Light emitting device and distance measuring device

Abstract

Disclosed is a light-emitting device in which a plurality of light sources each having a plurality of light-emitting sections capable of individually emitting light are arranged, and which is driven such that one light-emitting section that emits light only toward one region is turned on in each of the plurality of light sources arranged, and a distance measuring device that measures the light emitted by the light-emitting section is turned on in each of the plurality of light sources arranged in each of the plurality of light sources arranged in each of the plurality of light sources arranged in each of the plurality of light sources. The illumination angles of some of the plurality of light sources are larger than the illumination angles of the other light sources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a light-emitting device and a distance-measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-153135 discloses a measuring device that includes a light-emitting unit comprising a first light-emitting section that emits light toward a first region and a second light-emitting section that emits light toward a second region different from the first region. The measuring device also includes a light-receiving unit comprising a first light-receiving section that receives light reflected from the first region and a second light-receiving section that receives light reflected from the second region. Furthermore, the measuring device includes an acquisition unit that acquires information related to a second region based on the result that light emitted from the first light-emitting section is reflected in the second region and received by the second light-receiving section. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Here, there exists a light-emitting device with multiple light sources, each having multiple light-emitting segments. Consider the case where, in each of these multiple light sources, the light-emitting segment illuminating a region is lit. Assuming that the multiple light sources have the same illumination angle, the offset of the light-emitting segments has a greater impact on the region due to factors such as the precision during assembly of the multiple light sources.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to suppress the effect of the offset of the light-emitting segment on a region, compared to the case where multiple light sources have the same illumination angle.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a light-emitting device is provided, which is configured with a plurality of light sources having a plurality of light-emitting segments capable of emitting light individually. In each of the plurality of light sources, one light-emitting segment irradiating light toward only one area is driven in a lit state, and the illumination angle of a portion of the plurality of light sources is larger than the illumination angle of the other light sources.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the light-emitting device involved in the first aspect, the light-emitting segment of the partial light source illuminates the area adjacent to the first region, and the irradiated range of the light-emitting segment of the partial light source is larger than the irradiated range of the light-emitting segment of the other light sources.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the light-emitting device involved in the second aspect, the light-emitting segment of the portion of the light source irradiates light toward the entire area of ​​the region and the adjacent region.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the light-emitting device involved in any of the first to third aspects, the number of some light sources is less than the number of other light sources.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the light-emitting device involved in the fourth aspect, the number of the portion of light sources is one.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the light-emitting device involved in any of the first to fifth aspects, the portion of the light source includes an optical component that makes the illumination angle larger than that of the other light sources.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the light-emitting device involved in the sixth aspect, the number of optical components is less than the number of the plurality of light-emitting segments.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a ranging device is provided, comprising: the light-emitting device as described in the first aspect; a light-receiving section that receives reflected light from the light-emitting device; an acquisition section that acquires the light-receiving result performed by the light-receiving section; and a ranging section that measures distance based on the light-receiving result acquired by the acquisition section.

[0013] (Effect)

[0014] According to the first scheme, compared with the case where multiple light sources have the same illumination angle, the effect of the offset of the light-emitting segment on a region can be suppressed.

[0015] According to the second scheme, compared with the case where the following structure is not adopted, the effect of the offset of the light-emitting segment on a region can be suppressed: a light-emitting segment in a portion of the light source illuminates the region adjacent to the region, and the irradiated range of a light-emitting segment in a portion of the light source is larger than the irradiated range of a light-emitting segment in other light sources.

[0016] According to the third scheme, compared with the case where a structure is not used where a light-emitting segment of a portion of the light source illuminates the entire region adjacent to a region, the effect of the offset of the light-emitting segment on a region can be suppressed.

[0017] According to the fourth scheme, compared with the case where the number of some light sources is less than the number of other light sources, the effects of the presence of highly reflective materials can be suppressed.

[0018] According to the fifth scheme, compared with the case where the number of light sources is one, the influence of the presence of highly reflective materials can be suppressed.

[0019] According to the sixth solution, costs can be reduced compared to the case where some light sources do not have optical components that allow the illumination angle to be larger than that of other light sources.

[0020] According to the seventh solution, costs can be reduced compared to a structure that does not employ optical components in a number that is less than the number of multiple light-emitting segments.

[0021] According to the eighth scheme, compared with the case where multiple light sources have the same illumination angle, the effect of the offset of the light-emitting segment on a region can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the general structure of the ranging device according to this embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting part and the irradiation surface that irradiates the light emitted from the light-emitting part in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the light-emitting part in this embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the light-receiving surface and the irradiated surface of the light-receiving part in this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of the irradiation sequence of irradiated sections of an irradiated surface;

[0027] Figure 6 The diagrams are for explaining the distance image in this embodiment. (a) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the ranging device and the object. (b) is a diagram showing the situation of the irradiated surface. (c) is a diagram showing an example of the distance image produced by the control unit.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a schematic structural example of the ranging device according to this embodiment;

[0029] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the structure of the light source in the light-emitting part;

[0030] Figure 9 These figures illustrate structural examples of arranging optical components on a light source. (a) and (b) show an example of using a microlens as an optical component, and (c) and (d) show another example of using a lens as an optical component.

[0031] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the light distribution in the light-receiving section of the light-receiving part formed by multiple light sources.

