Tracking devices for optical communication and optical communication devices

Abstract

To ensure optical axis alignment even when the tracking device for optical communication on the other side is in various orientations, the center position of multiple LEDs in the tracking device on the other side is determined based on the beacon light captured in an image taken by a camera. The orientation of a movable reflector that adjusts the direction of the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the home side is then controlled so that the communication light emitted from the home side is incident on the determined center position. Furthermore, the control amount of the movable reflector for emitting communication light at the center position can be calculated based on data corresponding to reference points on the captured image and information indicating the control amount of the movable reflector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical communication tracking device capable of optical axis alignment with an optical communication tracking device of the same configuration installed on the other side of an optical communication device, and an optical communication device having an optical communication tracking device. Background Technology

[0002] Optical communication technology is one of the non-contact communication methods between two points. Optical communication is data communication based on light, and therefore it is a technology capable of high-speed and high-capacity transmission. To reliably communicate between two points separated by a distance, highly directional optical signals are required, necessitating correct optical axis alignment.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, a tracking device is disclosed that uses a beacon light emitted from the other device to track (capture and track) the other device for optical axis alignment in optical communication.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: JP Patent No. 6005377. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] The tracking device described in Patent Document 1 uses a beacon light irradiation unit and a camera to enable optical communication between the communication devices on the local side and the other side, but requires the tracking devices on both sides to maintain a certain posture.

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an optical communication tracking device that can align the optical axis even when the optical communication tracking device on the other side is in a variety of orientations.

[0010] means for solving problems

[0011] The optical communication tracking device of the present invention is used for optical axis alignment between an optical communication device of the same configuration installed on the optical communication device on the local side and an optical communication device on the opposite side (hereinafter referred to as the opposite-side tracking device) in optical communication for coaxial transmission and reception of communication light between an optical communication device on the local side and an optical communication device on the opposite side. It is characterized by having: an opening for allowing communication light from the optical communication device on the local side to pass through and for receiving communication light from the optical communication device on the opposite side; and a plurality of LEDs arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the axis of transmission of the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side through the opening, for tracking the optical axis of the opposite side. The device includes a tracking device that illuminates a beacon beam; a beam splitter that splits the light received by the opening into transmitted light and reflected light; a camera that captures the reflected light split by the beam splitter; a movable reflector that adjusts the orientation of the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side; and a control unit that controls the orientation of the movable reflector. The control unit acquires an image captured by the camera, determines the center position of the plurality of LEDs of the tracking device on the local side based on the beacon beam captured in the image, and controls the orientation of the movable reflector so that the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side is incident on the center position.

[0012] Alternatively, the optical communication tracking device of the present invention may also be characterized in that the plurality of LEDs are two LEDs arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the axis through which the communication light passes through the opening, and the control unit determines the middle position of the two LEDs of the tracking device on the other side based on the beacon light captured in the acquired image, and controls the orientation of the movable reflector so that the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the home side is incident on the middle position.

[0013] Alternatively, the tracking device for optical communication of the present invention may also be characterized in that the control unit refers to a storage unit storing control quantity data corresponding to reference points on the captured image and specified information, wherein the specified information represents the control quantity of the movable reflector for emitting communication light from the optical communication device on the local side to the reference point. Based on the control quantity data corresponding to a plurality of reference points near the center position, the control unit calculates the control quantity of the movable reflector for emitting communication light from the optical communication device on the local side to the center position. Based on the calculated control quantity of the movable reflector, the orientation of the movable reflector is controlled so that the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side is incident on the center position.

[0014] Alternatively, the optical communication device of the present invention may also be characterized by having a tracking device for optical communication.

