Light emitting device and distance measuring device

Abstract

[Problem] To suppress fluctuations in light emission characteristics and achieve size reduction and low power consumption. [Solution] This light-emitting device is provided with: a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a two-dimensional array and each having a first terminal and a second terminal; m first wirings extending in a first direction; and N second wirings extending in a second direction crossing the first direction and connected to the M first wirings, respectively, and the light emitting device includes: a plurality of first terminal wirings connected to the first terminals of the light emitting elements; a plurality of second terminal wirings connected to second terminals of the light-emitting elements and connected to the P number of light-emitting elements, respectively; a plurality of selection circuits respectively connected to any one of the plurality of first terminal wirings or the plurality of second terminal wirings and selecting corresponding light emitting elements; a plurality of driving circuits connected to the other of the plurality of first terminal wirings and the plurality of second terminal wirings, and driving the corresponding light emitting elements; and a control unit that controls at least one of a light emission number, a light emission interval, a light emission power, and a light emission pulse width of the plurality of light emitting elements based on the input information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to light-emitting devices and distance measuring devices. Background Technology

[0002] One method for acquiring ranging information is LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). In LiDAR, light is shone on the object from which ranging information is desired, and the distance is estimated based on the reflected light from the target. A common method used in LiDAR is the Time-of-Flight (ToF) method, which measures the spatial propagation time of light. In the ToF method, ranging information is obtained by measuring the time it takes for light emitted from a light source to strike an object and return.

[0003] In a ranging system employing the Time-of-Flight (ToF) method, a structure where the light-emitting and light-receiving parts do not include physically movable components is called a solid-state LiDAR. In a solid-state LiDAR, an array of light-emitting elements is used to select and emit light, projecting it onto the target illumination area. Light emitted by the light-emitting element (also called the light-emitting channel) located in the selected light-emitting part is reflected by the object and received by the light-receiving element corresponding to the light-emitting channel on the light-receiving side. The light-emitting part of the light-emitting device can emit light only from any one light-emitting channel by using a light source in which laser diodes are arranged in an array, a laser driver capable of matrix driving to drive the selected light-emitting channel, and a driving circuit. When a multi-channel VCSEL is used as the light-emitting device, individual driving and emission with high power and short pulses can be performed (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Reference List

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-96169 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0008] The light-emitting device described in Patent Document 1 includes a capacitor for each light-emitting element to allow current to flow through each element. Therefore, in light-emitting devices comprising a very large number of light-emitting channels (e.g., LiDAR), the arrangement becomes complex due to the increased number of capacitors and the wiring connected to them, leading to an increase in the absolute value and in-plane variation of parasitic inductance. Consequently, variations in light-emitting characteristics, such as the luminous power and luminous cycle of each light-emitting element, increase, and high power and short pulses cannot be achieved. Furthermore, with a very large number of light-emitting channels, the increased number of capacitors and wiring results in a larger light-emitting module, making miniaturization difficult and increasing power consumption.

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure provides a light-emitting device and a ranging device that can suppress changes in light-emitting characteristics and achieve miniaturization and low power consumption.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] To address the aforementioned problems, according to this disclosure, a light-emitting device is provided, comprising: Multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a two-dimensional array, and each light-emitting element includes a first terminal and a second terminal; Multiple first terminal wirings include M first wirings (M is an integer greater than 2) extending in a first direction and N second wirings (N is an integer greater than 2) extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and electrically connected to the M first wirings respectively. The multiple first terminal wirings are electrically connected to the first terminal of the light-emitting element. Multiple second-terminal wirings are electrically connected to the second terminals of the light-emitting elements, and each of the multiple second-terminal wirings is electrically connected to P light-emitting elements (P is an integer greater than 2). Multiple selection circuits are connected to one of multiple first terminal wirings and multiple second terminal wirings, respectively, and each selects the corresponding light-emitting element; Multiple driving circuits are respectively connected to the other side of multiple first terminal wirings and multiple second terminal wirings, and respectively drive the corresponding light-emitting elements; and The control unit controls at least one of the following parameters based on input information: the number of times a light-emitting element emits light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width: N is an integer that is the same as or different from M, and P is an integer that is the same as or different from at least one of M and N.

[0012] The control unit can select the light-emitting element to emit light from multiple light-emitting elements based on the input information.

[0013] The control unit can control the light emission sequence of multiple light-emitting elements based on input information.

[0014] A first substrate, comprising multiple light-emitting elements; and

[0015] The second substrate is laminated on the first substrate and includes multiple selection circuits, multiple drive circuits, and a control unit.

[0016] The input information may include temperature information around multiple light-emitting elements, and the control unit may select the light-emitting element to emit light from among the multiple light-emitting elements based on the temperature information.

[0017] A drive unit can be configured to include multiple selection circuits and multiple drive circuits, and

[0018] Input information may include information provided by the driver unit.

[0019] The information provided from the driving unit may include at least one of the following: the number of times each light-emitting element emits light, the light emission interval, the light emission power, and the light emission pulse width.

[0020] The input information may include ranging information measured using light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements.

[0021] Based on the ranging information included in the input information, the control unit can control at least one of the following: the number of times a light-emitting element emits light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width, according to the measured distance.

[0022] Input information may include information provided from the host device.

[0023] The information provided from the host device may include the vehicle speed information of the vehicle on which the host device is installed.

[0024] The control unit can control at least one of the following parameters based on vehicle speed information: the number of times a light-emitting element emits light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width.

[0025] The host device or ranging unit can perform light emission control on two or more light-emitting elements that emit light in the region of interest (ROI) among a plurality of light-emitting elements, and

[0026] The control unit can control at least one of the following: the number of times a light-emitting element emits light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width, based on at least one of the position and size of the ROI region.

[0027] According to this disclosure, a ranging device is provided, comprising: A light-emitting device emits light toward a ranging target; and a control unit, including a ranging unit, receives light reflected from the ranging target and measures the distance to the ranging target. The light-emitting device includes: Multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a two-dimensional array, and each light-emitting element includes a first terminal and a second terminal; Multiple first terminal wirings include M first wirings (M is an integer greater than 2) extending in a first direction and N second wirings (N is an integer greater than 2) extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and electrically connected to the M first wirings respectively. The multiple first terminal wirings are electrically connected to the first terminal of the light-emitting element. Multiple second-terminal wirings are electrically connected to the second terminals of the light-emitting elements, and each of the multiple second-terminal wirings is electrically connected to P light-emitting elements (P is an integer greater than 2). Multiple selection circuits are respectively connected to one of multiple first terminal wirings and multiple second terminal wirings, and each selects the corresponding light-emitting element; and Multiple driving circuits are respectively connected to another of multiple first terminal wirings and multiple second terminal wirings, and respectively drive the corresponding light-emitting elements, and The control unit controls at least one of the following parameters based on input information: the number of times a light-emitting element emits light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width.

[0028] Input information may include information provided from the light-emitting device.

[0029] The information provided by the light-emitting device may include temperature information around multiple light-emitting elements, and

[0030] The control unit can select the light-emitting element to emit light from multiple light-emitting elements based on temperature information.

[0031] The information provided from the light-emitting device may include at least one of the following: the number of times light is emitted by multiple light-emitting elements, the light emission interval, the light emission power, and the light emission pulse width.

[0032] The control unit can select the light-emitting element to emit light from multiple light-emitting elements based on the input information.

[0033] The control unit can control the light emission sequence of multiple light-emitting elements based on input information.

[0034] Input information may include ranging information or information provided from the host device.

[0035] The information provided from the host device may include the vehicle speed information of the vehicle on which the host device is installed. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a circuit diagram of the light-emitting device according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a light-emitting device with a VCSEL structure.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a waveform diagram of the output current from the LDD substrate to each light-emitting element.

[0039] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the light-emitting device according to the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 4B This is a plan view showing the structure of the light-emitting device according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the light-emitting device according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of side-by-side mounting on a mounting substrate.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of the ranging device according to the first embodiment in the light-emitting device according to this embodiment.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a circuit diagram of a light-emitting device according to a first variation of an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 9 It shows the basis Figure 7 The flowchart shows the processing operation of the ranging device of the first embodiment shown.

[0046] Figure 10A This is a diagram showing the waveform of light pulse signals emitted from multiple light-emitting elements.

[0047] Figure 10B This is a diagram showing the waveform when control is applied to reduce the emission power of the light pulse signal.

[0048] Figure 10C This is a diagram showing the waveform when control is executed to narrow the pulse width of the optical pulse signal.

[0049] Figure 10D This is a diagram showing the waveform when the control of the interval-removing optical pulse signal is executed.

[0050] Figure 11A It is a diagram showing the light-emitting positions of all light-emitting elements and the light-receiving positions of all light-receiving elements in the light-receiving section.

[0051] Figure 11B This is a diagram showing the light-emitting position of the light-emitting element in the ROI and the light-receiving position of the corresponding light-receiving element in the light-receiving section.

[0052] Figure 12 This is a block diagram of a distance measuring device according to the second embodiment of the light-emitting device of this embodiment.

[0053] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 The flowchart shows the processing operation of the ranging device in the process.

[0054] Figure 14 This is a circuit diagram of a light-emitting device according to a second variation of one embodiment.

[0055] Figure 15 This is a circuit diagram of a light-emitting device according to a first variation of one embodiment.

[0056] Figure 16This is a circuit diagram of a light-emitting device according to a second variation of one embodiment.

[0057] Figure 17 This is a circuit diagram of a light-emitting device according to a third variation of one embodiment.

[0058] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Detailed circuit diagram around the light-emitting element.

[0059] Figure 19A It is a circuit diagram based on the driving circuit of the first variant.

[0060] Figure 19B It is a circuit diagram based on the driving circuit of the second variation.

[0061] Figure 19C It is a circuit diagram based on the driving circuit of the third variation.

[0062] Figure 20A This is an illustration of an STL method.

[0063] Figure 20B This is an illustration of the ranging principle of the STL method.

[0064] Figure 21 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle control system.

[0065] Figure 22 This is an example diagram showing the installation location of the vehicle exterior information detection unit and the imaging unit. Detailed Implementation

[0066] In the following description, embodiments of the light-emitting device and the distance-measuring device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the main components of the light-emitting device and the distance-measuring device will be described primarily below, the light-emitting device and the distance-measuring device may have components or functions not shown or described. The following description is not intended to exclude components or functions not shown or described.

[0067] (First Implementation)

[0068] Figure 1 This is a circuit diagram of the light-emitting device 1 according to the first embodiment. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the light-emitting device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 23 arranged in a two-dimensional array and a plurality of transistors 24 electrically connected to the light-emitting elements 23. These transistors 24 are, for example, N-channel MOS transistors. Figure 1 An example of a light-emitting device 1 according to a first embodiment is shown, comprising a 9×9 array of light-emitting elements 23 and a 9×9 array of transistors 24. Therefore, Figure 1The light-emitting device 1 shown includes a 9ch (channel) × 9ch array of light-emitting elements. Note that the number of channels in the light-emitting element array is arbitrary.

[0069] like Figure 1 As shown, the light-emitting device 1 according to the first embodiment further includes a first anode wiring 31, a second anode wiring 32, a third anode wiring 33, a plurality of first capacitors 34, a plurality of second capacitors 35, a plurality of third capacitors 36, a first selection circuit 37, a second selection circuit 38, a third selection circuit 39, a plurality of cathode wirings 41, and a plurality of gate wirings 42. The first anode wirings 31 to the third anode wirings 33 are examples of the first terminal wirings of this disclosure, and the cathode wirings 41 are examples of the second terminal wirings of this disclosure. Furthermore, the first capacitors 34 to the third capacitors 36 are examples of the first to Mth capacitors of this disclosure, and the first selection circuits 37 to the third selection circuits 39 are examples of the first to Mth selection circuits of this disclosure (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2). Figure 1 An example where M is 3 is shown.

[0070] The first terminal wiring includes M first wirings (M is an integer greater than 2) 31a, 32a, 33a extending along the first direction X, and N second wirings (N is an integer greater than 2) 31b, 32b, 33b extending along the second direction Y intersecting the first direction X and electrically connected to the M first wirings 31a, 32a, 33a respectively. Figure 1 An example with M = N = 3 is shown. First terminal wiring is electrically connected to the first terminals of a plurality of light-emitting elements 23. Here, the first wiring 31a and the second wiring 31b connected to each other are referred to as the first anode wiring 31, the second wiring 32a and the second wiring 32b connected to each other are referred to as the second anode wiring 32, and the third wiring 33a and the third wiring 33b connected to each other are referred to as the third anode wiring 33. Furthermore, in this document, the first direction X may be referred to as the horizontal direction, and the second direction Y may be referred to as the vertical direction. Additionally, in the following text, one of the first terminal wiring and the plurality of second terminal wirings may be referred to as the anode wiring, while the other of the first terminal wiring and the plurality of second terminal wirings may be referred to as the cathode wiring.

