Light source unit, light source device, and distance measuring device

Abstract

Provided are a light source unit, a light source device, and a distance measuring device including the light source unit or the light source device, which are capable of improving safety and / or generating reflected light having a desired cross-sectional shape. The light source unit includes a light source and a holder for holding the light source. The holder has a diffuse reflection surface, which is used to reflect and diffuse at least a portion of the light from the light source toward an object. The light source device includes a light source and a reflective element, which is used to generate reflected light by reflecting at least a portion of the light from the light source. The reflective element includes a plurality of curved mirrors regularly arranged along a reference plane and illuminated by light from the light source. Each of the plurality of curved mirrors has a curvature in a first axis direction and a second axis direction orthogonal to each other in the reference plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology according to the present disclosure (hereinafter, also referred to as "the present technology") relates to a light source unit, a light source device, and a distance measuring device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a light source unit, a light source device, and the like that irradiate an object with light. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a light emitting device including a light source and a diffusion plate that diffuses and transmits light from the light source to a subject.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for generating reflected light by reflecting light from a light source with a reflective diffusion plate.

[0004] Reference List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-11511,

[0007] Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-186601. Summary of the invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0009] In the light emitting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in terms of improving safety.

[0010] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, there is room for improvement in generating reflected light having a desired cross-sectional shape.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present technology is to provide a light source unit, a light source device, and a distance measuring device including the light source unit or the light source device, which are capable of improving safety and / or generating reflected light having a desired cross-sectional shape.

[0012] Solution to the problem

[0013] The present technology provides a light source unit including: a light source; and a holder configured to hold the light source, wherein the holder has a diffuse reflection surface that reflects and diffuses at least a portion of light from the light source toward an object.

[0014] In the light source unit according to the present technology, at least a portion of the light from the light source is reflected and diffused by the diffuse reflection surface (changed in the traveling direction) and is directed toward the object. In this case, even if the diffuse reflection surface is damaged or peeled off, at least a portion of the light from the light source is not diffused by the diffuse reflection surface, but travels in a direction different from the direction toward the object.

[0015] The holder may have a recess that accommodates the light source, and the diffuse reflection surface may be located in the recess and reflect and diffuse at least a portion of light from the light source toward an opening of the recess.

[0016] The holder may have a window covering the opening of the recess.

[0017] The diffusely reflecting surface may be tilted relative to the emission direction of the light source.

[0018] The inclination angle of the diffuse reflection surface relative to the emission direction of the light source may be 30° to 60°.

[0019] The emitting surface and the diffusely reflecting surface of the light source may face each other.

[0020] Light emitted from a light source can directly enter a diffuse surface.

[0021] The light source may be disposed on the bottom surface of the recess, and an angle formed by an emission direction of the light source relative to the bottom surface may be 0° to 45°.

[0022] The diffusely reflective surface may be located between the light source and a portion of a peripheral wall of the recess.

[0023] The peripheral wall of the recess may have a light shielding property.

[0024] At least a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the recess may have a light attenuation function.

[0025] The diffuse reflection surface may be provided on a peripheral wall of the recess.

[0026] A diffusely reflecting surface may be provided on the window.

[0027] A diffuse reflection surface may be provided on the bottom surface of the recess.

[0028] The holder may include a diffuse reflection portion having a diffuse reflection surface, and at least one surface of the diffuse reflection portion other than the diffuse reflection surface may have a light attenuation function.

[0029] The light attenuation function may be achieved by any of fine uneven processing, anti-reflection film, and black coating.

[0030] The holder may include a diffuse reflection portion having a diffuse reflection surface, and the light source unit may further include a light receiving element that receives at least a portion of light emitted from the light source and passing through the diffuse reflection portion.

[0031] The light source may be a laser light source.

[0032] The present technology also provides a distance measuring device including: a light source unit; a light receiving unit configured to receive light emitted from the light source unit and reflected by an object; and a control unit configured to calculate a distance to the object based on at least an output of the light receiving unit.

[0033] The light receiving unit may include a sensor having a first light receiving area receiving light emitted from the light source unit and reflected by the object and a second light receiving area receiving light emitted from the light source and passing through the diffuse reflection surface.

[0034] The present technology also provides a light source device, comprising: a light source; and a reflective element configured to reflect at least a portion of the light from the light source to generate reflected light, wherein the reflective element comprises a plurality of curved mirrors regularly arranged along a reference plane through which the light from the light source enters, and each of the plurality of curved mirrors has a curvature in a first axis direction and a second axis direction orthogonal to each other in the reference plane.

[0035] In the light source device according to the present technology, light from the light source enters a plurality of curved mirrors arranged regularly along a reference plane. The light that has entered each curved mirror is reflected and diffused in a direction corresponding to a first axis direction and a direction corresponding to a second axis direction while maintaining the regularity of each other.

[0036] A plurality of curved mirrors may be regularly arranged according to a target shape of a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis of the reflected light.

[0037] Each of the plurality of curved mirrors may be inclined relative to the reference plane, and a shape observed from a third axis direction orthogonal to the first axis direction may be a shape according to a target shape of a cross section perpendicular to an optical axis of the reflected light.

[0038] The third axis direction may be substantially consistent with the optical axis direction of the light from the light source.

[0039] In each of the multiple curved mirrors, the length of the shape observed from the third axis direction in the first axis direction, the length of the shape observed from the third axis direction in the fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction, the curvature in the first axis direction, and the curvature in the second axis direction can be set according to the ratio of the length of the target shape in the direction corresponding to the first axis direction to the length in the direction corresponding to the fourth axis direction.

[0040] In each of the multiple curved mirrors, a ratio of a length in a fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction in a shape observed from a third axis direction to a length in the first axis direction may be equal to a ratio of a length in a direction corresponding to the fourth axis direction to a length in a direction corresponding to the first axis direction in a target shape, curvatures in the first axis direction may be equal to each other, and curvatures in the second axis direction may be equal to each other.

[0041] The plurality of curved mirrors may be at least three curved mirrors, and may be two-dimensionally arranged when viewed from a third axis direction.

[0042] The plurality of curved mirrors may be at least four curved mirrors, and as viewed from the third axis direction, the plurality of curved mirrors may be arranged in a two-dimensional grid in the first axis direction and in a fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction.

[0043] The plurality of curved mirrors may include curved mirrors having curvatures of opposite positive and negative characteristics in the first axis direction and the second axis direction.

[0044] When observed from the third axis direction, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvature of at least two curved mirrors arranged in the fourth axis direction in the first axis direction can be equal to each other, and when observed from the third axis direction, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvature of at least two curved mirrors arranged in the first axis direction in the second axis direction can be equal to each other.

[0045] At least one of the multiple curved mirrors can have a convex curve shape at a cut end cut in a plane orthogonal to a fourth axis direction, wherein the fourth axis direction is orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction, and when the angle formed by the tangent at each end of the convex curve drawn by the cut end and the line segment connecting the two ends of the convex curve is α / 2, 0°<α≤60° can be satisfied.

[0046] At least one of the plurality of curved mirrors may have a convex curve shape at a cut end cut in a plane orthogonal to the first axis direction, and an angle formed by a tangent line at each end of the convex curve drawn by the cut end and a line segment connecting both ends of the convex curve is β / 2, and an angle formed by a fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction relative to the reference plane as viewed from the first axis direction is When

[0047] At least one of the multiple curved mirrors can have a concave curve shape at a cut end cut in a plane orthogonal to a fourth axis direction, wherein the fourth axis direction is orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction, and when the angle formed by the tangent at each end of the concave curve drawn by the cut end and the line segment connecting the two ends of the concave curve is α / 2, 0°<α≤90° can be satisfied.

[0048] At least one of the plurality of curved mirrors may have a concave curve shape at a cut end cut in a plane orthogonal to the first axis direction, and an angle formed by a tangent line at each end of the concave curve drawn by the cut end and a line segment connecting both ends of the concave curve is β / 2 and an angle formed by a fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction relative to the reference plane as viewed from the first axis direction is When

[0049] The cutting end may have an arcuate shape.

[0050] The plurality of curved mirrors may be arranged to have curvatures equal to each other in the first axis direction and to have curvatures equal to each other in the second axis direction.

[0051] In a plurality of curved mirrors, in a shape observed from a third axis direction, ratios of a length in a fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction relative to a length in the first axis direction may be set equal to each other.

[0052] In the plurality of curved mirrors, in a shape observed from the third axis direction, lengths in the first axis direction may be equal to each other, and lengths in the fourth axis direction may be equal to each other.

[0053] The light source may be a laser light source.

[0054] The present technology provides a distance measuring device including: a light source device; a light receiving device configured to receive light emitted from the light source device and reflected by an object; and a control device configured to calculate a distance to the object based on an output of the light receiving device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figure 1 A is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a distance measurement device according to the first embodiment of the present technology. Figure 1 B is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA of A.

[0056] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a light source unit of a comparative example.

[0057] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a diffusion plate of a light source unit of a comparative example is removed.

[0058] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a light source unit included in the distance measuring device according to the first embodiment.

[0059] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a transmissive element of a light source unit included in the distance measuring device according to the first embodiment is detached from a package.

[0060] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a diffuse reflection element of a light source unit included in the distance measurement device according to the first embodiment is displaced.

[0061] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a light source unit of the second embodiment.

[0062] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a transmission element and a diffusion reflection element of a light source unit of the second embodiment are detached from a package.

[0063] Fig. 9 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a diffuse reflection element of a light source unit according to the second embodiment is detached from a transmission element.

[0064] Fig.10 is a sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a light source unit of the third embodiment.

[0065] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a transmissive element of a light source unit according to the third embodiment is detached from a package.

[0066] Fig.12 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a diffuse reflection element of a light source unit according to a third embodiment is removed from a peripheral wall.

[0067] Fig.13 is a sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a light source unit of a modification of the third embodiment.

[0068] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a light source unit of a fourth embodiment.

[0069] Fig.15 is a sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a light source unit of a fifth embodiment.

[0070] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a light source unit of the sixth embodiment.

[0071] Fig.17 A is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a distance measurement device according to a seventh embodiment of the present technology. Fig.17 B is along Fig.17 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.

[0072] Fig.18A is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a distance measurement device according to an eighth embodiment of the present technology. Fig.18 B is along Fig.18 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA of A.

[0073] Fig.19 is a sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a light source device according to an eighth embodiment.

[0074] Fig. 20 A and Fig. 20 B is a diagram for describing a completely diffuse reflector.

[0075] Fig.21 : is a diagram showing a state in which desired reflected light (irradiation light) is generated by the light source device according to the eighth embodiment.

[0076] Fig. 22 is a diagram for describing that the reflection angle of reflected light is changed by rotating a plane mirror by an angle δ.

[0077] Fig.23 It is a diagram showing the relationship between an arbitrary cross section parallel to the C-cross section of the convex mirror of the reflective element of the eighth embodiment and the diffusion angle of light in the cross section.

[0078] Fig.24 It is a diagram showing the relationship between an arbitrary cross section parallel to the B cross section of the convex mirror of the reflective element of the eighth embodiment and the diffusion angle of light in the cross section.

[0079] Fig.25 This is a diagram of the reflective element of the eighth embodiment as viewed from a direction orthogonal to a reference plane.

[0080] Fig.26 This is a diagram of the reflective element of the eighth embodiment as viewed from the direction of the optical axis of light from a light source.

[0081] Fig. 27 1 is a process diagram (first) for describing a method of manufacturing the reflecting element according to the eighth embodiment.

[0082] Fig.28 A to Fig.28 C is a process diagram (second to fourth) for describing a method of manufacturing a reflecting element according to the eighth embodiment.

[0083] Fig.29 A to Fig.29 C is a process diagram (fifth to seventh) for describing a method for manufacturing a reflecting element according to an eighth embodiment;

[0084] Fig.30 A is a perspective view of a reflective element of a ninth embodiment, Fig.30B is a diagram of the reflective element of the ninth embodiment as viewed from a direction orthogonal to the reference plane, and Fig.30 C is a diagram showing the reflective element of the ninth embodiment as viewed from the optical axis direction of light from a light source.

[0085] Fig.31 : is a diagram showing the relationship between an arbitrary cross section parallel to the C-cross section of the concave mirror of the reflective element of the ninth embodiment and the diffusion angle of light in the cross section.

[0086] Fig.32 : is a diagram showing the relationship between an arbitrary cross section parallel to the B cross section of the concave mirror of the reflective element of the ninth embodiment and the diffusion angle of light in the cross section.

[0087] Fig.33 A is a diagram of the reflective element of Example 1 of the tenth embodiment as viewed from a direction orthogonal to the reference plane, Fig.33 B is a diagram of the reflective element of Example 2 of the tenth embodiment as viewed from a direction orthogonal to the reference plane, and Fig.33 C is a diagram of the reflective element of Example 1 or Example 2 of the tenth embodiment, as viewed from the optical axis direction of light from a light source. Fig.33 D is a perspective view of a reflective element of Example 1 of the tenth embodiment. Fig.33 E is a perspective view of a reflective element of Example 2 of the tenth embodiment.

[0088] Fig.34 It is a diagram for describing the change in the reflection angle of light on a reflective surface caused by the diffusion angle of the emitted light from the light source.

[0089] Fig.35 is a diagram showing an example in which a collimating lens is arranged between a light source and a reflecting element.

[0090] Fig.36 is a diagram for describing a method of correcting the angle of a reflective surface with respect to the diffusion angle of emitted light of a light source.

[0091] Fig.37 A to Fig.37 C is a diagram showing arrangement examples (first to third) of curved mirrors in corresponding reflective elements.

[0092] Fig.38 A is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a distance measuring device according to the eleventh embodiment. Fig.38 B is along Fig.38 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.

[0093] Fig.39 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle control system.

[0094] Fig.40 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of installation positions of the vehicle exterior information detection unit and the imaging unit.

[0095] Fig.41 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of an operating room system.

[0096] Fig.42 is a diagram showing a display example of an operation screen on the centralized operation panel.

[0097] Fig.43 is a diagram showing an example of a state of surgery to which the operating room system is applied.

[0098] Fig.44 It is shown Fig.43 A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a camera head and a CCU is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] The preferred embodiments of the present technology will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in this specification and the accompanying drawings, redundant descriptions of configuration elements having substantially the same functional configuration are omitted by providing the same markings. The following embodiments describe representative embodiments of the present technology, and the scope of the present technology is not to be interpreted in a narrow manner by the embodiments. Even if it is described in this specification that each of the light source unit, the light source device, and the distance measuring device according to the present technology has multiple effects, each of the light source unit, the light source device, and the distance measuring device according to the present technology can have at least one effect. The effects described in this specification are merely examples and not limitations, and other effects may also be exhibited.

[0100] Furthermore, the description will be given in the following order.

[0101] 1. Configuration of distance measurement device according to first embodiment of the present technology

[0102] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0103] (2) Configuration of the light receiving unit

[0104] (3) Configuration of control unit

[0105] 2. Operation of the distance measurement device according to the first embodiment of the present technology

[0106] (1) Operation of light source unit

[0107] (2) Operation of the light receiving unit

[0108] (3) Operation of the control unit

[0109] 3. Effects of the distance measurement device according to the first embodiment of the present technology

[0110] (1) Effect of light source unit

[0111] (2) Effect of distance measurement device

[0112] 4. Light source unit according to second embodiment of the present technology

[0113] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0114] (2) Effect of light source unit

[0115] 5. Light source unit according to third embodiment of the present technology

[0116] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0117] (2) Effect of light source unit

[0118] 6. Light source unit according to modification of the third embodiment of the present technology

[0119] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0120] (2) Effect of light source unit

[0121] 7. Light source unit according to fourth embodiment of the present technology

[0122] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0123] (2) Effect of light source unit

[0124] 8. Light source unit according to fifth embodiment of the present technology

[0125] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0126] (2) Effect of light source unit

[0127] 9. Light source unit according to sixth embodiment of the present technology

[0128] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0129] (2) Effect of light source unit

[0130] 10. Effects common to the light source units according to the fourth to sixth embodiments of the present technology

[0131] 11. Distance measurement device according to seventh embodiment of the present technology

[0132] (1) Configuration of distance measurement device

[0133] (2) Operation of distance measuring device

[0134] (3) Effects of distance measurement device and target system

[0135] 12. Configuration of distance measurement device according to eighth embodiment of the present technology

[0136] (1) Overall configuration of the distance measurement device

[0137] (2) Overall configuration of the light source device

[0138] (3) Configuration of optical receiving device

[0139] (4) Configuration of control device

[0140] (5) Configuration of reflective elements

[0141] (6) Method for manufacturing reflective element

[0142] 13. Operation of the distance measurement device according to the eighth embodiment of the present technology

[0143] (1) Overall operation of the distance measuring device

[0144] (2) Operation of light source device

[0145] (3) Operation of the light receiving device

[0146] (4) Operation of control device

[0147] 14. Effects of the distance measurement device according to the eighth embodiment of the present technology

[0148] (1) Effect of light source device

[0149] (2) Effects of distance measurement device and target system

[0150] 15. Reflective element according to the ninth embodiment of the present technology

[0151] 16. Reflective element according to the tenth embodiment of the present technology

[0152] (1) Reflective element of Example 1

[0153] (2) Reflective element of Example 2

[0154] 17. Modified light source device according to the present technology

[0155] 18. Distance measurement device according to the eleventh embodiment of the present technology

[0156] (1) Configuration of distance measurement device

[0157] (2) Operation of distance measuring device

[0158] (3) Effects of distance measurement device and target system

[0159] 19. Application of mobile objects

[0160] 20. Application of operating room system

[0161] 21. Application of image display devices

[0162] 1. Configuration of distance measurement device according to first embodiment of the present technology

[0163] Figure 1 A is a plan view of the distance measurement device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present technology. Figure 1 B is along Figure 1 The distance measuring device 10 is used, for example, to measure the distance to an object, the shape of an object, etc. Note that Figure 1 In order to avoid the complexity of the drawings, the Figure 1 B is a diagram of some of the elements shown (lens unit 32, bandpass filter 36, etc.).

[0164] The distance measuring device 10 is mounted on an object. Examples of the object on which the distance measuring device is mounted include mobile bodies such as vehicles, aircraft (including drones), ships, and robots, and electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets. The object system is configured by including the distance measuring device 10 and an object (e.g., a mobile body, an electronic device, etc.) on which the distance measuring device 10 is mounted.

[0165] like Figure 1 A and Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1B , the distance measuring device 10 includes a light source unit 12 for irradiating an object with light, a light receiving unit 14 for receiving reflected light from the object, and a control unit 16 for controlling the light source unit 12 and the light receiving unit 14. That is, the distance measuring device 10 is a distance measuring device using the time of flight (TOF) principle with light emission / reception and calculation functions. The light source unit 12, the light receiving unit 14, and the control unit 16 are mounted on the same circuit board 18. In addition, a multi-pin connector for power supply and data exchange with the outside is mounted on the circuit board 18. Note that at least two of the light source unit 12, the light receiving unit 14, and the control unit 16 do not have to be mounted on the same circuit board.

[0166] By the way, in Figure 2In the light source unit 1200 of the comparative example shown, the laser light source 1200b is mounted on the bottom surface of the package 1200a having a substantially U-shaped cross section so that the emission direction of the laser light source 1200b faces the opposite side of the bottom surface side (the opening 1200a2 side of the package 1200a). A transmission diffuser plate 1200c is attached to the open end 1200a1 of the package 1200a to cover the opening 1200a2. In the light source unit 1200 of the comparative example, the diffuser plate 1200c having light transmittance also serves as a sealing member for sealing the inside of the package 1200a. At least a portion of the light emitted from the laser light source 1200b is diffused by the diffuser plate 1200c while being transmitted through the diffuser plate 1200c.

[0167] Here, if a strong impact is applied to the device in which the light source unit 1200 of the comparative example is installed and the diffusion plate 1200c is damaged or detached from the package 1200a, there is a possibility that the laser light from the laser light source 1200b is not diffused and the object is irradiated with the laser light as it is (with high intensity) (see Figure 3 ). That is, there is room for improving safety in the light source unit 1200 of the comparative example. Like the light source unit 1200 of the comparative example, the light emitting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 also has room for improving safety.

[0168] Therefore, as will be described in detail below, after intensive research, the inventors have successfully developed a light source unit 12 capable of improving safety.

[0169] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0170] like Figure 4 As shown, the light source unit 12 includes a light source 20 and a holder 24 that holds the light source 20 .

[0171] As the light source 20, for example, a laser light source such as an end-emitting semiconductor laser (laser diode: LD) or a surface-emitting semiconductor laser (surface-emitting laser: VCSEL) is used. The light source 20 is mounted on the substrate 26 by die bonding, and is electrically connected to wiring on the substrate 26 by bonding wires BW. Here, for example, infrared light is used as the emission light EL of the light source 20, but light of another wavelength band may be used. The light source 20 is driven by a light source driving circuit 21 (driving circuit). Here, the light source driving circuit 21 is arranged at a position between the light source unit 12 and the light receiving unit 14 on the circuit board 18 (see Figure 1 A and Figure 1 B).

[0172] Note that the light source 20 may be a light source other than a laser light source (eg, a light emitting diode: LED), but the light source 20 is preferably a light source that emits high-power light, such as a laser light source.

[0173] The holder 24 has a diffuse reflection surface 22 a that reflects and diffuses at least a portion of the light from the light source 20 toward the subject.

[0174] That is, the light source unit 12 irradiates the object with at least a portion of the light (diffuse reflection light DRL) emitted from the light source 20 and reflected and diffused by the diffuse reflection surface 22 a as the illumination light IL.

[0175] More specifically, the holder 24 has a recess 24a that accommodates the light source 20. The diffuse reflection surface 22a is located in the recess 24a, and reflects and diffuses at least a portion of the light from the light source 20 toward an opening 24a1 of the recess 24a.

[0176] Furthermore, the holder 24 has a window 30 covering the opening 24a1 of the recess 24a. At least a portion of the light (diffuse reflection light DRL) emitted from the light source 20 and reflected and diffused toward the opening 24a1 by the diffuse reflection surface 22a is transmitted through the window 30. The light transmitted through the window 30 of the diffuse reflection light DRL is the irradiation light IL.

[0177] More specifically, the retainer 24 is disposed on the circuit board 18 (see Figure 1 A and Figure 1 B), and includes a package 31 having a recess 24a, a diffuse reflection element 22 having a diffuse reflection surface 22a, and a transmissive element as a window 30 (hereinafter, also referred to as “transmissive element 30”).

[0178] The package 31 is an open box-shaped member, and has a substrate 26 (base member) with the bottom surface of the recess 24a as one surface and a peripheral wall 28 with the inner peripheral surface of the recess 24a as the inner peripheral surface. The substrate 26 and the peripheral wall 28 are integrally formed using a material such as ceramic. Note that in the package 31, the substrate 26 and the peripheral wall 28 may be separate bodies.

[0179] The light source 20 and the diffuse reflection element 22 are mounted on one surface (substrate surface) of the substrate 26, that is, on the bottom surface of the recess 24a. Hereinafter, at least one surface of the substrate 26 on which the light source 20 is mounted (the bottom surface of the recess 24a) is also referred to as the "mounting surface 26a".

[0180] The peripheral wall 28 is provided on the mounting surface 26 a to surround the light source 20 and the diffuse reflection element 22 .

[0181] As an example, the transmission element 30 is a plate-like element made of glass or resin having light transmittance, and is attached to the opening end surface 24b (the end surface of the peripheral wall 28 on the opposite side of the end surface on the substrate 26 side) of the holder 24 using an adhesive or the like to cover the opening 24a1. The transmittance or reflectance of the transmission element 30 is set to transmit most of the light in the wavelength band (for example, the infrared region) of the emission light EL of the light source 20 (for example, 99% or more).

[0182] The light source 20 and the diffuse reflection element 22 are sealed in the package 31 by the transmission element 30. Therefore, the intrusion of foreign matter (for example, grit and dust and moisture) into the package 31 can be suppressed, and the components (the light source 20, the diffuse reflection element 22, etc.) in the package 31 can be protected (for example, the adhesion of foreign matter to the light source 20 or the diffuse reflection element 22 can be suppressed, and the occurrence of problems such as wiring short circuits due to the intrusion of foreign matter can be suppressed).

[0183] The diffuse reflection element 22 is mounted on the mounting surface 26a so that the diffuse reflection surface 22a is located on the optical path of the light from the light source 20. The diffuse reflection surface 22a is inclined relative to the emission direction ED of the light source 20. That is, the diffuse reflection surface 22a is inclined relative to the emission surface ES of the light source 20 (for example, a semiconductor laser). Note that since semiconductor lasers such as LDs and VCSELs emit light from the emission surface perpendicular to the emission surface, when the emission direction is inclined relative to the diffuse reflection surface, the emission surface is also inclined relative to the diffuse reflection surface.

[0184] The inclination angle θ of the diffuse reflection surface 22a with respect to the emission direction ED of the light source 20 is preferably 30° to 60°, and more preferably 40° to 50°, in order to obtain a necessary and sufficient irradiation angle range of the object.

[0185] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as an example, the inclination angle θ of the diffuse reflection surface 22 a with respect to the emission direction ED of the light source 20 is set to about 45°.

[0186] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the height of the peripheral wall 28 and reducing the thickness of the light source unit 12, the angle formed by the emission direction ED of the light source 20 with respect to the mounting surface 26a is preferably 0° to 45°, more preferably 0° to 30°, and even more preferably 0° to 15°. The emission direction of the light source 20 may be offset (inclined) from the direction parallel to the mounting surface 26a toward the transmission element 30 side or may be offset (inclined) toward the substrate 26 side.

[0187] Therefore, in this embodiment, as an example, the light source 20 is mounted on the mounting surface 26a so that the angle formed by the emission direction ED relative to the mounting surface 26a becomes approximately 0°, that is, the emission direction ED is along (approximately parallel to) the mounting surface 26a.

[0188] In this case, as described above, since the inclination angle θ of the diffuse reflection surface 22a with respect to the emission direction ED of the light source 20 is approximately 45°, the diffuse reflection surface 22a is also inclined with respect to the mounting surface 26a by approximately 45°.

[0189] The emission surface ES of the light source 20 and the diffuse reflection surface 22a face each other. That is, the emission direction ED of the light source 20 faces the diffuse reflection surface 22a side.

[0190] The emission surface ES of the light source 20 does not face the transmission element 30. That is, the emission direction ED of the light source 20 does not face the transmission element 30 side.

[0191] The diffusely reflective surface 22 a faces the transmissive element 30 in addition to the emitting surface ES.