[0032] Figure 11 The graph is a coordinate diagram illustrating the embodiments, (a) and (b) representing embodiments in which this embodiment is applied, and (c) representing a conventional example in which this embodiment is not applied to represent a different embodiment from the present embodiment;

[0033] Figure 12 The graphs are used to illustrate the comparative examples. (a) and (b) show the cases where any illumination angle of the light source is set to θ2.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a variation. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. As will be understood from the description of these claims, embodiments combining multiple embodiments, and embodiments resulting from various modifications or improvements to these embodiments, are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0037] <Distance measuring device 1>

[0038] (Overall structure)

[0039] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the general structure of the ranging device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0040] The ranging device 1 measures the distance to the object based on the time elapsed from the self-emitting unit 4 to the time elapsed from the object to the light reflected by the object being received by the light-receiving unit 5. In other words, the ranging device 1 is a device for distance measurement based on the Time-of-Flight (ToF) method. Among the ToF methods, there are indirect ToF (iToF), which measures time based on the difference between the phase of the emitted light and the phase of the received light, and direct ToF (dToF), which directly measures the time from the emission of light to its reception. In this embodiment, the ranging device 1 will be described as performing distance measurement based on the indirect ToF method.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the ranging device 1 includes an optical device 3 and a control unit 8.

[0042] The optical device 3 includes a light-emitting part 4 that emits light toward a predetermined illumination range, a light-receiving part 5 that receives light emitted from the light-emitting part 4 and reflected by an object present in the illumination range, a light-emitting drive part 6 that drives the light-emitting part 4, and a light-receiving drive part 7 that drives the light-receiving part 5.

[0043] The structure of the light-emitting part 4 and the light-receiving part 5 of the optical device 3 will be described in detail later. Furthermore, the symbol 2, indicated by the dashed line, will be explained later.

[0044] The control unit 8 controls the operation of the light-emitting part 4 and the light-receiving part 5 of the optical device 3.

[0045] In addition, the control unit 8 acquires the light-receiving result from the light-receiving unit 5, and based on the light-receiving result, determines the distance from the ranging device 1 to the object using the ToF method.

[0046] The light-receiving part 5 detects light from sources present in the irradiation range (described later). Figure 2 The control unit 8 detects infrared radiation emitted by the object within the irradiated area (60). Based on the detection results, the control unit 8 generates an infrared image. The control unit 8 continuously or intermittently detects infrared radiation within the irradiated area at preset time intervals to generate an infrared image.

[0047] The control unit 8 analyzes the acquired infrared image to determine the status of the object within the irradiation range. The control unit 8 determines whether the object is a moving object or a stationary object within the irradiation range. Furthermore, the control unit 8 determines which irradiation segment 61 (described later) the object exists in within the irradiation range. Figure 2 The control unit 8 measures the condition of the object within the irradiation range. Furthermore, when the object is a moving object, the control unit 8 measures the direction of movement of the object within the irradiation range and the relative amount of movement of the object within the irradiation range as the condition of the object within the irradiation range.

[0048] (Light-emitting part 4)

[0049] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the light-emitting surface 40 of the light-emitting unit 4 in this embodiment and the irradiation surface 60 irradiated by light emitted from the light-emitting unit 4. Figure 2 In this context, the left direction of the paper is designated as the +x direction, the top direction as the +y direction, and the back direction as the +z direction. The opposite directions are designated as -x, -y, and -z directions, respectively. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 In the illustration, the emitting surface 40 and the illuminating surface 60 are shown offset along the vertical direction (±y direction) of the paper, but in reality, the emitting surface 40 and the illuminating surface 60 are arranged opposite each other. Figure 2 In this configuration, the emitting surface 40 of the light-emitting part 4 is located in the surface direction (-z direction) of the paper, and the irradiating surface 60 is located in the back direction (+z direction) of the paper. That is, Figure 2 This is the view of the light-emitting part 4 emitting light toward the irradiation surface 60 from the side opposite to the side from which the light-emitting part 4 emits light.

[0050] The light-emitting part 4 is composed of one or more light-emitting chips, for example.

[0051] The light-emitting unit 4 is equipped with multiple vertically oriented surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) arranged in a manner described later. Figure 3The light-emitting surface 40 is represented by symbol 43. Furthermore, the light-emitting part 4 emits light towards the irradiated surface 60 through the light emitted by the VCSEL 43. Figure 2 The description of VCSEL43 is omitted.

[0052] Furthermore, as will be described later, it is also considered that the light-emitting part 4 has a structure with multiple light-emitting surfaces 40.

[0053] The emitting surface 40 is divided into multiple emitting segments 41, each including at least one VCSEL 43. Here, as an example, the emitting surface 40 is divided into a total of 12 emitting segments 41, four in each of the x-directions and three in each of the y-directions. As shown in the figure, when it is necessary to distinguish between the emitting segments 41, from... Figure 2 Starting from the upper left side (the ends in the +x and +y directions), the area is divided into light-emitting segments A1 to A12.

[0054] Furthermore, in this specification, "~" indicates multiple constituent elements distinguished by number, referring to the constituent elements listed before and after "~" and the numbered constituent elements between them. For example, light-emitting segments A1 to A12 include 12 light-emitting segments 41 arranged in numerical order from light-emitting segment A1 to light-emitting segment A12.

[0055] Each light-emitting segment 41 is driven by the light-emitting driving unit 6 (see reference). Figure 1 The light-emitting section 41 is independently driven to perform the light-emitting operation. Incidentally, each light-emitting section 41 emits light by supplying power to the VCSEL 43 included in the light-emitting section 41 via the light-emitting drive unit 6. In this embodiment, the VCSEL 43 emits light through the power supplied to it and the power supplied. Consequently, the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting section 41 can be adjusted according to environmental factors such as the brightness of the illumination range or the operation performed by the user of the ranging device 1.

