LASER TRANSMITTER FOR SIMULATING A FIRE WEAPON AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF

- KOREA ELECOM CO., LTD.

The present invention relates to a laser transmitter for simulation training, which is mounted on a firearm. The laser transmitter for simulation training includes an infrared laser diode 21 configured to emit an infrared laser beam, a laser beam shaping lens 22 disposed in the direction of travel of the laser beam of the infrared laser diode, a dichroic beam splitter 23 disposed in the direction of travel of the laser beam of the infrared laser diode and configured to have a first face 23a for transmitting an infrared laser beam and a second face 23b for reflecting a visible laser beam, a visible laser diode 31 configured to emit a visible laser beam and disposed at a position where the visible laser beam is refracted by the second face, and a focusing lens disposed in the direction of travel of the visible laser beam.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, in general, to a laser transmitter for simulation training which is mounted on an actual firearm, and, more particularly, to a laser transmitter for simulation training which enables simple zero aiming.

BACKGROUND ART

In the military, a Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) is used in one of the training courses of soldiers. It refers to a virtual training system that transmits a combat situation and damage results in the form of digital information in real time while enabling virtual combat to be performed using equipment to which a laser, etc. has been attached.

In more detail, a laser transmitter for emitting a laser beam is attached to a personal firearm, such as a small arm, or a hand grenade and a laser detector is used by an opponent, so that whether the opponent has been hit can be determined despite not having done any actual shooting because of the emission and detection of the laser beam. This enables combat training without any actual killing or injuring, with the result that a soldier's ability to cope with actual warfare and a commander's operational efficiency can be enhanced.

Furthermore, survival games are gaining popularity among students and young people as well as among military forces. Small bullets into which paint is inserted are conventionally used, but MILES-based game shops using lasers have recently increased in number.

The above-described simulation combat training or survival game indispensably requires firearms (actual firearms or simulation firearms) on which laser transmitters are mounted. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustratively showing a firearm on which a laser transmitter has been mounted. Referring to FIG. 1, a laser transmitter 12 is mounted on the outer circumference of the barrel of a firearm 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the central axis (b) of a laser beam emitted from the laser transmitter mounted on the firearm must reach the same target as would the bullet of the firearm. Accordingly, the direction (a) along which the bullet of the firearm travels must be parallel to the direction (b) along which the laser beam of the laser transmitter travels.

Accordingly, a process of aligning the direction of the laser transmitter with the line of sight of the firearm in parallel is indispensably required. In order to align the laser transmitter, a zero sight is conventionally used. However, the zero sight is problematic in that it is very expensive equipment, requires a lengthy installation time and is complicated to use.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a laser transmitter which can be accurately aligned with the barrel of a firearm even without using an additional zero sight.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing the above-described laser transmitter.

Technical Solution

In order to accomplish the above objects, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a laser transmitter for simulation training mounted on a firearm, including an infrared laser diode for emitting an infrared laser beam; a laser beam shaping lens disposed in the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam of the infrared laser diode; a dichroic beam splitter disposed in the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam of the infrared laser diode, and configured to have a first face for transmitting the infrared laser beam therethrough and a second face for reflecting a visible laser beam; a visible laser diode configured to emit the visible laser beam, and disposed at a position where the visible laser beam is refracted by the second face; and a focusing lens disposed in the direction of travel of the visible laser beam; wherein the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam transmitted through the first face of the dichroic beam splitter conforms to the direction of travel of the visible laser beam refracted by the second face of the dichroic beam splitter.

Here, it is preferred that at least one of the dichroic beam splitter and the visible laser diode be provided such that the center of a target point of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode and transmitted via the first face and the center of a target point of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode and refracted by the second face fall on the same point.

The dichroic beam splitter may be disposed between the infrared laser diode and the laser beam shaping lens.

It is possible to dispose the dichroic beam splitter in front of the laser beam shaping lens.