[0192] No other optical element (lens, reflector, etc.) is inserted between the light source 20 and the diffuse reflection surface 22a. In this case, the light (emission light EL) emitted from the light source 20 directly enters the diffuse reflection surface 22a. Therefore, the distance between the light source 20 and the diffuse reflection surface 22a can be shortened, and the size of the light source unit 12 can be reduced. Note that other optical elements (lenses, reflectors, etc.) can be inserted in the optical path between the light source 20 and the diffuse reflection surface 22a.

[0193] When other optical elements (lenses, reflectors, etc.) are inserted between the light source 20 and the diffuse reflection surface 22a, the emission surface ES of the light source 20 does not necessarily face the diffuse reflection surface 22a.

[0194] As an example, the diffuse reflection element 22 is formed using a triangular prism-shaped element having a right-angled triangle cross section and a diffuse reflection surface 22a as an inclined surface. The diffuse reflection element 22 is manufactured by forming (coating) a light spectrum (material of the diffuse reflection surface 22a) on the inclined surface of a triangular prism-shaped substrate having a right-angled triangle cross section formed using a transparent or translucent material (a material having light transmittance) such as glass or resin. The diffuse reflection element 22 has diffuse reflection characteristics similar to those of a general standard diffuse reflector. That is, the diffuse reflection surface 22a reflects incident light (Lambertian reflection) to the entire area of ​​a predetermined range approximately uniformly.

[0195] Note that the shape of the diffuse reflection element 22 is not limited to the above shape and may be changed as appropriate.

[0196] The diffuse reflective element 22 does not necessarily have to function like a standard diffuse reflector.

[0197] For example, the diffuse reflection surface 22a can be formed by performing fine unevenness processing (roughening) on ​​the inclined surface of the base material.

[0198] For example, an element having a convex mirror or a concave mirror can be used as the diffuse reflection element 22. Specifically, an element in which a convex mirror or a concave mirror is two-dimensionally arranged can be used as the diffuse reflection element 22.

[0199] In the present embodiment, the diffuse reflection surface 22a is one surface of the diffuse reflection element 22 provided on the substrate 26. That is, the diffuse reflection surface 22a is provided on the substrate 26.

[0200] As described above, the diffuse reflection surface 22a is one surface of the diffuse reflection element 22, which is a body separated from the substrate 26. However, for example, a protrusion corresponding to the base material of the diffuse reflection element may be formed on the substrate, and the diffuse reflection surface may be formed on one surface of the protrusion. That is, the diffuse reflection surface may be a part of the substrate. In this case, although it takes some time to manufacture the substrate, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where the diffuse reflection element is provided on the substrate, and the diffuse reflection surface can be prevented from falling off the substrate.

[0201] The diffuse reflection surface 22a preferably reflects and diffuses 60% or more of the light from the light source 20, more preferably 75% or more, and even more preferably 90% or more.

[0202] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as an example, the reflectivity or transmittance of the diffuse reflection surface 22 a is set to reflect and diffuse 99% or more of the light from the light source 20 .

[0203] Note that the diffusely reflective surface 22 a may reflect and diffuse less than 60% of the light from the light source 20 .

[0204] In the light source unit 12 configured as described above, the light emitted from the light source 20 (emission light EL) directly enters the diffuse reflection surface 22a, and at least a portion (for example, 99%) of the incident light is reflected and diffused by the diffuse reflection surface 22a. The light (diffuse reflection light DRL) reflected and diffused by the diffuse reflection surface 22a enters the transmission element 30, and at least a portion (for example, 99%) of the light is transmitted through the transmission element 30. The light that has been reflected and diffused by the diffuse reflection surface 22a and has been transmitted through the transmission element 30 is the illumination light IL to be irradiated to the object.

[0205] Here, since the emission direction ED of the light source 20 does not face the transmission element 30 side, even if an abnormal situation occurs, for example, a strong impact is applied to the light source unit 12 and the diffuse reflection element 22 is damaged or falls off from the package 31, the light emitted from the light source 20 (emission light EL) does not directly reach the transmission element 30. Therefore, the light emitted from the light source 20 (emission light EL) is not irradiated to the object directly (only via the transmission element 30).

[0206] However, in the event of an abnormal situation, there is a possibility that the light emitted from the light source 20 enters a surface other than the diffuse reflection surface 22a of the diffuse reflection element 22. At this time, in the case where the surface other than the diffuse reflection surface 22a is a reflector, for example, there is a possibility that the light emitted from the light source 20 and reflected by the reflector is transmitted through the transmission element 30 and irradiated to the object.

[0207] Therefore, in the present embodiment, at least one surface other than the diffuse reflection surface 22a of the diffuse reflection element 22 is provided with a light attenuation function. This light attenuation function is achieved by providing fine irregularities (surface roughening), forming an antireflection film, or applying a black coating.

[0208] Furthermore, the diffuse reflection surface 22a is located between the light source 20 and a portion of the peripheral wall 28. Therefore, in the event of an abnormality, there is a possibility that the emission light EL of the light source 20 is transmitted through the peripheral wall 28 without passing through the diffuse reflection surface 22a and leaks to the outside.

[0209] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the light shielding function of the peripheral wall 28 is enhanced to prevent the emission light EL of the light source 20 from leaking to the outside when an abnormality occurs.

[0210] Specifically, the height of the peripheral wall 28 is set so that all the emission light EL of the light source 20 enters the peripheral wall 28 even if an abnormality occurs and the diffuse reflection surface 22 a is no longer located between the light source 20 and a part of the peripheral wall 28 .

[0211] Furthermore, in order to suppress the light emitted from the light source 20 and having entered the peripheral wall 28 from being transmitted through the peripheral wall 28 , a material having a relatively high light shielding property is used for the material of the peripheral wall 28 (the material of the package 31 ).

[0212] In the case where the material of the peripheral wall 28 (the material of the package 31) is a material that can sufficiently block the emission light EL of the light source 20, the thickness of the peripheral wall 28 can be arbitrary. In the case where the material of the peripheral wall 28 is not a material that can sufficiently block the emission light EL of the light source, the thickness of the peripheral wall 28 is preferably set to a thickness that can sufficiently attenuate the emission light EL of the light source 20 (a thickness that can sufficiently attenuate the intensity of the light transmitted through the peripheral wall 28).

[0213] Furthermore, light emitted from the light source 20 and reflected by a portion of the peripheral wall 28 may directly irradiate the subject, or may be further reflected by another portion of the peripheral wall 28 and transmitted through the transmission element 30 and irradiate the subject.

[0214] Therefore, in the present embodiment, a light attenuation function is provided to at least a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 28. This light attenuation function is achieved by providing fine irregularities (surface roughening), forming an antireflection film, or applying a black coating.

[0215] By utilizing the light attenuation function, even if the above abnormal situation occurs and the diffuse reflection element 22 is no longer located between the light source 20 and a portion of the peripheral wall 28, the intensity of the light emitted from the light source 20 and reflected by the peripheral wall 28 is sufficiently attenuated. Therefore, even if the light is transmitted through the transmission element 30 and irradiates the object, safety is not compromised.

[0216] Note that, in the holder 24, the recess 24a and the window 30 are not necessary. That is, in the holder 24, the peripheral wall 28 and the transmissive element 30 are not necessary. The holder 24 may be configured only by the substrate 26. The holder 24 may be configured only by the substrate 26 and the peripheral wall 28, that is, only by the package 31. In the holder 24, the substrate 26 serves as a base element for mounting the light source 20, but an element other than the substrate (for example, a non-plate-shaped element) may also be used.

[0217] (2) Configuration of the light receiving unit

[0218] like Figure 1 A and Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 8B , the light receiving unit 14 of the first embodiment includes a lens unit 32 , a lens holder 34 , a band pass filter 36 , and an image sensor 38 .

[0219] The image sensor 38 is provided on a sensor board 38a (semiconductor board) mounted on the circuit board 18, and includes a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally. The image sensor 38 is also called an area image sensor.

[0220] Each pixel of the image sensor 38 includes a light receiving element (eg, a photodiode: PD), and the pixel is electrically connected to a circuit on the circuit board 18 by wire bonding.

[0221] The lens holder 34 is fixed to the circuit board 18 to surround the image sensor 38 .

[0222] The lens unit 32 includes at least one lens element and is held in a lens holder 34 to focus on an image sensor 38 .

[0223] The bandpass filter 36 fixed to the lens holder 34 is arranged between the image sensor 38 and the lens unit 32. Therefore, among the light reflected by the object and passing through the lens unit 32, only the light having a wavelength close to the wavelength of the emission light EL of the light source 20 (light in a predetermined frequency band, such as infrared light) is transmitted through the bandpass filter 36 and enters the image sensor 38.

[0224] In addition, the illumination field ( Figure 1 The illumination field of B: FOI) is ideally set to be equal to or larger than the field of view range of the light receiving unit 14 ( Figure 1 The field of view of B: FOV). The field of view range of the light receiving unit 14 is also referred to as a "light receiving range".

[0225] Note that the configuration of the light receiving unit 14 is not limited to the above configuration and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the image sensor 38 may be a linear sensor in which a plurality of pixels are arranged one-dimensionally.

[0226] (3) Configuration of control unit

[0227] The control unit 16 of the first embodiment includes an operation circuit that controls the light source 20 and the image sensor 38 and calculates the distance to the object (subject). The control unit 16 is provided in an area (pixel arrangement area) on the sensor board 38a that is different from the image sensor 38. The control unit 16 sends a light emission control signal (pulse signal) to the light source drive circuit 21 to make the light source 20 emit light intermittently, calculates the distance to the object for each pixel based on the output of each pixel of the image sensor 38, and generates a distance image.

[0228] The calculation method of the control unit 16 can be a method of calculating the distance to the object based on the light emitting control signal and the output signal (light receiving signal) of each pixel of the image sensor 38 (direct TOF method), or can be a method of calculating the distance to the object based on the difference or ratio of the charge amount of the signal charge optionally distributed to two charge storage units of each pixel when the image sensor 38 receives light (indirect TOF method).

[0229] The calculation circuit of the control unit 16 is realized by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like.

[0230] 2. Operation of the distance measurement device according to the first embodiment of the present technology

[0231] In the distance measuring device 10 of the first embodiment, the light source unit 12 emits light to an object, the light receiving unit 14 receives light reflected by the object, and the control unit 16 calculates the distance to the object and generates a distance image.

[0232] (1) Operation of light source unit

[0233] In the light source unit 12 of the first embodiment, the light source 20 is driven by the light source driving circuit 21, and light is emitted from the light source 20. The light emitted from the light source 20 enters the diffuse reflection surface 22a of the diffuse reflection element 22, and at least a portion of the light is reflected and diffused by the diffuse reflection surface 22a toward the transmission element 30. At least a portion of the light reflected and diffused by the diffuse reflection surface 22a is transmitted through the transmission element 30 and illuminates the object (subject).

[0234] (2) Operation of the light receiving unit

[0235] In the light receiving unit 14 of the first embodiment, light OL irradiated from the light source unit 12 to the object and reflected by the object (hereinafter, also referred to as "object light OL") enters the lens unit 32 and is condensed by the lens unit 32. The object light OL that has passed through the lens unit 32 enters the bandpass filter 36. Only light in a predetermined wavelength band (for example, infrared light) of the object light OL that has entered the bandpass filter 36 passes through the bandpass filter 36. The object light OL that has passed through the bandpass filter 36 enters the image sensor 38. At this time, the image sensor 38 performs photoelectric conversion at each pixel.

[0236] (3) Operation of the control unit

[0237] The control unit 16 of the first embodiment drives the light source 20 via the light source driving circuit 21 , calculates the distance to the object (subject) for each pixel based on the output of each pixel of the image sensor 38 , and generates a distance image.

[0238] 3. Effects of the distance measurement device according to the first embodiment of the present technology

[0239] (1) Effect of light source unit

[0240] In the light source unit 12 of the first embodiment, the holder 24 has the diffuse reflection surface 22 a that reflects and diffuses at least a part of the light from the light source 20 toward a subject.

[0241] In the light source unit 12 according to the first embodiment, at least a portion of the light from the light source 20 is reflected and diffused (changed in the traveling direction) by the diffuse reflection surface 22a and is directed toward the object. In this case, even if the diffuse reflection surface 22a is damaged or peeled off, at least a portion of the light from the light source 20 is not diffused by the diffuse reflection surface 22a, but travels in a direction different from the direction toward the object.

[0242] According to the light source unit 12 of the first embodiment, safety can be improved.

[0243] The holder 24 has a recess 24a that accommodates the light source 20, and the diffuse reflection surface 22a is located in the recess 24a, and reflects and diffuses at least a portion of the light from the light source 20 toward the opening 24a1 of the recess 24a. Therefore, even if the diffuse reflection surface 22a is damaged or detached, the light from the light source 20 can be suppressed from leaking to the outside without being diffused.

[0244] Since the holder 24 has the window 30 covering the opening 24a1 of the recess 24a, it is possible to suppress adhesion of foreign matter (including moisture) to the light source 20 and the diffuse reflection surface 22a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress performance degradation of the light source unit 12.

[0245] Since the diffuse reflection surface 22a is inclined with respect to the emission direction of the light source 20, the light from the light source 20 can be reflected and diffused in a desired direction.

[0246] Since the inclination angle of the diffuse reflection surface 22a relative to the emission direction of the light source 20 is 30° to 60°, the required illumination angle range of the object can be obtained.

[0247] Since the emission surface of the light source 20 and the diffuse reflection surface 22 a face each other, the light emitted from the light source 20 can be guided to the diffuse reflection surface 22 a side.

[0248] Since the light emitted from the light source 20 directly enters the diffuse reflection surface 22 a , the size of the light source unit 12 (especially in the width direction) can be reduced.

[0249] Since at least a portion of the light from the light source 20 (the light reflected by the diffuse reflection surface 22 a ) is 60% or more of the light from the light source 20 , the amount of the illumination light IL that illuminates the object can be sufficiently ensured.

[0250] Since the light source 20 is disposed on the bottom surface of the recessed portion 24 a and the angle formed by the emission direction ED of the light source 20 with respect to the bottom surface is 0° to 45°, the light source unit 12 can be made thinner.

[0251] Since the diffuse reflection surface 22 a is located between the light source 20 and a portion of the peripheral wall 28 of the recess 24 a , at least a portion of the light from the light source 20 can be blocked by the peripheral wall 28 even if the diffuse reflection surface 22 a is damaged or peeled off.

[0252] Since the diffuse reflection surface 22a is provided on the bottom surface of the recessed portion 24a, the light source 20 and the diffuse reflection surface 22a can be easily positioned.

[0253] Since the diffuse reflection element 22 having the diffuse reflection surface 22a is provided separately from the transmission element 30 in the light source unit 12 of the first embodiment, for example Figure 5As shown, even if the transmissive element 30 falls off from the package 31, the diffuse reflection element 22 can reflect and diffuse the emission light EL of the light source 20 toward the object. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the non-diffuse light from irradiating the object.

[0254] Since in the light source unit 12 of the first embodiment, the peripheral wall 28 surrounding the diffuse reflection element 22 having the diffuse reflection surface 22a and the light source 20 is provided on the substrate 26, for example, Figure 6 As shown, even if the diffuse reflection element 22 is separated from the substrate 26 and displaced, the emission light EL of the light source 20 enters the peripheral wall 28. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the non-diffuse light from leaking to the outside.

[0255] (2) Effect of distance measurement device

[0256] The distance measuring device 10 of the first embodiment includes a light source unit 12, a light receiving unit 14 that receives light emitted from the light source unit 12 and reflected by an object, and a control unit 16 that calculates the distance to the object based on at least the output of the light receiving unit 14. Therefore, the distance measuring device 10 having excellent safety can be realized.

[0257] Since the light source unit 12 , the light receiving unit 14 , and the control unit 16 are integrally provided, the distance measuring device 10 can be easily mounted on an object (eg, a moving body, an electronic device, etc.).

[0258] According to the target system including the distance measurement device 10 and the target (for example, a moving object, an electronic device, etc.) on which the distance measurement device 10 is installed, it is possible to realize the target system excellent in safety.

[0259] 4. Light source unit according to second embodiment of the present technology

[0260] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0261] The light source unit 122 according to the second embodiment of the present technology has a configuration similar to that of the light source unit 12 according to the first embodiment, except that the arrangement of the diffuse reflection elements is different.

[0262] In the light source unit 122 according to the second embodiment, the diffuse reflection element 220 is fixed to the inner surface of the transmission element 30, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 That is, the diffuse reflection surface 220 a of the diffuse reflection element 220 is disposed on the transmission element 30 .

[0263] The diffuse reflection element 220 is formed using an element having a trapezoidal cross section, wherein the diffuse reflection surface 220a is an inclined surface inclined at, for example, 45° relative to the substrate 26. The surface (upper bottom) of the diffuse reflection element 220 on the transmission element 30 side is fixed to the inner surface of the transmission element 30 with, for example, an adhesive Ad. There is a certain amount of gap between the surface (lower bottom) of the diffuse reflection element 220 on the substrate 26 side and the substrate 26.

[0264] Here, the diffuse reflection surface 220a is one surface of the diffuse reflection element 220, which is a body separated from the transmission element 30. However, for example, a protrusion corresponding to the base material of the diffuse reflection element 220 may be formed on the transmission element, and the diffuse reflection surface may be formed on one surface of the protrusion. That is, the diffuse reflection surface may be a part of the transmission element. In this case, although it takes some time to manufacture the transmission element, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where the diffuse reflection element is provided on the transmission element, and the diffuse reflection surface can be prevented from falling off from the transmission element.

[0265] Since the operation of the light source unit 122 of the second embodiment is similar to that of the light source unit 12 of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0266] (2) Effect of light source unit

[0267] In the light source unit 122 of the second embodiment, the diffuse reflection element 220 is attached to the transmission element 30, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 Therefore, when the transmission element 30 is removed from the package 31, the transmission element 30 and the diffuse reflection element 220 are removed together, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 At this time, since the emitted light from the light source 20 enters the peripheral wall 28, it is possible to suppress the light that is not diffused from leaking to the outside.

[0268] In the light source unit 122 of the second embodiment, as Fig. 9 As shown, even if the diffuse reflection element 220 is separated from the transmission element 30, the emission light EL of the light source 20 enters the peripheral wall 28. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the non-diffuse light from leaking to the outside.

[0269] 5. Light source unit according to third embodiment of the present technology

[0270] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0271] The light source unit 123 according to the third embodiment of the present technology has a configuration similar to that of the light source unit 12 according to the first embodiment, except that the arrangement of the diffuse reflection elements is different.

[0272] In the light source unit 123 according to the third embodiment, as Fig.10As shown, the peripheral wall 280 of the package 310 has a protruding portion 280a protruding inward, and the inner surface of the protruding portion 280a serves as an inclined surface 280a1 (for example, an inclined surface inclined at 45° relative to the substrate 26). The plate-like diffuse reflective element 2200 (diffuse reflector) is fixed to the inclined surface 280a1 with, for example, an adhesive.

[0273] Since the operation of the light source unit 123 of the third embodiment is similar to that of the light source unit 12 , a description thereof will be omitted.

[0274] (2) Effect of light source unit

[0275] In the light source unit 123 of the third embodiment, light from the light source 20 is reflected and diffused toward the object by the diffuse reflection surface 2200a of the diffuse reflection element 2200. Fig.11 As shown, even if the transmissive element 30 is separated from the package 310, it is possible to suppress the non-diffuse light from leaking to the outside.

[0276] In the light source unit 123 of the third embodiment, as Fig.12 As shown, even if the diffuse reflection member 2200 is separated from the peripheral wall 280, the emission light EL of the light source 20 enters the peripheral wall 280. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the non-diffuse light from leaking to the outside.

[0277] 6. Light source unit according to modification of the third embodiment of the present technology

[0278] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0279] like Fig.13 As shown, the light source unit 123A according to the modification of the third embodiment of the present technology is different from the light source unit 123 of the third embodiment in that the inclined surface 280a1 of the protruding portion 280a of the peripheral wall 280 is used as a diffuse reflection surface. That is, in the light source unit 123A, the peripheral wall 280 has a diffuse reflection surface. In the light source unit 123A, the diffuse reflection surface is generated by forming a film of a material having diffuse reflection properties on the inclined surface 280a1 or performing fine uneven processing on the inclined surface 280a1.

[0280] (2) Effect of light source unit

[0281] Since the peripheral wall 280 has a diffuse reflection surface in the modified light source unit 123A of the third embodiment, it takes some time to form the diffuse reflection surface compared to the case where a diffuse reflection element is attached to the peripheral wall, but the number of parts can be reduced and the diffuse reflection surface can be prevented from falling off the peripheral wall.

[0282] 7. Light source unit according to fourth embodiment of the present technology

[0283] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0284] In the light source unit 124 according to the fourth embodiment of the present technology, a light receiving element 40 (e.g., a photodiode (PD)) for light detection is mounted on the substrate 26 at a position on the opposite side of the light source 20 relative to the diffuse reflection element 22A, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown. The light receiving element 40 is mounted on the substrate 26 by die bonding, and is electrically connected to the wiring on the substrate 26 by the bonding wire BW. In addition, in the light source unit 124, a configuration is adopted in which the diffuse reflection element 22A has a slight light transmittance (for example, a transmittance of 1%), and a small amount of light (transmitted light TL) transmitted through the diffuse reflection element 22A is allowed to enter the light receiving element 40 using a reflector 37 tilted, for example, 45° relative to the substrate 26. The tilt direction of the reflector 37 is opposite to the tilt direction of the diffuse reflection surface 22Aa of the diffuse reflection element 22A. Since the base material of the diffuse reflection element 22A includes glass or resin having light transmittance, the total transmittance is set to 1% by balancing the transmittance of the diffuse reflection surface 22Aa and the transmittance of the base material.

[0285] Note that in the fourth embodiment, the diffuse reflection element 22A is provided on the substrate 26 as in the first embodiment, but the diffuse reflection element 22A may be provided on the transmission element 30 as in the second embodiment, or the diffuse reflection element 22A may be provided on the peripheral wall as in the third embodiment. For example, in the case where the diffuse reflection element 22A is provided on the protruding portion of the peripheral wall, a space may be formed in the protruding portion, and the reflector 37 and the light receiving element 40 may be arranged in the space.

[0286] (2) Effect of light source unit

[0287] In the light source unit 124 of the fourth embodiment, a small amount of light emitted from the light source 20 and transmitted through the diffuse reflection element 22A enters the light receiving element 40 .

[0288] According to the light source unit 124 of the fourth embodiment, if the diffuse reflection element 22A is damaged or falls off from the package 31, and the light (emission light EL) emitted from the light source 20 enters the light receiving element 40 through the reflector 37 without being transmitted through the diffuse reflection element 22A, the output of the light receiving element 40 becomes abnormally high. On the contrary, if the output of the light receiving element 40 becomes abnormally high, it can be suspected that the diffuse reflection element 22A is damaged or falls off.

[0289] According to the light source unit 124 of the fourth embodiment, if the reflector 37 is damaged or falls off from the package 31, and the light emitted from the light source 20 and transmitted through the diffuse reflection element 22 stops entering the light receiving element 40, the output of the light receiving element 40 becomes abnormally low (close to zero). On the contrary, when the output of the light receiving element 40 is abnormally low even when the light source 20 is emitting light, it can be suspected that the reflector 37 is damaged or falls off.

[0290] 8. Light source unit according to fifth embodiment of the present technology

[0291] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0292] In the light source unit 125 according to the fifth embodiment of the present technology, the light receiving element 40 (e.g., a photodiode (PD)) for light detection is mounted on the substrate 26 at a position on the opposite side of the light source 20 relative to the diffuse reflection element 22, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 Furthermore, in the light source unit 125 , a configuration is adopted in which a small amount of light reflected and diffused by the diffuse reflection element 22 and reflected by the transmission element 30 enters the light receiving element 40 .

[0293] Note that in the fifth embodiment, the diffuse reflection element 22 is provided on the substrate 26 as in the first embodiment, but the diffuse reflection element 22 may be provided on the transmission element 30 as in the second embodiment, or the diffuse reflection element 22 may be provided on the peripheral wall as in the third embodiment. For example, in the case where the diffuse reflection element 22 is provided on the protruding portion of the peripheral wall, a space may be formed in the protruding portion, and the light receiving element 40 may be arranged in the space, and an opening opened upward may be formed in the protruding portion of the peripheral wall. In this case, light reflected by the diffuse reflection element 22 and further reflected by the transmission element 30 may enter the light receiving element 40 through the opening.

[0294] (2) Effect of light source unit

[0295] In the light source unit 125 of the fifth embodiment, a small amount of light reflected by the transmission element 30 among the light emitted from the light source 20 and reflected and diffused by the diffuse reflection element 22 enters the light receiving element 40. According to the light source unit 125 of the fifth embodiment, if the diffuse reflection element 22 or the transmission element 30 is damaged or falls off from the package 31, and the light emitted from the light source 20 stops entering the light receiving element 40, the output of the light receiving element 40 becomes abnormally low (close to zero). On the contrary, when the output of the light receiving element 40 is abnormally low even if the light source 20 is emitting light, it can be suspected that the diffuse reflection element 22 or the transmission element 30 is damaged or falls off.

[0296] 9. Light source unit according to sixth embodiment of the present technology

[0297] (1) Configuration of light source unit

[0298] In the light source unit 126 according to the sixth embodiment of the present technology, a light receiving element 40 (eg, a photodiode (PD)) for light detection is mounted at a position between the light source 20 and the diffuse reflection element 22B on the substrate 26, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 Furthermore, in the light source unit 126 , a configuration is adopted in which a small amount of light rejected by the diffuse reflection element 22B enters the light receiving element 40 .

[0299] More specifically, the diffuse reflection element 22B is manufactured by forming the diffuse reflection surface 22Ba on the inclined surface of a quadrangular prism-shaped base material having a trapezoidal cross section.

[0300] The spacer 50 is arranged between the light source 20 and the substrate 26 so that the light emitted from the light source 20 passes through the light receiving element 40. That is, the light emitted from the light source 20 does not directly enter the light receiving element 40.

[0301] The light source 20 and the diffuse reflection surface 22Ba are in a positional relationship in which most of the light emitted from the light source 20 enters the diffuse reflection surface 22Ba, and the remaining small amount of light enters a vertical surface 22Bb adjacent to the diffuse reflection surface 22Ba on the light receiving element 40 side and perpendicular to the substrate 26.

[0302] Note that in the sixth embodiment, the diffuse reflection element 22B is provided on the substrate 26 as in the first embodiment, but the diffuse reflection element 22B may be provided on the transmissive element 30 as in the second embodiment, or the diffuse reflection element 22B may be provided on the peripheral wall as in the third embodiment.

[0303] (2) Effect of light source unit

[0304] In the light source unit 126 of the sixth embodiment, a small amount of light emitted from the light source 20 and rejected by the diffuse reflection element 22B enters the light receiving element 40 .

