KR102926365B1 - Laser target pointing device using high-speed steering mirror and system including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a laser target designation device includes: a laser generating unit that outputs a first laser beam of a first wavelength band in a pulse form; a laser illuminating unit that outputs a second laser beam of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band in a pulse or continuous form; a steering mirror unit that aims and reflects the first laser beam or the second laser beam toward a target located outside the laser target designation device in response to a control signal received from a control terminal located outside the laser target designation device; and an image converting unit that receives a laser beam reflected from the outside and returns from the steering mirror unit and converts sensed data into an image; and according to various embodiments of the present invention, by applying a laser target designation device and a system including the same, it is possible to support various operation modes, aim a laser beam toward a target in response to various situations, aim toward the center of the target, or automatically aim at a vulnerable part depending on the type of the target.

Description

Laser target pointing device using high-speed steering mirror and system including the same {LASER TARGET POINTING DEVICE USING HIGH-SPEED STEERING MIRROR AND SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a laser target designation device and a system including the same.

The content described in this section merely provides background information for the present embodiment and does not constitute prior art.

Laser weapons are a novel weapon system that rapidly strikes a target by focusing a laser beam. Laser weapons transmit energy to the target at the speed of light, unaffected by gravitational fields. Laser weapons have the potential to transform the paradigm of future warfare, characterized by nonlinear and small-scale distributed combat, non-lethal warfare, non-contact and remote proxy warfare, and space warfare.

Laser weapons are weapon systems that focus a laser beam on a target and quickly strike the target. Since the laser beam can be focused only when the exact distance from the laser weapon to the target is known, a rangefinder is required, and an illuminator is required to supplement the low-light performance of the tracking/aiming camera to track and aim at the target.

That is, laser weapons have the function of irradiating a high-density laser beam on a target to cause the target to lose its capabilities or destroy the target, and for this purpose, a laser rangefinder is installed to accurately focus the laser beam irradiated on the target.

Laser weapons are equipped with cameras for target identification, but are also equipped with laser illuminators to address the problem of easily losing targets due to sunlight reflection, reflected light from striking lasers, or low-light environments.

The ground laser target designation system consists of a laser target designator, a thermal imager, and a tripod. The laser target designator, which includes an optical sight, a laser rangefinder, and a laser source, is used to illuminate the target with a pulsed laser beam. The thermal imager, which consists of an optical system and an image detector, is used to confirm the target's thermal image and the laser spot illuminated on the target. The tripod, which includes a mounting base for the laser target designator and thermal imager, and an adjustment device for adjusting the elevation and azimuth angles, is used for manually aiming the target.

Observing targets or directing laser beams at distances exceeding several kilometers requires precise adjustment of the tripod's elevation and azimuth. However, the minimum adjustment angle is limited by the minimum rotational angle and backlash of the internal gears of the tripod's adjustment mechanism. Manual operation by the operator limits precision, and aiming errors can occur due to hand tremors, rain, wind, fog, and other environmental factors. Target location can also be difficult to pinpoint in adverse weather conditions.

The laser target designator, which consists of an optical sight, a laser rangefinder, and a laser illuminator, visually confirms the approximate location of the target when aiming at the target, and the operator manually adjusts the azimuth and elevation angles of the tripod to aim at the target.

In this case, precise targeting is limited. The tripod's azimuth and elevation must be manually adjusted when aiming, and precise targeting is difficult due to hand tremors. Furthermore, there are limitations to operating conditions, such as at night and in bad weather. Depending on the operating environment, target identification and aiming with the naked eye can be difficult.

Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2069247 (February 16, 2020)

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a laser target designation device and a system including the same, which can support various operation modes to aim a laser beam toward a target in response to various situations, automatically track the target in accordance with the movement of the target, and enable the laser beam to continuously aim at the target.

Additional, unspecified, purposes of the present invention can be additionally considered within the scope that can be easily inferred from the detailed description and effects thereof below.