[0015] Furthermore, the optical communication tracking device of the present invention is used for optical axis alignment between an optical communication device of the same configuration installed on the optical communication device on the local side and an optical communication device on the other side (hereinafter referred to as the other side tracking device) in optical communication for coaxial transmission and reception of communication light between an optical communication device on the local side and an optical communication device on the other side. Its characteristic feature is that it has: an opening for allowing communication light from the optical communication device on the local side to pass through, and for receiving communication light from the optical communication device on the other side; and a plurality of LEDs, which are positioned relative to the passage of communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side. The opening is arranged approximately symmetrically along its axis to illuminate the counterpart tracking device with beacon light; a beam splitter splits the light received by the opening into transmitted light and reflected light; a camera captures the reflected light split by the beam splitter; a movable reflector adjusts the orientation of the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side; the movable reflector is oriented by a control unit such that the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side is incident on the center position of the plurality of LEDs of the counterpart tracking device displayed in the captured image by the camera.

[0016] The effects of the invention

[0017] According to the present invention, an optical communication tracking device is provided that can align the optical axis even when the tracking device on the other side is in a variety of orientations. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the integrated tracking device optical communication device 100 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the integrated tracking device optical communication device 100 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of correcting the orientation of communication light from the optical communication device 10 of the present invention, which uses the correction laser device 21.

[0021] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of controlling the emission direction of communication light by the tracking device integrated optical communication device 100 of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the correction control process executed by the control unit 28 of the present invention, which uses control quantity data from the correction laser device 21.

[0023] Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process by which the control unit 28 controls the emission direction of the communication light from the tracking device integrated optical communication device 100 on the home side according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the integrated tracking device optical communication device 200 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an example of a tracking device for optical communication will be described. First, an example of the configuration of an optical communication device and an optical communication tracking device will be described.

[0026] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the integrated tracking device optical communication device 100 (hereinafter referred to as integrated device 100) of the present invention. Figure 1 In this description, a structure for bidirectional optical communication between a tracking device integrated optical communication device 100A (hereinafter referred to as integrated device 100A) and a tracking device integrated optical communication device 100B (hereinafter referred to as integrated device 100B) will be explained. Integrated device 100A and integrated device 100B are described as two devices with identical performance; therefore, unless specifically distinguished, parts with the same reference numerals are parts with the same function. Furthermore, in the following description of the configuration of integrated device 100, the side of integrated device 100 having the configuration to be described is sometimes referred to as the "home side," and the configuration of integrated device 100 communicating with the other side relative to the home side is referred to as the "other side."

[0027] The integrated device 100 is an apparatus for optical communication between a local side and a remote side by making the transmission and reception of communication light coaxial. The integrated device 100 includes an optical communication device 10 and an optical communication tracking device 20.

[0028] The optical communication device 10 is a device for transmitting and receiving communication light between a local side and a remote side. The optical communication device 10 includes a transmitting optical fiber cable 11, a lens 12, an optical circulator 13, a movable lens 14, an optical antenna lens 15, a beam splitter 16, a lens 17, a position sensor 18, and a receiving optical fiber cable 19.

[0029] The transmitting fiber optic cable 11 is an example of a configuration used to propagate transmitted optical signals. Lens 12 is a lens that focuses the optical signal emitted from the transmitting fiber optic cable 11. Optical circulator 13 is an optical device configured to output the optical signal emitted from the transmitting fiber optic cable 11 to a port on the movable lens 14 side and to output the optical signal input from the port on the movable lens 14 side to a port on the beam splitter 16 side. Movable lens 14 is a movable lens whose position can be adjusted in a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical signal, used for adjusting the emitted optical axis. Optical antenna lens 15 is configured to first receive light from the other side.

[0030] Beam splitter 16 splits the optical signal emitted from optical circulator 13 into transmitted and reflected light. Lens 17 is a lens used to focus the reflected light from beam splitter 16. Position sensor 18 is a configuration used to detect the position of the optical axis using the reflected light from beam splitter 16, such as using a QPD (quadrant photodetector). Fiber optic cable 19 is used to transmit the received optical signal.