[0305] According to the light source unit 126 of the sixth embodiment, if the diffuse reflection element 22B is damaged or falls off from the package 31, and the light emitted from the light source 20 stops entering the light receiving element 40, the output of the light receiving element 40 becomes abnormally low (close to zero) even if the light source 20 is emitting light. On the contrary, when the output of the light receiving element 40 is abnormally low even if the light source 20 is emitting light, it is suspected that the diffuse reflection element 22B is damaged or falls off.

[0306] 10. Effects common to the light source units according to the fourth to sixth embodiments of the present technology

[0307] The light source units 124 , 125 , and 126 of the fourth to sixth embodiments of the present technology include the light receiving element 40 that receives at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source 20 and passing through the diffuse reflection element.

[0308] In this case, since a certain percentage of the amount of light emitted from the light source 20 can be detected by the light received by the light receiving element 40, even if the ambient temperature changes, control (automatic power control: APC) can be performed by feeding back the output signal of the light receiving element 40 to the light source driving circuit 21 to keep the amount of light emitted from the light source 20 constant, or control can be performed by detecting a sudden change in the amount of light that is not synchronized with the light emission control signal to determine an abnormality and stop the light emission for safety.

[0309] Furthermore, the light emission timing of the light source 20 can be detected by the output of the light receiving element 40. Therefore, the distance to the object can be calculated based on the actual light emission timing of the light source 20 rather than the light emission control signal for causing the light source 20 to emit light.

[0310] As described above, according to the light source units 124 , 125 and 126 of the fourth to sixth embodiments, the light receiving element 40 can detect light from the light source 20 , and damage or detachment of the diffuse reflection element can be detected from abnormal changes in the output of the light receiving element 40 .

[0311] Parts of the configurations of the light source units of the first embodiment to the sixth embodiment may be applied to each other within technical consistency.

[0312] 11. Distance measurement device according to seventh embodiment of the present technology

[0313] (1) Configuration of distance measurement device

[0314] In the distance measuring device 100 according to the seventh embodiment, as Fig.17 A and Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1B , a configuration is adopted in which the light source 20 and the diffuse reflection element 22A of the light source unit 127 having slight light transmittance (for example, a light transmittance of 1%), the image sensor 380 of the light receiving unit 147, and the control unit 16 are directly mounted on the circuit board 18. In addition, a peripheral wall 2800 is provided on the circuit board 18 to surround the light source 20, the diffuse reflection element 22A, the image sensor 380, and the control unit 16.

[0315] That is, in the distance measuring device 100 of the seventh embodiment, the holder 240 includes a package 3100 including a circuit board 18 and a peripheral wall 2800, and holds the light source 20, the diffuse reflection element 22A, the image sensor 380, and the control unit 16. That is, in the distance measuring device 100, the light source 20, the diffuse reflection element 22A, the image sensor 380, and the control unit 16 are held by the common holder 240. More specifically, the light source 20, the diffuse reflection element 22A, the image sensor 380, and the control unit 16 are arranged in the recess 240a of the holder 240, that is, in the area inside the peripheral wall 2800 on the circuit board 18. The image sensor 380 and the control unit 16 are provided on the same sensor board 380a (semiconductor board). The object system is configured by including the distance measuring device 100 and an object (e.g., a mobile body, an electronic device, etc.) on which the distance measuring device 100 is installed. Similarly, the illumination field FOI is set to be the same as or slightly larger than the field of view FOV.

[0316] Along with Fig.17 The light shielding block 400 extending in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface of B is bridged on the recess 240a (the area inside the peripheral wall 2800) of the holder 240. That is, the recess 240a of the holder 240 is divided into a light source area LR and a sensor area SR by the light shielding block 400. The light source area LR is arranged with the light source 20 and the diffuse reflection element 22A, and the sensor area SR is arranged with most of the image sensor 380. The opening 240a1 of the light source area LR of the recess 240a is covered by the transmission element 30. The opening 240a2 of the sensor area SR of the recess 240a is covered by the bandpass filter 36.

[0317] In the sensor region SR of the recess 240a, a first light receiving region RA (pixel arrangement region) including a pixel group for distance measurement of the image sensor 380 is arranged. In this case, even if the diffuse reflection element 22A is damaged or detached, at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source 20 is blocked by the light shielding block 400. Therefore, the light does not enter the first light receiving region RA.

[0318] like Fig.17 As shown in A, the light source driving circuit 21 is installed in the area ( Fig.17 On the bottom surface of the area on the paper depth side of the light source 20 and the diffuse reflection element 22A in B).

[0319] In addition to the first light receiving area RA including the pixel group for distance measurement, the image sensor 380 also has a second light receiving area RB (e.g., an area forming PD) for light detection in the light source area LR. The light shielding block 400 has a mirror surface 400a on the optical path of the light (transmitted light TL) emitted from the light source 20 and transmitted through the diffuse reflection element 22A. The mirror surface 400a is arranged to be inclined (e.g., 45°) relative to the circuit board 18 to face the diffuse reflection element 22A and the second light receiving area RB. On the contrary, the second light receiving area RB is arranged on the optical path of the light transmitted through the diffuse reflection element 22A and reflected by the mirror surface 400a.

[0320] (2) Operation of distance measuring device

[0321] In the distance measuring device 100, the light source 20 is driven by the light source driving circuit 21, and the light source 20 emits light. A portion (most of) of the light emitted from the light source 20 is reflected and diffused by the diffuse reflection element 22A, transmitted through the transmission element 30, and irradiated to the object as the irradiation light IL. The light (object light OL) irradiated to the object and reflected by the object, which passes through the lens unit 32 and the band pass filter 36, is condensed on the first light receiving area RA of the image sensor 380. The first light receiving area RA transmits the output (photoelectrically converted electrical signal) of each pixel to the control unit 16. The control unit 16 generates a distance image based on the output of each pixel of the first light receiving area RA.

[0322] On the other hand, another part (a small amount) of the light emitted from the light source 20 is transmitted through the diffuse reflection element 22A, reflected by the mirror surface 400a, and focused on the second light receiving area RB. The second light receiving area RB sends an output (an electric signal of photoelectric conversion) to the control unit 16. The control unit 16 performs various controls (e.g., control of the amount of emitted light of the light source 20, distance calculation based on the detected emission timing, etc.) based on the output of the second light receiving area RB.

[0323] (3) Effects of distance measurement device and target system

[0324] The distance measuring device 100 of the seventh embodiment includes a light source unit 127, a light receiving unit 147 that receives light emitted from the light source unit 127 and reflected by an object, and a control unit 16 that calculates the distance to the object based on at least the output of the light receiving unit 147. Therefore, the distance measuring device 100 having excellent safety can be realized.

[0325] Since the light source unit 127 , the light receiving unit 147 , and the control unit 16 are integrally provided, the distance measuring device 100 can be easily mounted on an object (eg, a moving body, an electronic device, etc.).

[0326] According to the target system including the distance measurement device 100 and an object (for example, a moving object, an electronic device, etc.) on which the distance measurement device 100 is installed, it is possible to realize a target system excellent in safety.

[0327] In the distance measuring device 100, the light receiving unit 147 includes an image sensor 380 having a first light receiving area RA for receiving light emitted from the light source unit 127 and reflected by an object and a second light receiving area RB for receiving light emitted from the light source 20 and passing through the diffuse reflection surface 22Aa. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced, and the size of the distance measuring device 100 can be reduced.

[0328] Note that, in the holder 240, the recess 240a and the window 30 are not necessary. That is, in the holder 240, the peripheral wall 2800 and the transmission element 30 are not necessary. The holder 240 may be configured only by the circuit board 18. The holder 240 may be configured only by the circuit board 18 and the peripheral wall 2800, that is, only by the package 3100. In the holder 240, the circuit board 18 serves as a base element on which the light source 20 is mounted, but an element other than the circuit board (for example, a non-plate-shaped element) may be used.

[0329] 12. Configuration of distance measurement device according to eighth embodiment of the present technology

[0330] (1) Overall configuration of the distance measurement device

[0331] Fig.18 A is a plan view of a distance measurement device 10 according to an eighth embodiment of the present technology. Fig.18 B is along Fig.18 The distance measuring device 10 is used, for example, to measure the distance to an object, the shape of an object, etc. Note that Fig.18 In order to avoid the complexity of the drawings, the Fig.18 B is a diagram of some of the elements shown (lens unit 32, bandpass filter 36, etc.).

[0332] The distance measuring device 10 is mounted on an object. Examples of the object on which the distance measuring device is mounted include mobile bodies such as vehicles, aircraft (including drones), ships, and robots, and electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets. The object system is configured by including the distance measuring device 10 and an object (e.g., a mobile body, an electronic device, etc.) on which the distance measuring device 10 is mounted.

[0333] like Fig.18 A and Fig.18As shown in FIG. 1B , the distance measuring device 10 includes a light source device 12 for irradiating an object with light, a light receiving device 14 for receiving reflected light from the object, and a control device 16 for controlling the light source device 12 and the light receiving device 14. That is, the distance measuring device 10 is a distance measuring device using the time of flight (TOF) principle with light emission / reception and calculation functions. The light source device 12, the light receiving device 14, and the control device 16 are mounted on the same circuit board 18. In addition, a multi-pin connector for power supply and data exchange with the outside is mounted on the circuit board 18. Note that at least two of the light source device 12, the light receiving device 14, and the control device 16 do not have to be mounted on the same circuit board. The “light source device” described below may include the “light source unit” of each of the above embodiments.

[0334] (2) Overall configuration of the light source device

[0335] like Fig.19 As shown, the light source device 12 includes a light source 20 and a holder 24 for holding the light source 20 .

[0336] As the light source 20, for example, a laser light source such as an end-emitting semiconductor laser (laser diode: LD) or a surface-emitting semiconductor laser (surface-emitting laser: VCSEL) is used. The light source 20 is mounted on the substrate 26 by die bonding, and is electrically connected to wiring on the substrate 26 by bonding wires BW. Here, for example, infrared light is used as the emission light EL of the light source 20, but light of another wavelength band may be used. The light source 20 is driven by a light source driving circuit 21 (driving circuit). Here, as shown in FIG. Fig.18 A and Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1B , the light source driving circuit 21 is arranged at a position between the light source device 12 and the light receiving device 14 on the circuit board 18 .

[0337] Note that the light source 20 may be a light source other than a laser light source (eg, a light emitting diode: LED), but the light source 20 is preferably a light source that emits high-power light, such as a laser light source.

[0338] return Fig.19 The holder 24 has a reflective surface 22a that reflects at least a portion of the light from the light source 20 while diffusing it toward the object.

[0339] That is, the light source device 12 irradiates the object with at least a portion of the light (reflected light RL) emitted from the light source 20 and reflected while being diffused by the reflective surface 22 a as the irradiation light IL.

[0340] More specifically, the holder 24 has a recess 24a that accommodates the light source 20. The reflective surface 22a is located in the recess 24a, and reflects and diffuses at least a portion of the light from the light source 20 toward an opening 24a1 of the recess 24a.

[0341] Furthermore, the holder 24 has a window 30 covering the opening 24a1 of the recess 24a. At least a portion of the light (reflected light RL) emitted from the light source 20 and reflected while being diffused toward the opening 24a1 by the diffuse reflection surface 22a is transmitted through the window 30. The light transmitted through the window 30 of the reflected light RL is the irradiation light IL.

[0342] More specifically, the retainer 24 is disposed on the circuit board 18 (see Fig.18 A and Fig.18 B), and includes a package 31 having a recess 24a, a reflector 27 including a diffuse reflection element 22 having a reflection surface 22a, and a transmission element as a window 30 (hereinafter, also referred to as "transmission element 30").

[0343] The package 31 is an open box-shaped element, and has a substrate 26 with the bottom surface of the recess 24a as one surface and a peripheral wall 28 with the inner peripheral surface of the recess 24a as the inner peripheral surface. The substrate 26 and the peripheral wall 28 are integrally formed using a material such as ceramic. Note that in the package 31, the substrate 26 and the peripheral wall 28 may be separate bodies.

[0344] The light source 20 and the reflector 27 are mounted on one surface (substrate surface) of the substrate 26. Hereinafter, the one surface (substrate surface) of the substrate 26 on which the light source 20 and the reflector 27 are mounted is also referred to as "mounting surface 26a".

[0345] A peripheral wall 28 is provided on the mounting surface 26 a to surround the light source 20 and the reflector 27 .

[0346] The transmission element 30 is a plate-like element made of glass or resin having light transmittance, and is attached to the opening end surface 24b (the end surface of the peripheral wall 28 on the opposite side of the end surface on the substrate 26 side) of the holder 24 using an adhesive or the like to cover the opening 24a1. The transmittance of the transmission element 30 is set to transmit most of the light in the wavelength band (for example, the infrared region) of the emission light EL of the light source 20 (for example, 99% or more).

[0347] Therefore, since almost all of the reflected light RL from the reflective element 22 is transmitted through the transmissive element 30 , the irradiated light IL may be substantially the same as the reflected light RL.

[0348] The light source 20 and the reflector 27 are sealed in the package 31 through the transmission element 30. Therefore, foreign matter (for example, grit and dust and moisture) can be suppressed from intruding into the package 31, and the components (the light source 20, the reflection element 22, etc.) in the package 31 can be protected (for example, foreign matter can be suppressed from adhering to the light source 20 or the reflection element 22, and the occurrence of problems such as wiring short circuits due to the intruding foreign matter can be suppressed).

[0349] In addition to the reflective element 22 , the reflector 27 includes a support element 25 that supports the reflective element 22 .

[0350] Here, the reflective member 22 is formed using a substantially plate-shaped member and is supported by the support member 25 so that the reflective surface 22 a is located on the optical path of the light (emission light EL) from the light source 20 .

[0351] As an example, a triangular prism-shaped element (in a direction perpendicular to the right angle) made of glass or resin having a right triangle cross section and having light transmittance is used. Fig.19 The support member 25 is formed by a triangular prism-shaped member having a height direction in the direction of the paper surface of the support member 25. The substantially plate-shaped reflective member 22 is bonded to the inclined surface 25a of the support member 25, for example, by an adhesive. Note that the support member 25 does not necessarily have to have light transmittance.

[0352] As an example, the reflectivity or transmittance of the reflective surface 22 a is set to reflect while diffusing 90% or more (preferably, 99% or more) of the light from the light source 20 .

[0353] Note that, here, the reflective element 22 is a generally plate-shaped element supported by the support element 25, but may be, for example, an element having a reflective surface 22a formed on an inclined surface of a base material corresponding to the support element 25. That is, the reflector 27 may be configured by a single reflective element in which the reflective element 22 and the support element 25 are integrally molded.

[0354] Here, the surface of the reflective element 22 on the opposite side of the reflective surface 22a (the bonding surface with the inclined surface 25a) is a plane parallel to the inclined surface 25a. Hereinafter, this plane is also referred to as a "reference plane 22d".

[0355] Note that, here, as an example, the surface of the reflective element 22 on the opposite side of the reflective surface 22a (the bonding surface with the inclined surface 25a) is set as the reference plane 22d. However, the inclined surface 25a of the support element 25 may be set as the reference plane, any cross section parallel to the reflective element 22 or the inclined surface 25a of the support element 25 may be set as the reference plane, or a virtual plane parallel to the inclined surface 25a may be set as the reference plane.

[0356] The reference plane 22d is inclined relative to the emission direction ED of the light source 20. That is, the reference plane 22d is inclined relative to the emission surface ES of the light source 20 (e.g., a semiconductor laser). Note that since semiconductor lasers such as LD and VCSEL emit light from the emission surface ES perpendicularly to the emission surface ES, when the emission direction ED is inclined relative to the reference plane 22d, the emission surface ES is also inclined relative to the reference plane 22d.

[0357] The inclination angle of the reference plane 22d relative to the emission direction ED of the light source 20 is It is preferably 30° to 60°, and more preferably 40° to 50° to obtain a necessary and sufficient irradiation angle range for the object.

[0358] Therefore, in this embodiment, as an example, the inclination angle of the reference plane 22d relative to the emission direction ED of the light source 20 is is set to approximately 45°.

[0359] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the height of the peripheral wall 28 and reducing the thickness of the light source device 12, the angle formed by the emission direction ED of the light source 20 with respect to the mounting surface 26a is preferably 0° to 45°, more preferably 0° to 30°, and even more preferably 0° to 15°. The emission direction of the light source 20 may be offset (inclined) from the direction parallel to the mounting surface 26a toward the transmission element 30 side or may be offset (inclined) toward the substrate 26 side.

[0360] Therefore, in this embodiment, as an example, the light source 20 is mounted on the mounting surface 26a so that the angle formed by the emission direction ED relative to the mounting surface 26a becomes approximately 0°, that is, the emission direction ED is along (approximately parallel to) the mounting surface 26a.

[0361] In this case, as described above, due to the inclination angle of the reference plane 22d relative to the emission direction ED of the light source 20 The angle is approximately 45°, so the reference plane 22d and the inclined surface 25a are also inclined at approximately 45° relative to the mounting surface 26a.

[0362] The emission surface ES of the light source 20 and the reflection surface 22a face each other. That is, the emission direction ED of the light source 20 faces the reflection surface 22a side.

[0363] The emission surface ES of the light source 20 does not face the transmission element 30. That is, the emission direction ED of the light source 20 does not face the transmission element 30 side.

[0364] The reflective surface 22 a also faces the transmissive element 30 .

[0365] No other optical element (lens, reflector, etc.) is inserted between the light source 20 and the reflective surface 22a. In this case, the light (emission light EL) emitted from the light source 20 directly enters the reflective surface 22a. Therefore, the distance between the light source 20 and the reflective surface 22a can be shortened, and the size of the device can be reduced. Other optical elements (lenses, reflectors, etc.) can be inserted in the optical path between the light source 20 and the reflective surface 22a.

[0366] When other optical elements (lenses, reflectors, etc.) are inserted between the light source 20 and the reflective surface 22a, the emission surface ES of the light source 20 does not necessarily face the reflective surface 22a.

[0367] Note that, in the holder 24, the recess 24a and the window 30 are not necessary. That is, in the holder 24, the peripheral wall 28 and the transmissive element 30 are not necessary. The holder 24 may be configured only by the substrate 26. The holder 24 may be configured only by the substrate 26 and the peripheral wall 28, that is, only by the package 31. In the holder 24, the substrate 26 serves as a base element for mounting the light source 20, but an element other than the substrate (for example, a non-plate-shaped element) may also be used.

[0368] (3) Configuration of optical receiving device

[0369] like Fig.18 A and Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 8B , the light receiving device 14 of the eighth embodiment includes a lens unit 32 , a lens holder 34 , a band pass filter 36 , and an image sensor 38 .

[0370] The image sensor 38 is provided on a sensor board 38a (semiconductor board) mounted on the circuit board 18, and includes a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally. The image sensor 38 is also called an area image sensor.

[0371] The shape of the pixel arrangement area as the area where the plurality of pixels of the image sensor 38 are arranged is, for example, a rectangle. Here, the pixel arrangement area occupies substantially the entire area of ​​the image sensor 38. That is, the shape of the image sensor 38 substantially matches the shape of the pixel arrangement area.

[0372] Note that the shape of the image sensor 38 may be a shape other than a rectangle (eg, a square, a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon other than a square and a rectangle).

[0373] Each pixel of the image sensor 38 includes a light receiving element (eg, a photodiode: PD), and the pixel is electrically connected to a circuit on the circuit board 18 by wire bonding.

[0374] The lens holder 34 is fixed to the circuit board 18 to surround the image sensor 38 .

[0375] The lens unit 32 includes at least one lens element and is held in a lens holder 34 to focus on an image sensor 38 .

[0376] The bandpass filter 36 fixed to the lens holder 34 is arranged between the image sensor 38 and the lens unit 32. Therefore, among the light reflected by the object and passing through the lens unit 32, only the light having a wavelength close to the wavelength of the emission light EL of the light source 20 (light in a predetermined wavelength band, for example, infrared light) is transmitted through the bandpass filter 36 and enters the image sensor 38.

[0377] In addition, the illumination field ( Fig.18 The illumination field of B (FOI) is ideally set to be equal to or larger than the field of view of the light receiving device 14 ( Fig.18 The field of view of the light receiving device 14 is also referred to as the “light receiving range”.

[0378] Note that the configuration of the light receiving device 14 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the image sensor 38 may be a linear sensor (line sensor) in which a plurality of pixels are arranged one-dimensionally.

[0379] (4) Configuration of control device

[0380] The control device 16 of the eighth embodiment includes an operation circuit that controls the light source 20 and the image sensor 38 and calculates the distance to the object (subject). Fig.18 A and Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1B , the control device 16 is disposed in an area (pixel arrangement area) on the sensor board 38a that is different from the image sensor 38. The control device 16 sends a light emission control signal (pulse signal) to the light source drive circuit 21 to cause the light source 20 to emit light intermittently, calculates the distance to the object for each pixel based on the output of each pixel of the image sensor 38, and generates a distance image.

[0381] The calculation method of the control device 16 can be a method of calculating the distance to the object based on the light emitting control signal and the output signal (light receiving signal) of each pixel of the image sensor 38 (direct TOF method), or can be a method of calculating the distance to the object based on the difference or ratio of the charge amount of the signal charge optionally distributed to two charge storage units of each pixel when the image sensor 38 receives light (indirect TOF method).

[0382] The calculation circuit of the control device 16 is realized by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like.

[0383] (5) Configuration of reflective elements

[0384] By the way, if Fig. 20 A and Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1B , a commercially available diffuse reflector is designed to perform so-called Lambertian reflection (complete diffuse reflection), i.e., a complete diffuse reflector. If such a complete diffuse reflector is used as the diffuse reflection element 22 of the distance measuring device 10, the illumination field FOI of the light source device 12 becomes too wide relative to the field of view FOV of the light receiving device 14. Therefore, the illumination light IL from the light source device 12 has a large portion (wasted portion) that is not irradiated to the object and is not received by the light receiving device 14, and sufficient illumination cannot be obtained within the field of view FOV.

[0385] Therefore, in this embodiment, if Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 8B , taking into account the change in design of the reflective element 22 , the illumination field FOI of the light source device 12 is set to be the same as or slightly wider than the field of view FOV of the light receiving device 14 .

[0386] In addition, the light emitted from the light source device 12 and reflected by the object is collected by the lens unit 32 of the light receiving device 14 on the image sensor 38. At this time, the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the optical axis of the reflected light OL from the object (hereinafter, also referred to as "object light OL") is approximated to the shape of the image sensor 38 because the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the optical axis of the irradiation light IL (reflection light RL from the reflective element 22) (hereinafter, simply referred to as "cross section of irradiation light IL" or "cross section of reflected light RL") is further approximated to the shape (for example, rectangular) of the image sensor 38 of the light receiving device 14. In this case, the object light OL can be focused on the image sensor 38 without waste. That is, the irradiation light IL can be effectively used.

[0387] Therefore, in this embodiment, the target shape TS (see Fig.21 ) is set to be the same shape as the image sensor 38 (here, a rectangular shape) (see Fig.18 A), and the reflective element 22 is designed to be able to generate reflected light RL (irradiation light IL) having a cross-sectional shape of the target shape TS (see Fig.21 ). Note that for convenience, Fig.21 Only the light source 20 and the reflector 27 of the light source device 12 are shown. Fig.21 The reflected light RL (illumination light IL) shown has a quadrangular pyramid shape, in which the shapes of any cross sections perpendicular to the optical axis are rectangular shapes similar to each other. Hereinafter, the reflected light RL having a cross-sectional shape of the target shape TS is also referred to as "desired reflected light RL". The illumination light IL having a cross-sectional shape of the target shape TS is also referred to as "desired illumination light IL".

[0388] Hereinafter, the design concept of the reflective element 22 will be described in detail.

[0389] The illumination field FOI of the light source device 12 (ie, the range in which the illumination light IL exists) depends on the diffusion direction of the light of the reflective element 22 and the diffusion angle of each diffusion direction.

[0390] Here, if Fig.21 As shown, the optical axis (central axis) of the emitted light EL of the light source 20 is EOA, the optical axis (central axis) of the reflected light RL is ROA, the cross section of the reflected light RL including EOA and ROA is B cross section BCS, the cross section perpendicular to the B cross section BCS of the reflected light RL and including ROA is A cross section ACS, the cross section perpendicular to the B cross section BCS of the reflected light RL and including EOA is C cross section CCS, and the angle formed by the optical axis EOA of the emitted light EL and the reference plane 22d of the reflective element 22 is

[0391] At this time, the diffusion angle of the desired reflected light RL (desired irradiation light IL) is defined as follows.

[0392] Diffusion angle in A-section ACS: Angle 2α (α≥0) with ROA as the symmetry axis.

[0393] Diffusion angle in B-section BCS: Angle 2β (β≥0) with ROA as the symmetry axis.

[0394] For example, in In this case, the angle formed by ROA and EOA is approximately 90°.

[0395] Note that the emitted light EL from the light source 20 generally has a diffusion angle more or less, but here, for ease of description, the angle is assumed to be small enough to be ignored, and the emitted light EL is assumed to be parallel light. The case where the angle cannot be ignored (the case where the emitted light EL is not parallel light) will be described below.

[0396] Here, the diffusion angle of the desired reflected light RL in the A-section ACS is defined as 2α, and the diffusion angle in the B-section BCS is defined as 2β. However, in the desired reflected light RL, the diffusion angle in any section parallel to the A-section ACS is 2α, and the diffusion angle in any section parallel to the B-section BCS is 2β.

[0397] Here, if Fig. 22 As shown, generally, when light enters a plane mirror at an incident angle θ and is reflected at a reflection angle θ, if the plane mirror is rotated at an angle δ to set the incident angle to θ+δ, the reflection angle also becomes θ+δ. Therefore, the reflected light after the plane mirror is rotated is rotated by twice the plane mirror rotation angle (2δ) relative to the reflected light before the plane mirror is rotated.

[0398] Furthermore, when parallel light is applied to a curved mirror having curvature in two axial directions orthogonal to each other, reflected light diffused in the two axial directions can be obtained.

[0399] Therefore, if Fig.23 and Fig.24 As shown, the inventors have configured a reflective element 22 including a convex mirror 22c (an example of a curved mirror) having curvature in two axial directions orthogonal to each other, and have applied the above principle to the convex mirror 22c.

[0400] Fig.23 An arbitrary cross section of a C-section CCS parallel to the convex mirror 22c is shown. Fig.24 An arbitrary cross section of the B-section BCS parallel to the convex mirror 22c is shown.

[0401] like Fig.23 and Fig.24 As shown, the convex mirror 22c has curvature in a first axis direction and a second axis direction orthogonal to each other in the reference plane 22d.