According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described object, a laser target designation device includes: a laser generating unit that outputs a first laser beam of a first wavelength band in a pulse form; a laser illuminating unit that outputs a second laser beam of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band in a pulse or continuous form; a steering mirror unit that aims and reflects the first laser beam or the second laser beam toward a target located outside the laser target designation device in response to a control signal received from a control terminal located outside the laser target designation device; and an image converting unit that receives a laser beam reflected from the outside and returns from the steering mirror unit and converts sensed data into an image.

The above steering mirror unit is characterized in that it operates in a manual steering mode in which angle adjustment is performed in response to a signal input from the control terminal.

The steering mirror unit is characterized in that it operates in a guided tracking mode that aims at the target in response to a signal input from the control terminal and automatically tracks the target in response to the movement of the target so that the first laser beam or the second laser beam aims at the target.

The steering mirror unit is characterized in that it operates in a target center aiming mode so that the first laser beam or the second laser beam is irradiated toward the center of the target in response to a signal input from the control terminal.

The above steering mirror unit is characterized in that it operates in a target vulnerable part automatic aiming mode so that the first laser beam or the second laser beam is irradiated to the vulnerable part of the target depending on the type of the target in response to a signal input from the control terminal.

The steering mirror unit is characterized in that, when operating in the target vulnerable part automatic targeting mode, it operates in one of a target drive unit targeting mode that targets the drive unit of the target, a target engine targeting mode that targets the engine of the target, a target fuel tank targeting mode that targets the fuel tank of the target, a target pilot targeting mode that targets the location of a person on board the target, or a target structure targeting mode that targets a transport or attack weapon mounted on the target.

The optical filter unit further includes an optical filter unit that filters a laser beam reflected from the outside and returned through the steering mirror unit and transmits the filtered laser beam to the image conversion unit, and the optical filter unit includes a first optical filter configured to transmit only the first wavelength band; a second optical filter configured to transmit only the second wavelength band; a third optical filter configured to transmit only the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band; and an entire transmission area configured to transmit all wavelength bands.

The optical filter unit is characterized in that a laser beam reflected from the outside and returned according to a control signal of the control terminal is input to the image conversion unit through any one of the first optical filter, the second optical filter, the third optical filter, and the entire transmission area.

It is characterized by further including a dichroic mirror through which the first laser beam is transmitted and the second laser beam is reflected and transmitted to the steering mirror unit.

It is characterized by further including a hole reflecting mirror including a hole through which the first laser beam or the second laser beam passes and is directed to the steering mirror unit, and including a reflecting surface around the hole to transmit the laser beam or the light spectrum of the target reflected from the outside through the reflecting surface to the image conversion unit.

It is characterized by further including a vibration compensation unit that includes a lens positioned to be movable and compensates for shaking of the laser targeting device by moving the lens in response to movement of the laser targeting device.

According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described object, a laser target designation system includes a control terminal for transmitting a control signal according to a user's operation; and a laser target designation device including a laser generating unit for outputting a first laser beam of a first wavelength band in a pulse form, a laser illuminating unit for outputting a second laser beam of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band in a pulse or continuous form, a steering mirror unit for aiming and reflecting the first laser beam or the second laser beam toward a target located outside the laser target designation device in response to a control signal received from the control terminal, and an image conversion unit for receiving a laser beam reflected from the outside and returning from the steering mirror unit and converting sensed data into an image.

The above steering mirror unit is characterized in that it operates in a target vulnerable part automatic aiming mode so that the first laser beam or the second laser beam is irradiated to the vulnerable part of the target depending on the type of the target in response to a signal input from the control terminal.

The steering mirror unit is characterized in that, when operating in the target vulnerable part automatic targeting mode, it operates in one of a target drive unit targeting mode that targets the drive unit of the target, a target engine targeting mode that targets the engine of the target, a target fuel tank targeting mode that targets the fuel tank of the target, a target pilot targeting mode that targets the location of a person on board the target, or a target structure targeting mode that targets a transport or attack weapon mounted on the target.

As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by applying a laser target designation device and a system including the same, it is possible to support various operation modes and aim a laser beam toward a target in response to various situations.