The visible laser diode may be disposed such that the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode is at a right angle to the direction of travel of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode. In this case, the dichroic beam splitter is inclined at an angle of 45° with respect to each of the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam and the direction of travel of the visible laser beam.

It is possible to further include a mode selection switch for selecting an alignment mode for zero aiming and to turn on the visible laser diode when the alignment mode is selected using the mode selection switch.

A mode selection communication module for externally determining whether to select the mode selection switch via wireless communication may be further included.

Meanwhile, in order to accomplish the above objects, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the laser transmitter for simulation training, including the steps of (a) coupling the laser beam shaping lens to a front side of an infrared laser transmitter main body for accommodating the laser beam shaping lens, the dichroic beam splitter and the infrared laser diode; (b) placing the dichroic beam splitter inside the infrared laser transmitter main body; (c) coupling the infrared laser diode to a rear side of the infrared laser transmitter main body; (d) capturing a target point of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode and transmitted via the first face, using a camera capable of detecting an infrared ray; (e) coupling the focusing lens to a front side of a visible laser transmitter body for accommodating the focusing lens and the visible laser diode; (f) coupling the visible laser diode to a rear side of the visible laser transmitter body; (g) movably coupling the visible laser transmitter body on which the steps (e) and (f) have been performed, to a bottom of the infrared laser transmitter main body on which the steps (a) to (c) have been performed; (h) at the step (g), capturing a target point of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode and refracted by the second face, through a screen capable of detecting a visible ray; and (i) fixing the visible laser transmitter body, coupled at the step (g), by adjusting the visible laser transmitter body so that a center of the target point of the infrared laser beam captured at the step (d) and a center of the target point of the visible laser beam captured at the step (h) fall on the same point.

Meanwhile, in order to accomplish the above objects, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the laser transmitter for simulation training, including the steps of (a) placing the laser beam shaping lens inside an infrared laser transmitter main body for accommodating the laser beam shaping lens, the dichroic beam splitter and the infrared laser diode; (b) coupling the dichroic beam splitter to a front side of the infrared laser transmitter main body; (c) coupling the infrared laser diode to a rear side of the infrared laser transmitter main body; (d) capturing a target point of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode and transmitted via the first face, using a camera capable of detecting an infrared ray; (e) coupling the focusing lens to a front side of a visible laser transmitter body for accommodating the focusing lens and the visible laser diode; (f) coupling the visible laser diode to a rear side of the visible laser transmitter body; (g) movably coupling the visible laser transmitter body on which the steps (e) and (f) have been performed, to a bottom of the infrared laser transmitter main body on which the steps (a) to (c) have been performed; (h) at the step (g), capturing a target point of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode and refracted by the second face, through a screen capable of detecting a visible ray; and (i) fixing the visible laser transmitter body coupled at the step (g), by adjusting the visible laser transmitter body so that a center of the target point of the infrared laser beam captured at the step (d) and a center of the target point of the visible laser beam captured at the step (h) fall on the same point.

Meanwhile, in order to accomplish the above objects, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the laser transmitter for simulation training, including the steps of (a) forming an infrared laser transmitter main body for accommodating the laser beam shaping lens, the dichroic beam splitter and the infrared laser diode and a visible laser transmitter body for accommodating the focusing lens and the visible laser diode into one body, wherein the visible laser diode is disposed such that the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode and transmitted via the visible laser diode conforms to the direction of travel of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode and refracted by the second face of the dichroic beam splitter; (b) coupling the laser beam shaping lens to a front side of the infrared laser transmitter main body; (c) placing the dichroic beam splitter inside the infrared laser transmitter main body; (d) coupling the infrared laser diode to a rear side of the infrared laser transmitter main body; (e) capturing a target point of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode and transmitted via the first face, using a camera capable of detecting an infrared ray; (f) coupling the focusing lens to a front side of the visible laser transmitter body; (g) movably coupling the visible laser diode to a rear side of the visible laser transmitter body; (h) capturing a target point of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode and refracted by the second face, through a screen capable of detecting a visible ray; and (i) fixing the visible laser diode coupled at the step (g), by adjusting the visible laser diode so that a center of the target point of the infrared laser beam captured at the step (e) and a center of the target point of the visible laser beam captured at the step (h) fall on the same point.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

According to the laser transmitter mounted on a firearm according to the present invention, the alignment of a firearm with the laser beam of a laser transmitter can be performed despite not using an expensive zero sight. Accordingly, zero aiming is rendered possible at a low cost.