[0402] The first axis direction is orthogonal to the B-section BCS and parallel to the C-section CCS. The second axis direction is orthogonal to the first axis direction and parallel to the B-section BCS.

[0403] That is, in the convex mirror 22c, any cross section parallel to the C cross section CCS has a curvature, and any cross section parallel to the B cross section BCS has a curvature.

[0404] Specifically, Fig.23 As shown, the convex mirror 22c is designed so that any cross section parallel to the C cross section CCS has an arc shape (an example of a convex curve shape), and the angle formed by the tangent T1 of the arc (an example of a convex curve) drawn by the cross section with respect to the first axis direction continuously changes from -α / 2 to +α / 2. When parallel light enters the cross section, the parallel light can be reflected at a diffusion angle of 2α in the A cross section ACS or in the cross section parallel to the A cross section ACS.

[0405] In addition, if Fig.24 As shown, the convex mirror 22c is designed so that any cross section parallel to the B cross section BCS has an arc shape (an example of a convex curve shape), and the angle formed by the tangent T2 of the arc (an example of a convex curve) drawn by the cross section with respect to the second axis direction continuously changes from -β / 2 to +β / 2. When parallel light enters the cross section, the parallel light can be reflected at a diffusion angle of 2β in the B cross section BCS or in a cross section parallel to the B cross section BCS.

[0406] Therefore, by allowing parallel light to enter the convex mirror 22c, reflected light (irradiated light) can be obtained having a diffusion angle of 2α in the A section ACS and any section parallel to the A section ACS and having a diffusion angle of 2β in the B section BCS and any section parallel to the B section BCS.

[0407] Here, the reflective element 22 is designed so that any section parallel to the C section CCS and any section parallel to the B section BCS of each convex mirror 22c has a convex arc shape (an example of a convex curve shape). However, another convex curve shape may be adopted as long as the curvature changes continuously in the same direction.

[0408] Specifically, at least one of any cross-section parallel to the C-section CCS or any cross-section parallel to the B-section BCS of each convex mirror 22c can have a convex curve shape, such as an ellipse, a parabola, a hyperbola, a sine curve, or a cycloid curve.

[0409] An arbitrary cross section parallel to the C cross section CCS and an arbitrary cross section parallel to the B cross section BCS of each convex mirror 22c may have convex curve shapes different from each other.

[0410] Here, in order to generate the reflected light RL having the cross-sectional shape of the target shape TS, it is desirable to set the shape of the convex mirror 22c of the reflective element 22 observed from the optical axis direction EOAD (hereinafter, also referred to as the "third axis direction") of the emitted light EL of the light source 20 (i.e., the emission direction ED from the light source 20) to a shape (e.g., a rectangle or a square) according to the target shape TS (e.g., a rectangle) of the reflected light RL, preferably a shape approximate to the target shape TS (e.g., a rectangle) (e.g., a rectangle or a square having an approximate aspect ratio), and make the emitted light of the light source 20 enter the entire convex mirror 22c. When the shape (the shape observed from the third axis direction) of the convex mirror 22c (i.e., the shape of the emission surface ES facing the light source 20) is a shape according to the target shape TS, the emitted light EL of the light source 20 is reflected while being diffused by the convex mirror 22c into a shape according to the target shape TS. Note that the third axis direction is inclined relative to the reference plane 22d and is orthogonal to the first axis direction.

[0411] When the target shape TS is a rectangle, the above examples of “according to the shape of the target shape TS” include a rectangle similar to the target shape TS (including a rectangle with a similarity of 1), a quadrilateral approximating the target shape TS (for example, a rectangle, a square, or a trapezoid), and an ellipse approximating the target shape TS (for example, an ellipse inscribed in the target shape TS or an ellipse circumscribed around the target shape TS).

[0412] In the above description, it has been described that the target shape TS is set to be the same as the shape of the image sensor 38. More specifically, as Fig.18 As shown, the shape of the image sensor 38 is a rectangle with the first axis direction as the longitudinal direction (long side direction) and the third axis direction as the short side direction (short side direction). Fig.21 As shown, the target shape TS is also a rectangle with the first axis direction as the longitudinal direction (long side direction) and the third axis direction as the short direction (short side direction). Then, the target shape TS and the shape of the image sensor 38 are similar to each other.

[0413] Here, if a configuration is adopted in which the emission light EL of the light source 20 is reflected by a single convex mirror having a shape according to the target shape TS (for example, the same shape as the target shape TS) as viewed from the third axis direction, if the emission light EL of the light source 20 deviates slightly from the convex mirror, the shape of the cross section of the irradiation light IL deviates from the target shape TS. That is, the positioning of the light source 20 and the convex mirror becomes very strict, which is unrealistic (practical). At the same time, if the diameter of the single convex mirror relative to the emission light EL of the light source 20 is made too small in order to facilitate the positioning of the light source 20 and the convex mirror, the loss of the emission light EL becomes large.

[0414] Therefore, if Fig.25 and Fig.26 As shown, the inventor has configured a reflective element 22 including a plurality of tiny convex mirrors 22c, and caused the emitted light EL of the light source 20 to enter the plurality of tiny convex mirrors 22c (the plurality of convex mirrors 22c include a light spot LS on the reflective element 22 of the emitted light EL (see Fig.21 )). That is, the reflecting surface 22a of the reflecting element 22 is configured by the convex surfaces of a plurality of convex mirrors 22c.

[0415] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the shape, size, and relative position of the reflective surface 22a relative to the light source 20 are set so that when the emission light EL of the light source 20 enters the reflective surface 22a, the entire light spot LS (see Fig.21 ) is contained within the reflective surface 22a.

[0416] Fig.25 is a diagram of the reflective surface 22a viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reference plane 22d. Fig.25 In the figure, the reflecting surface 22a is observed so that the convex mirrors 22c having a slightly distorted rectangular shape are arranged in a grid manner. Fig.26 is a diagram of the reflective surface 22a viewed from the third axis direction. Fig.26 In the figure, the reflective surface 22a is observed so that the rectangular convex mirrors 22c are arranged in a grid manner.

[0417] That is, Fig.25 and Fig.26 As shown, a plurality of convex mirrors 22c are regularly arranged along the reference plane 22d.

[0418] More specifically, if Fig.26 As shown, the plurality of convex mirrors 22c include at least three convex mirrors and are arranged in a two-dimensional grid when viewed from the third axis direction.

[0419] Here, a direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction (a direction perpendicular to the C-cross section CCS) is defined as a fourth axis direction.

[0420] More specifically, the plurality of convex mirrors 22c include at least four convex mirrors, and are arranged in a two-dimensional grid manner in the first axis direction and the fourth axis direction when viewed from the third axis direction, the first axis direction being a direction corresponding to the horizontal direction (first axis direction) of the target shape TS, and the fourth axis direction being a direction corresponding to the vertical direction (third axis direction) of the target shape TS. Note that, here, the horizontal direction of the target shape TS is described as the first axis direction, and the vertical direction is described as the third axis direction, but the horizontal direction of the target shape TS may be set to the third axis direction, and the vertical direction may be set to the first axis direction.

[0421] That is, as viewed from the third axis direction, the plurality of convex mirrors 22c are arranged at equal intervals in each of the first axis direction and the fourth axis direction.

[0422] In this manner, the plurality of convex mirrors 22c are regularly arranged with respect to one another in accordance with the target shape TS.

[0423] In each convex mirror 22c, the shape observed from the third axis direction is a shape (here, a rectangle) according to the target shape TS (here, a rectangle). Each convex mirror 22c is arranged so that the long side direction of the rectangle observed from the third axis direction coincides with the first axis direction corresponding to the long side direction (first axis direction) of the target shape TS, and the short side direction of the rectangle coincides with the fourth axis direction corresponding to the short side direction (third axis direction) of the target shape TS.

[0424] In this way, each convex mirror 22c is regularly arranged according to the target shape TS.

[0425] As described above, the plurality of convex mirrors 22c are regularly arranged according to the target shape TS.

[0426] In short, if Fig.25 and Fig.26As shown, in the reflective element 22, a plurality of minute convex mirrors 22c having a shape (here, a rectangle) according to a target shape TS of a cross section of the reflected light RL observed from the third axis direction are aligned in a grid manner in the first axis direction and the second axis direction, and are layered without gaps on a reference plane 22d inclined relative to the third axis direction. Note that there may be a minute gap between two adjacent convex mirrors 22c.

[0427] Here, if Fig.26 As shown, the overall shape of the reflecting surface 22a observed from the third axis direction is a rectangle, but when the emission light EL of the light source 20 enters the reflecting surface 22a, as long as the entire light spot LS (see Fig.21 ) is included in the reflecting surface 22a, a shape other than a rectangle can be adopted.

[0428] Here, the diffusion angle 2α in any section of the A section ACS of the light parallel to each convex mirror 22c is determined according to the curvature in the first axis direction of the convex mirror 22c (the curvature of the convex curve drawn by any section parallel to the C section CCS). The diffusion angle 2β in any section of the B section BCS of the light parallel to each convex mirror 22c is determined according to the curvature in the second axis direction of the convex mirror 22c (the curvature of the convex curve drawn by any section parallel to the B section BCS).

[0429] like Fig.23 As shown, an arbitrary cross section of the C cross section CCS parallel to each convex mirror 22c is an arc shape (an example of a convex curve shape), and the angle formed by connecting the chord (line segment) at both ends of the arc (an example of a convex curve) drawn by the cross section and the tangent T1 at each end of the arc (in a plane parallel to the C cross section) is set to α / 2. At this time, the incident angle of light on an arbitrary cross section of the C cross section CCS parallel to each convex mirror 22c changes continuously from -α / 2 to +α / 2 symmetrically with respect to the central axis CA1 passing through the center of the first axis direction of the cross section and extending in the third axis direction.

[0430] Therefore, the reflected light from each convex mirror 22c continuously expands in the A-section ACS or in a plane parallel to the A-section ACS symmetrically at an angle of 2α with respect to the axis corresponding to the central axis CA1 of the convex mirror 22c.

[0431] Here, the above-mentioned “axis corresponding to the central axis CA1 of the convex mirror 22c” is an axis parallel to the ROA that intersects with the central axis CA1 in the B-section BCS including the central axis CA1 of the convex mirror 22c or in a plane parallel to the B-section BCS.

[0432] However, when α increases, the reflected light from each convex mirror 22c interferes with the adjacent convex mirror 22c, and eclipse occurs.

[0433] Therefore, in order to suppress vignetting, 0°<α and α+(α / 2)≤90°, that is, 0°<α≤60° is desirable.

[0434] Note that it is expected that all convex mirrors 22c satisfy 0°<α≤60°, but only some convex mirrors 22c may satisfy 0°<α≤60°.

[0435] For convenience, Fig.23 The state in which light enters one convex mirror 22c and is reflected while being diffused is shown. In fact, light similarly enters the other convex mirrors 22c and is reflected while being diffused.

[0436] like Fig.24 As shown, an arbitrary section of the B section BCS parallel to each convex mirror 22c is an arc shape (an example of a convex curve shape), and the angle formed by connecting the chord (line segment) at both ends of the arc (convex curve) drawn by the section and the tangent line (in a plane parallel to the B section) at each end of the arc is set to β / 2. At this time, the incident angle of light on an arbitrary section of the B section BCS parallel to each convex mirror 22c is symmetrically from the center axis CA2 passing through the center of the second axis direction of the section and being orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the second axis direction (orthogonal to the reference plane 22d). Continuously changes to

[0437] Therefore, the reflected light from each convex mirror 22c continuously expands symmetrically at an angle of 2β with respect to the axis CA2' corresponding to the central axis CA2 of the convex mirror 22c in the B-section BCS or in a plane parallel to the B-section BCS.

[0438] Here, the above-mentioned “axis CA2′ corresponding to the center axis CA2 of the convex mirror 22c” is an axis parallel to the ROA that intersects the center axis CA2 in the B-section BCS including the center axis CA2 of the convex mirror 22c or in a plane parallel to the B-section BCS.

[0439] However, when β increases, the reflected light from each convex mirror 22c interferes with the adjacent convex mirror 22c, and vignetting occurs.

[0440] Therefore, in order to suppress vignetting, 0°<β and Right now is expected.

[0441] Note that it is expected that all convex mirrors 22c satisfy But only some convex mirrors 22c can satisfy

[0442] For convenience, Fig.24 The state in which light enters one convex mirror 22c and is reflected while being diffused is shown. In fact, light similarly enters the other convex mirrors 22c and is reflected while being diffused.

[0443] Note that even in order to suppress vignetting, the range of α and β is limited to 0°<α≤60° and As mentioned above, the incident angle on the reflective element 22 Designed to be the most practical In the case of , the diffusion angle of the reflected light RL can also be set within the range of 0°≤2α≤120° and 0≤2β≤60°. Therefore, the angle can be sufficiently large in practice.

[0444] As described above, when parallel light enters the plurality of convex mirrors 22c of the reflective element 22, the light reflected while being diffused by each convex mirror 22c becomes a tetrahedral pyramid-shaped reflected light diffused at a diffusion angle of 2α in the A-section ACS or in a plane parallel to the A-section ACS and diffused at a diffusion angle of 2β in the B-section BCS or in a plane parallel to the B-section BCS. At this time, the reflected light from the adjacent convex mirrors 22c has an overlapping portion, but the reflected light RL, which is a collection of the reflected light from all the convex mirrors 22c, also becomes a tetrahedral pyramid-shaped reflected light diffused at a diffusion angle of 2α in the A-section ACS or in a plane parallel to the A-section ACS and diffused at a diffusion angle of 2β in the B-section BCS or in a plane parallel to the B-section BCS.

[0445] That is, by causing the emitted light EL of the light source 20 to be reflected by the reflective element 22, a reflected light RL (irradiation light IL) in the shape of a quadrangular pyramid having a diffusion angle 2α in the A section ACS and any section parallel to the A section ACS and having a diffusion angle 2β in the B section BCS and any section parallel to the B section BCS can be generated.

[0446] Here, in each of the multiple convex mirrors 22c, the length of the shape in the first axis direction observed from the third axis direction, the length of the shape in the fourth axis direction observed from the third axis direction, the curvature in the first axis direction, and the curvature in the second axis direction are set according to the ratio of the length in the direction corresponding to the first axis direction (e.g., the first axis direction) to the length in the direction corresponding to the fourth axis direction (e.g., the third axis direction) in the target shape.

[0447] Note that this setting is not required.

[0448] Specifically, while making the ratio of the length in the fourth axis direction to the length in the first axis direction in the shape observed from the third axis direction of each of the multiple convex mirrors 22c equal to the ratio of the length in the direction corresponding to the fourth axis direction (the third axis direction) to the length in the direction corresponding to the first axis direction (for example, the first axis direction) in the target shape TS, it is preferred that the curvature in the first axis direction and the curvature in the second axis direction of each convex mirror 22c are equal to each other.

[0449] For example, in a case where the shape of each convex mirror 22c observed from the third-axis direction and the target shape TS are similar rectangles (rectangles with the same aspect ratio), if the curvature of each convex mirror 22c in the first-axis direction and the curvature in the second-axis direction are made equal to each other, the shape of the cross-section perpendicular to the optical axis of the light reflected while being diffused by each convex mirror 22c can be expanded while maintaining a rectangle similar to the target shape TS, and the uniformity of the illumination of the irradiation light IL can be improved.

[0450] Specifically, while making the ratio of the length in the fourth axis direction to the length in the first axis direction in the shape observed from the third axis direction of each of the multiple convex mirrors 22c different from the ratio of the length in the direction corresponding to the fourth axis direction (for example, the third axis direction) to the length in the direction corresponding to the first axis direction (for example, the first axis direction) in the target shape TS, it is preferred to make the curvature in the first axis direction and the curvature in the second axis direction of the convex mirror 22c different from each other so that the cross-sectional shape of the light diffused by the convex mirror 22c and reflected at the same time is close to the target shape TS.

[0451] For example, when the shape of each convex mirror 22c observed from the third axis direction is a vertically long rectangle (the length in the fourth axis direction is longer than the length in the first axis direction), and the target shape TS is a horizontally long rectangle (the length in the first axis direction is longer than the length in the third axis direction), it is preferred to make the curvature of the convex mirror 22c in the first axis direction substantially greater than the curvature in the second axis direction so that the cross-sectional shape of the light reflected while being diffused by the convex mirror 22c is a horizontally long rectangle (close to the target shape TS).

[0452] For example, when the shape of each convex mirror 22c observed from the third axis direction is a horizontally long rectangle (the length in the first axis direction is longer than the length in the fourth axis direction), and the target shape TS is a vertically long rectangle (the length in the third axis direction is longer than the length in the first axis direction), it is preferred to make the curvature of the convex mirror 22c in the second axis direction substantially greater than the curvature in the first axis direction, so that the cross-sectional shape of the light reflected while being diffused by the convex mirror 22c is a vertically long rectangle (close to the target shape TS).

[0453] For example, when the shape of each convex mirror 22c observed from the third axis direction is a horizontally long rectangle (the length in the first axis direction is longer than the length in the fourth axis direction), the target shape TS is a horizontally long rectangle (the length in the first axis direction is longer than the length in the third axis direction), and the latter rectangle is horizontally longer than the former rectangle, it is preferred to make the curvature of the convex mirror 22c in the first axis direction greater than the curvature in the second axis direction so that the cross-sectional shape of the light reflected while being diffused by the convex mirror 22c has a greater degree of horizontal length (closer to the target shape TS).

[0454] For example, when the shape of each convex mirror 22c observed from the third axis direction is a vertically long rectangle (the length in the fourth axis direction is longer than the length in the first axis direction), the target shape TS is a vertically long rectangle (the length in the third axis direction is longer than the length in the first axis direction), and the previous rectangle is vertically longer than the next rectangle, it is preferred to make the curvature of the convex mirror 22c in the second axis direction smaller than the curvature in the first axis direction so that the vertical length of the cross-sectional shape of the light reflected while being diffused by the convex mirror 22c is smaller (close to the target shape TS).

[0455] For example, when the shape of each convex mirror 22c observed from the third-axis direction is a vertically long rectangle (the length in the fourth-axis direction is longer than the length in the first-axis direction), the target shape TS is a vertically long rectangle (the length in the third-axis direction is longer than the length in the first-axis direction), and the latter rectangle is vertically longer than the former rectangle, it is preferred to make the curvature of the convex mirror 22c in the second-axis direction greater than the curvature in the first-axis direction so that the cross-sectional shape of the light reflected while being diffused by the convex mirror 22c has a greater degree of vertical length (closer to the target shape TS).

[0456] In addition, it is desirable that the size of the convex mirror 22c is sufficiently smaller than the spot LS of the emission light EL formed on the reflection surface 22a (see Fig.21 ), and as many convex mirrors 22c as possible are included in the light spot LS.

[0457] The reason will be described below. Since the light irradiates only a portion of the convex mirror 22c located around the light spot LS, the reflected light may also irradiate only a portion of the illumination field FOV, which becomes a factor that reduces the uniformity of illumination. At the same time, since the size of the convex mirror 22c is smaller than the light spot LS, the ratio of the portion of the convex mirror 22c that only irradiates light is reduced, which is conducive to improving the uniformity of illumination.

[0458] Here, the plurality of convex mirrors 22c are set to have curvatures equal to each other in the first axis direction and to have curvatures equal to each other in the second axis direction.

[0459] Note that at least two of the plurality of convex mirrors 22c may be set so that at least one of the curvature in the first axis direction and the curvature in the second axis direction are different from each other.

[0460] Furthermore, in the plurality of convex mirrors 22c, in the shapes observed from the third axis direction, the ratios of the lengths in the fourth axis direction to the lengths in the first axis direction are set to be equal to each other.

[0461] Note that in at least two of the multiple convex mirrors 22c, in the shapes observed from the third axis direction, the ratios of the length in the fourth axis direction to the length in the first axis direction can be set to be different from each other.

[0462] Furthermore, in the plurality of convex mirrors 22c, in the shapes observed from the third axis direction, the lengths in the first axis direction are set to be equal to each other, and the lengths in the fourth axis direction are set to be equal to each other.

[0463] Note that, in the plurality of convex mirrors 22c, in the shapes observed from the third-axis direction, at least one of the length in the first-axis direction and the length in the fourth-axis direction may be set to be different from each other.

[0464] Note that in the above description, the third axis direction is the optical axis direction EOAD of the emitted light EL of the light source 20, but the embodiment is not limited to this case. For example, in the case where an optical element such as a lens and a reflector is arranged between the light source 20 and the reflective element 22, it is only necessary that the third axis direction is roughly consistent with the optical axis direction of the light emitted from the light source 20 and passing through the optical element.

[0465] That is, preferably, the third axis direction substantially coincides with the optical axis direction (incident axis direction) of incident light emitted from the light source 20 and entering the reflective element 22. Note that the third axis direction may be slightly inclined relative to the incident axis direction.

[0466] (6) Method for manufacturing reflective element

[0467] As a method for manufacturing the reflective element 22, an etching method similar to that of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-148704 "Method of forming a microlens array and method of manufacturing a solid-state image sensor" can be used. Note that since the incident axis of light (optical axis of incident light) of the convex mirror 22c according to the present technology is inclined relative to the reference plane 22d, it is necessary to tilt the etching direction on the mask substrate surface to match the direction of the incident axis.

[0468] Hereinafter, an outline of a process of manufacturing the reflective element 22 will be described.

[0469] First, if Fig. 27As shown, according to the shape and pitch of the convex mirror 22c to be formed, a resist used as a mask is applied to one surface of a substrate (base material) of a material such as glass, metal or resin as the reflective element 22. For ease of description, Fig. 27 Only nine resists formed in a 3×3 grid pattern on one substrate are shown, but actually, a large number of minute resists are formed in a grid manner on one substrate.

[0470] Fig.28 A shows Fig. 27 The YY section and XX section. Fig.28 As shown in A, from the state where the resist is applied to the substrate, as Fig.28 As shown in B, the resist is melted by reflow and deformed into a dome shape by surface tension.

[0471] At this time, from Fig.28 A and Fig.28 It can be seen from B that the gap between adjacent resists in the YY-axis direction (corresponding to the direction of the second axis) changes from a to c (<a), and the gap between adjacent resists in the XX-axis direction (corresponding to the direction of the first axis) changes from b to d (<b).

[0472] Next, in an etching apparatus such as a parallel plate type RIE apparatus, while keeping the substrate tilted about the XX axis with respect to a direction corresponding to the third axis direction, (e.g., 45°), so that the etching gas containing ions and radicals is emitted from the same direction as the assumed light incident direction (corresponding to the third axis direction) while performing dry etching (etching gas: oxygen + CF4), as shown in Fig.28 At this time, etching is performed under the condition that the planar pattern transferred from the resist to the substrate gradually becomes larger than the planar pattern of the resist (a positive conversion difference occurs). Here, the resist thickness, the gap between adjacent resists, the CF4 concentration of the etching gas, etc. are controlled so that the convex surface thus formed becomes Fig.29 Here, from Fig.28 C and Fig.29 It can be seen from A that the X'-X' cross section is a cross section parallel to both the direction corresponding to the first axis direction and the direction corresponding to the third axis direction.

[0473] Next, if Fig.29 As shown in FIG. 1B, a film-forming material such as aluminum, gold or silver having a high reflectivity for near-infrared light is used to form a reflective film on the surface of the formed convex surface by a method such as sputtering to form a mirror surface. Thus, a reflective element 22 including a plurality of convex mirrors 22c is generated (see FIG. Fig.29 C).

[0474] Note that in order to prevent oxidation of the reflective film and improve durability, it is desirable to form a protective film made of silicon monoxide or the like on the reflective film as necessary.

[0475] 13. Operation of the distance measurement device according to the eighth embodiment of the present technology

[0476] (1) Overall operation of the distance measuring device

[0477] In the distance measuring device 10 of the eighth embodiment, the light source device 12 emits light to the object, the light receiving device 14 receives the light reflected by the object, and the control device 16 calculates the distance to the object and generates a distance image.

[0478] (2) Operation of light source device

[0479] In the light source device 12 of the eighth embodiment, the light source 20 is driven by the light source driving circuit 21, and light is emitted from the light source 20. The light emitted from the light source 20 (emission light EL) directly enters the reflection surface 22a of the reflection element 22, and at least a portion (for example, 99%) of the incident light is reflected while being diffused by the reflection surface 22a toward the transmission element 30. At least a portion (for example, 99%) of the light (reflection light RL) that is reflected while being diffused by the reflection surface 22a is transmitted through the transmission element 30, and illuminates the object (subject) as the illumination light IL.

[0480] (3) Operation of the light receiving device

[0481] In the light receiving device 14 of the eighth embodiment, light (object light OL) irradiated from the light source device 12 to the object and reflected by the object enters the lens unit 32 and is condensed by the lens unit 32. The object light OL that has passed through the lens unit 32 enters the bandpass filter 36. Only light in a predetermined wavelength band (for example, infrared light) of the object light OL that has entered the bandpass filter 36 passes through the bandpass filter 36. The object light OL that has passed through the bandpass filter 36 enters the image sensor 38. At this time, the image sensor 38 performs photoelectric conversion at each pixel.

[0482] (4) Operation of control device

[0483] The control device 16 of the eighth embodiment drives the light source 20 via the light source driving circuit 21 , calculates the distance to the object (subject) for each pixel based on the output of each pixel of the image sensor 38 , and generates a distance image.

[0484] 14. Effects of the distance measurement device according to the eighth embodiment of the present technology

[0485] (1) Effect of light source device

[0486] In the light source device 12, the reflecting element 22 includes a plurality of convex mirrors 22c (curved mirrors) regularly arranged along a reference plane 22d through which light from the light source 20 enters, and each convex mirror 22c has curvatures in first and second axis directions orthogonal to each other within the reference plane 22d.

[0487] In the light source device 12, light from the light source 20 enters a plurality of convex mirrors 22c regularly arranged along the reference plane 22d. The light having entered each convex mirror 22c is reflected while being diffused in a direction corresponding to the first axis direction (e.g., the first axis direction) and a direction corresponding to the second axis direction (e.g., the third axis direction) while maintaining the regularity of each other.

[0488] According to the light source device 12 , it is possible to easily generate reflected light RL whose cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the optical axis ROA is a desired shape (target shape TS) (reflected light RL having a desired cross-sectional shape).

[0489] On the contrary, for example, in the case where a plurality of convex mirrors are randomly (irregularly) arranged as in Patent Document 1, the light having entered each convex mirror is reflected while being randomly diffused by each other. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, it is not easy to generate reflected light whose cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the optical axis ROA is a desired shape.

[0490] Since the plurality of convex mirrors 22 c are regularly arranged according to the target shape TS of the cross section perpendicular to the optical axis ROA of the reflected light RL, it is possible to more easily generate the desired reflected light RL.