[0056] In addition, in this embodiment, driving the light-emitting segment 41 means supplying power to the VCSEL 43 included in the light-emitting segment 41 to emit light, and the light-emitting action means that the VCSEL 43 included in the light-emitting segment 41 emits light during a preset light-emitting period.

[0057] Furthermore, "independent driving" refers to a state where each light-emitting segment 41 is driven to emit light. The light-emitting driving unit 6 emits light according to the control unit 8 (see reference). Figure 1 The control signal drives each light-emitting segment 41. Therefore, not all light-emitting segments 41 necessarily emit light simultaneously; for example, in... Figure 2 In the example, a state can be obtained where the luminous segment A1 emits light but the luminous segment A12 does not emit light.

[0058] The irradiation surface 60 is the surface irradiated by light from the light-emitting part 4, which is orthogonal to the direction of the emitted light at a certain distance in the direction (+z direction) from the center 40C of the light-emitting surface 40.

[0059] exist Figure 2 In this example, because the light-emitting part 4 emits light in the +z direction, the irradiation surface 60 extends along the x and y directions within a certain distance in the +z direction. Here, the central axis Ax (double-dotted line) passing through the center 60C of the irradiation surface 60 and the center 40C of the light-emitting surface 40 is perpendicular to both the light-emitting surface 40 and the irradiation surface 60. Furthermore, in this embodiment, corresponding to the case where the light-emitting surface 40 is rectangular, the irradiation surface 60 is rectangular.

[0060] As shown in the figure, the irradiation surface 60 and the light-emitting surface 40 are correspondingly divided into multiple irradiation segments 61. Figure 2 In the example, the area is divided into 12 irradiation segments 61, with four segments arranged in each of the x-directions and three segments arranged in each of the y-directions. When it is necessary to distinguish between each irradiation segment 61, from... Figure 2 Starting from the upper left side (the ends in the +x and +y directions), the irradiation sections are sequentially referred to as B1 to B12.

[0061] Furthermore, sometimes a light-emitting segment Ai that is assigned the same number i relative to a certain irradiated segment Bi is called the "corresponding light-emitting segment". For example, light-emitting segment A1 is the light-emitting segment corresponding to irradiated segment B1. Conversely, sometimes an irradiated segment Bi that is assigned the same number i relative to a certain light-emitting segment Ai is called the "corresponding irradiated segment".

[0062] Illuminated sections B1 to B12 are arranged symmetrically with respect to luminescent sections A1 to A12 about the xy plane. For example, in Figure 2 In the diagram, the light-emitting segments A1, A2, A3, and A4 are arranged sequentially along the -x direction, and correspondingly, the irradiated segments B1, B2, B3, and B4 are arranged sequentially along the -x direction.

[0063] Each light-emitting segment 41 emits light toward its corresponding illumination segment 61. Furthermore, each illumination segment 61 is illuminated by light emitted from its corresponding light-emitting segment 41. Here, "light emitted from each light-emitting segment 41 toward its corresponding illumination segment 61" means that the optical axis of the light emitted from each light-emitting segment 41 is oriented toward its corresponding illumination segment 61. It is not limited to all the light emitted from the light-emitting segment 41 illuminating its corresponding illumination segment 61. In other words, a portion of the light emitted from a certain light-emitting segment 41 may sometimes illuminate an illumination segment 61 or an area outside the illumination surface 60 that is different from its corresponding illumination segment 61.

[0064] Figure 3 This diagram shows an example of the light-emitting part 4 in this embodiment. Figure 3 In, with Figure 2 Conversely, the view is shown from the side where light is emitted from the light-emitting part 4. Therefore, Figure 3 The right direction of the paper is the +x direction, the top direction is the +y direction, and the top direction is the +z direction.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the light-emitting unit 4 includes a substrate 42 and a light-emitting surface 40 on which a plurality of VCSELs 43 are disposed. More specifically, the substrate 42 and the light-emitting surface 40 are arranged overlappingly in the direction of emitted light (+z direction, surface direction of the paper). In addition, besides wiring for power supply or electrical signal exchange, electronic components related to the operation of the light-emitting unit 4 are sometimes formed or mounted on the substrate 42, but these are omitted from description.

[0066] As described above, the light-emitting part 4 has 12 light-emitting segments 41 (light-emitting segments A1 to A12) on the light-emitting surface 40, on which VCSELs 43 are arranged. Figure 3 As shown, all light-emitting sections A1 to A12 have the same area. In addition, each light-emitting section A1 to A12 is provided with the same number of VCSEL43 (seven in this example).

[0067] Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the area of ​​each light-emitting segment 41 or the number of VCSELs 43 configured therein. For some or all of the light-emitting segments 41, the areas can be different, and different numbers of VCSELs 43 can be configured.

[0068] Furthermore, the light emitted from each light-emitting segment 41 of the light-emitting unit 4 passes through an illumination lens (not shown) and extends toward a surface perpendicular to the emission direction (the axial direction of the central axis Ax) to illuminate the illumination surface 60. The illumination lens can be an optical component such as a diffuser plate disposed in the light path that diffuses light by scattering, a diffractive optical element (DOE) that changes the angle of the incident light, and / or a lens.