Furthermore, if the laser transmitter according to the present invention is mounted on a firearm, the target point of an infrared laser beam, which was not detectable with the naked eye, is now detectable with the naked eye. Accordingly, a laser transmitter and a firearm can be more easily aligned.

Furthermore, the laser transmitter according to the present invention can be fabricated effectively and easily.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustratively showing a firearm on which a laser transmitter is mounted and the directions of travel of a bullet and a laser beam;

FIG. 2(a) is a diagram schematically showing the construction of a laser transmitter for simulation training according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2(b) is a diagram schematically showing the principle of the laser transmitter for simulation training according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3(a) to 3(h) are diagrams schematically showing a method of manufacturing the laser transmitter for simulation training according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2(a); and

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a laser transmitter for simulation training according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

 DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS OF PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWINGS

    • 20: infrared laser transmitter unit
    • 21: infrared laser diode
    • 22: laser beam shaping lens
    • 23: dichroic beam splitter
    • 24: infrared laser transmitter main body
    • 30: visible laser transmitter unit
    • 31: visible laser diode
    • 32: focusing lens
    • 33: visible laser transmitter body

BEST MODE First Embodiment

A laser transmitter for simulation training according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2(a) is a diagram schematically showing the construction of the laser transmitter for simulation training according to the first embodiment.

The schematic construction of the laser transmitter for simulation training according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIG. 2(a). The laser transmitter according to the present invention may be generally mounted on a firearm (a simulation firearm or an actual firearm), and may be used chiefly in a MILES. The laser transmitter may be generally used to simulate the emission of a frontal-firing firearm. The laser transmitter may be also applied to any article which can make use of the ability to detect the path of an infrared ray with the naked eye, as well as a frontal-firing firearm.

The laser transmitter according to the present invention basically includes an infrared laser transmitter unit 20 and a visible laser transmitter unit 30.

The structure and operation of the infrared laser transmitter unit 20 of the laser transmitter are described first. The infrared laser transmitter unit 20 includes an infrared laser diode 21 configured to emit an infrared laser beam, a laser beam shaping lens 22 disposed in the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam and configured to spread the infrared laser beam so that the infrared laser beam has a constant detection width, and a dichroic beam splitter 23 disposed in the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam. The above elements are all assembled inside an infrared laser transmitter main body 24. Accordingly, the infrared laser transmitter unit can simulate the actual emission of a firearm.

Here, the infrared laser diode 21 emits an infrared laser beam. An infrared laser generates light in the wavelength range of 0.8 to 1000 μm, and has good monochromatism and intensity. A representative infrared laser is a gallium-arsenic semiconductor laser having a wavelength of 0.9 μm.

Furthermore, the laser beam shaping lens 22 is fabricated using known technology, and is configured to spread and orient an infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode 21 and transmitted through the dichroic beam splitter 23, towards the target point of a firing firearm. However, this infrared laser beam is not detectable with the naked eye. Accordingly, the use of a zero sight for checking the position of the arrival point or target point of an emitted infrared laser beam and aligning the direction of a laser transmitter and the aiming line of a firearm in parallel is conventionally required.

Furthermore, the dichroic beam splitter 23 is disposed in the direction laser diode 21 and the laser beam shaping lens 22.