[0071] The light-emitting device 1 according to the first embodiment includes L groups of first anode wiring 31 to third anode wiring 33 (L is an integer greater than or equal to 1), each group including first anode wiring 31 to third anode wiring 33. Figure 1 An example with L = 5 is shown.

[0072] The five sets of first anode wirings 31 include: a plurality (e.g., five) of first wirings 31a extending in a first direction X (horizontal direction) and arranged along a second direction Y (vertical direction); and a plurality (e.g., five) of second wirings 31b extending in the second direction Y (vertical direction) and arranged along the first direction X (horizontal direction). Here, the first wirings 31a may be referred to as first horizontal wirings 31a, and the second wirings 31b may be referred to as first vertical wirings 31b.

[0073] The five sets of second anode wirings 32 include: a plurality (e.g., five) of first wirings 32a extending in a first direction X (horizontal direction) and arranged along a second direction Y (vertical direction); and a plurality (e.g., five) of second wirings 32b extending in the second direction Y (vertical direction) and arranged along the first direction X (horizontal direction). Here, the first wirings 32a are referred to as second horizontal wirings 32a, and the second wirings 32b are referred to as second vertical wirings 32b.

[0074] The five sets of third anode wiring 33 include: a plurality (e.g., five) of first wirings 33a extending in the first direction X (horizontal direction) and arranged along the second direction Y (vertical direction); and a plurality (e.g., five) of second wirings 33b extending in the second direction Y (vertical direction) and arranged along the first direction X (horizontal direction). Here, the first wirings 33a may be referred to as third horizontal wirings 33a, and the second wirings 33b may be referred to as third vertical wirings 33b.

[0075] Figure 1 An example is shown of a light-emitting device 1 according to a first embodiment, comprising five first horizontal wirings 31a, five first vertical wirings 31b, five second horizontal wirings 32a, five second vertical wirings 32b, five third horizontal wirings 33a, and five third vertical wirings 33b. Figure 1 This illustrates an example providing L groups of M first wirings and N second wirings. When represented by L, M, and N, Figure 1 The number of light-emitting elements 23 shown is M(L-2)×N(L-2).

[0076] Note that the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33 may include the first to the Mth horizontal wirings of the La group and the first to the Nth vertical wirings of the Lb group (La and Lb are integers greater than 2 that satisfy La ≠ Lb). In this case, the number of light-emitting elements 23 of the light-emitting device 1 is M(La-2) × N(Lb-2).

[0077] The first selection circuit 37 includes transistors 37a and 37b connected in series. Similarly, the second selection circuit 38 includes transistors 38a and 38b connected in series. Similarly, the third selection circuit 39 includes transistors 39a and 39b connected in series. Transistors 37a, 38a, and 39a are, for example, P-channel MOS transistors. Transistors 37b, 38b, and 39b are, for example, N-channel MOS transistors. Transistors 37a, 38a, and 39a are examples of the first switch of this disclosure. Transistors 37b, 38b, and 39b are examples of the second switch of this disclosure.

[0078] [First anode wiring 31 to third anode wiring 33] in Figure 1 In order to distinguish the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33 from each other, the first anode wiring 31 is represented by a thick solid line, the second anode wiring 32 is represented by a thick dashed line, and the third anode wiring 33 is represented by a thin solid line.

[0079] The first anode wiring 31 has a structure in which a plurality of first horizontal wirings 31a and a plurality of first vertical wirings 31b are arranged in a mesh. The first horizontal wirings 31a and the first vertical wirings 31b are electrically connected at their intersections. Similarly, the second anode wiring 32 includes a plurality of second horizontal wirings 32a and a plurality of second vertical wirings 32b that are electrically connected to each other, and the third anode wiring 33 includes a plurality of third horizontal wirings 33a and a plurality of third vertical wirings 33b that are electrically connected to each other. On the other hand, the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33 are electrically isolated from each other.

[0080] The first horizontal wiring 31a to the third horizontal wiring 33a extend in the first direction X (horizontal direction) and are adjacent to each other in the second direction Y (vertical direction). The first horizontal wiring 31a to the third horizontal wiring 33a... Figure 1 The first horizontal wiring 31a to the third horizontal wiring 33a may extend in a straight line in the first direction X, but may extend in a curved shape in the first direction X. That is, the first horizontal wiring 31a to the third horizontal wiring 33a may include curved portions.

[0081] On the other hand, the first vertical wiring 31b to the third vertical wiring 33b extend in the second direction Y and are adjacent to each other in the first direction X. The first vertical wiring 31b to the third vertical wiring 33b... Figure 1 It extends linearly in the second direction Y, but it can also extend curvedly in the second direction Y. That is, the first vertical wiring 31b to the third vertical wiring 33b can also have curved portions.

[0082] Figure 1 Five groups of first horizontal wiring (first wiring) 31a to third horizontal wiring 33a are shown. Figure 1In the middle, the first horizontal wiring 31a to the third horizontal wiring 33a of the first group, the second group, the third group, the fourth group, and the fifth group are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. In each group, the first horizontal wiring 31a, the second horizontal wiring 32a, and the third horizontal wiring 33a are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The first horizontal wiring 31a to the third horizontal wiring 33a of the first group and the first horizontal wiring 31a to the third horizontal wiring 33a of the fifth group are arranged in a 9×9 array sandwiching the light-emitting element 23. The first horizontal wiring 31a to the third horizontal wiring 33a of the second to fourth groups are arranged along the columns of (9) light-emitting elements 23, respectively.

[0083] Figure 1 Five sets of first to third vertical wiring (second wiring) 31b to 33b are also shown. Figure 1 In the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth groups, the first vertical wiring 31b to the third vertical wiring 33b are arranged sequentially from left to right. Within each group, the first vertical wiring 31b, second vertical wiring 32b, and third vertical wiring 33b are arranged sequentially from left to right. The first vertical wiring 31b to the third vertical wiring 33b of the first group and the first vertical wiring 31b to the third vertical wiring 33b of the fifth group are arranged in a 9×9 array sandwiching the light-emitting elements 23. The first vertical wiring 31b to the third vertical wiring 33b of the second to fourth groups are arranged along the columns of (9) light-emitting elements 23, respectively.

[0084] The anode of each light-emitting element 23 is electrically connected to any one of the vertical wires 31b to 33b in the first to third vertical wires 33b group. For example, the leftmost column of light-emitting elements 23 is electrically connected to the first vertical wire 31b in the second group of first to third vertical wires 33b. Furthermore, the rightmost column of light-emitting elements 23 is electrically connected to the third vertical wire 33b in the fourth group of first to third vertical wires 33b. Alternatively, the anode of each light-emitting element 23 may not be electrically connected to any one of the first to third vertical wires 31b to 33b, but rather to any one of the first to third horizontal wires 31a to 33a. The anode is an example of the first terminal of this disclosure.

[0085] [Cathode Wiring 41] Each cathode wiring 41 extends in the first direction X and is electrically connected to the cathodes of three light-emitting elements 23. Specifically, the cathode wiring 41 is electrically connected to a light-emitting element 23 electrically connected to the first vertical wiring 31b, a light-emitting element 23 electrically connected to the second vertical wiring 32b, and a light-emitting element 23 electrically connected to the third vertical wiring 33b, respectively. These three light-emitting elements 23 are adjacent to each other in the first direction X. Figure 1Twenty-seven cathode wirings 41 are shown for 81 light-emitting elements 23. The cathode is an example of the second terminal of this disclosure. The number of light-emitting elements 23 connected to each cathode wiring 41 is not limited to three. P (where P is an integer greater than 2) cathodes of light-emitting elements 23 may be electrically connected to each cathode wiring 41.

[0086] In the above description, an example has been described where multiple light-emitting elements 23 are connected to first to M horizontal wirings, first to N vertical wirings, and multiple second terminal wirings electrically connected to P light-emitting elements. However, the light-emitting device according to this disclosure does not need to include all wirings in the first to M horizontal wirings, first to N vertical wirings, and multiple second terminal wirings electrically connected to P light-emitting elements. For example, a configuration in which multiple light-emitting devices can be connected to the first to M horizontal wirings, a single vertical wiring, and a single second terminal wiring can be used.

[0087] Each light-emitting element 23 is disposed between a corresponding anode wiring (i.e., any one of the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33) and a corresponding cathode wiring (i.e., any one of the plurality of cathode wirings 41). Each light-emitting element 23 emits light when current flows between the corresponding anode wiring and the corresponding cathode wiring.

[0088] [Gate wiring 42] Each gate wiring 42 extends in the first direction X and is electrically connected to the gate of three transistors 24. The sources of these three transistors 24 are electrically connected to ground wiring (GND), and their drains are electrically connected to the same cathode wiring 41. These three transistors 24 form a drive circuit E. Figure 1 The diagram shows 27 gate wirings 42 for 81 transistors 24.

[0089] Each drive circuit E is electrically connected to the cathodes of the three light-emitting elements 23 via a cathode wiring 41. Each drive circuit E (output stage) E is used to drive the light-emitting elements 23 to generate (output) light from the light-emitting elements 23. For example, in the case of generating light from the light-emitting elements 23, a predetermined signal is applied to the gate wiring 42 of the drive circuit E of the light-emitting elements 23. This turns on the source and drain of each transistor 24 in the drive circuit E, thereby allowing current to flow through the light-emitting elements 23. When current flows through the light-emitting elements 23, light is generated from the light-emitting elements 23. Figure 1 The light-emitting device 1 shown includes 27 driving circuits E for 81 light-emitting elements 23.

[0090] [First Selection Circuit 37 to Third Selection Circuit 39] The first selection circuit 37 to the third selection circuit 39 are respectively electrically connected to the first horizontal wiring 31a to the third horizontal wiring 33a of the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33. The first selection circuit 37 is used to select the light-emitting element 23 electrically connected to the first anode wiring 31 as the light-emitting element 23 that generates light. The second selection circuit 38 is used to select the light-emitting element 23 electrically connected to the second anode wiring 32 as the light-emitting element 23 that generates light. The third selection circuit 39 is used to select the light-emitting element 23 electrically connected to the third anode wiring 33 as the light-emitting element 23 that generates light. The first selection circuit 37 to the third selection circuit 39 may be electrically connected to the first vertical wiring 31b to the third vertical wiring 33b of the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33, instead of the first horizontal wiring 31a to the third horizontal wiring 33a of the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33.

[0091] The first selection circuit 37 includes transistors 37a and 37b. The source of transistor 37a is electrically connected to a power supply line (VDD), and the source of transistor 37b is electrically connected to a ground line. The drains of transistors 37a and 37b are electrically connected to a first anode line 31. The first selection circuit 37 is electrically connected to each first capacitor 34 via the first anode line 31.

[0092] Transistor 37a is used to accumulate charge in each of the first capacitors 34. Transistor 37b is used to discharge the first capacitors 34. When a predetermined signal is applied to the gate of transistor 37a, charge accumulates in each of the first capacitors 34. When a predetermined signal is applied to the gate of transistor 37b, the first capacitors 34 are discharged. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by using the first selection circuit 37 to selectively accumulate charge in the first capacitors 34 to the third capacitors 36, current can flow through each light-emitting element 23 electrically connected to the first anode wiring 31.

[0093] like Figure 1 As shown, the second selection circuit 38 and the third selection circuit 39 are structurally similar to the first selection circuit 37. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the second selection circuit 38 is used to accumulate charge in each of the second capacitors 35, allowing current to flow through each light-emitting element 23 electrically connected to the second anode wiring 32. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the third selection circuit 39 is used to accumulate charge in each of the third capacitors 36, allowing current to flow through each light-emitting element 23 electrically connected to the third anode wiring 33.

[0094] [First capacitor 34 to third capacitor 36] The first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36 are respectively electrically connected to the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33. Each first capacitor 34 accumulates the charge to be supplied to the light-emitting element 23 electrically connected to the first anode wiring 31. Each second capacitor 35 accumulates the charge to be supplied to the light-emitting element 23 electrically connected to the second anode wiring 32. Each third capacitor 36 accumulates the charge to be supplied to the light-emitting element 23 electrically connected to the third anode wiring 33. According to this embodiment, supplying charge to each light-emitting element 23 from the first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36 allows current to flow through each light-emitting element 23. Each of the first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36 includes a first electrode electrically connected to any one of the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33 and another electrode electrically connected to a ground wiring.

[0095] Figure 1 The light-emitting device 1 shown includes an array of light-emitting elements, comprising a 9×9 array of light-emitting elements 23 arranged in a two-dimensional array. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the array of light-emitting elements has a substantially square shape in the planar view. Figure 1 The light-emitting device 1 shown includes four sets of first capacitors 34 to third capacitors 36 near the four sides of a square. Specifically, Figure 1 The illustrated light-emitting device 1 includes a first capacitor 34 to a third capacitor 36 in a first group located near the top edge of the square, a second group of first capacitors 34 to a third capacitor 36 located near the right side of the square, a third group of first capacitors 34 to a third capacitor 36 located near the bottom edge of the square, and a fourth group of first capacitors 34 to a third capacitor 36 located near the left side of the square. These first capacitors 34 to third capacitors 36 are examples of K groups of the first to Nth capacitors of this disclosure (K is an integer greater than or equal to 2). Figure 1 An example with K=4 is shown.

