Image generation device

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical device. An optical device according to an embodiment may include: an optical fiber having a fixed end portion and a free end portion; a first actuating unit formed to apply a first force to an actuator position between the fixed end portion and the free end portion of the optical fiber, and to guide the free end portion of the optical fiber to move in a first direction; and a deformable rod disposed adjacent to the optical fiber and having a first end portion and a second end portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application filed on January 22, 2020, with application number 202080033166.7 (PCT / KR2020 / 001141) and invention name “Image Generating Device”. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiment relates to an image generating apparatus for observing the inside of an object in real time and an image generating method using the image generating apparatus. Background Art

[0003] Optical devices are used to emit light to an object to observe the inside and outside of the object, and are widely used in various medical fields, biological research, and industrial fields.

[0004] In particular, endoscopes, which are widely used in the medical field, have the advantage of real-time observation and diagnosis of pathological conditions by being inserted into the human body in a non-invasive manner. However, a typical endoscope can only observe the surface of a living body, so it has the disadvantage that a part of biological tissue must be separated and examined using a separate optical device, chemical biopsy, etc. to observe the inside and characteristics of cells.

[0005] Therefore, endoscopes for real-time observation of living body characteristics are being developed, and it is necessary to miniaturize the devices and provide high-resolution images to observe pathological conditions in real time through minimal incisions. Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The following embodiments are directed to providing high resolution images by transmitting a preset scanning pattern to an object.

[0008] Furthermore, the following embodiments aim to provide a high-resolution image by changing the phase of a scanning pattern in real time.

[0009] Furthermore, the following embodiments are intended to cause the input signal used to drive the optical fiber in a scanning pattern to correspond to the output signal that actually drives the optical fiber through the attachment structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the following embodiments are directed to preventing the breakage of the structure by separating the structure from the end of the optical fiber when the optical fiber is driven.

[0011] In addition, the following embodiments are directed to adjusting the aspect ratio of the output image by adjusting the voltage level of the optical fiber input signal.

[0012] Furthermore, the following embodiments involve correcting the phase of an image for the first time when the probe is mounted on a mounting table.

[0013] Furthermore, the following embodiments aim to correct the phase of an output image by using the difference between light intensity values ​​collected at one pixel position.

[0014] Furthermore, the following embodiments aim to provide a method of finding a phase for correcting an output image by using a predetermined phase change cycle.

[0015] Technical Solutions

[0016] According to one embodiment, an optical device may be provided, comprising: an optical fiber having a fixed end and a free end; a first actuator configured to apply a first force at an actuator position between the fixed end and the free end of the optical fiber, thereby causing the free end of the optical fiber to move in a first direction; and a deformable rod disposed near the optical fiber and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed at a first rod position of the optical fiber and the second end is disposed at a second rod position of the optical fiber, wherein the first rod position and the second rod position of the optical fiber are between the actuator position and the free end, wherein the deformable rod is substantially parallel to the optical fiber from the first rod position of the optical fiber to the second rod position of the optical fiber, and wherein, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber, the deformable rod is arranged such that an angle between a virtual line connecting the first end of the deformable rod to the first rod position of the optical fiber and the first direction is within a predetermined range, such that when the free end of the optical fiber moves in the first direction due to the first actuator applying a first force at the actuator position of the optical fiber, the movement of the optical fiber in the second direction is restricted.

[0017] According to another aspect, an image generating device may be provided, comprising: a transmitting unit configured to transmit light to an object; a receiving unit configured to receive a signal returned from the object; and a controller configured to generate an image based on the signal obtained from the receiving unit; the image generating device comprises: an optical fiber having a fixed end and a free end; a first actuator disposed at an actuator position between the fixed end and the free end of the optical fiber and configured to apply a first force to the actuator position to cause the free end of the optical fiber to resonantly drive in a first direction; and a deformable rod disposed near the optical fiber and having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of the deformable rod is fixed The optical fiber is fixed at a first rod position, and the second end is fixed at a second rod position of the optical fiber, wherein the first rod position and the second rod position are between the actuator position and the free end, wherein the deformable rod is arranged parallel to the optical end at least from the first rod position to the second rod position, wherein, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber, the deformable rod is arranged so that an angle between a virtual line connected from the first end of the deformable rod to the first rod position of the optical fiber and a first direction is within a predetermined range, so that when the free end of the optical fiber is resonantly driven in the first direction according to a first force applied by the first actuator, the maximum movement range of the free end of the optical fiber vibrating in the second direction is within 1 / 2 of a pixel value.

[0018] According to another aspect, an optical device may be provided, comprising: an optical fiber having a fixed end and a free end; a first actuating unit located at an actuator position between the fixed end and the free end of the optical fiber and configured to apply a first force to the actuator position to cause the free end of the optical fiber to be driven in a first direction; a second actuating unit configured to apply a second force to the actuator position on the optical fiber to induce the free end of the optical fiber in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a controller configured to apply a first drive signal to the first actuating unit and a second drive signal to the second actuating unit; and a deformable rod disposed near the optical fiber, the deformable rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the deformable rod is disposed at a first rod position on the optical fiber, the second end rod of the deformable rod is disposed at a second rod position on the optical fiber, the first rod position and the second rod position on the optical fiber are between the actuator position and the free end, the deformable rod is disposed beside the optical fiber at least from the first rod position to the second rod position, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, an angle between a first direction and a virtual line connected from the first end of the deformable rod to the first rod position of the optical fiber is within a predetermined range, and a controller adjusts an aspect ratio of a scanning pattern emitted by the optical fiber by applying a first voltage to the first actuating unit and a second voltage to the second actuating unit.

[0019] According to another aspect, an optical device may be provided, comprising: an optical fiber having a fixed end and a free end; a first actuator located at an actuator position between the fixed end and the free end and configured to apply a first force at the actuator position of the optical fiber, thereby causing the free end of the optical fiber to move in a first direction; a second actuator configured to apply a second force at the actuator position of the optical fiber, thereby causing the free end of the optical fiber to move in a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; a mass block having a preselected size and disposed between the fixed end and the free end of the optical fiber; and a housing accommodating the optical fiber, the first actuator and the second actuator, wherein the mass block having the preselected size is disposed between the fixed end and the free end of the optical fiber, wherein the mass block is positioned away from the free end of the optical fiber at a buffer distance to prevent the mass block from colliding with the inner wall of the housing and being damaged when the optical fiber vibrates, wherein the buffer distance is determined to be less than 1 / 2 of the inner diameter of the housing by at least one of the following: a maximum movement range of the optical fiber from the center of the inner diameter and a maximum movement range of the mass block from the center of the inner diameter.

[0020] According to another aspect, an optical device for emitting light to an object can be provided, comprising: a control module configured to generate an actuation signal; an emitting unit configured to receive the actuation signal and emit light to the object based on the actuation signal; wherein when the emitting unit receives a first actuation signal having a first actuation frequency and a first phase and a second actuation signal having a second actuation frequency and a second phase, the emitting unit emits light in a first scanning pattern, wherein when the emitting unit receives a third actuation signal having a third actuation frequency and a third phase and a fourth actuation signal having a fourth actuation frequency and a fourth phase in the actuation signal, the emitting unit emits light in a second scanning pattern, and wherein the control module is configured to generate first to fourth actuation signals so that the difference between the phase difference between the first phase and the second phase and the phase difference between the third phase and the fourth phase is n times a predetermined phase.

[0021] According to another aspect, a method for generating a pattern in an optical device can be provided, the optical device comprising: a control module configured to generate an actuation signal to emit light to an object, obtain light returned from the object, and obtain an image of the object by using the obtained light; and an emitting unit configured to receive the actuation signal from the control module and emit light based on the actuation signal; the method comprising: when a first drive signal having a first drive frequency and a first phase and a second drive signal having a second drive frequency and a second phase in the drive signal are applied to the emitting unit, light is emitted according to a first scanning pattern by the emitting unit; when a third drive signal having a first drive frequency and a third phase and a fourth drive signal having a second drive frequency and a fourth phase in the drive signal are applied to the emitting unit, light is emitted according to a second scanning pattern by the emitting unit; and the first to fourth drive signals are generated by the control module so that the difference between the phase difference between the first phase and the second phase and the phase difference between the third phase and the fourth phase is n times the predetermined phase.

[0022] According to another aspect, an image generating device for obtaining an image of an object can be provided, comprising: a control module, which is configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase component in a first axis direction, and a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a transmitting unit, which is configured to transmit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit, which is configured to obtain light receiving data based on return light from the object; wherein the control module is configured to obtain a plurality of data sets by using the first signal, the second signal and the light receiving data, select a data set from the plurality of data sets according to a predetermined criterion to obtain an image with good quality, wherein the plurality of data sets include a data set whose phase is adjusted when at least one of the first phase component of the first signal or the second phase component of the second signal is adjusted, and wherein an image of the object is generated based on the selected data set.

[0023] According to another aspect, an image generation method for emitting light to an object to capture an image of the object can be provided, the image generation method comprising causing a control module to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase component in a first axis direction, and generating a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; causing a scanning unit to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; causing a light receiving unit to capture light reception information related to light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module can use the first signal, the second signal and the light reception information to capture multiple data sets, and determine a data set for capturing high-quality images from the multiple data sets based on predetermined criteria, the multiple data sets may include a phase-adjusted data set captured when at least one of the first phase component of the first signal and the second phase component of the second signal is adjusted, and the data set determined from the multiple data sets can be used to generate an image of the object.

[0024] According to another aspect, an image generating device can be provided, which is used to emit light to an object using a Lissajous pattern and collect an image of the object based on the returned light. The image generating device includes a control module, a driving unit, a scanning unit, and a light receiving unit, wherein the control module applies a driving signal to the driving unit, the driving signal including a first driving signal and a second driving signal, the first driving signal including a first frequency component and a first phase component, the second driving signal including a second frequency component and a second phase component, and is used to emit light to the object in a Lissajous pattern. The driving unit receives the driving signal from the control module and drives the scanning unit to emit light to the object according to a first scanning unit output signal corresponding to the first driving signal and a second scanning unit output signal corresponding to the second driving signal. Based on the first scanning unit output signal and the second scanning unit output signal, the scanning unit emits light to the object in a Lissajous pattern. The light receiving unit generates a scanning signal based on the scanning signal. The light emitted by the scanning unit collects the light intensity returned from the object so as to correct the difference in phase components between the first drive signal and the first scanning unit output signal and between the second drive signal and the second scanning unit output signal. When there is a difference in phase components between the first drive signal and the first scanning unit output signal and between the second drive signal and the second scanning unit output signal, the control module uses the first drive signal, the second drive signal and the light intensity collected by the light receiving unit to collect a first data set, collect a second data set, wherein at least one of the phase component of the first signal and the phase component of the second signal is changed from the first data set, and determine the difference in phase components between the first drive signal and the first scanning unit output signal in the first data set and the second data set, and a data set having a small difference in phase components between the first drive signal and the first scanning unit output signal, and the determined data set is used to generate an image of the object.

[0025] According to another aspect, an image generating device for emitting light to an object to collect an image of the object may be provided, the image generating device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit configured to collect light receiving information about light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module may collect a first data set based on the light receiving information and the first signal at a pixel position corresponding to the first signal, and collect a first data set based on the first signal and the second signal. A first signal corresponds to a pixel position, wherein a phase component of at least one signal corresponding to the pixel position corresponding to the first signal can be changed with a first phase change period, and a control module can collect a second data set according to the pixel position corresponding to the second signal based on the change of the phase component, wherein when the second data set is closer to meeting a predetermined standard than the first data set, at least one of the phase components of the signal corresponding to the pixel position corresponding to the second signal can be changed with the first phase change period, and the control module can collect a third data set according to the pixel position corresponding to the third signal based on the change of the phase component, wherein when the second data set is closer to meeting the predetermined standard than the third data set, a reconstructed pixel position image of the object can be generated based on the second data set.

[0026] According to another aspect, an image generating device for emitting light to an object to collect an image of the object may be provided, the image generating device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit configured to collect light receiving information about light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module may use the first signal, the second signal, and the light receiving information to collect a first data set, change the phase component of at least one of the first signal and the second signal multiple times with a first phase change period, and use the light receiving information and the signal whose phase component is changed multiple times to collect multiple data sets, wherein each time the phase component of at least one signal changes with the first phase change period, the light receiving information and the at least one signal are used to collect the data set, wherein when the phase component of at least one signal changes with the first phase change period, the light receiving information and the at least one signal are used to collect the data set. When the phase component of at least one of the first signal and the second signal changes n times with a first phase change cycle (where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2), the control module may use light reception information and at least one signal obtained by changing the phase component n times with the first phase change cycle to acquire an nth data set, wherein when the nth data set is closer to satisfying a predetermined standard than an n-1th data set acquired before the nth data set, when the phase component of at least one of the first signal and the second signal changes n-1 times with the first phase change cycle, an n-1th data set is generated, the control module may change the phase component of at least one of the first signal and the second signal n+1 times with the first phase change cycle, wherein the control module may use light reception information and at least one signal whose phase component is changed n+1 times with the first phase change cycle to acquire an n+1th data set, wherein when the n-1th data set is closer to satisfying the predetermined standard than the nth data set, the control module may generate an image based on at least one signal whose phase component is changed n-1 times with the first phase change cycle.

[0027] According to another aspect, an image generating device for emitting light to an object to capture an image of the object may be provided, the image generating device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit configured to capture light receiving information of light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module may capture a first phase change signal obtained by adding a preset phase change period n times to a first phase component of the first signal, and a second phase change signal obtained by adding a preset phase change period m times to the first phase component of the first signal (where n and m are different integers greater than or equal to 1), and when a first data set captured based on the first phase change signal and the second signal is closer to satisfying a predetermined criterion than a second data set captured based on the second phase change signal and the second signal, an image is generated using the first data set captured based on the first phase change signal.

[0028] According to another aspect, an image generating device for emitting light to an object to capture an image of the object may be provided, the image generating device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit configured to capture light receiving information of light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module may capture a first data set based on the first signal, the second signal, and the light receiving information, capture a second data set obtained by changing a signal corresponding to the first data set with a preset phase change period, capture a third data set obtained by changing a signal corresponding to the second data set with a preset phase change period when the second data set is closer to satisfying a predetermined standard than the first data set, and generate an image of the object based on the second data set when the second data set is closer to satisfying the predetermined standard than the third data set.

[0029] According to another aspect, an image generating device for emitting light to an object to collect an image of the object can be provided, the image generating device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit configured to collect light receiving information of light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module can generate and output a first image at a first time point using the first signal and the second signal, wherein when the phase of at least one of the first signal and the second signal changes within a predetermined time interval after the first time point, the control module can generate and output a second image at a second time point after the predetermined time interval using at least one phase-changed signal, wherein a difference between a phase of the first signal at the first time point and a phase of the first signal at the second time point is substantially an integer multiple of a predetermined phase change period and is different from a difference between a phase of the second signal at the first time point and a phase of the second signal at the second time point, and wherein the predetermined phase change period can be determined based on the first frequency component and the second frequency component.

[0030] According to another aspect, an image generating method of an image generating device can be provided, the image generating device is used to emit light to an object to collect an image of the object, the image generating device includes: a control module, which is configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit, which is configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit, which is configured to collect light receiving information of light returned from the object according to the light emitted by the scanning unit, the image generating method includes causing the control module to collect a first data set based on the light receiving information and a signal at a pixel position corresponding to the first signal, and collect the pixel position corresponding to the first signal based on the first signal and the second signal; changing the phase component of at least one signal corresponding to the pixel position corresponding to the first signal with a first phase change cycle, collecting a second data set based on the pixel position corresponding to the second signal according to the change of the phase component, and when the second data set better meets the predetermined standard than the first data set, changing at least one phase component of the signal corresponding to the pixel position corresponding to the second signal with the first phase change cycle; collecting a third data set based on the pixel position corresponding to the third signal according to the change of the phase component, and when the second data set is closer to meeting the predetermined standard than the third data set, generating an image of the object according to the second data set.

[0031] According to another aspect, a device for emitting light to an object may be provided, the light emitting device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase component in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; and a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal, wherein the control module may acquire a first data set based on a first signal corresponding to a pixel position acquired by the first signal and the second signal, wherein a phase component of at least one signal corresponding to a pixel position corresponding to the first signal may be changed with a first phase change cycle, and the control module may acquire a second data set based on a second signal corresponding to a pixel position according to the change in the phase component, wherein when the second data set is closer to satisfying a predetermined standard than the first data set, at least one of the phase components of the signal corresponding to the pixel position corresponding to the second signal may be changed with the first phase change cycle, and the control module may acquire a third data set based on a third signal corresponding to a pixel position according to the change in the phase component, wherein when the second data set is closer to satisfying a predetermined standard than the third data set, the control module may determine the position of the pixel so that the position of the light emitted to the object corresponds to the second signal corresponding to the pixel position based on the second data set.

[0032] According to another aspect, a mounting device for mounting an image generating device can be provided, the image generating device including a probe and configured to emit light to an object located at one end of the probe and receive light returned from the object located at one end of the probe, the mounting device including: a housing configured to accommodate at least a portion of the image generating device, the at least a portion including one end; and a reference image providing unit configured to provide at least one reference image, so that when at least a portion of the image generating device is mounted in the housing, the image generating device performs phase correction on a driving signal to determine the position of the object to which the light will be emitted from one end, wherein the position of the reference image provided by the reference image providing unit is adjusted so that the distance between one end of the probe and the reference image and the focal length of the probe match.

[0033] According to another aspect, a mounting device for mounting an image generating device can be provided, the image generating device including a probe and configured to emit light to an object located at one end of the probe and receive light returned from the object located at one end of the probe, the mounting device including: a housing configured to accommodate at least a portion of the image generating device, the at least a portion including one end; and a reference image providing unit configured to provide at least one reference image so that when at least a portion of the image generating device is mounted in the housing, the image generating device performs phase correction on a driving signal to determine the position of the object to which the light will be emitted from one end, wherein the reference image providing unit includes a plurality of layers, wherein the plurality of reference images are arranged so that the distance between one end of the probe and the reference image and the focal length of the probe match.

[0034] According to another aspect, an image generating device for emitting light to an object to collect an image of the object can be provided, the image generating device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit configured to collect light receiving information of light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module can perform phase correction on an input signal input to the scanning unit to correct a phase difference between the input signal and an actual signal for operating the scanning unit, wherein when light is emitted from the scanning unit to a reference image located within an installation device while the scanning unit is mounted on the installation device, the control module can perform a first phase correction on the input signal using light receiving information based on light returned from the reference image, wherein when light is emitted from the scanning unit to the object while the scanning unit is not mounted on the installation device, the control module can perform a second phase correction on the input signal repeatedly at each predetermined period using light receiving information based on light returned from the object, and wherein the second phase correction can be performed based on the phase value of the input signal corrected by the first phase correction.

[0035] According to another aspect, a phase correction method for an image generating device can be provided, the image generating device is used to emit light to an object to collect an image of the object, the image generating device includes: a control module, which is configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit, which is configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit, which is configured to collect light receiving information of light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, the phase correction method includes causing the control module to process an input signal input to the scanning unit. The method comprises the steps of: performing phase correction on the input signal to correct the phase difference between the input signal and the actual signal of the operating scanning unit, wherein the performing of the phase correction comprises: when light is emitted from the scanning unit to a reference image located in the mounting device and the scanning unit is mounted on the mounting device, performing a first phase correction on the input signal using light receiving information based on light returned from the reference image, and when light is emitted from the scanning unit to the object and the scanning unit is not mounted on the mounting device, performing a second phase correction on the input signal repeatedly at each predetermined period using light receiving information based on light returned from the object, and wherein the second phase correction can be performed based on the phase value of the input signal corrected by the first phase correction.

[0036] Beneficial Effects

[0037] According to the following embodiments, a compact optical device by which the inside and outside of an object can be observed in real time can be provided.

[0038] According to the following embodiments, a high-resolution image can be provided by changing the phase of a scanning pattern in real time.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the following embodiments, there can be provided a structure for separating the frequency into each axis of the optical fiber and the position to which the structure is attached and the angle to which the structure is attached.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the following embodiments, a probe holder for pre-adjusting a phase of a displayed image may be provided.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the following embodiments, it is possible to provide an image whose aspect ratio is controlled by adjusting the voltage of a signal input to an optical fiber.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the following embodiments, a high-resolution image obtained by adjusting the phase of a signal input to an optical fiber can be provided.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the following embodiments, there may be provided a method of finding a phase for correcting an output image by using a predetermined phase change cycle.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the following embodiments, a method of correcting a phase of an output image by using a difference between light intensity values ​​collected at one pixel position may be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 is a diagram for exemplarily describing an environment in which an image generating apparatus is used according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 is a block diagram for exemplarily describing the configuration of an image generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 3 is a diagram illustratively showing the form of a scanning module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating various scanning patterns according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 5 is a block diagram for exemplarily describing the configuration of an image processing module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 6 is a block diagram for exemplarily describing the internal structure of the scanning module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view for exemplarily describing the internal structure of the scanning module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 8 is a diagram illustratively showing a light beam output when an optical fiber is processed into a conical shape or a hemispherical shape according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 is a diagram for exemplarily describing the configuration of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Fig.11 is a diagram for exemplarily describing the structure of a scanning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Fig.12 is a graph for exemplarily describing design conditions of a scanning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Fig.13 and Fig.14 is a diagram for exemplarily describing the attachment position of the mass M according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Fig.15 is a graph for describing frequency separation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figures 16 to 18 is a diagram for describing the structure of a driving range adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Fig.19 is a diagram for exemplarily describing cross coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Fig. 20 is a diagram for exemplarily explaining the vibration principle of an optical fiber according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Fig.21 and Fig. 22 is a diagram for describing the attachment position of a deformable rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Fig.23 is a graph for describing frequency separation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Fig.24 is a diagram for exemplarily describing Lissajous scanning according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Fig.25 is a diagram for exemplarily describing the attachment angle range of a deformable rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Fig.26 is a diagram for exemplarily describing a coupling error according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Fig. 27 is a graph for exemplarily describing the attachment angle range of the deformable rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figures 28 to 30 is a diagram showing frequency characteristics according to the installation direction of the above-mentioned deformable rod;

[0068] Fig.31 is a flowchart for exemplarily describing an aspect ratio correction method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 32 to Figure 34 is a diagram for exemplarily describing a coupling structure for accommodating an element inside a housing of a scanning module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Fig.35 is a diagram for exemplarily describing the internal structure of a scanning module according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Fig.36 is a diagram for exemplarily describing the internal structure of a scanning module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Fig.37 is a diagram for exemplarily describing a computer system in which the embodiments described herein may be implemented;

[0073] Fig.38 is a diagram showing a signal waveform before phase delay and a signal waveform after phase delay;

[0074] Fig.39 are diagrams showing a phase-delayed low-resolution image (a) and a phase-corrected high-resolution image (b);

[0075] Fig.40 is a diagram showing a fine pattern appearing as a light pattern of emitted light;

[0076] Fig.41 is a diagram showing brightness and darkness corresponding to a cutoff filter and appearing in a light pattern of emitted light;

[0077] Fig.42 A diagram showing that an unused area is generated in an obtained image when the phase is delayed (a), and a diagram showing that an unused area appears at a corner of an obtained image when the phase is corrected (b);

[0078] Fig.43 is a block diagram showing a mounting device according to an embodiment;

[0079] Fig.44 is a diagram showing that a scanning module is housed in an image generating device according to an embodiment;

[0080] Fig.45 is a diagram for describing mounting a scanning module on a mounting device according to an embodiment;

[0081] Fig.46 is a top cross-sectional view showing a storage portion of a mounting device according to an embodiment;

[0082] Fig.47 is a top view showing a reference pattern portion according to an embodiment;

[0083] Fig.48 is a side view showing a reference image present on a reference pattern portion according to an embodiment;

[0084] Fig.49 is a side view showing a reference pattern portion existing in a concave structure shape according to an embodiment;

[0085] Fig.50 FIG. 1 shows a diagram (a) showing that a reference pattern portion disposed below a mounting device according to an embodiment is moved upward by an adjustment portion, and FIG. 1 shows that a reference pattern portion disposed below a mounting device according to an embodiment is moved downward by an adjustment portion;

[0086] Fig.51 is a flow chart showing correction of phase using a reference image present in a mounting device according to an embodiment;

[0087] Fig.52 is a table showing a scheme for storing signals obtained by a control module according to an embodiment;

[0088] Fig.53 shows a table (a) representing a scheme of storing a signal obtained when there is no phase delay according to an embodiment, and a table (b) representing a scheme of storing a signal obtained when there is a phase delay according to an embodiment;

[0089] Fig.54 is a diagram for describing a method of finding a difference between signal values ​​obtained at a prediction time along a light pattern according to an embodiment;

[0090] Fig.55 is a flow chart for describing correction of phase using differences between values ​​obtained at predicted times along a light pattern according to an embodiment;

[0091] Fig.56 is a flowchart for describing correction of phase using values ​​of pixels of an image obtained by a control module according to an embodiment;

[0092] Fig.57 is a diagram showing standard deviation information corresponding to phase changes according to an embodiment;

[0093] Fig.58 is a diagram for describing a method of finding a value that minimizes standard deviation information along a trajectory according to an embodiment;

[0094] Fig.59 is a diagram for describing a method of finding a value that minimizes standard deviation information within a limited range according to an embodiment;

[0095] Fig.60 is a diagram for describing a local minimum when a minimum value of standard deviation information is found using a trajectory according to an embodiment;

[0096] Fig.61 is a diagram for describing a change in fill factor (FF) as a function of phase according to an embodiment;

[0097] Fig.62 is a flow chart showing a discovery along a trajectory to find a phase where standard deviation information is minimal according to an embodiment;

[0098] Fig.63 is a diagram for describing a method of finding a phase that minimizes standard deviation information along a trajectory according to an embodiment;

[0099] Fig.64 is a diagram for describing a method of finding a phase that minimizes standard deviation information along a trajectory according to an embodiment;

[0100] Fig.65 is a flowchart for describing a method for finding a phase having the smallest standard deviation information within a limited range after finding along a trajectory according to an embodiment;

[0101] Fig.66 is a flowchart for describing a method of finding a phase with minimum standard deviation information within a shortened phase finding unit after performing phase finding along a trajectory for phase calibration according to an embodiment;

[0102] Fig.67 is a diagram for describing a change in FF according to a phase difference between drive signals according to an embodiment;

[0103] Fig.68 is a diagram for describing a change in FF according to a phase difference between drive signals according to an embodiment;

[0104] Fig.69 is a flowchart for describing obtaining an image with high FF by adjusting the phase of a driving signal according to an embodiment;

[0105] Fig.70 is a diagram for describing a method of changing an optical path by changing a phase of a driving signal according to an embodiment;

[0106] Fig.71 is a diagram for describing overlap of positions through which light patterns pass while changing the phase of a driving signal according to an embodiment;

[0107] Fig.72 is a flowchart for describing generating an image using the obtained values ​​while changing the phase of the driving signal according to the embodiment; and

[0108] Fig.73 : is a flowchart for describing generating an image using obtained values ​​while changing the phase of a driving signal to have a predetermined FF according to an embodiment.