[0491] Since each of the plurality of convex mirrors 22c is inclined relative to the reference plane 22d, and the shape observed from the third axis direction orthogonal to the first axis direction is a shape corresponding to the target shape TS, desired reflected light RL can be generated more easily.

[0492] Since the third axis direction is substantially consistent with the optical axis direction (EOAD) of the emission light EL of the light source 20 , the desired reflected light RL can be generated more reliably.

[0493] In each of the plurality of convex mirrors 22c, the length of the shape observed from the third axis direction in the first axis direction, the length of the shape observed from the third axis direction in the fourth axis direction, the curvature in the first axis direction, and the curvature in the second axis direction are set according to the ratio of the length in the direction corresponding to the first axis direction to the length in the direction corresponding to the fourth axis direction in the target shape TS. Therefore, the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the optical axis ROA of the reflected light RL can be made into a desired shape, and the illumination in the cross section can be made uniform.

[0494] In each of the multiple convex mirrors 22c, when the ratio of the length in the fourth axis direction to the length in the first axis direction in the shape observed from the third axis direction is equal to the ratio of the length in the direction corresponding to the fourth axis direction to the length in the direction corresponding to the first axis direction in the target shape TS, and the curvature in the first axis direction and the curvature in the second axis direction are set to be equal to each other, the shape of the cross-section perpendicular to the optical axis ROA of the reflected light RL can be made into a desired shape, and the illumination within the cross-section can be made uniform.

[0495] Since the plurality of convex mirrors 22c include at least three convex mirrors 22c and are arranged two-dimensionally as viewed from the third axis direction, the reflected light RL can be spread to a wider range.

[0496] Since the multiple convex mirrors 22c include at least four convex mirrors 22c and are arranged in a two-dimensional grid manner in the first axis direction and the second axis direction when observed from the third axis direction, the reflected light RL having the desired cross-sectional shape can be generated with high precision, and the illumination of the reflected light RL in the cross section perpendicular to the optical axis ROA can be made more uniform.

[0497] When the angle formed by the tangent at each end of the convex curve drawn by cutting each of the multiple convex mirrors 22c in a plane orthogonal to the fourth axis direction and the line segment connecting the two ends of the convex curve is α / 2, while satisfying 0°<α≤60°, the vignetting of the convex mirror 22c adjacent to each convex mirror 22c in the first axis direction of the reflected light from each convex mirror 22c can be suppressed.

[0498] When the angle formed by the tangent line at each end of the convex curve drawn by the cut end obtained by cutting each of the plurality of convex mirrors 22c in a plane orthogonal to the first axis direction and the line segment connecting the two ends of the convex curve is β / 2 and the angle formed by the fourth axis direction with respect to the reference plane as viewed from the first axis direction is When satisfying In this case, the vignetting of the convex mirror 22c adjacent to each convex mirror 22c in the second axis direction with respect to the reflected light from each convex mirror 22c can be suppressed.

[0499] Since the cut end of each convex mirror 22c is in an arc shape, the design of the convex mirror 22c is easy.

[0500] Since the plurality of convex mirrors 22c are set to have curvatures equal to each other in the first axis direction and curvatures equal to each other in the second axis direction, desired reflected light can be generated more easily.

[0501] Since in the plurality of convex mirrors 22c, in the shapes observed from the third axis direction, the ratios of the length in the fourth axis direction to the length in the first axis direction are equal to each other, it is possible to more easily generate reflected light having a desired cross-sectional shape.

[0502] Since, in the plurality of convex mirrors 22 c , in the shapes viewed from the third axis direction, the lengths in the first axis direction are equal to each other, and the lengths in the fourth axis direction are equal to each other, it is possible to more easily generate desired reflected light.

[0503] Since the light source 20 is a laser light source, the light source 20 can generate reflected light with high brightness.

[0504] (2) Effects of distance measurement device and target system

[0505] The distance measuring device 10 of the eighth embodiment includes a light source device 12 , a light receiving device 14 that receives light emitted from the light source device 12 and reflected by an object, and a control device 16 that calculates the distance to the object based on at least the output of the light receiving device 14 .

[0506] According to the distance measuring device 10, the illumination field FOI of the light source device 12 can be set to a desired range. Therefore, light is not emitted to a useless range, which effectively reduces power consumption and increases illumination within a desired range.

[0507] Since the light source device 12 , the light receiving device 14 , and the control device 16 are integrally provided, the distance measuring device 10 can be easily mounted on an object (eg, a moving body, an electronic device, etc.).

[0508] According to the target system including the distance measurement device 10 and the target (for example, a moving object, an electronic device, etc.) on which the distance measurement device 10 is installed, it is possible to realize the target system excellent in safety.

[0509] The light receiving device 14 includes an image sensor 38, and the target shape TS substantially coincides with the shape of a pixel arrangement area of ​​the image sensor 38. Therefore, light emitted from the light source device 12 and reflected by the object can enter the image sensor 38 without waste.

[0510] 15. Reflective element according to the ninth embodiment of the present technology

[0511] Fig.30 A is a perspective view of the reflective element 220 . Fig.30 B is a diagram of the reflective element 220 observed from a direction perpendicular to the reference plane 220d. Fig.30 8 is a diagram of the reflective element 220 viewed from the optical axis direction EOAD (the third axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the fourth axis direction) of the emission light EL of the light source 20 .

[0512] like Fig.30 A to Fig.30 As shown in FIG. 8C, the reflective element 220 according to the ninth embodiment is different from the reflective element 22 according to the eighth embodiment in that a plurality of concave mirrors 220c (an example of curved mirrors) are included.

[0513] That is, the reflecting surface 220a of the reflecting element 22 is configured by the concave surfaces of a plurality of concave mirrors 220c.

[0514] Each concave mirror 220c also has a curvature in the first axis direction and the second axis direction.

[0515] like Fig.30 A to Fig.30 As shown in FIG. 2C , a plurality of concave mirrors 220 c are arranged in a two-dimensional grid along a reference plane 220 d .

[0516] That is, the plurality of concave mirrors 220c are regularly arranged.

[0517] like Fig.30 As shown in B, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reference plane 220d, each concave mirror 220c has a distorted rectangular shape.

[0518] like Fig.30 As shown in C, the shape observed from the third axis direction of each concave mirror 220c is a rectangle according to the shape of the target shape TS.

[0519] like Fig.30 As shown in C, when observed from the third axis direction, multiple concave mirrors 220c are arranged in a two-dimensional grid manner in the first axis direction (corresponding to the direction of the first axis direction which is the long side direction of the target shape TS) and the fourth axis direction (corresponding to the direction of the third axis direction which is the short side direction of the target shape TS).

[0520] That is, the plurality of concave mirrors 220c are regularly arranged with respect to one another according to the target shape TS.

[0521] like Fig.30 As shown in C, the long side direction of the rectangle as the shape observed from the third axis direction of each concave mirror 220c is the first axis direction (corresponding to the direction of the long side direction of the target shape TS), and the short side direction of the rectangle is the fourth axis direction (corresponding to the direction of the short side direction of the target shape TS).

[0522] That is, each concave mirror 220c is arranged in a direction corresponding to the target shape TS.

[0523] As described above, the plurality of concave mirrors 220c are regularly arranged according to the target shape TS.

[0524] like Fig.31 As shown, each concave mirror 220c is designed so that any cross section parallel to the C-section CCS has an arc shape (an example of a concave curve shape), and the angle formed by the tangent T3 of the arc (an example of a concave curve) drawn by the cross section continuously changes from -α / 2 to +α / 2 relative to the first axis direction.

[0525] That is, the angle formed by connecting the chord (line segment) of both ends of the arc (an example of a concave curve) drawn by any section of the C-section CCS parallel to each concave mirror 220c and the tangent T3 at each end of the arc (located in any plane parallel to the C-section CCS) is set to α / 2. That is, in each concave mirror 220c, the cut end cut in a plane orthogonal to the fourth axis direction is an arc shape (an example of a concave curve shape), and the angle formed by the tangent T3 at each end of the arc (an example of a concave curve) drawn by the cut end and the chord (line segment) connecting the two ends of the arc is set to α / 2.

[0526] At this time, the incident angle of light on any cross section of the C-section CCS parallel to each concave mirror 220c changes continuously from -α / 2 to +α / 2 symmetrically relative to the central axis CA3 passing through the center of the first axis direction of the cross section and extending in the third axis direction.

[0527] Therefore, the reflected light from each concave mirror 220c continuously expands in the A-section ACS or a plane parallel to the A-section ACS symmetrically at an angle of 2α with respect to the axis corresponding to the central axis CA3 of the concave mirror 220c.

[0528] Here, “the axis corresponding to the central axis CA3 of the concave mirror 220 c ” is an axis parallel to the ROA that intersects the central axis CA3 in the B-section BCS including the central axis CA3 of the concave mirror 220 c or in a plane parallel to the B-section BCS.

[0529] Therefore, when parallel light enters each concave mirror 220c, reflected light (irradiated light) having a diffusion angle of 2α in the A-section ACS and in any section parallel to the A-section ACS can be obtained.

[0530] Here, if α increases in any cross section parallel to the C cross section, the reflected light from each concave mirror 220c interferes with the adjacent concave mirror 220c and vignetting occurs. That is, the light reflected by each concave mirror 220c is vignetted by the concave mirror 220c adjacent to each concave mirror 220c in the first axis direction.

[0531] Therefore, in order to suppress vignetting, 0°<α≤90° is desirable.

[0532] Note that it is desirable that all concave mirrors 220c satisfy 0°<α≤90°, but only some concave mirrors 220c may satisfy 0°<α≤90°.

[0533] For convenience, Fig.31 The state in which light enters one concave mirror 220c and is reflected while being diffused is shown. In fact, light similarly enters the other concave mirrors 220c and is reflected while being diffused.

[0534] In addition, if Fig.32 As shown, each concave mirror 220c is designed so that any cross section parallel to the B cross section BCS has an arc shape (an example of a concave curve shape), and the angle formed by the tangent T4 of the arc (an example of a concave curve) drawn by the cross section relative to the second axis direction continuously changes from -β / 2 to +β / 2.

[0535] That is, the angle formed by connecting the chord (line segment) of both ends of the arc (an example of a concave curve) drawn by an arbitrary section parallel to the B-section BCS of each concave mirror 220c and the tangent T4 at each end of the arc (located in an arbitrary plane parallel to the B-section) is set to β / 2. That is, in each concave mirror 220c, the cut end cut in a plane orthogonal to the first axis direction is an arc shape (an example of a concave curve shape), and the angle formed by the tangent T4 at each end of the arc (an example of a concave curve) drawn by the cut end and the chord (line segment) connecting the both ends of the arc is set to β / 2.

[0536] In this case, the incident angle of light on each concave mirror 220c changes from Continuously changes to

[0537] Therefore, the reflected light from each concave mirror 220c continuously expands in the B-section BCS or a plane parallel to the B-section BCS symmetrically at an angle of 2β with respect to the axis CA4' corresponding to the central axis CA4 of the concave mirror 220c.

[0538] Here, the above-mentioned “axis CA4′ corresponding to the central axis CA4” is an axis parallel to the ROA that intersects the central axis CA4 in the B-section BCS including the central axis CA4 of the concave mirror 220 c or in a plane parallel to the B-section BCS.

[0539] Therefore, when parallel light enters the concave mirror 220c, reflected light (irradiated light) having a diffusion angle of 2β in the B-section BCS and in any section parallel to the B-section BCS can be obtained.

[0540] Here, if β increases in any cross section parallel to the B cross section, the reflected light from each concave mirror 220c interferes with the concave mirror 220c adjacent to each concave mirror 220c, and vignetting occurs. That is, the light reflected by each concave mirror 220c is vignetted by the concave mirror 220c adjacent to each concave mirror 220c in the second axis direction.

[0541] Therefore, to suppress vignetting, is expected.

[0542] Note that it is desirable for all concave mirrors 220c to satisfy But only some concave mirrors 220c can satisfy

[0543] For convenience, Fig.32 The state in which light enters one concave mirror 220c and is reflected while being diffused is shown. In fact, light similarly enters the other concave mirrors 220c and is reflected while being diffused.

[0544] Therefore, by allowing parallel light to enter the concave mirror 220c, it is possible to obtain reflected light RL (irradiation light IL) having a diffusion angle of 2α in the A-section ACS and any section parallel to the A-section ACS and a diffusion angle of 2β in the B-section BCS and any section parallel to the B-section BCS. That is, it is possible to generate reflected light RL (irradiation light IL) having a desired cross-sectional shape.

[0545] The reflective element 220 of the ninth embodiment also has substantially similar functions and effects to those of the reflective element 22 of the eighth embodiment.

[0546] The reflective element 220 of the ninth embodiment can also be manufactured by a manufacturing method substantially similar to the manufacturing method of the reflective element 22 of the eighth embodiment.

[0547] In the ninth embodiment, the reflective element 220 is designed so that any cross section parallel to the C cross section CCS and any cross section parallel to the B cross section BCS of each concave mirror 220c has an arc shape. However, another concave curve shape may be adopted as long as the curvature changes continuously in the same direction.

[0548] Specifically, at least one of any cross section parallel to the C-cross section CCS and any cross section parallel to the B-cross section BCS of each concave mirror 220c may have a concave curve shape, such as an ellipse, a parabola, a hyperbola, a sine curve, or a cycloid curve.

[0549] An arbitrary cross section parallel to the C-cross section CCS and an arbitrary cross section parallel to the B-cross section BCS of each concave mirror 220 c may have concave curve shapes different from each other.

[0550] 16. Reflective element according to the tenth embodiment of the present technology

[0551] The difference between the reflective element of the tenth embodiment and the reflective element 22 of the eighth embodiment is that the curvature of each of the multiple curved mirrors in the first axis direction and the second axis direction is one of a total of four combinations of curvatures of two positive characteristics and two negative characteristics (specifically, both the curvatures in the first axis direction and the second axis direction are positive, both the curvatures in the first axis direction and the second axis direction are negative, the curvature in the first axis direction is positive and the curvature in the second axis direction is negative, and the curvature in the first axis direction is negative and the curvature in the second axis direction is positive).

[0552] Note that vignetting occurs when a horizontal difference occurs at a boundary between adjacent curved mirrors. Therefore, in order to avoid a horizontal difference in the boundary, preferably, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvature of the plurality of curved mirrors of the plurality of curved mirror groups in the second axis direction are equal to each other, each curved mirror group includes a plurality of curved mirrors arranged along the first axis direction and a group arranged along the second direction, and the positive and negative characteristics of the curvature of the plurality of curved mirrors of the plurality of curved mirror groups in the first axis direction are equal to each other, each curved mirror group includes a group arranged along the first axis direction and a plurality of curved mirrors arranged along the second axis direction.

[0553] Therefore, in the tenth embodiment, examples in which a level difference does not occur at the boundary between adjacent curved mirrors are described as Example 1 and Example 2.

[0554] Fig.33 A shows a schematic diagram of the reflective element 2200A of Example 1 of the tenth embodiment observed from a direction perpendicular to the reference plane 2200Ad (maximum view), a schematic diagram of the reflective element 2200A observed from the first axis direction (narrow view on the left side), and a schematic diagram of the reflective element 2200A observed from the second axis direction (narrow view on the upper side).

[0555] Fig.33 B shows a schematic diagram of the reflective element 2200B of Example 2 of the tenth embodiment observed from a direction perpendicular to the reference plane 2200Bd (maximum view), a schematic diagram of the reflective element 2200B observed from the first axis direction (narrow view on the left side), and a schematic diagram of the reflective element 2200B observed from the second axis direction (narrow view on the upper side).

[0556] Fig.33 C is a diagram of the reflective element 2200A of Example 1 or the reflective element 2200B of Example 2 of the tenth embodiment as viewed from the third axis direction.

[0557] Fig.33 D is a perspective view of a reflective element 2200A of Example 1 of the tenth embodiment.

[0558] Fig.33 E is a perspective view of a reflective element 2200B of Example 2 of the tenth embodiment.

[0559] In the reflective element 2200A of Example 1 of the tenth embodiment and the reflective element 2200B of Example 2, any cross section parallel to the C cross section CCS of each curved mirror and any cross section parallel to the B cross section BCS have an arc shape. However, the embodiment is not limited to these cases. For example, any cross section can have a curve shape, such as an ellipse, a parabola, a hyperbola, a sine curve or a cycloid curve.

[0560] An arbitrary cross section parallel to the C cross section CCS and an arbitrary cross section parallel to the B cross section BCS of each curved mirror may have curve shapes different from each other.

[0561] (1) Reflective element of Example 1

[0562] like Fig.33 A and Fig.33 As shown in D, in the reflective element 2200A of Example 1, the reflective surface 2200Aa is configured by the curved surfaces (surfaces) of a plurality of (N) curved mirrors 2200Ack (k=1 to N).

[0563] A plurality of curved mirrors 2200Ack are arranged in a two-dimensional grid along a reference plane 2200Ad.

[0564] That is, a plurality of curved mirrors 2200Ack are regularly arranged.

[0565] More specifically, if Fig.33 As shown in C, in the reflective element 2200A, when viewed from the third axis direction, a plurality of curved mirrors 2200Ack are arranged in a two-dimensional grid manner in the first axis direction and the fourth axis direction.

[0566] That is, the plurality of curved mirrors 2200Ack are regularly arranged with respect to each other according to the target shape TS.

[0567] like Fig.33 As shown in A, each curved mirror 2200Ack has a distorted rectangular shape.

[0568] like Fig.33 As shown in C, the shape observed from the third axis direction of each curved mirror 2200Ack is a rectangle according to the shape of the target shape TS.

[0569] The long side direction of the shape observed from the third axis direction of each curved mirror 2200Ack is the first axis direction (corresponding to the long side direction of the target shape TS), and the short side direction is the fourth axis direction (corresponding to the short side direction of the target shape TS).

[0570] That is, each curved mirror 2200Ack is arranged along a direction corresponding to the target shape TS.

[0571] In this way, a plurality of curved mirrors 2200Ack are regularly arranged according to the target shape TS.

[0572] In addition, in the reflective element 2200A, as Fig.33 A and Fig.33 As shown in C, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvatures of the multiple curved mirrors 2200Ack arranged along the second axis direction (arranged along the fourth axis direction) in the first axis direction are set to be equal to each other, and the positive and negative characteristics of the curvatures of the multiple curved mirrors 2200Ack arranged along the first axis direction are set to be equal to each other.

[0573] Therefore, it is possible to prevent a level difference from being formed between the curved mirrors 2200Ack adjacent to each other in the first axis direction and between the curved mirrors 2200Ack adjacent to each other in the second axis direction.

[0574] That is, the curved mirrors 2200Ack adjacent to each other in the first axis direction may be smoothly connected to each other, and the curved mirrors 2200Ack adjacent to each other in the second axis direction may be smoothly connected to each other.

[0575] In addition, in the reflective element 2200A, as Fig.33 A and Fig.33 As shown in C, between adjacent curved mirror groups of the plurality of curved mirror groups, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvature in the first axis direction are set to be opposite to each other, and each curved mirror group includes a plurality of curved mirrors 2200Ack arranged along the second axis direction (arranged along the fourth axis direction) and a group arranged along the first axis direction. Between adjacent curved mirror groups of the plurality of curved mirror groups, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvature in the second axis direction are set to be opposite to each other, and each curved mirror group includes a plurality of curved mirrors 2200Ack arranged along the first axis direction and a group arranged along the second axis direction (arranged along the fourth axis direction).

[0576] That is, Fig.33 A and Fig.33 As shown in D, the reflective element 2200A has a shape in which concave and convex shapes are optionally arranged when viewed from both the first axis direction and the second axis direction.

[0577] Notice, Fig.33 The convex display on the lower side of the maximum view of A (the diagram showing the reflective element 2200A) indicates that the curvature of all the curved mirrors arranged along the second axis direction above the convex display in the first axis direction is convex (positive). Fig.33The concave display on the lower side of the maximum view of A (the diagram showing the reflective element 2200A) indicates that the curvature of all the curved mirrors arranged along the second axis direction above the concave display in the first axis direction is concave (negative). Fig.33 The convex display to the right of the maximum view of A (showing a diagram of reflective element 2200A) indicates that the curvature of all the curved mirrors arranged along the first axis direction to the left of the convex display in the second axis direction is convex (positive). Fig.33 The concave display to the right of the maximum view of A (showing a diagram of reflective element 2200A) indicates that the curvature of all curved mirrors arranged along the first axis direction to the left of the concave display in the second axis direction is concave (negative).

[0578] (2) Reflective element of Example 2

[0579] like Fig.33 B and Fig.33 As shown in FIG. 8E, in the reflective element 2200B of Example 2, the reflective surface 2200Ba is configured by the curved surfaces (surfaces) of a plurality of (N) curved mirrors 2200Bck (k=1 to N).

[0580] A plurality of curved mirrors 2200Bck are arranged in a two-dimensional grid manner (regularly) along the reference plane 2200Bd.

[0581] That is, a plurality of curved mirrors 2200Bck are regularly arranged.

[0582] More specifically, if Fig.33 As shown in C, in the reflective element 2200B, when observed from the third axis direction, multiple curved mirrors 2200Bck are arranged in a two-dimensional grid manner in the first axis direction (corresponding to the direction of the long side direction of the target shape TS) and the fourth axis direction (corresponding to the direction of the short side direction of the target shape TS).

[0583] That is, the plurality of curved mirrors 2200Bck are regularly arranged with respect to each other according to the target shape TS.

[0584] like Fig.33 As shown in B, each curved mirror 2200Bck has a distorted rectangular shape.

[0585] like Fig.33 As shown in C, the shape observed from the third axis direction of each curved mirror 2200Bck is a rectangle according to the shape of the target shape TS.

[0586] like Fig.33 As shown in C, the long side direction of the shape observed from the third axis direction of each curved mirror 2200Bck is the first axis direction (corresponding to the direction of the long side direction of the target shape TS), and the short side direction is the fourth axis direction (corresponding to the direction of the short side direction of the target shape TS).

[0587] That is, each curved mirror 2200Bck is arranged along a direction corresponding to the target shape TS.

[0588] In this manner, a plurality of curved mirrors 2200Bck are regularly arranged according to the target shape TS.

[0589] In addition, in the reflective element 2200B, as Fig.33 B and Fig.33 As shown in C, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvatures of multiple curved mirrors 2200Bck arranged along the second axis direction (arranged along the fourth axis direction) in the first axis direction are set to be equal to each other, and the positive and negative characteristics of the curvatures of multiple curved mirrors 2200Bck arranged along the first axis direction are set to be equal to each other.

[0590] Therefore, it is possible to prevent a level difference from being formed between the curved mirrors 2200Bck adjacent to each other in the first axis direction and between the curved mirrors 2200Bck adjacent to each other in the second axis direction.

[0591] That is, the curved mirrors 2200Bck adjacent to each other in the first axis direction may be smoothly connected to each other, and the curved mirrors 2200Bck adjacent to each other in the second axis direction may be smoothly connected to each other.

[0592] In addition, in the reflective element 2200B, as Fig.33 B and Fig.33 As shown in C, in some adjacent curved mirror groups of the plurality of curved mirror groups, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvature in the first axis direction are set to be opposite to each other, and in other adjacent curved mirror groups, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvature in the first axis direction are set to be equal to each other, and each curved mirror group includes a plurality of curved mirrors 2200Bck arranged along the second axis direction (arranged along the fourth axis direction) and a group arranged along the first axis direction. In the reflective element 2200B, as shown in Fig.33 B and Fig.33 As shown in C, in some adjacent curved mirror groups of the plurality of curved mirror groups, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvature in the second axis direction are set to be opposite to each other, and in other adjacent curved mirror groups, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvature in the second axis direction are set to be equal to each other, and each curved mirror group includes a plurality of curved mirrors 2200Bck arranged along the first axis direction and a group arranged along the second axis direction (arranged along the fourth axis direction).

[0593] That is, Fig.33 B and Fig.33 As shown in FIG. 8E, the reflective element 2200B has a shape in which concave and convex shapes are randomly arranged when viewed from both the first axis direction and the second axis direction.

[0594] Notice, Fig.33The convex display on the lower side of the maximum view of B (a diagram showing reflective element 2200B) indicates that the curvature of all curved mirrors arranged along the second axis direction above the convex display in the first axis direction is convex (positive). Fig.33 The concave display on the lower side of the maximum view of B (a diagram showing reflective element 2200B) indicates that the curvature of all curved mirrors arranged along the second axis direction above the concave display in the first axis direction is concave (negative). Fig.33 The convex display to the right of the maximum view of B (showing a diagram of reflective element 2200B) indicates that the curvature of all the curved mirrors arranged along the first axis direction to the left of the convex display in the second axis direction is convex (positive). Fig.33 The concave display to the right of the maximum view of B (showing a diagram of reflective element 2200B) indicates that the curvature of all the curved mirrors arranged along the first axis direction to the left of the concave display in the second axis direction is concave (negative).

[0595] Since the reflective element of each example of the tenth embodiment also has a curvature in the first axis direction and the second axis direction like the reflective element 22 of the eighth embodiment and the reflective element 220 of the ninth embodiment, the reflective element can reflect while diffusing the incident light along the direction corresponding to the first axis direction (for example, the first axis direction) and the direction corresponding to the second axis direction (for example, the third axis direction).

[0596] The reflective element of each example of the tenth embodiment also has substantially similar functions and effects to those of the reflective element 22 of the eighth embodiment.

[0597] The manufacture of the reflective element of each example of the tenth embodiment is a bit complicated because the shape of each curved mirror is uneven compared to the reflective element 22 of the eighth embodiment, but the reflective element of the tenth embodiment can be manufactured by a method based on the manufacturing method of the reflective element 22 of the eighth embodiment.

[0598] Similar to the eighth embodiment, in the case where at least one curved mirror of the reflective element of the example of the tenth embodiment has a convex curve shape at a cut end cut in a plane orthogonal to the fourth axis direction, when the angle formed by the tangent at each end of the convex curve drawn by the cut end and the line segment connecting the two ends of the convex curve is α / 2, it preferably satisfies 0°<α≤60°.

[0599] Similar to the eighth embodiment, in the case where the cut end of at least one curved mirror of the reflective element of the example of the tenth embodiment cut in a plane orthogonal to the first axis direction has a convex curve shape, the angle formed by the tangent at each end of the convex curve drawn by the cut end and the line segment connecting the two ends of the convex curve is β / 2 and the angle formed by the fourth axis direction relative to the reference plane when viewed from the first axis direction is When

[0600] Similar to the ninth embodiment, in the case where at least one curved mirror of the reflective element of the example of the tenth embodiment has a concave curve shape at a cut end cut in a plane orthogonal to the fourth axis direction, when the angle formed by the tangent at each end of the concave curve drawn by the cut end and the line segment connecting the two ends of the concave curve is α / 2, it preferably satisfies 0°<α≤90°.