In addition, by applying a laser target designation device and a system including the same, it is possible to automatically track a target in accordance with the movement of the target and to continuously aim the laser beam at the target.

Additionally, by applying a laser target designation device and a system including the same, it is possible to aim toward the center of a target or automatically aim at a vulnerable part depending on the type of target.

In addition, by applying a laser target designation device and a system including the same, various laser beams can be filtered and converted into images by setting the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, both the first and second wavelength bands, or all wavelength bands to be transmittable.

Additionally, by applying a laser target designation device and a system including the same, vibration can be compensated by moving a movable lens in response to the movement of the laser target designation device.

Even if the effect is not explicitly mentioned herein, the effect and its provisional effect described in the following specification expected by the technical features of the present invention are treated as described in the specification of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a laser target designation system including a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining that a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention operates in a manual steering mode.
FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining that a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention operates in a guided tracking mode.
FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining that a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention operates in a target-centered aiming mode.
FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining that a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention operates in a target vulnerable part automatic aiming mode.
FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an optical filter unit of a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7 to 10 are drawings for explaining that a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention performs synchronization using an LRF reception signal.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining operations performed in a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the present invention of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in a meaning that can be commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. In addition, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined.

The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Terms including ordinal numbers such as second, first, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms.

The above terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a second component could be referred to as a first component, and similarly, a first component could also be referred to as a second component. The term "and/or" includes any combination of multiple related items described herein or any one of multiple related items described herein.

In this specification, the identification numbers (e.g., a, b, c, etc.) for each step are used for convenience of explanation and do not describe the order of each step. Each step may occur in a different order than specified unless the context clearly indicates a specific order. That is, each step may occur in the same order as specified, may be performed substantially simultaneously, or may be performed in the opposite order.

In addition, the term '~ unit' described in this specification may mean software or hardware components such as FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or ASIC, and the '~ unit' performs certain roles. However, the '~ unit' is not limited to software or hardware. The '~ unit' may be configured to be on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to play one or more processors. Accordingly, as an example, the '~ unit' may include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data structures, and variables. The functionality provided within the components and '~ units' may be combined into a smaller number of components and '~ units' or further separated into additional components and '~ units'. In addition, the '~ unit' in this specification may also be described as '~ unit'.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of a laser target designation device using a high-speed steering mirror according to the present invention and a system including the same (hereinafter referred to as a laser target designation device and a system including the same) will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a laser target designation system including a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the laser target designation system (10) may include a laser target designation device (100) and a control terminal (200).

The laser target designation device (100) may include a laser generating unit (102), a laser illuminating unit (104), a steering mirror unit (106), an image conversion unit (108), a system control unit (110), an image display unit (112), a dichroic mirror (114), a hall reflection mirror (116), an optical filter unit (118), a focusing lens (120), an LRF receiving sensor unit (122), and a vibration compensation unit (124).

The laser generating unit (102) can output a first laser beam of a first wavelength band in a pulse form. The laser generating unit can output a high-intensity pulsed laser beam of several tens of mJ.

The first wavelength band may be a band in the range of 0.95 to 1.05 micrometers.

The laser illumination unit (104) can output a second laser beam of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band in a pulse or continuous form. The laser illumination unit is an illumination laser light source for irradiating a high-brightness laser light source to a long-distance target in a continuous or pulsed form, and the illumination laser beam reflected from the target can be received by an image conversion unit.

The second wavelength band may be a band in the range of 1.45 to 1.55 micrometers.

The steering mirror unit (106) can aim and reflect the first laser beam or the second laser beam toward a target located outside the laser target designation device in response to a control signal received from a control terminal located outside the laser target designation device.

The steering mirror may be a fast steering mirror (FSM). The FSM can finely adjust the direction of the laser beam through electrical control. The FSM can simultaneously control and aim the laser illuminator, the beam from the laser generator, and the light received by the SWIR detector.