[0109] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0110] According to one embodiment, an optical device can be provided, which includes: an optical fiber having a fixed end and a free end; a first actuator unit, which is configured to apply a first force on an actuator position between the fixed end and the free end of the optical fiber and cause the free end of the optical fiber to be driven in a first direction; and a deformable rod, which is arranged near the optical fiber, the deformable rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the deformable rod is arranged at a first rod position on the optical fiber, the second end of the deformable rod is arranged at a second rod position on the optical fiber, the first rod position and the second rod position on the optical fiber are between the actuator position and the free end, the deformable rod is arranged along the optical fiber at least from the first rod position on the optical fiber to the second rod position on the optical fiber, and in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, the angle between the first direction and a virtual line connecting the first end of the deformable rod to the first rod position on the optical fiber is within a predetermined range, so that when the first force applied by the first actuator to the actuator position on the optical fiber drives the free end of the optical fiber in the first direction, the vibration of the optical fiber in the second direction is restricted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0111] The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Since the present invention can be variously modified and has multiple exemplary embodiments, specific embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail.

[0112] In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions is exaggerated for clarity. In addition, when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, the element or layer may be formed directly on the other element or layer, or a third element or layer may be inserted therebetween. Throughout the specification, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements. In addition, within the scope of the present invention, similar reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to represent similar elements having similar functions.

[0113] Detailed descriptions about well-known functions or configurations related to the present invention will be excluded so as not to unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention. It should also be noted that although ordinal numbers (such as first and second) are used in the following description, they are only used to distinguish similar elements.

[0114] The suffixes “module” and “unit” for elements used in the following description are given or used interchangeably for convenience in writing this specification and thus do not give specific meanings or functions to them.

[0115] According to one embodiment, an optical device may be provided, comprising: an optical fiber having a fixed end and a free end; a first actuator configured to apply a first force at an actuator position between the fixed end and the free end of the optical fiber, thereby causing the free end of the optical fiber to move in a first direction; and a deformable rod disposed near the optical fiber and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed at a first rod position of the optical fiber and the second end is disposed at a second rod position of the optical fiber, wherein the first rod position and the second rod position of the optical fiber are between the actuator position and the free end, wherein the deformable rod is substantially parallel to the optical fiber from the first rod position of the optical fiber to the second rod position of the optical fiber, and wherein, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber, the deformable rod is arranged such that an angle between a virtual line connecting the first end of the deformable rod to the first rod position of the optical fiber and the first direction is within a predetermined range, such that when the free end of the optical fiber moves in the first direction due to the first actuator applying a first force at the actuator position of the optical fiber, the movement of the optical fiber in the second direction is restricted.

[0116] Additionally, the optical device may further comprise a second actuator configured to exert a second force on the actuator location of the optical fiber, wherein the second actuator may cause the free end of the optical fiber to move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0117] Furthermore, when the optical fiber is vibrated by the first force applied from the first actuator and the second force applied from the second actuator, the optical fiber moves in a Lissajous pattern according to predetermined conditions.

[0118] Additionally, the optical fiber may have a first stiffness and the deformable rod may have a second stiffness.

[0119] Furthermore, when the optical fiber moves according to the first force and the second force, the deformable rod may change at least one of the stiffness of the optical fiber along the first direction and the stiffness of the optical fiber along the second direction.

[0120] Furthermore, the optical fiber may be driven at different resonant frequencies with respect to the first direction and the second direction.

[0121] Furthermore, the length of the deformable rod may be shorter than the length of the optical fiber.

[0122] Furthermore, a first end of the deformable rod may be secured to a first rod location of the optical fiber via a first connector, and a second end of the deformable rod may be secured to a second rod location of the optical fiber via a second connector.

[0123] Furthermore, the first connector and the second connector may move as the optical fiber vibrates.

[0124] Furthermore, the optical device may further include a controller configured to apply a first driving frequency to the first actuator and a second driving frequency to the second actuator.

[0125] Furthermore, a difference between the first driving frequency and the second driving frequency may be greater than a predetermined range.

[0126] According to another aspect, an image generating device may be provided, comprising: a transmitting unit configured to transmit light to an object; a receiving unit configured to receive a signal returned from the object; a controller configured to generate an image based on the signal obtained from the receiving unit; the image generating device further comprising: an optical fiber having a fixed end and a free end; a first actuator disposed at an actuator position between the fixed end and the free end of the optical fiber and configured to apply a first force to the actuator position to cause the free end of the optical fiber to resonantly drive in a first direction; and a deformable rod disposed near the optical fiber and having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of the deformable rod The optical fiber is fixed at a first rod position and the second end is fixed at a second rod position of the optical fiber, wherein the first rod position and the second rod position are between the actuator position and the free end, wherein the deformable rod is arranged parallel to the optical end at least from the first rod position to the second rod position, wherein, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber, the deformable rod is arranged so that an angle between a virtual line connected from the first end of the deformable rod to the first rod position of the optical fiber and a first direction is within a predetermined range, so that when the free end of the optical fiber is resonantly driven in the first direction according to a first force applied by a first actuator, a maximum movement range of the free end of the optical fiber vibrating in the second direction is within 1 / 2 of a pixel value.

[0127] According to another aspect, an optical device may be provided, comprising: an optical fiber having a fixed end and a free end; a first actuating unit located at an actuator position between the fixed end and the free end of the optical fiber and configured to apply a first force to the actuator position to cause the free end of the optical fiber to be driven in a first direction; a second actuating unit configured to apply a second force to the actuator position on the optical fiber to induce the free end of the optical fiber in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a controller configured to apply a first drive signal to the first actuating unit and a second drive signal to the second actuating unit; and a deformable rod disposed near the optical fiber, the deformable rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the deformable rod is disposed at a first rod position on the optical fiber, the second end rod of the deformable rod is disposed at a second rod position on the optical fiber, the first rod position and the second rod position on the optical fiber are between the actuator position and the free end, the deformable rod is disposed beside the optical fiber at least from the first rod position to the second rod position, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, an angle between a first direction and a virtual line connected from the first end of the deformable rod to the first rod position of the optical fiber is within a predetermined range, and a controller adjusts an aspect ratio of a scanning pattern emitted by the optical fiber by applying a first voltage to the first actuating unit and a second voltage to the second actuating unit.

[0128] Furthermore, the controller may apply the same voltage to the first actuator and the second actuator, thereby causing the optical fiber to illuminate a scanning pattern having different proportions with respect to the first direction and the second direction.

[0129] In addition, the controller may apply a voltage greater than that of the second actuator to the first actuator to irradiate a scanning pattern having a one-to-one ratio with respect to the first direction and the second direction.

[0130] Furthermore, the controller may control the optical fiber to move corresponding to the Lissajous pattern by applying a first force from the first actuator and a second force from the second actuator.

[0131] Furthermore, a difference between the first driving frequency and the second driving frequency may be greater than a predetermined range.

[0132] Furthermore, a first end of the deformable rod may be secured to a first rod location of the optical fiber via a first connector, and a second end of the deformable rod may be secured to a second rod location of the optical fiber via a second connector.

[0133] Furthermore, when the optical fiber vibrates, the first connector and the second connector may move together.

[0134] In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber, the deformable rod is arranged so that the angle between a virtual line connected from the first end of the deformable rod to the first rod position of the optical fiber and the first direction is within a predetermined range, so that when the free end of the optical fiber resonates and vibrates in the first direction corresponding to a first force applied by the first actuator to the actuator position of the optical fiber, the free end of the optical fiber is restricted to move in the second direction.

[0135] Additionally, the optical fiber may have a first stiffness and the deformable rod may have a second stiffness.

[0136] Additionally, the deformable rod may change the stiffness of the optical fiber in at least one of the first direction and the second direction when the optical fiber moves in response to the first force and the second force.

[0137] According to another aspect, an optical device may be provided, comprising: an optical fiber having a fixed end and a free end; a first actuator located at an actuator position between the fixed end and the free end and configured to apply a first force at the actuator position of the optical fiber, thereby causing the free end of the optical fiber to move in a first direction; a second actuator configured to apply a second force at the actuator position of the optical fiber, thereby causing the free end of the optical fiber to move in a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; a mass block having a preselected size and disposed between the fixed end and the free end of the optical fiber; and a housing accommodating the optical fiber, the first actuator and the second actuator, wherein the mass block having the preselected size is disposed between the fixed end and the free end of the optical fiber, wherein the mass block is positioned away from the free end of the optical fiber at a buffer distance to prevent the mass block from colliding with the inner wall of the housing and being damaged when the optical fiber vibrates, wherein the buffer distance is determined to be less than 1 / 2 of the inner diameter of the housing by at least one of the following: a maximum movement range of the optical fiber from the center of the inner diameter and a maximum movement range of the mass block from the center of the inner diameter.

[0138] In addition, the optical device may also include a deformable rod, which is arranged near the optical fiber and has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is fixed to a first rod position of the optical fiber and the second end is fixed to a second rod position of the optical fiber, wherein the first rod position and the second rod position of the optical fiber are located between the actuator position and the free end, and wherein the deformable rod is substantially parallel to the optical fiber from the first rod position of the optical fiber to the second rod position of the optical fiber.

[0139] In addition, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber, the deformable rod can be arranged so that the angle between a virtual line connected from the first end of the deformable rod to the first rod position of the optical fiber and the first direction is within a predetermined range, so that when the free end of the optical fiber moves in the first direction due to the first force applied by the first actuator to the actuator position of the optical fiber, the optical fiber is restricted from moving in the second direction.

[0140] Furthermore, the optical fiber may be vibrated by a first force applied from the first actuator and a second force applied from the second actuator, and move corresponding to a Lissajous pattern according to predetermined conditions.

[0141] Furthermore, a first end of the deformable rod may be fixed to a first rod position of the optical fiber by a first fixing element, and a second end of the deformable rod may be fixed to a second rod position of the optical fiber by a second fixing element.

[0142] Furthermore, the optical device may further include a controller configured to apply a first driving frequency to the first actuator and a second driving frequency to the second actuator.

[0143] Furthermore, a difference between the first driving frequency and the second driving frequency may be greater than a predetermined range.

[0144] Furthermore, the dimensions of the mass may be preselected so as to resonantly drive the optical fiber with a predetermined amplitude with respect to the first direction and the second direction.

[0145] Additionally, a mass may be attached to the second rod location to secure the second end of the deformable rod to the optical fiber.

[0146] Furthermore, the second rod position may be determined such that the optical fiber has different resonance frequencies with respect to the first direction and the second direction.

[0147] According to another aspect, an optical device for emitting light to an object can be provided, comprising: a control module configured to generate an actuation signal; an emitting unit configured to receive the actuation signal and emit light to the object based on the actuation signal; wherein when the emitting unit receives a first actuation signal having a first actuation frequency and a first phase and a second actuation signal having a second actuation frequency and a second phase, the emitting unit emits light in a first scanning pattern, wherein when the emitting unit receives a third actuation signal having a third actuation frequency and a third phase and a fourth actuation signal having a fourth actuation frequency and a fourth phase in the actuation signal, the emitting unit emits light in a second scanning pattern, and wherein the control module is configured to generate first to fourth actuation signals so that the difference between the phase difference between the first phase and the second phase and the phase difference between the third phase and the fourth phase is n times a predetermined phase.

[0148] In addition, the optical device may further include a light receiving unit configured to receive light returned from the object and generate a light receiving signal for collecting light returned from the object and collecting an image of the object using the collected light; wherein the control module is configured to obtain a first data set using light returned from the object having a first scanning pattern, wherein the control module is configured to obtain a second data set using light returned from the object having a second scanning pattern, and wherein the control module is configured to obtain a third data set using the first data set and the second data set, and generate an image of the object based on the third data set.

[0149] In addition, multiple areas and received light information corresponding to each of the multiple areas can be defined from the third data set, and the first filling factor indicates that the inclusion degree of the multiple areas defined from the third data set in the predetermined multiple areas of the object image may be greater than a predetermined standard.

[0150] Furthermore, the first fill factor is 100%.

[0151] In addition, when the difference between the phase difference between the first phase and the second phase and the phase difference between the third phase and the fourth phase is n times the predetermined phase, the predetermined phase can be based on the first driving frequency or the second driving frequency and a predetermined total area when light is emitted from the optical device.

[0152] In addition, the predetermined phase can be determined by equation a.

[0153] [Formula a]

[0154]

[0155] Where a represents the predetermined phase, f y represents the second driving frequency, and pixel represents the number of predetermined areas.

[0156] In addition, the predetermined phase can be determined by equation b.

[0157] [Formula b]

[0158]

[0159] Where a represents the predetermined phase, f y represents the second driving frequency, and pixel represents the number of predetermined areas.

[0160] In addition, when the difference between the phase difference between the first phase and the second phase and the phase difference between the third phase and the fourth phase is n times the predetermined phase, n can be obtained based on the first drive frequency or the second drive frequency, the greatest common denominator of the first drive frequency and the second drive frequency, and the predetermined total area.

[0161] In addition, n can be determined by formula c.

[0162] [Formula c]

[0163]

[0164] Where GCD represents the greatest common divisor of the first driving frequency and the second driving frequency, f y represents the second driving frequency, and pixel represents the number of predetermined areas.

[0165] In addition, n can be determined by formula d.

[0166] [Formula d]

[0167]

[0168] Where GCD represents the greatest common divisor of the first driving frequency and the second driving frequency, f y represents the second driving frequency, and pixel represents the number of predetermined areas.

[0169] According to another aspect, a method for generating a pattern in an optical device can be provided, the optical device comprising: a control module configured to generate an actuation signal to emit light to an object, obtain light returned from the object, and obtain an image of the object by using the obtained light; and an emitting unit configured to receive the actuation signal from the control module and emit light based on the actuation signal; the method comprising: when a first drive signal having a first drive frequency and a first phase and a second drive signal having a second drive frequency and a second phase in the drive signal are applied to the emitting unit, light is emitted according to a first scanning pattern by the emitting unit; when a third drive signal having a first drive frequency and a third phase and a fourth drive signal having a second drive frequency and a fourth phase in the drive signal are applied to the emitting unit, light is emitted according to a second scanning pattern by the emitting unit; and the first to fourth drive signals are generated by the control module so that the difference between the phase difference between the first phase and the second phase and the phase difference between the third phase and the fourth phase is n times the predetermined phase.

[0170] According to another aspect, an image generating device for obtaining an image of an object can be provided, comprising: a control module, which is configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase component in a first axis direction, and a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a transmitting unit, which is configured to transmit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit, which is configured to obtain light receiving data based on return light from the object; wherein the control module is configured to obtain a plurality of data sets by using the first signal, the second signal and the light receiving data, select a data set from the plurality of data sets according to a predetermined criterion to obtain an image with good quality, wherein the plurality of data sets include a data set whose phase is adjusted when at least one of the first phase component of the first signal or the second phase component of the second signal is adjusted, and wherein an image of the object is generated based on the selected data set.

[0171] In addition, the light reception information may include light intensity values ​​corresponding to a plurality of pixel positions determined by the first signal and the second signal. In addition, the plurality of data sets may include light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of pixel positions, a plurality of light intensity values ​​corresponding to at least some of the plurality of pixel positions in the plurality of data sets, and the control module may determine the data sets to acquire a high-quality image from the plurality of data sets based on differences between the plurality of light intensity values ​​corresponding to at least some of the pixel positions.

[0172] In addition, the control module may determine a data set having a smallest sum of a plurality of light intensity values ​​corresponding to at least some pixel positions among the plurality of data sets as a data set for acquiring a high-quality image.

[0173] Furthermore, the difference between the plurality of light intensity values ​​may be a deviation between the plurality of light intensity values.

[0174] Furthermore, the difference between the plurality of light intensity values ​​may be a standard deviation between the plurality of light intensity values.

[0175] Furthermore, the plurality of data sets may include a first data set and a second data set, the first data set may include a first-first light intensity value and a first-second light intensity value corresponding to a first pixel position of the plurality of pixel positions and a second-first light intensity value and a second-second light intensity value corresponding to a second pixel position of the plurality of pixel positions, and the second data set may include a first-first light intensity value and a first-second light intensity value corresponding to a first pixel position of the plurality of pixel positions and a second-first light intensity value and a second-second light intensity value corresponding to a second pixel position of the plurality of pixel positions. The predetermined criterion for determining a high-quality image may be based on a difference between the first-first light intensity value and the first-second light intensity value corresponding to the first pixel position and a difference between the second-first light intensity value and the second-second light intensity value corresponding to the second pixel position. When one of the first and second data sets is determined as a data set for acquiring high-quality images according to predetermined criteria, when the sum of the difference between the first-first light intensity value and the first-second light intensity value corresponding to the first pixel position and the difference between the second-first light intensity value and the second-second light intensity value corresponding to the second pixel position in the first data set is less than the sum of the difference between the first-first light intensity value and the first-second light intensity value corresponding to the first pixel position and the difference between the second-first light intensity value and the second-second light intensity value corresponding to the second pixel position in the second data set, the control module can determine the first data set as a data set for acquiring high-quality images.

[0176] In addition, the plurality of data sets may include a first data set and a second data set. The first data set may be generated using the first signal, the second signal, and the light receiving information. When the first phase component of the first signal is adjusted, the first signal with the adjusted phase component, the second signal, and the light receiving information may be used to generate the second data set. In addition, the plurality of data sets may include a first data set and a second data set. The first data set may be generated using the first signal, the second signal, and the light receiving information. When the second phase component of the second signal is adjusted, the second data set may be generated using the first signal, the second signal with the adjusted phase component, and the light receiving information.

[0177] In addition, the plurality of data sets may include a first data set and a second data set. The first data set may be generated using light reception information and a signal in which at least one phase component of the first signal and the second signal is changed. The second data set may be generated using light reception information and a signal in which at least one phase component of the first signal and the second signal is changed.

[0178] Furthermore, the second data set may have light intensity values ​​changed according to light reception information corresponding to a plurality of pixel positions through phase adjustment, compared to the first data set.

[0179] In addition, the first axis direction and the second axis direction may be orthogonal to each other, the first axis direction may represent an x-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system, and the second axis direction may represent a y-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0180] Furthermore, when the first phase component of the first signal is adjusted, the first signal whose phase is not adjusted may be applied to the scanning unit, and a phase-adjusted data set may be generated using the first signal whose phase is adjusted.

[0181] Furthermore, when the first signal and the second signal are applied to the scanning unit, the scanning unit may emit light in a specific pattern.

[0182] Furthermore, the control module may determine an adjusted phase component corresponding to an image generated using the phase-adjusted data set as a final correction phase for correcting the first signal or the second signal.

[0183] According to another aspect, an image generation method for emitting light to an object to capture an image of the object can be provided, the image generation method comprising causing a control module to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase component in a first axis direction, and generating a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; causing a scanning unit to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and causing a light receiving unit to capture light reception information related to light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module can use the first signal, the second signal and the light reception information to capture multiple data sets, and determine a data set for capturing high-quality images from the multiple data sets according to predetermined criteria, the multiple data sets can include a phase-adjusted data set captured when at least one of the first phase component of the first signal and the second phase component of the second signal is adjusted, and the data set determined from the multiple data sets can be used to generate an image of the object.

[0184] According to another aspect, an image generating device can be provided, which is used to emit light to an object using a Lissajous pattern and collect an image of the object based on the returned light. The image generating device includes a control module, a driving unit, a scanning unit, and a light receiving unit, wherein the control module applies a driving signal to the driving unit, the driving signal including a first driving signal and a second driving signal, the first driving signal including a first frequency component and a first phase component, the second driving signal including a second frequency component and a second phase component, and is used to emit light to the object in a Lissajous pattern. The driving unit receives the driving signal from the control module and drives the scanning unit to emit light to the object according to a first scanning unit output signal corresponding to the first driving signal and a second scanning unit output signal corresponding to the second driving signal. Based on the first scanning unit output signal and the second scanning unit output signal, the scanning unit emits light to the object in a Lissajous pattern. The light receiving unit generates a scanning signal based on the scanning signal. The light emitted by the scanning unit collects the light intensity returned from the object so as to correct the difference in phase components between the first drive signal and the first scanning unit output signal and between the second drive signal and the second scanning unit output signal. When there is a difference in phase components between the first drive signal and the first scanning unit output signal and between the second drive signal and the second scanning unit output signal, the control module uses the first drive signal, the second drive signal and the light intensity collected by the light receiving unit to collect a first data set, collect a second data set, wherein at least one of the phase component of the first signal and the phase component of the second signal is changed from the first data set, and determine the difference in phase components between the first drive signal and the first scanning unit output signal in the first data set and the second data set, and a data set having a small difference in phase components between the first drive signal and the first scanning unit output signal, and the determined data set is used to generate an image of the object.

[0185] According to another aspect, an image generating device for emitting light to an object to collect an image of the object may be provided, the image generating device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit configured to collect light receiving information about light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module may collect a first data set based on the light receiving information and the first signal at a pixel position corresponding to the first signal, and collect a first data set based on the first signal and the second signal. A first signal corresponds to a pixel position, wherein a phase component of at least one signal corresponding to the pixel position corresponding to the first signal can be changed with a first phase change period, and a control module can collect a second data set according to the pixel position corresponding to the second signal based on the change of the phase component, wherein when the second data set is closer to meeting a predetermined standard than the first data set, at least one of the phase components of the signal corresponding to the pixel position corresponding to the second signal can be changed with the first phase change period, and the control module can collect a third data set according to the pixel position corresponding to the third signal based on the change of the phase component, wherein when the second data set is closer to meeting the predetermined standard than the third data set, a reconstructed pixel position image of the object can be generated based on the second data set.

[0186] In addition, the preset phase change period can be set so that the filling factor corresponding to the signal corresponding to the first data set corresponds to the filling factor corresponding to the signal corresponding to the second data set, wherein the filling factor can indicate the ratio of the area to which the image generating device emits light to a plurality of predetermined areas.

[0187] In addition, the control module can collect at least one candidate phase based on the phase component of the signal corresponding to the second data set to generate an image of the object, collect at least one candidate data set corresponding to the at least one candidate phase, select a candidate data set that best meets the predetermined criteria from the at least one candidate data set, and generate an image of the object based on the selected candidate data set.

[0188] In addition, when the phase component of at least one signal corresponding to the pixel position corresponding to the second signal changes with a second phase change cycle, the control module collects a fourth data set based on the fourth signal corresponding pixel position according to the change of the phase component. When the fourth data set is closer to meeting the predetermined criteria than the second data set, and the phase component of at least one signal corresponding to the pixel position corresponding to the fourth signal changes with a second phase change cycle, the control module collects a fifth data set based on the fifth signal corresponding pixel position according to the change of the phase component. When the fourth data set is closer to meeting the predetermined criteria than the fifth data set, the control module can generate an image of the object based on the fourth data set.

[0189] In addition, the signal corresponding to the first data set collected by the control module may include a signal obtained by substantially changing a first phase angle component of the first signal by 90 degrees, and a signal obtained by substantially changing a second phase angle component of the second signal by 90 degrees, the first phase angle component being based on the first frequency component and the first phase component, and the second phase angle component being based on the second frequency component and the second phase component.

[0190] In addition, the control module can compare the first frequency component and the second frequency component, and when the first frequency component is smaller than the second frequency component, change the phase component of the signal having the first frequency component in the signal corresponding to the first data set by a first phase change period, and change the signal having the second frequency component in the signal corresponding to the first data set by a first phase change period.

[0191] In addition, the pixel positions corresponding to the first phase signal of the first data set may include multiple first identical pixel positions and multiple second identical pixel positions, the light receiving information may include light intensity values ​​corresponding to the multiple first identical pixel positions and light intensity values ​​corresponding to the multiple second identical pixel positions, the pixel positions corresponding to the second phase signal of the second data set may include multiple third identical pixel positions and multiple fourth identical pixel positions, the light receiving information may include light intensity values ​​corresponding to the multiple third identical pixel positions and light intensity values ​​corresponding to the multiple fourth identical pixel positions, and the control module may collect a first sum, which represents the sum of differences between light intensity values ​​corresponding to the multiple first identical pixel positions and differences between light intensity values ​​corresponding to the multiple second identical pixel positions, collect a second sum, which represents the sum of differences between light intensity values ​​corresponding to the multiple third identical pixel positions and differences between light intensity values ​​corresponding to the multiple fourth identical pixel positions, compare the first sum with the second sum, and when the second sum is less than the first sum, determine that the second data set is closer to meeting the predetermined standard than the first data set.

[0192] Furthermore, the difference between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of identical pixel positions may be a standard deviation between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of identical pixel positions.

[0193] In addition, the control unit can collect the difference between the phase components of the signals corresponding to the second data set, and use the difference between the phase components and a preset phase change value to change the phase component of at least one of the first signal and the second signal, and the scanning unit can receive a signal obtained by changing the phase component of at least one of the first signal and the second signal using the difference between the phase component and the preset phase change value, and emit light to the object.