[0601] Similar to the ninth embodiment, in the case where the cut end of at least one curved mirror of the reflective element of the example of the tenth embodiment cut in a plane orthogonal to the first axis direction has a concave curve shape, the angle formed by the tangent at each end of the concave curve drawn by the cut end and the line segment connecting the two ends of the concave curve is β / 2 and the angle formed by the fourth axis direction relative to the reference plane when viewed from the first axis direction is When

[0602] As can be seen from the first to tenth embodiments, the reflective element of the present technology has a very high degree of freedom in setting the curvature in the first and second axis directions orthogonal to each other in a reference plane.

[0603] Note that some configurations of the reflective elements of the first to tenth embodiments may be applied to each other within technical consistency.

[0604] 17. Modified light source device according to the present technology

[0605] The description given so far is based on the assumption that the laser light entering the reflective element 22 can be regarded as parallel light. Fig.34 As shown, since the emitted light EL from the light source 20 generally has a more or less expansion angle 2γ (one side is γ), the illumination field FOI of the reflected light RL becomes wider than the illumination field FOI of the diffuse angles 2α and 2β described so far by the expansion angle 2γ of the emitted light EL.

[0606] That is, in Fig.34 , the reflected light L0' from the reflecting surface (here, for the convenience of description, a plane mirror is used) of the light ray L0 passing through the optical axis EOA of the emitted light EL is not affected at all by the expansion angle γ in the reflection direction. On the contrary, the reflected lights L1' and L2' from the reflecting surface of the light rays L1 and L2 having the expansion angle γ relative to the optical axis of the emitted light EL are offset outwardly by the expansion angle γ in the reflection direction.

[0607] In this case, the influence of the expansion angle 2γ on the light spot LS (see Fig.21) can be ignored, while the influence of the expansion angle 2γ is greater for the curved mirror near the periphery of the light spot LS. Therefore, there is a problem that the illumination variation in the illumination field FOI of the reflected light RL becomes larger.

[0608] As a countermeasure, Fig.35 As shown, the collimating lens 23 is arranged on the optical path between the light source 20 and the reflective element (preferably, the optical axis of the collimating lens 23 is arranged to match the EOA), so that the laser light with the expansion angle 2γ can be corrected into parallel light. Therefore, the influence of the expansion angle 2γ can be eliminated or reduced. Note that for convenience, Fig.35 Only the light source 20, the collimating lens 23 and the reflector in the light source device are shown.

[0609] Note that the influence of the spread angle 2γ can be corrected without arranging the collimator lens 23 between the light source 20 and the reflective element. That is, since the distance between the light source 20 and the reflective element can be shortened, the influence of the spread angle 2γ can be corrected while suppressing an increase in the size of the package 31. Fig.34 As shown, generally, when the emission light EL having an expansion angle of 2γ (one side is γ) enters the plane mirror, the expansion angle of the reflected light is also 2γ. Based on the above facts, the angle of the tangent of the convex curve or concave curve drawn by the cross section of the curved mirror can be corrected in the range of -γ / 2 to +γ / 2 according to the increase or decrease of the incident angle on the curved mirror due to the expansion angle of each light ray included in the emission light EL relative to the optical axis EOA of the emission light EL. The reflected light from each curved mirror can be made parallel light, and the influence of the expansion angle can be eliminated or reduced.

[0610] Here, the following definition Fig.36 The parameters shown are d, σ and a.

[0611] d: From the light emitting point of the light source 20 (emitting surface ES) to the EOA and the reflecting surface (for convenience, Fig.36 The distance from the intersection point O of

[0612] The angle formed by the EOA and the reflecting surface

[0613] σ: spread angle σ on one side of each ray included in the emission light EL of the light source 20 (0°≤|σ|≤γ<45°)

[0614] a: distance from the intersection point O to the intersection point of the ray with spread angle σ with the reflecting surface

[0615] at this time, Established.

[0616] When the equation is transformed,

[0617] if Then a=√2×d / (1 / tanσ-1),

[0618] if Then a=d×tanσ.

[0619] When σ changes from -γ to γ, correction is performed at a correction angle σ / 2 in the direction in which the illumination field FOI (diffusion angle) of the reflected light RL is narrowed to the reflection surface having a radius a obtained from the above equation (*). Note that when σ is negative, a is also negative (in the opposite direction).

[0620] Furthermore, the arrangement of the plurality of curved mirrors of the reflective element according to the present technology as viewed from the third axis direction is not limited to Fig.37 The grid-like arrangement shown in the upper figure of A and can be Fig.37 The staggered arrangement shown in the upper figure of B or can be Fig.37 The upper figure of C shows the combined arrangement of different sizes of combinations.

[0621] from Fig.37 It can be seen from the lower figure of A (perspective view of the grid arrangement) that the horizontal difference between adjacent convex mirrors 22c can be eliminated in the grid arrangement.

[0622] On the contrary, from Fig.37 The lower part of B (staggered perspective view) or Fig.37 It can be seen from the lower figure of C (perspective view of the combined arrangement) that in the staggered arrangement or combined arrangement, a horizontal difference occurs between adjacent convex mirrors 22c.

[0623] Therefore, the arrangement of the plurality of curved mirrors of the reflective element according to the present technology viewed from the third axis direction is most preferably a grid-like arrangement.

[0624] Note that here, Fig.37 A to Fig.37 As shown in C, the description has been given using a convex mirror as an example in curved mirrors, but similar arguments apply to concave mirrors.

[0625] 18. Distance measurement device according to the eleventh embodiment of the present technology

[0626] (1) Configuration of distance measurement device

[0627] In the distance measuring device 100 according to the eleventh embodiment, as Fig.38As shown, a configuration is adopted in which the light source 20 of the light source device 127, the reflector 27A including the reflective element 22A having slight light transmittance (for example, 1% transmittance) and the support element 25, the image sensor 380 of the light receiving device 147, and the control device 16 are directly mounted on the circuit board 18. In addition, a peripheral wall 2800 is provided on the circuit board 18 to surround the light source 20, the reflective element 22A, the image sensor 380, and the control device 16. The reflective element 22A has a configuration and function similar to those of the reflective element according to any one of the eighth to tenth embodiments except that it has light transmittance.

[0628] That is, in the distance measuring device 100 of the eleventh embodiment, a holder 240 is configured, which includes a package 3100 including a circuit board 18 and a peripheral wall 2800, and holds a light source 20, a reflector 27A, an image sensor 380, and a control device 16. That is, in the distance measuring device 100, the light source 20, the reflector 27A, the image sensor 380, and the control device 16 are held by a common holder 240. More specifically, the light source 20, the reflector 27A, the image sensor 380, and the control device 16 are arranged in a recess 240a of the holder 240, that is, in an area inside the peripheral wall 2800 on the circuit board 18. The image sensor 380 and the control device 16 are provided on the same sensor board 380a (semiconductor board). The object system is configured by including the distance measuring device 100 and an object (e.g., a mobile body, an electronic device, etc.) on which the distance measuring device 100 is mounted. Similarly, the illumination field FOI is set to be the same as or slightly larger than the field of view FOV.

[0629] Along with Fig.38 The light shielding block 400 extending in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface is bridged on the recess 240a (the area inside the peripheral wall 2800) of the holder 240. That is, the recess 240a of the holder 240 is divided into a light source area LR and a sensor area SR by the light shielding block 400. The light source area LR is arranged with the light source 20 and the reflector 27A, and the sensor area SR is arranged with most of the image sensor 380. The opening 240a1 of the light source area LR of the recess 240a is covered by the transmission element 30. The opening 240a2 of the sensor area SR of the recess 240a is covered by the bandpass filter 36.

[0630] In the sensor region SR of the concave portion 240a, a first light receiving region RA including a pixel group for distance measurement of the image sensor 380 is arranged. The first light receiving region RA corresponds to the pixel arrangement region of the image sensor 380 of the eighth embodiment. Here, the shape of the first light receiving region RA is a rectangle. The target shape TS has the same shape as the first light receiving region RA (a rectangle with the same aspect ratio).

[0631] Even if the reflective member 22A is damaged or dropped, at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source 20 is blocked by the light shielding block 400. Therefore, the light does not enter the first light receiving area RA.

[0632] like Fig.38 As shown in A, the light source driving circuit 21 is installed in the light source region LR in the area ( Fig.38 On the bottom surface of the area on the paper depth side of the light source 20 and the reflector 27A in B).

[0633] In addition to the first light receiving area RA including the pixel group for distance measurement, the image sensor 380 also has a second light receiving area RB (e.g., an area forming PD) for light detection in the light source area LR. The light shielding block 400 has a mirror surface 400a on the optical path of the light (transmitted light TL) emitted from the light source 20 and transmitted through the reflector 27A. The mirror surface 400a is arranged to be inclined (e.g., 45°) relative to the circuit board 18 to face the reflective element 22A and the second light receiving area RB. On the contrary, the second light receiving area RB is arranged on the optical path of the light transmitted through the reflector 27A and reflected by the mirror surface 400a.

[0634] (2) Operation of distance measuring device

[0635] In the distance measuring device 100, the light source 20 is driven by the light source driving circuit 21, and the light source 20 emits light. A portion (most of) of the light emitted from the light source 20 is reflected and diffused by the reflective element 22A, transmitted through the transmission element 30, and irradiated to the object. The light (object light OL) irradiated to the object and reflected by the object, which passes through the lens unit 32 and the band pass filter 36, is focused on the first light receiving area RA of the image sensor 380. The first light receiving area RA sends the output (photoelectrically converted electrical signal) of each pixel to the control device 16. The control device 16 generates a distance image based on the output of each pixel of the first light receiving area RA.

[0636] On the other hand, another part (a small amount) of the light emitted from the light source 20 is transmitted through the reflector 27A, reflected by the mirror surface 400a, and focused on the second light receiving region RB. The second light receiving region RB sends an output (electrical signal of photoelectric conversion) to the control device 16. The control device 16 performs various controls (e.g., control of the amount of emitted light, distance calculation based on the detected emission timing, etc.) based on the output of the second light receiving region RB.

[0637] (3) Effects of distance measurement device and target system

[0638] The distance measuring device 100 of the eleventh embodiment includes a light source device 127 , a light receiving device 147 that receives light emitted from the light source device 127 and reflected by an object, and a control device 16 that calculates the distance to the object based on at least an output of the light receiving device 147 .

[0639] Therefore, it is possible to realize the distance measurement device 100 capable of effectively utilizing the irradiation light IL.

[0640] Since the light source device 127 , the light receiving device 147 , and the control device 16 are integrally provided, the distance measuring device 100 can be easily mounted on an object (eg, a moving body, an electronic device, etc.).

[0641] The light receiving device 147 includes an image sensor 380 having a first light receiving area RA for receiving light emitted from the light source device 127 and reflected by the object and a second light receiving area RB for receiving light (transmitted light TL) emitted from the light source 20 and transmitted through the reflector 27A. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced, and the size of the distance measuring device 100 can be reduced.

[0642] According to a target system including the distance measurement device 100 and a target (for example, a moving object, an electronic device, etc.) on which the distance measurement device 100 is installed, a target system excellent in the use efficiency of the irradiation light IL can be realized.

[0643] Note that, in the holder 240, the recess 240a and the window 30 are not necessary. That is, in the holder 240, the peripheral wall 2800 and the transmission element 30 are not necessary. The holder 240 may be configured only by the circuit board 18. The holder 240 may be configured only by the circuit board 18 and the peripheral wall 2800, that is, only by the package 3100. In the holder 240, the circuit board 18 serves as a base element on which the light source 20 is mounted, but an element other than the circuit board (for example, a non-plate-shaped element) may be used.

[0644] 19. Application of mobile objects

[0645] The light source unit and the distance measuring device according to the present technology can be applied to various products. For example, the light source unit and the distance measuring device according to the present technology can be installed on any type of mobile body including automobiles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, personal mobility, airplanes, drones, ships, robots, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery (tractors) to realize a mobile body system (an example of an object system). For example, the light source unit and the distance measuring device according to the present technology can be applied to an external information detection unit or an internal information detection unit of a vehicle control system to be described below.

[0646] Fig.397000 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a vehicle control system 7000 as an example of a mobile body control system to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. The vehicle control system 7000 includes a plurality of electronic control units connected via a communication network 7010. Fig.39 In the example shown, the vehicle control system 7000 includes a drive system control unit 7100, a body system control unit 7200, a battery control unit 7300, an external information detection unit 7400, an internal information detection unit 7500, and an integrated control unit 7600. The communication network 7010 connecting the plurality of control units may be, for example, an in-vehicle communication network conforming to any standard, such as a controller area network (CAN), a local interconnect network (LIN), a local area network (LAN), or FlexRay (registered trademark).

[0647] Each control unit includes a microcomputer that performs arithmetic processing according to various programs; a storage unit that stores programs executed by the microcomputer, parameters used for various calculations, etc.; and a drive circuit that drives various devices to be controlled. Each control unit includes a network I / F for communicating with another control unit via the communication network 7010 and a communication I / F for communicating with devices, sensors, etc. inside and outside the vehicle through wired communication or wireless communication. Fig.39 A microcomputer 7610, a general communication I / F 7620, a dedicated communication I / F 7630, a positioning unit 7640, a beacon receiving unit 7650, an in-vehicle device I / F 7660, an audio image output unit 7670, an in-vehicle network I / F 7680, and a storage unit 7690 are shown as the functional configuration of the integrated control unit 7600. Similarly, other control units include a microcomputer, a communication I / F, a storage unit, and the like.

[0648] The drive system control unit 7100 controls the operation of devices related to the vehicle drive system according to various programs. For example, the drive system control unit 7100 is used as a control device for a drive force generating device for generating a drive force of a vehicle such as an internal combustion engine or a drive motor, a drive force transmitting mechanism for transmitting the drive force to the wheels, a steering mechanism for adjusting the steering angle of the vehicle, a braking device for generating a braking force of the vehicle, etc. The drive system control unit 7100 may have a function as a control device for an anti-lock braking system (ABS), an electronic stability control (ESC), etc.

[0649] The drive system control unit 7100 is connected to the vehicle state detection unit 7110. The vehicle state detection unit 7110 includes, for example, at least one of a gyro sensor for detecting the angular velocity of the axial rotational motion of the vehicle body, an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, and a sensor for detecting the operation amount of the accelerator pedal, the operation amount of the brake pedal, the steering angle of the steering wheel, the engine speed, the wheel rotation speed, etc. The drive system control unit 7100 performs calculation processing using the signal input from the vehicle state detection unit 7110, and controls the internal combustion engine, the drive motor, the electric steering device, the brake device, etc.

[0650] The body system control unit 7200 controls the operation of various devices installed in the body according to various programs. For example, the body system control unit 7200 is used as a control device for a keyless entry system, a smart key system, an automatic window device, and various lights (such as headlights, reverse lights, brake lights, turn signals, and fog lights). In this case, a radio wave sent from a mobile device that replaces the key or a signal of various switches may be input to the body system control unit 7200. The body system control unit 7200 receives the input of the radio wave or the signal and controls the door lock device, automatic window device, lights, etc. of the vehicle.

[0651] The battery control unit 7300 controls the secondary battery 7310 as a power source for driving the motor according to various programs. For example, the battery control unit 7300 receives information such as battery temperature, battery output voltage, or remaining capacity of the battery from a battery device including the secondary battery 7310. The battery control unit 7300 performs arithmetic processing using these signals to control temperature adjustment of the secondary battery 7310, a cooling device provided in the battery device, and the like.

[0652] The vehicle exterior information detection unit 7400 detects information outside the vehicle on which the vehicle control system 7000 is installed. For example, at least one of the imaging unit 7410 and the vehicle exterior information detector 7420 is connected to the vehicle exterior information detection unit 7400. The imaging unit 7410 includes at least one of a time-of-flight (ToF) camera, a stereo camera, a monocular camera, an infrared camera, and another camera. The vehicle exterior information detector 7420 includes, for example, an environmental sensor for detecting current weather or atmospheric phenomena and at least one of a peripheral information detection sensor for detecting other vehicles, obstacles, pedestrians, etc. around the vehicle equipped with the vehicle control system 7000.

[0653] The environmental sensor may be, for example, at least one of a raindrop sensor for detecting rainy days, a fog sensor for detecting fog, a sunshine sensor for detecting the degree of sunshine, and a snow sensor for detecting snowfall. The peripheral information detection sensor may be at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, a radar device, and a light detection and ranging or laser imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR) device. The imaging unit 7410 and the vehicle exterior information detector 7420 may be respectively configured as independent sensors or devices, or may be configured as a device in which a plurality of sensors or devices are integrated.

[0654] Here, Fig.40 An example of the installation position of the imaging unit 7410 and the vehicle exterior information detector 7420 is shown. For example, each of the imaging units 7910, 7912, 7914, 7916, and 7918 is arranged at at least one position of the front nose, side mirror, rear bumper, rear door, or upper portion of the windshield inside the vehicle 7900. The imaging unit 7910 arranged at the front nose and the imaging unit 7918 arranged at the upper portion of the windshield inside the vehicle mainly acquire the front image of the vehicle 7900. The imaging units 7912 and 7914 arranged at the side mirror mainly acquire the image of the side of the vehicle 7900. The imaging unit 7916 arranged at the rear bumper or the rear door mainly acquires the rear image of the vehicle 7900. The imaging unit 7918 arranged at the upper portion of the windshield inside the vehicle is mainly used to detect the front vehicle, pedestrians, obstacles, traffic signals, traffic signs, lanes, etc.

[0655] Notice, Fig.40 An example of the capture range of the imaging units 7910, 7912, 7914, and 7916 is shown. The imaging range a represents the imaging range of the imaging unit 7910 disposed at the front nose, the imaging ranges b and c represent the imaging ranges of the imaging units 7912 and 7914 disposed at the side mirrors, respectively, and the imaging range d represents the imaging range of the imaging unit 7916 disposed at the rear bumper or the rear door. For example, a bird's-eye view image of the vehicle 7900 observed from above can be obtained by superimposing image data imaged by the imaging units 7910, 7912, 7914, and 7916.

[0656] For example, the vehicle exterior information detectors 7920, 7922, 7924, 7926, 7928, and 7930 disposed at the front, rear, side, corner, and upper portion of the windshield inside the vehicle 7900 may be ultrasonic sensors or radar devices. For example, the vehicle exterior information detectors 7920, 7926, and 7930 disposed at the front nose, rear bumper, rear door, and upper portion of the windshield inside the vehicle 7900 may be LIDAR devices. These vehicle exterior information detectors 7920 to 7930 are mainly used to detect vehicles ahead, pedestrians, obstacles, and the like.

[0657] return Fig.39 , will continue to describe. The vehicle exterior information detection unit 7400 enables the imaging unit 7410 to image the outside of the vehicle and receive the imaged image data. In addition, the vehicle exterior information detection unit 7400 receives detection information from the connected vehicle exterior information detector 7420. In the case where the vehicle exterior information detector 7420 is an ultrasonic sensor, a radar device, or a LIDAR device, the vehicle exterior information detection unit 7400 sends ultrasonic waves, electromagnetic waves, etc. and receives information of the received reflected waves. The vehicle exterior information detection unit 7400 can perform object detection processing or distance detection processing of people, vehicles, obstacles, signs, letters, etc. on the road surface based on the received information. The vehicle exterior information detection unit 7400 can perform environmental recognition processing for identifying rainfall, fog, road conditions, etc. based on the received information. The vehicle exterior information detection unit 7400 can calculate the distance to an object outside the vehicle based on the received information.

[0658] In addition, the vehicle exterior information detection unit 7400 can perform image recognition processing or distance detection processing for identifying people, vehicles, obstacles, signs, letters, etc. on the road surface based on the received image data. The vehicle exterior information detection unit 7400 can perform processing such as distortion correction or alignment on the received image data, and synthesize the image data imaged by the different imaging units 7410 to generate a bird's-eye view image or a panoramic image. The vehicle exterior information detection unit 7400 can perform viewpoint conversion processing using the image data imaged by the different imaging units 7410.

[0659] The in-vehicle information detection unit 7500 detects information inside the vehicle. For example, a driver state detection unit 7510 that detects the state of the driver is connected to the in-vehicle information detection unit 7500. The driver state detection unit 7510 may include a camera for imaging the driver, a biosensor for detecting the driver's bio-information, a microphone for collecting sounds inside the vehicle, etc. The biosensor is, for example, arranged on a seat surface, a steering wheel, etc., and detects the bio-information of an occupant sitting on a seat or a driver holding the steering wheel. The in-vehicle information detection unit 7500 can calculate the driver's fatigue or concentration based on the detection information input from the driver state detection unit 7510, or can determine whether the driver has fallen asleep at the steering wheel. The in-vehicle information detection unit 7500 can perform processing such as noise elimination processing on the collected sound signal.

[0660] The integrated control unit 7600 controls the overall operation in the vehicle control system 7000 according to various programs. The integrated control unit 7600 is connected to the input unit 7800. The input unit 7800 is implemented by a device that can be operated and input by the occupant, such as a touch panel, a button, a microphone, a switch, or a joystick. Data obtained by recognizing the sound input by the microphone can be input to the integrated control unit 7600. The input unit 7800 may be, for example, a remote controller device using infrared or another radio wave, or may be an external connection device such as a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA) corresponding to the operation of the vehicle control system 7000. The input unit 7800 may be, for example, a camera, and in this case, the occupant can input information by gestures. Alternatively, data obtained by detecting the movement of a wearable device worn by the occupant may be input. In addition, the input unit 7800 may, for example, include an input control circuit that generates an input signal based on the information input by the occupant, etc. using the above input unit 7800, and outputs the input signal to the integrated control unit 7600, etc. The occupant or the like inputs various data to the vehicle control system 7000 and instructs processing operations by operating the input unit 7800 .

[0661] The storage unit 7690 may include a read-only memory (ROM) for storing various programs executed by the microcomputer and a random access memory (RAM) for storing various parameters, calculation results, sensor values, etc. In addition, the storage unit 7690 may be implemented by a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, etc.

[0662] The general communication I / F 7620 is a general communication I / F that coordinates communication with various devices present in the external environment 7750. The general communication I / F 7620 may include a cellular communication protocol such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) (registered trademark), WiMAX (registered trademark), Long Term Evolution (LTE) (registered trademark), or Advanced LTE (LTE-A) or a wireless communication protocol such as a wireless LAN (also known as Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the general communication I / F 7620 may be connected to a device (e.g., an application server or a control server) present on an external network (e.g., the Internet, a cloud network, or a company-specific network) via a base station or an access point. In addition, the general communication I / F 7620 may be connected to a terminal (e.g., a terminal of a driver, a pedestrian, or a store, or a machine type communication (MTC) terminal) present near the vehicle using, for example, a peer-to-peer (P2P) technology.

[0663] The dedicated communication I / F 7630 is a communication I / F that supports a communication protocol developed for use in a vehicle. For example, the dedicated communication I / F 7630 may include a standard protocol such as Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments (WAVE), which is a combination of the lower layer IEEE 802.11p and the upper layer IEEE 1609, a dedicated short range communication (DSRC), or a cellular communication protocol. The dedicated communication I / F 7630 generally performs V2X communication, which is a concept including one or more of vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, vehicle-to-home communication, and vehicle-to-pedestrian communication.

[0664] The positioning unit 7640 performs positioning by, for example, receiving a GNSS signal from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) satellite (e.g., a GPS signal from a global positioning system (GPS) satellite), and generates position information including the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the vehicle. Note that the positioning unit 7640 may specify the current position by exchanging signals with a wireless access point, or may acquire position information from a terminal having a positioning function such as a mobile phone, a PHS, or a smart phone.

[0665] The beacon receiving unit 7650 receives, for example, radio waves or electromagnetic waves transmitted from a radio station installed on a road, and acquires information such as the current position, congestion, road closure, or required time. Note that the function of the beacon receiving unit 7650 may be included in the above-mentioned dedicated communication I / F 7630.

[0666] The in-vehicle device I / F 7660 is a communication interface that mediates the connection between the microcomputer 7610 and various in-vehicle devices 7760 present in the vehicle. The in-vehicle device I / F 7660 can establish a wireless connection using a wireless communication protocol such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), or wireless USB (WUSB). In addition, the in-vehicle device I / F 7660 can establish a wired connection such as a universal serial bus (USB), a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) (registered trademark), a mobile high-definition link (MHL), etc. via a connection terminal (not shown) (and a cable if necessary). The in-vehicle device 7760 may include, for example, at least one of a mobile device or a wearable device owned by an occupant and an information device carried or attached to the vehicle. In addition, the in-vehicle device 7760 may include a navigation device that performs a route search to an arbitrary destination. The in-vehicle device I / F 7660 exchanges control signals or data signals with these in-vehicle devices 7760.

[0667] The in-vehicle network I / F 7680 is an interface that mediates communication between the microcomputer 7610 and the communication network 7010. The in-vehicle network I / F 7680 transmits and receives signals and the like according to a predetermined protocol supported by the communication network 7010.

[0668] The microcomputer 7610 of the integrated control unit 7600 controls the vehicle control system 7000 according to various programs based on information acquired via at least one of the general communication I / F 7620, the dedicated communication I / F 7630, the positioning unit 7640, the beacon receiving unit 7650, the in-vehicle device I / F 7660, and the vehicle network I / F 7680. For example, the microcomputer 7610 can calculate the control target value of the driving force generation device, the steering mechanism, or the braking device based on the acquired information inside and outside the vehicle, and output a control command to the drive system control unit 7100. For example, the microcomputer 7610 can perform cooperative control to realize an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) function, including collision avoidance or vibration reduction of the vehicle, following driving based on the distance between vehicles, speed maintenance driving, collision warning of the vehicle, lane departure warning of the vehicle, etc. In addition, the microcomputer 7610 can control the driving force generation device, the steering mechanism, the braking device, etc. based on the acquired information near the vehicle to perform cooperative control for the purpose of autonomous driving without relying on the operation of the driver.

[0669] The microcomputer 7610 may create three-dimensional distance information between the vehicle and an object such as a peripheral structure or a person based on information acquired via at least one of the general communication I / F 7620, the dedicated communication I / F 7630, the positioning unit 7640, the beacon receiving unit 7650, the in-vehicle device I / F 7660, and the in-vehicle network I / F 7680, and may create local map information including peripheral information of the current position of the vehicle. In addition, the microcomputer 7610 may predict dangers such as a collision of the vehicle, the approach of a pedestrian, or the like, or entry into a closed road based on the acquired information, and generate an alarm signal. The alarm signal may be, for example, a signal for generating an alarm sound or for turning on an alarm light.