In particular, the dichroic beam splitter 23 functions to split one beam into two or more beams. The reflectance and transmittance of the dichroic beam splitter 23 may be varied depending on wavelength. This is known in the art, and a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

The dichroic beam splitter 23 used in the present invention includes a first face 23a and a second face 23b. In the case where an infrared laser beam is incident on the first face 23a, the dichroic beam splitter 23 is fabricated to have an excellent transmittivity (approximately 90% or more) for the infrared laser beam. In the case where a visible laser beam is incident on the second face 23b, the dichroic beam splitter 23 is fabricated to have an excellent reflectivity (approximately 90% or more) for the visible laser beam. The different properties of the first face 23a and second face 23b of the dichroic beam splitter 23 result from differences in the coating. A method of manufacturing the first face 23a and the second face 23b is known in the art, and a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

In particular, the dichroic beam splitter 23, along with the visible laser transmitter unit 30, is one of the core elements of the present invention, and the operation thereof is described in detail later when the principle of the laser transmitter according to the present invention is described.

Furthermore, the infrared laser transmitter main body 24 functions as the housing of the infrared laser diode 21, the laser beam shaping lens 22 and the dichroic beam splitter 23. It can be generally fabricated using a method, such as extrusion molding or injection molding, or one of a variety of other molding methods.

The structure and operation of the visible laser transmitter unit 30 of the laser transmitter are described in more detail below. The visible laser transmitter unit 30 may be considered one of the core elements of the present invention, and is configured to include a visible laser diode 31, a focusing lens 32, and a visible laser transmitter body 33 for accommodating the above elements.

Here, the visible laser diode 31 is configured to emit a visible laser beam, and is disposed at a position where the visible laser beam is refracted by the second face 23b of the dichroic beam splitter 23. Furthermore, the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode 31 is incident on the second face 23b of the dichroic beam splitter 23 via the focusing lens 32, and is then refracted. The refracted visible laser beam has the same path as an infrared laser beam which was emitted from the infrared laser transmitter unit 20 and which was transmitted the first face 23a of the dichroic beam splitter 23.

The focusing lens 32 functions to collect visible laser beams emitted from the visible laser diode 31 and focus the collected visible laser beams, unlike the above-described laser beam shaping lens 22.

FIG. 2(b) is a diagram schematically showing the principle of the laser transmitter for simulation training according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The operational principle of the laser transmitter according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIG. 2(b).

An infrared laser beam 25a emitted from the infrared laser diode 21 is incident on the first face 23a of the dichroic beam splitter 23. The incident infrared laser beam 25a is transmitted through the first face 23a of the dichroic beam splitter 23, and proceeds toward the target point of the laser transmitter while being spread by the laser beam shaping lens 22. An infrared laser beam 25b transmitted through the laser beam shaping lens 22 reaches the target point. However, the infrared laser beam 25b is not detectable with the naked eye. Accordingly, in order to align the emission direction of a laser beam with an aiming line in parallel, expensive equipment, such as a zero sight for aligning the emission direction with the aiming line, is conventionally used.

Visible laser beams 34a emitted from the visible laser diode 31 are focused by the focusing lens 32. A focused visible laser beam 34b is incident on the second face 23b of the dichroic beam splitter 23. Although it is shown that the incident angle is 45°, the incident angle need not necessarily be 45°. The incident visible laser beam 34b is refracted by the second face 23b of the dichroic beam splitter 23. The refracted visible laser beam 34c proceeds toward the target point of the laser transmitter through the laser beam shaping lens 22.

In this case, at least one of the dichroic beam splitter 23 and the visible laser diode 31 is adjusted so that the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam 25b emitted from the infrared laser diode 21 and transmitted via the first face 23a conforms to the direction of travel of the visible laser beam 34c emitted from the visible laser diode 31 and refracted by the second face 23b. In view of a manufacturing process, the dichroic beam splitter 23 is generally fixed first, so the visible laser diode 31 is adjusted so that the directions of travel conform to each other.