[0194] In addition, when the first frequency component and the second frequency component are both odd numbers, the preset phase change value can be basically determined based on the preset phase change period and half of the odd multiple of the preset phase change period, and when only one of the first frequency component and the second frequency component is an even number, the preset phase change value can be basically determined based on the preset phase change period and half of the even multiple of the preset phase change period.

[0195] According to another aspect, an image generating device for emitting light to an object to collect an image of the object may be provided, the image generating device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit configured to collect light receiving information about light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module may use the first signal, the second signal, and the light receiving information to collect a first data set, change the phase component of at least one of the first signal and the second signal multiple times with a first phase change period, and use the light receiving information and the signal whose phase component is changed multiple times to collect multiple data sets, wherein each time the phase component of at least one signal changes with the first phase change period, the light receiving information and the at least one signal are used to collect the data set, wherein when the phase component of at least one signal changes with the first phase change period, the light receiving information and the at least one signal are used to collect the data set. When the phase component of at least one of the first signal and the second signal changes n times with a first phase change cycle (where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2), the control module may use light reception information and at least one signal obtained by changing the phase component n times with the first phase change cycle to acquire an nth data set, wherein when the nth data set is closer to satisfying a predetermined standard than an n-1th data set acquired before the nth data set, when the phase component of at least one of the first signal and the second signal changes n-1 times with the first phase change cycle, an n-1th data set is generated, the control module may change the phase component of at least one of the first signal and the second signal n+1 times with the first phase change cycle, wherein the control module may use light reception information and at least one signal whose phase component is changed n+1 times with the first phase change cycle to acquire an n+1th data set, wherein when the n-1th data set is closer to satisfying the predetermined standard than the nth data set, the control module may generate an image based on at least one signal whose phase component is changed n-1 times with the first phase change cycle.

[0196] In addition, at least one signal whose phase component changes with a first phase change cycle may be a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase component. When the phase component of the second signal changes m times with the first phase change cycle (here, m is an integer greater than or equal to 2), the control module may use the light reception information and the second signal whose phase component changes m times with the first phase change cycle to collect the mth data set. When the mth data set is closer to meeting the predetermined standard than the m-1th data set collected before the mth data set, the m-1th data set is generated when the phase component of the second signal changes m-1 times with the first phase change cycle, and the control module may change the phase component of the second signal m+1 times with the first phase change cycle. The control module may use the light reception information and the second signal whose phase component changes m+1 times with the first phase change cycle to collect the m+1th data set. When the m-1th data set is closer to meeting the predetermined standard than the m-1th data set, the control module may generate an image based on the second signal whose phase component changes m-1 times with the first phase change cycle.

[0197] In addition, one of the acquired data sets may include a plurality of first identical pixel positions and a plurality of second identical pixel positions, and the light reception information included in the data set may include light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of first identical pixel positions and light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of second identical pixel positions. In addition to one data set, another data set in the acquired data set may include a plurality of third identical pixel positions and a plurality of fourth identical pixel positions, and the light reception information included in the another data set may include light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of third identical pixel positions and light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of fourth identical pixel positions. The control module may acquire a first sum and a second sum, the first sum representing the sum of the differences between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of first identical pixel positions and the differences between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of second identical pixel positions, the second sum representing the sum of the differences between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of third identical pixel positions and the differences between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of fourth identical pixel positions, compare the first sum with the second sum, and when the second sum is less than the first sum, determine that the other data set is closer to meeting the predetermined standard than the one data set.

[0198] Furthermore, the difference between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of identical pixel positions may be a standard deviation between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of identical pixel positions.

[0199] According to another aspect, an image generating device for emitting light to an object to capture an image of the object may be provided, the image generating device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit configured to capture light receiving information of light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module may capture a first phase change signal obtained by adding a preset phase change period n times to a first phase component of the first signal, and a second phase change signal obtained by adding a preset phase change period m times to the first phase component of the first signal (where n and m are different integers greater than or equal to 1), and when a first data set captured based on the first phase change signal and the second signal is closer to satisfying a predetermined criterion than a second data set captured based on the second phase change signal and the second signal, an image is generated using the first data set captured based on the first phase change signal.

[0200] In addition, one of the acquired data sets may include a plurality of first identical pixel positions and a plurality of second identical pixel positions, and the light reception information included in the data set may include light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of first identical pixel positions and light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of second identical pixel positions. In addition to one data set, another data set in the acquired data set may include a plurality of third identical pixel positions and a plurality of fourth identical pixel positions, and the light reception information included in the another data set may include light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of third identical pixel positions and light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of fourth identical pixel positions. The control module may acquire a first sum and a second sum, the first sum representing the sum of the differences between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of first identical pixel positions and the differences between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of second identical pixel positions, the second sum representing the sum of the differences between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of third identical pixel positions and the differences between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of fourth identical pixel positions, compare the first sum with the second sum, and when the second sum is less than the first sum, determine that the other data set is closer to meeting the predetermined standard than the one data set.

[0201] Furthermore, the difference between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of identical pixel positions may be a standard deviation between the light intensity values ​​corresponding to the plurality of identical pixel positions.

[0202] According to another aspect, an image generating device for emitting light to an object to capture an image of the object may be provided, the image generating device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit configured to capture light receiving information of light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module may capture a first data set based on the first signal, the second signal, and the light receiving information, capture a second data set obtained by changing a signal corresponding to the first data set with a preset phase change period, capture a third data set obtained by changing a signal corresponding to the second data set with a preset phase change period when the second data set is closer to satisfying a predetermined standard than the first data set, and generate an image of the object based on the second data set when the second data set is closer to satisfying the predetermined standard than the third data set.

[0203] According to another aspect, an image generating device for emitting light to an object to collect an image of the object can be provided, the image generating device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit configured to collect light receiving information of light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module can generate and output a first image at a first time point using the first signal and the second signal, wherein when the phase of at least one of the first signal and the second signal changes within a predetermined time interval after the first time point, the control module can generate and output a second image at a second time point after the predetermined time interval using at least one phase-changed signal, wherein a difference between a phase of the first signal at the first time point and a phase of the first signal at the second time point is substantially an integer multiple of a predetermined phase change period and is different from a difference between a phase of the second signal at the first time point and a phase of the second signal at the second time point, and wherein the predetermined phase change period can be determined based on the first frequency component and the second frequency component.

[0204] According to another aspect, an image generating method of an image generating device can be provided, which is an image generating device for emitting light to an object to collect an image of the object, the image generating device comprising: a control module, which is configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit, which is configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit, which is configured to collect light receiving information of light returned from the object according to the light emitted by the scanning unit, the image generating method comprising causing the control module to collect a first data set based on the light receiving information and a signal at a pixel position corresponding to the first signal, and collecting the pixel position corresponding to the first signal based on the first signal and the second signal; changing the phase component of at least one signal corresponding to the pixel position corresponding to the first signal with a first phase change cycle, collecting a second data set based on the pixel position corresponding to the second signal according to the change of the phase component, and when the second data set better meets a predetermined standard than the first data set, changing at least one phase component of the signal corresponding to the pixel position corresponding to the second signal with the first phase change cycle; collecting a third data set based on the pixel position corresponding to the third signal according to the change of the phase component, and when the second data set is closer to meeting the predetermined standard than the third data set, generating an image of the object according to the second data set.

[0205] According to another aspect, a device for emitting light to an object may be provided, the light emitting device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase component in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; and a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal, wherein the control module may acquire a first data set based on a first signal corresponding to a pixel position acquired by the first signal and the second signal, wherein a phase component of at least one signal corresponding to a pixel position corresponding to the first signal may be changed with a first phase change cycle, and the control module may acquire a second data set based on a second signal corresponding to a pixel position according to the change in the phase component, wherein when the second data set is closer to satisfying a predetermined standard than the first data set, at least one of the phase components of the signal corresponding to the pixel position corresponding to the second signal may be changed with the first phase change cycle, and the control module may acquire a third data set based on a third signal corresponding to a pixel position according to the change in the phase component, wherein when the second data set is closer to satisfying a predetermined standard than the third data set, the control module may determine the position of the pixel so that the position of the light emitted to the object corresponds to the second signal corresponding to the pixel position based on the second data set.

[0206] According to another aspect, a mounting device for mounting an image generating device can be provided, the image generating device including a probe and configured to emit light to an object located at one end of the probe and receive light returned from the object located at one end of the probe, the mounting device including: a housing configured to accommodate at least a portion of the image generating device, the at least a portion including one end; and a reference image providing unit configured to provide at least one reference image, so that when at least a portion of the image generating device is mounted in the housing, the image generating device performs phase correction on a driving signal to determine the position of the object to which the light will be emitted from one end, wherein the position of the reference image provided by the reference image providing unit is adjusted so that the distance between one end of the probe and the reference image and the focal length of the probe match.

[0207] According to another aspect, a mounting device for mounting an image generating device can be provided, the image generating device including a probe and configured to emit light to an object located at one end of the probe and receive light returned from the object located at one end of the probe, the mounting device including: a housing configured to accommodate at least a portion of the image generating device, the at least a portion including one end; and a reference image providing unit configured to provide at least one reference image so that when at least a portion of the image generating device is mounted in the housing, the image generating device performs phase correction on a driving signal to determine the position of the object to which the light will be emitted from one end, wherein the reference image providing unit includes a plurality of layers, wherein the plurality of reference images are arranged so that the distance between one end of the probe and the reference image and the focal length of the probe match.

[0208] Furthermore, the mounting device may further include an adjusting unit configured to adjust a position of the reference image providing unit so that a distance between one end of the probe and the reference image matches a focal length of the probe.

[0209] Furthermore, the reference image may use a reflective material so that the reflected signal may be used during scanning.

[0210] Furthermore, the reference image providing unit may further comprise a box for providing a fluorescent material to the reference image.

[0211] Furthermore, the cartridge may include at least one of fluorescent materials expressing a wavelength signal of 405 nm, 488 nm, 630 nm, and 785 nm.

[0212] Furthermore, the cartridge may include at least one of fluorescent materials expressing a wavelength signal of 405 nm, 488 nm, 630 nm, and 785 nm.

[0213] Furthermore, the mounting device may further include a fixing portion for fixing the probe to the probe mounting device at a preset angle.

[0214] Furthermore, at least one layer of the reference image providing unit may have the reference image provided in a transparent material.

[0215] Furthermore, the reference image may be a circular pattern.

[0216] According to another aspect, an image generating device for emitting light to an object to collect an image of the object can be provided, the image generating device comprising: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit configured to collect light receiving information of light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, wherein the control module can perform phase correction on an input signal input to the scanning unit to correct a phase difference between the input signal and an actual signal for operating the scanning unit, wherein when light is emitted from the scanning unit to a reference image located within an installation device while the scanning unit is mounted on the installation device, the control module can perform a first phase correction on the input signal using light receiving information based on light returned from the reference image, wherein when light is emitted from the scanning unit to the object while the scanning unit is not mounted on the installation device, the control module can perform a second phase correction on the input signal repeatedly at each predetermined period using light receiving information based on light returned from the object, and wherein the second phase correction can be performed based on the phase value of the input signal corrected by the first phase correction.

[0217] In addition, the first phase correction may include comparing the reference image with an image captured by the control module based on light reception information captured from the reference image, and performing phase correction so that the image captured by the control module matches the reference image based on the light reception information captured from the reference image.

[0218] In addition, the second phase correction may include acquiring multiple data sets using the first signal, the second signal, and the light receiving information, and determining a data set predicted to have high image quality during imaging from the multiple data sets, wherein the multiple data sets may be acquired using the first signal, the second signal, and the light receiving information, and the data set used to acquire a high-quality image according to a predetermined standard may be determined from the multiple data sets. The multiple data sets may include a phase-adjusted data set, and the phase-adjusted data set is acquired when at least one of the first phase component of the first signal and the second phase component of the second signal is adjusted. The data set determined from the multiple data sets may be used to generate an image of the object. When the multiple data sets include light intensity values ​​corresponding to multiple pixel positions and the multiple light intensity values ​​correspond to at least some of the pixel positions, it may be determined whether the predetermined standard is met based on the difference between the multiple light intensity values ​​corresponding to at least some of the pixel positions in the multiple data sets.

[0219] Furthermore, when the image generating device corrects the phase value of the input signal based on the first phase correction, the image generating device may drive the scanning unit until the second phase correction is performed.

[0220] According to another aspect, a phase correction method for an image generating device can be provided, the image generating device is used to emit light to an object to collect an image of the object, the image generating device includes: a control module, which is configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit, which is configured to emit light to the object using the first signal and the second signal; and a light receiving unit, which is configured to collect light receiving information of light returned from the object based on the light emitted by the scanning unit, the phase correction method includes causing the control module to process an input signal input to the scanning unit. The method comprises the steps of: performing phase correction on the input signal to correct the phase difference between the input signal and the actual signal of the operating scanning unit, wherein the performing of the phase correction comprises: when light is emitted from the scanning unit to a reference image located in the mounting device and the scanning unit is mounted on the mounting device, performing a first phase correction on the input signal using light receiving information based on light returned from the reference image, and when light is emitted from the scanning unit to the object and the scanning unit is not mounted on the mounting device, performing a second phase correction on the input signal repeatedly at each predetermined period using light receiving information based on light returned from the object, and wherein the second phase correction can be performed based on the phase value of the input signal corrected by the first phase correction.

[0221] 1 Image Generating Device

[0222] In the following embodiments, the term “image generating device” may refer to an optical device for acquiring and providing at least one of a reflection image RI, a fluorescence image FI, and a transmission image TI of an object in real time.

[0223] For example, the image generating device may include various endoscopes for directly observing or diagnosing pathological conditions in a living body.

[0224] An endoscope is a type of laser-based optical microscope, such as confocal, two-photon, and OCT.

[0225] Typically, a confocal microscope uses a pinhole to block out-of-focus light and focuses only the light that has passed through the pinhole onto the objective lens for imaging on a pixel basis.

[0226] As a microscope using this confocal principle, there is a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), which applies laser to a sample to generate light of a specific wavelength, receives only the focused light, converts the light into a digital signal, and then observes the digital signal.

[0227] Unlike a typical optical microscope, a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) can focus a laser beam onto a sample and can generate images using fluorescence, reflected light, and transmitted light emitted from the sample.

[0228] For example, a fluorescent image can be observed by using autofluorescence emitted from a specific material contained in a sample or by injecting a fluorescent material into the sample.

[0229] Furthermore, when using a confocal laser scanning microscope, images with excellent clarity and high resolution can be obtained because scattered light from other parts of the sample is blocked.

[0230] As another example, the image generating device may include a laser micro scanner for accurately observing or diagnosing an object in real time.

[0231] Laser micro scanners are generally divided into micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) scanners using a semiconductor processing method and fiber optic scanners using an optical fiber.

[0232] In addition, laser microscanners can be divided into side-view, surround-view and front-view types.

[0233] MEMS scanners include lens scanners and mirror scanners for reflecting laser light, typically for side imaging.

[0234] MEMS scanners require additional devices to re-bend the beam bent by the mirror for forward imaging, and are therefore difficult to package compactly.

[0235] In contrast, fiber scanners are driven using actuators such as piezoelectric elements and can therefore be packaged simply and compactly compared to MEMS mirror scanners.

[0236] Furthermore, the fiber scanner is driven at the resonant frequency of the fiber, thus achieving a wide field of view (FOV) at a relatively low voltage.

[0237] The above-mentioned image generating apparatus may be used in various fields to acquire a fluorescence image, a reflection image, a transmission image, etc. of an object in the form of a two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) image.

[0238] For example, the image generating device can be used to observe and diagnose images of objects in real time in the fields of biological research, disease diagnosis, endoscopic surgery, etc.

[0239] Furthermore, for example, the image generating device may be used to measure the remaining life of the inspected metal structure based on the degree of cracks, holes and creep of the metal device.

[0240] Furthermore, for example, the image generating device may be applied even to a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) device that generates 3D stereoscopic information by reflecting and scanning a laser beam in a distributed manner and measuring an optical return distance.

[0241] 1.1 Usage Environment

[0242] Figure 1 is a diagram for exemplarily describing an environment in which an image generating apparatus is used according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0243] refer to Figure 1 , the image generating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can scan the object O in real time to generate an image.

[0244] For example, the image generating device 1 may be a miniaturized fiber optic scanner for real-time monitoring of pathological conditions of living tissues in a laboratory or an operating room.

[0245] Furthermore, the image analyzing device 2 may be a device for performing pathological diagnosis in real time by using the image generated by the image generating device 1 .

[0246] For example, the image analyzing device 2 may be an electronic device assigned to a medical technician capable of pathological diagnosis. Alternatively, for example, the image analyzing device 2 may be provided in the form of a module inside an electronic device assigned to a medical technician capable of pathological diagnosis.

[0247] Furthermore, the image generating device 1 and the image analyzing device 2 may be connected to each other via a network N.

[0248] The network N may include various wired or wireless networks, and the image generating device 1 and the image analyzing device 2 may send and receive various information through the network N.

[0249] For example, the image generating device 1 may transmit the image generated in the image generating device 1 to the image analyzing device 2 via the network N in real time.

[0250] In one embodiment, when the image analyzing device 2 is provided in the form of a module in an electronic device distributed to medical technicians, the image analyzing device 2 may be a program and software application for pathological diagnosis based on images transmitted in real time from the image generating device 1 .

[0251] For example, medical technicians can diagnose cancer and determine surgical sites based on biometric images displayed on electronic devices.

[0252] In addition, for example, a medical technician may input information related to cancer diagnosis and surgical site determination through an application running on the electronic device.

[0253] Alternatively, for example, the image analyzing device 2 may automatically diagnose cancer and determine the surgical site based on a pre-stored image analysis program.

[0254] In this case, a machine learning algorithm that pre-stores standards for cancer diagnosis, surgical site determination, etc. may be stored in the image analysis device 2 .

[0255] In addition, for example, the image analyzing device 2 may merge or map information related to cancer diagnosis or surgical site determination to an image received from the image generating device 1, and may send the merged or mapped result to the image generating device 1 or other electronic devices (not shown).

[0256] The foregoing embodiments illustrate an environment in which the image generating apparatus 1 is used to aid understanding, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0257] 1.2 Structure of the image generation device

[0258] The following will refer to Figures 2 to 5 Schematic elements of an image generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention are described in detail.

[0259] Figure 2 is a block diagram for exemplarily describing the configuration of an image generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0260] refer to Figure 2 , the image generating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a scanning module 110 , a controller 130 and an optical module 120 .

[0261] The scanning module 110 may emit light to the object while the scanning module 110 is spaced apart from the object by a predetermined distance or in contact with the object. Therefore, the scanning module 110 may measure the inside of the object within a preset distance from the surface of the object.

[0262] For example, the preset distance may be changed by adjusting the focal length of the lens module, which will be described below, and may be within a range of 0 μm to 250 μm.

[0263] Furthermore, the scanning module 110 may be a fixed device or a handheld optical device.

[0264] For example, when the scanning module 110 is handheld, the scanning module can be implemented in the form of an endoscope, a pen, etc.

[0265] refer to Figure 3 According to one embodiment, the scanning module 110 may be a pen-type optical device.

[0266] For example, the user may directly contact the optical device with the object to be observed or the periphery of the object, and the scanning module 110 may measure the inside of the object up to a preset distance from the surface of the object.

[0267] In one embodiment, the scanning module 110 may be an endoscopic microscope used in a hospital. For example, a medical technician may contact the scanning module 110 with the skin surface of a patient, and the scanning module 110 may measure the state of epidermal cells at a depth of 50 um from the contact surface.

[0268] For example, a medical technician may bring the scanning module 110 into contact with a patient's body part while cutting the body part to diagnose cancer or determine a surgical site, and the scanning module 110 may measure the living body's internal tissue at a depth of 70 um from the contact surface.

[0269] In this case, the fluorescent dye may be pre-injected in the form of parenteral injection to effectively examine the pathological state of the internal tissue of the living body. In this case, the scanning module 110 may emit light to the object, and the optical module 120 to be described below may detect a fluorescent signal returned from the object.

[0270] Meanwhile, the scanning module 110 may perform a scanning operation according to a driving signal applied from the controller 130, which will be described below. The principle of the scanning operation performed by the scanning module 110 will be described in detail below in conjunction with exemplary embodiments.

[0271] The controller 130 may be configured to control an overall scanning operation of the scanning module 110 such that the scanning module 110 scans according to a current scanning pattern.

[0272] The controller 130 may apply a preset driving signal to the scanning module 110 .

[0273] The preset driving signal may include frequency, voltage, phase, etc.

[0274] For example, the controller 130 may adjust the frequency, voltage, phase, etc. to change the range of light emission performed by the scanning module 110 .

[0275] Alternatively, the controller 130 may control the scanning module 110 to perform a scanning operation based on a driving signal input by a user.

[0276] The preset scanning pattern may be changed, and the controller 130 may apply a driving signal corresponding to the preset scanning pattern to the scanning module 110 .

[0277] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the scanning mode may include spiral scanning, raster scanning, Lissajous scanning, etc.

[0278] refer to Figure 4 , spiral scanning is a scanning method that draws a portion of a spiral shape and has the horizontal and vertical axes implemented using the same frequency.

[0279] In the case of spiral scanning, the laser intensity is higher in the center, so a large amount of signal loss and noise may occur. For example, photobleaching or photodamage may occur in the center.

[0280] refer to Figure 4 In the image (b), raster scanning is a scanning method performed sequentially in the horizontal direction and has a horizontal axis and a vertical axis with a large frequency difference between the horizontal axis and the vertical axis.

[0281] In the case of raster scanning, the slow axis requires a higher voltage, which may result in a lower frame rate.

[0282] refer to Figure 4 Image (c), Lissajous scan is a pattern generated by the intersection of two mutually perpendicular sinusoids and has horizontal and vertical axes implemented using different frequencies.

[0283] In the case of Lissajous scanning, fast scanning can be achieved at a high frame rate. For example, the frame rate can be at least 10 Hz.

[0284] The optical module 120 is an optical system that applies light to the scanning module 110 and detects a return signal through the scanning module 110 .

[0285] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical module 120 may be a confocal microscope system, and the optical module 120 may be separated from the scanning module 110 and provided as a separate device.

[0286] The optical module 120 may include at least a light emitting unit 121 and a light receiving unit 123 .

[0287] The light emitting unit 121 may be a laser device that emits a laser signal of a preset wavelength.

[0288] In this case, the laser device may be selected depending on which of the reflection image, the fluorescence image, and the transmission image of the object is to be observed.

[0289] For example, the laser device used in the embodiment of the present invention can emit a laser signal in the near-infrared region.

[0290] For example, for fluorescence imaging, the laser signal may have a wavelength of 405 nm, 488 nm, 785 nm, etc., depending on the fluorescent dye used.

[0291] For example, fluorescent dyes can be used to distinguish pathological features of living cells, blood vessels, and tissues, and ICG, FNa, 5-ALA, or other medically recognized dyes can be used as fluorescent dyes.

[0292] In addition, the light emitting unit 121 may apply a laser light source suitable for the scanning module 110 based on a signal input from an optical module control device (not shown).

[0293] In one embodiment, the optical module control device can control the gain of the image, the power of the laser signal emitted by the light emitting unit 121, and the like.

[0294] For example, when the image generating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a medical optical apparatus, the power of the laser signal may be set to 1 mW or less.

[0295] In another embodiment, the optical module control device may be provided as a part of the controller 130 described above. In this case, the controller 130 may control the gain of the image, the power of the laser signal emitted from the light emitting unit 121, and the like.

[0296] In addition, the light receiving unit 123 may be configured to detect a signal returned from the object in response to the light emitted from the light emitting unit 121 through the scanning module 110 .

[0297] In this case, the signal detected by the light receiving unit 123 may be transmitted to the controller 130 which has been described above and the image processing module 200 which will be described below.

[0298] For example, the controller 130 or the image processing module 200 may reconstruct an image of the object based on the signal transmitted from the light receiving unit 123. An image processing operation performed by the image processing module 200 will be described in detail in the following relevant sections.

[0299] Optionally, the image generating device 1 may further include an input unit 140 .

[0300] For example, the input unit 140 may be an input device for selecting an operation mode of the image generating device 1 .

[0301] For example, the operation mode may include at least a preset first mode and a second mode.

[0302] For example, the first mode may be a low resolution mode or a discovery mode.

[0303] Alternatively, for example, the second mode may be a high-resolution mode or a zoom-in mode.

[0304] Therefore, the user can select the first mode or the second mode according to the purpose of use and view an image with an appropriate resolution through the display device 300.

[0305] In addition, for example, the input unit 140 may be an input device for selecting a working distance of the scanning unit 1100 .

[0306] For example, the working distance may include a preset first distance, a second distance, a third distance, etc., and an input device corresponding to the preset working distance may be additionally provided. The working distance may correspond to a focal length of the lens module, which will be described below.

[0307] For example, according to the selected working distance, the controller 130 may perform a scanning operation of the scanning unit 1100 and perform a calibration operation on an image generated by the scanning unit 1100 .

[0308] Meanwhile, in addition to the above-described embodiments, input devices corresponding to various functions for controlling the operation of the image generating device 1 may be additionally provided.

[0309] Figure 5 is a block diagram for exemplarily describing the configuration of the image processing module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0310] As referenced above Figure 3 As described above, the image processing module 200 is configured to reconstruct an image of the object based on the signal transmitted from the light receiving unit 123 .

[0311] refer to Figure 5 The image processing module 200 may include a signal acquisition unit 210 , a phase calibration unit 220 , an image reconstruction unit 230 and a data storage unit 240 .

[0312] The signal collecting unit 210 may be configured to collect the signal detected by the light receiving unit 123 .

[0313] The signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 210 is a signal that is emitted after the light passes through the scanning module 110 and irradiates the object and then returns through the scanning module, and can be defined as a scanning unit output signal.

[0314] For example, the signal acquisition unit 210 may additionally perform an operation of converting an analog signal transmitted from the light receiving unit 123 into a digital signal.