[0031] The optical communication tracking device 20 is used for optical axis alignment between an optical communication device 20 with the same configuration installed on the optical communication device 10 on the other side (the optical communication tracking device 20 on the other side) in optical communication where the optical communication device 10 on the local side transmits and receives communication light coaxially with the optical communication device 10 on the other side. The optical communication tracking device 20 includes a calibration laser device 21, a beam splitter 22, a movable reflector 23, an opening 24, a beam splitter 25, a camera 26, an LED 27, and a control unit 28.

[0032] The calibration laser device 21 is a device that emits a calibration laser and is used to correct the orientation of communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 on the local side and passing through the opening 24 described later.

[0033] Beam splitter 22 splits the correction laser emitted from correction laser device 21 into transmitted light and reflected light.

[0034] The movable reflector 23 adjusts the orientation of the communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 on its side. Specifically, the movable reflector 23 adjusts the orientation of the transmitted portion of the communication light split by the beam splitter 22. For example, the movable reflector 23 is implemented by a two-dimensional reflector and a reflector actuator.

[0035] The opening 24 is a light inlet / outlet provided to allow communication light from the optical communication device 10 on the local side to pass through and to receive communication light from the optical communication device 10 on the other side. The size or shape of the opening 24 is not particularly limited as long as the communication light from the optical communication device 10 on the local side can pass through even by adjusting the emission angle of the communication light from the optical communication device 10 on the local side by controlling the orientation of the movable reflector 23.

[0036] Beam splitter 25 splits the light received by opening 24 into transmitted light and reflected light.

[0037] Camera 26 is a device for capturing images of the reflected light from the beam splitter 25.

[0038] LED 27 is positioned approximately symmetrically to the through-axis of the opening 24 of the communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 on the local side, illuminating beacon light towards the optical communication tracking device 20 on the other side. The beacon light is illuminated at an intensity that the camera 26 on the other side can capture. Multiple LEDs 27 are provided for each optical communication device 10. Here, the communication light needs to be a highly directional light signal, but by illuminating the beacon light, which is only used for optical axis adjustment, with a wide angle, the probability of being captured on the other side can be increased.

[0039] In bidirectional optical communication, it is ideal to have two integrated devices 100 positioned so that the opening 24 and LED 27 of the optical communication tracking device 20 on the local side are directly opposite to the opening 24 and LED 27 of the optical communication tracking device 20 on the remote side. However, communication can be achieved as long as the positional relationship of multiple beacon lights that can be captured over a wide angle is sufficient. Figure 1 In the example shown, the integrated device 100A and the integrated device 100B are arranged such that the opening 24 and LED 27 of the integrated device 100A and the opening 24 and LED 27 of the integrated device 100B are directly opposite each other.

[0040] The control unit 28 controls the overall operation of the optical communication tracking device 20. For example, the objects controlled by the control unit 28 are the calibration laser device 21, the movable reflector 23, the camera 26, the LED 27, etc.

[0041] For example, the control unit 28 acquires an image captured by the camera 26, determines the center position of the plurality of LEDs 27 of the optical communication tracking device 20 on the other side based on the beacon light contained in the image, and controls the orientation of the movable reflector 23 so that the communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 on the local side is incident on the determined center position. Here, the so-called center position of the plurality of LEDs 27 refers to the middle position of the two LEDs 27 when there are two LEDs 27, and the center position of the polygon with each position of the plurality of LEDs 27 as vertices when there are three or more LEDs 27. An example of the center position of the plurality of LEDs 27 is the centroid position of the plurality of LEDs 27. The control unit 28 can determine the center position of the plurality of LEDs 27 as the center position of the plurality of beacon light contained in the image. Details of the control unit 28 controlling the orientation of the movable reflector 23 will be described later.

[0042] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the integrated device 100 of the present invention. Communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 is transmitted through the beam splitter 22 and reflected by the movable reflector 23. Then, the communication light reflected by the movable reflector 23 passes through the beam splitter 25 and through the opening 24. The communication light passing through the opening 24... Figure 1 The integrated device 100 shown moves towards the other side. Here, the direction of the communication light passing through the opening 24 is determined according to the orientation of the movable reflector 23.