More preferably, the target point of the infrared laser beam 25b conforms to the target point of the visible laser beam 34c. In order to make the target points fall on the same location, the center of the target point of the visible laser beam 34c must conform to the center of the target point of the infrared laser beam 25b because the target point of the infrared laser beam 25b is wider than the target point of the focused and refracted visible laser beam 34c.

FIG. 2(b) shows the case where the visible laser diode 31 is disposed such that the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam 25a emitted from the infrared laser diode 21 is at a right angle to the direction of travel of the visible laser beam 34a emitted from the visible laser diode 31. In this case, the visible laser beam 34a is incident on the second face 23b of the dichroic beam splitter 23 at an angle of 45°.

When the laser transmitter according to the present invention is mounted on a firearm, the target point of an infrared laser beam, which is not detectable with the naked eye, is detectable with the naked eye. Accordingly, the laser transmitter can be more easily aligned.

FIGS. 3(a) to 3(h) are diagrams schematically showing a method of manufacturing the laser transmitter for simulation training according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2(a).

The method of manufacturing the laser transmitter for simulation training according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 3(a) to 3(h). The manufacturing method basically includes sequentially fabricating the infrared laser transmitter unit 20 and the visible laser transmitter unit 30 and then combining the visible laser transmitter unit 30 with the infrared laser transmitter unit 20.

First, the laser beam shaping lens 22 is coupled to the front side (the direction of travel of an infrared laser beam) of the infrared laser transmitter main body 24, as shown in FIG. 3(a).

The dichroic beam splitter 23 is then disposed within the infrared laser transmitter main body 24, as shown in FIG. 3(b). The dichroic beam splitter 23 disposed within the infrared laser transmitter main body 24 is fixed thereto and is immovable. Accordingly, the dichroic beam splitter 23 should be properly disposed such that it allows an infrared laser beam to best pass therethrough with the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam taken into consideration. Here, the dichroic beam splitter 23 is tilted at an angle of 45° to the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam.

The infrared laser diode 21 is then coupled to the rear side of the infrared laser transmitter main body 24, as shown in FIG. 3(c).

Next, as shown in FIG. 3(d), the target point of an infrared laser beam, which is emitted from the infrared laser diode 21 and passes through the first face 23a of the dichroic beam splitter 23, is captured using a camera capable of detecting an infrared ray. In this case, a method of capturing the target point of the infrared laser beam using a CCD camera and checking the position of the target point through a computer monitor is used.

As shown in FIG. 3(e), the focusing lens 32 is coupled to the front side (the direction of travel of a visible laser beam) of the visible laser transmitter body 33.

As shown in FIG. 3(f), the visible laser diode 31 is then coupled to the rear side of the visible laser transmitter body 33.

As shown in FIG. 3(g), the visible laser transmitter unit 30 is then coupled to the bottom of the infrared laser transmitter main body. In this case, the visible laser transmitter unit 30 should not be fixed, but should be movable.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3(h), the target point of a visible laser beam, which is emitted from the visible laser transmitter unit 30 and refracted by the second face 23b of the dichroic beam splitter 23, is captured using a screen capable of detecting a visible ray.

Finally, the visible laser transmitter unit 30 is adjusted so that the center of the target point of the infrared laser beam, which has been captured as shown in FIG. 3(d), and the center of the target point of the visible laser beam, which has been captured as shown in FIG. 3(h), fall on the same point. Such adjustment is substantially performed by adjusting the visible laser transmitter body 33. After both the target points fall on the same point by the adjustment, the visible laser transmitter unit 30 is fixed. By this, the laser transmitter according to the first embodiment of the present invention is manufactured.

Additionally, another method of manufacturing the laser transmitter according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described below.

Another method of manufacturing the laser transmitter for simulation training according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 3(a) to 3(h), for convenience of description.

