DE20217342U1 - Electro optic telescope or binocular with zoom using CCDs and a combined electronic and optical adjustment - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention describes electro optic telescopes and/or binoculars with an enhanced zoom range using a combination of optic and electronic adjustment. One or more CCDs are fitted into each optic path with the display either through eyepieces and/or onto a VDU. For higher quality viewing four CCDs are provided for each optic path, for a four color system. The zoom control can be via a rotating wheel and/or via a quiet running motor. The overall magnification ranges from 10x to 40x. The viewing magnification can be further adjusted by interchangeable eyepieces.

Description

The invention relates to an optical-electronic-optical Binoculars, in particular focal length adjustable optical-electronic-optical Binoculars with which the setting of the desired magnification is easy and takes place continuously, in which the user observes what is to be observed Can find target particularly easily during the magnification change does not have to be separated from the observing eye, the very strong one Maximum magnification (e.g. 60 times or more) and thus allows very detailed observations, which is made possible by a low minimum magnification (e.g. 8 times or less) finding the objects to be observed makes it easier fast and precise focusing on the object to be observed permitted, which is handy and comparatively light and which, for example replaced 2 binoculars used frequently in hunting practice.

In hunting practice, a is usually used Binocular binoculars with a fixed focal length, high light and twilight performance and big Observation field used by the observer to observe the Object can be easily found in the field.

To address (identify) Becomes wild at greater distances, especially in the mountains and when it is the person to be identified Game is particularly valuable game or if it is for hunting there are particularly strict regulations (e.g. on the age of the person to be hunted Wildes), an additional one monucolar binoculars (a so-called "spotting scope") with particularly strong magnification, that through this very large magnification more accurate information about that object to be observed (usually game) supplies.

With such, strongly enlarging For spotting scopes, the field of observation is usually very narrow (e.g. at 20m at 1,000m distance). Finding the ones to watch Objects is therefore very difficult.

Carry two different binoculars and it is difficult to use properly. The double equipment is expensive.

Classic binoculars with binoculars fixed focal length, with 8x magnification and a lens diameter from 56mm cost about 1,200 to 1,700 EUR. Variable spotting scopes with e.g. 20-60 times magnification and a lens diameter of 80mm costs about 1,450 to 2,000 EUR.

The described double binocular equipment costs around EUR 2,650 to 3,700, depending on the quality and make.

Such double binocular equipment is due to the more difficult handling, the high cost and the high expenditure of time and transport in many cases for the leisure hunter (and so for the vast majority Part of the hunters) Not insertable.

The hunter hunter leading professional hunter, in whose responsibility is the correct "addressing" of the game and after the "release" is for the shooter, usually has to this expensive and unwieldy equipment to lead.

The largely solo hunter hunts for his hunting and the game he captured in principle had the same responsibility like the professional hunter, but is from the above Reasons usually do not agree equipped.

The aim of the present invention is the manufacture of binoculars that are easy to find, light intensity and twilight performance the currently usual binocular binoculars with a fixed focal length with the possibility of enlarging the currently usual "spotting scopes" with a variable focal length combined, which in comparison to the 2 binoculars is significantly cheaper, which is a comparatively low weight and that is easy to use.

According to the invention, this is achieved technically, in an optical system consisting of lenses and eyepieces an electronic system (or electronic systems) is integrated, which electronically captures the information captured by the lens processed and the processed information, for example about a passes the corresponding screen to an eyepiece, which in turn is the Eye of the user.

According to the invention, this is achieved economically, by largely components of one-tier manufacturers from the production of digital camcorders and / or digital photo cameras, those from mass production this commercial and widely used devices reasonably priced are, adapted and for binoculars are used.

Mechanically adjustable focal length Binoculars are already known. They usually include one or two Tubular body in which the optics are housed. By mechanical displacement of the Lenses and / or prisms are different magnifications reached.

For binoculars that consist of two bodies, these are usually in the longitudinal axis fixed, but movable with each other in the transverse axis connected.

Such focal lengths are known Binoculars from two bodies with typical enlargements from e.g. 7-21-fold, 9-27-fold, 10-30-fold. The field of view of such mechanical adjustable binocular binoculars is usually very limited and is e.g., at a distance of 1000m, depending on the magnification set, only 80m up to 20m. (The typical field of view of usual 8x hunting binoculars is approx. 135m at 1000m distance)

The reliable and quick finding of the object under observation is therefore variable with the binocular binoculars mentioned above The magnification is often difficult due to the small field of view. In addition, focusing at high magnification is often insufficient with these variable binoculars. Furthermore, the optics of the two tubular bodies in these binoculars are often poorly coordinated. The binoculars currently available commercially have poor light intensity and an insufficient twilight factor.