[0069] (Light-receiving section 5)

[0070] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the light-receiving surface 50 of the light-receiving section 5 in this embodiment and the aforementioned irradiation surface 60. Figure 4 In, with Figure 2 Similarly, the left direction of the paper is designated as the +x direction, the top direction as the +y direction, and the back direction as the z direction, with the opposite directions designated as -x, -y, and -z respectively. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the diagram, the light-receiving surface 50 and the irradiated surface 60 are shown offset along the vertical direction (±y direction) of the paper, but in reality, the light-receiving surface 50 and the irradiated surface 60 are arranged opposite each other. Figure 4 In this configuration, the light-receiving part 5 (light-receiving surface 50) is located on the surface of the paper in the -z direction, and the irradiated surface 60 is located on the back side of the paper in the +z direction. That is, Figure 4 This is an observation of the light-receiving part 5 receiving light reflected from the irradiated surface 60 from the side opposite to the side that receives light from the light-receiving part 5.

[0071] The light-receiving part 5 has a light-receiving surface 50 that extends along the x and y directions and is arranged with a plurality of light-receiving elements (not shown). Furthermore, the light-receiving part 5 receives light emitted from the light-emitting part 4 and reflected by an object present on the irradiation surface 60 through each light-receiving element.

[0072] The central axis Bx (double-dotted line) passing through the center 60C of the irradiation surface 60 and the center 50C of the light-receiving surface 50 is perpendicular to both the irradiation surface 60 and the light-receiving surface 50. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is perpendicular to the light-emitting surface 40 (see reference). Figure 2 Similarly, the light-receiving surface 50 is rectangular, just like the irradiated surface 60.

[0073] Light-receiving surface 50 and light-emitting surface 40 (refer to) Figure 2 The luminescent segment 41 (refer to) Figure 2 The irradiated section 61 of the irradiated surface 60 is correspondingly divided into multiple light-receiving sections 51. Figure 4 In the example, the area is divided into 12 light-receiving segments 51, four in each of the x-directions and three in each of the y-directions. When it is necessary to distinguish between each light-receiving segment 51, from... Figure 4 Starting from the upper left side (the ends in the +x and +y directions), the light-receiving sections are sequentially divided into C1 to C12.

[0074] Furthermore, sometimes a light-receiving segment Ci, which is assigned the same number i relative to a certain luminescent segment Ai or an irradiated segment Bi, is called the "corresponding light-receiving segment". For example, light-receiving segment C1 is the light-receiving segment corresponding to luminescent segment A1 or irradiated segment B1. Conversely, sometimes a luminescent segment Ai, which is assigned the same number relative to a certain light-receiving segment Ci, is called the "corresponding luminescent segment", and an irradiated segment Bi, which is assigned the same number relative to a certain light-receiving segment Ci, is called the "corresponding irradiated segment".

[0075] The light-receiving sections C1 to C12 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the irradiated sections B1 to B12 about the xy plane. For example, in Figure 4 In the diagram, the irradiated sections B1, B2, B3, and B4 are arranged sequentially along the -x direction, and correspondingly, the light-receiving sections C1, C2, C3, and C4 are arranged sequentially along the -x direction.

[0076] Each light-receiving section 51 receives light emitted from the light-emitting part 4 and reflected by the object present in the corresponding irradiated section 61.

[0077] Each light-receiving section 51 has a plurality of light-receiving elements arranged in a regular pattern. Each light-receiving element receives light emitted from the light-emitting section 4 and reflected by an object present on the irradiation surface 60, and can output an electrical signal based on the received light. Examples of light-receiving elements include photodiodes or phototransistors.

[0078] Each light-receiving section 51 is driven by the light-receiving drive unit 7 (see reference). Figure 1 The light-receiving section 51 is driven independently to perform the light-receiving operation. Here, driving the light-receiving section 51 means setting it to a state capable of accumulating charge corresponding to the light received by the light-receiving element. The light-receiving operation means that the light-receiving element of the light-receiving section 51 accumulates charge based on the light received. Furthermore, "independent driving" means driving each light-receiving section 51 and setting it to a state capable of accumulating charge corresponding to the light received. The light-receiving driving unit 7 receives data from the control unit 8 (see reference 8). Figure 1 The control signal drives each light-receiving segment 51.

[0079] In addition, the light-receiving unit 5 outputs to the control unit 8 the charge accumulated in the light-receiving section 51, i.e., the electrical signal corresponding to the light-receiving result in the light-receiving section 51, according to the readout action of the control unit 8 (details to be described later).

[0080] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of the irradiation sequence of the irradiated section 61 of the irradiated surface 60.

[0081] exist Figure 5 In one example of the sequence shown, irradiation of irradiation segment 61 is performed sequentially in the direction of arrow 64. That is, when irradiation segment 61 is divided into upper, middle, and lower segments, the irradiation is performed in the following order: upper segment irradiation segments B1–B4, middle segment irradiation segments B5–B8, and lower segment irradiation segments B9–B12. In the upper segment, the order of irradiation segments B1–B4 is followed. In the middle segment, the order is reversed, with irradiation segments B8–B5. In the lower segment, the order is the same as in the upper segment, with irradiation segments B9–B12.

[0082] The light-emitting section 41 of the light-emitting part 4 is driven to emit light in the order of arrow 44, so that the illumination of the irradiation section 61 is in the order of arrow 64. In addition, the light-receiving section 51 of the light-receiving part 5 is driven to receive light from the reflected light from the irradiation section 61 in the order of arrow 54 corresponding to arrow 64.

[0083] (Control Unit 8)

[0084] Back Figure 1The control unit 8 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 82, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 83.

