WO2025053807A1

WO2025053807A1 - A distance measuring system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2025053807A1
Application number: PCT/TR2023/051012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Habib KADAK
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-09-05
Filing date: 2023-09-22
Publication date: 2025-03-13
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-05

Abstract

In particular, the invention relates to a distance measuring system and a distance measuring method that enables fast and practical determination of the air distance/linear distance between the user and the object depending on the physical dimensions of the object, such as height and/or width, during imaging and/or targeting of an animate or inanimate object whose physical dimensions are known or estimated, without the need for sound or light wave transmission or electronic detection.

Description

A DISTANCE MEASURING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Technical Field

The invention relates to a distance measuring system and method for determining the distance of an object to a user based on the physical dimensions of the object being viewed.

State of the Art

Scopes of different specifications are often used for observing or aiming at animate or inanimate objects at long distances. Long-range scopes or observation scopes used in sniper rifles are equipped with indicators and/or crosshairs that allow the aiming, elevation, wind force, gravitational shooting inclination and/or distance of the object to be displayed or adjusted on the axis perpendicular and parallel to the ground. The First Focal Plane (FFP) and the Second Focal Plane (SFP) in these scopes determine the behavior of the redundancy when adjusting the magnification of the scope. In scopes with a first focal plane, the crosshair is dynamic during magnification and changes in size and/or sharpness depending on the magnification. In the second focal plane, the crosshair is static/fixed. In the first focal plane (FFP), the crosshair appears small when the scope magnification setting is zoomed out and large when zoomed in. The biggest advantage of this feature is that the crosshair and target magnification remain the same, so the crosshair dimension is always fixed equally to the object size. In this way, for example, the 1 mil interval in the crosshair (the distance of 1 meter between the bottom and the top of the object at a distance of 1000 meters) will remain constant throughout the magnification range. In a scope with second focal plane (SFP) crosshair, the crosshair appears to be the same size regardless of the magnification of the scope. When a crosshair that remains fixed in size is paired with a magnified object, the crosshair remains fixed but the target changes in perceived size. This eliminates the predictable relationship between the crosshair and the target.

In current applications, a laser beam is usually sent to the object (target location) to measure the distance between the object observed through scope and the user. The time interval between the detection of the beam reflection back from the object is analyzed by electronic devices to determine the distance. Similarly, in different scope systems, different wave signals such as radio waves, sound waves, etc. are sent to the target/object instead of beams of light, and distance measuring is performed based on the combination of wave reflection and feedback. However, the production and maintenance costs of these systems are quite high, and distance measurement cannot be carried out properly in case of prevention/blocking of optical, sound or radio wave reflection and signal interference/distortion. Another method used in the technique is that the user manually measures the distance through mathematical calculation by looking at the area covered by the size of the target on the scale placed inside the optical imaging tools. However, in this method, there is both a waste of time and the user is required to know the formula that enables this measurement process to be carried out. Therefore, if the user makes an incorrect calculation or is careless, the distance measurement in question is carried out incorrectly.

In the case of scopes for weapons such as long-range rifles, this scale/crosshair also has an aiming function. Especially in a scopes with a first focal plane, it is difficult to see the crosshair inside if there is not enough optical zoom. On the other hand, if the crosshair is moved to the second focal plane, easier visibility is achieved, but this time, more than one different and complex formula must be used for distance measurement, and the need to use an electronic system for these operations arises. This situation causes the costs to increase and also causes the system to have a physically sensitive structure, and causes the durability of scope or rifles to decrease, especially when used in harsh environmental conditions. A patent document no WO2019116443A1 , which is in the state of the art, describes the structure and production method of a scope that is equipped with a distance measurement function and can correct the shaking of a wide range image with high accuracy. The scope in question consists of telescope housing, objective lens system, eyepiece lens system, a dual lens system that stabilizes the image and corrects hand shake, eyepiece actuator that operates the hand shake correcting lens system, shake detection sensor, controller that controls the eyepiece actuator, first through the first hand shake correcting lens system laser beam source that emits laser beam from the objective lens system, light receiving element that receives the laser beam reflected from the object to be observed through a second objective lens system and a second hand shake correcting lens system, calculation device that calculates the distance to the object to be observed based on the laser beam received by the light receiving element. The calculation device here calculates the distance of the object by taking into account the difference between the transmission and post-reflection access times of the laser beam with the help of the light receiving element that receives the reflected laser beam. In the document in question, there is no mention of a solution for determining the distance between the user and the object, depending on the physical dimensions of the observed object, without the need for sound or light wave transmission.