In the above-described manufacturing method, the infrared laser transmitter unit 20 and the visible laser transmitter unit 30 are individually fabricated and then coupled together. In contrast, in this embodiment, the infrared laser transmitter unit 20 and the visible laser transmitter unit 30 are formed into a single body without the use of the coupling process.

First, the infrared laser transmitter main body 24 for accommodating the laser beam shaping lens 22, the dichroic beam splitter 23 and the infrared laser diode 21, and the visible laser transmitter body 33 for accommodating the focusing lens 32 and the visible laser diode 31 are formed into a single housing (not shown).

Here, in the single housing (not shown), the visible laser diode 31 is disposed such that the direction of travel of an infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode 21 and transmitted through the first face 23a of the dichroic beam splitter 23 conforms to the direction of travel of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode 31 and refracted by the second face 23b of the dichroic beam splitter 23.

Preferably, the infrared laser transmitter main body 24 and the visible laser transmitter body 33 constituting the single housing (not shown) are formed so that the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode 21 is at a right angle to the direction of travel of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode 31.

The single housing (not shown) may be generally fabricated using a method, such as extrusion molding or injection molding, or one of a variety of other molding methods.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c), the laser beam shaping lens 22 is coupled to the front side of the infrared laser transmitter main body 24, the dichroic beam splitter 23 is disposed within the infrared laser transmitter main body 24, and the infrared laser diode 21 is coupled to the rear side of the infrared laser transmitter main body 24. The infrared laser transmitter main body 24 and the visible laser transmitter body 33 are formed into a single unit, unlike in FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c).

Next, the target point of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode 21 and transmitted via the dichroic beam splitter 23 is captured using a camera capable of detecting an infrared ray.

Next, the focusing lens 32 is coupled to the front side of the visible laser transmitter body 33, and the visible laser diode 31 is movably coupled to the rear side of the visible laser transmitter body 33.

The target point of a visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode 31 and refracted by the dichroic beam splitter 23 is captured through a screen capable of detecting a visible ray.

Finally, the visible laser diode 31 coupled to the rear side of the visible laser transmitter body 33 is adjusted and fixed such that the center of the target point of the infrared laser beam, which has been captured using the camera, and the center of the target point of the visible laser beam, which has been captured with the naked eye, fall on the same point. By this, the laser transmitter according to the first embodiment of the present invention is manufactured.

MODE FOR INVENTION Second Embodiment

A laser transmitter for simulation training according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the laser transmitter for simulation training according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The schematic diagram of the laser transmitter for simulation training according to the present invention is described below with reference to FIG. 4.

The laser transmitter according to the present invention basically includes an infrared laser transmitter unit 20 and a visible laser transmitter unit 30, and has the same elements and operational principle as the laser transmitter of the first embodiment. That is, the infrared laser transmitter unit 20 includes an infrared laser diode 21 for emitting an infrared laser beam, a laser beam shaping lens 22, a dichroic beam splitter 23, and an infrared laser transmitter main body 24 for accommodating these elements. The visible laser transmitter unit 30 includes a visible laser diode 31, a focusing lens 32, and a visible laser transmitter body 33 for accommodating these elements.

The second embodiment of the present invention has the same technical spirit as the first embodiment of the present invention except that the dichroic beam splitter 23 is disposed in front of the laser beam shaping lens 22, unlike that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2(a), and the position of the visible laser transmitter unit 30 corresponds to the position of the dichroic beam splitter 23.

When the laser transmitter according to the second embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a firearm, the target point of an infrared laser beam which was not detectable with the naked eye is detectable with the naked eye. Accordingly, the laser transmitter can be more easily aligned.

In addition to the above-described first and second embodiments, a mode selection switch (not shown) for selecting an alignment mode for zero aiming is further added to the laser transmitter according to the first or second embodiment, and the visible laser diode 31 is turned on by selecting the alignment mode using the mode selection switch (not shown). Accordingly, the visible laser diode 31 can be selectively turned on. In the case where the target point of an infrared laser beam of the laser transmitter according to the present invention need not be detectable with the naked eye or zero aiming has been completed, the emission of a visible laser beam can be prevented by not selecting the alignment mode via the mode selection switch (not shown).