[0096] The first capacitors 34 to 36 of the first and third groups are electrically connected to the first horizontal wirings 31a to 33a of the first anode wirings 31 to 333, respectively. Conversely, the first capacitors 34 to 36 of the second and fourth groups are electrically connected to the first vertical wirings 31b to 33b of the first anode wirings 31 to 333, respectively. Therefore, Figure 1 The first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36 shown are electrically connected to the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33, respectively.

[0097] In each group, the first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36 are arranged in a clockwise order. For example, in the first group, the first capacitor 34, the second capacitor 35, and the third capacitor 36 are respectively arranged near the top side of the square, on the left, in the center, and on the right. Furthermore, in the second group, the first capacitor 34, the second capacitor 35, and the third capacitor 36 are respectively arranged near the right side of the square, at the top, in the center, and at the bottom. Therefore, Figure 1 The four groups of first capacitors 34 to third capacitors 36 shown are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the square. The center of the square approximately corresponds to the position of the light-emitting elements 23 in the fifth row and fifth column of the 9×9 array of light-emitting elements 23. Figure 1 In the middle, the arrangement of the four groups of first capacitors 34 to third capacitors 36 exhibits fourfold rotational symmetry (90-degree rotational symmetry).

[0098] According to this embodiment, the average distance between each light-emitting element 23 and the corresponding four capacitors can be set to be approximately equal to the average distance between another light-emitting element 23 and the corresponding four capacitors.

[0099] For example, the upper left light-emitting element 23 is close to the upper first capacitor 34 but far from the lower first capacitor 34. On the other hand, the lower right light-emitting element 23 is close to the right third capacitor 36 but far from the left third capacitor 36. Therefore, the average distance between the upper left light-emitting element 23 and the four first capacitors 34 becomes approximately equal to the average distance between the lower right light-emitting element 23 and the four third capacitors 36. The same applies to the other 79 light-emitting elements 23. With this configuration, the impedance difference between the wiring of different light-emitting elements 23 can be reduced regarding the anode wiring between each light-emitting element 23 and its corresponding four capacitors.

[0100] The light-emitting device 1 of this embodiment may include the first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36 only near one, two, or three of the four sides of the square. Even in this case, it is still desirable for the first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36 to be arranged symmetrically or nearly symmetrically with respect to the center of the square. Therefore, the light-emitting device 1 of this embodiment is expected to include the first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36 on two or more of the four sides of the square. For example, arranging two sets of the first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36 near the top and bottom sides of the square achieves double rotational symmetry (180-degree rotational symmetry).

[0101] The light-emitting device 1 according to this embodiment is, for example, a surface-emitting laser element. More specifically, the light-emitting device 1 according to this embodiment has, for example, a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) structure.

[0102] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a light-emitting device 1 having a VCSEL structure. For example, by configuring a laser diode (LD) chip 11 laminated on an LDD substrate 12. Figure 2 The light-emitting device 1. The LD chip 11 includes a substrate 21, a laminate 22, a plurality of light-emitting elements 23 formed using the laminate 22, a plurality of anode electrodes 47, and a cathode electrode 48.

[0103] The substrate 21 of the LD chip 11 is a substrate comprising a compound semiconductor such as gallium arsenide (GaAs). The surface of the substrate 21 facing the LDD substrate 12 is the front surface S2, and laser light is emitted from the rear surface S3 side of the substrate 21. The laminate 22 includes a first multilayer reflector, a first spacer layer, an active layer, a second spacer layer, a second multilayer reflector, etc., such that the laser light generated in the active layer resonates between the first and second multilayer reflectors to increase the light intensity, and laser light is emitted from the rear surface S3 side of the substrate. As described above, in Figure 2 The LD chip 11 shown is a backlight type. In this document, chips with the following characteristics are used... Figure 2 The light-emitting element 23 in the layer configuration shown is called a VCSEL structure.

[0104] Multiple light-emitting elements 23 have a mesa structure formed by processing the laminate 22 into a mesa shape. When viewed from the substrate 21 side, an anode electrode (second pad) 47 is disposed on the upper surface of each light-emitting element 23. Similarly, when viewed from the substrate 21 side, a cathode electrode 48 is disposed on the upper and side surfaces of the laminate 22, which is disposed on the end side of the LD chip 11. When viewed from the substrate 21 side, the cathode electrode 48 is also disposed on the bottommost side of the laminate 22 of the multiple light-emitting elements 23. Figure 2 In this configuration, the arrangement of the anode electrode 47 and the cathode electrode 48 can be reversed. Figure 2 In this configuration, the common electrode is the cathode electrode 48, but the common electrode can also be the anode electrode 47, and the cathode electrode 48 can be disposed in each of the facet surfaces 20.

[0105] The LDD substrate 12 includes a plurality of pads 49 for providing drive signals to a plurality of light-emitting elements 23 of the LD chip 11. The pads 49 are disposed along the front surface S1 of the LDD substrate 12 facing the LD chip 11. A bonding layer 50 is disposed on these pads 49, and the pads 49 of the LDD substrate 12 and corresponding pads of the anode electrode 47 of the LD chip 11 are bonded via the bonding layer 50. The LDD substrate 12 includes a plurality of Figure 1 The driving circuit E shown is shown.

[0106] Here, substrate 21 is a compound semiconductor substrate, such as a gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrate. Figure 2The front surface S2 of the substrate 21 facing the -Z direction and the rear surface S3 of the substrate 21 facing the +Z direction are shown. Figure 2 The front surface S2 and the rear surface S3 shown are perpendicular to the Z direction. Figure 2 In this configuration, the front surface S2 serves as the lower surface of the substrate 21, and the rear surface S3 serves as the upper surface of the substrate 21.

[0107] The light-emitting element 23 is disposed on the front surface S2 of the substrate 21 as part of the laminate 22. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 23 has a VCSEL structure and emits light in the +Z direction. Figure 2 As shown, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 passes through the substrate 21 from the front surface S2 to the rear surface S3.

[0108] Each light-emitting element 23 is disposed between the anode electrode 47 and the cathode electrode 48 connected to the anode wirings 31 to 33. Each light-emitting element 23 emits light when current flows between the anode electrode 47 and the cathode electrode 48.

[0109] Figure 3 This is a waveform diagram of the output current from the LDD substrate 12 to each light-emitting element 23. Figure 3 In the diagram, the vertical axis represents the LDD output current flowing from the LDD substrate 12 to each light-emitting element 23, and the horizontal axis represents time. Figure 3 The waveform of the LDD output current is shown. Figure 3 The peak value Ipeak of the LDD output current, the pulse width W of the LDD output current, and the half-value width W' of the LDD output current are also shown.

[0110] To improve the performance of the light-emitting device 1, it is desirable to increase the peak current Ipeak flowing through each light-emitting element and shorten the pulse width W (or half-value width W'). By increasing the peak current flowing through each light-emitting element and shortening the pulse, distance measurement can be performed with high accuracy over long distances. According to this embodiment, by reducing the impedance of each wiring and the impedance difference between wirings, it is possible to increase the peak current Ipeak and shorten the pulse width W (or half-value width W').

[0111] Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are cross-sectional and plan views showing the structure of the light-emitting device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4A The XZ cross section of the light-emitting device 1 is shown. Figure 4B Show Figure 4A The planar structure of the light-emitting device 1 shown.

[0112] like Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs shown, the light-emitting device 1 of this embodiment includes an LD chip 11, an LDD substrate 12, a mounting substrate 13, and four sets of first capacitors 34 to third capacitors 36.

[0113] Mounting substrate 13 is a laminated structure consisting of an insulating substrate 51, an insulating film 52, a wiring layer 53, an insulating film 54, and a wiring layer 55. Figure 4A The LDD substrate 12 shown is disposed on the insulating substrate 51. An insulating film 52 and a wiring layer 53 are disposed sequentially on the upper surface of the insulating substrate 51. An insulating film 54 and a wiring layer 55 are disposed sequentially on the lower surface of the insulating substrate 51. Figure 4A The LD chip 11 shown is disposed on the wiring layer 53. Each wiring 56 is formed in the insulating substrate 51, the insulating film 52 and the wiring layer 53, and the LD chip 11 and the LDD substrate 12 are electrically connected.

[0114] Each of the first capacitors 34 to the third capacitor 36 is disposed on the wiring layer 53 by a plurality of solder balls 57 and is electrically connected to the LD chip 11 and the LDD substrate 12 by the solder balls 57 and the wiring layer 53.

[0115] exist Figure 4B In the plan view, the LD chip 11 and the LDD substrate 12 are square in shape. Figure 4B The light-emitting device 1 shown includes four sets of first capacitors 34 to third capacitors 36 near the four sides of a square with a planar shape having an LD chip 11. The first capacitors 34 to third capacitors 36 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the square.

[0116] Notice, Figure 4B The illustrated light-emitting device 1 may include a first capacitor 34 to a third capacitor 36 located only near one, two, or three of the four sides of the square. However, in this case, it is also desirable to arrange the first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36 in a shape that is symmetrical or nearly symmetrical with respect to the center of the square. Therefore, Figure 4B The light-emitting device 1 shown is intended to include a first capacitor 34 to a third capacitor 36 on two or more of the four sides of a square.

[0117] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the LD chip 11 or LDD substrate 12, multiple light-emitting elements 23, multiple transistors 24, and first selection circuits 37 to third selection circuits 39 (FIG. 4) are disposed, for example, in the LD chip 11 or LDD substrate 12. For example, similar to Figure 3The light-emitting element 23 shown in section B is disposed in the LD chip 11. On the other hand, the transistor 24 and the first selection circuit 37 to the third selection circuit 39 can be disposed in the LD chip 11 or in the LDD substrate 12. Note that the first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36 can be disposed on the LD chip 11 or the LDD substrate 12.

[0118] Figure 5 This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the light-emitting device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 It schematically shows that in Figure 4A and Figure 4B The shapes of the LD chip 11 and LDD substrate 12 are shown in the figure. Figure 5 Further schematically and partially illustrating the first horizontal wiring 31a to the third horizontal wiring 33a and the first vertical wiring 31b to the third vertical wiring 33b, as well as the plurality of cathode wirings 41. Figure 5 As shown, the first horizontal wiring 31a to the third horizontal wiring 33a and the first vertical wiring 31b to the third vertical wiring 33b have a mesh structure.

[0119] Note that, although in Figure 5 The first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33 and the cathode wiring 41 shown are drawn between the LD chip 11 and the LDD substrate 12, but they can be disposed in the LD chip 11, in the LDD substrate 12, or between the LD chip 11 and the LDD substrate 12. For example, the light-emitting element 23 is disposed... Figure 5 The LD chip 11 is located in the LDD substrate 12, and the first selection circuit 37 to the third selection circuit 39, the drive circuit E, and the drive control unit described later are disposed in the LDD substrate 12.

[0120] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an LD chip 11 and an LDD substrate 12 mounted side-by-side on a mounting substrate 13 instead of being laminated.

[0121] Figure 6 The light-emitting device 1a includes: a laser diode (LD) chip 11 including the light-emitting portion 2 described above; a laser diode driver (LDD) substrate 12 including the driving portion 3 described above; a mounting substrate 13; a heat dissipation substrate 14; a correction lens holding portion 15; one or more correction lenses 16; and wiring 17. The LD chip 11 is also referred to as a VCSEL substrate. The LD chip 11 corresponds to the first substrate of this disclosure, and the LDD substrate 12 corresponds to the second substrate of this disclosure.

[0122] Figure 6The X, Y, and Z axes are shown as orthogonal to each other. The +Z direction corresponds to the upward direction, and the -Z direction corresponds to the downward direction. Note that the -Z direction may or may not exactly coincide with the direction of gravity.

[0123] An LD chip 11 is disposed on a mounting substrate 13, a heat dissipation substrate 14 is inserted therebetween, and an LDD substrate 12 is also disposed on the mounting substrate 13. The mounting substrate 13 is, for example, a printed circuit board. A light receiving unit 7 and a signal processing unit 8 may be further disposed on the mounting substrate 13. The heat dissipation substrate 14 is, for example, a ceramic substrate such as an alumina substrate or an aluminum nitride substrate.

[0124] A correction lens holding portion 15 is arranged on a heat dissipation substrate 14 to surround the LD chip 11 and hold one or more correction lenses 16 above the LD chip 11. These correction lenses 16 are included in the light-emitting side optical system 5 described above. Light emitted from the light-emitting portion 2 in the LD chip 11 is corrected by these correction lenses 16 and then applied to the object S described above. Figure 6 Two correction lenses 16 are shown as examples, held by the correction lens holding section 15.

