Technical Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device. In particular  the device according to the invention makes it possible to substantially collimate a target radiant energy from a radiant energy source  and transmit a collimated radiant energy carrying encoded data packets along an optical axis in a controlled manner.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Optical assemblies like collimators have been employed with apparatus either in combination with a detector for the purpose of focusing of a radiant energy source  or in combination with the radiant energy source directly to provide a defined radiation beam as produced from the radiant energy source.

[0003] In one of conventional radiation transmission system  utilization of a relatively strong source shielded by a container having a single collimating hole have been employed in a human unoccupied area for long distance signaling. One usual manner of assuring sufficient radiation intensity level in such systems is to provide strong radiation source. A stronger source is not the preferred solution. The provision of an energy source  which when collimated  should be a low intensity source for safety purpose and should yet provides a beam of sufficient strength to be easily detected at long transmission distance.

[0004] In some firearm combat simulation system a laser signal and a radio signal are simultaneously sent towards the target  such known systems are difficult to operate and prone to interference because of multiple signal transmission during communication operation.

[0005] In traditional firearm combat simulation systems  when the simulator is fired  and one observes how the hit falls on the target in relation to the direction of the firing of the weapon. If there is any deviation  the direction of the firing of the simulator is adjusted by means of an adjustment device built into the simulator  until the weapon and simulators are co-aligned. But the adjustment device used in such systems are quite complex and therefore poses a lot of mechanical hindrances.

[0006] Therefore  there exists a need for an optical assembly which would overcome these and other shortcomings or at least ameliorate shortcomings associated with the conventional systems  and could be adapted for outputting a collimated radiant energy carrying an encoded data packets along an optical axis  at a desired apparent distance.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[0007] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an optical assembly which would provide a small  controlled  collimated radiant energy carrying encoded data packets towards an optical axis.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to simultaneously train multiple individuals in the use of firearms while the present invention is employed in a combat firearm training simulation.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive and less complex optical assembly which would provide collimated radiant energy carrying the encoded data packets in a controlled manner.

[0010] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an optical assembly with simple means to align its optical axis with the sight axis of the weapon on which it’s mounted.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention  an optical assembly adapted for outputting a collimated radiant energy carrying a plurality of message data packets along an optical axis at a desired apparent distance includes a tubular mechanical construct having a first portion with one or more sleeves along a first alignment axis  and the one or more sleeves along a second alignment axis  and a second portion of a predefined tubular shape and dimension protruding from an end of the first portion.

[0012] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly includes a radiant energy source positioned and configured inside the second portion along the optical axis of the tubular mechanical construct for emanating the collimated radiant energy along the optical axis.

[0013] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly includes a set of means mechanically coupling the radiant energy source to restrain the position and configuration of the radiant energy source therein.

[0014] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly includes a holder means spatially disposed within the second portion for holding at least one optically aligned collimating element.
According to the first aspect  the optical assembly includes a first means mechanically coupling the holder means to restrain the holder means along the optical axis of the tubular mechanical construct.

[0015] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly includes a second means mechanically coupling the at least one optically aligned collimating element positioned in the holder means for restraining the position and configuration of the at least one optically aligned collimating element therein.

[0016] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly further includes means acting as a pivotal joint for the tubular mechanical construct  and producing an angular movement thereof along the first alignment axis and the second alignment axis relative to a sight axis.

[0017] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly further includes an adjuster assembly providing the angular movement to the optical assembly along a first alignment axis and a second alignment axis relative to the sight axis.
[0018] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly further includes means for modulating the emanated radiant energy from the radiant energy source thereby enabling the collimated radiant energy to carry the plurality of message data packets.
[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention  a method for outputting a collimated radiant energy carrying a plurality of message data packets along an optical axis at a desired apparent distance using an optical assembly includes the step of actuating  a radiant energy source housed in the optical assembly  the step of actuation enabling the radiant energy source to emanate a target radiant energy along the optical axis.

[0020] According to the second aspect  the method includes the step of modulating  the target radiant energy from the radiant energy source for transmission of a plurality of message data packets along the optical axis at the desired apparent distance.

[0021] According to the second aspect  the method includes the step of converting  the target radiant energy into the collimated radiant energy by means of at least one optically aligned collimating element placed in a holder means spatially disposed inside the optical assembly.

[0022] According to the second aspect  the method includes the step of regulating  angular movement of the optical assembly along at least one of: a first alignment axis; and a second alignment axis by means of an adjuster assembly to co-align the collimated radiant energy along the optical axis with a sight axis.