Meanwhile, still another embodiment of the laser transmitter for simulation training according to the present invention further includes a mode selection communication module (not shown) for determining whether to select the above-described mode selection switch (not shown) from the outside using wireless communication. Accordingly, a mode can be selected from the outside using the mode selection communication module (not shown). Consequently, central control can be performed from the outside even when the alignment mode is selected.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The laser transmitter for simulation training according to the present invention can be widely used in simulation engagement systems such as a MILES, or in fields such as survival games.

Claims

1. A laser transmitter for simulation training mounted on a firearm, comprising:

an infrared laser diode for emitting an infrared laser beam;
a laser beam shaping lens disposed in a direction of travel of the infrared laser beam of the infrared laser diode;
a dichroic beam splitter disposed in the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam of the infrared laser diode, and configured to have a first face for transmitting the infrared laser beam therethrough and a second face for reflecting a visible laser beam;
a visible laser diode configured to emit the visible laser beam, and disposed at a position where the visible laser beam is refracted by the second face; and
a focusing lens disposed in a direction of travel of the visible laser beam;
wherein the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam transmitted through the first face of the dichroic beam splitter conforms to the direction of travel of the visible laser beam refracted by the second face of the dichroic beam splitter.

2. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the dichroic beam splitter and the visible laser diode is disposed such that a center of a target point of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode and transmitted via the first face and a center of a target point of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode and refracted by the second face fall on a same point.

3. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 1, wherein the dichroic beam splitter is disposed between the infrared laser diode and the laser beam shaping lens.

4. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 1, wherein the dichroic beam splitter is disposed in front of the laser beam shaping lens.

5. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 1, wherein the visible laser diode is disposed such that the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode is at a right angle with respect to the direction of travel of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode.

6. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 1, further comprising a mode selection switch for selecting an alignment mode for zero aiming,

wherein when the alignment mode is selected using the mode selection switch, the visible laser diode is turned on.

7. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 6, further comprising a mode selection communication module for externally determining whether to select the mode selection switch via wireless communication.

8. A method of manufacturing the laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) coupling the laser beam shaping lens to a front side of an infrared laser transmitter main body for accommodating the laser beam shaping lens, the dichroic beam splitter and the infrared laser diode;
(b) placing the dichroic beam splitter inside the infrared laser transmitter main body;
(c) coupling the infrared laser diode to a rear side of the infrared laser transmitter main body;
(d) capturing a target point of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode and transmitted via the first face, using a camera capable of detecting an infrared ray;
(e) coupling the focusing lens to a front side of a visible laser transmitter body for accommodating the focusing lens and the visible laser diode;
(f) coupling the visible laser diode to a rear side of the visible laser transmitter body;
(g) movably coupling the visible laser transmitter body on which the steps (e) and (f) have been performed, to a bottom of the infrared laser transmitter main body on which the steps (a) to (c) have been performed;
(h) at the step (g), capturing a target point of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode and refracted by the second face, through a screen capable of detecting a visible ray; and
(i) fixing the visible laser transmitter body, coupled at the step (g), by adjusting the visible laser transmitter body so that a center of the target point of the infrared laser beam captured at the step (d) and a center of the target point of the visible laser beam captured at the step (h) fall on a same point.