[0315] In this case, an analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion module (not shown) may be additionally provided to convert the signal received by the signal acquisition unit 210 into a digital signal.

[0316] The phase calibration unit 220 is configured to correct a phase difference that occurs when a driving signal applied from the controller 130 to the scanning module 110 is transmitted to the scanning module 110 .

[0317] For example, in the case of driving the optical fiber probe using a force generated by mechanical deformation of a piezoelectric element, a phase difference over time may occur when a driving signal applied to the piezoelectric element is transmitted to the optical fiber.

[0318] For example, the scanning unit driving signal for actually driving the optical fiber may be different from the driving signal applied to the piezoelectric element. Therefore, the scanning unit output signal detected by the light receiving unit 123 and the driving signal applied to the piezoelectric element are made different.

[0319] Therefore, during the image reconstruction process performed by the image processing module 200, the predetermined phase difference generated by the difference between the scanning unit output signal and the driving signal applied to the piezoelectric element may cause image distortion. In this case, the phase difference can change in real time and can change as the position of the scanning module 110 changes.

[0320] In other words, in order to provide a real-time image, the image generating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention needs to reconstruct the image of the object in consideration of the phase difference that changes in real time.

[0321] For example, a detector (not shown) for detecting a scanning unit driving signal that actually drives the scanning module 110 may be additionally installed inside the scanning module 110. In this case, a phase difference caused by a difference between the scanning unit driving signal and the driving signal applied to the scanning module 110 may be calculated. Therefore, the image processing module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may reconstruct an image in consideration of the calculated phase difference.

[0322] For another example, when the optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in the form of an optical microprobe, there may not be enough space inside the probe to install the detector.

[0323] In this case, an algorithm for correcting the phase difference may be pre-stored in the phase calibration unit 220. The cause of the phase difference and the phase calibration operation performed by the phase calibration unit 220 will be described in detail in the following relevant sections.

[0324] The image reconstruction unit 230 may be configured to reconstruct an image of the object in consideration of a result of the phase calibration performed by the phase calibration unit 220 .

[0325] In this case, various image processing algorithms, machine learning algorithms, etc. may be additionally provided to the image reconstruction unit 230 .

[0326] For example, the image reconstruction unit 230 may additionally provide functions for improving image quality, such as noise removal, calibration, image segmentation, image merging, etc. for the generated image.

[0327] Furthermore, for example, the image reconstruction unit 230 may additionally provide a function of detecting a pathological feature in a generated image and displaying the detected pathological feature.

[0328] Furthermore, for example, the image reconstruction unit 230 may detect pathological features in the generated image and then additionally and automatically perform cancer diagnosis and surgical site determination.

[0329] The data storage unit 240 may be a memory for storing various types of data and may include one or more memories.

[0330] For example, algorithms, programs, etc. related to various functions provided by the image processing module 200 may be stored in the data storage unit 240 .

[0331] For example, a phase calibration algorithm, various image processing algorithms for processing various image processing, a machine learning algorithm, etc. may be stored in the data storage unit 240 .

[0332] Furthermore, for example, the data storage unit 240 may store image data obtained from the image generating device 1 , image data reconstructed by the image reconstruction unit 230 , and the like.

[0333] Furthermore, for example, algorithms, programs, etc. related to various functions provided by the image processing module 200 may be stored in the data storage unit 240 .

[0334] For example, a phase calibration algorithm, various image processing algorithms for processing various image processing, a machine learning algorithm, etc. may be stored in the data storage unit 240 .

[0335] In summary, the image processing module 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention can reconstruct a digital image of an object based on a signal transmitted from the image generating device 1 , and the image reconstructed by the image processing module 200 can be output in real time through the display device 300 .

[0336] In addition, as mentioned above Figure 1 As described above, the image reconstructed by the image processing module 200 may be sent in real time to the image analyzing device 2. Therefore, medical technicians may perform pathological feature determination and diagnosis, such as cancer diagnosis and surgical site determination, based on the reconstructed image.

[0337] For the convenience of description in this specification, it is assumed that the image processing module 200 is provided as a separate element in the image generating apparatus 1 , and the functions performed by the image processing module 200 may be provided as a part of the controller 130 .

[0338] Alternatively, the image processing module 200 may be provided as a separate device or as a part of another electronic device.

[0339] Alternatively, some of the functions performed by the image processing module 200 may be provided by the controller 130, while other functions may be provided by separate devices.

[0340] 1.3 Structure of Scanning Module

[0341] The following will refer to Figures 6 to 10 The internal components of the scanning module 110 are described in detail.

[0342] In addition, for the convenience of description, the following description assumes that a handheld fiber optic probe is used to perform Lissajous scanning on an object as a main embodiment.

[0343] Figure 6 is a block diagram for exemplarily describing the internal structure of the scanning module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view for exemplarily describing the internal structure of the scanning module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0344] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the scanning module 110 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a driving unit 1101 , a scanning unit 1100 , and a lens module 1200 .

[0345] For example, Figure 7 As shown, the driving unit 1101 , the scanning unit 1100 , and the lens module 1200 of the scanning module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be accommodated in a housing H. In this case, the scanning unit 1100 may scan the object O according to a preset scanning pattern by a force applied from the driving unit 1101 .

[0346] The housing H may have various sizes and shapes to provide a minimum space in the housing H in which the scanning unit 1100 may be driven.

[0347] For example, the housing H may be cylindrical, and the inner diameter R of the cylindrical housing H may be designed in consideration of a maximum driving range of at least one of the first axis and the second axis of the scanning unit 1100 .

[0348] The elements of the scanning module 110 accommodated in the housing H will be described in detail below.

[0349] The driving unit 1101 may be an actuator that provides a driving force to enable the scanning unit 1100 to perform a scanning operation according to a preset scanning pattern.

[0350] For example, the driving unit 1101 may be an actuator driven based on any one of a piezoelectric element, an electrostatic element, an electromagnetic element, an electric heating element, a coil, and a micromotor.

[0351] Compared with actuators based on electromagnetic elements, electrothermal elements, coils, micromotors, etc., actuators based on piezoelectric elements are easy to package for frontal imaging and have high durability.

[0352] A piezoelectric element is an element made of a material that generates mechanical energy when electrical energy is applied or generates electrical energy when mechanical energy is applied.

[0353] For example, when an electrical signal is applied to a PZT-based piezoelectric material, the piezoelectric material may be deformed, and the scanning unit 1100 may vibrate due to a force transferred from the piezoelectric material.

[0354] In addition, piezoelectric elements can be processed into various shapes, such as triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, cubes, cylinders, and other three-dimensional figures.

[0355] For example, the driving unit 1101 may use a piezoelectric element having a cylindrical structure as an actuator.

[0356] In this case, the piezoelectric element may have two mutually facing piezoelectric electrodes driven on a first axis and a second axis.

[0357] For example, the driving unit 1101 may include a pair of first actuating units 1101 a driven on a first axis and a pair of second actuating units 1101 b driven on a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.

[0358] In this case, the first axis is a longitudinal axis, and the second axis is a transverse axis orthogonal to the first axis.

[0359] In an embodiment, the controller 130 may apply a driving signal to the first and second driving units 1101 , and the first and second driving units 1101 may transfer a force generated according to the applied driving signal to the scanning unit 1100 .

[0360] The scanning unit 1100 may include an optical fiber 1103 , a driving range adjustment device 1110 , and a lens module 1200 .

[0361] The optical fiber 1103 may be used as a light transmission path through which light transmitted from the light emitting unit 121 is emitted to a subject.

[0362] In addition, one end or a fixed end of the optical fiber 1103 can be coupled to the driving unit 1101 .

[0363] In addition, the other end of the optical fiber 1103 may be a free end that vibrates by a force applied from the driving unit 1101 .

[0364] In this case, the driving unit 1101 may apply a force to an actuator position P0 located between the fixed end and the free end of the optical fiber 1103. For example, the actuator position P0 may be a position where a force is generated when the piezoelectric material is deformed by a driving signal applied to the driving unit 1101.

[0365] Therefore, the free end of the optical fiber 1103 can perform a scanning operation according to a preset scanning pattern through the force applied by the driving unit 1101.

[0366] In one embodiment, the optical fiber 1103 may be a single optical fiber having a cylindrical shape and may be surrounded by a piezoelectric element in a cylindrical structure.

[0367] In this case, the optical fiber may receive a first force from the first actuating unit 1101a and vibrate in a first direction, and may receive a second force from the second actuating unit 1101b and vibrate in a second direction.

[0368] In addition, the free end of the optical fiber 1103 may receive a force caused by the deformation of the first actuating unit 1101a and the second actuating unit 1101b, and then may vibrate and emit light along the trajectory of the optical fiber 1103. For example, the controller 130 may apply a first drive signal and a second drive signal to the first actuating unit 1101a and the second actuating unit 1101b, respectively. The first actuating unit 1101a and the second actuating unit 1101b may transmit a first force generated by applying the first drive signal and a second force generated by applying the second drive signal to the optical fiber to drive the free end of the optical fiber.

[0369] For example, the first drive signal is a first resonant frequency for resonantly driving the optical fiber in a first direction, and the second drive signal is a second resonant frequency for resonantly driving the optical fiber in a second direction.

[0370] Normally, when an object is driven using a resonant frequency, the object tends to oscillate infinitely, so even if the same voltage is applied, a larger swing can be obtained.

[0371] In one embodiment, when the free end of the optical fiber 1103 is set to draw a Lissajous pattern, the optical fiber 1103 can be designed to have different resonance frequencies about the first axis and the second axis. The method of setting the first resonance frequency and the second resonance frequency will be described in detail in the following relevant sections.

[0372] Therefore, when the drive unit 1101 is driven using the resonant frequency of the optical fiber 1103, a large field of view (FOV) can be achieved even with a small voltage. In addition, for example, the first resonant frequency and the second resonant frequency applied to the drive unit 1101 can be determined based on the length of the optical fiber 1103, the stiffness about the first axis and the second axis of the optical fiber, etc.

[0373] At the same time, the driving unit 1101 and one end of the optical fiber 1103 may be coupled to each other so that the optical fiber 1103 may be precisely disposed at the center of the driving unit 1101 .

[0374] For example, when the optical fiber is surrounded by the driving unit 1101 having a cylindrical structure, at least a portion of the optical fiber 1103 may be inserted into the driving unit 1101 and aligned with the center of the driving unit 1101 .

[0375] That is, by aligning the optical fiber 1103 with the center of the piezoelectric element of the cylindrical structure, the axis of the force acting when the driving unit 1101 is moved by the driving signal applied by the controller 130 can match the axis of the force acting when the optical fiber 1103 vibrates. The coupling method of the optical fiber and the driving unit will be described in detail in the following relevant sections.

[0376] The driving range adjustment device 1110 may be a structure for adjusting a scanning pattern drawn by the optical fiber 1103 so that the optical fiber 1103 may vibrate according to a preset scanning pattern.

[0377] As described above, in order to make the optical fiber 1103 draw a Lissajous scanning pattern, the optical fiber 1103 may have different driving frequencies about the first axis and the second axis.

[0378] This is because when the optical fiber 1103 vibrates at the same resonance frequency about the first axis and the second axis, the optical fiber 1103 draws a circular scanning pattern.

[0379] Generally, the resonant frequency fr of the optical fiber 1103 can be determined by the following formula 1:

[0380] [Formula 1]

[0381]

[0382] Where k is the elastic modulus of the material and m is the mass.

[0383] That is, reference Figure 1 , the resonant frequency fr of the optical fiber 1103 may vary according to the elastic modulus k of the optical fiber. The elastic modulus k of the optical fiber may be determined according to the stiffness of the optical fiber. When a single optical fiber 1103 having a cylindrical shape is applied, the optical fiber 1103 may have the same stiffness about the first axis and the second axis, so that the first resonant frequency of the optical fiber 1103 about the first axis may be the same as the second resonant frequency about the second axis.

[0384] Therefore, a structure having predetermined elasticity may be attached to any one of the first axis and the second axis so that the stiffness of the optical fiber 1103 varies depending on the first axis and the second axis.

[0385] In addition, for example, it is necessary to design a structure so that the difference between the first resonance frequency and the second resonance frequency of the optical fiber 1103 deviates from a preset range. This is because when the difference between the first resonance frequency and the second resonance frequency does not deviate from the preset range, the Lissajous scanning pattern drawn by the optical fiber 1103 may be distorted.

[0386] In one embodiment, the driving range adjustment device 1110 can be attached to the optical fiber 1103 in any one of the first axis direction and the second axis direction of the optical fiber 1103 vibration, so that the optical fiber 1103 has an asymmetric structure about the first axis and the second axis.

[0387] In another embodiment, the driving range adjustment device 1110 may be attached to the optical fiber 1103 in both the first axis direction and the second axis direction, so that the optical fiber 1103 has an asymmetric structure with respect to the first axis and the second axis.

[0388] Therefore, the optical fiber 1103 may vibrate at different driving frequencies with respect to the first direction and the second direction, thereby emitting a Lissajous pattern satisfying a predetermined standard.

[0389] Furthermore, for example, the driving range adjustment device 1110 may include one or more of a mass, a deformable structure, etc., attached to the z-axis or any position in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0390] In this case, the driving range of the optical fiber 1103 vibration can be adjusted according to the length, size, shape, attachment position, attachment angle, etc. of the mass block and the deformable structure attached to the optical fiber 1103. The detailed structure of the driving range adjustment device 1110 will be described in detail through the following related embodiments.

[0391] 1.4 Optical Module

[0392] The laser beam emitted from the optical module 120 through the optical fiber 1103 may be directly emitted to the subject through the distal end of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0393] In this case, when light is radiated from the distal end of the optical fiber 1103, it is difficult to generate an image of the object.

[0394] Optionally, a lens module 1200 may be provided at the distal end of the optical fiber 1103 to collect light radiated from the distal end of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0395] Alternatively, the distal end of the optical fiber 1103 may be processed so that the light emitted through the optical fiber 1103 can be collected. For example, the distal end of the optical fiber 1103 may be processed into a spherical shape. Therefore, the laser beam collected at the distal end of the optical fiber 1103 can be directly emitted to the object.

[0396] Alternatively, by processing the distal end of the optical fiber 1103 and further installing the lens module 1200 at the distal end of the optical fiber 1103, the numerical aperture (NA) of the output stage can be increased.

[0397] Figure 8 is a diagram schematically showing a light beam output when the optical fiber 1103 is processed into a spherical shape according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0398] In general, as the NA of the output stage increases, the resolution increases, and as the lens magnification decreases, the resolution increases and the FOA decreases.

[0399] Therefore, since the magnification of the lens is fixed, it may be advantageous to use an optical fiber 1103 with a large NA.

[0400] In order to increase the NA of the optical fiber 1103, the end of the optical fiber 1103 may be processed. For example, the end of the optical fiber 1103 may be processed into a conical shape.

[0401] For example, the end of the optical fiber 1103 may be processed into a spherical shape by grinding the side surface of the optical fiber 1103 into a conical shape and grinding the end into a round shape.

[0402] In this case, the NA1 of the optical fiber increases, and thus the NA2 of the output stage increases. Therefore, an image with high resolution and no FOA loss can be obtained.

[0403] 1.5 Lens module

[0404] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 1 is a diagram for exemplarily describing a configuration of a lens module 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0405] As described above, the scanning unit 1100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a lens module 1200 for collecting light radiated from the distal end of the optical fiber 1103. The lens module 1200 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be designed in consideration of the processability of the lens module and the distortion correction achieved by high resolution.

[0406] In addition, considering the miniaturization of the scanning module 110, the lens module 1200 can be designed to a suitable size.

[0407] In addition, the lens module 1200 may include at least five lenses, and at least one of the lenses may be formed as an aspherical lens.

[0408] For example, Fig. 9 and Fig.10As shown, the lens module 1200 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include first lenses 1211 and 1221, second lenses 1212 and 1222, third lenses 1213 and 1223, fourth lenses 1214 and 1224, fifth lenses 1215 and 1225, and sixth lenses 1216 and 1226.

[0409] Furthermore, for example, the resolution and magnification can be optimized based on the thickness of each lens and the ratio between thickness and diameter.

[0410] In addition, for example, the first lenses 1211 and 1221, the second lenses 1212 and 1222, the third lenses 1213 and 1223, the fourth lenses 1214 and 1224, the fifth lenses 1215 and 1225, and the sixth lenses 1216 and 1228 may all be aspherical lenses.

[0411] The first lenses 1211 and 1221 are condensing lenses that collect light entering the optical fiber 1103 and allow the light to enter parallel to its optical axis. By allowing the light to enter parallel to the optical axis, the first lenses 1211 and 1221 can reduce peripheral light efficiency loss.

[0412] The second lenses 1212 and 1222 and the third lenses 1213 and 1223 are lenses for spherical aberration correction, and the fourth lenses 1214 and 1224 and the fifth lenses 1215 and 1225 are lenses for spherical aberration correction and chromatic aberration correction.

[0413] For example, the fourth lenses 1214 and 1224 and the fifth lenses 1215 and 1225 may be coupled to each other in a symmetrical form to enhance the effect of chromatic aberration correction.

[0414] In addition, the sixth lenses 1216 and 1226 may be focusing lenses for finally focusing light onto a subject.

[0415] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a separate mounting device 5200 may be provided to store the scanning module 110 .

[0416] For example, the mounting device 5200 may have a space provided therein to stably accommodate the scanning module 110 .

[0417] In addition, for example, the installation device 5200 may also have a module for performing an initial calibration operation when installing the scanning module 110. The calibration operation performed by the installation device 5200 will be described in detail in the following relevant sections.

[0418] 2 Design conditions of scanning unit

[0419] The following will refer to Figures 11 to 29 The design conditions of the scanning unit 1100 according to the embodiment of the present invention are described in detail.

[0420] As described above, the scanning unit 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be designed to emit light according to a Lissajous pattern.

[0421] For example, according to preset conditions, additional structures such as a mass and a deformable rod can be attached to the optical fiber 1103 to perform a Lissajous pattern. The design of the additional structure for adjusting the driving range of the optical fiber 1103 so that the optical fiber 1103 draws a Lissajous pattern that meets the preset conditions will be described in detail below.

[0422] 2.1 Mass block

[0423] The overall speed and drive range of the fiber optic scanner can be determined by the length and weight of the optical fiber 1103.

[0424] Therefore, when designing the scanning unit 1100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the length and weight of the optical fiber 1103 may be determined first to draw a scanning pattern that meets preset conditions.

[0425] refer to Fig.11 , the scanning unit 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a mass body M attached to the distal end of the optical fiber 1103.

[0426] For example, Fig.11 As shown, in order to increase the Q factor of the optical fiber 1103 and increase the driving range, a mass body M with a preset weight can be attached to the distal end of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0427] In this case, the weight of the mass body M may be greater than the weight m of the optical fiber 1103. However, the following description will be based on the length of the mass body M because the mass body M is a microscopic structure of a micrometer order and thus has a very small mass.

[0428] For example, when the mass body M is Fig.11 When attached to the distal end of the optical fiber 1103 as shown, the effective mass of the optical fiber 1103 may increase, and thus the driving rate of the scanning unit 1100 may decrease. However, as the effective mass of the optical fiber 1103 increases, the maximum amplitude of the optical fiber 1103 vibration may increase.

[0429] Furthermore, for example, the mass body M may be a microstructure produced in silicon micromachining and may have various shapes such as a hexahedron, a sphere, and other machinable shapes.

[0430] In one embodiment, the length L of the optical fiber and the length ML of the mass block may be determined according to the target frequency to achieve a high scanning rate.

[0431] For example, the first resonance frequency in the first axis direction and the second resonance frequency in the second axis direction may be selected to be greater than or equal to 1 kHz.

[0432] In this case, the first axis and the second axis are different from each other in the xyz space. When the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 1103 represents the z-axis, the first axis may be the y-axis, and the second axis may be the x-axis orthogonal to the first axis. For ease of description, the following description is made by taking the first axis as the y-axis and the second axis as the x-axis as an example.

[0433] Fig.12 11 is a graph for illustratively showing a change in resonance frequency according to a length L of the optical fiber 1103 and a length ML of a mass in the scanning unit 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0434] For example, Fig.12 As shown, it can be found that the resonance frequency increases as the length L of the optical fiber 1103 decreases, and the resonance frequency decreases as the length ML of the mass block increases.

[0435] Therefore, the length L of the optical fiber 1103 and the length ML of the mass block can be appropriately selected according to the target frequency.

[0436] For example, refer to Fig.12 When the target frequency is 1kHz or higher, one of the sets of the length ML (=0.5mm) of the mass body M and the length L (<=7mm) of the optical fiber 1103 and the length ML (=1mm) of the mass body M and the length L (<=6mm) of the optical fiber 1103 can be selected.

[0437] In this case, in order to appropriately select the length L of the optical fiber 1103 and the length ML of the mass body according to the target frequency, the scanning amplitude may be further considered at the time of resonance driving.

[0438] The design conditions of the scanning unit 1100 are exemplary, and the scanning unit 1100 may be designed in various ways to implement scanning patterns corresponding to other preset conditions.

[0439] 2.2 Buffer distance

[0440] As the mass M is attached closer to the free end of the optical fiber 1103, the maximum amplitude of driving the optical fiber 1103 may increase.

[0441] Therefore, by further attaching a mass block M to the distal end of the optical fiber 1103, the FOV of the image obtained due to the vibration of the optical fiber 1103 can be expanded.

[0442] However, reference Fig.13, the mass body M may be attached to the distal end of the optical fiber 1103. In this case, when the optical fiber 1103 vibrates by the force applied from the driving unit 1101, the mass body M attached to the distal end of the optical fiber 1103 may collide with the inner wall of the housing H. In addition, in this case, the mass body M is more likely to be broken due to frequent collisions with the inner wall of the housing H, and thus the performance and durability of the scanning module 110 are reduced.

[0443] In addition, if Fig.13 When the lens module 1200 is further installed as shown, the mass body M may collide with the lens module 1200, and the lens module 1200 may be damaged. When the lens module 1200 is damaged, the quality of the image reconstructed by the controller 130 may be degraded.

[0444] Therefore, the installation position of the mass block M needs to be adjusted so that the mass block M does not directly collide with the lens module 1200 and / or the inner wall of the housing H.

[0445] Fig.14 is a diagram for exemplarily describing the attachment position of the mass M according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0446] For convenience of description, an attachment distance for preventing the mass M from being broken due to collision with the inner wall of the housing H is defined as a buffer distance.

[0447] In contrast, the optical fiber 1103 can be resonantly driven by the force applied by the driving unit 1101. In this case, when the end of the optical fiber 1103 having a smaller weight than the mass body M and a smaller area in contact with the inner wall contacts the inner wall of the housing H, the optical fiber 1103 is less likely to be damaged due to collision with the inner wall of the housing H.

[0448] Therefore, in the case of the scanning unit 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, damage caused by collision between the mass body M and the inner wall of the housing H can be prevented by attaching the mass body M to the optical fiber 1103 while the mass body M is separated from the far end of the optical fiber 1103 by a predetermined distance.

[0449] For example, the mass M may be attached between the fixed end and the free end of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0450] In this case, the attachment position of the mass block M can be determined according to preset conditions, such as resonance frequency, scanning rate, adjustment of the driving range of the optical fiber 1103, etc., taking into account one or more factors for realizing the scanning pattern. For example, preferably, in order to increase the scanning rate and expand the FOV, the mass body M can be attached near the free end of the optical fiber 1103 at a half point with respect to the total length L of the optical fiber.

[0451] In addition, for example, reference Fig.14In order to increase the scanning rate, expand the FOV, and minimize the damage of the mass body M due to the collision with the inner wall of the housing H, the mass body M can be attached between the half point of the total length L of the optical fiber and the shortest end of the optical fiber.

[0452] That is, the buffer distance BD can be defined as the following formula 2:

[0453] [Formula 2]

[0454]

[0455] In this case, if Fig.14 As shown, when the optical fiber 1103 vibrates, the collision of the mass body M with the inner wall of the housing H can be minimized.

[0456] For example, the buffer distance BD may be determined by further considering the length ML of the mass body M.

[0457] For example, when the buffer distance BD is at least greater than or equal to the length ML of the mass body M, the mass body M may be prevented from colliding with the inner surface of the housing H.

[0458] For another example, the buffer distance BD may be set according to the inner diameter W of the housing H, the maximum driving range of the optical fiber 1103, and the mass body M. This is to miniaturize the housing H and prevent the optical fiber 1103 and the mass body M from being damaged.

[0459] For example, refer to Fig.14 , assuming that when the optical fiber 1103 vibrates in the housing H, the maximum driving range of the optical fiber 1103 that can vibrate is D1 from the center point of the inner diameter of the housing H, and the maximum driving range of the mass body M that can vibrate is D2 from the center point of the inner diameter of the housing H. Here, D1 and D2 can be defined as follows:

[0460] D1<1 / 2W, and

[0461] D2<1 / 2W.

[0462] In this case, D2 may represent the highest point when the mass body M moves to the maximum driving range, where the optical fiber 1103 moves in the housing H so that the mass body M does not collide with the inner wall of the housing H. In addition, for example, the buffer distance BD may be determined in consideration of the length ML of the mass block, the maximum driving range in which the optical fiber and the mass block can vibrate on the first axis, and the inner diameter of the housing H.

[0463] Therefore, in the case of the scanning module 110 according to the embodiment of the present invention, an optical device with enhanced product performance and durability may be provided by minimizing breakage of elements packaged in the scanning module 110 while miniaturizing the package of the scanning module 110 .

[0464] 2.3 Driving range adjustment device

[0465] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present application, the driving range adjustment device 1110 may also be attached to the optical fiber 1103 to perform Lissajous scanning corresponding to preset conditions.

[0466] As described above, in order to realize the Lissajous pattern, the resonant frequency of the optical fiber 1103 should have different values ​​for the first axis and the second axis.