[0023] According to the second aspect  the method includes the step of illuminating  a targeted subject with the collimated radiant energy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] The above and other features  aspects and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description  appended claims  and accompanying drawings where:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a representation of an exploded isometric view of an optical assembly with an adjuster assembly  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a representation of an exploded isometric view of an adjuster assembly employed with an optical assembly of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3a is a diagram illustrating sectional isometric view of an assembled optical assembly along with the adjuster assembly  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3b is a diagram illustrating plain isometric view of an assembled optical assembly along with the adjuster assembly  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a representation of an isometric view of an apparatus housing an optical assembly of FIG. 1 in an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a flow chart representation of a method adapted for outputting a collimated radiant energy carrying multiple message data packets along an optical axis at a desired apparent distance using an optical assembly of FIG. 1.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0031] The invention  accordingly  comprises the apparatus and method possessing the construction  combination of the elements  arrangement of parts  and steps which are exemplified in the following detailed description.

[0032] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention  reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards an optical assembly and method adapted for outputting a collimated radiant energy along an optical axis at a desired apparent distance.

[0034] According to a first aspect of the present invention  an optical assembly adapted for outputting a collimated radiant energy carrying a plurality of message data packets along an optical axis at a desired apparent distance includes a tubular mechanical construct having a first portion with one or more sleeves along a first alignment axis  and the one or more sleeves along a second alignment axis  and a second portion of a predefined tubular shape and dimension protruding from an end of the first portion.

[0035] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly includes a radiant energy source positioned and configured inside the second portion along the optical axis of the tubular mechanical construct for emanating the collimated radiant energy along the optical axis.

[0036] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly includes a set of means mechanically coupling the radiant energy source to restrain the position and configuration of the radiant energy source therein. The set of means comprising one or more spacer  and one or more locking nut.

[0037] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly includes a holder means spatially disposed within the second portion for holding at least one optically aligned collimating element.

[0038] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly includes a first means mechanically coupling the holder means to restrain the holder means along the optical axis of the tubular mechanical construct. The first means comprising one or more chuck nut.

[0039] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly includes a second means mechanically coupling the at least one optically aligned collimating element positioned in the holder means for restraining the position and configuration of the at least one optically aligned collimating element therein. The second means comprising one or more locking nut.

[0040] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly further includes means acting as a pivotal joint for the tubular mechanical construct  and producing an angular movement thereof along the first alignment axis and the second alignment axis relative to a sight axis.

[0041] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly further includes an adjuster assembly providing the angular movement to the optical assembly along a first alignment axis and a second alignment axis relative to the sight axis.

[0042] According to the first aspect  the adjuster assembly includes a first gear shaft assembly  with threading  secured to a member with a first fastening means  the first gear shaft assembly upon rotation providing the angular movement to the tubular mechanical construct along the first alignment axis.

[0043] According to the first aspect  the adjuster assembly includes a second gear shaft assembly  with threading  secured to the member with a second fastening means  the second gear shaft assembly upon rotation providing the angular movement to the tubular mechanical construct along the second alignment axis. The first fastening means and the second fastening means comprising a nut. The first fastening means and the second fastening means locks to the first gear shaft assembly and the second gear shaft assembly respectively by an interlocking means.

[0044] According to the first aspect  the adjuster assembly includes a first bush with inner threading for securing the first gear shaft at one or more sleeves present along the first alignment axis.

[0045] According to the first aspect  the adjuster assembly includes a second bush with inner threading for securing the second gear shaft at one or more sleeves present along the second alignment axis. The inner threading of the first bush and the second bush facilitating movement of the first shaft assembly and the second shaft assembly along the first alignment axis and the second alignment axis respectively.

[0046] According to the first aspect  the adjuster assembly includes a first pin guided through the member for establishing a coupling relationship with the gear of the first gear shaft assembly.

[0047] According to the first aspect  the adjuster assembly includes a second pin guided through the member for establishing the coupling relationship with the gear of the second gear shaft assembly.
[0048] According to the first aspect  the optical assembly further includes means for modulating the emanated radiant energy from the radiant energy source thereby enabling the collimated radiant energy to carry the plurality of message data packets.
[0049] According to a second aspect of the present invention  a method for outputting a collimated radiant energy carrying a plurality of message data packets along an optical axis at a desired apparent distance using an optical assembly includes the step of actuating  a radiant energy source housed in the optical assembly  the step of actuation enabling the radiant energy source to emanate a target radiant energy along the optical axis.

[0050] According to the second aspect  the method includes the step of modulating  the target radiant energy from the radiant energy source for transmission of a plurality of message data packets along the optical axis at the desired apparent distance.

[0051] According to the second aspect  the method includes the step of converting  the target radiant energy into the collimated radiant energy by means of at least one optically aligned collimating element placed in a holder means spatially disposed inside the optical assembly.

[0052] According to the second aspect  the method includes the step of regulating  angular movement of the optical assembly along at least one of: a first alignment axis; and a second alignment axis by means of an adjuster assembly to co-align the collimated radiant energy along the optical axis with a sight axis.

[0053] According to the second aspect  the method includes the step of illuminating  a targeted subject with the collimated radiant energy.

[0054] Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals represent like components  an exploded isometric view of an optical assembly with an adjuster assembly  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG.1. The optical assembly of 100 includes a tubular mechanical construct 102  a radiant energy source 106  a set of means 108a  108b  a holder means 110  a first means 114a  a second means 114b.

[0055] The tubular mechanical construct 102 in accordance with the preferred embodiment consists of a first portion 102a and a second portion 102b. The first portion 102a consists of multiple sleeves 104a  104b along a first alignment axis  and a second alignment axis. The second portion 102b of the tubular mechanical construct 102 protrudes from an end of the first portion 102a and is of a predefined tubular shape and dimension.

[0056] The radiant energy source 106 is positioned and configured inside the second portion 102b along an optical axis of the tubular mechanical construct 102. The radiant energy source 106 emanates the collimated radiant energy along the optical axis. The radiant energy source 106 could preferably include but not by the way of any limitation an infrared radiation source  a laser source of a predefined wavelength.

[0057] The set of means 108a  108b are in general employed to form mechanical coupling with the radiant energy source 106 so as to restrain the position and configuration of the radiant energy source 106 therein in the second portion 102b. The set of means 108a  108b preferably includes a spacer 108a  and a locking nut 108b  however it will readily be apparent to the person skilled in the art to employ other mechanical means which would easily restrain the position and configuration of the radiant energy source 106 inside the second portion 102b without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0058] The holder means 110 is spatially disposed within the second portion 102b for holding one or more optically aligned collimating element 112. The collimating element 112 is preferably a lens of an appropriate make  and focal length. The collimating element 112 is optically aligned to produce a focused radiation directed towards the optical axis from a radiation arriving from the radiant energy source 106.

[0059] The first means 114a forms mechanical coupling with the holder means 110 to restrain the holder means 110 along the optical axis of the tubular mechanical construct 102. The first means 114a preferably includes a locking nut 114a  however it will readily be apparent to the person skilled in the art to employ other mechanical means which would easily restrain the position and configuration of the holder means 110 inside the second portion 102b without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0060] The second means 114b forms mechanical coupling with an optically aligned collimating element 112 positioned in the holder means 110 for restraining the position and configuration of the optically aligned collimating element 112. The second means 114b preferably includes but not limited to the use of a chuck nut 114b  which would readily be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

[0061] There further exists means 118 acting as a pivotal joint for the tubular mechanical construct 102 which produces an angular movement thereof along the first alignment axis and the second alignment axis relative to a sight axis.

[0062] The adjuster assembly 116 includes multiple gear shaft assemblies  multiple bushes and pins as shown. The use and construction details of adjuster assembly will be discussed in detail in conjunction to FIG.2.

[0063] The adjuster assembly 116 employed with an optical assembly of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a first gear shaft assembly 202a  a second gear shaft assembly 202b  a first bush 204a  a second bush 204b  a member 206  a first pin 208a  and a second pin 208b as major components.

[0064] The first gear shaft assembly 202a includes threading along the longitudinal length thereof. The first gear shaft assembly 202a is guided through a pair of coaxial holes and is secured to the member 206 with a first fastening means 210a. The first gear shaft assembly 202a upon rotation provides an angular movement to the tubular mechanical construct 212 along the first alignment axis. The first fastening means preferably includes but not limited to a nut. The first fastening means 210a locks to the first gear shaft assembly 202a by an interlocking means (not shown). The interlocking means preferably include but not limited to glue  a fastening pin and the like.

[0065] The second gear shaft assembly 202b also includes threading along the longitudinal length thereof. The second gear shaft assembly 202b is guided through a pair of coaxial holes in the member 206 along second alignment axis and is secured to the member 206 with a second fastening means 210b. The second gear shaft assembly 202b upon rotation provides an angular movement to the tubular mechanical construct 212 along the second alignment axis. The second fastening means preferably includes but not limited to a nut. The second fastening means 210b locks to the second gear shaft assembly 202b by the interlocking means (not shown). The interlocking means preferably include but not limited to glue  a fastening pin and the like.

[0066] The first bush 204a and the second bush 204ba are guided inside the sleeves 104a  104b respectively along a first alignment axis  and a second alignment axis. The first bush 204a and second bush 204b have a central threaded opening to couple with the first gear shaft 202a and the second gear shaft 202b as is also shown in FIG. 3a-FIG.3b.

[0067] The first pin 208a is guided through the member 206 for establishing a coupling relationship with the gear of the first gear shaft 202a assembly. The second pin 208b is guided through the member 206 for establishing the coupling relationship with the gear of the second gear shaft assembly 202b.

[0068] FIG.3a - FIG. 3b are diagrams 300 depicting a sectional isometric view and a plain isometric view of assembled optical assembly along with the adjuster assembly  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The components a tubular mechanical construct 302  a radiant energy source 304  a set of means 306a  306b  a holder means 308  a first means 310a  a second means 310b  an adjuster assembly 312 having a first gear shaft assembly 314a  a second gear shaft assembly 314b  a first bush 316a  a second bush 316b  a member 318  a first pin and a second pin (not shown) are similar to  and provide similar functionality as  the corresponding components depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG.2.

[0069] Reference is now made to FIG. 4 wherein there is shown an apparatus housing an optical assembly of the present invention. The apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment is used in a firearm combat simulation system. The apparatus is preferably positioned near aiming sight of the firearms used by combatants. The apparatus is mechanically constructed to house a power source assembly 402  multiple light indicators 410a  410b  a trigger connector 406  a radiant energy sensing means 408  a modulation means (not shown) mounted in an electronic printed circuit board  and an optical assembly 404 of the present invention.

[0070] The power source assembly 402 houses a power source preferably a battery. The multiple light indicators 410a  410b indicate an on and off states of the apparatus 400. The trigger connector 406 receives connection from the trigger unit associated with the firearm of combatants. The trigger unit once triggered by the combatant activates a radiant energy source inside the optical assembly 404 to generate a target radiant energy along an optical axis of the optical assembly 404. The radiant energy source in accordance with the preferred embodiment includes a laser source with a predefined wavelength such as to output a collimated radiant energy directed towards a desired apparent distance of about 2 kms (by the way of an example). However  a person skilled in the art would readily understand use of variable type of radiant energy source with varying wavelength would cause the distance between the radiant energy source and the collimating element of the optical assembly to change effecting desired apparent distance.

[0071] The target radiant energy is then modulated by a predefined modulation mechanism using a modulation means mounted in the electronic printed circuit board housed in the apparatus 400. The modulation mechanism preferably includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) and the like. The modulation mechanism generates encoded data packets. The collimating element held in a holder means of the optical assembly 404 collimates the modulated target radiant energy carrying the data packets towards a targeted subject  preferably another combatant. The collimated element preferably includes a cemented lens of a predefined focal length.

[0072] Further  the adjuster assembly coupled to the optical assembly 404 can be regulated to align the collimated radiant energy along the optical axis with a sight axis.

[0073] FIG. 5 depicts a flow chart representation of a method adapted for outputting a collimated radiant energy carrying multiple message data packets along an optical axis at a desired apparent distance using an optical assembly of FIG. 1.

[0074] The depicted method begins at step 502 with actuation of a radiant energy source housed in an optical assembly of the present invention. The actuation enables the radiant energy source to emanate a target radiant energy along an optical axis. The radiant energy source preferably includes but not limited to infrared energy source  a laser energy source and the like. The actuation of the radiant energy source occurs on transmission of a trigger event from the trigger unit to a trigger connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0075] At step 504 modulation of the target radiant energy is depicted where the target radiant energy is modulated with a predefined modulation mechanism in order to encode and transmit data packets with the target radiant energy towards a targeted subject. The modulation could include preferably but limited to pulse width modulation (PWM). The encode data packets preferably includes a predefined message.

[0076] At step 506 conversion of the modulated target radiant energy into a collimated radiant energy takes place. The conversion of the modulated target radiant energy into the collimated radiant energy takes place by means of an optically aligned collimating element placed in a holder means spatially disposed inside the optical assembly of the present invention.

[0077] At step 508 regulation of angular movement of a tubular mechanical construct along a first alignment axis and a second alignment axis is depicted. The regulation co-aligns the collimated radiant energy carrying encoded data packets along a sight axis. The regulation is achieved by means of an adjuster assembly.

[0078] Finally  step 510 depicts illumination of a targeted subject with the collimated radiant energy from the optical assembly. The illumination of the targeted subject is guided by the adjuster assembly as discussed in the step 508. The adjuster assembly assists in emanating a narrower and controlled radiation carrying the encoded data packets on the targeted subject and corrects the alignment of illumination with the sight axis.

[0079] It should be readily understood that though the present invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred embodiments or application. The embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a disclosure of the invention  such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting.

CLAIMS
What is claimed is
1. An optical assembly adapted for outputting a collimated radiant energy carrying a plurality of message data packets along an optical axis at a desired apparent distance  comprising:

a tubular mechanical construct having

a first portion with one or more sleeves along a first alignment axis  and the one or more sleeves along a second alignment axis  and

a second portion of a predefined tubular shape and dimension protruding from an end of the first portion;

a radiant energy source positioned and configured inside the second portion along the optical axis of the tubular mechanical construct for emanating the collimated radiant energy along the optical axis;

a set of means mechanically coupling the radiant energy source to restrain the position and configuration of the radiant energy source therein;

a holder means spatially disposed within the second portion for holding at least one optically aligned collimating element;

a first means mechanically coupling the holder means to restrain the holder means along the optical axis of the tubular mechanical construct; and

a second means mechanically coupling the at least one optically aligned collimating element positioned in the holder means for restraining the position and configuration of the at least one optically aligned collimating element therein.

2. The optical assembly of claim 1 further comprising means acting as a pivotal joint for the tubular mechanical construct  and producing an angular movement thereof along the first alignment axis and the second alignment axis relative to a sight axis.

3. The optical assembly of claim 1 further comprising an adjuster assembly providing the angular movement to the optical assembly along a first alignment axis and a second alignment axis relative to the sight axis.

4. The optical assembly of claim 1  wherein the adjuster assembly comprising:

a first gear shaft assembly  with threading  secured to a member with a first fastening means  the first gear shaft assembly upon rotation providing the angular movement to the tubular mechanical construct along the first alignment axis;

a second gear shaft assembly  with threading  secured to the member with a second fastening means  the second gear shaft assembly upon rotation providing the angular movement to the tubular mechanical construct along the second alignment axis;

a first bush with inner threading for securing the first gear shaft at one or more sleeves present along the first alignment axis;

a second bush with inner threading for securing the second gear shaft at one or more sleeves present along the second alignment axis;

a first pin guided through the member for establishing a coupling relationship with the gear of the first gear shaft assembly; and

a second pin guided through the member for establishing the coupling relationship with the gear of the second gear shaft assembly.

5. The optical assembly of claim 4  wherein the first fastening means and the second fastening means comprising a nut.

6. The optical assembly of claim 4  wherein the first fastening means and the second fastening means locks to the first gear shaft assembly and the second gear shaft assembly respectively by an interlocking means.

7. The optical assembly of claim 4  wherein the inner threading of the first bush and the second bush facilitating movement of the first shaft assembly and the second shaft assembly along the first alignment axis and the second alignment axis respectively.

8. The optical assembly of claim 1  wherein the set of means comprising one or more spacer  and one or more locking nut.

9. The optical assembly of claim 1  wherein the first means comprising one or more chuck nut.

10. The optical assembly of claim 1  wherein the second means comprising one or more locking nut.

11. The optical assembly of claim 1 further comprising means for modulating the emanated radiant energy from the radiant energy source thereby enabling the collimated radiant energy to carry the plurality of message data packets.
12. A method for outputting a collimated radiant energy carrying a plurality of message data packets along an optical axis at a desired apparent distance using an optical assembly  comprising the steps of:

actuating  a radiant energy source housed in the optical assembly  the step of actuation enabling the radiant energy source to emanate a target radiant energy along the optical axis;

modulating  the target radiant energy from the radiant energy source for transmission of the plurality of message data packets along the optical axis;

converting  the target radiant energy into the collimated radiant energy by means of at least one optically aligned collimating element placed in a holder means spatially disposed inside the optical assembly;

regulating  angular movement of the optical assembly along at least one of: a first alignment axis; and a second alignment axis by means of an adjuster assembly to co-align the collimated radiant energy along the optical axis with a sight axis; and

illuminating  a targeted subject with the collimated radiant energy.

13. The method of claim 12  wherein the adjuster assembly comprising:

a first gear shaft assembly  with threading  secured to a member with a first fastening means  the first gear shaft assembly upon rotation providing the angular movement to the optical assembly along the first alignment axis;

a second gear shaft assembly  with threading  secured to the member with a second fastening means  the second gear shaft assembly upon rotation providing the angular movement to the optical assembly along the second alignment axis;

a first bush with inner threading for securing the first gear shaft at one or more sleeves present along the first alignment axis;

a second bush with inner threading for securing the second gear shaft at one or more sleeves present along the second alignment axis;

a first pin guided through the member for establishing a coupling relationship with the gear of the first gear shaft assembly; and

a second pin guided through the member for establishing the coupling relationship with the gear of the second gear shaft assembly.