[0085] CPU 81 is an example of a processor. It performs the functions described later by loading various programs stored in ROM 82, etc., into RAM 83 and executing them. RAM 83 is a memory used as the working memory of CPU 81. ROM 82 is a memory that stores various programs executed by CPU 81.

[0086] Here, the program executed by the CPU81 can be provided in its state stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as magnetic recording media (magnetic tape, disk, etc.), optical recording media (optical disc, etc.), optical-magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program executed by the CPU81 can also be provided using communication methods such as the Internet.

[0087] In this embodiment, each process is executed by any computer. Alternatively, any computer may execute these processes via a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. In this case, the processor is configured to cooperate with the program to execute the various processes in this embodiment, and may also function as a unit or means in this embodiment. Furthermore, the execution order of the processes performed by the processor is not limited to the order described and may be appropriately varied. Any computer may also be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a workstation, or other system capable of executing the processes.

[0088] A processor can be composed of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor can be composed of programmable logic devices such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), dedicated circuits for performing specific processes such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), or NPUs (Neural Processing Units). Furthermore, the type of hardware can also be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a processor, these multiple hardware components can exist in physically separate devices or in the same device. Additionally, in any embodiment, the order in which the processor performs each process is not limited to the order described above and can be appropriately changed. Moreover, the hardware is composed of circuits, such as those combining semiconductor elements.

[0089] Furthermore, a program can also be software such as firmware or microcode. Additionally, a program can be, for example, a group of program modules, each of whose functions can be implemented by a processor configured to perform those functions. A program can also be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage devices). A program can also be segmented and stored on multiple non-transitory computer-readable media existing in physically separate devices. Program code or code segments can represent steps, functions, subroutines, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or commands, data structures, or any combination of program statements. Program code or code segments can also be connected to other code segments or hardware circuitry by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or the contents of memory.

[0090] The control unit 8 controls the light-emitting action of the light-emitting unit 4 through the light-emitting drive unit 6, and controls the light-receiving action of the light-receiving unit 5 through the light-receiving drive unit 7.

[0091] Furthermore, the control unit 8 performs readout operations on the light-receiving unit 5 via the light-receiving drive unit 7. Here, "readout operation" means that the control unit 8 controls the light-receiving unit 5 via the light-receiving drive unit 7 to output an electrical signal corresponding to the light-receiving result of the light-receiving element in the light-receiving segment 51, and acquires it as the light-receiving result of each light-receiving segment 51. In addition, the control unit 8 of this embodiment can perform readout operations independently on each light-receiving segment 51. For example, when a certain light-receiving segment Ci and other light-receiving segments Cj accumulate charge due to light-receiving operations, it can perform readout operations not only on both light-receiving segments Ci and Cj, but also on only light-receiving segment Ci.

[0092] Based on the light reception results in each light-receiving section 51, the control unit 8 performs distance measurement in each irradiated section 61. Furthermore, it summarizes the distance measurement results in each irradiated section 61 and creates a distance image representing the distance between the distance measuring device 1 and the object. More specifically, the control unit 8 performs pre-set arithmetic processing on four electrical signals acquired from the light-receiving unit 5 as four light reception results in each light-receiving section 51. Thus, it calculates the distance (distance measurement) between the distance measuring device 1 and the object in each irradiated section 61 of the irradiated surface 60 and creates a distance image.

[0093] <Distance from image 100>

[0094] Figure 6 The diagrams illustrate the distance image 100 in this embodiment. (a) shows the positional relationship between the ranging device 1 and the objects S1 and S2, (b) shows the situation of the illumination surface 60, and (c) shows an example of the distance image 100 generated by the control unit 8.

[0095] Figure 6 The distance image 100 shown in (c) is a distance image produced as a result of ranging all irradiated segments 61 in the irradiated surface 60. Furthermore, in Figure 6 In the example, objects S1 and S2 (sometimes referred to as object S without distinction) remain stationary at least during the period from the start to the completion of the distance measurement required for the creation of the distance image 100 in the distance measuring device 1, without changing their position relative to the distance measuring device 1.

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown in (c), the distance image 100 has a light-emitting segment 41 of the light-emitting surface 40, an illumination segment 61 of the illumination surface 60, and a light-receiving segment 51 of the light-receiving surface 50 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 4 The corresponding multiple image segments 101. In Figure 6In example (c), the distance image 100 has 12 image segments 101, arranged in the left-right direction (four segments each) and in the up-down direction (three segments each) in the image corresponding to the ±x direction of the irradiated surface 60 and the illuminated surface 50. When it is necessary to distinguish each image segment 101, from... Figure 6 (c) is divided into image segments D1 to D12, starting from the upper left side.

[0097] Image segment Di in distance image 100 is an image obtained based on light. The light is emitted from the emitting segment Ai of the emitting surface 40, reflected by the object in the illuminating segment Bi of the illuminating surface 60, and received by the illuminating segment Ci of the illuminating surface 50. Furthermore, image segment Di that is assigned the same number i relative to the emitting segment Ai, the illuminating segment Bi, and the illuminating segment Ci is sometimes referred to as the "corresponding image segment." Conversely, emitting segment Ai that is assigned the same number i relative to image segment Di is sometimes referred to as the "corresponding emitting segment." Additionally, illuminating segment Bi that is assigned the same number i relative to image segment Di is sometimes referred to as the "corresponding illuminating segment," and illuminating segment Ci that is assigned the same number relative to image segment Di is sometimes referred to as the "corresponding illuminating segment."