The steering mirror unit can be controlled by electrical signals connected to the control terminal. Furthermore, after targeting, upon lock-on, the FSM automatically moves in accordance with the target's movement, enabling continuous targeting. Furthermore, depending on the target type, the FSM can automatically target vulnerable areas or accurately target the target's center by automatically calculating the center of the surface area.

The image conversion unit (108) can receive a laser beam reflected from the outside and returned from the steering mirror unit, and convert the detected data into an image.

The image conversion unit can be implemented based on a Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) detector. The SWIR detector not only has the function of measuring the target distance using a Laser Range Finder (LRF), but also transmits the LRF laser signal reflected from the target as a synchronization signal to the SWIR detector.

Depending on whether the SWIR detector and LRF laser signal are selected as synchronous or asynchronous, the target image and laser irradiator spot image can be acquired simultaneously, or only the target image can be acquired separately. The selection of synchronous or asynchronous operation can be received via the control terminal at the user's discretion.

SWIR detectors can detect, recognize, or identify targets based on their distance through image signal processing.

The system control unit (110) may include a signal processing unit and a system control device.

The signal processing unit has the function of controlling the laser target designation device. It has the functions of controlling the operation of the laser generator and laser illuminator, FSM control, vibration compensation control, LRF receiving sensor control, optical filter control, and SWIR detector control.

The operator confirms the target through the video display unit and transmits a control signal command from the control terminal to the FSM to irradiate the laser beam to a specific location on the target.

When the operator locks on a target through the video display, a command is sent to the FSM to illuminate the laser beam on the target even if the target moves within the SWIR sensor's field of view.

When the operator selects the type of target to be aimed at through the system control unit, the system automatically identifies the vulnerable part of the target to be aimed at and sends a command to the FSM to direct the laser beam to the vulnerable part.

The signal processing unit automatically calculates the surface area of the identified target and sends a command to the FSM to irradiate the laser beam to the center of the target.

The system control unit has a power ON/OFF function, a laser illuminator operation control function, a laser generator operation control function, a target aiming function, a SWIR camera filter change function, a target type selection function, and a target center precision aiming function.

The image display section (112) can display the output image and system status information of the SWIR detector.

The dichroic mirror (114) can transmit the first laser beam and reflect the second laser beam to be transmitted to the steering mirror unit. The dichroic mirror may be a dichroic reflector.

The dichroic reflector transmits the laser beam of the first wavelength band output from the laser generator and reflects the laser beam of the second wavelength band output from the laser illuminator.

The hole reflection mirror (116) includes a hole through which a first laser beam or a second laser beam passes and is directed to a steering mirror unit, and includes a reflective surface around the hole so that a laser beam or a light spectrum of a target that is reflected from the outside and returned through the reflective surface can be transmitted to an image conversion unit.

The hole-reflecting mirror has a hole in the center, so that the laser beam output from the laser generator and laser illuminator passes through the hole, and the wavelength band of 0.9 to 1.8 ㎛ is reflected from the reflecting surface other than the hole, so that the laser beam or the optical spectrum of the target can be transmitted to the SWIR detector.

The optical filter section (118) can selectively apply four types of filters through rotation: a 1 ㎛ narrow-band optical filter, a 1.5 ㎛ narrow-band optical filter, a 1 ㎛ and 1.5 ㎛ narrow-band optical filter, and no filter.

The focusing lens (120) can focus the light that has passed through the reflection and optical filter section of the hall reflection mirror onto the SWIR detector to form an image.

The LRF receiving sensor unit (122) measures the target distance by receiving the reflected laser beam when the laser beam of the first wavelength band output from the laser generator is irradiated on the target. In addition, the received laser signal is used as a synchronous or asynchronous signal for the SWIR camera.

The vibration compensation unit (124) includes a lens that is positioned to be movable, and can compensate for the shaking of the laser targeting device by moving the lens in response to the movement of the laser targeting device.

The vibration compensation unit is an optical image stabilization function that compensates for shaking during laser aiming by moving the lens in the opposite direction when the laser targeting device moves, by embedding a gyro (horizontal/tilt) sensor inside the lens that detects the current direction, angle, and movement. It also magnifies the transmitted laser beam and reduces the received light.