[0043] On the other hand, the opening 24 receives communication light from the optical communication device 10 on the other side. Additionally, multiple LEDs 27 on the other side illuminate multiple beacon lights towards the optical communication tracking device 20 on the local side. Therefore, the opening 24 receives beacon light in addition to communication light. The light received at the opening 24 is split by the beam splitter 25. Therefore, the camera 26 captures images of either the communication light from the optical communication device 10 on the other side or the beacon light from the multiple LEDs 27 on the other side.

[0044] The opening 24 is not particularly limited as long as the communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 on the local side can pass through. The range of the angle at which the communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 on the local side is determined by the control range of the orientation of the movable reflector 23. As long as the camera 26 can capture the beacon light from the multiple LEDs 27 on the other side, optical communication with the optical communication device 10 on the other side can be achieved.

[0045] The above describes an overall configuration example of the optical communication device 10 and the optical communication tracking device 20.

[0046] However, the communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 on the local side is reflected by the movable reflector 23 and passes through the opening 24. That is, the direction of travel of the communication light changes according to the orientation of the movable reflector 23. As described above, when bidirectional communication is performed between the optical communication device 10 on the local side and the optical communication device 10 on the other side, the control unit 28 controls the orientation of the movable reflector 23 for the purpose of aligning the optical axis, so that the communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 on the local side is directed toward the center position of the plurality of LEDs 27 on the other side.

[0047] However, although the aim is to control the orientation of the movable reflector 23 to emit communication light towards the center of the plurality of LEDs 27, correct optical axis alignment cannot be achieved if the actual communication light cannot be emitted towards the target location. Therefore, in order to ensure that the communication light is emitted correctly towards the target location, it is necessary to correct the control data of the orientation of the movable reflector 23. That is, it is necessary to calibrate the emission direction of the communication light of the optical communication device 10.

[0048] The following is for reference Figure 3 An example of a method for correcting the orientation control data of the movable mirror 23 by the optical communication tracking device 20 will be described.

[0049] During the calibration of the control data, firstly, a calibration screen is installed at a position directly opposite the opening 24 of the optical communication tracking device 20. That is, the calibration screen is installed such that when the camera 26 is taking a picture, the surface of the calibration screen is displayed on the captured image.

[0050] Next, the calibration laser device 21 emits a calibration laser, which is then captured by the camera 26. Here, the calibration laser is light with a higher intensity than the communication light from the optical communication device 10. By using the calibration laser, even if the communication light used by the optical communication device 10 has an intensity that is difficult to be displayed in the captured image by the camera 26, the control quantity data can be corrected.

[0051] Furthermore, multiple predetermined positions in the captured image generated by the camera 26 are each set as reference points SP. Here, the reference point SP refers to a point set on the captured image that serves as the reference for calculating the control quantity in the orientation control of the movable reflector 23. The multiple reference points SP can be fixed in the captured image or set by the control unit 28. In this example, the multiple reference points SP are set at 400-pixel intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions of the captured image.

[0052] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of correcting the orientation of communication light from the optical communication device 10 of the present invention, which uses the correction laser device 21. Figure 3 The image PI1 captured by camera 26 is shown. Image PI1 contains correction laser dots CP. Figure 3 The multiple reference points SP mentioned above refer to positions on the captured image, and therefore are not actually displayed on the captured image PI1. The correction laser point CP is captured by camera 26 by emitting a correction laser with the reference point TSP of the correction object as the target and illuminating the correction screen.

[0053] Here, in Figure 3 In the example shown, the reference point TSP of the calibration object deviates from the position of the calibration laser point CP. Therefore, the control unit 28 calculates a control quantity that enables the calibration laser to illuminate the movable mirror 23 on the reference point TSP of the calibration object in the captured image PI1.