[0098] Each image segment 101 of the distance image 100 has multiple pixels (not shown) associated with multiple light-receiving elements of the corresponding light-receiving segment 51. In the distance image 100, the pixel value of each pixel in the image segment 101 corresponds to the distance from the ranging device 1 to the object calculated based on the electrical signals from the respective light-receiving elements of the light-receiving segment 51.

[0099] exist Figure 6 In the example shown in (a), objects S1 and S2 exist at a certain distance from the ranging device 1. Figure 6 As shown in (b), in this example, object S1 exists within the range of irradiation sections B1, B5, and B9 covering the irradiation surface 60, and object S2 exists within the range of irradiation sections B2 and B6. Furthermore, the distance from the ranging device 1 to object S1 (for example, approximately 1 m) is smaller than the distance from the ranging device 1 to object S2 (for example, approximately 3 m).

[0100] Moreover, such as Figure 6As shown in (c), in the distance image 100, images S1′ representing object S1 and images S2′ representing object S2 (sometimes referred to as images S′ without distinction) are depicted by the pixels included in each image segment 101. More specifically, images S1′ are depicted throughout the image segments D1, D5, and D9 corresponding to illumination segments B1, B5, and B9 in the distance image 100, and images S2′ are depicted throughout the image segments D2 and D6 corresponding to illumination segments B2 and B6 in the distance image 100.

[0101] In this example, it is possible to determine the pixel values ​​of pixels that constitute images S1′ and S2′ within a distance of 100 in the image (in... Figure 6 (c) is represented by shading. ) to obtain information related to the distance from the ranging device 1 to the object S1 and the distance from the ranging device 1 to the object S2.

[0102] Furthermore, since the distance image 100 includes information about the distances between various points on the surface of the object S and the distance measuring device 1, it can also be understood to include information about the three-dimensional shape of the object S. Therefore, the distance measuring device 1 of this embodiment can also be used for three-dimensional measurement.

[0103] <Example of the general structure of distance measuring device 1>

[0104] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a schematic structural example of the ranging device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0105] Figure 7 The illustrated ranging device 1 includes at least a frame 1a and a printed circuit board 1b housed within the frame 1a. Furthermore, in Figure 7 The illustration omits a portion of frame 1a.

[0106] The aforementioned light-emitting portion 4 and light-receiving portion 5, constituting the optical device 3, are mounted on the printed circuit board 1b. Additionally, the CPU 81, ROM 82, and RAM 83, constituting the control unit 8, are mounted on the printed circuit board 1b (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0107] To elaborate further, in Figure 7 In the structural example shown, the light-emitting unit 4 includes four light sources 410, 420, 430, and 440. Each of the light sources 410-440 has a light-emitting surface 40 divided into multiple light-emitting segments 41 (see, for example, reference...). Figure 3 Light sources 410-440 are arranged around the light-receiving part 5.

[0108] In addition, Figure 7 The example shown has four light sources 410 to 440, but if there are multiple light sources, cases with more than four light sources, such as two, three, or five, are also considered.

[0109] Here, when the light-emitting part 4 is equipped with multiple light sources 410 to 440, it is considered that the irradiation sections B1 to B12 of the irradiation surface 60 (for example, refer to...) Figure 2 For example, the case where illumination section B1 illuminates the light emitting sections A1 of each of multiple light sources 410-440. When illuminating the light emitting sections A1 of multiple light sources 410-440, compared to illuminating the light emitting section A1 of any single light source 410, the illumination section B1 (see reference) can be illuminated with a higher energy density. Figure 2 Furthermore, when the irradiation section B1 is irradiated with light from each of the emitting sections A1 of the multiple light sources 410 to 440, the light-receiving section C1 of the light-receiving part 5 (see reference) Figure 4 The shorter exposure time of the light-receiving element (not shown) in the device allows for the suppression of the intake of the global component that serves as background light. Therefore, long-distance outdoor ranging is possible.

[0110] However, due to deviations during assembly, it is difficult to ensure that multiple light sources 410-440 illuminate, for example, the irradiated section 61 (as shown in the reference image) of the irradiated surface 60. Figure 2 The irradiated area is the same as the illuminated area of ​​the illuminated section 51 corresponding to the irradiated section 61. Therefore, an unirradiated area is generated for the irradiated section 61, and thus, when an unexposed area is generated for the illuminated section 51, the ranging error may increase.

[0111] Therefore, in this embodiment, a predetermined irradiation zone 61 (e.g., referenced by multiple light sources 410-440) is irradiated by multiple light sources 410-440. Figure 2 When irradiation is applied, by employing a structure that irradiates without any non-irradiated areas, ranging errors caused by non-irradiated areas are suppressed. This will be explained below.

[0112] <Light source 410~440>

[0113] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the structure of the light sources 410 to 440 in the light-emitting unit 4, and is driven in a manner in which only the light-emitting section A1 of each of the light sources 410 to 440 is lit.

[0114] When focusing on Figure 8 When light sources 410 and 440 are shown, the illumination angle of light source 410 is θ1, and the illumination angle of light source 440 is θ2. Illumination angles θ1 and θ2 are different angles.

[0115] More specifically, the illumination angle of the light emitted by the emitting segment A1 of the light source 410 is θ1, and the illumination angle of the light emitted by the emitting segment A1 of the light source 440 is θ2. The illumination angle θ2 is larger than the illumination angle θ1 (θ2>θ1). In the case of illumination angle θ2, the light is diffused compared to illumination angle θ1.

