Apparatus and means for binocular, switchable to binocular rangefinder without light loss
First Claim
1. An optical apparatus switchable between the functions of an observation binocular wherein simple target object images are formed from each of two eyepieces, and the functions of a coincidence type optical rangefinder wherein dual said target object images are formed within the field of view of at least one of said two eyepieces, comprising:
- (a) a pair of spaced entrance windows to receive electromagnetic radiation from said target object;
(b) a pair of eyepieces;
(c) a switchable beamsplitter, switchable between said functions of an observation binocular and said functions of a coincidence type optical rangefinder, comprising a pair of prisms, each having at least one total internal reflection face wherein these said total internal reflection faces form an interface and are substantially plane parallel with respect to each other;
(d) means, for causing said switchable beamsplitter to be switchable, between the said functions of an observation binocular, wherein the said interface comprises a medium of refractive index sufficient to effect total internal reflection of said electromagnetic radiation incident upon said interface, and between the said functions of a coincidence type optical rangefinder wherein said interface comprises a medium of refractive index sufficient to effect partial reflection, and partial transmission of said electromagnetic radiation incident upon said interface;
(e) a first series of reflectors or lenses which direct said electromagnetic radiation from said windows to said switchable beamsplitter;
(f) coincidence sensor means, for sensing the angle of parallax formed by the said target object and the said pair of spaced entrance windows;
(g) a second series of reflectors or lenses for directing said electromagnetic radiation from said switchable beamsplitter to said eyepieces;
(h) translation means, for transforming information from said coincidence sensor means into parameters relating to the position, dimension, or orientation of said target object relative to said apparatus; and
(i) display means for displaying said parameters.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is directed to an electro-optical rangefinding-type apparatus which uses electronic sensors to detect the position and orientation of the apparatus relative to a fixed point. Data from the sensors is relayed to a microprocessor which can calculate parameters such as range, horizontal distance and angle, vertical distance and angle, relative speed and magnetic bearing of a target objective, which are then displayed. A preferred embodiment of the invention is convertible between the functions of a stereoscopic binocular and a coincidence-type range-finder and means are provided for converting the apparatus to and from the binocular and rangefinding modes.
53 Citations
5 Claims
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1. An optical apparatus switchable between the functions of an observation binocular wherein simple target object images are formed from each of two eyepieces, and the functions of a coincidence type optical rangefinder wherein dual said target object images are formed within the field of view of at least one of said two eyepieces, comprising:
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(a) a pair of spaced entrance windows to receive electromagnetic radiation from said target object;
(b) a pair of eyepieces;(c) a switchable beamsplitter, switchable between said functions of an observation binocular and said functions of a coincidence type optical rangefinder, comprising a pair of prisms, each having at least one total internal reflection face wherein these said total internal reflection faces form an interface and are substantially plane parallel with respect to each other; (d) means, for causing said switchable beamsplitter to be switchable, between the said functions of an observation binocular, wherein the said interface comprises a medium of refractive index sufficient to effect total internal reflection of said electromagnetic radiation incident upon said interface, and between the said functions of a coincidence type optical rangefinder wherein said interface comprises a medium of refractive index sufficient to effect partial reflection, and partial transmission of said electromagnetic radiation incident upon said interface; (e) a first series of reflectors or lenses which direct said electromagnetic radiation from said windows to said switchable beamsplitter; (f) coincidence sensor means, for sensing the angle of parallax formed by the said target object and the said pair of spaced entrance windows; (g) a second series of reflectors or lenses for directing said electromagnetic radiation from said switchable beamsplitter to said eyepieces; (h) translation means, for transforming information from said coincidence sensor means into parameters relating to the position, dimension, or orientation of said target object relative to said apparatus; and (i) display means for displaying said parameters. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification