Spray gun and its operating method for painting simulation

Abstract

A spray gun and a method of operation thereof are disclosed, which can precisely predict a spray pattern and film formation by adjusting the amount of paint sprayed according to trigger pressure and analyzing the flow characteristics of the nozzle tip based on fluid analysis. A spray gun according to one embodiment may include a trigger that adjusts the amount of paint sprayed according to applied pressure; a nozzle tip that sprays paint by operating the trigger; a tracking module that checks the position of a tracking marker of a painting simulation device; and a communication unit that communicates with the painting simulation device.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spray gun and a method of operation thereof that can control the amount of paint sprayed according to trigger pressure and precisely predict the spray pattern and film formation by analyzing the flow characteristics of the nozzle tip based on fluid analysis. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional painting training methods required a waiting period to check film thickness and paint defects, and once painted, teaching materials (workpieces) were difficult to reuse, limiting continuous and repetitive training. Consequently, problems arose such as reduced training efficiency and increased costs for actual paint consumption and replacement of teaching materials.

[0003] To address these issues, a painting simulator utilizing VR technology and a flat screen has been developed; however, VR goggle-based systems have limitations, such as the difficulty in accurately perceiving the actual distance between the workpiece and the spray gun in a virtual space, and the potential for side effects like dizziness or vomiting when worn for extended periods. Additionally, while the flat screen method is applicable to training on flat structures, there are structural limitations in fully realizing curves and three-dimensional shapes, such as those of actual ship components. The problem to be solved

[0004] The purpose is to provide a spray gun and a method of operation thereof that can control the amount of paint sprayed according to trigger pressure and precisely predict the spray pattern and film formation by analyzing the flow characteristics of the nozzle tip based on fluid analysis. means of solving the problem

[0005] According to one aspect, the spray gun may include a trigger that controls the amount of paint sprayed according to the applied pressure; a nozzle tip that sprays paint by the operation of the trigger; a tracking module that checks the position of a tracking marker of a painting simulation device; and a communication unit that communicates with the painting simulation device.

[0006] The tracking module recognizes the position of the tracking marker and can calculate the 3D position and attitude of the spray gun based on the position of the tracking marker.

[0007] The tracking marker may include at least one infrared LED.

[0008] The tracking module includes a tracking camera for capturing an infrared signal of at least one infrared LED, and can recognize the position of a tracking marker through the infrared signal of the infrared LED recognized by the tracking camera.

[0009] The tracking module may include a trigger switch that recognizes user actions for the start and end of spray dispensing.

[0010] The tracking module can generate spray information by calculating at least one of the spray distance, spray angle, spray speed, spray pressure, and discharge volume based on information regarding spray injection and termination recognized through the trigger switch.

[0011] A paint simulation device may include: a workpiece having a predetermined structure in which a virtual paint color is realized by receiving light; a laser projector that creates a paint by irradiating light onto the workpiece; a communication unit that communicates with a spray gun; a tracking marker that provides a position tracking reference point for the spray gun; and a central control module that analyzes the paint based on tracking information received from the tracking module of the spray gun and transmits image information to the laser projector.

[0012] According to one aspect, the method of operating a spray gun may include the step of adjusting the amount of paint sprayed according to the pressure applied by a trigger; the step of a nozzle tip spraying paint by the operation of the trigger; the step of a tracking module confirming the position of a tracking marker of a painting simulation device; and the step of communicating with the painting simulation device. Effects of the invention

[0013] According to the present invention, by combining injection volume control based on trigger pressure and flow analysis of the nozzle tip, the injection pattern, velocity distribution, and paint diffusion characteristics can be quantitatively analyzed.

[0014] In addition, fluid model-based spray characteristics can be predicted, which improves the reliability of paint simulations and increases the accuracy of film formation results. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0015] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a spray gun according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an illustrative diagram for explaining the structure of a spray gun according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of a painting simulation device according to one example. Figure 4 is an example diagram illustrating the velocity distribution of a nozzle tip according to one example. Figure 5 is an example diagram illustrating the distribution of paint volume fraction sprayed onto a nozzle tip according to one example. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of a spray gun according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In describing the present invention, specific descriptions of related known functions or configurations will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intentions or conventions of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of a spray gun and its operation method will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a spray gun according to one embodiment.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, the spray gun (100) may include a trigger (110) that controls the amount of paint sprayed according to the applied pressure, a nozzle tip (120) that sprays paint by the operation of the trigger, a tracking module (130) that checks the position of a tracking marker of a painting simulation device, and a communication unit (140) that communicates with the painting simulation device.

[0020] According to one example, a spray gun (100) is a device capable of physically implementing a spraying motion of an operator and simultaneously transmitting the motion to a painting simulation device to implement a virtual painting simulation. The spray gun (100) may include a trigger (110) that controls the amount of paint sprayed according to the applied pressure, a nozzle tip (120) that sprays paint by the operation of the trigger, a tracking module (130) that checks the position of a tracking marker of a painting simulation device, and a communication unit (140) that communicates with the painting simulation device.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, the degree of opening of the trigger (110) can be adjusted according to the pressure applied by the operator, thereby controlling the amount of paint sprayed through the nozzle tip (120). The ON and OFF states of the trigger can be detected by the trigger switch (134), and the start and end times of spraying can be converted into electrical signals and transmitted to the tracking module (130). Through this, the section where actual spraying takes place and the section where simple movement occurs can be distinguished, and the discharge amount according to the spraying time can be calculated.

[0022] For example, the trigger (110) is an operating part that is pulled by the operator's hand and can adjust the amount of paint (sample) sprayed according to the magnitude of the pressure applied by the operator. The trigger (110) can be linked with a mechanical or hydraulic opening structure to change the degree of opening of the internal flow path of the nozzle, and accordingly, the discharge flow rate of the paint can be controlled. When the operator partially pulls the trigger, a small amount of paint can be sprayed, and when it is fully pulled, the paint can be sprayed at a high pressure under a set maximum pressure condition.

[0023] For example, the nozzle tip (120) is a component that sprays paint through a flow path opened by the operation of the trigger (110), and can atomize the paint under high pressure conditions and spray it into the air. The spraying characteristics of the nozzle tip (120) can be analyzed based on items such as injection pattern, velocity distribution, paint volume fraction distribution, fan width, flow rate, and particle loss. To this end, boundary conditions can be set for the nozzle injection area and the nozzle surface, and flow conditions in which the fluid is discharged in the direction of the atmosphere can be applied, taking into account that actual spray gun operation is performed under atmospheric conditions.

[0024] For example, the inlet boundary condition can be set to a pressure of 13 MPa or 45 MPa, and the volume fraction of the paint can be set to 1.0. The outlet boundary condition can be set to 0 MPa, corresponding to atmospheric pressure, and the volume fraction of the paint can be set to 0 to clearly distinguish it from the air region. Additionally, the inner wall of the nozzle can be set as a fixed wall, and the slip condition can be set to a no-slip condition so that the fluid velocity at the wall becomes 0.

[0025] For example, a k-omega SST type turbulence model can be applied to the modeling of viscous fluids. The k-omega SST model is a hybrid two-equation viscosity model that combines the Wilcox k-omega model and the k-epsilon model, in which the Wilcox k-omega model is activated in the region near the wall and the k-epsilon model is activated in the free flow region. By appropriately switching between the two models through the mixing function F1, the flow in the viscous sublayer can be simulated more accurately. Accordingly, the velocity distribution and diffusion characteristics of the paint sprayed from the nozzle tip (120) can be precisely analyzed, and this can be used as basic data to improve the reliability of spray pattern analysis and film formation prediction in painting simulations.

[0026] For example, the tracking module (130) can calculate the three-dimensional position and attitude of the spray gun by recognizing the position of a tracking marker equipped in a painting simulation device. The tracking module (130) may include a tracking camera (132) for recognizing the signal of a tracking marker including an infrared LED, and can calculate position information based on absolute coordinates by converting the recognized image coordinates into spatial coordinates. In addition, the spray angle can be calculated by calculating the nozzle direction vector, and the spray speed can be calculated through the amount of position change over time. Furthermore, spray information can be generated by measuring or calculating at least one of the spray distance, discharge volume, main air pressure, and discharge air pressure.

[0027] For example, the communication unit (140) can transmit location information and spray information generated by the tracking module (130) to the central control module of the painting simulation device. Communication can be performed via wired or wireless means, and through real-time data transmission, the operator's spraying motion can be reflected in the virtual painting result without delay. Accordingly, the spray gun (100) can function as an input interface that goes beyond a simple paint spraying device to precisely measure spraying motions and link them with a simulation system.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the tracking module (130) recognizes the position of a tracking marker and can calculate the three-dimensional position and attitude of the spray gun based on the position of the tracking marker. At this time, the tracking marker may include at least one infrared LED.

[0029] For example, the tracking module (130) includes a tracking camera for capturing an infrared signal of at least one infrared LED, and can recognize the position of a tracking marker through the infrared signal of the infrared LED recognized by the tracking camera.

[0030] According to one example, the tracking module (130) can recognize the position of a tracking marker in real time and calculate the three-dimensional position and attitude of the spray gun based on the position information of the tracking marker. The tracking marker may include at least one infrared LED, and the infrared LED can provide a reference signal that enables stable position recognition while minimizing the influence of external ambient lighting. By using a signal in the infrared region, visible light interference can be reduced, and it can be configured to enable relatively stable detection even with changes in illumination within the working environment.

[0031] For example, the tracking module (130) may include a tracking camera for capturing an infrared signal of at least one infrared LED. The tracking camera may include an image sensor sensitive to the infrared band and may selectively receive only the infrared signal by applying an infrared filter to block visible light components. The tracking camera may acquire the signal emitted from the infrared LED in the form of image data and may calculate the image coordinates of the tracking marker by extracting the center coordinates of the infrared signal from the acquired image data.

[0032] For example, the tracking module (130) can recognize the position of a tracking marker through the infrared signal of an infrared LED recognized by a tracking camera. Specifically, the position information of the infrared signal detected in the image coordinate system can be combined with the camera's internal parameters and installation location information to be converted into three-dimensional coordinates in actual space. Through such spatial coordinate conversion, the absolute coordinates of the tracking marker can be calculated, and the position of the spray gun can be calculated based on this.

[0033] Additionally, the tracking module (130) can calculate the attitude of the spray gun by considering the mechanical arrangement relationship between the tracking marker and the spray gun. For example, when the tracking marker is fixed at a specific position of the spray gun, the position and direction vector of the spray gun nozzle can be calculated using the 3D coordinates of the marker and pre-set offset information. Accordingly, not only the 3D position (X, Y, Z) of the spray gun but also attitude information (roll, pitch, yaw, etc.) corresponding to the spraying direction can be calculated.

[0034] In this way, the tracking module (130) can recognize the signal of a tracking marker including an infrared LED and calculate the position and attitude of the spray gun in real time based on this, and the calculated information can be transmitted to a central control module and used as basic data for paint analysis.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the tracking module (130) may include a trigger switch that recognizes user actions regarding the start and end of spray injection. Through this, the tracking module (130) can generate injection information by calculating at least one of the injection distance, injection angle, injection speed, injection pressure, and discharge amount based on information regarding the spray injection and end recognized through the trigger switch.

[0036] For example, the tracking module (130) may include a trigger switch equipped in the spray gun that recognizes user actions regarding the start and end of spraying. The trigger switch can convert the action of a worker pulling the trigger of the spray gun to perform spraying into an electrical signal, thereby distinguishing between a spraying state (ON) and a non-spraying state (OFF). By receiving the signal from the trigger switch in real time, the tracking module (130) can accurately recognize the section where actual spraying takes place and can distinguish and process movement actions and spraying actions.

[0037] For example, the tracking module (130) can generate spray information by calculating at least one of the spray distance, spray angle, spray speed, spray pressure, and discharge amount based on spray start and end information recognized through the trigger switch. For example, based on the time interval from when the spray start signal is input to when the spray end signal is input, the spray distance and spray speed can be calculated by analyzing the spray gun 3D position data during the interval. The spray distance can be calculated as the spatial distance between the position of the spray gun nozzle and the surface coordinates of the workpiece, and the spray speed can be calculated based on the amount of position change over time.

[0038] Additionally, the tracking module (130) can calculate the spray angle by comparing the attitude information of the spray gun with the normal vector of the surface of the workpiece. The spray angle can be calculated based on the relationship between the direction vector of the nozzle and the surface normal vector, thereby allowing the conditions under which the paint reaches the surface to be quantitatively expressed. Furthermore, the main air pressure and discharge air pressure can be measured through a pressure sensor or related measuring means provided in the spray gun, and the discharge amount can be estimated or calculated by combining the pressure value and trigger opening time information.

[0039] In this way, the tracking module (130) can clearly identify the spraying section through the trigger switch and generate quantitative information about the spraying conditions by integrating position, posture, and pressure data in the section. The generated spraying information can be transmitted to the central control module and used as basic data for analyzing film formation and predicting painting results, thereby allowing the actual spraying motion of the operator to be accurately reflected in the virtual painting result.

[0040] According to one embodiment, a paint simulation device (300) may include a substrate (310) having a predetermined structure in which a virtual paint color is realized by receiving light, a laser projector (320) that irradiates light onto the substrate to realize the paint, a communication unit (330) that communicates with a spray gun, a tracking marker (340) that provides a position tracking reference point for the spray gun, and a central control module (350) that analyzes the paint based on tracking information received from the tracking module of the spray gun and transmits image information to the laser projector.

[0041] For example, the painting simulation device (300) is a system capable of improving the operator's proficiency, analyzing painting quality, and verifying the process by simulating the actual ship painting work environment while implementing virtual painting results without using actual paint. The painting simulation device (300) can physically measure the operator's actual spraying motion, analyze the results of film formation based on this, and then visually implement a virtual painting state on the surface of the workpiece through laser projection. Accordingly, it can function as a painting analysis platform capable of quantitatively analyzing the correlation between spraying conditions and painting results, going beyond a simple visual training device.

[0042] For example, a painting simulation device (300) may include a substrate (310) having a predetermined structure that receives light to realize a virtual painting color. The substrate (310) may be composed of a structure having a shape identical or similar to that of an actual ship member, and may realize a structural shape that is the actual target for painting, such as a flat plate, T-longitudinal, L-longitudinal, stiffener, scallop, or lightning hole for a ship. The substrate (310) may be designed so that its surface is treated with a primer or the like to ensure durability against repeated light irradiation and working environments, and may be manufactured with a replaceable structure to simulate painting conditions of various shapes. The substrate (310) does not serve as a target to which actual paint is applied, but rather as a display medium that reflects light irradiated by a laser to express a virtual painting color.

[0043] According to one example, a laser projector (320) can create a coating state by irradiating light onto a substrate (310) based on image information received from a central control module (350). The laser projector (320) may be configured to include an ultra-short focal length lens to enable precise projection without distortion even at close range. The coating thickness distribution, coating pattern, and defect information calculated by the central control module (350) are converted into image data and transmitted to the laser projector, and the laser projector (320) can visually represent changes in coating color, differences in density, and defect areas by projecting the information onto the surface of the substrate in real time. Through this, a virtual coating state can be created through laser light, rather than the physical color of the substrate itself changing.

[0044] According to one example, a tracking marker (340) is a component that provides a reference point for tracking the position of a spray gun (100). The tracking marker (340) may include at least one infrared LED to generate a reference signal that can be recognized by a tracking camera. Through this, the position of the spray gun (100) can be calculated in an absolute coordinate system, and the initial zero point correction process required in the conventional relative coordinate system can be omitted. This absolute coordinate-based position tracking can reduce spatial alignment errors and improve repeatability.

[0045] According to one example, the central control module (350) is a computation module that performs paint analysis based on tracking information received from the tracking module (340), generates image information from the result, and transmits it to the laser projector. The central control module can convert the position coordinates of the spray gun into a coordinate system of the surface of the substrate and calculate the paint film formation process by applying a physics-based spraying model that reflects spraying distance, angle, speed, and pressure conditions. In this process, the cumulative distribution of the paint film thickness, the overlapping spraying area, and the uniformity of the paint distribution can be calculated, and paint defects (unpainted, excessive coating, non-uniform patterns, etc.) can be analyzed according to a set threshold value. Subsequently, the analysis result is generated as paint implementation image data through color mapping and density conversion, and is transmitted to the laser projector (320) to be visually implemented on the surface of the substrate.

[0046] For example, the painting simulation device (300) may have a structure that physically measures the actual spraying action of a worker and, based on this, interprets the results of film formation in real time to realize a virtual painting state. Accordingly, the painting simulation device (300) can operate as an integrated simulation system that is environmentally friendly and reusable, and can be utilized for painting technology training, worker proficiency evaluation, paint characteristic verification, and painting process optimization.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the laser projector (320) can irradiate light onto a substrate based on image information received from the central control module (350) to realize a virtual paint color.

[0048] For example, the laser projector (320) may be an optical output device that projects light onto the surface of a workpiece (310) based on paint implementation image information received from a central control module (350) to create a virtual paint color. For example, the central control module (350) may calculate the paint film thickness distribution, overlapping coating area, and presence of paint defects on the surface of the workpiece by reflecting the spraying position, spraying distance, spraying angle, spraying speed, discharge volume, and pressure conditions of the spray gun, and may generate the results in the form of image data. The laser projector (320) may receive the image information generated in this way, convert it into a light pattern aligned with a coordinate system corresponding to the shape and position of the workpiece, and then project it precisely at the corresponding location to visually represent the paint result.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the laser projector (320) can irradiate light onto a subject by using an ultra-short focal length lens to project light at a short distance within a predetermined distance.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, the laser projector (320) may be configured to include an ultra-short focal length lens to project a high-resolution image with minimal distortion even at a close distance to the workpiece. This allows for accurate positioning not only on flat surfaces but also on the surfaces of complex three-dimensional structures that include curves or openings, such as T-longies, L-longies, stiffeners, and lightning holes. Additionally, based on the spatial coordinate transformation results performed by the central control module (350), distortion correction can be performed considering the normal direction and curvature of the workpiece surface, thereby enabling color changes to be implemented at the same location as the actual painted area.

[0051] For example, the laser projector (320) can display different color intensity or color spectrums depending on the film thickness value. For example, areas below the standard thickness may be displayed in a light color, areas exceeding the standard may be displayed in a dark color, or defective areas may be highlighted with a separate color or pattern. In this way, the operator can visually check the results of the film formation according to their spraying motion in real time and learn the correlation between the spraying conditions and the painting results through repeated work.

[0052] Through this, painting results can be visually reproduced without using actual paint, making it eco-friendly and reusable, and allowing various spraying conditions to be tested and verified without paint consumption.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the central control module (350) converts the coordinates of the spray gun into the coordinates of the workpiece based on information regarding the three-dimensional position and attitude of the spray gun, and can analyze the paint based on the coordinates of the workpiece.

[0054] For example, the central control module (350) can convert the coordinate system of the spray gun to the coordinate system of the workpiece based on the three-dimensional position and attitude information of the spray gun received from the tracking module. Although the position information of the spray gun can be calculated in the form of absolute coordinates, since the analysis of film formation must be performed based on the surface of the workpiece where actual painting takes place, a coordinate alignment and spatial transformation process is required. Accordingly, the central control module (350) can map the position and spraying direction of the spray gun nozzle to the workpiece reference coordinate system using the position (X, Y, Z) and attitude (direction vector or rotation information) of the spray gun.

[0055] For example, coordinate transformation can be performed based on pre-set geometric data including shape information and placement information of the workpiece. For example, if the workpiece has a three-dimensional structure such as a flat plate, T-longi, L-longi, or lightning hole, the central control module can calculate the relative position and spray angle between the spray gun nozzle and the surface using the surface coordinates and normal vector information of the structure. In this process, position and attitude information expressed in the spray gun coordinate system can be transformed into the workpiece coordinate system through a transformation matrix, and as a result, the distance between the nozzle and the surface, the collision point, and the spray direction at each spray point can be calculated.

[0056] The central control module (350) can analyze the coating based on the converted coordinates of the workpiece. Specifically, by corresponding spraying conditions such as spraying distance, spraying angle, spraying speed, pressure, and discharge amount to the coordinates of the workpiece surface, the distribution of paint reaching a specific location can be calculated. At this time, by applying a spraying pattern model, a paint diffusion model, and an overlapping coating model, the coating film thickness for each coordinate point on the workpiece surface can be calculated cumulatively. In addition, if the calculated coating film thickness deviates from a set reference range, it can be analyzed as an uncoated area or an overcoated area.

[0057] Accordingly, the central control module (350) not only receives three-dimensional position and attitude information of the spray gun, but also aligns and converts it to reference coordinates of the workpiece, and then quantitatively analyzes the film formation process based on the corresponding coordinates. This coordinate conversion and surface-based analysis process improves the accuracy of the painting simulation and allows the operator's actual spraying motion to be accurately reflected as a virtual painting result on the surface of the workpiece.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the central control module (350) can generate image information for the laser projector by calculating the coating thickness and uniformity for each surface position of the workpiece based on a predetermined paint spraying model.

[0059] For example, the central control module (350) can calculate the thickness and uniformity of the paint at each position on the surface of the workpiece by applying a predetermined paint spraying model based on the position, attitude, and spraying information of the spray gun received from the tracking module. The paint spraying model can be configured to mathematically express the diffusion distribution of the paint sprayed from the nozzle by using physical variables such as spraying distance, spraying angle, spraying speed, spraying pressure, and discharge volume as input values. For example, by applying a fan-type spraying pattern or a paint distribution model based on a Gaussian distribution, the amount of paint attached per unit area reaching the surface of the workpiece under specific spraying conditions can be calculated.

[0060] The central control module (350) can correspond the spraying model to the workpiece coordinate system, divide the workpiece surface into a plurality of micro-regions, and then calculate the cumulative amount of paint attached for each region. Based on position change data during the time corresponding to the spraying start and end intervals, the paint overlapping area according to the spraying trajectory can be calculated, and if spraying is repeated at the same location, the film thickness can be calculated cumulatively. In addition, if the spraying angle is tilted relative to the surface normal, the paint attachment efficiency can be corrected, and the diffusion radius and paint density per unit area can be adjusted according to the spraying distance.

[0061] For example, the calculated film thickness values ​​at each location on the surface of the substrate can be compared with a set reference thickness and used to evaluate uniformity. For example, if the film thickness is distributed within a specific tolerance range, it can be determined as a uniform coating, and areas below the reference can be analyzed as uncoated or thin film areas, while areas exceeding the reference can be analyzed as overcoated areas. The central control module (350) can convert these analysis results into color or density values ​​to generate image information and can visually represent the relative difference in film thickness.

[0062] For example, the generated image information can be transmitted to a laser projector and projected onto the surface of the substrate, thereby allowing the operator to check the film thickness distribution and uniformity according to their spraying motion in real time. In this process, the physical surface condition of the substrate itself does not change, and the coating result can be virtually realized by the laser light. Accordingly, the central control module (350) can quantitatively calculate the film formation process based on a preset paint spraying model and generate the result as visualizable image information.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the velocity distribution of a nozzle tip according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the results of flow analysis for nozzle tips (120) having different shapes or conditions can be compared. Through this velocity distribution analysis, the formation characteristics of the spray pattern and the effect on the formation of the coating film can be quantitatively evaluated.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the distribution of paint volume fraction sprayed from a nozzle tip according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the maximum volume fraction was intentionally set to 0.001 (0.1%) to more clearly visualize the distribution of paint sprayed into the air, thereby optimizing clarity. Additionally, to clearly distinguish the boundaries of the paint sprayed into the air, areas with a volume fraction of 0.1% or more can be marked in red, allowing for an intuitive understanding of the spray diffusion range and paint distribution boundaries. This analysis of the paint volume fraction distribution can be utilized as basic data to improve the reliability of spray pattern analysis and painting simulation.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of a spray gun according to one embodiment.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the method of operating the spray gun may include a step (610) of adjusting the amount of paint sprayed according to the pressure applied by the trigger, and a step (620) of the nozzle tip spraying paint by the operation of the trigger. Additionally, the method of operating the spray gun may include a step (630) of the tracking module confirming the position of the tracking marker of the painting simulation device and a step (640) of communicating with the painting simulation device.