2 powerful types of are also known single-tube binoculars with mechanically changeable Enlargement.

On the one hand, there are known ones commercial optical riflescopes, in which the magnification is mechanically adjusted (e.g. from 2.5 to 12 times).

On the other hand, it is high magnifying observation binoculars, so-called spotting scopes. these can from several, one into the other Pipe segments exist.

The magnification is at such Observation binoculars, if it is variable, by pulling out one or more pipe segments and / or changed by adjusting the eyepiece. Typical enlargement variants for such Spotting scopes are e.g. 20-60x. The field of view is 1000m away only 34m to 20m.

At 20x magnification the observation target is still relatively easy to find. At 60 times Enlargement is finding the target is very difficult and not for him layperson practiced daily (or recreational hunter) often impossible.

The disadvantage of such spotting scopes is that for that Removing the segments necessary handling. This usually means that during this handling the spotting scope must be moved and the observation target is not seen. When setting a high magnification the rediscovery of the observation target due to the strong Narrow magnification Field of view then extremely difficult this especially when the observation target moves what e.g. is the norm in wildlife observation and hunting.

There are also spotting scopes with variable Enlargement, where no segments have to be moved against each other. The Change will usually here steplessly over Rotations on the eyepiece causes.

All three types of observation binoculars mentioned has in common that

• 1. the view of the observation target exclusively through the optics take place and becomes difficult with high magnification.
• 2. the change the mechanical magnification of Hand and never vibration-free is made.
• 3. Finding the observation target at high magnification difficult is.
• 4. Finding the observation target after setting a stronger one Magnification difficult is.

The enlargement at currently commercially available Binocular observation binoculars of this type are limited to around 30 times.

The enlargement at currently commercially available monocular observation binoculars of this type are limited to around 60 times.

The monocular observation binoculars of this type are also because of large magnification and high light intensity necessary large volume and complex lens systems usually 30cm to 50cm tall, relatively heavy, unwieldy and expensive.

Object of the present invention is to improve monocular or binocular binoculars and develop binoculars those in the lowest magnification Field of view of at least 150m, preferably 200m at 1000m distance enable, their enlargement during the Observation without taking the binoculars off your eyes, i.e. during permanent Observation of an object can be steplessly amplified by 10 to 40 times can whose light intensity of those more powerful conventional binoculars corresponds to or exceeds this and their handling and usability by using modern electronic technology is significantly facilitated or expanded.

Such binoculars according to the invention are intended preferably a 4 to 8 times minimum magnification and thus a 40 to 80 times or 160 - to 320x maximum magnification. At the most advantageous and cheapest is probably 6x binoculars, the magnification of which is infinitely variable according to the invention and increased 12- to 15-fold to 72- to 90-fold maximum magnification without removing the binoculars can be. Such a pair of binoculars would find the target ease, let useful in this observation phase to remove the Setting the observation target and would by stepless control the maximum possible Enlargement without Losing sight of the observation goal an unprecedented observation of detail enable fast and stress-free.

According to the invention, this is achieved by that in addition State-of-the-art electronic components can be used to create familiar optics.

That of the telescope lens captured image is not directly on an eyepiece and from there transferred to the eye of the beholder, but first on one or more CCD (Charge Coupled Device) Unit) high resolution (e.g. via 1 million pixels, e.g. 6 million pixels).

Such “megapixel” CCDs are known from conventional digital camcorders and / or digital photo cameras. In conjunction with compatible optics that zoom in by 10 times or more, they deliver brilliant images on a corresponding screen. With camcorders, the image is usually reduced to 2 Transfer screens where an outer screen is used for direct viewing, while the second screen is a so-called "eyepiece screen", the image of which is viewed through the "normal" optics of the camera eyepiece.

A chip with CCD elements, the moving pictures processed, works with an area sensor that detects the entire Projetionsfläche fills calculates the RGB value digitally and this information to a corresponding compatible screen passes.

Another, more elaborate but more powerful Technology will be several CCDs (example 4 pieces - for the three Basic colors - 2 × green, 1 × blue, 1 × red)) coupled. From the measured values of these 4 CCDs the RGB value is then determined. The color accuracy of these multiple CCD systems higher.

By transferring the content of this multiple CCDs on appropriate media (e.g. eyepiece screens) the most brilliant images are created. These are transferred to a high-performance eyepiece. The viewer overlooks it this eyepiece of the binoculars according to the invention, which has an exit pupil of preferably 7 mm and thus high light intensity the image provided by the CCD or CCDs is clear and bright.