[0125] Wiring 17 is disposed on the front surface, rear surface, interior, etc. of the mounting substrate 13, and electrically connects the LD chip 11 and the LDD substrate 12. Wiring 17 may be, for example, printed wiring disposed on the front or rear surface of the mounting substrate 13 or through-hole wiring passing through the mounting substrate 13. In this embodiment, wiring 17 also passes through or near the heat sink 14.

[0126] (Configuration of range measuring device 40)

[0127] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of the ranging device 40 according to the first embodiment in the light-emitting device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0128] As shown in the figure, the ranging device 40 includes a light-emitting unit 2, a driving unit 3, a power supply circuit 4, a light-emitting side optical system 5, a light-receiving side optical system 6, a light-receiving unit 7, a signal processing unit 8, a control unit 9, a temperature detection unit 10, and a driving control unit 30.

[0129] The light-emitting part 2 emits light through multiple light sources. The light-emitting part 2 and the light-emitting side optical system 5 correspond to the light-emitting device 1 described above. As will be described later, the light-emitting part 2 of this example includes light-emitting elements 23 with VCSEL structure as each light source, and the light-emitting elements 23 are arranged in a predetermined pattern (such as a matrix).

[0130] The drive control unit 30 controls at least one of the following based on input information: the number of times the light-emitting elements 23 emit light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, or the light-emitting pulse width. The drive control unit 30 includes a drive unit 3 for driving the light-emitting elements 2, and controls the drive unit 3. The drive unit 3 includes... Figure 1 The diagram shows a first selection circuit 37 to a third selection circuit 39 and multiple drive circuits E. A power supply circuit 4 is connected to the drive unit 3. The power supply circuit 4 provides the power supply voltage (reference voltage) to... Figure 1 The first selection circuit 37 to the third selection circuit 39 and multiple drive circuits E are included.

[0131] The light emitted by the light-emitting unit 2 is applied to the object to be measured (range target) S via the light-emitting side optical system 5. The reflected light from the emitted light from the range target S is incident on the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit 7 via the light-receiving side optical system 6.

[0132] The light receiving unit 7 includes, for example, a light receiving element (such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, or a Sigle photonic avalanche diode (SPAD)), which receives reflected light from the ranging target S incident through the light receiving side optical system 6 as described above, converts the reflected light into an electrical signal, and outputs an electrical signal.

[0133] The light receiving unit 7 performs processes such as correlated double sampling (CDS) and automatic gain control (AGC) on the electrical signal obtained from the light received by photoelectric conversion, and further performs analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion. Then, the signal as digital data is output to the subsequent signal processing unit 8.

[0134] In addition, in this example, the light receiving unit 7 outputs a frame synchronization signal Fs to the driving unit 3. Therefore, the driving unit 3 can make the light-emitting element 23 in the light-emitting unit 2 emit light at a timing corresponding to the frame period of the light receiving unit 7.

[0135] The signal processing unit 8 includes a signal processing processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP). The signal processing unit 8 performs various signal processing operations on the digital signals input from the optical receiving unit 7.

[0136] The control unit 9 includes, for example, a microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), or an information processing device such as a DSP, and controls the drive unit 3 to control the light emission operation of the light emission unit 2 and control related to the light receiving operation of the light receiving unit 7.

[0137] The control unit 9 functions as a ranging unit 9a. The ranging unit 9a measures the distance to the ranging object S based on a signal input via the signal processing unit 8 (i.e., a signal obtained by receiving reflected light from the ranging object S). In order to specify the three-dimensional shape of the ranging target S, the ranging unit 9a of this embodiment measures the distance for each part of the ranging target S.

[0138] Here, the specific distance measuring method in the distance measuring device 40 will be described again later.

[0139] The temperature detection unit 10 detects the temperature of the light-emitting unit 2. The temperature detection unit 10 uses, for example, a diode to perform temperature detection.

[0140] In this example, the temperature information detected by the temperature detection unit 10 is provided to the drive control unit 30, thereby enabling the drive control unit 30 to drive the light-emitting unit 2 based on the input information including the temperature information. That is, the drive control unit 30 can select the light-emitting element 23 to emit light based on the detected temperature information.

[0141] For example, the input information includes at least one of the following: setting information of a register (not shown) connected to the drive control unit 30, a light-emitting trigger signal input to the drive control unit 30, and temperature information detected by the temperature detection unit 10.

[0142] The register settings include information such as the number of times or intervals between light emission from the multiple light-emitting elements 23. The light emission trigger signal is a signal that specifies the timing of light emission from the multiple light-emitting elements 23.

[0143] For example, the drive control unit 30 controls the luminous power of the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 based on input information. Alternatively, the drive control unit 30 controls the luminous pulse width of the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 based on input information. Alternatively, the drive control unit 30 selects the light-emitting element 23 to actually emit light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 based on input information. These are examples of the drive control unit 30 controlling the luminous mode of the light-emitting unit 2 based on input information.

[0144] In addition to the temperature information detected by the temperature detection unit 10, the input information to the drive control unit 30 also includes information provided by, for example, multiple drive circuits E. The information provided by the multiple drive circuits E includes, for example, at least one of the following: the number of times the multiple light-emitting elements 23 emit light, the light emission interval, the light emission timing, or the light emission pulse width.

[0145] Alternatively, the input information to the drive control unit 30 may include, for example, distance measurement information from the distance measuring unit 9a. In this case, the drive control unit 30 controls at least one of the following: the number of times the multiple light-emitting elements 23 emit light, the light emission interval, the light emission power, or the light emission pulse width, based on the measured distance.

[0146] Alternatively, the input information input to the drive control unit 30 may include, for example, information from the host device ( Figure 7 (Information not shown in the image) is provided. The host device is incorporated. Figure 7 The distance measuring device 40 or a device that receives distance measuring information from the distance measuring device 40 and controls the distance measuring device 40. The information provided to the drive control unit 30 from the host device includes, for example, vehicle speed information of the vehicle on which the host device is installed. In this case, the drive control unit 30 controls at least one of the following based on the vehicle speed information: the number of times the multiple light-emitting elements 23 emit light, the light emission interval, the light emission power, or the light emission pulse width.

[0147] The drive control unit 30 can switch the light emission power of multiple light-emitting elements 23 between situations where the distance measurement target is at a short distance and situations where the distance measurement target is at a long distance, based on the ranging information from the host device.

[0148] More specifically, when the target is at a short distance, the drive control unit 30 reduces the luminous power of the multiple light-emitting elements 23 compared to when the target is at a long distance, thereby reducing power consumption and meeting laser safety standards. Furthermore, when the vehicle equipped with the ranging device 40 is traveling at a low speed, closer measurement is required compared to higher speeds. Therefore, the drive control unit 30 can reduce the luminous power of the multiple light-emitting elements 23. Additionally, when the multiple light-emitting elements 23 emit light more frequently, heat is more likely to be generated compared to fewer emission times; therefore, the drive control unit 30 can reduce the luminous power of the multiple light-emitting elements 23. Alternatively, the drive control unit 30 can disperse the light-emitting elements 23 of the target to suppress heat generation from each element 23. That is, the drive control unit 30 causes the multiple light-emitting elements 23 to emit light in a dispersed manner, so that no particular element 23 generates heat. Similarly, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 10 is high, the drive control unit 30 can reduce the luminous power of the multiple light-emitting elements 23 compared to a low temperature. Alternatively, the light-emitting elements 23 of the light-emitting target can be dispersed to suppress the heat generation of each light-emitting element 23.

[0149] As will be described later, the host device or distance measuring device 40 can perform light emission control of two or more light-emitting elements 23 emitting light toward a specific region of interest (ROI) within the range where the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 can emit light, and the drive control unit 30 can control at least one of the following based on at least one of the position or size of the ROI region: the number of times the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 emit light, the emission interval, the emission power, or the emission pulse width. For example, the drive control unit 30 can set only the light-emitting elements 23 corresponding to the ROI region as emission targets, set other light-emitting elements 23 as non-emission targets, and restrict the light-emitting elements 23 from emitting light.

[0150] As described above, when multiple light-emitting elements 23 generate heat or when there is a risk of heat generation, for example, the drive control unit 30 performs control, such as reducing the light-emitting power of multiple light-emitting elements 23, shortening the pulse width of the light-emitting pulse signal, thinning the light-emitting element 23, switching the light-emitting target, or reducing the number of light-emitting channels.

[0151] (A variation of a light-emitting device)

[0152] The drive control unit 30 can control at least one of the following: the luminous power, luminous pulse width, luminous frequency, and luminous interval of the plurality of light-emitting elements 23, based on the voltage detection signal from the voltage detection circuit that detects the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33.

[0153] Figure 8 This is a circuit diagram of a light-emitting device 1a according to a first variation of one embodiment. Besides... Figure 1 In addition to the circuit configuration, according to Figure 8 The light-emitting device 1a of the first modified example shown further includes a first voltage detection circuit 71 to a third voltage detection circuit 73. The first voltage detection circuit 71 is electrically connected to the first horizontal wiring 31a of the first anode wiring 31 and the gate of the transistor 37a. The second voltage detection circuit 72 is electrically connected to the second horizontal wiring 32a of the second anode wiring 32 and the gate of the transistor 38a. The third voltage detection circuit 73 is electrically connected to the third horizontal wiring 33a of the third anode wiring 33 and the gate of the transistor 39a.

[0154] The first voltage detection circuit 71 detects the voltage of the first anode wiring 31 from the first horizontal wiring 31a of the first anode wiring 31. This voltage represents the amount of charge accumulated in the four first capacitors 34. Therefore, the first voltage detection circuit 71 controls the gate voltage of the transistor 37a based on the voltage detected from the first anode wiring 31. For example, if the detected voltage is lower than a predetermined voltage, the transistor 37a is turned on to begin charge accumulation. On the other hand, if the detected voltage is higher than the predetermined voltage, the transistor 37a is turned off to terminate charge accumulation. According to this variation, the output power of the light-emitting device 1a can be changed by changing the value of the predetermined voltage. For example, by... Figure 1 The drive unit 3 shown adjusts the value of the predetermined voltage.

[0155] Similarly, the second voltage detection circuit 72 detects the voltage of the second anode wiring 32 and controls the gate voltage of transistor 38a based on the detected voltage. The third voltage detection circuit 73 detects the voltage of the third anode wiring 33 and controls the gate voltage of transistor 39a based on the detected voltage.

[0156] Voltage detection signals detected by the first voltage detection circuit 71 to the third voltage detection circuit 73 are input to the drive control unit 30. The drive control unit 30 uses the voltage detection signals as input information to control at least one of the following: the light emission power, the light emission pulse width, the number of light emission cycles, and the light emission interval of the plurality of light-emitting elements 23. For example, if the voltage of the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33 is higher than the assumed voltage, the drive control unit 30 performs control to reduce the voltage of the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33.

[0157] Figure 9 It shows the basis Figure 7 The flowchart below shows the processing operation of the ranging device 40 according to the first embodiment. First, a light emission trigger signal is received from the host device or the ranging unit 9a (step S1). Next, it is determined whether the predetermined operating conditions are met (step S2). Operating conditions include, for example, conditions such as temperature or power supply voltage. Operating conditions are conditions used to determine whether to control the light emission conditions of the light-emitting element 23. In step S2, for example, it is determined whether the temperature around the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 falls within a predetermined temperature range based on the temperature information detected by the temperature detection unit 10. Alternatively, it is determined whether the voltage level of the power supply voltage falls within a predetermined voltage range based on the voltage level of the power supply voltage detected by the power supply voltage detection unit (not shown). Note that operating conditions can include various conditions, and the above-described temperature or power supply voltage conditions are merely examples.

[0158] When it is determined in step S2 that the operating conditions are met, the drive control unit 30 controls the light emission conditions, including at least one of the number of times the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 emit light, the light emission interval, the light emission power, or the light emission pulse width (step S3). For example, when it is determined in step S2 that heat has been generated, the drive control unit 30 performs control to reduce the light emission power of the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 and reduce the light emission pulse width.

[0159] Next, according to the control content of the drive control unit 30, the drive unit 3 causes current to flow through multiple light-emitting elements 23 so that the light-emitting element 23, which is the light-emitting target, emits light (step S4).

[0160] Next, based on the light-emitting trigger signal from the host device or the ranging unit 9a, it is determined whether there is an interval where the light-emitting element 23, which is supposed to emit light, is turned off (step S5). If there is an interval where no light is emitted, the host device or the ranging unit 9a is notified of the interval information (step S6). This notification is made to inform that the light-emitting device 1 has not emitted light even though the host device or the ranging unit 9a has transmitted the light-emitting trigger signal.