[0670] The audio image output unit 7670 transmits an output signal of at least one of audio and image to an output device that can visually and audibly notify the vehicle occupants or the outside of the vehicle of information. Fig.39In the example of , as output devices, an audio speaker 7710, a display unit 7720, and an instrument panel 7730 are exemplarily shown. The display unit 7720 may, for example, include at least one of an on-board display and a head-up display. The display unit 7720 may have an augmented reality (AR) display function. The output device may be a wearable device such as a headset or a glasses-type display worn by an occupant, a projector, a lamp, etc., in addition to the above-mentioned devices. In the case where the output device is a display device, the display device visually displays the results obtained by various types of processing performed by the microcomputer 7610 or information received from another control unit in various formats such as text, images, tables, and graphs. In addition, in the case where the output device is an audio output device, the audio output device converts an audio signal including reproduced audio data, acoustic data, etc. into an analog signal and audibly outputs the analog signal.

[0671] Note that Fig.39 In the example shown, at least two control units connected via the communication network 7010 can be integrated into one control unit. Optionally, a separate control unit can be configured by multiple control units. In addition, the vehicle control system 7000 may include another control unit (not shown). In addition, in the above description, some or all of the functions performed by any one control unit can be performed by another control unit. That is, as long as information is sent and received via the communication network 7010, a predetermined operation process can be performed by any control unit. Similarly, a sensor or device connected to any control unit can be connected to another control unit, and multiple control units can send and receive detection information to each other via the communication network 7010.

[0672] 20. Application of operating room system

[0673] The light source unit and the distance measuring device according to the present technology can be applied to various products related to the medical field. For example, the light source unit according to the present technology can be applied to a light source device used in an operating room system to be described below. For example, the distance measuring device according to the present technology can be applied to a device including a light source device, a lens unit, and an imaging unit used in an operating room system to be described below.

[0674] Fig.41 Schematically shows the overall configuration of an operating room system 5100 to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. Fig.41 , the operating room system 5100 is configured so that devices installed in the operating room are connected to be able to cooperate with each other via an audio-visual controller (AV controller) 5107 and an operating room control device 5109.

[0675] An operating room can be equipped with various devices. As an example, Fig.41A variety of device groups 5101 for endoscopic surgery, a ceiling camera 5187 set on the ceiling of the operating room and imaging the operator's hands, a surgical field camera 5189 set on the ceiling of the operating room and imaging the entire state of the operating room, multiple display devices 5103A to 5103D, a recorder 5105, a bed 5183 and lighting 5191 are shown.

[0676] Here, among these devices, device group 5101 belongs to the endoscopic surgery system 5113 described below, and includes an endoscope, a display device that displays an image formed by the endoscope, and the like. Each device belonging to the endoscopic surgery system 5113 is also referred to as a medical device. Meanwhile, display devices 5103A to 5103D, a recorder 5105, a bed 5183, and lighting 5191 are devices that are separately provided in, for example, an operating room from the endoscopic surgery system 5113. Each device that does not belong to the endoscopic surgery system 5113 is referred to as a non-medical device. The audio-visual controller 5107 and / or the operating room control device 5109 control the medical devices and the non-medical devices to cooperate with each other.

[0677] The audio-visual controller 5107 centrally controls processes related to image display in medical devices and non-medical devices. Specifically, among the devices included in the operating room system 5100, the device group 5101, the ceiling camera 5187, and the surgical site camera 5189 may be devices (hereinafter, also referred to as devices at the transmission source) having a function of transmitting information to be displayed during the surgical operation (hereinafter, the information is also referred to as display information). In addition, the display devices 5103A to 5103D may be devices to which display information is output (hereinafter, also referred to as devices at the output destination). In addition, the recorder 5105 may be a device corresponding to both the device at the transmission source and the device at the output destination. The audio-visual controller 5107 has a function of controlling the operation of the device at the transmission source and the device at the output destination to obtain display information from the device at the transmission source, transmit the display information to the device at the output destination, and display or record the display information. Note that the display information is various images imaged during surgery, various types of information about surgery (e.g., patient's physical information, information on past examination results, information on surgical methods, etc.), etc.

[0678] Specifically, information about an image of a surgical site in a patient's body cavity imaged by an endoscope may be sent from the device group 5101 to the audio-visual controller 5107 as display information. Furthermore, information about an image of an operator's hand imaged by the ceiling camera 5187 may be sent from the ceiling camera 5187 as display information. Furthermore, information about an image showing the state of the entire operating room imaged by the operating room camera 5189 may be sent from the operating site camera 5189 as display information. Note that in the case where another device having an imaging function exists in the operating room system 5100, the audio-visual controller 5107 may acquire information about an image imaged by the other device from the other device as display information.

[0679] Alternatively, for example, information about these images imaged in the past is recorded in the recorder 5105 by the audio-visual controller 5107. The audio-visual controller 5107 can acquire information about the images imaged in the past as display information from the recorder 5105. Note that the recorder 5105 can also record various types of information about the surgery in advance.

[0680] The audio-visual controller 5107 causes at least any one of the display devices 5103A to 5103D as devices at the output destination to display the acquired display information (in other words, images imaged during surgery and various types of information about surgery). In the example shown, the display device 5103A is a display device suspended and installed on the ceiling of the operating room, the display device 5103B is a display device installed on the wall of the operating room, the display device 5103C is a display device installed on the operating table of the operating room, and the display device 5103D is a mobile device (e.g., a tablet personal computer (PC)) having a display function.

[0681] In addition, despite the Fig.41 Although the illustration is omitted in the figure, the operating room system 5100 may include devices outside the operating room. The devices outside the operating room may be, for example, a server connected to a network built inside or outside the hospital, a PC used by medical staff, a projector installed in a conference room of the hospital, etc. In the case where such an external device is outside the hospital, the audio-visual controller 5107 may also display information on a display device of another hospital via a video conferencing system, etc., thereby performing telemedicine.

[0682] The operating room control device 5109 centrally controls processes other than processes related to image display in non-medical devices. For example, the operating room control device 5109 controls the driving of the bed 5183, the ceiling camera 5187, the operation site camera 5189, and the lighting 5191.

[0683] The operating room system 5100 is provided with a centralized operation panel 5111, and the user can issue instructions on image display to the audio-visual controller 5107 through the centralized operation panel 5111, and can issue instructions on operation of non-medical devices to the operating room control device 5109. The centralized operation panel 5111 is provided with a touch panel on the display surface of the display device.

[0684] Fig.42 51 is a diagram showing a display example of an operation screen on the centralized operation panel 5111. As an example, Fig.42 2 shows an operation screen corresponding to the case where two display devices are set as devices at the output destination in the operating room system 5100. Fig.42 , the operation screen 5193 is provided with a sending source selection area 5195 , a preview area 5197 and a control area 5201 .

[0685] The transmission source selection area 5195 displays the transmission source devices set in the operating room system 5100 and thumbnail screens representing display information held by the transmission source devices in association with each other. The user can select display information to be displayed on the display device from any transmission source device displayed in the transmission source selection area 5195.

[0686] The preview area 5197 displays a preview of the screen displayed on the two display devices (monitor 1 and monitor 2) of the device at the output destination. In the example shown, four images are displayed in picture-in-picture (PinP) on one display device. The four images correspond to the display information sent from the transmission source device selected in the transmission source selection area 5195. One of the four images is displayed relatively large as a main image, and the remaining three images are displayed relatively small as sub-images. The user can switch the main image and the sub-image by appropriately selecting the area where the four images are displayed. In addition, a status display area 5199 is set below the area where the four images are displayed, and the status of the operation (for example, the elapsed time of the operation, the patient's physical information, etc.) is appropriately displayed in this area.

[0687] The control area 5201 is provided with a transmission source operation area 5203 in which a graphical user interface (GUI) component for operating the device at the transmission source is displayed, and an output destination operation area 5205 in which a GUI component for operating the device at the output destination is displayed. In the example shown, the transmission source operation area 5203 is provided with GUI components for performing various operations (panning, tilting, and zooming) on ​​the camera in the device at the transmission source having an imaging function. The user can operate the operation of the camera in the device at the transmission source by appropriately selecting these GUI components. Note that although illustration is omitted, in the case where the device at the transmission source selected in the transmission source selection area 5195 is a recorder (in other words, in the case where an image recorded in the recorder in the past is displayed in the preview area 5197), the transmission source operation area 5203 may be provided with GUI components for performing operations such as reproduction of the image, stop reproduction, rewind, and fast forward.

[0688] In addition, the output destination operation area 5205 is provided with GUI components for performing various operations (alternation, flipping, color adjustment, contrast adjustment, and switching between 2D display and 3D display) on the display in the display device as the device at the output destination. The user can operate the display in the display device by appropriately selecting these GUI components.

[0689] Note that the operation screen displayed on the centralized operation panel 5111 is not limited to the example shown, and the user is able to perform operation inputs via the centralized operation panel 5111 on devices that can be controlled by the audio-visual controller 5107 and the operating room control device 5109 provided in the operating room system 5100.

[0690] Fig.43 5187 and the operating room system are provided on the ceiling of the operating room, and can image the hands of the operator (surgeon) 5181 who is treating the affected part of the patient 5185 on the bed 5183, and the state of the entire operating room. The ceiling camera 5187 and the operating room camera 5189 can be provided with a magnification adjustment function, a focus adjustment function, an imaging direction adjustment function, and the like. The lighting 5191 is provided on the ceiling of the operating room, and at least illuminates the hands of the operator 5181. The lighting 5191 can appropriately adjust the amount of irradiated light, the wavelength (color) of the irradiated light, the irradiation direction of the light, and the like.

[0691] The endoscopic surgery system 5113, the bed 5183, the ceiling camera 5187, the surgical site camera 5189 and the lighting 5191 are connected via the audio-visual controller 5107 and the operating room control device 5109 ( Fig.43 ) are connected to each other in a cooperative manner, such as Fig.41 The centralized operation panel 5111 is provided in the operating room, and as described above, the user can appropriately operate these devices present in the operating room via the centralized operation panel 5111 .

[0692] Hereinafter, the configuration of the endoscopic surgery system 5113 will be described in detail. As shown in the figure, the endoscopic surgery system 5113 includes an endoscope 5115, other surgical tools 5131, a support arm device 5141 supporting the endoscope 5115, and a cart 5151 on which various devices for endoscopic surgery are installed.

[0693] In endoscopic surgery, multiple cylindrical puncture devices called trocars 5139a to 5139d are punctured into the abdominal wall instead of cutting the abdominal wall to open the abdomen. Then, the barrel 5117 of the endoscope 5115 and other surgical tools 5131 are inserted into the body cavity of the patient 5185 through the trocars 5139a to 5139d. In the example shown, as other surgical tools 5131, a pneumoperitoneum tube 5133, an energy treatment tool 5135, and forceps 5137 are inserted into the body cavity of the patient 5185. In addition, the energy treatment tool 5135 is a treatment tool for performing cutting and peeling of tissues, sealing of blood vessels, etc. using high-frequency current or ultrasonic vibration. Note that the surgical tool 5131 shown is only an example, and various surgical tools such as forceps, tractors, etc. commonly used in endoscopic surgery can be used as the surgical tool 5131.

[0694] An image of a surgical site in a body cavity of a patient 5185 imaged by an endoscope 5115 is displayed on a display device 5155. An operator 5181 performs treatment, such as excision of an affected part, using an energy treatment tool 5135 and forceps 5137 while viewing the image of the surgical site displayed on the display device 5155 in real time. Note that, although illustration is omitted, the pneumoperitoneum tube 5133, the energy treatment tool 5135, and the forceps 5137 are supported by the operator 5181, an assistant, or the like during surgery.

[0695] (Support arm device)

[0696] The support arm device 5141 includes an arm unit 5145 extending from a base unit 5143. In the example shown, the arm unit 5145 includes joint portions 5147a, 5147b, and 5147c and links 5149a and 5149b, and is driven under the control of an arm control device 5159. The endoscope 5115 is supported by the arm unit 5145, and the position and posture of the endoscope 5115 are controlled. Through this control, stable fixation of the position of the endoscope 5115 can be achieved.

[0697] (Endoscope)

[0698] The endoscope 5115 includes a barrel 5117 having an area of ​​a predetermined length from a distal end inserted into a body cavity of a patient 5185 and a camera 5119 connected to a proximal end of the barrel 5117. In the illustrated example, the endoscope 5115 configured as a so-called hard endoscope including a hard barrel 5117 is shown. However, the endoscope 5115 may be configured as a so-called soft endoscope including a soft barrel 5117.

[0699] The distal end of the lens barrel 5117 is provided with an opening in which an objective lens is installed. A light source device 5157 is connected to the endoscope 5115, and light generated by the light source device 5157 is guided to the distal end of the lens barrel 5117 through a light guide extending inside the lens barrel 5117, and an object to be observed in the body cavity of the patient 5185 is illuminated by the light through the objective lens. Note that the endoscope 5115 may be a forward-looking endoscope, may be an oblique-looking endoscope, or may be a side-looking endoscope.

[0700] The optical system and the imaging element are arranged inside the camera head 5119, and the reflected light (observation light) from the object to be observed is focused to the imaging element through the optical system. The observation light is photoelectrically converted by the imaging element, and an electrical signal corresponding to the observation light, that is, an image signal corresponding to the observed image, is generated. The image signal is sent to the camera control unit (CCU) 5153 as raw data. Note that the camera head 5119 has a function of adjusting the magnification and focal length by appropriately driving the optical system.

[0701] Note that, for example, in order to cope with stereoscopic viewing (3D display) or the like, a plurality of imaging elements may be provided in the camera 5119. In this case, a plurality of relay optical systems are provided inside the lens barrel 5117 to guide observation light to each of the plurality of imaging elements.

[0702] (Various devices installed in carts)

[0703] The CCU 5153 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc., and centrally controls the operations of the endoscope 5115 and the display device 5155. Specifically, the CCU 5153 applies various types of image processing to the image signal received from the camera 5119 to display an image based on the image signal, such as development processing (demosaic processing). The CCU 5153 provides the display device 5155 with the image signal to which the image processing has been applied. In addition, Fig.41The audio-visual controller 5107 shown is connected to the CCU 5153. The CCU 5153 also provides the audio-visual controller 5107 with an image signal to which image processing has been applied. In addition, the CCU 5153 sends a control signal to the camera 5119 to control the driving of the camera 5119. The control signal may include information about imaging conditions, such as magnification and focal length. The information about imaging conditions may be input via the input device 5161, or may be input via the above-mentioned centralized operation panel 5111.

[0704] The display device 5155 displays an image based on an image signal to which image processing has been applied by the CCU 5153 under the control of the CCU 5153. In the case where the endoscope 5115 supports high-resolution imaging such as 4K (horizontal pixel number 3840×vertical pixel number 2160) or 8K (horizontal pixel number 7680×vertical pixel number 4320), and / or in the case where the endoscope 5115 supports 3D display, for example, a display device 5155 that can perform high-resolution display and / or 3D display can be used corresponding to each case. In the case where the endoscope 5115 supports high-resolution imaging such as 4K or 8K, a greater sense of immersion can be obtained by using a display device 5155 having a size of 55 inches or more. In addition, a plurality of display devices 5155 having different resolutions and sizes can be set according to the purpose.

[0705] The light source device 5157 includes, for example, a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED), and provides illumination light to the endoscope 5115 when imaging a surgical site.

[0706] The arm control device 5159 includes a processor such as a CPU, and operates according to a predetermined program, thereby controlling the driving of the arm unit 5145 of the support arm device 5141 according to a predetermined control method.

[0707] The input device 5161 is an input interface of the endoscopic surgery system 5113. The user can input various types of information and instructions to the endoscopic surgery system 5113 via the input device 5161. For example, the user inputs various types of information about the surgery, such as the patient's physical information and information about the operation method of the surgery, via the input device 5161. In addition, for example, the user inputs an instruction to drive the arm unit 5145, an instruction to change the imaging conditions of the endoscope 5115 (such as the type of irradiation light, magnification, and focal length), an instruction to drive the energy treatment tool 5135, and the like via the input device 5161.

[0708] The type of input device 5161 is not limited, and the input device 5161 may be one of various known input devices. For example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a switch, a foot switch 5171, a joystick, etc. may be applied to the input device 5161. In the case where a touch panel is used as the input device 5161, the touch panel may be provided on the display surface of the display device 5155.

[0709] Optionally, the input device 5161 is, for example, a device worn by a user, such as a glasses-type wearable device or a head-mounted display (HMD), and various inputs are performed according to gestures or sight lines of the user detected by the device. In addition, the input device 5161 includes a camera capable of detecting the movement of the user, and various inputs are performed according to gestures or sight lines of the user detected from the image imaged by the camera. In addition, the input device 5161 includes a microphone capable of collecting the user's voice, and various inputs are performed through the microphone by sound. As described above, the input device 5161 is configured to be able to input various types of information in a non-contact manner, so that users (e.g., operator 5181) belonging to the clean area in particular can operate the device belonging to the unclean area in a non-contact manner. In addition, since the user can operate the device without releasing his / her hands from the surgical tools in his / her possession, the convenience of the user is improved.

[0710] The treatment tool control device 5163 controls the driving of the energy treatment tool 5135 for burning and cutting of tissues, sealing of blood vessels, etc. The pneumoperitoneum device 5165 delivers gas into the body cavity of the patient 5185 through the pneumoperitoneum tube 5133 to expand the body cavity, thereby ensuring the field of view of the endoscope 5115 and the operator's working space. The recorder 5167 is a device capable of recording various types of information about the operation. The printer 5169 is a device capable of printing various types of information about the operation in various forms such as text, images, or graphics.

[0711] Hereinafter, specific feature configurations in the endoscopic surgical system 5113 will be described in further detail.

[0712] (Support arm device)

[0713] The support arm device 5141 includes a base unit 5143 as a base and an arm unit 5145 extending from the base unit 5143. In the example shown, the arm unit 5145 includes a plurality of joint portions 5147a, 5147b, and 5147c and a plurality of links 5149a and 5149b connected by the joint portion 5147b. However, for simplicity, Fig.43A simplified configuration of the arm unit 5145 is shown. In fact, the shape, number and arrangement of the joint parts 5147a to 5147c and the connecting rods 5149a and 5149b, the direction of the rotation axis of the joint parts 5147a to 5147c, etc. can be appropriately set so that the arm unit 5145 has a desired degree of freedom. For example, the arm unit 5145 may preferably have six or more degrees of freedom. With this configuration, the endoscope 5115 can move freely within the movable range of the arm unit 5145. Therefore, the lens barrel 5117 of the endoscope 5115 can be inserted into the body cavity of the patient 5185 from a desired direction.

[0714] The actuator is provided in the joint parts 5147a to 5147c, and the joint parts 5147a to 5147c are configured to rotate around a predetermined rotation axis by the drive of the actuator. The drive of the actuator is controlled by the arm control device 5159, so that the rotation angle of the joint parts 5147a to 5147c is controlled, and the drive of the arm unit 5145 is controlled. Through this control, the control of the position and posture of the endoscope 5115 can be achieved. At this time, the arm control device 5159 can control the drive of the arm unit 5145 by various known control methods such as force control or position control.

[0715] For example, by the operator 5181 appropriately performing operation input via the input device 5161 (including the foot switch 5171), the arm control device 5159 can appropriately control the drive of the arm unit 5145 according to the operation input, and can control the position and posture of the endoscope 5115. Through this control, the endoscope 5115 at the distal end of the arm unit 5145 can be moved from any position to any position, and then can be fixedly supported at the position after the movement. Note that the arm unit 5145 can be operated by a so-called master-slave system. In this case, the user can remotely operate the arm unit 5145 via the input device 5161 installed in a place away from the operating room.

[0716] In addition, in the case of applying force control, the arm control device 5159 receives an external force from the user, and can perform so-called power assist control to drive the actuators of the joint parts 5147a to 5147c so that the arm unit 5145 can be smoothly moved according to the external force. Through this control, when moving the arm unit 5145 while directly contacting the arm unit 5145, the user can move the arm unit 5145 with a relatively light force. Therefore, the user can move the endoscope 5115 more intuitively through simpler operations, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0717] Here, in endoscopic surgery, endoscope 5115 is usually supported by a doctor called an endoscope operator. In contrast, by using support arm device 5141, the position of endoscope 5115 can be reliably fixed without manual operation, and thus an image of the surgical site can be stably obtained, and surgery can be performed smoothly.

[0718] Note that the arm control device 5159 does not have to be provided in the cart 5151. In addition, the arm control device 5159 does not have to be one device. For example, the arm control device 5159 may be provided in each of the joint portions 5147a to 5147c of the arm unit 5145 supporting the arm device 5141, and the drive control of the arm unit 5145 may be realized by mutual cooperation of a plurality of arm control devices 5159.

[0719] (Light source device)

[0720] The light source device 5157 provides irradiation light for imaging the surgical site to the endoscope 5115. The light source device 5157 includes, for example, an LED, a laser light source, or a white light source configured by a combination of laser light sources. In the case where the white light source is configured by a combination of RGB laser light sources, the output intensity and output timing of the corresponding colors (wavelengths) can be controlled with high precision. Therefore, the white balance of the captured image can be adjusted in the light source device 5157. In addition, in this case, the object to be observed is irradiated with laser light from each RGB laser light source in a time-division manner, and the driving of the imaging element of the camera 5119 is controlled synchronously with the irradiation timing, so that images corresponding to RGB can be imaged in a time-division manner. According to this method, a color image can be obtained without providing a color filter for the imaging element.

[0721] In addition, the drive of the light source device 5157 can be controlled to change the intensity of the light to be output at predetermined intervals. The drive of the imaging element of the camera 5119 is controlled synchronously with the change in the intensity of the light, and images are acquired and synthesized in a time-division manner, so that a high dynamic range image without clipped black and flash highlights can be generated.

[0722] In addition, the light source device 5157 can be configured to be able to provide light of a predetermined wavelength band corresponding to special light observation. In special light observation, for example, by using the wavelength dependence of light absorption in body tissue, so-called narrow-band imaging is performed to image predetermined tissues such as blood vessels in the surface layer of a mucosa with high contrast by irradiating light with a narrower wavelength band than irradiation light (i.e., white light) during normal observation. Alternatively, in special light observation, fluorescence observation can be performed to obtain an image by fluorescence generated by irradiation of excitation light.

[0723] In fluorescence observation, body tissue may be irradiated with excitation light to observe fluorescence from the body tissue (autofluorescence observation), a reagent such as indocyanine green (ICG) may be injected into the body tissue, and the body tissue may be irradiated with excitation light corresponding to the fluorescence wavelength of the reagent to obtain a fluorescence image, etc. The light source device 5157 may be configured to be capable of providing narrowband light and / or excitation light corresponding to such special light observation.

[0724] (Camera and CCU)

[0725] Reference Fig.44 The functions of the camera 5119 and CCU 5153 of the endoscope 5115 are described in more detail. Fig.44 It is shown Fig.43 A block diagram of an example of the functional configuration of the camera 5119 and CCU 5153 is shown.

[0726] refer to Fig.44 , the camera 5119 has a lens unit 5121, an imaging unit 5123, a driving unit 5125, a communication unit 5127, and a camera control unit 5129 as its functions. In addition, the CCU 5153 includes a communication unit 5173, an image processing unit 5175, and a control unit 5177 as its functions. The camera 5119 and the CCU 5153 are communicatively connected to each other via a transmission cable 5179.

[0727] First, the functional configuration of the camera head 5119 will be described. The lens unit 5121 is an optical system provided in the connection portion between the lens unit 5121 and the lens barrel 5117. The observation light captured through the distal end of the lens barrel 5117 is guided to the camera head 5119 and enters the lens unit 5121. The lens unit 5121 is configured by a combination of a plurality of lenses including a zoom lens and a focusing lens. The optical characteristics of the lens unit 5121 are adjusted to focus the observation light on the light receiving surface of the imaging element of the imaging unit 5123. In addition, the positions of the zoom lens and the focusing lens on the optical axis are movable to adjust the magnification and focus of the captured image.

[0728] The imaging unit 5123 includes an imaging element and is provided at a later stage of the lens unit 5121. The observation light that has passed through the lens unit 5121 is focused on the light receiving surface of the imaging element, and an image signal corresponding to the observation image is generated by photoelectric conversion. The image signal generated by the imaging unit 5123 is provided to the communication unit 5127.

[0729] As an imaging element configuring the imaging unit 5123, for example, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) type image sensor having a Bayer arrangement and capable of color imaging is used. Note that as an imaging element, for example, an imaging element that can image a high-resolution image of 4K or more can be used. By obtaining an image of the surgical site with high resolution, the operator 5181 can grasp the state of the surgical site in more detail and can perform surgery more smoothly.

[0730] In addition, the imaging element configuring the imaging unit 5123 includes a pair of imaging elements for obtaining image signals for the right eye and the left eye respectively corresponding to the 3D display. Through the 3D display, the operator 5181 can more accurately grasp the depth of the biological tissue of the surgical site. Note that in the case where the imaging unit 5123 is configured by a plurality of imaging elements, a plurality of systems of the lens unit 5121 can be set corresponding to the imaging elements.

[0731] In addition, the imaging unit 5123 does not have to be provided in the camera head 5119. For example, the imaging unit 5123 may be provided immediately after the objective lens in the lens barrel 5117.

[0732] The driving unit 5125 includes an actuator and moves the zoom lens and the focus lens of the lens unit 5121 by a predetermined distance along the optical axis under the control of the camera control unit 5129. With the movement, the magnification and focus of the image captured by the imaging unit 5123 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0733] The communication unit 5127 includes a communication device for sending various types of information to or receiving various types of information from the CCU 5153. The communication unit 5127 sends the image signal obtained from the imaging unit 5123 as raw data to the CCU 5153 through the transmission cable 5179. At this time, in order to display the captured image of the surgical site with low latency, the image signal is preferably sent through optical communication. This is because during surgery, the operator 5181 performs surgery while observing the state of the affected part using the captured image, and therefore, for safer and more reliable surgery, it is necessary to display the moving image of the surgical site as real-time as possible. In the case of optical communication, the communication unit 5127 is provided with a photoelectric conversion module that converts an electrical signal into an optical signal. The image signal is converted into an optical signal by the photoelectric conversion module and then sent to the CCU 5153 via the transmission cable 5179.

[0734] In addition, the communication unit 5127 receives a control signal for controlling the driving of the camera 5119 from the CCU 5153. The control signal includes, for example, information about imaging conditions, such as information for specifying the frame rate of the captured image, information for specifying the exposure value during imaging, and / or information for specifying the magnification and focus of the captured image. The communication unit 5127 provides the received control signal to the camera control unit 5129. Note that the control signal from the CCU 5153 may also be sent through optical communication. In this case, the communication unit 5127 is provided with a photoelectric conversion module that converts an optical signal into an electrical signal, and the control signal is converted into an electrical signal by the photoelectric conversion module and then provided to the camera control unit 5129.