A utility model document no CN212302090U belonging to the known art describes a rotating shaft type rangefinder scope containing a rotating shaft mechanism and a rangefinder body. The rangefinder body in the scope is positioned stably at the outer side positions of the two ends of the rotating shaft mechanism, its front end coincides with the front end of the rangefinder, and the rangefinder body is equipped with an outer objective tube. The front end of the outer lens tube is equipped with a rangefinder lens, the middle of the outer side of the rangefinder body is wrapped with an anti-slip rubber pad. The inner side of the anti-slip rubber pad is arranged in the middle of the upper end of the rangefinder body and contains a compressed air cushion. The outer side of the upper end of the compressed airbag contains a connecting air pipe, and the rear end of the rangefinder body is equipped with a rangefinder eyepiece. The rear end of the rangefinder eyepiece contains an air blowing ring cushion, and when the rangefinder body is pressed, it produces gas and transmits it to the rangefinder in a convenient way, preventing blurring caused by sweat and mist. In the rangefinder, both images can be seen through the viewfinder when the object is not clear, as it is imaged from two different positions. By adjusting the optical distance with the rotating shaft, two images are overlapped and a clear image is obtained. In the document in question, there is no mention of a solution for determining the distance between the user and the object, depending on the physical dimensions of the observed object, without the need for sound or light wave transmission.

In concusion, it relates to a distance measuring device that allows the linear distance between the user and the object, depending on the physical dimensions of the object, to be determined quickly and practically during imaging and/or targeting of an object, without the need for sound or light wave transmission and/or electronic detection, provides ease of use and cost reduction, and enables this system to operate.

Purpose of the Invention

The present invention relates to a distance measuring system and method that meets the above-mentioned requirements, eliminates possible disadvantages and provides some additional advantages. The main purpose of the distance measuring system and method is to obtain a distance measurement system and method that allows the linear distance between the user and the object to be determined without the need for sound or light wave transmission and/or electronic detection, depending on the physical dimensions of the object, during the imaging and/or targeting of an object.

Another aim of the invention is to obtain a distance measurement system and method that allows the image size to be equalized to the crosshair scale fixed on the ocular screen (in the user's view) by optical zooming in or out, and enables distance measurement by zooming in and out of the image.

Another aim of the invention is to obtain an efficient distance measuring system and method that provides ease of use and reduces production, maintenance and repair costs.

The other aim of the invention is to obtain an effective distance measuring system and method that is resistant to environmental conditions and offers long-lasting use, without the need for the use of external energy sources, electronic circuits and/or sensitive parts.

Another aim of the invention is to obtain a functional distance measurement system and method that enables distance measurement quickly and practically without being affected by signal mixers, interference or signal shields.

In order to achieve the above objectives in its most general form, it comprised of at least a distance measuring system suitable for use with at least one imaging device containing at least one optical system that allows the object image to be zoomed in, which allows the linear distance between the user and the object to be determined without the need for sound and I or light wave transmission and I or electronic detection; at least one distance measuring element containing more than one dimensioning mark, allowing the physical size of the object to be matched to the corresponding dimensioning mark and determining the linear distance between the object and the user according to the zoom ratio; at least one indicating element to show the user the linear distance value increasing with the optical zoom ratio.

Steps of the distance measuring method suitable for use with the distance measuring system developed with the present invention comprised of performing the calibration process; zooming in until the object image fits between the dimensioning elements; determining the linear distance value between the user and the object by reading the linear distance value on the display element depending on the magnification ratio in the zoom operation. The structural and characteristic features and all advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood by means of the figures given below and the detailed description written by making references to these figures, and therefore, the evaluation should be made by considering these figures and detailed description.

Figures to Help Understand the Invention

In order to best understand the structure and advantages of the present invention, it should be evaluated together with the figures described below.

Figure 1 : The perspective view of the monitoring device in the distance measuring system subject to the invention.

Figure 2: The front view of the measuring element in the distance measuring system subject to the invention.

Figure 3: A front view of the measuring element after zooming in the distance measuring system subject to the invention.

Figure 4: The perspective view of the display element in the distance measuring system subject to the invention.

Figure 5: Another perspective view of the monitoring device in the distance measuring system subject to the invention. Part References

1. Measuring element

1 a. Dimensioning mark

2. Display element

3. Indicator element

G. Monitoring device

N. Object

Detailed Description of the Invention

In this detailed description, the preferred embodiments of the distance measuring system and method subject to the invention are explained only for a better understanding of the subject and in a way that does not create any limiting effect.