[0054] For example, the control unit 28 calculates the control amount of the movable reflector 23 on the reference point TSP of the calibration object based on the control amount of the movable reflector 23 at the position of the calibration laser point CP, and controls the orientation of the movable reflector 23 based on this control amount. Next, the control unit 28 again emits the calibration laser into the calibration laser device 21 and determines whether the deviation between the reference point TSP of the calibration object and the calibration laser point CP has been eliminated. For example, if the deviation between the reference point TSP of the calibration object and the calibration laser point CP is less than a predetermined distance, the control unit 28 determines that the deviation has been eliminated.

[0055] The control unit 28 stores information indicating the control quantity of the movable reflector 23 when the positional deviation is determined to have been eliminated in a corresponding reference point TSP of the calibration target in a storage unit (not shown). In this example, the control unit 28 corrects the control quantity data for all uncalibrated reference points SP. After correcting the control quantity data for a reference point TSP of one calibration target and storing it in the storage unit, the control unit 28 selects any one of the uncalibrated reference points SP as the reference point TSP for the next calibration target. Furthermore, the storage unit can be provided by the optical communication tracking device 20, the optical communication device 10, or other devices.

[0056] The above describes the method for correcting control quantity data. Furthermore, the method for correcting control quantity data is not limited to the method described above, as long as the corrected control quantity data enables the emission of communication light from the optical communication device 10 on the local side towards the target location.

[0057] Next, refer to Figure 4 An example of controlling the emission direction of communication light by the integrated device 100 will be described.

[0058] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of controlling the emission direction of communication light by the integrated device 100 of the present invention. Figure 4 The image shown is a portion of the captured image PI2 taken by camera 26. Beacon lights LEDa and LEDb, and the center position TP are shown on the captured image PI2. Reference points SPA, SPB, SPC, and SPD are points set on the captured image and are therefore not actually included in the captured image PI2. Here, the communication light needs to be a highly directional light signal, but by making the wide-angle output beacon light used only for optical axis adjustment, the probability of being captured on the other side can be increased.

[0059] Here, the control unit 28 determines the position of the beacon light as the position of the LED 27 illuminating the beacon light. Beacon lights LEDa and LEDb are emitted by two LEDs 27 provided on the opposite side of the light signal tracking device 20. The center position TP is the midpoint between the positions of beacon light LEDa and beacon light LEDb. The method for determining the position of the beacon light is not particularly limited, but it is possible to consider determining the position of the beacon light as the location with the strongest intensity of the extended light.

[0060] As described above, when transmitting communication light, the control unit 28 needs to control the orientation of the movable reflector 23 according to the captured image PI2, so that the communication light from the optical communication device 10 on the other side is emitted towards the midpoint between the two LEDs 27. This is because as long as the communication light is emitted towards the midpoint between the positions of the beacon light LEDa and the beacon light LEDb, the communication light can be received by the optical communication device 10 on the other side.

[0061] Here, the control unit 28 refers to a storage unit that stores control quantity data corresponding to reference points on the captured image and specified information, wherein the specified information represents the control quantity of the movable reflector 23 for emitting communication light from the optical communication device 10 on its side to the reference point. Next, the control unit 28 calculates the control quantity of the movable reflector 23 for emitting communication light from the optical communication device 10 on its side to the center position based on the control quantity data corresponding to multiple reference points near the center position. Then, the control unit 28 controls the orientation of the movable reflector 23 according to the calculated control quantity, so that the communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 on its side is incident on the center position.

[0062] exist Figure 4In one example shown, the control unit 28 calculates the control amount for the movable mirror 23 at the intermediate position TP based on information representing control amounts corresponding to multiple reference points SP near the intermediate position TP. That is, the control unit 28 calculates the control amount for the communication light incident on the intermediate position TP using the control amount data of the reference points SP that have already been calculated. In this example, the control amount for the movable mirror 23 is calculated using the control amount data of four reference points SPA, SPB, SPC, and SPD near the intermediate position TP.