The control terminal (200) can transmit control signals according to the user's operation. The control terminal controls the operation of the laser illuminator, the operation of the laser generator, manual target aiming, SWIR camera filter change, and target lock-on control. The control terminal may be a joystick or a remote control, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be implemented based on a mobile phone, smart phone, tablet computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, dedicated control panel, wearable device such as a smart watch or smart glasses, or voice recognition device.

Not all blocks illustrated in FIG. 1 are essential components, and some blocks associated with the laser target designation device and the system including the same may be added, changed, or deleted in other embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining that a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention operates in a manual steering mode.

The steering mirror unit can operate in a manual steering mode in which angle adjustment is performed in response to a signal input from a control terminal.

The user can aim the SWIR image and laser spot by adjusting the FSM angle using the control terminal.

The FSM's angle can be manually adjusted using a control terminal electrically connected to the FSM. Changing the FSM's angle allows for adjustment of the laser spot position, enabling targeting without physically adjusting the angle of the tripod-mounted laser target designator.

The operator identifies the target through video and uses the control terminal to aim the crosshair at a specific location on the target. The operator then activates the laser generator to project a laser beam onto the target's aiming point. In this case, the laser spot can be projected at the center of the crosshair.

FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining that a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention operates in a guided tracking mode.

The steering mirror unit can operate in a guided tracking mode that aims at a target in response to a signal input from a control terminal and automatically tracks the target in response to the movement of the target so that the first laser beam or the second laser beam aims at the target.

After target aiming and lock-on, the FSM angle is automatically adjusted according to the target's movement, thereby aiming at the position of the SWIR image and laser spot to guide, track, and aim the target.

When the operator confirms the target through video, aims the crosshair at a specific location on the target using the control terminal, and then locks on, the FSM tracks the crosshair within the field of view, even if the target moves, and continuously aims at the initially locked-on location. At the desired point, the laser generator is activated to project a laser beam onto the target crosshair. In this case, the laser spot can be projected at the center of the crosshair.

FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining that a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention operates in a target-centered aiming mode.

The steering mirror unit can operate in a target-centered aiming mode to direct the first laser beam or the second laser beam toward the center of the target in response to a signal input from the control terminal.

After manually aiming at the target center for the first time, the FSM angle is automatically adjusted so that the center of the target and the crosshair are aligned, thereby aiming at the position of the SWIR image and laser spot, thereby precisely aiming at the target center.

The operator identifies the target through video and uses the control terminal to aim the crosshair near the center of the target. The system control unit then executes the "Center Aim" command to steer the FSM so that the center of the target and the center of the aiming crosshair align.

The laser generator is operated at the desired point to direct the laser beam toward the target aiming point.

FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining that a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention operates in a target vulnerable part automatic aiming mode.

After target identification, when the operator selects the target type, information on the vulnerability of each target type is immediately transmitted to the FSM, and the FSM angle is automatically adjusted to aim at one of the vulnerability areas, thereby ensuring that the SWIR image and laser spot position are aimed at the target's vulnerability area.

The operator identifies the target type through the video and selects the appropriate target type from the system control unit. The target type and vulnerable areas are transmitted through the signal processing unit, and the FSM automatically steers the aiming crosshairs so that they align with the target's vulnerable area. The laser generator is activated at the desired point to emit a laser beam.

The steering mirror unit can operate in a target vulnerable part automatic aiming mode to irradiate a first laser beam or a second laser beam to a vulnerable part of a target depending on the type of target in response to a signal input from a control terminal.

When the steering mirror unit operates in the target vulnerable part automatic targeting mode, it can operate in any one of the following modes: a target drive unit targeting mode that targets the target's drive part, a target engine targeting mode that targets the target's engine, a target fuel tank targeting mode that targets the target's fuel tank, a target pilot targeting mode that targets the location of personnel on board the target, or a target structure targeting mode that targets transports or attack weapons mounted on the target.