[0161] When it is determined in step S2 that the operating conditions are not met, the light-emitting element 23 of the light-emitting target is made to emit light according to the light-emitting trigger signal (step S7).

[0162] If the determination in step S5 is "no", or if the processing in step S6 or S7 ends, the ranging unit 9a receives the reflected light from the ranging object (step S8) and performs distance measurement processing by generating a histogram representing the distribution of light receiving frequency and detecting the peak value of the light receiving frequency to measure the distance to the subject (step S9).

[0163] Figure 10A This is a diagram showing the waveform w1 of the light pulse signal emitted from multiple light-emitting elements 23. Figure 10A In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents signal strength. In the light-emitting device 1 according to this embodiment, the charge accumulated in capacitors 34 to 36 is discharged at the timing of the turn-on transistor 24 in the drive circuit E, and current flows through the light-emitting element 23 of the light-emitting target, thereby emitting light. Figure 10A The waveform of the optical pulse signal is determined by the accumulated charge of capacitors 34 to 36 and the voltage across capacitors 34 to 36.

[0164] Figure 10B This is a diagram showing waveform w2 when the drive control unit 30 controls the light emission power of the light pulse signal to be reduced. By reducing the power supply voltage applied to the sources of transistors 37a, 38a, and 39a connected to capacitors 34 to 36 in the selection circuit, the voltage across capacitors 34 to 36 can be reduced. When the voltage across capacitors 34 to 36 is reduced, the signal strength of the light pulse signal can be reduced when the light-emitting element 23 emits light. Therefore, reducing the power supply voltage applied to the selection circuit is sufficient to reduce the signal strength of the light pulse signal.

[0165] Figure 10C This is a diagram showing waveform w3 when the drive control unit 30 performs control to narrow the pulse width of the light pulse signal. As described above, when the transistor of the drive circuit E is turned on while the capacitors 34 to 36 are accumulating (charging) charge, current flows from the capacitors 34 to 36 to the light-emitting element 23 of the light-emitting target. By turning off the transistor of the drive circuit E before the capacitors 34 to 36 have finished discharging, the pulse width of the light pulse signal can be controlled, such as... Figure 10C As shown.

[0166] Figure 10D This is a diagram showing waveform w4 when the drive control unit 30 performs control to extract the light pulse signal. The drive control unit 30 can stop the light emission of the light-emitting element 23 of the light-emitting target by disconnecting the transistor of the drive circuit E.

[0167] Even if a light emission trigger signal is received from the host device or the ranging unit 9a, and the light emission element 23, as the light emission target, heats up, causing the drive control unit 30 to count the number of times the light emission element 23, as the light emission target, emits light, the drive control unit 30, in response to the light emission trigger signal, notifies the host device or the ranging unit 9a of information regarding the light pulse signal that did not trigger light emission. Therefore, the host device or the ranging unit 9a will not misunderstand the timing of the light emission of the light pulse signal corresponding to the light reception pulse signal, and the accuracy of distance measurement can be improved.

[0168] Figure 11A This is a diagram showing the light-emitting positions of all the light-emitting elements 23 in the light-emitting section 2 and the light-receiving positions of all the light-receiving elements in the light-receiving section 7. Figure 11A The left side shows the light-emitting position diagram of all light-emitting elements 23, and the right side shows the light-receiving position diagram of all light-receiving elements. Figure 11A An example is shown that includes 6×6 light-emitting elements 23 and light-receiving elements, but the number of light-emitting elements 23 and light-receiving elements is arbitrary.

[0169] In cases where there is a risk of overheating, the drive control unit 30 suppresses the overheating of a specific light-emitting element 23 by dispersing the light-emitting positions of the multiple light-emitting elements 23. Figure 11A An example is shown in which the light-emitting element 23 at the light-emitting position indicated by 1 emits light, and then the light-emitting element 23 at the light-emitting position indicated by 2 emits light. In the light-receiving unit 7, the light-receiving element at the light-receiving position corresponding to the light-emitting unit 2 receives light from the ranging object.

[0170] like Figure 11A As shown, the drive control unit 30 can suppress the heating of a specific part of the light-emitting part 2 by arbitrarily switching the light-emitting sequence of each light-emitting element 23.

[0171] Figure 11B This is a diagram showing the light-emitting position of the light-emitting element 23 in the ROI region of the light-emitting part 2 and the light-receiving position of the corresponding light-receiving element of the light-receiving part 7. Figure 11B The left side shows the light-emitting position mapping of the light-emitting element 23 in the ROI region, and the right side shows the light-receiving position mapping of the light-receiving element in the ROI region.

[0172] By enabling the drive control unit 30 to switch the light-emitting position in any order even within the ROI region, the heating of a specific light-emitting element 23 within the ROI region can be suppressed.

[0173] exist Figure 7In the previous section, an example was described whereby the drive control unit 30 in the light-emitting device 1 controls at least one of the number of times, the interval between light emission, the light emission power, or the light emission pulse width of a plurality of light-emitting elements 23. However, the control unit 9, which includes the ranging unit 9a, can control at least one of the number of times, the interval between light emission, the light emission power, or the light emission pulse width of a plurality of light-emitting elements 23.

[0174] Figure 12 This is a block diagram of the ranging device 40 according to the second embodiment in the light-emitting device 1 according to this embodiment. The ranging device 40 according to the second embodiment and the... Figure 7 The difference between the ranging device 40 of the first embodiment shown is that the drive control unit 30 is not present. Figure 12 The ranging device 40 is controlled by the main unit (not shown). It should be noted that it can be integrated. Figure 12 The main unit and control unit 9 in the middle.

[0175] The control unit 9 controls at least one of the following based on the input information: the number of times the light-emitting elements 23 emit light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width.

[0176] The input information may include information provided from the light-emitting device 1. The information provided from the light-emitting device 1 may include temperature information around the plurality of light-emitting elements 23. In this case, the control unit 9 selects the light-emitting element 23 to emit light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 based on the temperature information. The information provided from the light-emitting device 1 may include at least one of the following: the number of times the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 emit light, the emission interval, the emission power, and the emission pulse width.

[0177] Input information may include ranging information or information provided by the host device. Information provided by the host device may include the vehicle speed information of the vehicle equipped with the host device.

[0178] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 The flowchart shows the processing operation of the ranging device 40. First, the control unit 9 acquires information from the host device, the ranging unit 9a, or the light-emitting device 1 (step S11). The information provided from the host device or the ranging unit 9a is, for example, ranging information or light-emitting control information. The information provided from the light-emitting device 1 includes temperature information around the multiple light-emitting elements 23, the number of times the multiple light-emitting elements 23 emit light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, the light-emitting pulse width, etc.

[0179] Based on the acquired information, the control unit 9 determines whether it is desired that the multiple light-emitting elements 23 will experience characteristic changes due to heat generation (step S12). When it is determined to be yes in step S12, the control unit 9 selects a light-emitting pattern capable of suppressing the heat generation of the multiple light-emitting elements 23 (step S13). Here, for example, such as... Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the control unit 9 selects a light emission pattern in the order of light emission of the plurality of light-emitting elements 23, thereby suppressing the heat generation of the plurality of light-emitting elements 23. Alternatively, for example, as... Figures 10B to 10D As shown, the control unit 9 selects a light emission pattern in which the peak value of the light pulse signal is reduced, the pulse width is shortened, or the number of light emission cycles is reduced.

[0180] When “No” is determined in step S12, the control unit 9 selects the normal light-emitting pattern of the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 (step S14).

[0181] When the processing in step S13 or S14 is completed, the control unit 9 transmits light emission control information, including the selected light emission pattern, to the drive unit 3. The drive unit 3 then causes the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 to emit light based on the light emission control information from the control unit 9 (step S15). Therefore, the control unit 9 can control at least one of the following: the number of times the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 emit light, the light emission interval, the light emission power, or the light emission pulse width.

[0182] Subsequently, the ranging unit 9a receives reflected light from the object (step S16), generates a histogram representing the distribution of light reception frequency, and performs distance measurement processing to measure the distance to the object by detecting the peak value of the light reception frequency (step S17).

[0183] (Modification of the circuit configuration of the light-emitting device)

[0184] The circuit configuration of the light-emitting device 1 according to this disclosure is not limited to... Figure 1 or Figure 8 The circuit configuration shown is illustrative, and various modifications are conceivable. Representative modifications to the circuit configuration of the light-emitting device 1 according to this disclosure will be described sequentially below.

[0185] Figure 14 This is a circuit diagram of a light-emitting device 1b according to a second modification of one embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 14 As shown, the light-emitting device 1b according to one embodiment includes Figure 1 The diagram shows the first cathode wiring 31' to the third cathode wiring 33' at the locations of the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33, and the plurality of anode wirings 41' at the locations of the plurality of cathode wirings 41, while the plurality of gate wirings 42 are omitted. Furthermore, similar to the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33, the first cathode wiring 31' to the third cathode wiring 33' respectively include first horizontal wiring 31a' to third horizontal wiring 33a' and first vertical wiring 31b' to third vertical wiring 33b'. The first to third cathode wirings 31" to 33" are examples of the first terminal wiring of this disclosure. The anode wiring 41' is an example of the second terminal wiring of this disclosure.

[0186] Each light-emitting element 23 according to one embodiment includes a cathode electrically connected to any one of the first cathode wiring 31' to the third cathode wiring 33' and an anode electrically connected to any one of the plurality of anode wirings 41'.

[0187] The light-emitting device 1b according to the embodiment further includes Figure 1 The diagram shows first transistors 61 to third transistors 63 located at the positions of first capacitor 34 to third capacitor 36. First transistors 61 to third transistors 63 are, for example, N-type MOS transistors. The gates of first transistors 61 to third transistors 63 are electrically connected to first gate wiring 64 to third gate wiring 66, respectively. Each of first transistors 61 to third transistors 63 includes a drain electrically connected to any of the first cathode wiring 31' to third cathode wiring 33' and a source electrically connected to a ground wiring. First transistors 61 to third transistors 63 each constitute a drive circuit E. The drive circuit E including each of first transistors 61 to third transistors 63 is an example of the first to Nth drive circuits.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the light-emitting device 1b further includes Figure 1 Multiple capacitors 67 are located at the positions of the multiple transistors 24 shown in the figure. Each of these capacitors 67 includes one electrode electrically connected to any one of the multiple anode wires 41' and another electrode electrically connected to the ground wire.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the light-emitting device 1b further includes a plurality of selection circuits 68, replacing the first selection circuits 37 to the third selection circuits 39. Each selection circuit 68 is electrically connected to a corresponding anode wiring 41'. Each selection circuit 68 includes a transistor 68a and a transistor 68b, transistor 68a including a source electrically connected to a power supply wiring, and transistor 68b including a source electrically connected to a ground wiring. The drains of transistor 68a and transistor 68b are electrically connected to the cathode wiring 41. Each selection circuit 68 is electrically connected to a corresponding capacitor 67 via the anode wiring 41'. Transistor 68a is, for example, a P-type MOS transistor. Transistor 68b is, for example, an N-type MOS transistor. Transistor 68a is an example of a first switch of this disclosure. Transistor 68b is an example of a second switch of this disclosure.

[0190] The capacitor 67, transistor 68a, and transistor 68b function the same as the first capacitors 34 to 36, transistors 37a to 39a, and transistors 37b to 39b, respectively. Transistor 68a can store charge in its corresponding capacitor 67. Transistor 68b can release charge from its corresponding capacitor 67. The capacitor 67 supplies charge to the light-emitting element 23 via the anode wiring 41', thereby allowing current to flow through the light-emitting element 23.

[0191] Furthermore, the functions of the first transistor 61 to the third transistor 63 and the driving circuit E are similar to those of the transistor 24 and the driving circuit E. The first transistor 61 to the third transistor 63 can drive the light-emitting elements 23 that are electrically connected to the first cathode wiring 31' to the third cathode wiring 33', respectively.

[0192] According to one embodiment of the light-emitting device 1b, control similar to that of the light-emitting device 1 of the first embodiment can be achieved through a structure different from that of the light-emitting device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0193] Figure 15 This is a circuit diagram of a light-emitting device 1c according to a first modification of one embodiment. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the light-emitting device 1c according to the first modification includes Figure 1 The diagram shows the first cathode wiring 31' to the third cathode wiring 33' at the locations of the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33, the plurality of anode wirings 41' at the locations of the plurality of cathode wirings 41, and the plurality of gate wirings 42' at the locations of the plurality of gate wirings 42. Furthermore, similar to the first anode wiring 31 to the third anode wiring 33, the first cathode wiring 31' to the third cathode wiring 33' respectively include a first horizontal wiring 31a' to a third horizontal wiring 33a' and a first vertical wiring 31b' to a third vertical wiring 33b'. The first to third cathode wirings 31" to 33" are examples of the first terminal wiring of this disclosure. The anode wiring 41' is an example of the second terminal wiring of this disclosure.