At least one distance measuring element, the exemplary embodiment of which is shown in Figure 1 , developed with the present invention, suitable for use with at least one monitoring device (G) comprising at least one optical system for zooming in on an image of a remotely viewed animate or inanimate object (N), preferably an aiming sight, an observation sight or an image capturing electronic device suitable for attachment to a firearm, a distance measuring system that enables the determination of the linear distance between the user and the object (N) depending on the physical dimensions of the object (N) during remote viewing and/or targeting of the object (N) without the need for sound and/or light wave transmission and/or electronic detection, whose physical dimensions remain constant on the ocular screen or in the user's eye during optical zooming in and out of the remote object (N) image, comprising a plurality of dimensioning marks (1a), preferably of scale or chart structure, each positioned so that the interval value between them corresponds to a linear distance value, positioned in or on the monitoring device (G), preferably in the second focal plane of the optical system, so as not to be affected by the optical light distribution in the optical system, preferably in a crosshair structure, preferably suitable for aiming the object (N), which enables the zooming of the object (N) image to coincide with the dimensioning mark (1 a) corresponding to the known or estimated physical size of the object (N), preferably the length extending perpendicular to the ground or the width extending parallel to the ground, and to determine the linear distance between the object (N) and the user according to the zoom ratio, at least one display element positioned on the monitoring device(G), which allows the user to display the linear distance value increasing depending on the optical zoom ratio, preferably containing numbers indicating the linear distance values, preferably having a rotating moving part structure that allows the ranges in the optical system to be changed for magnification adjustment, preferably having an electronic display structure showing the distance value.

In an exemplary application of the distance measurement system developed with the present invention, for example, on a monitoring device (G) with a metric unit, with a minimum image magnification of 3 times (3x) and a maximum image magnification of 12 times (12x), the distance calibration process is first performed. For this example display device (G), a metric ruler is positioned 30 meters from the monitoring device (G). At the minimum magnification value (3x) of the monitoring device (G), the optical system gives the actual image size of the object (N) (metric ruler) at a distance of 30 meters. Afterwards, while looking at the ruler at 30 meters with the monitoring device (G), the 10 cm interval of the ruler corresponds to the distance between the two dimensioning marks (1 a). Hence, each dimensioning mark (1 a) on the distance measuring element (1 ) shows the 10 cm size of the object (N) at a distance of 30 meters. In this case, the 30 meter position is marked on the display element (2). Thus, the calibration process is completed and the process in question can be determined with different dimensioning mark (1a) intervals for each monitoring device (G) with different zoom features. For example, on an imaging device (G) with a minimum image magnification of 1x, this process can be performed by looking at the object (N) 1 meter away and optionally, the distance measurement system can be calibrated by realizing the distance between the two dimensioning marks (1 a) to show the 5 cm size of the object (N). Afterwards, according to the minimum zoom/magnification value of the monitoring device (G), the distance increases at the same rate at each magnification level, and 30 meters linear distance/distance and its multiples can be marked on the display element (2) according to the magnification amount. For example, when looking at an object (N) known to be 1 meter tall, using a monitoring device (G) with a minimum magnification of 3x and a starting distance of 30 meters, if the image of the object (N) is zoomed in until it fits between the first two of the dimensioning marks (1 a), a 30x magnification is made and the distance between the user and the object (N) is shown on the display element (2) as 10 times the initial distance, that is, 300 meters. During zooming and out operations, the distance measuring element (1 ) is not affected by the optical light distribution and the physical dimensions of the eyepiece screen or the user's eye remain constant, thus reducing the margin of error and quickly measuring the distance of the object (N) to the user.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance measuring system mentioned consists of at least one indicator element (3), preferably in the form of a dial or indicator, which is fixedly positioned on the said monitoring device (G) and helps the user to read the change in distance values on the said display element (2).

A method of measuring distance suitable for use with the distance measuring system developed with the present invention comprises of steps of observing, by means of said monitoring device (G) of known minimum image magnification/zoom and initial distance value, an object (N) of known at least one physical size positioned at the initial distance so that its image is superimposed on said distance measuring element (1 ) and zooming in so that the image of said object (N) fits between said two dimensioning elements (1 a), and performing the calibration process so that the distance between each dimensioning element (1 a) is one times the initial distance value of said imaging device (G); when looking at an object (N) which is at a distance from the user and whose at least one physical dimension is known or estimated, the image of said object (N) is targeted by dropping it on the distance measuring element whose physical dimensions do not change on the ocular screen or in the user's eye during optical zooming in and out, and the zooming process is applied until the image of the object (N) is sheltered between said measuring elements (1 a); reading the linear distance value, which is a multiple of the initial distance value of the monitoring device (G) depending on the magnification ratio in the zooming process, on the display element (2) and determining the linear distance value between the user and the object (N).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in said method of measuring distance, the said calibration process includes the step of determining different linear distance values, which are multiples of the initial distance, on the said display element (2) by positioning the object (N) used in the process at different distances or repeating it in the same position corresponding to a different dimensioning element (1a).