[0467] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown in (c), in order to achieve Lissajous scanning corresponding to the preset condition, the difference between the resonance frequencies of the first axis and the second axis should deviate from the preset range. In this case, when the difference between the resonance frequencies of the first axis and the second axis does not exceed the preset range, the Lissajous pattern emitted from the optical fiber 1103 may be distorted.

[0468] For example, the difference between the first resonance frequency fy of the first axis of the optical fiber 1103 and the second resonance frequency fx of the second axis of the optical fiber 1103 needs to be at least greater than or equal to the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the resonance frequency fr of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0469] Alternatively, if Fig.15 As shown, the first resonant frequency fy and the second resonant frequency fx of the optical fiber 1103 may be separated by more than the full width (FW) of the resonance fr of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0470] refer to Fig.15 , the difference between the first resonance frequency fy and the second resonance frequency fx may be FW of the resonance frequency fr, which is 200 Hz.

[0471] Therefore, as described above, the optical fiber 1103 can be designed to have different stiffnesses k about the first axis and the second axis by installing an elastic structure, so that the optical fiber 1103 has different resonance frequencies about the first axis and the second axis.

[0472] Specifically, by attaching a deformable rod to any one of the first and second axes of the optical fiber 1103, the optical fiber 1103 can be made into an asymmetric structure about the first and second axes. This is because the resonant frequencies of the optical fiber 1103 on the first and second axes can be changed according to the stiffness on the first and second axes.

[0473] However, the ratio of the stiffness of the first axis to the stiffness of the second axis of the optical fiber 1103 (ky / kx) may be designed to be no more than 1. Since the driving range (displacement) of the scanner varies according to the stiffness of each axis, when the stiffness ratio of each axis increases, the FOV of the image reconstructed by the controller 130 may not be properly guaranteed.

[0474] Fig.16 11 is a diagram for exemplarily describing the structure of a driving range adjustment device 1110 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0475] refer to Fig.16 The driving range adjustment device 1110 may include a first connector 1111 , a deformable rod 1112 , and a second connector 1113 .

[0476] As described above, the drive range adjustment device 1110 can be designed so that the optical fiber 1103 has an asymmetric structure about the first axis and the second axis. In the asymmetric structure, the difference in resonant frequency between the first axis and the second axis of the optical fiber 1103 is outside the preset range. Therefore, the optical fiber 1103 can emit a Lissajous pattern without coupling. The coupling of the Lissajous pattern emitted by the optical fiber 1103 will be described in detail in the following relevant sections.

[0477] For convenience of description, the following description assumes that the controller 130 applies a first driving frequency to the first actuation unit 1101 a and applies a second driving frequency to the second actuation unit 1101 b .

[0478] In addition, as an example in the following description, the first actuating unit 1101a and the second actuating unit 1101b are piezoelectric elements based on PZT materials. For example, the controller 130 may apply a first driving frequency and a second driving frequency to the first actuating unit 1101a and the second actuating unit 1101b, and the first actuating unit 1101a and the second actuating unit 1101b may be mechanically deformed.

[0479] In this case, the force generated by the mechanical deformation of the first actuating unit 1101a and the second actuating unit 1101b can be transmitted to the first axis and the second axis of the optical fiber 1103, and the optical fiber 1103 can vibrate on the first axis and the second axis by the force transmitted from the first actuating unit 1101a and the second actuating unit 1101b.

[0480] In addition, the first driving frequency applied to the first actuating unit 1101a can cause the optical fiber 1103 to vibrate along the first axis, and the second driving frequency applied to the second actuating unit 1101b can cause the optical fiber 1103 to vibrate along the second axis. The deformable rod 1112 can be an elastic structure attached to at least one of the first axis and the second axis of the optical fiber 1103 to change the stiffness of the optical fiber 1103 about at least one of the first axis and the second axis.

[0481] For example, the optical fiber 1103 can be resonantly driven due to a first force applied from the first actuating unit 1101a and a second force applied from the second actuating unit 1101b, and when the optical fiber 1103 is resonantly driven, the deformable rod 1112 can change the stiffness of at least one of the first axis and the second axis of the optical fiber 1103.

[0482] In this case, the optical fiber 1103 may have a first stiffness, and the deformable rod 1112 may have a second stiffness. In this case, the second stiffness may be greater than or equal to the first stiffness.

[0483] In one embodiment, the deformable rod 1112 may be attached to the first axis of the optical fiber 1103 to amplify the vibration of the optical fiber 1103 in the direction of the first axis.

[0484] In this case, since the stiffness of at least one of the first and second axes of the optical fiber 1103 changes, the optical fiber 1103 may be an asymmetric structure about the first and second axes. Therefore, a difference in the resonance frequency of the optical fiber 1103 about the first and second axes occurs.

[0485] In this case, the deformable rod 1112 may be formed of a material having a predetermined elastic force to amplify vibration along the first axis or the second axis of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0486] Furthermore, the deformable rod 1112 may have various shapes.

[0487] For example, Fig.16 As shown, the deformable rod 1112 may have the shape of a rectangular bar or wire.

[0488] Furthermore, the deformable rod 1112 may be disposed adjacent to the optical fiber 1103 in the longitudinal length of the optical fiber 1103 (ie, in the z-axis direction), and may be spaced apart from the optical fiber 1103 by a predetermined distance.

[0489] Additionally, the deformable rod 1112 may have a first end and a second end.

[0490] For example, refer to Fig.16 The first end of the deformable rod 1112 can be fixed at a first rod position P1 on the optical fiber 1103 , and the second end can be fixed at a second rod position P2 on the optical fiber 1103 .

[0491] In this case, the first rod position P1 and the second rod position P2 may be between the actuator position P0 and the free end of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0492] Here, the actuator position P0 may be a position where a force for vibrating the optical fiber is transmitted according to a driving signal applied to the first actuation unit 1101a and the second actuation unit 1101b.

[0493] For example, actuator position P0 may be between the fixed end and the free end of optical fiber 1103 .

[0494] In this case, the first actuation unit 1101a may be configured to apply a first force to the actuator position P0 and may cause the free end of the optical fiber 1103 to be resonantly driven in a first direction.

[0495] Furthermore, the second actuation unit 1101 b may be configured to apply a second force to the actuator position P0 and may cause the free end of the optical fiber 1103 to be resonantly driven in the first direction.

[0496] Meanwhile, one or more deformable rods 1112 may be installed with resonance frequencies of the first and second axes separated by more than a predetermined range to emit a Lissajous pattern corresponding to a preset condition while having different resonance frequencies about the first and second axes.

[0497] In addition, reference Fig.16 The first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 may be fixtures or microstructures for supporting the deformable rod 1112 .

[0498] For example, the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 may be silicon microstructures and may be manufactured by silicon wafer micromachining.

[0499] Alternatively, for example, the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 may be an adhesive that fixes the deformable rod 1112 to the optical fiber 1103 while being spaced apart from the optical fiber 1103 by a predetermined distance.

[0500] In addition, for example, the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 may be attached to the z-axis of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0501] In this case, the deformable rod 1112 may be located between the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 , and the first end and the second end of the deformable rod 1112 may be connected to each other 1113 through the first connector 1111 and the second connector.

[0502] In addition, for example, the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 may be fixtures fixed at the optical fiber 1103. In this case, predetermined grooves may be formed in the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 so that the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 are stably fixed on the optical fiber 1103.

[0503] In addition, the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 may be designed into various shapes as long as the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 are fixed on the optical fiber 1103 to support the deformable rod 1112 .

[0504] In one embodiment, the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 supporting the deformable rod 1112 and the first and second ends of the deformable rod 1112 may move with the vibration of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0505] In this case, when the optical fiber 1103 vibrates in the first axis direction according to the first force applied to the actuator position P0 from the first actuating unit 1101 a , the deformable rod 1112 may amplify the vibration of the optical fiber 1103 in the first axis direction.

[0506] Alternatively, when the optical fiber 1103 vibrates in the second axis direction according to the second force applied to the actuator position P0 from the second actuation unit 1101 b , the deformable rod 1112 may amplify the vibration of the optical fiber 1103 in the second axis direction.

[0507] Therefore, the optical fiber 1103 can have different resonant frequencies for the first axis and the second axis.

[0508] However, the vibration in the second axis direction can be amplified by transferring a portion of the force applied in the first axis direction to the second axis direction of the optical fiber 1103. In addition, the vibration in the first axis direction can be amplified by transferring a portion of the force applied in the second axis direction to the first axis direction of the optical fiber 1103.

[0509] In this case, when the installation position and direction of the deformable rod 1112 are properly designed, a part of the force applied to any one axis may affect the other axis, thereby reducing the amplification of the vibration on the other axis. This will be described in detail in the following relevant sections.

[0510] 2.4 Deformable rod attachment position

[0511] As described above, when designing the scanning unit 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, by attaching the deformable rod 1112 to any one of the first axis and the second axis, the optical fiber 1103 is driven along the first axis and the second axis, and the optical fiber 1103 can have different resonance frequencies about the first axis and the second axis.

[0512] A method of determining the attachment position of the deformable rod 1112 so that the difference between the resonance frequencies of the first axis and the second axis of the optical fiber 1103 is outside a preset range will be described in detail below.

[0513] Fig.171 is a diagram for describing an attachment position of a deformable rod for designing a difference between the resonance frequencies of the first axis and the second axis of the optical fiber 1103 to deviate from a preset range in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0514] That is, since the difference in resonance frequency between the first axis and the second axis of the optical fiber 1103 may vary depending on the attachment position of the deformable rod 1112 , the installation position L1 and the length L2 of the deformable rod 1112 need to be adjusted.

[0515] For example, the installation position L1 of the deformable rod 1112 may be determined based on the distance from the fixed end of the optical fiber 1103 to the half point of the full length L2 of the deformable rod 1112 .

[0516] For example, Fig.17 As shown, the deformable rod 1112 may be disposed beside the optical fiber 1103 and spaced apart from the optical fiber 1103 by a predetermined distance, and may be installed at a position spaced apart L1 from one end of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0517] In addition, for example, a deformable rod 1112 may be installed, and the deformable rod 1112 may be separated from a mass block M installed at a distal end of the optical fiber 1103 by a predetermined distance L3.

[0518] In this case, the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 may be designed to have a mass much smaller than that of the mass body M. Alternatively, the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 may be designed to have a mass greater than or equal to that of the mass body M.

[0519] Fig.18 11 is a diagram for exemplarily describing the structure of a driving range adjustment device 1110 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0520] refer to Fig.18 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the driving range adjustment device 1110 may include a first connector 1111, a deformable rod 1112 and a second connector 1113. Fig.17 The described mass body M can also be used as the second connector 1113 .

[0521] In other words, for the scanning unit 1100 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the deformable rod 1112 may be supported by the first connector 1111 and the mass body M.

[0522] Therefore, the installation position L1 and the length L2 of the deformable rod 1112 according to another embodiment of the present invention may be different from the installation position and the length when the separate mass body M is installed.

[0523] This is because the mass block M needs to be installed at a suitable position to perform a function for adjusting the driving speed of the scanning unit 1100 and also serve as an auxiliary member for supporting the deformable rod 1112 .

[0524] For example, refer to Fig.18 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the deformable rod 1112 can be installed at a position L11 separated from one end of the optical fiber 1103 by a predetermined distance. Fig.14 As mentioned above, the buffer distance can additionally take into account the distance to the inner wall of the housing.

[0525] Furthermore, by attaching an additional structure to the optical fiber 1103 as described above, depending on the attachment direction of the deformable rod 1112, the scanning pattern emitted by the optical fiber 1103 may be distorted even when the optical fiber 1103 is designed to have different resonance frequencies about the first axis and the second axis.

[0526] This is because when the optical fiber 1103 vibrates in the first direction due to the first force applied from the first actuating unit 1101 a , the vibration is amplified not only in the first direction but also in the second direction.

[0527] Alternatively, this is because when the optical fiber 1103 vibrates in the second direction due to the second force applied from the second actuating unit 1101b, the vibration is amplified not only in the second direction but also in the first direction.

[0528] The phenomenon that the force transmitted in one axial direction affects the other axial direction and amplifies the vibration in the other axial direction is defined as cross coupling below.

[0529] 2.5 Cross-coupling

[0530] The cross-coupling and the attachment direction of the deformable rod for removing the cross-coupling will be described in detail below.

[0531] Fig.19 is a diagram for exemplarily describing a diagram illustrating a cross coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0532] For example, when the controller 130 applies a first driving signal to the first actuating unit 1101a, a portion of the force that should be transmitted only to the first axis of the optical fiber 1103 may be transmitted to the second axis, and cross-coupling corresponding to the transmitted force may occur along the second axis.

[0533] In this case, if Fig.19 As shown in image (b), mechanical coupling or coupled Lissajous pattern can be generated in the second axis direction.

[0534] Alternatively, for example, when the controller 130 applies a second driving signal to the second actuating unit 1101b, a portion of the force that should be transmitted only to the second axis of the optical fiber 1103 may be transmitted to the first axis, and cross-coupling corresponding to the transmitted force may occur along the first axis.

[0535] In this case, if Fig.19 As shown in image (a), mechanical coupling or coupled Lissajous pattern can be generated in the first direction.

[0536] For the convenience of description, mechanical coupling or the Lissajous pattern of coupling is defined as coupling error.

[0537] Here, coupling errors may occur due to various reasons.

[0538] For example, when the optical fiber 1103 is vibrated by a force transmitted from the PZT device-based drive unit 1101 to the actuator position P0 on the optical fiber 1103, vibration may occur when the force axes (x-axis and y-axis) of the optical fiber 1103 do not match the resonant drive axes (x' axis and y' axis) that actually drive the optical fiber 1103.

[0539] Alternatively, for example, because the drive unit 1101 is not perfectly circular, the center of the inner diameter does not match the center of the outer diameter. Therefore, it may not be possible to drive the drive unit 1101 so that the force axis (x-axis and y-axis) of the optical fiber 1103 matches the resonant drive axis (x'axis and y'axis) where the optical fiber 1103 actually vibrates.

[0540] In this case, by adjusting the attachment position and / or direction of the deformable rod 1112 installed at the optical fiber 1103, the force axis (x-axis and y-axis) transmitted to the optical fiber 1103 can be adjusted to match the drive axis (x'axis and y'axis) of the resonant optical fiber 1103. This is because the resonant drive axis of the optical fiber 1103 can be changed according to the attachment position and / or direction of the deformable rod 1112.

[0541] However, even if the force axis of the optical fiber 1103 and the resonant driving axis do not completely match, a predetermined error may be allowed when an image reconstructed based on a scanning pattern emitted from the optical fiber 1103 has a quality greater than or equal to a preset level.

[0542] 2.6 Attachment range of deformable rod

[0543] A method of determining the attachment range of the deformable rod 1112 for minimizing the coupling error will be described in detail below.

[0544] As described above, while being supported by the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 , the deformable rod 1112 can change the stiffness of at least one of the first axis and the second axis of the optical fiber 1103 so that the optical fiber 1103 has different resonance frequencies about the first axis and the second axis.

[0545] As described above, the deformable rod 1112 may have a first end fixed at a first rod position on the optical fiber 1103 and a second end fixed at a second rod position on the optical fiber 1103 .

[0546] Therefore, the deformable rod 1112 may play a role in amplifying vibration on the first axis or the second axis while being supported by the first connector 1111 and the second connector 1113 .

[0547] That is, reference Fig. 20 , when the deformable rod 1112 vibrates according to the force applied to the optical fiber 1103, the compression C and expansion E can amplify the vibration of the optical fiber 1103.

[0548] Depending on the attachment direction of the deformable rod 1112, compression C and expansion E of the deformable rod 1112 may occur in the first axis direction and in the second axis direction.

[0549] For example, when the deformable rod 1112 is disposed parallel to the optical fiber 1103, the compression C and expansion E of the deformable rod 1112 may occur only in the direction of the first axis.

[0550] Fig.21 and Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view for describing an attachment position of a deformable rod according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0551] For example, in a cross section perpendicular to the z-axis direction or the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 1103, the attachment position of the deformable rod may be determined so that a virtual line A2 connected from the second end of the deformable rod 1112 to the second rod position on the second optical fiber matches the first axis A1. This is because the resonant drive axis along which the optical fiber 1103 is actually driven is determined by the virtual line A2 connected from the second end of the deformable rod 1112 to the second rod position on the second optical fiber.

[0552] For ease of description, the following description is made by taking the deformable rod 1112 being located in the first axis direction of the optical fiber 1103 as an example.

[0553] For example, when the attachment position of the deformable rod 1112 is determined so that the force axis (first axis) of the optical fiber 1103 matches the resonant drive axis along which the optical fiber 1103 is actually driven, the resonant frequencies of the optical fiber 1103 about the first axis and the second axis can be separated beyond a preset range, such as Fig.23 shown.

[0554] refer to Fig.21 It can be found that the force axis A1 of the optical fiber 1103 does not match the resonance driving axis A2 of the actual driving optical fiber 1103.

[0555] In this case, when the controller 130 applies the first driving signal to the first actuating unit 1101a, the vibration of the optical fiber 1103 caused by the first force applied from the first actuating unit 1101a to the actuator position on the optical fiber 1103 may be amplified not only in the first axis direction but also in the second axis direction, and thus a predetermined coupling error r may occur, such as Fig.19 As shown in the image (b).

[0556] Alternatively, when the controller 130 applies the second driving signal to the second actuating unit 1101b, the vibration of the optical fiber 1103 caused by the second force applied from the second actuating unit 1101b to the actuator position on the optical fiber 1103 may be amplified not only in the second axis direction but also in the first axis direction, so a predetermined coupling error r may occur, such as Fig.19 As shown in the image (a).

[0557] On the contrary, reference Fig. 22 , it can be found that the force axis A1 of the optical fiber 1103 matches the resonant driving axis A2.

[0558] In this case, if Fig.24 As shown, a Lissajous pattern without coupling can be generated.

[0559] The following will refer to Figure 24 to Figure 27 An attachment position of the deformable rod 1112 is described for allowing a predetermined coupling error.

[0560] As described above, on a cross section perpendicular to the z-axis direction or longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 1103, the attachment position of the deformable rod can be determined based on the angle θ between the first direction A1 and the virtual line A2 connecting the second end of the deformable rod 1112 to the second rod position on the second optical fiber.

[0561] In one embodiment, the attachment position P1 of the deformable rod 1112 may be determined to be away from the optical fiber 1103 on the virtual line A2.

[0562] For example, the deformable rod 1112 may be spaced apart from the optical fiber 1103 by a predetermined distance.

[0563] Alternatively, for example, the deformable rod 1112 can be mounted substantially parallel to the optical fiber 1103.

[0564] Alternatively, the deformable rod 1112 may be disposed next to the optical fiber 1103 .

[0565] Alternatively, the deformable rod 1112 may be configured to at least partially overlap the optical fiber 1103 .

[0566] For ease of description, the following description assumes that when the first actuation unit 1101a is resonantly driven, a predetermined coupling error r occurs in the second direction of the optical fiber 1103. Under this assumption, the attachment angle range of the deformable rod 1112 will be described to minimize the coupling error.

[0567] For example, Fig.25 As shown, the angle θ between the first axis direction A1 and the virtual line A2 connected from the attachment position P1 of the deformable rod 1112 to the second rod position on the optical fiber can range from -b to +a with respect to the first axis direction A1, that is, it can be within a total range of 10 degrees. In this case, a and b can have different values.

[0568] Alternatively, for example, the angle θ between the first axis direction A1 and a virtual line A2 connected from the attachment position P1 of the deformable rod 1112 to the second rod position on the optical fiber may range from -b to +a with respect to the first axis direction A1, i.e., may be within a total range of 5 degrees. In this case, a and b may have different values.

[0569] In this case, the attachment angle range θ may be a value calculated according to a preset standard.

[0570] The preset standard may have an allowable coupling error r, which is reflected in maintaining the resolution of an image reconstructed based on the scanning pattern emitted by the optical fiber 1103 at a certain level or higher.

[0571] For example, when a first driving signal is applied to the first actuator unit 1101a, the attachment angle range θ can be calculated by considering the efficiency a of the force generated in the second axis direction of the optical fiber 1103 due to the first force applied from the first actuator unit 1101a to the actuator position of the optical fiber 1103, and the efficiency b of the driving range in the second axis direction of the optical fiber 1103.

[0572] For example, when a force equal to Fy is applied from the first actuator unit 1101a to the actuator position of the optical fiber 1103 in the first axis direction (y axis), the predetermined force can be transmitted to the second axis (x axis), so that the vibration can be amplified in the second axis direction.

[0573] [Formula 3]

[0574] Y=F y cosθ.

[0575] [Formula 4]

[0576] X′=F y sinθ.

[0577] Here, Formula 3 represents the force Y transmitted to the y-axis, and Formula 4 represents the force X' transmitted to the x-axis.

[0578] In this case, in order to form a driving range equal to FOVx, the efficiency a of the force generated in the x-axis direction can be defined as follows:

[0579]

[0580] In this case, the driving range r in the x-axis direction can be defined as follows:

[0581]

[0582] Fig.25 It is a curve diagram illustratively showing the driving range in the x-axis direction caused by the force transmitted from the first actuator unit 1101a in the scanning module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the deformable rod 1112 is installed next to and on the optical fiber 1103, and the resonance frequencies of the x-axis and the y-axis are separated by A.

[0583] FOV x = pixels * resolution.

[0584] Here, when the number of pixels is 256 and the resolution is 1um, the driving range r in the x-axis direction can be defined as follows:

[0585]

[0586] In one embodiment, the driving range r in the second axis (x-axis) direction may be allowed to be within at least 1 / 2 of a preset system resolution.

[0587] For example, when the second-axis (x-axis) direction driving range r is determined to be within 1 / 2 of a pixel, pixels can be distinguished from each other, so that the resolution of the reconstructed image can be maintained at a preset level.

[0588] In this case, when the driving range r in the second axis (x axis) direction is within 1 / 2 of the preset system resolution, the attachment angle range θ of the deformable rod 1112 is as follows:

[0589]

[0590] Here, θ may be defined as an attachment angle range of the deformable rod 1112 that allows a predetermined driving range r or coupling error r in the x-axis direction when resonantly driven in the y-axis direction.

[0591] That is, the attachment angle range of the deformable rod 1112 may be calculated considering at least one of system resolution, total pixel count, maximum driving range of the first axis or the second axis, and efficiency of force transmitted on the first axis or the second axis.

[0592] also, Fig.26 : is a graph for exemplarily describing the attachment angle of the deformable rod 1112 according to the driving range efficiency b on the second axis (x-axis direction) when Fx is equal to Fy.

[0593] refer to Fig.26 , when it is assumed that the efficiency b of the driving range in the second axis (x-axis) direction is between 1% and 20%, the range of the attachment angle allowing a predetermined coupling error can be up to 10 degrees.

[0594] In one embodiment, when a first axial driving signal is applied to the first actuating unit 1101a, the attachment position or attachment angle of the deformable rod 1112 can be determined so that the driving range caused by the optical fiber 1103 in the second axis direction is less than 10% of the maximum driving range caused in the first axis direction.

[0595] In one embodiment, when the efficiency of the driving range in the second axis direction is less than 3%, the attachment angle range of the deformable rod 1112 may be less than 4 degrees (θ≤4).

[0596] In summary, in the embodiments of the present invention, the coupling error r may be allowed to be within a range that can maintain the quality of the reconstructed image at a certain level or higher.

[0597] Therefore, by appropriately attaching the deformable rod 1112 according to an embodiment of the present invention to the optical fiber 1103 with an allowable coupling error r, when the optical fiber 1103 vibrates in one axial direction by the force applied from the first actuating unit 1101a or the second actuating unit 1101b, vibration in the other axial direction can be prevented.

[0598] 2.7 Frequency Characteristics

[0599] Figures 27 to 30 is a graph showing frequency characteristics according to the attachment direction of the deformable rod 1112 .

[0600] For ease of description, the following description assumes that at least one deformable rod 1112 is installed at a predetermined distance from the optical fiber 1103 and is connected within the attachment angle range so that the resonance frequencies of the first axis and the second axis of the optical fiber 1103 are sufficiently separated.

[0601] As described above, when the deformable rod 1112 is attached to any one of the first axis and the second axis of the optical fiber 1103, the elastic modulus k of the axis to which the deformable rod 1112 is attached can be increased. This is because it is assumed that when the influence of the k value of the deformable rod 1112 is greater than the influence of the k value of the mass body M, the stiffness of the optical fiber 1103 of the axis to which the deformable rod 1112 is attached increases.

[0602] Therefore, as the stiffness of the shaft to which the deformable rod 1112 is attached increases, the value of the driving frequency of the shaft to which the deformable rod 1112 is attached increases.

[0603] For example, refer to Fig. 27 , when the deformable rod 1112 is attached to the fy side, the graph may show fx <fr<fy。

[0604] On the other hand, reference Fig.28 , when the deformable rod 1112 is attached to the side fx, the graph may show fy <fr<fx。

[0605] In this case, the maximum driving range of the optical fiber 1103 vibrating on the x-axis and the y-axis may vary according to the difference in driving frequency between the x-axis and the y-axis. That is, the vibration amplitude of the optical fiber 1103 varies.

[0606] Therefore, the aspect ratio of the x-axis to the y-axis of the scan pattern emitted by the optical fiber 1103 can be varied.

[0607] In this case, in the image generating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the aspect ratio of the image output from the image generating apparatus 1 between the x-axis and the y-axis may not be 1:1.

[0608] For example, when the deformable rod 1112 is attached to the y-axis direction, when the resonant frequency of the x-axis is 1100 Hz, and when the resonant frequency of the y-axis is 1300 Hz, the aspect ratio of the output can be calculated as follows:

[0609] F = kx.

[0610] First, it can be found that, given the same force F in the above equation, the spring constant K is inversely proportional to the amplitude x of the optical fiber 1103. Therefore, the inverse of the ratio of the k values ​​for each axis, ky / kx, can be assumed to be the aspect ratio A.

[0611] This is expressed using the following formula:

[0612]

[0613] where k x is the spring constant of the x-axis, k y is the spring constant of the y-axis and m is the mass.