[0063] exist Figure 4 In one example shown, specifically, the control unit 28 calculates the control quantity of the movable reflector 23 at the intermediate position TP by interpolation based on information indicating control quantities corresponding to multiple reference points SP near the intermediate position TP. In this example, the control unit 28 calculates the reference point SPA or SPC in the left-right direction using a weighted average of e / f, and calculates the reference point SPB or SPD using a weighted average of (ef) / f. Furthermore, in this example, the control unit 28 calculates the reference point SPA or SPB in the up-down direction using a weighted average of (gh) / h, and calculates the reference point SPC or SPD using a weighted average of h / g.

[0064] The above describes an example of controlling the emission direction of communication light.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the correction control process of the present invention, executed by the control unit 28, using control quantity data from the correction laser device 21. Figure 5 In one example shown, the structure of the optical communication tracking device 20, which is integrally controlled by the control unit 28, will be described.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, the correction control of the control quantity data begins with the correction screen positioned directly opposite the opening 24, and is initiated by setting multiple reference points on the captured image using the control unit 28 (step S101). After setting the multiple reference points, the control unit 28 selects any one of the reference points where the control quantity data has not been corrected (step S102). After selecting the uncorrected reference point, the control unit 28 controls the orientation of the movable reflector 23 so that a correction laser is emitted toward the selected reference point (step S103).

[0067] After controlling the orientation of the movable reflector 23, the control unit 28 causes the calibration laser device 21 to emit a calibration laser towards the calibration screen (step S104). After emitting the laser towards the calibration screen, the control unit 28 causes the camera 26 to capture images of the calibration screen (step S105). After capturing images of the calibration screen, the control unit 28 controls the orientation of the movable reflector 23 to eliminate the deviation between the selected reference point and the position of the calibration laser in the captured image (step S106). In this example, the control unit 28 causes the camera 26 to capture images continuously in step S106.

[0068] In controlling the orientation of the movable reflector 23, if the deviation is not below a predetermined distance (step S107 - No), the control unit 28 returns to step S106 and continues controlling the orientation of the movable reflector 23. If the deviation is below a predetermined distance (step S107 - Yes), the control unit 28 stores the control quantity data corresponding to the selected reference point and the control quantity of the movable reflector 23 when the deviation is below the predetermined distance in the storage unit as corrected control quantity data (step S108).

[0069] Even if the control unit 28 stores the corrected control quantity data, if it has not reached a state where the corrected control quantity data is stored in the storage unit at all reference points (step S109 - No), it returns to step S102. If the control unit 28 has stored the corrected control quantity data and has reached a state where the corrected control quantity data is stored in the storage unit at all reference points (step S109 - Yes), the correction control of the control quantity data performed by the control unit 28 ends.

[0070] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process of controlling the emission direction of communication light from the integrated device 100 on the home side, executed by the control unit 28 according to the present invention. Figure 6 In one example shown, the structure of the optical communication tracking device 20, which is a constituent whole controlled by the control unit 28, will be described.

[0071] like Figure 6As shown, the control of the emission direction of the communication light begins by determining the center position of the plurality of LEDs 27 in the captured image in the control unit 28 (step S201). After determining the center position, the control unit 28 extracts control quantity data corresponding to the plurality of reference points near the center position (step S202). After extracting the control quantity data, the control unit 28 calculates the control quantity of the movable reflector 23 corresponding to the center position based on the extracted control quantity data (step S203). After calculating the control quantity, the control unit 28 controls the orientation of the movable reflector 23 based on the calculated control quantity (step S204), returns to step S201, and repeats the control of the emission direction of the communication light from the beginning.

[0072] In the example of the optical communication tracking device 20 described above, two LEDs 27 are provided. However, the optical communication tracking device 20 may also have three or more LEDs 27. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 7 As an example, we will explain the case where the optical communication tracking device 20 has four LEDs 27.