[0735] Note that imaging conditions such as frame rate, exposure value, magnification, and focus are automatically set based on the acquired image signal by the control unit 5177 of the CCU 5153. That is, the so-called automatic exposure (AE) function, automatic focus (AF) function, and automatic white balance (AWB) function are included in the endoscope 5115.

[0736] The camera control unit 5129 controls the driving of the camera 5119 based on the control signal received from the CCU 5153 via the communication unit 5127. For example, the camera control unit 5129 controls the driving of the imaging element of the imaging unit 5123 based on the information for specifying the frame rate of the captured image and / or the information for specifying the exposure at the time of imaging. In addition, for example, the camera control unit 5129 appropriately moves the zoom lens and the focus lens of the lens unit 5121 via the drive unit 5125 based on the information for specifying the magnification and focus of the captured image. The camera control unit 5129 may further have a function of storing information for identifying the lens barrel 5117 and the camera 5119.

[0737] Note that the configuration of the lens unit 5121, the imaging unit 5123, etc. is arranged in an airtight sealing structure with high airtightness and waterproofness, so that the camera 5119 can withstand high-pressure sterilization.

[0738] Next, the functional configuration of the CCU 5153 will be described. The communication unit 5173 includes a communication device for sending various types of information to the camera 5119 or receiving various types of information from the camera 5119. The communication unit 5173 receives an image signal sent from the camera 5119 through the transmission cable 5179. At this time, as described above, the image signal can be preferably sent through optical communication. In this case, corresponding to the optical communication, the communication unit 5173 is provided with a photoelectric conversion module that converts the optical signal into an electrical signal. The communication unit 5173 provides the image processing unit 5175 with the image signal converted into the electrical signal.

[0739] In addition, the communication unit 5173 transmits a control signal for controlling the driving of the camera 5119 to the camera 5119. The control signal may also be transmitted through optical communication.

[0740] The image processing unit 5175 applies various types of image processing to the image signal as raw data sent from the camera 5119. The image processing includes, for example, various types of known signal processing such as development processing, high image quality processing (such as band enhancement processing, super-resolution processing, noise reduction (NR) processing, and / or camera shake correction processing), and / or magnification processing (electronic zoom processing). In addition, the image processing unit 5175 performs wave detection processing on the image signal to perform AE, AF, and AWB.

[0741] The image processing unit 5175 includes a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, and the processor operates according to a predetermined program, thereby performing the above-mentioned image processing and wave detection processing. Note that in the case where the image processing unit 5175 includes a plurality of GPUs, the image processing unit 5175 appropriately divides the information about the image signal and performs image processing in parallel by the plurality of GPUs.

[0742] The control unit 5177 performs various types of control related to the imaging of the surgical site by the endoscope 5115 and the display of the captured image. For example, the control unit 5177 generates a control signal for controlling the driving of the camera 5119. At this time, in the case where the user inputs the imaging conditions, the control unit 5177 generates a control signal based on the user's input. Optionally, in the case where the AE function, AF function, and AWB function are included in the endoscope 5115, the control unit 5177 appropriately calculates the optimal exposure value, focal length, and white balance according to the result of the wave detection processing of the image processing unit 5175, and generates a control signal.

[0743] In addition, the control unit 5177 displays an image of the operating part, etc. in the display device 5155 based on the image signal to which the image processing unit 5175 has applied image processing. At this time, the control unit 5177 uses various image recognition technologies to recognize various objects in the image of the surgical site. For example, the control unit 5177 can recognize surgical instruments such as forceps, specific living body parts, blood, mist when using the energy treatment tool 5135, etc. by detecting the edge shape, color, etc. of the object included in the captured image. The control unit 5177 superimposes and displays various types of surgical support information on the image of the surgical site when displaying the image of the surgical site on the display device 5155 using the recognition result. The surgical support information is superimposed, displayed, and presented to the operator 5181, so that the operation can be performed more safely and reliably.

[0744] The transmission cable 5179 connecting the camera head 5119 and the CCU 5153 is an electrical signal cable supporting electrical signal communication, an optical fiber supporting optical communication, or a composite cable thereof.

[0745] Here, in the example shown, communication has been performed in a wired manner using the transmission cable 5179. However, communication between the camera 5119 and the CCU 5153 may be performed wirelessly. In the case where communication between the camera 5119 and the CCU 5153 is performed wirelessly, it is not necessary to lay the transmission cable 5179 in the operating room. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the situation where the transmission cable 5179 hinders the movement of medical staff in the operating room.

[0746] An example of an operating room system 5100 to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied has been described. Note that here, as an example, a case has been described where the medical system to which the operating room system 5100 can be applied is the endoscopic surgery system 5113. However, the configuration of the operating room system 5100 is not limited to this example. For example, the operating room system 5100 can be applied to a flexible endoscope system or a microsurgery system for inspection instead of the endoscopic surgery system 5113.

[0747] 21. Application of image display devices

[0748] In addition, the light source unit and light source device of the present technology can be applied to image display devices such as projectors, head-up displays, and head-mounted displays. For example, in the case where the light source unit of the present technology is used for a projector, an image can be displayed by emitting light modulated according to image information from the light source of the light source unit, reflecting and diffusing the light through a diffuse reflection surface, and illuminating the screen with the diffuse reflection light. For example, in the case where the light source unit of the present technology is used for a head-up display or a head-mounted display, a virtual image can be displayed by emitting light modulated according to image information from the light source of the light source unit, reflecting and diffusing the light through a diffuse reflection surface, and illuminating an element having a transmissive reflection property (e.g., a windshield or a combiner) provided in a moving body with the diffuse reflection light.

[0749] Furthermore, the present technology can have the following configurations.

[0750] (1) A light source unit, comprising:

[0751] Light source; and

[0752] A holder configured to hold a light source, wherein

[0753] The holder has a diffuse reflective surface that reflects and diffuses at least a portion of the light from the light source toward the object.

[0754] (2) The light source unit according to (1), wherein:

[0755] The holder has a recess for accommodating the light source, and

[0756] The diffuse reflective surface is located in the recess and reflects and diffuses at least a portion of the light from the light source toward an opening of the recess.

[0757] (3) The light source unit according to (2), wherein the holder has a window covering an opening of the recessed portion.

[0758] (4) The light source unit according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the diffuse reflection surface is inclined with respect to an emission direction of the light source.

[0759] (5) The light source unit according to (4), wherein an inclination angle of the diffuse reflection surface relative to an emission direction of the light source is 30° to 60°.

[0760] (6) The light source unit according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the emission surface and the diffuse reflection surface of the light source face each other.

[0761] (7) The light source unit according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein light emitted from the light source directly enters the diffuse reflection surface.

[0762] (8) The light source unit according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein at least the portion is equal to or greater than 60% of the light from the light source.

[0763] (9) The light source unit according to (2) or (3), wherein:

[0764] The light source is disposed on the bottom surface of the recess, and

[0765] The angle formed by the emission direction of the light source relative to the bottom surface is 0° to 45°.

[0766] (10) The light source unit according to any one of (2), (3) and (9), wherein the diffuse reflection surface is located between the light source and a portion of a peripheral wall of the recessed portion.

[0767] (11) The light source unit according to any one of (2), (3), (9) and (10), wherein a peripheral wall of the recess has a light shielding property.

[0768] (12) The light source unit according to any one of (2), (3), and (9) to (11), wherein at least a portion of an inner peripheral surface of a peripheral wall of the recess has a light attenuation function.

[0769] (13) The light source unit according to any one of (2), (3), and (9) to (12), wherein the diffuse reflection surface is provided on a peripheral wall of the recessed portion.

[0770] (14) The light source unit according to any one of (3) and (9) to (12), wherein the diffuse reflection surface is provided on the window.

[0771] (15) The light source unit according to any one of (2), (3), and (9) to (12), wherein the diffuse reflection surface is provided on the bottom surface of the recessed portion.

[0772] (16) The light source unit according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein:

[0773] The holder includes a diffuse reflecting portion having a diffuse reflecting surface, and

[0774] At least one surface of the diffuse reflection portion other than the diffuse reflection surface has a light attenuation function.

[0775] (17) The light source unit according to (12) or (16), wherein the light attenuation function is achieved by any one of fine unevenness processing, an antireflection film, and a black coating.

[0776] (18) The light source unit according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein the holder includes a diffuse reflection portion having a diffuse reflection surface, and

[0777] The light source unit further includes a light receiving element that receives at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source and passing through the diffuse reflection portion.

[0778] (19) The light source unit according to (18), wherein the light receiving element receives light emitted from the light source and transmitted through the diffuse reflection surface.

[0779] (20) The light source unit according to (19), wherein the light receiving element receives light reflected and diffused by the diffuse reflection surface and reflected by the window.

[0780] (21) The light source unit according to (19), wherein the light receiving element receives light emitted from the light source and reflected by a surface adjacent to the diffuse reflection surface of the diffuse reflection portion.

[0781] (22) The light source unit according to any one of (1) to (21), wherein the light source is a laser light source.

[0782] (23) A distance measuring device comprising:

[0783] The light source unit according to any one of (1) to (22);

[0784] a light receiving unit configured to receive light emitted from the light source unit and reflected by the object; and

[0785] A control unit is configured to calculate a distance to an object based on at least an output of the light receiving unit.

[0786] (24) The distance measuring device according to (23), wherein the light source unit, the light receiving unit, and the control unit are integrally provided.

[0787] (25) A distance measuring device according to (23) or (24), wherein the light receiving unit includes a sensor having a first light receiving area that receives light emitted from the light source unit and reflected by the object and a second light receiving area that receives light emitted from the light source and passes through the diffuse reflection surface.

[0788] (26) An image display device comprising: the light source unit according to any one of (1) to (25), wherein the light source emits light modulated according to image information.

[0789] (27) An object system comprising:

[0790] The distance measuring device according to any one of (23) to (25); and

[0791] An object on which the distance measuring device is mounted.

[0792] (28) The object system according to (27), wherein the object is a moving body.

[0793] (29) A light source device comprising:

[0794] Light source; and

[0795] a reflective element configured to reflect at least a portion of the light from the light source to generate reflected light, wherein

[0796] The reflective element includes a plurality of curved mirrors regularly arranged along a reference plane into which light from the light source enters, and

[0797] Each of the plurality of curved mirrors has curvature in a first axis direction and a second axis direction orthogonal to each other in a reference plane.

[0798] (30) The light source device according to (29), wherein the plurality of curved mirrors are regularly arranged according to a target shape of a cross section perpendicular to an optical axis of the reflected light.

[0799] (31) A light source device according to (29) or (30), wherein each of the multiple curved mirrors is inclined relative to a reference plane, and a shape observed from a third axis direction orthogonal to the first axis direction is a shape of a target shape according to a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis of the reflected light.

[0800] (32) A light source device according to (31), wherein the third axis direction is substantially consistent with the optical axis direction of the light from the light source.

[0801] (33) A light source device according to (31) or (32), wherein, in each of the multiple curved mirrors, the length of the shape observed from the third axis direction in the first axis direction, the length of the shape observed from the third axis direction in a fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction, the curvature in the first axis direction, and the curvature in the second axis direction are set according to the ratio of the length of the target shape in the direction corresponding to the first axis direction to the length in the direction corresponding to the fourth axis direction.

[0802] (34) A light source device according to any one of (31) to (33), wherein, in each of the multiple curved mirrors, the ratio of the length in the fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction in the shape observed from the third axis direction to the length in the first axis direction is equal to the ratio of the length in the direction corresponding to the fourth axis direction to the length in the direction corresponding to the first axis direction in the target shape, and the curvature in the first axis direction and the curvature in the second axis direction are equal to each other.

[0803] (35) The light source device according to any one of (31) to (34), wherein the plurality of curved mirrors are at least three curved mirrors and are arranged two-dimensionally as viewed from the third axis direction.

[0804] (36) A light source device according to (35), wherein the plurality of curved mirrors are at least four curved mirrors, and when viewed from the third axis direction, the plurality of curved mirrors are arranged in a two-dimensional grid manner in the first axis direction and in a fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction.

[0805] (37) The light source device according to (36), wherein the plurality of curved mirrors include curved mirrors having curvatures with opposite positive and negative characteristics in the first axis direction and the second axis direction.

[0806] (38) The light source device according to (37), wherein:

[0807] When viewed from the third axis direction, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvatures of at least two curved mirrors arranged in the fourth axis direction in the first axis direction are equal to each other, and

[0808] When viewed from the third axis direction, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvatures of at least two curved mirrors arranged in the first axis direction in the second axis direction are equal to each other.

[0809] (39) The light source device according to any one of (31) to (38), wherein:

[0810] A cut end of at least one of the plurality of curved mirrors cut in a plane orthogonal to a fourth axis direction, the fourth axis direction being orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction, has a convex curve shape, and

[0811] In a case where an angle formed by a tangent line at each end of a convex curve drawn by the cut end and a line segment connecting both ends of the convex curve is α / 2, 0°<α≤60° is satisfied.

[0812] (40) The light source device according to any one of (31) to (39), wherein:

[0813] A cut end of at least one of the plurality of curved mirrors cut in a plane orthogonal to the first axis direction has a convex curve shape, and

[0814] The angle formed by the tangent line at each end of the convex curve drawn by the cutting end and the line segment connecting the two ends of the convex curve is β / 2, and the angle formed by the fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction with respect to the reference plane when viewed from the first axis direction is In the case of

[0815] (41) The light source device according to any one of (31) to (38) and (40), wherein:

[0816] A cut end of at least one of the plurality of curved mirrors cut in a plane orthogonal to a fourth axis direction, the fourth axis direction being orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction, has a concave curve shape, and

[0817] In the case where an angle formed by a tangent line at each end of a concave curve drawn by the cutting end and a line segment connecting both ends of the concave curve is α / 2, 0°<α≤90° is satisfied.

[0818] (42) The light source device according to any one of (31) to (39), wherein:

[0819] A cut end of at least one of the plurality of curved mirrors cut in a plane orthogonal to the first axis direction has a concave curve shape, and

[0820] The angle formed by the tangent line at each end of the concave curve drawn by the cutting end and the line segment connecting the two ends of the concave curve is β / 2 and the angle formed by the fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction with respect to the reference plane when viewed from the first axis direction is In the case of

[0821] (43) The light source device according to any one of (31) to (38), wherein:

[0822] A cut end of at least one of the plurality of curved mirrors cut in a plane orthogonal to a fourth axis direction, the fourth axis direction being orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction, has a concave curve shape, and

[0823] In the case where the angle formed by the tangent line at each end of the concave curve drawn by the cutting end and the line segment connecting the two ends of the concave curve is α / 2, 0°<α≤90° is satisfied, and

[0824] A cut end of at least one of the plurality of curved mirrors cut in a plane orthogonal to the first axis direction has a concave curve shape, and

[0825] The angle formed by the tangent line at each end of the concave curve drawn by the cutting end and the line segment connecting the two ends of the concave curve is β / 2 and the angle formed by the fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction with respect to the reference plane when viewed from the first axis direction is In the case of

[0826] (44) The light source device according to any one of (39) to (43), wherein the cut end has an arc shape.

[0827] (45) A light source device according to any one of (31) to (44), wherein, among the plurality of curved mirrors, in the shape observed from the third axis direction, ratios of the length in the fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction relative to the length in the first axis direction are equal to each other.

[0828] (46) A light source device according to (45), wherein, among the plurality of curved mirrors, in a shape observed from the third axis direction, lengths in the first axis direction are equal to each other, and lengths in the fourth axis direction are equal to each other.

[0829] (47) A light source device according to any one of (29) to (46), wherein the plurality of curved mirrors have curvatures equal to each other in the first axis direction and have curvatures equal to each other in the second axis direction.

[0830] (48) The light source device according to any one of (29) to (47), further comprising: a collimating lens arranged on an optical path between the light source and the reflecting element.

[0831] (49) The light source device according to any one of (29) to (48), wherein the light source is a laser light source.

[0832] (50) A distance measuring device comprising:

[0833] The light source device according to any one of (29) to (49);

[0834] a light receiving device configured to receive light emitted from the light source device and reflected by the object; and

[0835] The control device is configured to calculate the distance to the object based on the output of the light receiving device.

[0836] (51) The distance measuring device according to (50), wherein the light receiving device includes an image sensor, and the target shape substantially coincides with a shape of a pixel arrangement area of ​​the image sensor.

[0837] (52) The distance measuring device according to (50) or (51), wherein the shape of the pixel arrangement area is a rectangle.

[0838] (53) An object system comprising:

[0839] A distance measuring device according to any one of (50)55(52); and

[0840] An object on which the distance measuring device is mounted.

[0841] (54) An image display device comprising: a light source device according to any one of (29) to (49), wherein the light source emits light modulated according to image information.

[0842] (55) A method for manufacturing a reflective element including a plurality of convex mirrors or concave mirrors into which incident light enters and reflects the incident light to generate reflected light, the method comprising the steps of:

[0843] applying a resist on one surface of a substrate to form a plurality of resist patterns;

[0844] melting each of the plurality of resist patterns by surface tension to form a dome shape;

[0845] performing etching by applying an etching gas to a plurality of resist patterns in a dome shape from a direction oblique to one surface to form a plurality of convex or concave surfaces in a shape according to a target shape of a cross section perpendicular to an optical axis of reflected light observed from the oblique direction; and

[0846] A reflective film is formed on each of the plurality of convex or concave surfaces.

[0847] Reference Mark List

[0848] 10, 100 Distance measuring device

[0849] 12, 122, 123, 123A, 124, 125, 126, 127 Light source unit (light source device)

[0850] 14, 147 Light receiving unit (light receiving device)

[0851] 16 Control unit (control device)

[0852] 20 Light Source

[0853] 24, 240 retainer

[0854] 24a, 240a concave portion

[0855] 26a Mounting surface (bottom of recessed portion)

[0856] 24a1, 240a1: opening of the recess

[0857] 22, 220, 2200, 2200A, 2200B, 22A, 22B diffuse reflection element (diffuse reflection part, reflection element)

[0858] 22a, 220a, 2200a, 280a1, 22Aa, 22Ba Diffuse reflective surfaces

[0859] 28, 2800 surrounding wall

[0860] 30 Transmission element (window)

[0861] 40 Light receiving element

[0862] 380 Image sensor (sensor)

[0863] RA First light receiving area

[0864] RB Second light receiving area

[0865] ED emission direction

[0866] ES Emitting Surface

[0867] θ Tilt angle

[0868] 22c Convex mirror (curved mirror)

[0869] 220c Concave mirror (curved mirror)

[0870] 2200Ack, 2200Bck curved mirror

[0871] 22d, 220d, 2200Ad, 2200Bd reference plane

[0872] 23 Collimating lens

[0873] 38, 380 Image Sensor

[0874] RL Reflected Light

[0875] EOAD Optical axis direction of emitted light (optical axis direction of light from the light source)

[0876] ROA Optical axis of reflected light

[0877] TS Target shape.

Claims

1. A light source unit, comprising: light source; as well as a holder configured to hold the light source, wherein the holder has a diffuse reflective surface that reflects and diffuses at least a portion of the light from the light source toward the object, And wherein the holder includes a diffuse reflection portion having the diffuse reflection surface, and at least one surface of the diffuse reflection portion other than the diffuse reflection surface has a light attenuation function.

2. The light source unit according to claim 1, wherein: The holder has a recess for accommodating the light source, and The diffuse reflection surface is located in the recess, and reflects and diffuses at least a portion of the light from the light source toward an opening of the recess.

3. The light source unit according to claim 2, wherein: The holder has a window covering an opening of the recess.

4. The light source unit according to claim 1, wherein: The diffuse reflection surface is inclined relative to an emission direction of the light source.

5. The light source unit according to claim 4, wherein: The inclination angle of the diffuse reflection surface relative to the emission direction of the light source is 30° to 60°.

6. The light source unit according to claim 4, wherein: The emitting surface of the light source and the diffuse reflection surface face each other.

7. The light source unit according to claim 6, wherein: Light emitted from the light source directly enters the diffusely reflective surface.

8. The light source unit according to claim 2, wherein: The light source is disposed on the bottom surface of the recess, and The angle formed by the emission direction of the light source relative to the bottom surface is 0° to 45°.

9. The light source unit according to claim 8, wherein: The diffuse reflection surface is located between the light source and a portion of a peripheral wall of the recess.

10. The light source unit according to claim 9, wherein: The peripheral wall of the recess has a light shielding property.

11. The light source unit according to claim 9, wherein: At least a portion of an inner peripheral surface of a peripheral wall of the recess has a light attenuation function.

12. The light source unit according to claim 2, wherein: The diffuse reflection surface is provided on a peripheral wall of the recess.

13. The light source unit according to claim 3, wherein: The diffuse reflective surface is disposed on the window.

14. The light source unit according to claim 2, wherein: The diffuse reflection surface is provided on the bottom surface of the recess.

15. The light source unit according to claim 11, wherein The light attenuation function is achieved by any one of fine unevenness processing, anti-reflection film and black coating.

16. The light source unit according to claim 3, wherein: The holder includes a diffuse reflection portion having the diffuse reflection surface, and The light source unit further includes a light receiving element that receives at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source and passing through the diffuse reflection portion.

17. The light source unit according to claim 1, wherein: The light source is a laser light source.

18. A distance measuring device, comprising: The light source unit according to claim 1; a light receiving unit configured to receive light emitted from the light source unit and reflected by an object; as well as A control unit is configured to calculate a distance to the object based on at least an output of the light receiving unit.

19. The distance measuring device according to claim 18, wherein: The light receiving unit includes a sensor having a first light receiving area receiving light emitted from the light source unit and reflected by the object and a second light receiving area receiving light emitted from the light source and passing through the diffuse reflection surface.

20. A light source device, comprising: light source; as well as a reflective element configured to reflect at least a portion of the light from the light source to generate reflected light, wherein The reflective element includes a plurality of curved mirrors regularly arranged along a reference plane into which light from the light source enters, and Each of the plurality of curved mirrors has a curvature in a first axis direction and a second axis direction orthogonal to each other in the reference plane. Wherein, the plurality of curved mirrors are regularly arranged according to a target shape of a cross section perpendicular to an optical axis of the reflected light.

21. The light source device according to claim 20, wherein: Each of the plurality of curved mirrors is inclined with respect to the reference plane, and a shape observed from a third axis direction orthogonal to the first axis direction is a shape according to a target shape of a cross section perpendicular to an optical axis of the reflected light.

22. The light source device according to claim 21, wherein: The third axis direction is consistent with the optical axis direction of the light from the light source.

23. The light source device according to claim 21, wherein: In each of the multiple curved mirrors, the length of the shape observed from the third axis direction in the first axis direction, the length of the shape observed from the third axis direction in the fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction, the curvature in the first axis direction, and the curvature in the second axis direction are set according to the ratio of the length of the target shape in the direction corresponding to the first axis direction to the length in the direction corresponding to the fourth axis direction.

24. The light source device according to claim 21, wherein: In each of the multiple curved mirrors, a ratio of a length in a fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction in a shape observed from the third axis direction to a length in the first axis direction is equal to a ratio of a length in a direction corresponding to the fourth axis direction to a length in a direction corresponding to the first axis direction in the target shape, the curvatures in the first axis direction are equal to each other, and the curvatures in the second axis direction are equal to each other.

25. The light source device according to claim 21, wherein: The plurality of curved mirrors are at least three curved mirrors, and are arranged two-dimensionally when viewed from the third axis direction.

26. The light source device according to claim 25, wherein: The plurality of curved mirrors are at least four curved mirrors, and when viewed from the third axis direction, the plurality of curved mirrors are arranged in a two-dimensional grid in the first axis direction and in a fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction.

27. The light source device according to claim 26, wherein: The plurality of curved mirrors include curved mirrors having curvatures of opposite positive and negative characteristics in the first axis direction and the second axis direction.

28. The light source device according to claim 27, wherein: When viewed from the third axis direction, the positive and negative characteristics of the curvatures of at least two curved mirrors arranged in the fourth axis direction in the first axis direction are equal to each other, and When viewed from the third axis direction, positive and negative characteristics of curvature of at least two curved mirrors arranged in the first axis direction in the second axis direction are equal to each other.

29. The light source device according to claim 21, wherein: At least one of the plurality of curved mirrors has a convex curved shape at a cut end cut in a plane orthogonal to a fourth axis direction, the fourth axis direction being orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction, and In the case where an angle formed by a tangent line at each end of a convex curve drawn by the cut end and a line segment connecting both ends of the convex curve is α / 2, 0°<α≤60° is satisfied.

30. The light source device according to claim 21, wherein: At least one of the plurality of curved mirrors has a convex curved shape at a cut end cut in a plane orthogonal to the first axis direction, and The angle formed by the tangent line at each end of the convex curve drawn by the cutting end and the line segment connecting the two ends of the convex curve is β / 2, and the angle formed by the fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction with respect to the reference plane when viewed from the first axis direction is In the case of 31. The light source device according to claim 21, wherein: At least one of the plurality of curved mirrors has a concave curve shape at a cut end cut in a plane orthogonal to a fourth axis direction, the fourth axis direction being orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction, and In the case where an angle formed by a tangent line at each end of a concave curve drawn by the cutting end and a line segment connecting both ends of the concave curve is α / 2, 0°<α≤90° is satisfied.

32. The light source device according to claim 21, wherein: At least one of the plurality of curved mirrors has a concave curved shape at a cut end cut in a plane orthogonal to the first axis direction, and The angle formed by the tangent line at each end of the concave curve drawn by the cutting end and the line segment connecting the two ends of the concave curve is β / 2 and the angle formed by the fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction with respect to the reference plane when viewed from the first axis direction is In the case of 33. The light source device according to claim 29, wherein: The cutting end has an arc shape.

34. The light source device according to claim 20, wherein: The plurality of curved mirrors have curvatures equal to one another in the first axis direction, and have curvatures equal to one another in the second axis direction.

35. The light source device according to claim 21, wherein: In the plurality of curved mirrors, in shapes viewed from the third axis direction, ratios of lengths in a fourth axis direction orthogonal to both the first axis direction and the third axis direction relative to lengths in the first axis direction are equal to each other.

36. The light source device according to claim 35, wherein: In the plurality of curved mirrors, in the shape viewed from the third axis direction, the lengths in the first axis direction are equal to each other, and the lengths in the fourth axis direction are equal to each other.

37. The light source device according to claim 20, wherein: The light source is a laser light source.

38. A distance measuring device, comprising: The light source device according to claim 20; a light receiving device configured to receive light emitted from the light source device and reflected by an object; as well as A control device is configured to calculate the distance to the object based on the output of the light receiving device.

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