According to the present invention, the laser target designation device may further include an artificial intelligence-based processing unit (not shown).

The artificial intelligence-based processing unit can accurately identify a specific object or part of an object within an image using an image generated by the image conversion unit or image display unit using object detection or segmentation.

The AI-based processing unit may utilize a neural network trained using a training data set that includes, but is not limited to, various images of aircraft, ships, helicopters, armored vehicles, etc., and images labeled with specific parts of the moving parts, engines, fuel tanks, personnel positions, transports, or attack weapons.

The AI-based processing unit can identify an object from an image generated by the image conversion unit or the image display unit, and identify at least one vulnerable part (a drive unit, an engine, a fuel tank, a position for personnel to board, a transport object, or an attack weapon) corresponding to the identified object. Furthermore, the AI-based processing unit can omit the operation of identifying the object in response to user input. The AI-based processing unit can control the steering mirror unit to direct a laser beam toward the vulnerable part.

The artificial intelligence-based processing unit can control the steering mirror unit to operate in fighter response mode if the target is a fighter jet.

The fighter response mode can be a mode that operates in the following order: target pilot targeting mode, target drive targeting mode, target engine targeting mode, target fuel tank targeting mode, and target structure targeting mode.

In the case of fighters, the pilot plays the most important role in target operation, so targeting the pilot is the most efficient way to disable the fighter's operational capabilities, so it can be operated in target pilot targeting mode first.

The artificial intelligence-based processing unit can control the steering mirror unit to operate in helicopter response mode if the target is a helicopter.

The helicopter response mode may be a mode that operates in the following order: target drive unit targeting mode, target pilot targeting mode, target engine targeting mode, target fuel tank targeting mode, and target structure targeting mode.

In the case of helicopters, the drivetrain (e.g., rotor or propeller) plays a crucial role in basic flight ability, so by attacking the drivetrain of the helicopter first, the movement of the helicopter can be restricted, making later targeting and attack easier.

The artificial intelligence-based processing unit can control the steering mirror unit to operate in armored vehicle response mode when the target is an armored vehicle.

The armored vehicle response mode can be a mode that operates in the following order: target engine targeting mode, target drive targeting mode, target fuel tank targeting mode, target pilot targeting mode, and target structure targeting mode.

In the case of armored vehicles, the engine plays a crucial role in their mobility, so by attacking the engine of the armored vehicle first, the movement of the armored vehicle can be restricted, making later targeting and attacks easier.

The artificial intelligence-based processing unit can control the steering mirror unit to operate in ship response mode when the target is a ship.

The ship response mode may be a mode that operates in the following order: target structure targeting mode, target engine targeting mode, target drive unit targeting mode, target pilot targeting mode, and target fuel tank targeting mode.

For ships, the offensive weapons, structures, and cargo they carry are important and often numerous, so prioritize attacking the target's structures. Furthermore, attacking a ship's fuel tanks can cause environmental pollution, unexpectedly wide-ranging destruction, or even friendly fire. Therefore, targeting fuel tanks can be performed last.

FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an optical filter unit of a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The optical filter unit can filter a laser beam reflected from the outside through the steering mirror unit and transmit it to the image conversion unit.

The optical filter unit may include at least one of a first optical filter configured to transmit only a first wavelength band, a second optical filter configured to transmit only a second wavelength band, a third optical filter configured to transmit only the first and second wavelength bands, and a full transmission region configured to transmit all wavelength bands.

The optical filter unit can allow a laser beam reflected from the outside and returned according to a control signal of a control terminal to be input to an image conversion unit through any one of the first optical filter, the second optical filter, the third optical filter, and the entire transmission area.

By applying an optical filter to a SWIR detector with a spectral response range of 0.9 to 1.8 ㎛, an operator can selectively apply a desired wavelength band to obtain an image.

FIGS. 7 to 10 are drawings for explaining that a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention performs synchronization using an LRF reception signal.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a case where both the laser generator and the laser illuminator are synchronized using an LRF reception signal.

