

derart regeln, dass eine Systemvergrößerung in der Wärmebildkamera 100 von 1,0 erreicht wird, so dass es zu keinem Treffpunktversatz für ein Zielfernrohr 300 kommt und die Einfalls- und Ausfallswinkel bei der Verwendung als Vorsatzgerät bei Zielfernrohren 300 nicht verändert werden. Hierzu regelt die Steuerung die Vergrößerung entsprechend. Es kann eine Voreinstellung vorgesehen werden, wobei dann automatisch auf Grundlage der Komponenten eine elektronische Vergrößerung zur Einstellung der Systemvergrößerung der Wärmebildkamera 100 vorgenommen wird, die anhand der Parameter durch die Komponenten vorgegeben ist, wenn die Wärmebildkamera 100 in den zweiten Anzeigemodus umschaltet. Über eine Schnittstelle kann die Steuerung angepasst werden.In the second display mode, the control can set the magnification in the thermal imaging camera 100 through the components

• - lens 140 and image sensor 150
• - Electronic scaling by the controller
• - microdisplay 170 and eyepiece 190

regulate in such a way that a system enlargement in the thermal imager 100 of 1.0 is achieved, so that there is no point of impact offset for a rifle scope 300 and the angles of incidence and reflection when used as an attachment for telescopic sights 300 cannot be changed. For this purpose, the control regulates the magnification accordingly. A presetting can be provided, in which case an electronic magnification for setting the system magnification of the thermal imaging camera is then automatically based on the components 100 is made based on the parameters specified by the components if the thermal imager 100 switches to the second display mode. The control can be adapted via an interface.

If the thermal imager 100 from the optics or the rifle scope 300 is removed again and / or the image is again over the full available area of the microdisplay 170 (active area 172 ) is displayed, or if an image section is reduced, the status display can also be adjusted 178 take place, with an enlargement of the status display 178 he follows.

List of reference symbols

70

Display

72

active area

78

Status display

79

(reduced) display area

100

Thermal camera

110

casing

112

button

114

button

118

ring

120

Clasp

130

front section

140

lens

150

Image sensor

160

Thermal imaging module

170

Microdisplay

172

surface

174

Display area

176

(reduced) display area

178

Status display

180

first sensor element

190

eyepiece

200

adapter

210

second sensor element

220

ring

300

Rifle scope

310

casing

320

lens

330

Mounting section

340

eyepiece

350

Reticle adjustment device

352

Control wheel

354

Control wheel

400

system

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• US 2011/0074823 A1 [0012]
• US 8564668 B2 [0012]

Claims (10)

Optoelectronic device for use as a monocular and as an attachment for optical devices, at least having an image sensor (150), a display unit with a display surface for displaying image information, a controller, optical elements for refraction of light, an eyepiece (190) and at least one first sensor element ( 180), where - the display resolution is greater than the image sensor resolution, - the optoelectronic device can be connected to an optical device, - The at least one first sensor element (180) is arranged in the area of the eyepiece (190), and - The control unit automatically switches from a first display mode in which the image information recorded via the image sensor (150) can be displayed essentially over the entire display area of the display unit, to at least one second display mode in which the image information recorded via the image sensor (150) scaled can be displayed in only one section of the display surface of the display unit, when the at least one first sensor element (180) provides feedback that the optoelectronic device is connected to an optical device, and the control unit automatically switches over the at least one triggers the second display mode in the first display mode when the at least one first sensor element (180) provides feedback that the optoelectronic device is no longer connected to an optical device. Optoelectronic device according to Claim 1 , having an adapter (200) for connecting to an optical device, wherein the adapter (200) can be arranged in the area of the eyepiece (190). Optoelectronic device according to Claim 2 , wherein at least one second sensor element (210) is arranged on the adapter (200). Optoelectronic device according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 , wherein the at least one first sensor element (180) and / or the at least one second sensor element (210) is a mechanically, electrically or optically acting sensor. Optoelectronic device according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th , wherein a reduction level can be set in at least one second display mode via input means and / or a control interface. Optoelectronic device according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , wherein a status display (178) can be displayed in addition to the image information, and when switching from the first display mode to the at least one second display mode and vice versa, the status display (178) can be adapted to the display area of the display unit used to display the image information. System consisting of an optoelectronic device according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th and an optical device, wherein the optical device has an interface via which the optical device can be connected to the optoelectronic device. System according to Claim 7 wherein the optical device has at least one second sensor element (210) which interacts with the at least one first sensor element (180) of the optoelectronic device to provide feedback via a connection between the optoelectronic device and the optical device. Representation method for optoelectronic devices that can be used as a monocular and as an attachment for optical devices, at least comprising an image sensor (150), a display unit with a display surface for displaying image information, the display resolution being greater than the image sensor resolution, a controller, optical elements for light refraction, an eyepiece (190) and at least one first sensor element (180), comprising the following steps: - Acquisition of image information by the image sensor (150), - Representation of the image information recorded by the image sensor (150) on the display surface of the display unit, - Representation of the captured image information in a first display mode essentially over the entire display surface of the display unit when a feedback is received from the at least one first sensor element (180) that there is no connection to an optical device, - Representation of the captured image information in a second display mode scaled over a section of the display surface of the display unit when feedback is received from the at least one first sensor element (180) that there is a connection to an optical device, and - Automatic switching between the first display mode and the second display mode by the control unit in accordance with the information available via the at least one first sensor element (180) with regard to the connection of the optoelectronic device to an optical device. Representation method according to Claim 9 , a status display (178) being shown on the display surface in addition to the image information, and when switching from the first display mode to the at least one second display mode and vice versa, the status display (178) is adapted to the display area of the display unit used for displaying the image information.

Images