[0116] The illumination angles θ1 and θ2 mentioned here refer to the degree of light spread from the luminous segment A1, and are the angles when the light intersects the vertical plane of the luminous segment A1.

[0117] Light-emitting sections A2 to A12 in light source 410 other than light-emitting section A1 (refer to) Figure 2 This is also the illumination angle θ1. The luminous segments A2 to A12 in the light source 440, excluding the luminous segment A1, are (refer to...) Figure 2 It is also the illumination angle θ2.

[0118] In this embodiment, the light-emitting segments A1 to A12 of the other light sources 420 and 430 (refer to...) Figure 2 The illumination angle of the light emitted is the same as that of light source 410, which is θ1. Therefore, in this embodiment, among light sources 410 to 440, the light source with an illumination angle of θ1 is light source 410 to 430, and the light source with an illumination angle of θ2 is light source 440. When light source 410 emits light, other light sources 420 to 440 also emit light.

[0119] Thus, when the light-emitting unit 4 has four light sources 410 to 440, the light source with an illumination angle of θ2 is only light source 440, but it is not limited to this. For example, it is also considered to set the light source with an illumination angle of θ2 as light sources 430 and 440. However, it is preferable to set one light source with an illumination angle of θ2 as a light source compared to setting two light sources. That is, it is preferable to have fewer light sources with an illumination angle of θ2 than fewer light sources with an illumination angle of θ1. This is because when the number of light sources with an illumination angle of θ2 increases, the influence of the light spot when the highly reflective material is located on the illumination surface 60 becomes greater.

[0120] Furthermore, while the illustration is omitted, if the number of light sources in the light-emitting unit 4 is more than four, for example, if it has six light sources, it is also considered to set one, two, or three light sources for the illumination angle θ2. In this case, for the reasons stated above, it is preferable that the number of light sources with an illumination angle θ2 is less than the number of light sources with an illumination angle θ1.

[0121] Figure 9These figures illustrate structural examples of optical components mounted on light sources 410-440. (a) and (b) show examples using microlenses 450 and 460 as optical components, and (c) and (d) show other examples using lenses 470 and 480 as optical components. Furthermore, (a) to (d) show structural examples of light-emitting sections A1 and A2 of light sources 410-440, but the other light-emitting sections A3-A12 are the same and their illustrations are omitted. Light sources 410-440 in... Figure 9 The upper side emits light.

[0122] exist Figure 9 In one example shown in (a) and (b), a structure is adopted in which microlenses are provided for each light-emitting segment A1, A2 of the light source 410-440. That is, as shown in the example... Figure 9 As shown in (a), microlenses 450 are respectively provided in the light-emitting sections A1 and A2 of the light source 410-430. Additionally, as... Figure 9 As shown in (b), microlenses 460 are respectively provided in the light-emitting sections A1 and A2 of the light source 440. Therefore, in the light sources 410 to 430, the number of light-emitting sections is the same as the number of microlenses 450. In addition, in the light source 440, the number of light-emitting sections is the same as the number of microlenses 460.

[0123] The microlens 450 of the light source 410–430 has the ability to achieve an illumination angle θ1 (refer to...) Figure 8 The optical characteristics of the light source 440 are described. The microlens 460 of the light source 440 achieves an illumination angle θ2 (refer to...). Figure 8 The optical properties of ).

[0124] Furthermore, when the light sources 410 to 440 each have a preset illumination angle, the illumination angles θ1 and θ2 are achieved by combining them with the illumination angles based on the microlenses 450 and 460.

[0125] The preset illumination angles of the light source 410 to 440 are further explained.

[0126] By changing, for example, the opening portion of the light-emitting element of the light source 410-440, the illumination angle is set to a preset angle.

[0127] The preset illumination angles mentioned here consider not only the case where all light sources 410 to 440 are identical, but also the case where some light sources are identical. In the latter case, the preset illumination angles of the other light sources differ from the preset illumination angles of some light sources. For example, the preset illumination angles of light sources 410 to 430 are identical to each other. That is, the preset illumination angle of light source 440 differs from the preset illumination angles of light sources 410 to 430.

[0128] exist Figure 9In another example shown in (c) and (d), a lens is provided throughout the light-emitting sections A1 and A2 of the light source 410–440. That is, as shown in... Figure 9 As shown in (c), identical lenses 470 are provided in the light-emitting sections A1 and A2 covering the light sources 410 to 430. Additionally, as... Figure 9 As shown in (d), identical lenses 480 are provided in the light-emitting sections A1 and A2 of the light source 440.

[0129] In light sources 410-430, a lens 470 is provided for each of the multiple light-emitting segments A1 and A2. In light source 440, a lens 480 is provided for each of the multiple light-emitting segments A1 and A2. Therefore, in each of light sources 410-430, the number of lenses 470 is greater than that in light-emitting segments A1-A12 (see reference). Figure 2 The number of lenses 480 is less than that of light-emitting sections A1 to A12 (see reference). Furthermore, in light source 440, the number of lenses 480 is less than that of light-emitting sections A1 to A12 (see reference). Figure 2 The quantity is small.

[0130] In addition, a structural example of setting a lens 470 or lens 480 for the light-emitting sections A1 to A12 is also considered.

[0131] The lens 470 of the light source 410-430 has the function of achieving an illumination angle θ1 (refer to...) Figure 8 The optical characteristics of the light source 440 are described. The lens 480 of the light source 440 has the ability to achieve an illumination angle θ2 (refer to...). Figure 8 The optical properties of ).