[0073] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the integrated tracking device optical communication device 200 of the present invention. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 As shown, the tracking device integrated optical communication device 200 (integrated device 200) and Figure 2 Unlike the integrated device 100 shown, this device has four LEDs 27. The four LEDs 27 are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the axis of passage of the opening 24 from the optical communication device 10 on the local side. In other words, the center position of the four LEDs 27 is the position through which the communication light from the optical communication device 10 on the local side passes. Here, the center position of the four LEDs 27 is the centroid of a quadrilateral formed by the positions of the four LEDs 27 in a two-dimensional plane approximately perpendicular to the axis of passage. This configuration eliminates the limitation that both the local optical communication tracking device 20 and the counterpart optical communication tracking device 20 must maintain a certain posture. Furthermore, when there are four LEDs 27, the center position does not necessarily have to be the centroid; other methods such as using the intersection of the diagonals as the center position are also possible.

[0074] As described above, the optical communication tracking device 20 according to the present invention is used for optical communication in which optical communication light is transmitted and received coaxially between a local optical communication device and a remote optical communication device, and for optical axis alignment between the optical communication tracking device 20 with the same configuration provided on the remote optical communication device. It includes: an opening 24 for allowing communication light from the local optical communication device 10 to pass through and receiving communication light from the remote optical communication device 10; a plurality of LEDs 27 arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the axis of passage of the opening 24 from the local optical communication device 10, irradiating beacon light onto the remote optical communication tracking device 20; and a beam splitter 25 that receives light from the opening 24. The received light beam is split into transmitted light and reflected light; camera 26, which captures the reflected light split by beam splitter 25; movable reflector 23, which adjusts the direction of the communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 on the local side; control unit 28, which controls the direction of movable reflector 23; control unit 28 acquires the captured image by camera 26, determines the center position of the multiple LEDs 27 of the optical communication tracking device 20 on the other side based on the beacon light captured in the captured image, and controls the direction of movable reflector 23 so that the communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 on the local side is incident on the center position, thereby enabling optical axis alignment even if the optical communication tracking device 20 on the other side is in various postures.

[0075] Furthermore, in the optical communication tracking device 20, if the following configuration is further adopted, namely, that multiple LEDs 27 are two LEDs 27 arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the through axis of the opening of the communication light, and the control unit 28 determines the middle position of the two LEDs 27 on the other side of the optical communication tracking device 20 based on the beacon light captured in the acquired image, and controls the orientation of the movable reflector 23 so that the communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 on the local side is incident on the determined middle position, then the optical axis can be aligned with the smallest configuration of LEDs 27.

[0076] Furthermore, in the optical communication tracking device 20, if the following configuration is further adopted, the control unit 28 refers to a storage unit that stores control quantity data corresponding to reference points on the captured image and control quantities of the movable reflector 23 for emitting communication light from the optical communication device 10 on its own side to the reference point. Based on the control quantity data corresponding to multiple reference points near the center position, the control unit 28 calculates the control quantity of the movable reflector 23 for emitting communication light from the optical communication device 10 on its own side to the center position. Based on the calculated control quantity of the movable reflector 23, the orientation of the movable reflector 23 is controlled so that the communication light emitted from the optical communication device 10 on its own side is incident on the center position. Compared with the case where control quantity data of reference points is not used, the optical axis alignment can be performed more accurately.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above example, the control unit 28 of the optical communication tracking device 20 performs various control processes. However, the optical communication tracking device 20 can also utilize an external control unit to perform various control processes instead of the control unit 28. For example, the optical communication tracking device 20 may not have a control unit 28, and an external control unit can perform control processes equivalent to those of the control unit 28. Additionally, the various controls performed by the control unit 28 can be executed according to various control programs stored in the storage unit. The control programs stored in the storage unit enable the optical communication tracking device 20 to perform the aforementioned functions. Furthermore, the optical communication device 10 may also include the optical communication tracking device 20.