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a case where the laser illuminator performs synchronization using an LRF reception signal, but the laser generator does not perform synchronization. In this case, a delay time is reflected in the laser generator.

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a case where the laser generator performs synchronization using an LRF reception signal, but the laser illuminator does not perform synchronization. In this case, a delay time is reflected in the laser illuminator.

Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where neither the laser generator nor the laser illuminator are synchronized. In this case, a delay time is reflected in the synchronization resulting from a time difference due to the target distance.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining operations performed in a laser target designation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Although FIG. 11 describes each process as being executed sequentially, this is merely an example, and those skilled in the art may modify and apply various modifications and variations, such as changing the order described in FIG. 11, executing one or more processes in parallel, or adding other processes, without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention discloses a method for aiming a laser target designator using a high-speed steering mirror. Through the present invention, the target aiming precision of the laser illuminator beam is improved and target identification can be enhanced in operating environments such as night and bad weather through manual/automatic control of the 'Fast Steering Mirror (FSM)' with electronic signals, aiming error correction using an 'external vibration compensation optical system', target location confirmation assistance during bad weather and night operations using a 'laser illuminator', and selective image spectrum confirmation function using a 'SWIR detector and optical filter'.

By applying the present invention, the FSM is electronically controlled using an electronic control device such as a joystick to aim at a target, enabling rapid and precise aiming. Furthermore, a vibration compensation lens is applied to compensate for any aiming errors that may occur between users, thereby eliminating any deviation in aiming errors between users.

Furthermore, after confirming the target through the video display, the target can be manually aimed or a specific location can be locked on using an electronic control device such as a joystick. This allows the target to be tracked within the SWIR sensor's field of view, and the FSM can be automatically controlled to stably irradiate the laser beam on the target. Furthermore, depending on the target type, the target's vulnerable points can be automatically identified and aimed at, and the target's center can be automatically aimed by automatically calculating the target's surface area characteristics.

Additionally, by installing an illumination laser, the target's approximate location can be visually identified and targeted, even in inclement weather or at night. Furthermore, the aiming field of view can be more clearly secured in the absence or malfunction of thermal imaging equipment or in inclement weather.

In addition, by applying a SWIR detector and an optical filter together, the user can select and view the spectral wavelength of the desired band, such as spectral response ranges of 1㎛, 1.5㎛, 1.0㎛, and 1.5㎛, and full transmission, thereby enabling selection of a spectrum suitable for the usage environment and target characteristics.

In addition, by applying an external vibration compensation optical system, aiming errors caused by external environmental factors such as operator hand shake, wind, and vibration can be corrected, thereby reducing the deviation in aiming accuracy depending on the operator and the external environment and improving aiming accuracy.

Furthermore, SWIR sensors typically operate at frequencies exceeding several tens of Hz, and when the laser generator and laser illuminator operate in pulses, the SWIR sensor displays a laser beam as a discontinuous laser spot. Actively synchronizing the laser signal received by the LRF receiving sensor with the SWIR allows for continuous display of the laser beam, while desynchronization through a time delay allows for the laser beam to not be displayed.

Even though all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention described above are described as being combined as one or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all of the components may be selectively combined and operated one or more times. In addition, although all of the components may be implemented as individual independent hardware, some or all of the components may be selectively combined and implemented as a computer program having program modules that perform some or all of the functions of the combined hardware in one or more pieces. In addition, such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable medium such as a USB memory, a CD disk, or a flash memory, and read and executed by a computer, thereby implementing the embodiments of the present invention. The recording medium of the computer program may include a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, etc.