The area to be considered at a 6 million pixel camera exemplary 15mm × 23mm. The level of detail in the aforementioned resolution and the aforementioned size of the contemplated area give brilliant view.

To get a good observation result with minimal mechanical optical and electronic effort and the least possible Susceptibility to failure reach, is enough a powerful Lens, a powerful CCD technology, a high resolution Screen and an eyepiece. For better handling and observation to ensure such binoculars according to the invention preferably two eyepieces for binocular To have observation.

To achieve extreme enlargements and with that previously unreachable detailed information even over long distances to enable one mentioned the above optical-electronic-optical system with additional digital enlargement equip in the electronic component. This digital enlargement is also known from camcorder construction and allowed for camcorders up to 500x total magnification (e.g. 20x optical + 25x digital). The pixel formation that occurs with such camcorders interferes with the recording when observing through the eyepiece of binoculars hardly if the resolution (and the performance of the CCD) is high enough. With this technology in one Observation binoculars would be e.g. accurate animal and game viewing at distances over 1,000 m possible what e.g. is often necessary in the high mountains.

A major improvement and a subjectively much better observation result is achieved, if the content of the megapixel CCD is on a correspondingly high-resolution eyepiece screen success and then over 2 eyepieces is visible and thus a two-eyed viewing is possible.

A further increase in objective and subjective observation quality let yourself achieve when two lenses, duplicate CCD techniques operate and the contents of two existing eyepiece screens so over two eyepieces are projected onto the eyes that for the observer a three-dimensional image is created. Manufacturable and would be cheaper the projection of that recorded by a lens system by one CCD system processed and displayed on a screen on 2 eyepieces in the form that a three-dimensional image for the viewer arises.

Another benefit from the selected optical-electronic-optical Construction is achieved, the large photosensitivity is such Systems. Switching programs from digital camcorders are for bad ones Light conditions known as "low-light" and "night". Doing so the image that the eyepiece screen provides is lightened in two stages so that even with extremely unfavorable ones Lighting conditions (e.g. 1 lux) good image information is available, with such sensitivity observations are also possible under conditions where usual pure optical binoculars a reliable one Observation only limited allow.

The chosen combination of optical systems with high performance CCD technology is compared to purely optical systems small and compact, so lighter in weight and easy to use. Permitted in particular such a combination in the optical parts, especially on the lens side the use of much smaller, and thus lighter and cheaper Lens systems. (This advantage is particularly noticeable when the optical-electronic-optical binoculars with two lens systems equipped becomes).

A standard purely optical binocular with high light output, a high twilight factor and a variable, for example, up to 60 or 80 times magnification would be necessary huge Lens systems so big and heavy (approx. 4-5 kg) that it e.g. For hunting use completely would be unsuitable. (A purely optical spotting scope (single-tube) with 20- to 60-fold magnification and an 85mm lens already weighs about 1.8 kg and is about 40cm long)

For comparison:

A digital camcorder for professional purposes, which has a 20x optical zoom and a 44x additional digital zoom, which delivers sharp images when illuminated with only 1 lux, via an optical image stabilizer Microphone, an additional second external screen, a motor system for recording and playback, a magnetic recording and playback system, a recording cassette and a battery has, for example, only 1.2 kg.

As for observation binoculars the desired one Construction of the entire video and audio recording and playback mechanism and electronics not required such improved binoculars can be much easier be than the one mentioned digital camcorders. Classic hunting binoculars weigh 1,000 to 1,200 G. (e.g. the 8 × 56 Zeiss Dialyt = 1,060 g; the Zeiss Victory 10 × 56 BT = 1,200 g).

A high magnification according to the invention would be due to the much lighter components and especially the lighter ones and smaller optics don't get heavier than the conventional ones mentioned Hunting glasses.

For easier handling of the binoculars according to the invention with strong Enlargement is a Image stabilizer that compensates for movements of the holding hand, desirable and add value but not absolutely necessary.

Such image stabilizers are for binoculars already known and sometimes commercially available. By the usual with purely optical binoculars and necessary comparatively large-volume lens and prism systems are also such binoculars with image stabilization comparatively heavy and expensive. With digital systems. For example, in camcorders these systems are light and yet very powerful.

The combination “optics-electronics-optics” according to the invention enables light, space-saving and inexpensive image stabilizing systems digital Camcorders for the binoculars according to the invention be used.

For Different fields of application is a relatively precise information about the Distance of the observation object from the observer is valuable. Usually are used for precise distance measurement over larger distances (e.g. up to 800 or 1000 meters) so-called "laser range finder" is used.

