Through-the-lens, co-aligned optical aiming system for a phase-type, laser-based distance measuring device

1. A laser-based distance measuring device comprising:

a phase-based laser transmitting and receiving module;

an optical aiming system for directing pulses of laser energy produced by said laser transmitting and receiving module toward a target;

a view-through display superimposed on said optical aiming system; and

a processor coupled to said laser transmitting and receiving module and said display for providing an indication of a distance between said device and said target.

2. The laser-based distance measuring device of claim 1 wherein said phase-based laser transmitting and receiving module is operative to project a visible beam from said device to said target.

3. The laser-based distance measuring device of claim 1 wherein said optical aiming system comprises:

an ocular lens system;

first and second prisms; and

an objective lens.

4. The laser-based distance measuring device of claim 1 wherein said view-through display comprises a backlit, liquid crystal display.

5. The laser-based distance measuring device of claim 4 wherein said liquid crystal display comprises a black mask liquid crystal display.

6. The laser-based distance measuring device of claim 1 further comprising:

an external display coupled to said processor viewable on an external housing of said device.

7. The laser-based distance measuring device of claim 6 wherein said external display provides information in a first orientation when said device is displaced horizontally and in a second, rotated orientation when said device is displaced vertically.

8. The laser-based distance measuring device of claim 7 wherein said view-through display is not operational when said device is displaced horizontally.

9. The laser-based distance measuring device of claim 7 wherein said view-through display is operational when said device is displaced vertically.

10. The laser-based distance measuring device of claim 6 wherein said housing is a handheld housing.

11. The laser-based distance measuring device of claim 6 wherein said housing is adapted for tripod mounting.

12. The laser-based distance measuring device of claim 1 further comprising:

a pulse-based laser transmitter aligned with said optical aiming system for directing laser energy toward said target; and

a pulse-based laser receiver for receiving reflected laser energy from said target, said pulse-based laser transmitter and receiver being coupled to said processor.