The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, changes, and substitutions may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention and the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

10: Laser target designation system
100: Laser target designation device
200: Control terminal

Claims (14)

In a laser target designation device,
A laser generating unit that outputs a first laser beam of a first wavelength band in a pulse form;
A laser illumination unit that outputs a second laser beam of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band in a pulse or continuous form;
A steering mirror unit that aims and reflects the first laser beam or the second laser beam toward a target located outside the laser target designation device in response to a control signal received from a control terminal located outside the laser target designation device; and
An image conversion unit that receives a laser beam reflected from the outside and returns from the steering mirror unit and converts the detected data into an image;
A laser target designation device characterized in that the steering mirror unit operates in a target center aiming mode so that the first laser beam or the second laser beam is irradiated toward the center of the target in response to a signal input from the control terminal. In the first paragraph,
The above steering mirror part,
A laser target designation device characterized in that it operates in a manual steering mode that performs angle adjustment in response to a signal input from the above control terminal. In the first paragraph,
The above steering mirror part,
A laser target designation device characterized in that it operates in a guided tracking mode that aims at the target in response to a signal input from the control terminal and automatically tracks the target in response to the movement of the target so that the first laser beam or the second laser beam aims at the target. delete In the first paragraph,
The above steering mirror part,
A laser target designation device characterized in that it operates in a target vulnerable part automatic aiming mode so that the first laser beam or the second laser beam is irradiated to the vulnerable part of the target according to the type of the target in response to a signal input from the control terminal. In paragraph 5,
The above steering mirror part,
When operating in the above target vulnerable area auto-aim mode,
A laser target designation device characterized in that it operates in any one of a target drive unit targeting mode for targeting the drive unit of the target, a target engine targeting mode for targeting the engine of the target, a target fuel tank targeting mode for targeting the fuel tank of the target, a target pilot targeting mode for targeting the location of a person on board the target, or a target structure targeting mode for targeting a transport or attack weapon mounted on the target. In the first paragraph,
It further includes an optical filter unit that filters the laser beam reflected from the outside through the steering mirror unit and transmits it to the image conversion unit;
The above optical filter part,
A first optical filter provided so that only the first wavelength band can be transmitted;
A second optical filter provided so that only the second wavelength band can be transmitted;
A third optical filter provided so that only the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band can be transmitted; and
A laser target designation device characterized by including a full transmission area provided so that all wavelength bands are transmittable. In paragraph 7,
The above optical filter part,
A laser target designation device characterized in that a laser beam reflected from the outside and returned according to a control signal of the control terminal is input to the image conversion unit through any one of the first optical filter, the second optical filter, the third optical filter, and the entire transmission area. In the first paragraph,
A laser target designation device, characterized in that it further includes a dichroic mirror through which the first laser beam is transmitted and which reflects the second laser beam and transmits it to the steering mirror unit. In the first paragraph,
A laser target designation device, characterized in that it further comprises a hole through which the first laser beam or the second laser beam passes and is directed to the steering mirror unit, and a hole reflection mirror including a reflection surface around the hole to transmit the laser beam or the light spectrum of the target reflected from the outside through the reflection surface to the image conversion unit. In the first paragraph,
A laser target designation device, characterized in that it further includes a vibration compensation unit that includes a lens positioned to be movable and compensates for shaking of the laser target designation device by moving the lens in response to movement of the laser target designation device. A control terminal that transmits a control signal according to the user's operation; and
A laser target designation device comprising a laser generating unit that outputs a first laser beam of a first wavelength band in a pulse form, a laser illuminating unit that outputs a second laser beam of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band in a pulse or continuous form, a steering mirror unit that aims and reflects the first laser beam or the second laser beam toward a target located outside the laser target designation device in response to a control signal received from the control terminal, and an image conversion unit that receives a laser beam reflected from the outside and returns from the steering mirror unit and converts the detected data into an image;
A laser target designation system characterized in that the steering mirror unit operates in a target vulnerable part automatic aiming mode so that the first laser beam or the second laser beam is irradiated to the vulnerable part of the target according to the type of the target in response to a signal input from the control terminal. delete In paragraph 12,
The above steering mirror part,
When operating in the above target vulnerable area auto-aim mode,
A laser target designation system characterized in that it operates in any one of a target drive unit targeting mode for targeting the drive unit of the target, a target engine targeting mode for targeting the engine of the target, a target fuel tank targeting mode for targeting the fuel tank of the target, a target pilot targeting mode for targeting the location of a person on board the target, or a target structure targeting mode for targeting a transport or attack weapon mounted on the target.