[0194] Each light-emitting element 23 in the first modification includes a cathode electrically connected to any of the first cathode wirings 31' to the third cathode wirings 33' and an anode electrically connected to any of the plurality of anode wirings 41'. Each transistor 24 in the first modification includes a gate electrically connected to any of the plurality of gate wirings 42', a drain electrically connected to any of the plurality of anode wirings 41', and a source electrically connected to a power supply wiring. Each transistor 24 in the first modification is, for example, a P-type MOS transistor. The first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36 and the first selection circuit 37 to the third selection circuit 39 in the first modification are respectively electrically connected to the first cathode wirings 31' to the third cathode wirings 33'.

[0195] According to the first variant of the light-emitting device 1c, control similar to that of the light-emitting device 1 in the first embodiment can be achieved through a structure different from that of the light-emitting device 1 in the first embodiment.

[0196] Figure 16 This is a circuit diagram of a light-emitting device 1d according to a second modification of one embodiment. (e.g.) Figure 16As shown, in the light-emitting device 1d according to the second modification, the light-emitting device 1d includes six sets of first capacitors 34 to third capacitors 36, replacing... Figure 1 The four sets of first capacitors 34 to third capacitors 36 are shown. Because the first capacitors 34 to third capacitors 36 in the second variation are disposed within the LD chip 11 (or the LDD substrate 12), they are positioned near the light-emitting element 23. In the second variation, the first capacitor 34 is electrically connected to any one of the horizontal wirings 31a, the second capacitor 35 is electrically connected to any one of the horizontal wirings 32a, and the third capacitor 36 is electrically connected to any one of the horizontal wirings 33a.

[0197] According to the second modified light-emitting device 1d, control similar to that of the light-emitting device 1 in the first embodiment can be achieved through a structure different from that of the light-emitting device 1 in the first embodiment.

[0198] Figure 17 This is a circuit diagram of a light-emitting device 1e according to a third modification of one embodiment. For example... Figure 17 As shown, the light-emitting device 1e according to the third modification does not include the first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36. The light-emitting device 1e of the third modification replaces the first capacitor 34 to the third capacitor 36, and accumulates the charge supplied to each light-emitting element 23 in the parasitic capacitance described later.

[0199] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Detailed circuit diagram around the light-emitting element 23. The drain of transistor 24 is connected to the cathode of light-emitting element 23, and the source is grounded. Parasitic capacitance 23' exists between the anode and cathode of light-emitting element 23, and parasitic capacitance 24' exists between the drain and source of transistor 24.

[0200] In the parasitic capacitors 23' and 24', the light-emitting device 1a of the third modification accumulates the charge supplied to each light-emitting element 23. This allows current to flow through each light-emitting element 23, causing each light-emitting element 23 to emit light. The accumulation in the parasitic capacitors 23' and 24' is controlled by the first selection circuit 37 to the third selection circuit 39.

[0201] According to the third variant of the light-emitting device 1a, control similar to that of the light-emitting device 1 in the first embodiment can be achieved through a structure different from that of the light-emitting device 1 in the first embodiment.

[0202] Various modifications can be conceived regarding the circuit configuration of the driving circuit for the light-emitting device according to the first to third embodiments described above. Hereinafter, the circuit configurations of the driving circuits according to representative first to third modifications will be described sequentially.

[0203] Figure 19AThis is a circuit diagram based on the driving circuit of the first modification. The driving circuit of the first modification includes three transistors 24 electrically connected to the cathode wiring 41 and three transistors 25 electrically connected to these transistors 24. For example, Figure 19A Transistors 24 and 25 shown are N-type MOS transistors. The gates of transistors 24 are electrically connected to a common gate wiring 42, and the gates of transistors 25 are electrically connected to a common gate wiring 43. Transistors 24 and 25 are examples of the first and second transistors of this disclosure, respectively.

[0204] Each transistor 24 is used to select the light-emitting element 23 that generates light. Each transistor 25 serves as a current source. For example, when light is generated from a certain light-emitting element 23, a predetermined signal is applied to the gate wiring 42 of the driving circuit E of the light-emitting element 23, and a predetermined signal (DC bias) is applied to the gate wiring 43 of the driving circuit E of the light-emitting element 23. Therefore, the source and drain of each transistor 24 in the driving circuit E are electrically connected, and the source and drain of each transistor 25 in the driving circuit E are electrically connected, so that current can flow through the light-emitting element 23. At this time, each transistor 25 serves as a current source.

[0205] Figure 19B This is a circuit diagram of the driving circuit according to the second modification. The driving circuit of the second modification includes three transistors 24 electrically connected to the cathode wiring 41. Figure 19B The transistor 24 shown is, for example, an NPN bipolar transistor. In this case, wiring 42 is not a "gate wiring" but a "base wiring". Figure 19B The operation of the drive circuit E shown is the same as Figure 1 The operation of the drive circuit E shown is similar.

[0206] Figure 19C This is a circuit diagram based on the driving circuit of the third modification. The driving circuit of the sixth modification includes three transistors 24 electrically connected to the cathode wiring 41 and three transistors 25 electrically connected to these transistors 24. Figure 19C Transistors 24 and 25 shown are, for example, NPN bipolar transistors. In this case, wirings 42 and 43 are not "gate wirings" but "substrate wirings". Figure 19C The operation of the drive circuit E shown is similar to Figure 19A The operation of the drive circuit E shown is similar.

[0207] According to the third variant of the light-emitting device 1a, control similar to that of the light-emitting device 1 in the first embodiment can be achieved through a structure different from that of the light-emitting device 1 in the first embodiment.

[0208] (Distance measurement method)

[0209] As a ranging method in the ranging device 40, for example, a ranging method based on structured light (STL) or time-of-flight (ToF) can be used.

[0210] The STL method is a method of measuring distance based on an image of a ranging object S illuminated with light having a predetermined light / dark pattern (such as a dot pattern or a grid pattern).

[0211] Figure 20A This is a diagram illustrating STL methods. In STL methods, for example, such as... Figure 20A As shown, the patterned light Lp illuminates the ranging target S through a dot pattern. The patterned light Lp is divided into multiple blocks BL, and different dot patterns are assigned to each block BL (these dot patterns do not overlap between blocks BL).

[0212] Figure 20B This is an illustration of the ranging principle of the STL method.

[0213] Here, an example is used where the wall W and the box BX arranged in front of the wall W are set as the ranging target S, and the ranging target S is illuminated by patterned light Lp. "G" in the figure schematically represents the viewing angle of the light receiving unit 7.

[0214] Furthermore, in the figure, “BLn” represents the light of a specific block BL in the pattern light Lp, and “dn” represents the dot pattern of block BLn that is projected onto the light receiving image by the light receiving unit 7.

[0215] Here, in the absence of box BX in front of wall W, the dot pattern of block BLn is projected onto position "dn" in the drawing of the light-receiving image. That is, the position onto which the pattern of block BLn is projected in the light-receiving image differs between the presence and absence of box BX, and specifically, pattern distortion occurs.

[0216] The STL method utilizes the fact that the pattern illuminated in this manner is distorted due to the shape of the ranging target S to obtain its shape and depth. Specifically, this method is a method for obtaining the shape and depth of the ranging target S based on pattern distortion.

[0217] In the case of using the STL method, for example, an infrared (IR) light receiver 7 using the global shutter method is used as the light receiver 7. Then, in the case of the STL method, the ranging unit 9a controls the driving unit 3 to cause the light-emitting unit 2 to emit pattern light, detects the pattern distortion of the image signal obtained by the signal processing unit 8, and calculates the distance based on the pattern distortion.

[0218] Subsequently, the Time-of-Flight (ToF) method measures the distance to the object by detecting the time of flight (time difference) of light from the light-emitting unit 2 to the light-receiving unit 7 via reflection from the object.

[0219] When employing the so-called direct ToF (dTOF) method as the ToF method, a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) is used as the light receiver 7, and the light emitter 2 is pulse-driven. In this case, the ranging unit 9a calculates the time difference between light emission and light reception of the light emitted from the light emitter 2 and received by the light receiver 7 based on the signal input via the signal processing unit 8, and calculates the distance to each part of the ranging target S based on the time difference and the speed of light.

[0220] In addition, when the ToF method adopts the so-called indirect time-of-flight (iTOF) method (phase difference method), the light receiver 7 is, for example, a light receiver 7 capable of receiving IR.

[0221] <<Application Examples>> The technology disclosed herein can be applied to a variety of products. For example, the technology disclosed herein can also be implemented as a device included in any type of mobile body (such as automobiles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, personal mobility devices, aircraft, drones, ships, robots, construction machines, agricultural machines (tractors), etc.).

[0222] Figure 21 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle control system 7000, which is an example of a mobile body control system applicable as an embodiment of the technology according to this disclosure. The vehicle control system 7000 includes multiple electronic control units interconnected via a communication network 7010. Figure 21 In the example shown, the vehicle control system 7000 includes a drive system control unit 7100, a body system control unit 7200, a battery control unit 7300, an external information detection unit 7400, an internal information detection unit 7500, and an integrated control unit 7600. The communication network 7010 connecting the multiple control units can be an in-vehicle communication network conforming to any standard, such as Controller Area Network (CAN), Local Area Network (LIN), Local Area Network (LAN), FlexRay (registered trademark), etc.

[0223] Each control unit includes: a microcomputer that performs calculations according to various programs; a storage unit that stores programs executed by the microcomputer, parameters for various operations, etc.; and a drive circuit that drives various control target devices. Each control unit further includes: a network interface (I / F) for communicating with other control units via the communication network 7010; and a communication I / F for communicating with devices, sensors, etc., inside and outside the vehicle via wired or wireless communication. Figure 21The integrated control unit 7600 shown is configured with a microcomputer 7610, a general communication I / F 7620, a dedicated communication I / F 7630, a positioning unit 7640, a beacon receiver 7650, an in-vehicle device I / F 7660, a voice / image output unit 7670, an in-vehicle network I / F 7680, and a storage unit 7690. Other control units similarly include microcomputers, communication I / Fs, and storage units.

[0224] The drive system control unit 7100 controls the operation of devices related to the vehicle's drive system according to various programs. For example, the drive system control unit 7100 acts as a control device to control: devices that generate drive force for the vehicle, such as internal combustion engines and drive motors; drive force transmission mechanisms that transmit drive force to the wheels; steering mechanisms that adjust the vehicle's steering angle; and braking devices that generate braking force for the vehicle. The drive system control unit 7100 may also have the functions of control devices for anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), etc.

[0225] The drive system control unit 7100 is connected to a vehicle status detection unit 7110. The vehicle status detection unit 7110 includes, for example, at least one of the following: a gyroscope sensor for detecting the angular velocity of the vehicle's axial rotational motion, an acceleration sensor for detecting the vehicle's acceleration, and sensors for detecting the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal, the amount of operation of the brake pedal, the steering angle of the steering wheel, engine speed, or wheel rotation speed. The drive system control unit 7100 performs arithmetic processing using signals input from the vehicle status detection unit 7110 to control the internal combustion engine, drive motor, electric power steering system, braking system, etc.

[0226] The body system control unit 7200 controls the operation of various devices installed on the vehicle body according to various programs. For example, the body system control unit 7200 acts as a control device to control: keyless entry system, smart key system, power windows, or various lights such as headlights, reversing lights, brake lights, turn signals, and fog lights. In this case, the body system control unit 7200 can receive radio waves transmitted from the moving device of the replacement key or signals from various switches as input. The body system control unit 7200 receives these input radio waves or signals to control the vehicle's door locking devices, power windows, lights, etc.

[0227] The battery control unit 7300 controls the secondary battery 7310, which serves as the power source for the drive motor, according to various programs. For example, the battery control unit 7300 receives information from the battery device, including the secondary battery 7310, regarding battery temperature, battery output voltage, and remaining battery charge. The battery control unit 7300 uses these signals to perform arithmetic processing, such as temperature regulation control of the secondary battery 7310 or control of the cooling device of the battery device.

[0228] The external information detection unit 7400 detects information about the exterior of the vehicle, including the vehicle control system 7000. For example, the external information detection unit 7400 is connected to at least one of the imaging unit 7410 and the external information detection unit 7420. The imaging unit 7410 includes at least one of a time-of-flight (ToF) camera, a stereo camera, a monocular camera, an infrared camera, and other cameras. The external information detection unit 7420 may include at least one of the following: an environmental sensor for detecting current atmospheric or weather conditions, and a surrounding information detection sensor for detecting other vehicles, obstacles, pedestrians, etc., around the vehicle, including the vehicle control system 7000.

[0229] Environmental sensors may be, for example, at least one of the following: a raindrop sensor for detecting rain, a fog sensor for detecting fog, a sunlight sensor for detecting sunlight intensity, and a snow sensor for detecting snowfall. Surrounding information detection sensors may be at least one of the following: an ultrasonic sensor, a radar device, and a LIDAR device (light detection and ranging device, or laser imaging detection and ranging device). Each of the imaging unit 7410 and the exterior information detection unit 7420 may be configured as an independent sensor or device, or may be configured as a device in which multiple sensors or devices are integrated.