9. A method of manufacturing the laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) placing the laser beam shaping lens inside an infrared laser transmitter main body for accommodating the laser beam shaping lens, the dichroic beam splitter and the infrared laser diode;
(b) coupling the dichroic beam splitter to a front side of the infrared laser transmitter main body;
(c) coupling the infrared laser diode to a rear side of the infrared laser transmitter main body;
(d) capturing a target point of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode and transmitted via the first face, using a camera capable of detecting an infrared ray;
(e) coupling the focusing lens to a front side of a visible laser transmitter body for accommodating the focusing lens and the visible laser diode;
(f) coupling the visible laser diode to a rear side of the visible laser transmitter body;
(g) movably coupling the visible laser transmitter body on which the steps (e) and (f) have been performed, to a bottom of the infrared laser transmitter main body on which the steps (a) to (c) have been performed;
(h) at the step (g), capturing a target point of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode and refracted by the second face, through a screen capable of detecting a visible ray; and
(i) fixing the visible laser transmitter body coupled at the step (g), by adjusting the visible laser transmitter body so that a center of the target point of the infrared laser beam captured at the step (d) and a center of the target point of the visible laser beam captured at the step (h) fall on a same point.

10. A method of manufacturing the laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) forming an infrared laser transmitter main body for accommodating the laser beam shaping lens, the dichroic beam splitter and the infrared laser diode and a visible laser transmitter body for accommodating the focusing lens and the visible laser diode into one body, wherein the visible laser diode is disposed such that a direction of travel of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode and transmitted via the visible laser diode conforms to a direction of travel of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode and refracted by the second face of the dichroic beam splitter;
(b) coupling the laser beam shaping lens to a front side of the infrared laser transmitter main body;
(c) placing the dichroic beam splitter inside the infrared laser transmitter main body;
(d) coupling the infrared laser diode to a rear side of the infrared laser transmitter main body;
(e) capturing a target point of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode and transmitted via the first face, using a camera capable of detecting an infrared ray;
(f) coupling the focusing lens to a front side of the visible laser transmitter body;
(g) movably coupling the visible laser diode to a rear side of the visible laser transmitter body;
(h) capturing a target point of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode and refracted by the second face, through a screen capable of detecting a visible ray; and
(i) fixing the visible laser diode coupled at the step (g), by adjusting the visible laser diode so that a center of the target point of the infrared laser beam captured at the step (e) and a center of the target point of the visible laser beam captured at the step (h) fall on a same point.

11. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 2, wherein the visible laser diode is disposed such that the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode is at a right angle with respect to the direction of travel of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode.

12. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 3, wherein the visible laser diode is disposed such that the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode is at a right angle with respect to the direction of travel of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode.

13. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 4, wherein the visible laser diode is disposed such that the direction of travel of the infrared laser beam emitted from the infrared laser diode is at a right angle with respect to the direction of travel of the visible laser beam emitted from the visible laser diode.

14. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 2, further comprising a mode selection switch for selecting an alignment mode for zero aiming,

wherein when the alignment mode is selected using the mode selection switch, the visible laser diode is turned on.

15. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 3, further comprising a mode selection switch for selecting an alignment mode for zero aiming,

wherein when the alignment mode is selected using the mode selection switch, the visible laser diode is turned on.

16. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 4, further comprising a mode selection switch for selecting an alignment mode for zero aiming,

wherein when the alignment mode is selected using the mode selection switch, the visible laser diode is turned on.

17. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 14, further comprising a mode selection communication module for externally determining whether to select the mode selection switch via wireless communication.

18. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 15, further comprising a mode selection communication module for externally determining whether to select the mode selection switch via wireless communication.

19. The laser transmitter for simulation training according to claim 16, further comprising a mode selection communication module for externally determining whether to select the mode selection switch via wireless communication.

Patent History
Publication number: 20100273131
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 5, 2008
Publication Date: Oct 28, 2010
Applicant: KOREA ELECOM CO., LTD. (Yogin-si)
Inventors: Seung Chan Lim (Seoul), In Chan Paek (Incheon), Min Young Cho (Seoul), Tae Jun Choi (Seoul)
Application Number: 12/747,241
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Training Apparatus Using Beam Of Infrared, Visible Light, Or Ultraviolet Radiation (434/21)
International Classification: F41G 3/26 (20060101);