[0067] Among the embodiments of FIG. 6, embodiments that overlap with the descriptions made with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 have been omitted.

[0068] One aspect of the present invention may be implemented as computer-readable code on a computer-readable recording medium. Codes and code segments implementing the above program can be easily inferred by a computer programmer in the art. A computer-readable recording medium may include any type of recording device in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable recording media may include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical disk, etc. Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be distributed across networked computer systems and written and executed as computer-readable code in a distributed manner.

[0069] The present invention has been described above focusing on its preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the aforementioned embodiments but should be interpreted to include various embodiments within the scope equivalent to those described in the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0070] 100: Spray gun 110: Trigger 120: Nozzle tip 130: Tracking Module 140: Communications Department 300: Painting Simulation Device 310: Conductor 320: Laser projector 330: Communications Department 340: Tracking Marker 350: Central Control Module

Claims

Claim 1 A spray gun comprising: a trigger for controlling the amount of paint sprayed according to applied pressure; a nozzle tip for spraying paint by the operation of the trigger; a tracking module for confirming the position of a tracking marker of a painting simulation device; and a communication unit for communicating with the painting simulation device. Claim 2 A spray gun according to claim 1, wherein the tracking module recognizes the position of the tracking marker and calculates the three-dimensional position and attitude of the spray gun based on the position of the tracking marker. Claim 3 In claim 2, the tracking marker comprises at least one infrared LED, a spray gun. Claim 4 In claim 3, the tracking module includes a tracking camera for capturing an infrared signal of at least one infrared LED, and a spray gun that recognizes the position of the tracking marker through the infrared signal of the infrared LED recognized by the tracking camera. Claim 5 In claim 4, the tracking module comprises a trigger switch that recognizes user actions for the start and end of spraying, a spray gun. Claim 6 In claim 5, the tracking module generates spray information by calculating at least one of spray distance, spray angle, spray speed, spray pressure, and discharge amount based on information regarding spray injection and termination recognized through the trigger switch, spray gun. Claim 7 In claim 1, the paint simulation device comprises: a substrate having a predetermined structure in which a virtual paint color is realized by receiving light; a laser projector that irradiates light onto the substrate to realize a paint; a communication unit that communicates with the spray gun; a tracking marker that provides a position tracking reference point of the spray gun; and a central control module that analyzes the paint based on tracking information received from the tracking module of the spray gun and transmits image information to the laser projector. Claim 8 A method of operating a spray gun, comprising: a step of adjusting the amount of paint sprayed according to pressure applied by a trigger; a step of a nozzle tip spraying paint by the operation of the trigger; a step of a tracking module confirming the position of a tracking marker of a painting simulation device; and a step of communicating with the painting simulation device. Claim 9 A method of operation of a spray gun according to claim 8, wherein the tracking module recognizes the position of the tracking marker and calculates the three-dimensional position and attitude of the spray gun based on the position of the tracking marker. Claim 10 A method of operation of a spray gun according to claim 9, wherein the tracking marker comprises at least one infrared LED. Claim 11 A method of operation of a spray gun, wherein the tracking module includes a tracking camera for capturing an infrared signal of at least one infrared LED, and recognizes the position of the tracking marker through the infrared signal of the infrared LED recognized by the tracking camera. Claim 12 A method of operating a spray gun according to claim 11, wherein the tracking module includes a trigger switch that recognizes user actions for the start and end of spraying. Claim 13 A method of operation of a spray gun according to claim 12, wherein the tracking module generates spray information by calculating at least one of a spray distance, spray angle, spray speed, spray pressure, and discharge amount based on information regarding spray injection and termination recognized through the trigger switch. Claim 14 In claim 8, the method of operation of a spray gun comprises: a substrate having a predetermined structure in which a virtual paint color is realized by receiving light; a laser projector that irradiates light onto the substrate to realize a paint; a communication unit that communicates with the spray gun; a tracking marker that provides a position tracking reference point of the spray gun; and a central control module that analyzes the paint based on tracking information received from the tracking module of the spray gun and transmits image information to the laser projector.

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