[0614]

[0615] f 2 x =Af 2 y

[0616] Here, since Fx = 1100,

[0617]

[0618] Therefore, reference Fig.28 As shown in the graph, when the deformable rod 1112 is attached in the y-axis direction, when the resonance frequency of the x-axis is 1100 Hz, and when the resonance frequency of the y-axis is 1300 Hz, the aspect ratio (FOVy:FOVx) of the scanning pattern emitted by the optical fiber 1103 is approximately 1:1.4.

[0619] In one embodiment, the attachment direction of the deformable rod 1112 may be determined in consideration of a preset aspect ratio.

[0620] In another embodiment, the controller 130 may adjust the aspect ratio of an image output through the display device through voltage control.

[0621] Alternatively, the controller 130 may adjust the aspect ratio of the scanning pattern emitted by the optical fiber 1103 by adjusting the voltage applied to the first actuation unit 1101a and the second actuation unit 1101b.

[0622] For example, when the deformable rod 1112 is attached to the y-axis direction, when the resonance frequency of the x-axis is 1100 Hz, and when the resonance frequency of the y-axis is 1300 Hz, the controller 130 can adjust the image aspect ratio to 1:1 by applying a higher voltage to the y-axis than the x-axis.

[0623] Alternatively, for example, the controller 130 may apply the same voltage to the first actuation unit 1101 a and the second actuation unit 1101 b so that the output image has different aspect ratios with respect to the x-axis and the y-axis.

[0624] Alternatively, for example, the controller 130 may correct the aspect ratio of the output image by applying a first voltage to the first actuation unit 1101 a and applying a second voltage to the second actuation unit 1101 b .

[0625] Alternatively, for example, the controller 130 may correct the image based on aspect ratio information input by the user.

[0626] Fig.31 is a flowchart for exemplarily describing an aspect ratio correction method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0627] refer to Fig.31, the aspect ratio correction method according to an embodiment of the present invention may include receiving aspect ratio information from a user (S11), determining voltages to be applied to a first axis and a second axis based on the aspect ratio information received from the user (S12), generating an image corresponding to the aspect ratio (S13), and the like.

[0628] For example, the following description assumes that in the case of a scanning unit 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the deformable rod 1112 is attached in the y-axis direction of the optical fiber 1103, the resonance frequency of the x-axis is set to 1100 Hz, and the resonance frequency of the y-axis is set to 1300 Hz, so that the force transmitted to any axis of the optical fiber 1103 does not maximize the vibration of the other axis.

[0629] In this case, by calculating the above formula, the system aspect ratio can be set to FOVy:FOVx=1:1.4.

[0630] First, the controller 130 may receive aspect ratio information from a user ( S11 ).

[0631] For example, the user may input a request corresponding to a change in aspect ratio through the input unit to observe an image corresponding to an expected aspect ratio. For example, multiple modes may be preset for the image generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention to convert the generated image into an image corresponding to a predetermined ratio.

[0632] In this case, the controller 130 may acquire aspect ratio information received through the input unit and additionally check preset system resolution information.

[0633] In addition, the controller 130 may determine voltages to be applied to the first axis and the second axis based on aspect ratio information received from a user.

[0634] For example, when the aspect ratio information received from the user in operation S11 is a:b, the controller 130 may generate an image corresponding to the aspect ratio information by applying a first voltage to the x-axis and a second voltage to the y-axis.

[0635] Alternatively, for example, when the aspect ratio information received from the user in operation S11 is 1:1, the controller 130 may perform control such that a higher voltage is applied to the y-axis than to the x-axis.

[0636] In addition, the controller 130 may generate an image corresponding to the aspect ratio ( S13 ).

[0637] For example, the controller 130 may convert the image into an image corresponding to an aspect ratio intended by the user based on the aspect ratio information received in operation S11 and the voltage information determined in operation S12 , and may provide the image corresponding to the intended aspect ratio.

[0638] Therefore, according to the Lissajous scanning scheme of the embodiment of the present invention, the attachment position of the deformable rod 1112 additionally attached to the optical fiber 1103 can be determined according to the preset image aspect ratio.

[0639] In other words, the controller 130 may correct the image to have an image with a user's desired ratio and provide the image with the desired ratio by adjusting the first driving signal of the first axis and the second driving signal of the second axis applied to the driving unit 1101 .

[0640] 3 Packaging

[0641] Figure 32 to Figure 34 1 is a diagram for exemplarily describing a coupling structure for accommodating an element inside a housing of a scanning module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0642] As described above, the scanning module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided in the form of a handheld fiber optic probe. In this case, various types of fixing elements may be provided to compactly and securely package the element in the probe.

[0643] The structure of the fixing element and the coupling method for encapsulating the driving unit 1101 and the optical fiber 1103 in the housing H will be described in detail below.

[0644] Furthermore, for example, the following description assumes that the driving unit 1101 is a piezoelectric element based on a PZT material and a piezoelectric element having a cylindrical structure is applied.

[0645] First, refer to Fig.32 , a first fixing element 1104 for matching the center of the driving unit 1101 with the center of the optical fiber 1103 can be provided for the optical fiber probe according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0646] For example, Fig.32 As shown, the first fixing element 1104 may have the shape of a cylindrical ring.

[0647] Furthermore, for example, the first fixing element 1104 may be formed of a non-conductive material because the four electrodes of the driving unit should be insulated from each other.

[0648] In addition, for example, the outer diameter OD1 of the first fixing element 1104 may be designed to be larger or smaller than a predetermined size of the inner diameter ID1 of the driving unit 1101. For example, the inner diameter ID1 of the driving unit 1101 may be about 0.9 mm, and the outer diameter OD1 of the first fixing element 1104 may be about 0.904 mm.

[0649] For another example, the inner diameter ID of the first fixing element 1104 is designed to be larger than a predetermined size of the outer diameter OD1 of the optical fiber 1103 , thereby facilitating the assembly of the optical fiber 1103 and the driving unit 1101 .

[0650] For example, the optical fiber 1103 may pass through the first fixing element 1104 and then be aligned so that the center of the optical fiber 1103 is located at the center of the driving unit 1101 .

[0651] In addition, reference Fig.33 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a second fixing element 1107 for supporting one end of the housing H may also be provided for the optical fiber probe.

[0652] For example, the outer diameter OD2 of the second fixing element 1107 may be designed in consideration of the inner diameter of the tube of the housing H, and the inner diameter ID2 of the second fixing element 1107 may be designed in consideration of the outer diameter of the driving unit 1101 .

[0653] refer to Fig.34 , a third fixing element 1105 for fixing one end of the optical fiber 1103 to the PZT element can be provided for the optical fiber probe according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0654] For example, in the case of a fiber optic probe, the PZT element can be aligned with the center of the optical fiber 1103 by the third fixing element 1105.

[0655] For example, the inner diameter ID3 of the third fixing element 1105 may be designed in consideration of the outer diameter OD3 of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0656] In addition, for example, the outer diameter OD3 of the third fixing element 1105 may be determined in consideration of the inner diameter D3 of the driving unit 1101 .

[0657] In this case, the third fixing element 1105 may be inserted into the interior of the driving unit 1101 from the front end of the optical fiber, which has passed through the first fixing element 1104 and the driving unit 1101 .

[0658] Therefore, the optical fiber 1103 and the driving unit 1101 of the optical fiber probe according to the embodiment of the present invention can be kept aligned and coupled to each other by the third fixing element 1105.

[0659] In this case, an adhesive may be used for the optical fiber 1103 to maintain the coupling force with the driving unit 1101. For example, ultraviolet (UV) curing or heat curing epoxy resin may be used as the adhesive.

[0660] In this case, it may be preferable to use a minimal amount of adhesive symmetrically because errors may occur in the length of optical fiber 1103 depending on the amount of adhesive.

[0661] Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or more modules for maintaining the internal temperature of the probe at a constant level may be disposed inside the housing of the fiber optic probe.

[0662] That is, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, at least one temperature sensor or a temperature adjustment device may be disposed inside the scanning module 110 .

[0663] For example, in the case of an optical fiber probe used in a hospital for the purpose of diagnosing a disease, actual operational differences may occur depending on the use environment, such as operating room temperature and / or living body temperature.

[0664] For example, when the internal temperature of the housing of the fiber optic probe changes, the resonant frequency of the optical fiber changes.

[0665] The temperature adjustment device may include at least one of a heater and a cooler.

[0666] refer to Fig.35 According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the heater 1121 and the temperature sensor 1123 may be disposed inside the scanning module 110 .

[0667] For example, Fig.35 As shown, the heater 1121 can be installed along the inner wall of the housing H.

[0668] In addition, if Fig.35 As shown, at least one temperature sensor 1123 may be disposed inside the housing H.

[0669] In this case, when it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1123 does not satisfy the preset standard, the controller 130 may be configured to control the operation of the heater 1121 .

[0670] For example, when it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1123 is lower than a preset standard, the controller 130 may control the operation of the heater 1121 to heat the inside of the scanning module 110 for a predetermined time through the heater 1121 .

[0671] On the other hand, when it is determined that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1123 is higher than a preset standard, the controller 130 may turn off the heater 1121 .

[0672] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned temperature adjustment device, the scanning module 110 can also maintain a constant internal temperature condition of the optical fiber probe by a packaging method using a heat insulating material.

[0673] Therefore, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the internal temperature of the housing H is controlled to remain constant by the scanning module 110, and the driving condition of the scanning module 110 can be kept constant.

[0674] 4 Other Embodiments

[0675] Using the scanning module 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention, by installing a magnet M inside the housing H, the actual movement of the optical fiber 1103 can be determined.

[0676] For example, when the mass M attached to the distal end of the optical fiber 1103 is a magnet, the magnet can be used to detect a position corresponding to the vibration of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0677] In this case, the magnet may determine the position where the optical fiber 1103 performing the Lissajous scan actually moves by using the force transmitted from the driving unit 1101 .

[0678] Therefore, using the scanning module 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention, a phase difference occurring when a driving signal applied from the controller 130 to the scanning module 110 is transmitted to the scanning module 110 may be directly calculated.

[0679] refer to Fig.36 According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least the first magnet MG1 and the second magnet MG2 may be disposed inside the scanning module 110 .

[0680] For example, the first magnet MG1 may be a mass M attached to the distal end of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0681] Furthermore, for example, the second magnet MG2 may be configured to detect position information of the first axis and the second axis of the optical fiber 1103 .

[0682] Alternatively, for example, a magnet for detecting position information of each of the first axis and the second axis of the optical fiber 1103 may be separately provided.

[0683] 5 Phase calibration in image generation devices

[0684] As described above, the image generating device is a device configured to emit light and generate an image using the returned light. For example, when light is output from the light emitting unit 121, the light may be emitted to the object O through the scanning module 110. The light reflected, scattered, refracted, and diffracted from the object O may be returned to the image generating device and may be obtained by the light receiving unit 123. In this case, the controller 130 may obtain light receiving information indicating information about the received light.

[0685] Here, the controller 130 may control the light emitting unit 121 to output light and may control the driving unit 1101 of the scanning module 110 to emit light to the object in a predetermined pattern.

[0686] In this case, the signal for controlling the driving unit 1101 may include an AC signal, which may be a signal having a frequency component and a phase component applied to the driving unit 1101. In addition, the signal 1101 for controlling the driving unit may have at least one signal applied to the scanning module in each orthogonal axis direction.

[0687] 5.1 Causes of Phase Delay

[0688] The controller 130 may apply a driving signal to the driving unit 1101 to operate the driving unit 1101. In addition, the driving unit 1101 may output a signal for controlling the scanning unit 1100 (hereinafter referred to as a scanning unit driving signal) and may drive the scanning unit 1100 according to the output of the scanning unit driving signal. In addition, the driving scanning unit 1100 may emit light based on an output signal (hereinafter referred to as a scanning unit output signal) for emitting light according to a predetermined pattern.

[0689] The drive signal, the scanning unit drive signal and the scanning unit output signal can be electrical signals, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The signal can include a signal indicating a movement corresponding to the signal input. For example, when the drive signal is input to the drive unit 1101, the drive or movement of the drive unit 1101 corresponding to the drive signal can be represented as the scanning unit drive signal. In addition, when the scanning unit drive signal is input to the scanning unit 1100, the drive or movement of the scanning unit 1100 corresponding to the scan unit drive signal can be represented as the scan unit output signal. In addition, the drive signal, the scanning unit drive signal and the scan unit output signal can include signals with various waveforms (e.g., sinusoidal waveforms).

[0690] Furthermore, the driving signal, the scanning unit driving signal and the scanning unit output signal may be the same signal. Alternatively, the driving signal, the scanning unit driving signal and the scanning unit output signal may be signals having different phases.

[0691] Fig.38 1 is a diagram showing, by comparison, a signal waveform before a phase delay and a signal waveform after a phase delay.

[0692] refer to Fig.38 ,exist Fig.38 In the graph of , the x-axis represents time and the y-axis represents amplitude. The phase-delayed signal 5000 before and the phase-delayed signal 5001 after can represent signals with the same amplitude and the same waveform. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The phase-delayed signal 5000 before and the phase-delayed signal 5001 after can have different amplitudes or waveforms. Alternatively, even in the phase-delayed signal 5000 before or the phase-delayed signal 5001 after, the same amplitude or waveform may not always appear over time.

[0693] In addition, the phase-delayed signal 5001 may represent a signal having a delayed phase compared to the pre-phase-delayed signal 5000, and the pre-phase-delayed signal 5000 and the phase-delayed signal 5001 may have different phases. Fig.38 , the phase difference between the phase-delayed signal 5000 and the phase-delayed signal 5001 is shown to be constant at each time point. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the phase difference between the phase-delayed signal 5000 and the phase-delayed signal 5001 may be different at each time point.

[0694] In addition, the phase-delayed signal 5000 and the phase-delayed signal 5001 can be applied to all the above-mentioned driving signals, scanning unit driving signals and scanning output signals.

[0695] According to one embodiment, the driving signal and the scanning unit driving signal may have different phases. For example, when the driving unit 1101 is driven by receiving the driving signal, the driving unit 1101 may emit energy including heat or sound, so the phase of the driving signal and the phase of the scanning unit driving signal may be different from each other. Alternatively, when the driving unit 1101 is driven by receiving the driving signal, the structure (or shape) of the driving unit 1101 may be deformed, so that the phase of the driving signal and the phase of the scanning unit driving signal may be different from each other. Here, the deformation of the structure of the driving unit 1101 may mean that the structure of the driving unit 1101 is changed by being driven when the driving signal is input. For example, the change in the structure of the driving unit 1101 may include the driving unit 1101 stretching or shrinking as the driving unit 1101 is driven. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in addition to the input of the driving signal, the structure of the driving unit 1101 may also be changed due to external reasons.

[0696] According to another embodiment, the scanning unit drive signal and the scanning unit output signal may have different phases. For example, when the scanning unit 1100 is driven by receiving the scanning unit drive signal, energy including heat or sound may be emitted from the scanning unit 1100, so the phase of the scanning unit drive signal and the phase of the scanning unit output signal may be different from each other. Alternatively, when the scanning unit 1100 is driven by receiving the scanning unit drive signal, the structure (or shape) of the scanning unit 1100 may be deformed, so that the phase of the scanning unit drive signal and the phase of the scanning unit output signal may be different from each other. Here, the deformation of the structure of the scanning unit 1100 may mean that the structure of the scanning unit 1100 is changed by being driven when the scanning unit drive signal is input. For example, the change of the structure of the scanning unit 1100 may include the scanning unit 1100 stretching or shrinking as the scanning unit 1100 is driven. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in addition to the input of the scanning unit drive signal, the structure of the drive unit 1101 may also be changed due to external reasons.

[0697] 5.2 Methods for finding phase delay and calibrating phase

[0698] According to an embodiment for finding phase delay, a reference image may be predetermined, and the phase delay may be determined using the reference image. For example, the predetermined reference image may be a circular pattern, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, by comparing the image obtained by the controller 130 with the reference image, the degree of phase delay may be determined.

[0699] refer to Fig.39 , the image shown in (a) represents a low-resolution image of phase delay, and the image shown in (b) represents a phase-calibrated image in which the delayed phase has been calibrated, which is a high-resolution image.

[0700] The controller 130 may allow the phase of the phase-delayed signal to be calibrated to obtain Fig.39 The image shown in (b) instead of Fig.39 The image shown in (a).

[0701] According to one embodiment, the controller 130 may obtain a phase calibration image in which a delay phase has been calibrated by using the phase adjusted through the input unit 140 .

[0702] For example, the input unit 140 may adjust a frequency component or a phase component of a signal used by the controller 130 to control the driving unit 1101, or may adjust both the frequency component and the phase component. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0703] Specifically, the phase of the driving signal may be adjusted through the input unit 140. When adjusting the phase of the driving signal, the controller 130 may obtain a high-resolution image whose phase is calibrated by adjusting the phase component instead of a low-resolution image caused by a phase-delayed signal.

[0704] According to another embodiment, instead of obtaining the phase through the input unit 140, the controller 130 may obtain a phase calibration image in which the delay phase is calibrated by automatically adjusting the phase. In this case, the input unit 140 is not used to control the phase of the driving signal, but the controller 130 may automatically calibrate the phase component of the driving signal. Specifically, when the controller 130 automatically calibrates the phase component of the signal for controlling the driving unit 1101, an algorithm may be used to calibrate the phase component. Phase calibration using the algorithm will be described below.

[0705] 6 Initial Phase Calibration

[0706] The image generating device may need to initially calibrate the phase in order to calibrate the phase using the algorithm. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and even when the phase is calibrated through the input unit 140, the initial calibration phase may be required. For example, when the phase is calibrated using the algorithm, an initial image whose phase is not calibrated may have a large phase delay. In addition, when the phase is initially calibrated, the phase value to be adjusted by the controller 130 may be small. Therefore, the time for performing phase calibration can be reduced, and the phase can also be calibrated more accurately.

[0707] Specifically, when the phase is initially calibrated, it is possible to reduce the phase range adjusted by the input unit 140. Furthermore, when the phase is calibrated using the algorithm, it is even possible to reduce the amount of calculation required for the phase value calibrated by the initial phase calibration.

[0708] For ease of description, the initial phase calibration may be defined as a phase calibration method different from the phase calibration using the following algorithm. For example, the initial phase calibration may include phase calibration using the mounting device 5200, phase calibration using a cutoff filter, and phase calibration using the micro-pattern forming unit 5100, which will be described below. In addition, various phase calibration methods may be included in the initial phase calibration.

[0709] According to one embodiment, when the object O is scanned, phase calibration may be performed through the input unit 140 after initial phase calibration, or may be performed using the following algorithm.

[0710] In addition, according to another embodiment, after performing the phase calibration using the algorithm, the initial phase calibration may be performed. Then, the phase calibration using the algorithm may be performed again. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto, and the initial phase calibration and the phase calibration using the algorithm may be performed simultaneously.

[0711] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, an image may be obtained by performing only initial phase calibration without performing phase calibration using the algorithm.

[0712] An apparatus and method for initial phase calibration will be described below.

[0713] 6.1 Phase calibration using lens module 1200

[0714] The initial phase may be calibrated using the lens module 1200 located at one end of the scanning unit 1100. For example, by providing a pattern on the lens module 1200 located at one end of the scanning unit 1100, the initial phase may be calibrated using the pattern as a reference image. Alternatively, by providing a filter that can be mounted on the lens module 1200 and on one end of the scanning unit 1100, the initial phase may be calibrated using the filter.

[0715] 6.1.1 Phase calibration using micro-patterning unit 5100

[0716] Fig.40 is a diagram showing that a micro-pattern forming unit 5100 appears on a path of light emitted in a predetermined pattern (hereinafter referred to as a light pattern) when one element of the scanning module 110 including the lens module 1200 is patterned.

[0717] Fig.40 The pattern of light emitted in the case of the Lissajous pattern is shown. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the pattern of light emitted may include various types of scanning patterns, including a spiral pattern or a grating pattern. In addition, Fig.40 The illustrated micro pattern forming unit 5100 is represented by characters. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the micro pattern forming unit 5100 may include a shape that can be used as a reference image, etc.

[0718] refer to Fig.40 , the light pattern may be formed in a square area. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light pattern may be formed in areas of various shapes. When the scanning unit 1100 is driven, the light pattern may be emitted toward the object O, and the micro-pattern forming unit 5100 may not change according to the light pattern.

[0719] Here, when the scanning module 110 is scanning the object O, a micro pattern as an image corresponding to the micro pattern forming unit 5100 may appear on an image obtained by the controller 130 .

[0720] In addition, the micro-pattern forming unit may be provided at various positions in the scanning module 110. Specifically, the micro-pattern forming unit may be provided on the lens module 1200. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the micro-pattern forming unit may be located on the scanning unit 1100. Alternatively, the micro-pattern forming unit may be predetermined on a separate structure, and the structure may be coupled to one end of the scanning module 110 and used to calibrate the initial phase. For ease of description, the following description assumes that the micro-pattern forming unit 5100 is located on the lens module 1200.

[0721] According to one embodiment, the micro-pattern forming unit 5100 present on the lens module 1200 may be present at a position where the light pattern has passed through. When the scanning module 110 is scanned, a specific micro-pattern may be provided regardless of the shape of the object O. Therefore, with the micro-pattern as a reference image, an initial phase calibration may be performed so that the micro-pattern generated by the micro-pattern controller 130 of the obtained image may be consistent with the micro-pattern appearing in the original micro-pattern forming unit 5100.

[0722] Here, the micropattern of the obtained image consistent with the micropattern appearing in the micropattern forming unit 5100 may mean that when the controller 130 obtains light reception information based on the light returned from the object O, information of pixels of a portion of the image where the micropattern is expected to appear obtained by the controller 130 corresponds to information of pixels corresponding to the micropattern provided by the micropattern forming unit 5100 at a certain level or higher.

[0723] However, in order for the controller 130 to obtain an image corresponding to the micropattern forming unit 5100 at a position where the light pattern has passed when light is emitted from the scanning unit 1100, the micropattern forming unit 5100 may be made of a material that can absorb or reflect the emitted light or can exhibit fluorescence due to the emitted light.

[0724] Specifically, when the micropattern forming unit 5100 is made of a material capable of absorbing light emitted from the scanning unit 1100, the micropattern forming unit 5100 may absorb the emitted light, and due to the absorption of light, the micropattern forming unit 5100 may not return any light. Here, the absorption of light by the micropattern forming unit 5100 may mean that the micropattern forming unit 5100 absorbs light of a specific wavelength band, so that the light cannot be returned from the micropattern forming unit 5100. Therefore, when the controller 130 generates an image using light of a specific wavelength, the specific wavelength is absorbed, and the wavelength corresponding to the micropattern shape of the micropattern forming unit 5100 cannot be obtained. Therefore, light and dark may appear in the portion corresponding to the micropattern of the obtained image. Therefore, the portion corresponding to the micropattern of the obtained image is obtained, and thus phase calibration may be performed so that the portion corresponding to the micropattern in the obtained image may be consistent with the micropattern of the micropattern forming unit 5100.

[0725] Alternatively, when the micropattern forming unit 5100 is made of a material capable of reflecting light emitted from the scanning unit 1100, the micropattern forming unit 5100 may reflect the emitted light, and all the emitted light may be returned from the micropattern forming unit 5100. Here, the reflection of light by the micropattern forming unit 5100 may mean that light of a specific wavelength band is reflected, and thus light having the same wavelength as the wavelength of light emitted from the micropattern forming unit 5100 is returned. Therefore, when the controller 130 generates an image using light of a specific wavelength, the wavelength corresponding to the micropattern forming unit 5100 obtained by the controller 130 may not be the specific wavelength used to generate the image. Therefore, light and dark may appear in a portion of the obtained image corresponding to the micropattern of the micropattern forming unit 5100. Therefore, a portion of the obtained image corresponding to the micropattern is obtained, and thus phase calibration may be performed so that the portion of the obtained image corresponding to the micropattern may be consistent with the micropattern of the micropattern forming unit 5100.

[0726] Alternatively, when the micropattern forming unit is made of a material capable of presenting fluorescence using emitted light, the light returned from the micropattern forming unit 5100 may be fluorescence. Here, the micropattern forming unit 5100 emitting fluorescence may mean that the micropattern forming unit 5100 absorbs the emitted light and generates light with a wavelength different from the wavelength of the absorbed light, so that light of a specific wavelength is returned from the micropattern forming unit 5100. In addition, a material capable of emitting light with a wavelength of 405nm, 488nm, or 785nm may be used as a fluorescent material used in the micropattern forming unit 5100. Therefore, when the controller 130 generates an image using light having a specific wavelength due to the fluorescent material, light of a wavelength corresponding to the micropattern forming unit 5100 may be obtained. Therefore, light and dark may appear in a portion of the obtained image corresponding to the micropattern. Therefore, a portion of the obtained image corresponding to the shape of the micropattern is obtained, and thus phase calibration may be performed so that a portion of the obtained image corresponding to the micropattern can be consistent with the micropattern of the micropattern forming unit 5100.

[0727] Here, phase calibration may refer to that the controller 130 obtains an image in which a micropattern appears and performs calibration so that the obtained image in which the micropattern appears corresponds to the shape of the micropattern of the micropattern forming unit 5100 at a predetermined level or higher. Specifically, the micropattern shape of the micropattern forming unit 5100 may be obtained by the controller 130, so the controller 130 may compare the micropattern included in the image obtained by driving the scanning unit 1100 with the micropattern shape obtained in advance by the controller 130 to obtain the corresponding degree. In this case, when the comparison result obtained by the controller 130 is less than or equal to the predetermined level, the comparison may be performed again after changing the phase of the driving signal. In addition, when the comparison result obtained by the controller 130 is greater than or equal to the predetermined level, the controller 130 may obtain an image of the object O by using the changed driving signal as the phase value to be calibrated. In this case, the phase of the driving signal may be changed using the input unit 140 on the controller 130. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and an algorithm may be used to automatically calibrate the phase.