Such an accurate measuring unit can be done without huge additional Effort in the optical-electronic-optical according to the invention Integrating binoculars is not absolutely necessary.

Digital camcorders usually have one "Autofocus" that can be switched off is a system for automatic distance measurement and for fully automatic focusing of the lens through the optics. A mark in the viewfinder (i.e. in the Viewfinder screen) shows the point and / or area the focus is related to. Such a distance measurement is at a greater distance compared to the aforementioned Laser system much cheaper but also less precise, but for focusing of camera or binocular lenses fully sufficient.

Such a switchable "autofocus function" would be complementary to the binoculars according to the invention relatively inexpensive and for them Share setting on greatly enlarged objects very much appropriate. For the people, who are disabled in the use of an arm would be such a function of priceless Advantage.

The electronic functions of such Binoculars according to the invention are intended expediently via sensor buttons, Rocker switches, graduated pressure switches or corresponding controls in the tubular bodies the eyepieces can be accommodated so that an ambidextrous operation of these functions possible and can be learned quickly.

The new combination of Techniques and components used in various other products already used and in large Stückzehlen are manufactured, new binoculars can be produced, which a variety of new properties that match the properties of the usual today Binoculars clearly superior are.

Since the market for binoculars currently common does not exist has significant growth rates more, the production of the binoculars according to the invention would this Market in totally lead new dimensions can and bring about sustainable growth.

Claims (33)

Electronic binoculars consisting of an optical part that can be changed in focal length, an electronic part that transmits the optically received image to a CCD () and from there to a screen, and another optical part that transmits the image of this screen to a lens facing the eye transmits in an eyepiece, characterized in that an optical and / or electronic magnification unit is provided for enlarging the image viewed. Electronic binoculars according to claim 1, characterized characterized that the change from the minimum to the maximum Stepless magnification done (zoom). Electronic binoculars according to claim 1 or 2, characterized characterized in that the Object-facing optical part consist of one or two lenses can. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the transfer from the receiving optics to one or more CCDs Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the part facing the observer can consist of one or two eyepieces. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the transfer of the image captured by the lens (or lenses) a CCD and from there on a screen. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the transfer of the image captured by the lens (or lenses) a CCD system from several CCDs (e.g. 4 pieces for each of the 3 primary colors, 2 × green, 1 × blue, 1 × red)) and from there to a screen. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the transfer of the image captured by the lens (or lenses) two CCDs and from there on two screens. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the transfer of the image captured by the lens (or lenses) two CCD systems of several CCDs each (e.g. 4 pieces for each of the 3 primary colors, 2 × green, 1 × blue, 1 × red) and from there to a screen. Electronic binoculars after the previous one Claim, characterized in that the transmission of the images from the Screen or screens on the eyepieces is done so that for the viewer a plastic picture is created. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the Manual focal length adjustment e.g. via a knurled wheel or lever or otherwise done mechanically-manually. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the Adjustment of the focal length without vibration and motorized (auto zoom) via e.g. the actuation of contacts or about a rocker switch or other suitable controls Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the Magnification by changed 10 to 40 times can be. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the Output magnification (lowest Value) can be changed by changing the lens. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the Output magnification (lowest Value) can be changed by a lens attachment (converter) can. Electronic binoculars after the previous one Claim, characterized in that the converter is a wide-angle or can be a teleconverter. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the Output magnification (lowest Value) can be changed by changing the eyepiece. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the Focusing of the eyepieces is done by hand. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the Focusing of the eyepieces is done by motor. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the Focusing of the eyepieces takes place synchronously - manually e.g. about one Central drive, motorized through synchronization or uniform Drive. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that at least an eyepiece independently from the eyepiece setting according to claims 13 to 15 additionally from Can be adjusted by hand (diopter compensation). Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the eyepiece or eyepieces have an exit pupil of about 7mm and thus have a light intensity of 49. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the The lenses are focused by hand. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the Focusing of the lenses is done by motor. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the Focusing is fully automatic (autofocus). Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the Point or range for the focus is visible in the binoculars. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that the Focusing during after and / or during observation the change in focal length can be adjusted precisely and / or area. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that in the system is integrated a distance measurement. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that a Distance measurement over Laser measurement takes place. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that a Distance measurement over Dashed lines are made. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that in the system has a “low-ligth function and / or a "night function" is integrated. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that in the system is integrated an image stabilization. Electronic binoculars according to one of the previous ones Expectations, characterized in that in the system is integrated with an optical and / or digital magnification.