[0230] Figure 22 An example of the mounting positions of the imaging unit 7410 and the exterior information detection unit 7420 is shown. Imaging units 7910, 7912, 7914, 7916, and 7918 can be arranged at the front nose, side mirrors, rear bumper, rear door, and the upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle 7900. The imaging unit 7910 arranged at the front nose and the imaging unit 7918 arranged at the upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle primarily obtain images of the front of the vehicle 7900. The imaging units 7912 and 7914 arranged at the side mirrors primarily obtain images of the sides of the vehicle 7900. The imaging unit 7916 arranged at the rear bumper or rear door primarily obtains images of the rear of the vehicle 7900. The imaging unit 7918 arranged at the upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle is mainly used to detect vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, signals, traffic signs, lanes, etc., ahead.

[0231] Incidentally, Figure 22Examples of the imaging ranges of the various imaging units 7910, 7912, 7914, and 7916 are shown. Imaging range a represents the imaging range of the imaging unit 7910 located on the front nose. Imaging ranges b and c represent the imaging ranges of the imaging units 7912 and 7914 located on the side mirrors, respectively. Imaging range d represents the imaging range of the imaging unit 7916 located on the rear bumper or rear door. For example, by superimposing the image data captured by the imaging units 7910, 7912, 7914, and 7916, a bird's-eye view of the vehicle 7900 viewed from above can be obtained.

[0232] The exterior information detection units 7920, 7922, 7924, 7926, 7928, and 7930, located at the front, rear, sides, and corners of the vehicle 7900, as well as on the upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle, can be ultrasonic sensors or radar devices. The exterior information detection units 7920, 7926, and 7930, located at the front nose, rear bumper, rear door, and on the upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle 7900, can be LIDAR devices. These exterior information detection units 7920-7930 are mainly used to detect vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, etc., ahead.

[0233] Back Figure 21 The description continues. The exterior information detection unit 7400 causes the imaging unit 7410 to image an image of the exterior of the vehicle and receives the image data. Furthermore, the exterior information detection unit 7400 receives detection information from the exterior information detection section 7420 connected to it. When the exterior information detection section 7420 is an ultrasonic sensor, radar device, or LIDAR device, the exterior information detection unit 7400 transmits ultrasonic waves, electromagnetic waves, etc., and receives information about the received reflected waves. Based on the received information, the exterior information detection unit 7400 can perform processing for detecting objects (such as people, vehicles, obstacles, signs, symbols, etc. on the road surface) or processing for the distance to the detected objects. The exterior information detection unit 7400 can perform environmental recognition processing based on the received information to identify rain, fog, road conditions, etc. The exterior information detection unit 7400 can calculate the distance to objects outside the vehicle based on the received information.

[0234] Furthermore, based on the received image data, the exterior information detection unit 7400 can perform image recognition processing for identifying objects (such as people, vehicles, obstacles, signs, symbols, etc. on the road surface), or perform distance processing for detected objects. The exterior information detection unit 7400 can perform processing on the received image data, such as distortion correction and alignment, and generate bird's-eye view or panoramic image by combining image data from multiple different imaging units 7410. The exterior information detection unit 7400 can use image data from different imaging units 7410 to perform viewpoint switching processing.

[0235] The in-vehicle information detection unit 7500 detects information inside the vehicle. The in-vehicle information detection unit 7500 can be connected to a driver state detection unit 7510, which detects the driver's state. The driver state detection unit 7510 may include a camera that captures images of the driver, a biosensor that detects the driver's biological information, and a microphone that collects sounds inside the vehicle. The biosensor can be placed on the seat surface, steering wheel, etc., and detects the biological information of passengers sitting in the seat or the driver holding the steering wheel. Based on the detection information input from the driver state detection unit 7510, the in-vehicle information detection unit 7500 can calculate the driver's fatigue level or the driver's level of concentration, or it can determine whether the driver is dozing off. The in-vehicle information detection unit 7500 can perform processing such as noise cancellation on the audio signals obtained through sound collection.

[0236] The integrated control unit 7600 controls the overall operation within the vehicle control system 7000 according to various programs. The integrated control unit 7600 is connected to the input unit 7800. The input unit 7800 is a device capable of input operation by a passenger, such as a touch panel, button, microphone, switch, lever, etc. The integrated control unit 7600 can receive data obtained through voice recognition of voice input via the microphone. The input unit 7800 can be a remote control device using infrared or other radio waves, or it can be an external connection device such as a mobile phone or personal digital assistant (PDA) that supports the operation of the vehicle control system 7000. The input unit 7800 can be a camera. In this case, the passenger can input information through gestures. Alternatively, data obtained by detecting the movement of a wearable device worn by the passenger can be input. Furthermore, the input unit 7800 may include an input control circuit, etc., which generates an input signal based on the information input by the passenger or others using the aforementioned input unit 7800, and outputs the generated input signal to the integrated control unit 7600. Passengers can input various data into the vehicle control system 7000 through the operation input unit 7800 and process operation instructions.

[0237] The storage unit 7690 may include a read-only memory (ROM) for storing various programs executed by a microcomputer and a random access memory (RAM) for storing various parameters, operation results, sensor values, etc. Furthermore, the storage unit 7690 may be a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, etc.

[0238] The Universal Communication I / F 7620 is a widely used communication I / F that mediates communication with various devices present in the external environment 7750. The Universal Communication I / F 7620 can implement cellular communication protocols such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), WiMAX (Global Interoperability Microwave Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A, etc., or other wireless communication protocols such as Wireless LAN (also known as Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, etc. The Universal Communication I / F 7620 can connect to devices (e.g., application servers or control servers) present on external networks (e.g., the Internet, cloud networks, or company-specific networks) via base stations or access points. Furthermore, the Universal Communication I / F 7620 can use peer-to-peer (P2P) technology to connect to terminals present near the vehicle (e.g., terminals belonging to drivers, pedestrians, or shopkeepers, or machine-type communication (MTC) terminals).

[0239] The Dedicated Communications I / F 7630 is a communications I / F that supports communication protocols developed for vehicle use. The Dedicated Communications I / F 7630 can implement standard protocols, such as Wireless Access in a Vehicle Environment (WAVE) (a combination of IEEE 802.11p as the lower layer and IEEE 1609 as the upper layer), Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), or cellular communication protocols. The Dedicated Communications I / F 7630 typically performs V2X communication including one or more of the following concepts: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, road-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-home (V2N) communication, and pedestrian-to-vehicle (V2P) communication.

[0240] The positioning unit 7640 can perform positioning by receiving Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals from GNSS satellites (e.g., GPS signals from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites) and generating location information including the vehicle's latitude, longitude, and altitude. Incidentally, the positioning unit 7640 can identify its current location by exchanging signals with a wireless access point, or by obtaining location information from a terminal such as a mobile phone, a Personal Handheld System (PHS), or a smartphone with positioning capabilities.

[0241] The beacon receiver 7650 can receive radio waves or electromagnetic waves transmitted from radio stations installed on roads, etc., thereby obtaining information such as current location, congestion, road closure, and estimated time. Incidentally, the functionality of the beacon receiver 7650 can be included in the aforementioned dedicated communication I / F 7630.

[0242] The in-vehicle device I / F 7660 is a communication interface that mediates the connection between the microcomputer 7610 and various in-vehicle devices 7760 present within the vehicle. The in-vehicle device I / F 7660 can establish a wireless connection using wireless communication protocols such as Wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Near Field Communication (NFC), or Wireless Universal Serial Bus (WUSB). Furthermore, the in-vehicle device I / F 7660 can establish a wired connection via connection terminals (and cables, if necessary) not shown in the figure, through Universal Serial Bus (USB), High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI (registered trademark)), Mobile High Definition Link (MHL), etc. The in-vehicle device 7760 may include at least one of the following: passenger-owned mobile devices and wearable devices, and information devices loaded into or attached to the vehicle. The in-vehicle device 7760 may also include a navigation device for searching routes to any destination. The in-vehicle device I / F 7660 exchanges control signals or data signals with these in-vehicle devices 7760.

[0243] The vehicle network I / F 7680 is an interface that mediates communication between the microcomputer 7610 and the communication network 7010. The vehicle network I / F 7680 transmits and receives signals according to a predetermined protocol supported by the communication network 7010.

[0244] The microcomputer 7610 of the integrated control unit 7600 controls the vehicle control system 7000 according to various programs based on information obtained via at least one of the following: general communication I / F 7620, dedicated communication I / F 7630, positioning unit 7640, beacon receiving unit 7650, in-vehicle device I / F 7660, and vehicle network I / F 7680. For example, the microcomputer 7610 can calculate control target values ​​for the drive force generation device, steering mechanism, or braking device based on the obtained relevant information about the inside or outside of the vehicle, and output control commands to the drive system control unit 7100. For example, the microcomputer 7610 can perform cooperative control aimed at realizing functions of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including collision avoidance or impact buffering for the vehicle, distance-based following driving, speed-maintaining driving, vehicle collision warning, lane departure warning, etc. Furthermore, the microcomputer 7610 can control the drive force generation device, steering mechanism, and braking device based on the information obtained about the vehicle's surrounding environment, thereby performing coordinated control intended for automatic driving and other purposes that do not depend on the driver's operation.

[0245] The microcomputer 7610 can generate three-dimensional distance information between the vehicle and objects such as surrounding structures and people based on information obtained via at least one of the following: a general communication I / F 7620, a dedicated communication I / F 7630, a positioning unit 7640, a beacon receiving unit 7650, an in-vehicle device I / F 7660, and an in-vehicle network I / F 7680. It also generates local map information including information about the vehicle's current surrounding environment. Furthermore, the microcomputer 7610 can predict hazards such as vehicle collisions, pedestrian approach, and entry into closed roads based on the obtained information, and generate alarm signals. These alarm signals can be used to generate warning sounds or illuminate warning lights.

[0246] The sound / image output unit 7670 transmits at least one of sound and image output signals to an output device capable of visually or audibly notifying passengers of the vehicle or the outside of the vehicle. Figure 21 In the example, an audio speaker 7710, a display unit 7720, and an instrument panel 7730 are shown as output devices. The display unit 7720 may include at least one of an in-vehicle display and a head-up display. The display unit 7720 may have augmented reality (AR) display functionality. Output devices may be other than these devices, such as headphones, wearable devices like glasses displays worn by passengers, projectors, lamps, etc. When the output device is a display device, it visually displays the results obtained from various processes performed by the microcomputer 7610, or displays information received from other control units in various forms (such as text, images, tables, graphs, etc.). Furthermore, when the output device is an audio output device, it converts an audio signal composed of played audio data or sound data into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal audibly.

[0247] Incidentally, in Figure 21 In the example shown, at least two control units connected to each other via communication network 7010 can be integrated into one control unit. Alternatively, each individual control unit may include multiple control units. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 7000 may include other control units not shown in the figures. Additionally, some or all of the functions performed by one control unit described above can be assigned to another control unit. That is, predetermined computational processing can be performed by any one control unit, as long as information is transmitted and received via communication network 7010. Similarly, sensors or devices connected to one control unit can be connected to another control unit, and multiple control units can transmit and receive detection information from each other via communication network 7010.

[0248] It is important to note that this is used to implement the reference. Figure 7The computer program for each function of the ranging device 40 according to this embodiment, as described above, can be implemented in any control unit or the like. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium in which such a computer program is stored can be provided. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, flash memory, etc. Moreover, the aforementioned computer program can be distributed via, for example, a network without using a recording medium.

[0249] In the aforementioned vehicle control system 7000, reference Figure 7 The ranging device 40 described in this embodiment can be applied to... Figure 21 The integrated control unit 7600 is shown as an application example. For example, the control unit 9 of the ranging device 40 corresponds to the microcomputer 7610, storage unit 7690, and vehicle network I / F 7680 of the integrated control unit 7600.

[0250] In addition, refer to Figure 7 At least some components of the ranging device 40 described above can be Figure 21 This is implemented in a module (e.g., an integrated circuit module including a die) of the integrated control unit 7600 shown. Alternatively, refer to Figure 7 The distance measuring device 40 described above can be made by Figure 21 The vehicle control system 7000 shown in the figure is implemented by multiple control units.

[0251] It should be noted that this technology can have the following configurations.