[0728] However, phase calibration using micropatterns is not limited to the initial phase calibration and may be performed while the object O is being scanned.

[0729] 6.1.2 Phase calibration using cutoff filters

[0730] Fig.41 is a diagram showing that a corner of a light pattern on an element of the scanning module 110 including the lens module 1200 is cut off. Here, the cut off may mean that a portion of a corner of the light pattern is formed of a material capable of absorbing or reflecting light or exhibiting fluorescence due to light, and an image of the object O may not be obtained at the corner.

[0731] In addition, the cutoff filter may be located on the lens module 1200. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cutoff filter may be located on the scanning unit 1100. Alternatively, the cutoff filter may be present on a separate structure, and the structure may be coupled to one end of the scanning module 110 and used to calibrate the initial phase. For ease of description, the following description assumes that the cutoff filter is located on the lens module 1200.

[0732] In addition, if Fig.41 As shown, the cutoff filter exists at the corner of the optical device. Therefore, when light is emitted from the scanning unit 1100, the cutoff filter can absorb or reflect light or exhibit fluorescence at a portion where the density of the emitted light increases. Therefore, photobleaching, in which the fluorescent material in the object O may be damaged when the intensity of the emitted light increases, or photodamage, in which the object O itself may be damaged due to high light intensity, can be prevented.

[0733] According to one embodiment, when the cutoff filter is made of a material capable of absorbing or reflecting light, the light receiving unit 123 of the image generating module for generating an image using light of a specific wavelength may not be able to obtain light receiving information. Specifically, the light absorbed or reflected at the cutoff angle does not reach the light receiving unit 123 and does not generate light receiving information. Therefore, the pixel value corresponding to the corner does not appear in the image obtained by the controller 130, and the corner can be displayed as an unused area.

[0734] Alternatively, when the cutoff filter is made of a fluorescent material, the light returned from the object O may include a specific wavelength obtainable by the light receiving unit 123. Therefore, the light receiving unit 123 can obtain the fluorescence at the cutoff angle as light reception information, and thus can obtain a pixel value corresponding to the corner in the form of an unused area from the image obtained by the controller 130.

[0735] Fig.42 Image (a) is a diagram showing an unused area corresponding to a cutoff filter in an image obtained when the phase of a scanning unit driving signal or a scanning unit output signal is delayed. Fig.42 Image (b) is a diagram showing an unused area corresponding to the cutoff filter in an image obtained when the phase of the scanning unit driving signal or the scanning unit output signal is calibrated.

[0736] Specifically, when the phase of the scanning unit driving signal or the scanning unit output signal is delayed relative to the phase of the driving signal, an unused area corresponding to the cutoff may be generated, not in Fig.42Therefore, when an unused area corresponding to the cutoff is generated not at the corner of the acquired image but in any space of the acquired image after the acquired image is checked, the scanning unit driving signal or the phase signal output by the scanning unit may be delayed.

[0737] According to one embodiment, the controller 130 may obtain information about unused areas in the image based on a cutoff filter. In addition, when scanning is performed using the scanning module 110, the controller 130 may collect the number of unused areas at the corners of the obtained image. When the number of unused areas at the corners obtained by the controller 130 is less than or equal to a specific level, the controller 130 may re-obtain the number of unused areas at the corners after the phase of the drive signal is changed. In this case, when the number of unused areas at the corners obtained by the controller 130 is greater than or equal to a specific level, the controller 130 may use the adjusted phase of the drive signal as the phase value to be calibrated to obtain an image of the object O. Here, the input unit 140 on the controller 130 may be used to change the phase of the drive signal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and an algorithm may be used to automatically calibrate the phase.

[0738] According to another embodiment, the input unit 140 may be used to calibrate the Fig.42 Specifically, when the controller 130 obtains Fig.42 The image shown in (a) of FIG. 1 can use the input unit 140 to adjust the phase of the driving signal. By adjusting the phase of the driving signal, the unused area generated in any space can be moved, and the unused area can be generated at the corner of the obtained image. Therefore, the controller 130 can obtain the following Fig.42 (b) Phase calibration image shown.

[0739] According to another embodiment, a phase calibration algorithm may be used to calibrate Fig.42 The phase delay image shown in (a) is the phase of the driving signal, which will be described below.

[0740] 6.2 Phase calibration using the mounting device 5200 of the scanning module 110

[0741] As described above, the scanning module 110 may scan the object O, and the controller 130 may obtain an image corresponding to the scan.

[0742] Here, the mounting device 5200 does not scan the object O. When the scanning module 110 is not used, the mounting device 5200 may be used to mount the scanning module 110. In addition, the phase of the driving signal may be calibrated by the mounting device 5200 on which the scanning module 110 is mounted.

[0743] According to one embodiment, a reference image may be provided to the installation device 5200 of the scanning module 110, and phase calibration may be performed based on the reference image. Specifically, when the phase of the scanning unit drive signal and the scanning unit output signal is delayed, the phase of the drive signal may be calibrated so that the image obtained by the controller 130 may be consistent with the reference image.

[0744] Here, the phase of the driving signal may be calibrated using the input unit 140 on the controller 130 or using an algorithm-based phase calibration.

[0745] 6.2.1 Structure of the mounting device 5200 of the scanning module 110

[0746] refer to Fig.43 , the mounting device 5200 may include a housing unit 5210, a coupling unit 5220, a reference pattern unit 5230, or an adjustment unit 5240. Here, the housing unit 5210 of the mounting device 5200 of the scanning module 110 may house the scanning module 110. For example, the housing unit 5210 may include a housing for housing the scanning module 110. In addition, the coupling unit 5220 of the mounting device 5200 of the scanning module 110 may couple the scanning module 110 housed in the housing unit 5210 to the housing unit 5210 to prevent the scanning module 110 housed in the housing unit 5210 from falling out of the housing unit 5210, or to fix the scanning module 110 at a specific position of the housing unit 5210. In addition, the reference pattern unit 5230 of the mounting device 5200 of the scanning module 110 may provide a reference image so that the controller 130 may calibrate the phase of the driving signal when the scanning module 110 is mounted on the mounting device 5200. In addition, when the lens module 1200 on the scanning module 110 is not focused, when the scanning module 110 is mounted on the mounting device 5200 of the scanning module 110, the adjusting unit 5240 of the mounting device 5200 of the scanning module 110 may provide an element for focusing at the mounting device 5200. The accommodating unit 5210, the coupling unit 5220, the reference pattern unit 5230, and the adjusting unit 5240 will be described in detail below.

[0747] 6.2.1.1 Accommodation Unit 5210 of Mounting Device 5200

[0748] Fig.44 1 is a diagram showing that the scanning module 110 is accommodated in the image generating device.

[0749] According to one embodiment, Fig.44 As shown, a receiving unit 5210 of a mounting device 5200 on which the scanning module 110 can be mounted can be provided to the image generating device. Specifically, the scanning module 110 can be mounted on Fig.44 The image generating device is mounted on the receiving unit 5210 of the mounting device 5200. Fig.44 The position on the image generating device shown is not limiting.

[0750] According to another embodiment, the accommodation unit 5210 of the installation device 5200 on which the scanning module 110 can be mounted may exist at a position physically different from that of the image generating device. In this case, the accommodation unit 5210 of the installation device 5200 located at a position different from that of the image generating device may be pre-connected to the image generating device so that the installation device 5200 may be controlled by the controller 130 of the image generating device.

[0751] In addition, the accommodating unit 5210 may accommodate the entire scanning module 110. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the accommodating unit 5210 may accommodate only a portion of the element for emitting light included in the scanning module 110, so that the phase delay of the driving signal, the scanning unit driving signal, or the scanning unit output signal may be calibrated.

[0752] 6.2.1.2 Coupling unit 5220 of mounting device 5200

[0753] Fig.45 is a diagram showing that the scanning module 110 is installed on the installation device 5200. In addition, Fig.46 is a diagram showing the accommodation unit 5210 of the installation device 5200 when viewed from the entrance of the installation device 5200.

[0754] According to one embodiment, Fig.45 As shown, the coupling member 5250 may be provided on the scanning module 110. Here, the coupling member may be coupled to the coupling unit 5220 of the mounting device 5200, so that the scanning module 110 may be coupled to the mounting device 5200 at a certain angle.

[0755] Specifically, the coupling unit 5220 of the installation device 5200 and the coupling member may be formed in the same shape so that the scanning module 110 and the installation device 5200 may be coupled to each other, or the coupling unit 5220 may exist in a shape including a connector shape. For example, when the coupling member has a quadrilateral shape, the coupling unit 5220 of the installation device 5200 may have a quadrilateral shape capable of accommodating the quadrilateral shape of the coupling member, or may have a shape of a quadrilateral shape of an external coupling member. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the coupling unit 5220 of the installation device 5200 may have a shape in which the coupling unit 5220 of the installation device 5200 is coupled to the coupling member, including the shape of the coupling member. In addition, the coupling member of the scanning module 110 and the coupling unit 5220 of the installation device 5200 may be various members having a coupling force to couple the coupling member and the coupling unit 5220 to each other. For example, the coupling member of the scanning module 110 and the coupling unit 5220 of the installation device 5200 may be provided as a magnetic member. Due to the presence of magnetic force between the coupling member and the coupling unit 5220, when the scanning module 110 is coupled to the accommodation unit 5210 of the mounting device 5200, the scanning module 110 may be coupled to a specific position of the accommodation unit 5210. In addition, due to the presence of magnetic force, the coupling member and the coupling unit 5220 may be automatically coupled to each other at a specific position.

[0756] 6.2.1.3 Reference pattern unit 5230 of mounting device 5200

[0757] The reference pattern unit 5230 may be provided to the mounting device 5200 so that the initial phase calibration may be performed by the controller 130. Here, the reference pattern unit 5230 may be disposed in the space of the mounting device 5200. However, for ease of description, the following description assumes that the reference pattern unit 5230 is disposed at the lower end of the mounting device 5200. Here, when the scanning module 110 is mounted on the mounting device 5200, the lower end of the mounting device 5200 may be the bottom surface of the accommodating unit 5210, which exists on an extension line in the direction in which the scanning module 110 emits light.

[0758] Fig.47is a diagram of the reference pattern unit 5230 when viewed from the top. Specifically, when the scanning module 110 is mounted on the mounting device 5200, the scanning module 110 may emit light to a reference image 5231 of the reference pattern unit 5230 disposed at the lower end of the mounting device 5200, and the returned light may be used to obtain an image. Here, when the phase of the scanning unit drive signal or the scanning unit output signal is delayed, the obtained image may be a phase-delayed image. In this case, the controller 130 may calibrate the phase of the drive signal, the phase of the scanning unit drive signal, or the scanning unit output signal so that the obtained image may be consistent with the reference image 5231.

[0759] refer to Fig.47 , the reference image 5231 may be one or more circular patterns so that a specific image is always provided regardless of the angle at which the scanning module 110 is installed on the mounting device 5200. However, the present invention is not limited to the reference image being a predetermined reference image 5231. Specifically, when the coupling unit 5220 and the coupling member are not present, when the scanning module 110 is installed on the mounting device 5200, the scanning module 110 may not be installed at a predetermined position. Therefore, even when the scanning module 110 is not installed at a predetermined position, the reference image 5231 may be a circular pattern so that the initial phase calibration may be performed.

[0760] According to one embodiment, the reference image 5231 may be made of a material capable of absorbing the light emitted by the scanning unit 1100. Specifically, when the reference image 5231 is made of a material capable of absorbing the light emitted by the scanning unit 1100, the reference image 5231 may absorb the emitted light, and no light may be returned from the reference image 5231. Here, the absorption of light by the reference image 5231 may mean that the reference image 5231 absorbs light of a specific wavelength band, so that light cannot be returned from the reference image 5231. Therefore, when the controller 130 generates an image using light of a specific wavelength, the wavelength corresponding to the reference image 5231 cannot be obtained. Therefore, light and dark may appear in the portion of the obtained image corresponding to the reference image 5231. Therefore, the portion of the obtained image corresponding to the reference image 5231 can be obtained, so that the phase of the obtained image can be calibrated.

[0761] According to another embodiment, the reference image 5231 may be made of a material capable of reflecting the light emitted by the scanning unit 1100. Specifically, when the reference image 5231 is made of a material capable of reflecting the light emitted by the scanning unit 1100, the reference image 5231 may reflect the emitted light, and all emitted light may be returned from the reference image 5231. Here, the reflection of light by the reference image 5231 may mean that the reference image 5231 reflects light of a specific wavelength band, and light having the same wavelength as the wavelength of the emitted light is returned from the reference image 5231. Therefore, when the controller 130 generates an image using light of a specific wavelength, the wavelength corresponding to the reference image 5231 may not be a specific wavelength. Therefore, light and dark may appear in the portion of the obtained image corresponding to the reference image 5231. Therefore, the portion of the obtained image corresponding to the reference image 5231 may be obtained, so that the phase of the obtained image may be calibrated.

[0762] According to another embodiment, the reference image 5231 may be made of a material capable of presenting fluorescence. Specifically, when the reference image 5231 is made of a material capable of presenting fluorescence using the emitted light, the light returned from the reference image 5231 may be fluorescence. Here, the reference image 5231 showing fluorescence may mean that the reference image 5231 absorbs the emitted light and generates light with a wavelength different from the wavelength of the absorbed light, so that light of a specific wavelength is returned from the reference image 5231. Therefore, when the controller 130 generates an image using a specific wavelength caused by the fluorescent material, the wavelength corresponding to the reference image 5231 cannot be obtained. Therefore, light and dark may appear in the portion of the obtained image corresponding to the reference image 5231. Therefore, the portion of the obtained image corresponding to the reference image 5231 can be obtained, so that the phase of the obtained image can be calibrated.

[0763] Here, phase calibration may mean that the controller 130 obtains an image in which the reference image 5231 appears and performs calibration so that the image in which the reference image 5231 appears and the reference image 5231 present on the installation device 5200 correspond to each other at a predetermined level or higher. Specifically, the reference image 5231 of the installation device 5200 may be obtained by the controller 130, so that the controller 130 may compare the reference image 5231 included in the image obtained by the drive scanning unit 1100 with the reference image 5231 obtained in advance by the controller 130 to obtain the corresponding degree. In this case, when the comparison result obtained by the controller 130 is less than or equal to the predetermined level, the comparison may be performed again after changing the phase of the driving signal. In addition, when the comparison result obtained by the controller 130 is greater than or equal to the predetermined level, the controller 130 may obtain an image of the object O by using the changed driving signal as the phase value to be calibrated. In this case, the phase of the driving signal may be changed using the input unit 140 on the controller 130. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and an algorithm may be used to automatically calibrate the phase.

[0764] 6.2.1.3.1 Structure of reference pattern unit 5230

[0765] In order to provide a reference image 5231 matching the focal length of the lens module 1200 on the scanning module 110, the reference pattern unit 5230 may be provided with a structure matching the focal length.

[0766] Fig.48 is a diagram showing that the reference image 5231 on the reference pattern unit 5230 exists in a transparent structure.

[0767] According to one embodiment, reference Fig.48 , an image may exist in the light transmission structure 5235 to provide a reference image 5231 to match the focal length of the lens module 1200. Specifically, the light transmission structure 5235 may be made of glass or transparent plastic. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any material that can transmit light may be used as the material of the light transmission structure 5235. In addition, here, a reference image 5231 existing in the light transmission structure 5235 may be provided to match the focal length of the lens module 1200, and the size of the reference image 5231 may decrease as the focal length increases. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the size of the reference image 5231 may increase as the focal length increases, or may be constant. When the light transmission structure 5235 is shown from the upper side of the emitted light, a reference image 5231 may be provided as shown in FIG. Fig.47 Reference image 5231 is shown as varying with depth.

[0768] According to another embodiment, reference Fig.49, the reference image 5231 may exist in the concave structure 5237 to provide the reference image 5231 to match the focal length of the lens module 1200. Specifically, as the depth of the concave structure 5237 increases, the size of the reference image 5231 set in the concave structure 5237 may decrease. Therefore, as the focal length becomes deeper, a smaller reference image 5231 may be provided. Here, the reference image 5231 may be drawn around the concave structure 5237, and the size of the reference image 5251 drawn around the concave structure 5237 becomes smaller as the depth in the concave structure 5237 increases. When the concave structure 5237 is shown from the upper side of the emitted light, a reference image 5231 whose size varies with depth may be provided, as shown in FIG. Fig.47 shown.

[0769] 6.2.1.3.2 Case where reference image 5231 is made of fluorescent material

[0770] The controller 130 may obtain an image using light of a specific wavelength. Therefore, when the reference image 5231 is provided using the fluorescent material, the controller 130 may obtain light reception information corresponding to the reference image 5231.

[0771] According to one embodiment, when the reference image 5231 is made of a fluorescent material, the fluorescent material may include IcG, 5-ALA, or Fna. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any material that can exhibit fluorescence due to light emission may be used. However, when a fluorescent material is used for the reference image 5231, fluorescence may not be exhibited due to continuous use of the fluorescent material. Therefore, it may be necessary to supplement the fluorescent material.

[0772] Here, in order to supplement the fluorescent material for the reference image 5231, a box capable of additionally providing the fluorescent material may be provided. The box may be inserted into or removed from the lower end of the mounting device 5200. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the box may exist on the upper portion or side surface of the mounting device 5200 or outside the mounting device 5200 to provide the fluorescent material to the reference image 5231. For ease of description, the following description assumes that the box exists at the lower end portion of the mounting device 5200.

[0773] Specifically, the box body may be a structure including a fluorescent material therein, and the fluorescent material may be provided for the reference image 5231 to obtain a fluorescent image caused by the fluorescent material of the reference image 5231 when light is emitted to the scanning module 110. In addition, when the reference image 5231 does not exhibit fluorescence due to light emission (for example, including degradation of the fluorescent material due to photobleaching caused by light emission), the box provided at the lower end of the mounting device 5200 may be removed therefrom, and a new box containing a fluorescent material capable of exhibiting fluorescence may be inserted into the lower end of the mounting device 5200. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the box may have a structure provided outside the mounting device 5200 to continuously supply the fluorescent material to the reference image 5231.

[0774] 6.2.1.4 Adjustment unit 5240 of mounting device 5200

[0775] The mounting device 5200 may include an adjustment unit 5240 to provide a reference image 5231 that matches the focal length of the lens module 1200 of the scanning module 110. Here, the adjustment unit 5240 may control the position of the reference pattern unit 5230 to move closer to or farther from the lens module 1200 of the scanning module 110 to provide the reference pattern unit 5230, wherein the reference image 5231 is provided to match the focal length.

[0776] In this case, when the reference image 5231 exists at a position that does not match the focal length of the lens module 1200 of the scanning module 110, the image obtained by the controller 130 may not match the reference image 5231. Therefore, the adjustment unit 5240 may need to adjust the reference pattern unit 5230 in which the reference image 5231 exists according to the focal length of the lens module 1200.

[0777] Fig.50 Figure (a) shows that the reference pattern unit 5230 is adjusted toward the entrance of the mounting device 5200, so that the reference pattern unit 5230 is coupled to the adjustment unit 5240 at the lower end portion of the mounting device 5200 to adjust the focal length to provide a reference image 5231 that matches the focal length of the lens module 1200. Fig.50 FIG. 5( b ) shows that the reference pattern unit 5230 exists at the lower end portion of the mounting device 5200 and moves toward the lower end portion of the mounting device 5200 to provide a reference image 5231 matching the focal length of the lens module 1200 .

[0778] According to one embodiment, the adjustment unit 5240 may exist to adjust the distance of the reference pattern unit 5230 existing at the lower end portion of the mounting device 5200. Specifically, the adjustment unit 5240 may exist at the lower end of the mounting unit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the adjustment unit 5240 may exist outside the mounting device 5200 to adjust the position of the reference pattern unit 5230. Although not shown, an adjustment module may be included in the adjustment unit 5240, and the adjustment module may be controlled by a user. According to the control of the user, the adjustment module may adjust the reference image 5231 to match the focal length of the lens module 1200. Here, providing the reference image 5231 to match the focal length of the lens module 1200 may mean that the controller 130 compares the obtained image with the reference image 5231, and then moves the position of the reference pattern unit 5230 so that the obtained image can be well consistent with the reference image 5231.

[0779] According to another embodiment, the adjustment unit 5240 may automatically adjust the position of the reference pattern unit 5230 so that the reference image 5231 presented on the reference pattern unit 5230 may be provided to match the focal length of the lens module 1200. Specifically, the adjustment unit 5240 present in the lower end portion of the mounting device 5200 may be provided with an electric or mechanical motor, and the motor may adjust the position of the reference pattern unit 5230 so that the reference pattern unit 5230 may be consistent with the focal length of the lens module 1200. Here, in order to adjust the position of the reference pattern unit 5230 so that the reference pattern unit 5230 may be consistent with the focal length of the lens module 1200, although not shown, a controller for controlling the reference pattern unit 5230 may be present on the mounting device 5200.

[0780] In addition, the mounting device 5200 may include a communication unit for communicating with the image generating device, and the communication unit may communicate with the controller 130 of the image generating device in a wired or wireless communication manner. Although not shown, the communication unit of the controller 130 of the image generating device may obtain information about the position of the reference pattern unit 5230 from the controller of the mounting device 5200, and may compare the image obtained by the scanning module 110 that emits light with the reference image 5231. In addition, when the comparison result of the obtained image with the reference image 5231 is that the image matching the focal length of the lens module 1200 is not obtained, the controller 130 of the image generating device may adjust the adjustment unit 5240 of the mounting device 5200 through the communication unit, and the position of the reference pattern unit 5230 may be moved by the adjustment unit 5240 to be consistent with the focal length of the lens module 1200.

[0781] 6.3 Initial Phase Calibration Method for Mounting Device 5200

[0782] Fig.51 52 is a diagram used to describe an initial phase calibration method using a reference image 5231 present in the mounting device 5200.

[0783] refer to Fig.51 , the initial phase calibration method may be performed by the controller 130. In addition, the initial phase calibration method may include emitting light from the scanning module 110 to the reference pattern unit 5230 (S5000), obtaining an image using light returned from the reference pattern unit 5230 (S5010), comparing the obtained image with the reference image 5231 (S5020), and calibrating the phase of the driving signal based on the comparison result (S5030).

[0784] When light is emitted from the scanning module 110 to the reference pattern unit 5230 (S5000), the controller 130 may apply a driving signal to the driving unit 1101. In addition, the driving unit 1101 receives the driving signal and applies a scanning unit driving signal for driving the scanning unit 1100 to the scanning unit 1100. When receiving the scanning unit driving signal, the scanning unit 1100 may emit light to the object O according to the scanning unit driving signal.

[0785] In this case, when phase calibration is not performed, a phase delay may occur between the driving signal and the scanning unit driving signal or the scanning unit output signal. Therefore, the phase delay should be calibrated before the scanning module 110 is separated from the mounting device 5200 to scan the object O. Therefore, for ease of description, the calibration of the phase delay is described as initial phase calibration.

[0786] Here, when the initial phase calibration is not performed, the scanning of the object O is performed. When the phase calibration using the algorithm is performed, the calibration can be performed using a phase other than the actual delayed phase value between the driving signal and the scanning unit output signal. Therefore, when the initial phase calibration is performed without using the scanning module 110, the time to find the phase to be calibrated during the scanning process can be shortened, and the controller 130 can also directly obtain an image of the object O.

[0787] When the controller 130 obtains an image (S5010) and the controller 130 compares the obtained image with the reference image 5231 (S5020), the scanning module 110 may emit light to the reference pattern unit 5230 while the scanning module 110 is installed on the mounting device 5200. Specifically, when light is emitted toward the reference pattern unit 5230 while the scanning module 110 is installed, the light may continue to be emitted toward the reference pattern unit 5230 while the scanning module 110 is installed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and light may be emitted at predetermined intervals, and initial phase calibration may be performed. In addition, when the degree to which the calibration image obtained by the controller 130 according to the initial phase calibration is consistent with the reference image 5231 is less than or equal to a predetermined level, light may continue to be emitted so that the image calibrated at a predetermined level or higher may be consistent with the reference image 5231. In addition, when light is emitted at predetermined intervals for initial phase calibration, any time may be set at predetermined intervals. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and initial phase calibration may continue to be performed while the scanning module 110 is driven. Specifically, when the image generating device is running, the scanning module 110 may also be running. Here, when the image generating device is not running, the scanning module 110 may also stop running. Therefore, the phase delay value when the scanning module 110 starts working again may be different from the phase delay value of the scanning unit output signal before the scanning module 110 stops running. Therefore, when the scanning module 110 continues to run with the operation of the image generating device, the initial phase calibration may be performed by emitting light every predetermined period until the scanning module 110 stops running.

[0788] Here, the image obtained by the controller 130 that is consistent with the reference image 5231 may mean that when light reception information based on light returned from the object O is obtained by the controller 130, information of pixels of a portion of the image obtained by the controller 130 in which the reference image 5231 is predicted to appear corresponds to information of pixels corresponding to the reference image 5231 at a specific level or higher.

[0789] Therefore, when the phase of the driving signal, the scanning unit driving signal, or the scanning unit output signal is initially delayed, the image obtained by the controller 130 using the light emitted from the scanning module 110 and returned from the reference pattern unit 5230 may not be consistent with the reference image 5231. Therefore, initial phase calibration may be performed so that the image of the reference pattern unit 5230 and the image obtained by the controller 130 may be consistent with each other.

[0790] When calibrating the phase of the driving signal (S5030), the phase value to be calibrated as found above can be used to calibrate the phase of the driving signal. For example, when the reference image 5231 is inconsistent with the image obtained by the controller 130, the phase of the driving signal, the scanning unit driving signal, or the scanning unit output signal can be adjusted so that the image obtained by the controller 130 using the input unit 140 of the controller 130 can be consistent with the reference image 5231 to perform the initial phase calibration method.

[0791] According to another embodiment, when the reference image 5231 is inconsistent with the image obtained by the controller 130, the controller 130 may use an algorithm to calibrate the delay phase of the drive signal, the scanning unit drive signal, or the scanning unit output signal to perform initial phase calibration. The phase calibration using the algorithm will be described below.