By virtue of the distance measurement system and method developed with the present invention, the linear distance between the user and the object (N) is measured depending on the physical dimensions of the object (N) while viewing and/or targeting the object (N) observed from a distance. Also, an effective distance measurement system and a distance measurement method that enables the operation of this system are obtained, allowing the linear distance value to be determined quickly and practically without the need for sound or light wave transmission and/or electronic detection, ease of use and reducing costs.

Claims

1. A distance measuring system that is suitable for use with at least one monitoring device (G) containing at least one optical system that enables zooming of the image of a remotely monitored living or inanimate object (N), which enables the linear distance between the user and the object (N) to be determined without the need for sound and/or light wave transmission and/or electronic detection, depending on the physical dimensions of the said object (N) during remote viewing and/or targeting of the said object (N), characterized in that; comprised of at least one distance measuring element with multiple dimensioning marks (1 a), each positioned such that the interval value between them corresponds to a linear distance value, whose physical dimensions remain constant on the ocular display or in the user's eye during optical zooming in and out of the image of the distant object (N), in or on said monitoring device (G), positioned in such a way that it is not affected by the optical light distribution in said optical system, which enables the zooming of the object (N) image to coincide with the dimensioning mark (1a) corresponding to the known or estimated physical size of the object (N) and to determine the linear distance between the object (N) and the user according to the zoom ratio;

- comprising at least one display element (2) positioned on said monitoring device (G) and enabling the user to be shown the linear distance value increasing with the optical zoom ratio.

2. A distance measuring system in accordance with claim 1 , and characterized in that the said monitoring device (G) is an an aiming scope, observation scope or image-capturing electronic device suitable for attachment to a firearm.

3. A distance measuring system according to claim 1 ; characterized in that the mentioned dimensioning mark (1 a) has a scale or chart structure.

4. A distance measuring system in accordance with claim 1 , and characterized in that the said distance measuring element (1 ) is located in the second focal plane of the said optical system within the monitoring device (G).

5. A distance measuring system in accordance with claim 1 , and characterized in that the physical dimension of the object (N) in question is the length extending perpendicular to the ground or the width extending parallel to the ground.

6. A distance measuring system according to claim 1 ; characterized in that the said distance measuring element (1 ) has a crosshair structure.

7. A distance measuring system in accordance with claim 1 , and characterized in that the said distance measuring element (1 ) is suitable for aiming the said object (N).

8. A distance measuring system in accordance with claim 1 , and characterized in that the said display element (2) contains numbers showing linear distance values.

9. A distance measuring system in accordance with claim 1 , and characterized in that the said display element (2) has a rotating moving part structure that allows the intervals within the optical system to be changed in order to adjust the magnification.

10. A distance measuring system in accordance with claim 1 , and characterized in that the said display element (2) is an electronic screen that shows the distance value.

11. A distance measuring system in accordance with claim 1 , and characterized in that it consists of at least one indicator element (3), preferably in the form of a dial or indicator, which is fixedly positioned on the said monitoring device (G) and helps the user to read the change in distance values on the said display element (2).

12. A distance measuring method suitable for use with the distance measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that;

- observing, by means of said monitoring device (G) of known minimum image magnification/zoom and initial distance value, an object (N) of known at least one physical size positioned at the initial distance so that its image is superimposed on said distance measuring element (1 ) and zooming in so that the image of said object (N) fits between said two dimensioning elements (1 a), and performing the calibration process so that the distance between each dimensioning element (1 a) is one times the initial distance value of said imaging device (G);

- when looking at an object (N) which is at a distance from the user and whose at least one physical dimension is known or estimated, the image of said object (N) is targeted by dropping it on the distance measuring element whose physical dimensions do not change on the ocular screen or in the user's eye during optical zooming in and out, and the zooming process is applied until the image of the object (N) is sheltered between said measuring elements (1 a);

- it includes the steps of reading the linear distance value, which is a multiple of the initial distance value of the said monitoring device (G), depending on the magnification ratio in the zooming process, on the said display element (2) and determining the linear distance value between the user and the object (N).

13. A distance measuring system in accordance with claim 12, and characterized in that the said calibration process includes the step of determining different linear distance values, which are multiples of the initial distance, on the said display element (2) by positioning the object (N) used in the process at different distances or repeating it in the same position corresponding to a different dimensioning element (1 a).