[0252] (1) A light-emitting device, comprising: Multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a two-dimensional array, and each light-emitting element includes a first terminal and a second terminal; Multiple first terminal wirings include M first wirings (M is an integer greater than 2) extending in a first direction and N second wirings (N is an integer greater than 2) extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and electrically connected to the M first wirings respectively. The multiple first terminal wirings are electrically connected to the first terminal of the light-emitting element. Multiple second-terminal wirings are electrically connected to the second terminals of the light-emitting elements, and each of the multiple second-terminal wirings is electrically connected to P light-emitting elements (P is an integer greater than 2). Multiple selection circuits are respectively connected to one of multiple first terminal wirings and multiple second terminal wirings, and each selects the corresponding light-emitting element; Multiple driving circuits are respectively connected to the other side of multiple first terminal wirings and multiple second terminal wirings, and respectively drive the corresponding light-emitting elements; and The control unit controls at least one of the following parameters based on input information: the number of times a light-emitting element emits light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width: N is an integer that is the same as or different from M, and P is an integer that is the same as or different from at least one of M or N.

[0253] (2) According to the light-emitting device of (1), wherein, The control unit selects the light-emitting element to emit light from multiple light-emitting elements based on the input information.

[0254] (3) According to the light-emitting device of (1), wherein, The control unit controls the light emission sequence of multiple light-emitting elements based on the input information.

[0255] (4) The light-emitting device according to any one of (1) to (3) further includes: A first substrate, comprising multiple light-emitting elements; and The second substrate is laminated on the first substrate and includes multiple selection circuits, multiple drive circuits, and a control unit.

[0256] (5) A light-emitting device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein, The input information includes temperature information around multiple light-emitting elements, and The control unit selects the light-emitting element to emit light from multiple light-emitting elements based on temperature information.

[0257] (6) The light-emitting device according to any one of (1) to (5) further includes: The drive unit includes multiple selection circuits and multiple drive circuits. The input information includes information provided by the drive unit.

[0258] (7) According to the light-emitting device of (6), wherein, The information provided by the driving unit includes at least one of the following: the number of times each light-emitting element emits light, the light emission interval, the light emission power, and the light emission pulse width.

[0259] (8) A light-emitting device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein, The input information includes: ranging information measured using light emitted from multiple light-emitting elements.

[0260] (9) According to the light-emitting device of (8), wherein, Based on the ranging information included in the input information, the control unit controls at least one of the following: the number of times a light-emitting element emits light, the light emission interval, the light emission power, and the light emission pulse width, according to the measured distance.

[0261] (10) A light-emitting device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein, Input information includes information provided from the host device.

[0262] (11) According to the light-emitting device of (10), wherein, The information provided by the host device includes the vehicle speed information of the vehicle equipped with the host device, and The control unit controls at least one of the following parameters based on vehicle speed information: the number of times a light-emitting element emits light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width.

[0263] (12) According to the light-emitting device of (10), wherein, The host device or ranging unit performs emission control on two or more of the multiple light-emitting elements that emit light in the region of interest (ROI), and The control unit controls at least one of the following based on the location and size of the ROI region: the number of times a light-emitting element emits light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width.

[0264] (13) A ranging device, comprising: A light-emitting device that emits light toward the ranging target; and The control unit includes a ranging unit that receives light reflected from the ranging object and measures the distance to the object. The light-emitting device includes: Multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a two-dimensional array, and each light-emitting element includes a first terminal and a second terminal; Multiple first terminal wirings include M first wirings (M is an integer greater than 2) extending in a first direction and N second wirings (N is an integer greater than 2) extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and electrically connected to the M first wirings respectively. The multiple first terminal wirings are electrically connected to the first terminal of the light-emitting element. Multiple second-terminal wirings are electrically connected to the second terminals of the light-emitting elements, and each of the multiple second-terminal wirings is electrically connected to P light-emitting elements (P is an integer greater than 2). Multiple selection circuits are respectively connected to one of multiple first terminal wirings and multiple second terminal wirings, and each selects a corresponding light-emitting element; and Multiple driving circuits are respectively connected to one of the multiple first terminal wirings and the multiple second terminal wirings, and each drives the corresponding light-emitting element. The control unit controls at least one of the following parameters based on input information: the number of times a light-emitting element emits light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width.

[0265] (14) According to the ranging device of (13), wherein, The input information includes information provided from the light-emitting device.

[0266] (15) According to the ranging device of (14), wherein, The information provided by the light-emitting device includes temperature information around multiple light-emitting elements, and The control unit selects the light-emitting element to emit light from multiple light-emitting elements based on temperature information.

[0267] (16) According to the ranging device of (14), wherein, The information provided by the light-emitting device includes at least one of the following: the number of times light is emitted by multiple light-emitting elements, the light emission interval, the light emission power, and the light emission pulse width.

[0268] (17) A ranging device according to any one of (13) to (15), wherein, The control unit selects the light-emitting element to emit light from multiple light-emitting elements based on the input information.

[0269] (18) A ranging device according to any one of (13) to (15), wherein, The control unit controls the light emission sequence of multiple light-emitting elements based on the input information.

[0270] (19) A ranging device according to any one of (13) to (15), wherein, Input information includes ranging information or information provided from the host device.

[0271] (20) According to the ranging device of (19), wherein, The information provided by the host device includes the vehicle speed information of the vehicle on which the host device is installed.

[0272] This disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above, but includes various modifications that may be conceived by those skilled in the art, and the effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above. In other words, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions may be made without departing from the conceptual idea and spirit of this disclosure as defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0273] Reference Symbol List

[0274] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e Light-emitting devices

[0275] 2. Light-emitting part

[0276] 3 Drive Unit

[0277] 4. Power supply circuit

[0278] 5. Light-emitting side optical system

[0279] 6. Optical system for receiving light

[0280] 7. Optical Receiver

[0281] 8. Signal Processing Department

[0282] 9. Control Department

[0283] 9a Distance measuring unit

[0284] 10 Temperature Detection Department

[0285] 11 LD chips

[0286] 12 LDD substrate

[0287] 13 Mounting substrate

[0288] 14 Heat dissipation substrate

[0289] 15. Correction lens holding section

[0290] 16 Correction Lens

[0291] 17. Wiring

[0292] 20 facial

[0293] 21 substrate

[0294] 22-Laminated Film

[0295] 23 Light-emitting elements

[0296] 23' Parasitic Capacitance

[0297] 24 transistors

[0298] 24' Parasitic Capacitance

[0299] 25 transistors

[0300] 30 Drive Control Unit

[0301] 31 First anode wiring

[0302] 31a First Horizontal Routing

[0303] 31b First vertical wiring

[0304] 32 Second anode wiring

[0305] 32a Second Horizontal Wiring

[0306] 32b Second Vertical Wiring

[0307] 33 Third anode wiring

[0308] 33a Third Horizontal Wiring

[0309] 33b Third Vertical Wiring

[0310] 34 First Capacitor

[0311] 35 Second capacitor

[0312] 36 Third Capacitor

[0313] 37 First Selection Circuit

[0314] 37a transistor

[0315] 37b transistor

[0316] 38 Second Selection Circuit

[0317] 38A transistor

[0318] 38-bit transistor

[0319] 39 Third Selection Circuit

[0320] 39a transistor

[0321] 39b transistor

[0322] 40 Distance measuring device

[0323] 41 Cathode wiring

[0324] 41' Anode wiring

[0325] 42 Wiring

[0326] 42 Gate wiring

[0327] 42' gate wiring

[0328] 43 Gate wiring

[0329] 47 Anode electrode

[0330] 48 Cathode electrode

[0331] 49 Padding

[0332] 50 bonding layer

[0333] 51 Insulating substrate

[0334] 52 Insulating film

[0335] 53 Wiring Layer

[0336] 54 Insulating film

[0337] 55 Wiring Layer

[0338] 56. Wiring

[0339] 57 Welding balls

[0340] 61 First transistor

[0341] 62 Second transistor

[0342] 63 Third transistor

[0343] 64 First gate wiring

[0344] 65 Second gate wiring

[0345] 66 Third gate wiring

[0346] 67 Capacitor

[0347] 68 Selection Circuit

[0348] 68A transistor

[0349] 68-bit transistor

[0350] 71 First Voltage Detection Circuit

[0351] 72 Second Voltage Detection Circuit

[0352] 73 Third voltage detection circuit.

Claims

1. A light-emitting device, comprising: Multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a two-dimensional array, and each light-emitting element includes a first terminal and a second terminal; The plurality of first terminal wirings include M first wirings (M is an integer greater than 2) extending in a first direction and N second wirings (N is an integer greater than 2) extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and electrically connected to the M first wirings respectively, the plurality of first terminal wirings being electrically connected to the first terminal of the light-emitting element; Multiple second terminal wirings are electrically connected to the second terminals of the light-emitting elements, and each of the multiple second terminal wirings is electrically connected to P of the light-emitting elements (P is an integer greater than 2). Multiple selection circuits are respectively connected to one of the multiple first terminal wirings and the multiple second terminal wirings, and each selects a corresponding light-emitting element; Multiple driving circuits are respectively connected to another of the multiple first terminal wirings and the multiple second terminal wirings, and respectively drive the corresponding light-emitting element; as well as The control unit controls at least one of the following parameters based on input information: the number of times the light-emitting elements emit light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width: N is an integer that is the same as or different from M, and P is an integer that is the same as or different from at least one of M and N.

2. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit selects the light-emitting element to emit light from the plurality of light-emitting elements based on the input information.

3. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit controls the light-emitting sequence of the plurality of light-emitting elements based on the input information.

4. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, further comprising: The first substrate includes the plurality of light-emitting elements; as well as The second substrate is laminated on the first substrate and includes the plurality of selection circuits, the plurality of driving circuits, and the control unit.

5. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein, The input information includes temperature information around the plurality of light-emitting elements, and The control unit selects the light-emitting element to emit light from the plurality of light-emitting elements based on the temperature information.

6. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, further comprising: The driving unit includes the plurality of selection circuits and the plurality of driving circuits. The input information includes information provided by the drive unit.

7. The light-emitting device according to claim 6, wherein, The information provided from the driving unit includes at least one of the following: the number of times the plurality of light-emitting elements emit light, the light emission interval, the light emission power, and the light emission pulse width.

8. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein, The input information includes: ranging information measured using light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements.

9. The light-emitting device according to claim 8, wherein, Based on the ranging information included in the input information, the control unit controls at least one of the following: the number of times the plurality of light-emitting elements emit light, the light emission interval, the light emission power, and the light emission pulse width, according to the measured distance.

10. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein, The input information includes information provided from the host device.

11. The light-emitting device according to claim 10, wherein, The information provided by the host device includes the vehicle speed information of the vehicle on which the host device is installed, and The control unit controls at least one of the following based on the vehicle speed information: the number of times the light-emitting elements emit light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width.

12. The light-emitting device according to claim 10, wherein, The host device or ranging unit performs illumination control on two or more of the plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light in the region of interest (ROI), and The control unit controls at least one of the following based on the position and size of the ROI region: the number of times the light-emitting elements emit light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width.

13. A ranging device, comprising: The light-emitting device emits light toward the ranging target; as well as The control unit includes a ranging unit that receives light reflected from a ranging object and measures the distance to the ranging object. The light-emitting device includes: Multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a two-dimensional array, and each light-emitting element includes a first terminal and a second terminal; The plurality of first terminal wirings include M first wirings (M is an integer greater than 2) extending in a first direction and N second wirings (N is an integer greater than 2) extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and electrically connected to the M first wirings respectively, the plurality of first terminal wirings being electrically connected to the first terminal of the light-emitting element; Multiple second terminal wirings are electrically connected to the second terminals of the light-emitting elements, and each of the multiple second terminal wirings is electrically connected to P of the light-emitting elements (P is an integer greater than 2). Multiple selection circuits are respectively connected to one of the multiple first terminal wirings and the multiple second terminal wirings, and each selects a corresponding light-emitting element; and Multiple driving circuits are respectively connected to another of the multiple first terminal wirings and the multiple second terminal wirings, and respectively drive the corresponding light-emitting element. The control unit controls at least one of the following based on the input information: the number of times the light-emitting elements emit light, the light-emitting interval, the light-emitting power, and the light-emitting pulse width.

14. The ranging device according to claim 13, wherein, The input information includes information provided from the light-emitting device.

15. The ranging device according to claim 14, wherein, The information provided from the light-emitting device includes temperature information around the plurality of light-emitting elements, and The control unit selects the light-emitting element to emit light from the plurality of light-emitting elements based on the temperature information.

16. The ranging device according to claim 14, wherein, The information provided by the light-emitting device includes at least one of the following: the number of times the plurality of light-emitting elements emit light, the light emission interval, the light emission power, and the light emission pulse width.

17. The ranging device according to claim 13, wherein, The control unit selects the light-emitting element to emit light from the plurality of light-emitting elements based on the input information.

18. The ranging device according to claim 13, wherein, The control unit controls the light-emitting sequence of the plurality of light-emitting elements based on the input information.

19. The ranging device according to claim 13, wherein, The input information includes ranging information or information provided by the host device.

20. The ranging device according to claim 19, wherein, The information provided by the host device includes vehicle speed information of the vehicle on which the host device is installed.

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