[0792] 7 Phase calibration using standard deviation

[0793] When the controller 130 applies a driving signal to the driving unit 1101, the phase of the driving signal and the phase of the scanning unit driving signal or the scanning unit output signal may be different from each other. Fig.38 As described, the signal 5000 before phase delay may be a driving signal, and the signal 5001 after phase delay may be a scanning unit driving signal or a scanning unit output signal.

[0794] Specifically, the light emitted by the scanning unit 1100 according to the scanning unit output signal may be returned from the object O due to the interaction (including reflection, scattering, refraction and diffraction) between the light and the object O, and the light receiving unit 123 may collect light receiving information by using the returned light. The controller 130 may obtain an image using the light receiving information.

[0795] In this case, when an image is generated using the driving signal and the light receiving information obtained by the controller 130, an image with clear resolution may not be obtained due to the phase delay between the driving signal and the scanning unit output signal. Therefore, when the phase delay of the driving signal is calibrated using the light receiving information obtained during scanning, real-time phase calibration can be performed, and the controller 130 can obtain an image with clear resolution. A method of obtaining and calibrating the phase delay using the light receiving information to calibrate the phase of the driving signal according to the phase delay value will be described below.

[0796] 7.1 Image Acquisition Scheme of Controller 130

[0797] Fig.521 is a diagram showing information to be stored in order for the controller 130 to obtain an image using a driving signal and the obtained light receiving information. Here, the position corresponding to the first signal may refer to a position corresponding to a signal applied in a first axis direction in the driving signal. In addition, the position corresponding to the second signal may refer to a position corresponding to a signal applied in a second axis direction orthogonal to the first axis in a signal for controlling the driving unit 1101. In addition, the acquisition signal value may be a signal including light receiving information obtained by the light receiving unit 123. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and information about the return light may be included in the acquisition signal value.

[0798] Specifically, the first axis direction may be the x-axis in a Cartesian coordinate system, and the second axis direction may be the y-axis in a Cartesian coordinate system. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may include any coordinate system for emitting light to the object O using a scanning pattern, such as a polar coordinate system. For ease of description, the following description assumes that a first signal is applied along a first axis direction corresponding to the x-axis in the Cartesian coordinate system, and a second signal is applied along a second axis direction corresponding to the y-axis in the Cartesian coordinate system. Therefore, the position corresponding to the first signal may refer to the x-axis coordinate value of the image obtained by the controller 130, and the position corresponding to the second signal may refer to the y-axis coordinate value of the image obtained by the controller 130. Here, the position corresponding to the first signal and the position corresponding to the second signal may indicate coordinate values ​​that vary over time.

[0799] In addition, as described above, the first axis direction and the second axis direction may be the same as the first axis direction and the second axis direction when the scanning unit 1100 is driven in the scanning module 110. The image obtained by the controller 130 may include a plurality of pixels. Therefore, the position corresponding to the first signal and the position corresponding to the second signal, that is, the x-axis coordinate value and the y-axis coordinate value of the image obtained by the controller 130 may indicate the position information of the plurality of pixels of the image obtained by the controller 130.

[0800] According to one embodiment, the position corresponding to the drive signal input by the controller 130 in order to drive the drive unit 1101 may be predetermined. For example, the controller 130 may apply a drive signal to the drive unit 1101 at intervals of a predetermined period. In this case, the controller 130 may obtain a position corresponding to the first signal at intervals of a predetermined period. Here, the predetermined period may be a frame rate (FR) at which the image generating device obtains an image. In this case, the position corresponding to the first signal may be represented as a first-first to first-nth position corresponding to n time points corresponding to a predetermined period. Here, the n time points corresponding to the predetermined period may be n time points uniformly distributed within the predetermined period. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the plurality of time points predetermined within the predetermined period may be n time points. In addition, the position corresponding to the second signal may be represented as a second-first to second-nth position corresponding to n time points corresponding to the predetermined period.

[0801] In addition, when the driving signal is input to the driving unit 1101, the driving unit 1101 may input a scanning driving signal to the scanning unit 1100, and when the scanning unit 1100 is driven by the scanning unit driving signal, the scanning unit 1100 may emit light to the object O according to the scanning unit output signal. In this case, the light emitted to the object O and returned from the object O according to the scanning unit output signal may be obtained by the light receiving unit 123 in the form of light receiving information. Fig.52 As shown, the controller 130 can obtain the light reception information obtained by the light receiving unit 123 as the acquisition signal value. That is, since the light receiving unit 123 sequentially obtains the light reception information within a predetermined period, the controller 130 can obtain the first to nth acquisition values ​​as the acquisition signal values. For ease of description, the format in which the controller 130 obtains the position corresponding to the first signal, the position corresponding to the second signal, and the acquisition signal value is represented as a data set.

[0802] Therefore, the controller 130 can obtain the position information of the pixel determined according to the position corresponding to the first signal (the first signal corresponds to the x-axis coordinate value of the image) and the position corresponding to the second signal (the second signal corresponds to the y-axis coordinate value of the image). The image can be provided using the information obtained by corresponding the sequentially obtained acquisition signal values ​​to the position information of the plurality of pixels, that is, by using the data set.

[0803] 7.1.1 Scheme of the controller 130 collecting phase-delay images or phase-calibrated images

[0804] The driving signal, the scanning unit driving signal and the scanning unit output signal may have different phases when the scanning module 110 scans the object O. For ease of description, the phases of the different driving signals, the scanning unit driving signals and the scanning unit output signals are represented as delayed phases below.

[0805] According to one embodiment, the phase delay may refer to that a position corresponding to the first signal or a position corresponding to the second signal at a predetermined time point within a predetermined period is different from a position at which the scanning unit output signal passes through the object O at the corresponding time point. Specifically, the scanning unit 1100 may receive a scanning unit driving signal, and may emit light to the object O according to the scanning unit output signal, where the scanning unit output signal is a signal output when the scanning unit 1100 is driven.

[0806] In this case, when the position information corresponding to the scanning unit output signal can be obtained, the controller 130 can provide an image so that the acquisition signal value corresponds to the pixel position of the image indicating the position corresponding to the scanning unit output signal. In this case, the image provided by the controller 130 can be an image without phase delay.

[0807] However, when an image is provided from the controller 130, the first signal and the second signal of the driving signal may be used to specify pixel position information in the image. In this case, when the driving signal and the scanning unit output signal are phase-delayed and thus become different from each other, the image obtained by the controller 130 using the position corresponding to the first signal, the position corresponding to the second signal, and the acquisition signal value may be a phase-delayed image.

[0808] Therefore, when the phase adjustment is performed so that the phase of the driving signal corresponds to the phase of the scanning unit output signal at a predetermined level or higher, the controller 130 can obtain an image without phase delay. Here, when the phase adjustment is performed so that the phase of the driving signal and the phase of the scanning unit output signal match at a predetermined level or higher, the phase of the driving signal can be adjusted using the input unit 140 of the controller 130. In addition, when the phase adjustment is performed so that the phase of the driving signal and the phase of the scanning unit output signal correspond to each other at a predetermined level or higher, the controller 130 can automatically adjust the phase of the driving signal using an algorithm. For ease of description, performing the phase adjustment so that the phase of the driving signal and the phase of the scanning unit output signal correspond to each other at a predetermined level or higher will be referred to as phase calibration below.

[0809] Fig.53 Table (a) shows a data set of information that can be collected when there is no phase delay. Fig.53 Table (b) shows a data set of information that can be collected when there is some phase delay.

[0810] According to one embodiment, reference Fig.53 As shown in Table (a), when the phase of the driving signal and the phase of the output signal of the scanning unit are not different, the multiple acquisition signal values ​​obtained at the specified pixel position can correspond to each other through the position corresponding to the first signal and the position corresponding to the second signal. Fig.53 In the table shown, in the data set values, the value X1 obtained at the position corresponding to the first signal and the value Y1 obtained at the position corresponding to the second signal can represent a pixel position in the image to be obtained. Therefore, the acquisition signal value I1 can be obtained at the pixel position represented by X1 and Y1.

[0811] In addition, the position corresponding to the first signal and the position corresponding to the second signal may appear repeatedly within a predetermined period. Therefore, a specified pixel position may appear repeatedly through the position corresponding to the first signal and the position corresponding to the second signal. Fig.53 As shown in Table (a), in the data set value, X1 obtained at the position corresponding to the first signal can be obtained again at the position corresponding to the first signal after a predetermined time point. In addition, Y1 obtained at the position corresponding to the second signal at the same time point as the time point when X1 is obtained can be obtained again at the position corresponding to the second signal after a predetermined time point. In this case, since the same acquisition signal value I1 is obtained at the pixel position corresponding to X1 and Y1 at different time points, there may be no phase delay between the drive signal and the output signal of the scanning unit.

[0812] According to another embodiment, reference Fig.53 As shown in Table (b), when the phase of the driving signal and the phase of the scanning unit output signal are different, the multiple acquisition signal values ​​obtained at the pixel positions specified by the position corresponding to the first signal and the position corresponding to the second signal may not correspond to each other. Fig.53 As shown in Table (b), in the data set values, the value X3 obtained at the position corresponding to the first signal and the value Y1 obtained at the position corresponding to the second signal can represent a pixel position in the image to be obtained. Therefore, the acquisition signal value I1 can be obtained at the pixel position represented by X3 and Y1.

[0813] In addition, the position corresponding to the first signal and the position corresponding to the second signal may appear repeatedly within a predetermined period. Therefore, a specified pixel position may appear repeatedly through the position corresponding to the first signal and the position corresponding to the second signal. Fig.53As shown in Table (b), in the data set value, X1 obtained at the position corresponding to the first signal can be obtained again at the position corresponding to the first signal after a predetermined time point. In addition, Y1 obtained at the position corresponding to the second signal at the same time point as the time point when X1 is obtained can be obtained again at the position corresponding to the second signal after a predetermined time point. In this case, since the values ​​of I2 and I3 are obtained at the pixel positions corresponding to X1 and Y1 at different time points, there may be a phase delay between the drive signal and the scanning unit output signal.

[0814] According to another embodiment, reference Fig.52 , Fig.53 (a) and Fig.53 (b), in order to calibrate the phase delay between the driving signal and the scanning unit output signal, the n position values ​​obtained in the data set at the position corresponding to the first signal or the position corresponding to the second signal can be obtained at another position according to the delayed phase. For example, when there is a phase delay in the first signal of the driving signal, the value obtained at the first-first position can be obtained at the 1st-nth position, and the value obtained at the first-nth position can be obtained at the 1st-(n-1)th position. Specifically, refer to Fig.53 (a) and Fig.53 (b), when the phase of the first signal is delayed, the phase component of the first signal can be adjusted so that X1 obtained at the first-second position can be obtained at the first-first position. Therefore, in the data set obtained by the controller 130, the controller 130 can obtain the position corresponding to the first signal as the phase adjustment value. In addition, when there is a phase delay in the position of the second signal corresponding to the driving signal, the value obtained at the second-first position can be obtained at the second-nth position, and the value obtained at the second-nth position can be obtained at the second-(n-1)th position. Specifically, referring to Fig.53 (a) and Fig.53 (b), when the phase of the second signal is delayed, the phase component of the second signal can be adjusted so that Y1 obtained at the second-second position can be obtained at the second-first position. Therefore, in the data set obtained by the controller 130, the controller 130 can obtain the position corresponding to the second signal as the phase adjustment value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when there is a phase delay between the positions of the first signal corresponding to the driving signal and the second signal, the values ​​obtained at the position corresponding to the first signal and the position corresponding to the second signal can be obtained at another position according to the delayed phase.

[0815] According to another embodiment, in order to calibrate the phase delay between the driving signal and the scanning unit output signal, the n values ​​obtained in the acquisition signal value due to the light receiving information can be obtained at the position of another obtained value according to the delayed phase. For example, the value obtained at the first obtained value position can be obtained at the obtained value position, and the value obtained at the nth obtained value position can be obtained at the (n-1)th obtained value position. Specifically, refer to Fig.53 As shown in Tables (a) and (b), when there is no phase delay, the value I1 obtained at the pixel position specified by X1 and Y1 when there is a phase delay can be obtained at the pixel position specified by X1 and Y1. That is, Fig.53 As shown in Table (b), the controller 130 can adjust the sequentially obtained acquisition signal values ​​so that I1 obtained for the first obtained value can be obtained at the second obtained value.

[0816] Therefore, the controller 130 may obtain a phase-calibrated image using a position corresponding to the first signal, a position corresponding to the second signal, or a phase-calibrated acquisition signal value.

[0817] An algorithm for obtaining phase delay using the standard deviation of the obtained image so that the controller 130 obtains the degree of phase delay will be described below.

[0818] 7.2 Collecting Phase Delay Values ​​Using Standard Deviation

[0819] In order to obtain the degree of phase delay between the driving signal and the scanning unit output signal, the acquisition signal value obtained by the controller 130 may be used. For example, in order to obtain the degree of phase delay between the driving signal and the scanning unit output signal, the controller 130 may obtain the phase delay value using the difference between the acquisition signal value predicted to be obtained in the same pixel of the image obtained by the controller 130 and the acquisition signal value including the standard deviation obtained at the actual prediction time.

[0820] In addition, the controller 130 can use the difference between the obtained signal value and the acquisition signal value including the standard deviation obtained in the same pixel to obtain the phase delay degree. It should be understood that the method of finding the difference between the acquisition signal values ​​is not limited to this. In addition to finding the standard deviation between the acquisition signal values, the average value and variance between the obtained signal values ​​and the absolute value of the difference between the acquisition signal values ​​can also be used to obtain the phase delay value. However, for ease of description, the following description assumes that the standard deviation is used to obtain the phase delay value.

[0821] 7.2.1 Using the predicted time point to collect standard deviation

[0822] Fig.54is a diagram showing pixels 5400 having acquisition signal values ​​expected at predicted time points of phase delay (hereinafter referred to as expected pixels corresponding to predicted time points) and pixels having acquisition signal values ​​obtained at actual predicted time points (hereinafter referred to as actual pixels according to predicted time points) along the path of light emitted from the scanning module 110.

[0823] According to one embodiment, reference Fig.54 , when a scanning pattern including a Lissajous pattern is formed according to the first signal or the second signal of the driving signal, the expected pixel 5400 corresponding to the predicted time point may refer to a pixel when different time points exist along the light path but are represented as the same pixel position. In this case, when the light passes through the expected pixel 5400 corresponding to the predicted time point along the light path, the direction in which the light travels at different time points may include a first scanning direction and a second scanning direction. The time point predicted when the light passes through the expected pixel 5400 corresponding to the predicted time point in the first scanning direction may be the first predicted time point, and the time point predicted when the light passes through the expected pixel 5400 corresponding to the predicted time point in the second scanning direction is the second predicted time point. Specifically, when the scanning unit output signal has a delayed phase compared to the driving signal, the signal value 5410 obtained according to the first predicted time point and the signal value 5420 obtained according to the second predicted time point may not be the signal value corresponding to the expected pixel 5400 corresponding to the predicted time point.

[0824] Fig.55 1 is a flow chart showing a process of performing phase calibration using differences between signal values ​​obtained at predicted time points. Specifically, phase calibration may include selecting pixels located at intersections of scanning directions, obtaining predicted time points, obtaining acquisition signal values ​​5410 corresponding to first predicted time points, obtaining acquisition signal values ​​5420 corresponding to second predicted time points, calculating differences between acquisition signal values ​​corresponding to predicted time points, and performing phase calibration.

[0825] refer to Fig.55, selecting a pixel located at the intersection of the scanning directions (S5100) may include selecting an expected pixel corresponding to a predicted time point when the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction meet each other. Specifically, there may be different scanning directions with respect to the path of light passing through a pixel. Therefore, when the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction meet in a scanning mode, the time point of the expected pixel 5400 corresponding to the predicted time point, the time point of the expected pixel corresponding to the predicted time point in the first scanning direction may be different from the expected pixel corresponding to the predicted time point in the second scanning direction. Therefore, when the intersection between the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction along the light path is selected, a pixel position can be represented at different predicted time points of the drive signal. Therefore, when the drive signal and the scanning unit output signal have different phases, the different obtained signal values ​​corresponding to the scanning unit output signal can represent different values. Therefore, any pixel corresponding to the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction can be selected from the drive signal.

[0826] In addition, reference Fig.55 , obtaining the predicted time point (S5110) may include obtaining, from the drive signal, a first time point expected to pass through an expected pixel corresponding to the predicted time point in the first scanning direction and a second time point expected to pass through an expected pixel corresponding to the predicted time point in the second scanning direction. Specifically, since a phase delay may occur between the drive signal and the output signal of the scanning unit, the acquisition signal values ​​obtained at the first time point and the second time point may be different when emitting light to the object O depending on the output signal of the scanning unit. Therefore, after obtaining the predicted time point predicted to pass through the expected pixel corresponding to the predicted time point according to the drive signal, the standard deviation between the acquisition signal values ​​obtained according to the output signal of the scanning unit can be found. Therefore, the first time point or the second time point, that is, the predicted time point predicted to pass through the expected pixel corresponding to the predicted time point selected from the drive signal, can be obtained.

[0827] In addition, reference Fig.55, obtaining a collection signal value corresponding to a first predicted time point (S5120) and obtaining a collection signal value corresponding to a second predicted time point (S5130) may include: when the controller 130 emits light to the object O according to the scanning unit output signal and uses the return light to obtain the collection signal value, obtaining the first predicted time point and the second predicted time point corresponding to the scanning unit output signal. Specifically, since the phase of the driving signal and the phase of the scanning unit output signal may be different, it is necessary to obtain a signal value from the expected pixel corresponding to the predicted time point according to the driving signal. However, the signal values ​​corresponding to the first predicted time point and the second predicted time point in the scanning unit output signal may be different. Therefore, the phase delay value can be obtained using the collection signal value corresponding to the first predicted time point that can be collected according to the first predicted time point and the collection signal value corresponding to the second predicted time point in the scanning unit output that can be collected according to the second predicted time point. However, Fig.55 The acquisition signal value corresponding to the first predicted time point and the acquisition signal value corresponding to the second predicted time point are sequentially shown. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the acquisition signal value corresponding to the second predicted time point may be obtained before the acquisition signal value corresponding to the first predicted time point. Therefore, the drive signal may contain a first time point or a second time point predicted to represent an expected pixel corresponding to the predicted time point, and the signal value corresponding to the output signal of the scanning unit obtained at the first time point or the second time point may be obtained.

[0828] In addition, reference Fig.55, calculating the difference between the acquisition signal values ​​at the prediction time point (S5140) may include calculating the standard deviation between the acquisition signal value corresponding to the first prediction time point and the acquisition signal value corresponding to the second prediction time point. Specifically, when a phase delay occurs between the drive signal and the output signal of the scanning unit, the signal obtained from the expected pixel corresponding to the prediction time point corresponding to the drive signal may be different from the acquisition signal value corresponding to the first prediction time point or the acquisition signal value corresponding to the second prediction time point. However, when the acquisition signal value corresponding to the first prediction time point and the acquisition signal value corresponding to the second prediction time point match at a predetermined level or higher, the acquisition signal value corresponding to the first prediction time point and the acquisition signal value corresponding to the second prediction time may indicate the same pixel in the image obtained by the controller 130, or may indicate a pixel adjacent to the expected pixel corresponding to the prediction time point. Therefore, when the acquisition signal value corresponding to the first prediction time point and the acquisition signal value corresponding to the second prediction time point match at a predetermined level or higher, the standard deviation between the obtained signal values ​​may be small. Therefore, when the standard deviation is small, the phase delay value between the drive signal and the output signal of the scanning unit may be small. Alternatively, when the acquisition signal value corresponding to the first prediction time point and the acquisition signal value corresponding to the second prediction time point match each other differently, the acquisition signal value may represent a pixel that is not adjacent to the expected pixel corresponding to the prediction time point. Therefore, when the acquisition signal value corresponding to the first prediction time point and the acquisition signal value corresponding to the second prediction time point are different, the standard deviation between the obtained signal values ​​may be large. Therefore, when the standard deviation is large, the phase delay value between the drive signal and the output signal of the scanning unit may be large. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the standard deviat...

Claims

1. An image generating device for obtaining an image of an object by radiating light, characterized in that include: a control module configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase component in a first axis direction, and to generate a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; a scanning unit configured to radiate light toward the object based on the first signal and the second signal; as well as a light receiving unit configured to obtain light information based on light returned from the object, Wherein, the control module is configured as follows: Obtaining a first data set based on the first signal, the second signal, and the light information at each time point, wherein the first data set includes light intensity values, each of the light intensity values ​​corresponding to each pixel position determined based on the first signal and the second signal at each time point; obtaining a second data set based on the first data set by adjusting at least one of the first phase component of the first signal or the second phase component of the second signal; selecting between the first data set and the second data set based on at least one difference between a plurality of light intensity values ​​corresponding to each common pixel position in each of the first data set and the second data set, and An image of the object is generated based on the selected data set.

2. The image generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module is configured to generate the image of the object based on a data set in which a sum of differences between the plurality of light intensity values ​​corresponding to each identical pixel position is minimized.

3. The image generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The difference between the plurality of light intensity values ​​comprises a variance or a standard deviation of the plurality of light intensity values.

4. The image generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first data set includes: a first light intensity value corresponding to a first pixel position determined at a first time point based on the first signal and the second signal; and a second light intensity value corresponding to a second pixel position determined based on the first signal and the second signal at a second time point, and The second data set includes the first light intensity value corresponding to a third pixel position determined by adjusting at least one of the first phase component of the first signal or the second phase component of the second signal at the first time point.

5. The image generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second data set is obtained by adjusting a phase component of a signal having a lower frequency among the first signal and the second signal.

6. The image generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Light intensity values ​​corresponding to corresponding pixel positions included in the second data set are determined based on light intensity values ​​corresponding to corresponding pixel positions included in the first data set, the corresponding pixel positions included in the second data set being offset from the corresponding pixel positions included in the first data set.

7. The image generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module is configured to determine a phase component corresponding to the selected data set as a final correction phase for correcting at least one of the first signal or the second signal.

8. The image generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In case the second data set is selected, a third data set is obtained based on the second data set by adjusting a phase component used to obtain the second data set by a second phase adjustment variation amount, and Wherein, the image is generated based on the second data set when the second data set is selected from the second data set and the third data set based on at least one difference between multiple light intensity values ​​corresponding to each same pixel position of each of the second data set and the third data set.

9. The image generating device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second data set is obtained based on the first data set by adjusting at least one of the first phase component of the first signal or the second phase component of the second signal by a first phase adjustment change amount, The first change amount and the second change amount are integer multiples of the reference phase change amount. The reference phase change amount is set based on at least one of the first filling factor or the second filling factor, The first filling factor is determined by the first signal and the second signal included in the first data set, wherein the second fill factor is determined by a signal included in the second data set, and Each of the first filling factor and the second filling factor represents a ratio of an area illuminated by light from the image generating device to a predetermined area.

10. The image generating device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first data set includes a signal in which the first phase component of the first signal is changed by π / 2 and a signal in which the second phase component of the second signal is changed by π / 2.

11. A method performed by an image generating device for obtaining an image of an object, characterized in that include: generating a first signal having a first frequency component and a first phase component in a first axis direction, and generating a second signal having a second frequency component and a second phase component in a second axis direction; radiating light toward the object based on the first signal and the second signal; as well as obtaining light information based on light returned from the object; Obtaining a first data set based on the first signal, the second signal, and the light information at each time point, wherein the first data set includes light intensity values, each of the light intensity values ​​corresponding to each pixel position determined based on the first signal and the second signal at each time point; obtaining a second data set based on the first data set by adjusting at least one of the first phase component of the first signal or the second phase component of the second signal; selecting among the first data set and the second data set based on at least one difference between a plurality of light intensity values ​​corresponding to each common pixel location in each of the first data set and the second data set; and An image of the object is generated based on the selected data set.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The image of the object is generated based on a data set in which a sum of differences between the plurality of light intensity values ​​corresponding to each identical pixel position is minimized.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The difference between the plurality of light intensity values ​​comprises a variance or a standard deviation of the plurality of light intensity values.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The first data set includes: a first light intensity value corresponding to a first pixel position determined at a first time point based on the first signal and the second signal; and a second light intensity value corresponding to a second pixel position determined based on the first signal and the second signal at a second time point, and The second data set includes the first light intensity value corresponding to a third pixel position determined by adjusting at least one of the first phase component of the first signal or the second phase component of the second signal at the first time point.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The second data set is obtained by adjusting a phase component of a signal having a lower frequency among the first signal and the second signal.

16. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that Light intensity values ​​corresponding to corresponding pixel positions included in the second data set are determined based on light intensity values ​​corresponding to corresponding pixel positions included in the first data set, the corresponding pixel positions included in the second data set being offset from the corresponding pixel positions included in the first data set.

17. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that A phase component corresponding to the selected data set is determined as a final correction phase for correcting at least one of the first signal or the second signal.

18. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that In case the second data set is selected, obtaining a third data set based on the second data set by adjusting a phase component used to obtain the second data set by a second phase adjustment variation amount; as well as The image is generated based on the second data set, where the second data set is selected from the second data set and the third data set based on at least one difference between a plurality of light intensity values ​​corresponding to each same pixel position of each of the second data set and the third data set.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The second data set is obtained based on the first data set by adjusting at least one of the first phase component of the first signal or the second phase component of the second signal by a first phase adjustment change amount, The first change amount and the second change amount are integer multiples of the reference phase change amount. The reference phase change amount is set based on at least one of the first filling factor or the second filling factor, The first filling factor is determined by the first signal and the second signal included in the first data set, wherein the second fill factor is determined by a signal included in the second data set, and Each of the first filling factor and the second filling factor represents a ratio of an area illuminated by light from the image generating device to a predetermined area.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The first data set includes a signal in which the first phase component of the first signal is changed by π / 2 and a signal in which the second phase component of the second signal is changed by π / 2.

Images