[0078] Furthermore, in the example above, the optical communication tracking device 20 has a calibration laser device 21, but the optical communication device 10 may also have a calibration laser device 21. Also, in this example, the case of spatial optical transmission using fiber optic cable was described for the optical communication device 10, but it is not limited to this as long as the optical communication device 10 can perform optical communication.

[0079] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0080] Integrated optical communication device for tracking devices of types 100, 100A, and 100B (integrated device)

[0081] 10 Optical communication devices

[0082] 11. Transmitting fiber optic cable

[0083] 12 lenses

[0084] 13 optical circulators

[0085] 14 movable lenses

[0086] 15 Optical Antenna Lenses

[0087] 16-beam splitter

[0088] 17 lenses

[0089] 18 position sensors

[0090] 19 Fiber Optic Cable for Receiving

[0091] 20 Tracking devices for optical communication

[0092] 21. Calibration Laser Device

[0093] 22 beam splitter

[0094] 23 Movable Reflector

[0095] 24 openings

[0096] 25 beam splitter

[0097] 26 cameras

[0098] 27LED

[0099] 28 Control Department

Claims

1. A tracking device for optical communication, used for optical axis alignment between a tracking device of the same configuration installed on the optical communication device on the other side and a tracking device of the same configuration installed on the optical communication device on the other side, wherein the tracking device of the same configuration installed on the optical communication device on the other side is referred to as the tracking device on the other side, characterized in that, have: An opening is provided for allowing communication light from the optical communication device on the local side to pass through, and for receiving communication light from the optical communication device on the other side. Multiple LEDs, which are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the opening of the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side, illuminate beacon light onto the tracking device on the other side. A beam splitter that splits the light received by the opening into transmitted light and reflected light; A camera that captures images of reflected light that has been split by the beam splitter; A movable reflector that adjusts the orientation of the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side; A control unit that controls the orientation of the movable reflector; The control unit acquires images captured by the camera, determines the center positions of the multiple LEDs in the counterpart tracking device based on the beacon light captured in the images, and... The orientation of the movable reflector is controlled so that communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side is incident on the central position.

2. The tracking device for optical communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of LEDs are two LEDs arranged approximately symmetrically about a through-axis relative to the opening of the communication light. The control unit determines the midpoint of the two LEDs of the opposing side tracking device based on the beacon light captured in the acquired image, and... The orientation of the movable reflector is controlled so that the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side is incident on the intermediate position.

3. The tracking device for optical communication according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit refers to a storage unit that stores control quantity data corresponding to reference points on the captured image and specified information, where the specified information represents the control quantity of the movable reflector used by the optical communication device on its side to emit communication light from the reference point. Based on the control quantity data corresponding to multiple reference points near the center position, the control unit calculates the control quantity of the movable reflector used by the optical communication device on its side to emit communication light from the center position. Based on the calculated control amount of the movable reflector, the orientation of the movable reflector is controlled so that the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side is incident on the central position.

4. An optical communication device comprising a tracking device for optical communication as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A tracking device for optical communication, used for optical axis alignment between a tracking device of the same configuration installed on the optical communication device on the other side and a tracking device of the same configuration installed on the optical communication device on the other side, wherein the tracking device of the same configuration installed on the optical communication device on the other side is referred to as the tracking device on the other side, characterized in that, have: An opening is provided for allowing communication light from the optical communication device on the local side to pass through, and for receiving communication light from the optical communication device on the other side. Multiple LEDs, which are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the opening of the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side, illuminate beacon light onto the tracking device on the other side. A beam splitter that splits the light received by the opening into transmitted light and reflected light; A camera that captures images of reflected light that has been split by the beam splitter; A movable reflector that adjusts the orientation of the communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side; The movable reflector is oriented by a control unit such that communication light emitted from the optical communication device on the local side is incident on the center of a plurality of LEDs of the tracking device on the other side, which are displayed on the captured image by the camera.

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