[0132] Furthermore, when light sources 410-440 each have a preset illumination angle, the illumination angles θ1 and θ2 are achieved by combining them with the illumination angles based on lenses 470 and 480. Regarding the preset illumination angles of the light sources 410-440 themselves, and... Figure 9 The same applies to cases (a) and (b), so their explanations are omitted.

[0133] Thus, the light source 440 includes a microlens 460 or a lens 480 that provides an illumination angle larger than that of the light sources 410 to 430. Microlenses 450 and 460 and lenses 470 and 480 are examples of optical components.

[0134] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the light distribution in the light-receiving section C1 of the light-receiving part 5 formed by multiple light sources 410 to 440.

[0135] also, Figure 10 The light-receiving section C1 is shown, but it can also be considered as the irradiated section B1 (see reference). Figure 4(e.g., ...). At this time, the irradiated section B1 is an example of a region, and the irradiated sections B2, B5, and B6 corresponding to the illuminated sections C2, C5, and C6 are examples of regions adjacent to a region. Furthermore, regions 411 to 431, described later, are examples of the range irradiated by a luminescent section from other light sources. Region 441 is an example of the range irradiated by a luminescent section from a subset of light sources.

[0136] Light source 410~430 (e.g., reference) Figure 8 The light, due to the aforementioned assembly deviations, etc., in Figure 10 In the example shown, the light is received by shifting to the upper left relative to the light-receiving segment C1. That is, the light from light source 410 is in region 411 indicated by the double-dotted line, the light from light source 420 is in region 421 indicated by the single-dotted line, and the light from light source 430 is in region 431 indicated by the dashed line.

[0137] Within the light-receiving section C1, there exists a region 401 (shown by the upper right diagonal line) that is not exposed to light from any of the light sources 410 to 430. This prevents the generation of multipath noise from regions that deviate significantly from the area to be illuminated within the light-receiving section C1.

[0138] To further explain, the light from light source 440, one of the multiple light sources 410 to 440, is located in region 441, as shown by the solid line. In addition to the light-receiving section C1, the light from light source 440 also exposes the light-receiving sections C2, C5, and C6 located around light-receiving section C1. That is, the light from light source 440 is received by the entire area of ​​light-receiving section C1. Therefore, the aforementioned region 401 is exposed by the light from light source 440.

[0139] Region 441 is larger than regions 411, 421, and 431.

[0140] The light-receiving section C1 is divided into region 401, which is exposed only by light from light source 440, as indicated by the upper right diagonal line, and region 402, which is exposed by light from at least one of light sources 410 to 430, as indicated by the lower right diagonal line. More specifically, region 402 is exposed by light from at least one of light sources 410 to 430, and also by light from light source 440.

[0141] Even with assembly deviations, there are no unexposed areas in any of the light-receiving sections C1, from light sources 410 to 440.

[0142] In addition, Figure 10 The illustration shows the case of light-receiving section C1 of the light-receiving part 5, but other light-receiving sections C2 to C12 (see reference) Figure 4 Similarly, its explanation is omitted.

[0143] (Description of Examples and Comparative Examples)

[0144] Next, use Figure 11 and Figure 12 For the distance image 100 (reference) Figure 6 The ranging results obtained are explained. When the illumination angle is θ1 for light source 410–430° and the illumination angle is θ2 for light source 440° (refer to...). Figure 8 An embodiment of (one-lamp diffusion) is shown in Figure 11 A comparative example (four-lamp diffusion) with an illumination angle θ2 of 410–440° is shown below. Figure 12 .

[0145] Figure 11 The graph is a coordinate diagram illustrating the embodiments. (a) and (b) represent embodiments in which this embodiment is applied, and (c) represents a conventional example in which this embodiment is not applied, representing a different embodiment from the present embodiment.

[0146] In more detail, Figure 11 (a) represents the case where the illumination angle θ2 of light source 440 is 2 degrees larger than the illumination angle θ1 of light sources 410–430 (θ2 = θ1 + 2 degrees). (b) represents the case where the illumination angle θ2 of light source 440 is 5 degrees larger than the illumination angle θ1 of light sources 410–430 (θ2 = θ1 + 5 degrees). (c) represents the case where the illumination angles of light sources 410–440 are all θ1.

[0147] Figure 11 (a) to (c) represent the average value of several frames, with the vertical axis representing distance (m) and the horizontal axis representing the X-pixel of position.

[0148] As an example, the case of measuring the distance to objects S3 and S4 is shown.

[0149] like Figure 11 As shown in (a), in this embodiment, the distance to object S3 is derived as 5.9m from the vertical axis of the coordinate graph, and the distance to object S4 is 6.5m. In contrast, in Figure 11 In (b), the distance to object S3 is derived to be 5.3m, and the distance to object S4 is derived to be 6.8m. Regarding the distances to objects S3 and S4, Figure 11 The accuracy of (b) is higher than Figure 11 (a) has high precision. Furthermore, regarding the range of variation in the intervals corresponding to objects S3 and S4, Figure 11 (b) ratio Figure 11 (a) small.

[0150] According to the horizontal axis of the coordinate graph, object S4 exists in the range of 150 to 300, and object S3 exists in the range of 330 to 500.

[0151] Therefore, in terms of ranging results, it is good if the illumination angle θ2 is 5 degrees larger than the illumination angle θ1. This means that it is good to illuminate with weaker light by making the illumination angle θ2 larger.

[0152] In contrast, in previous examples Figure 11 In case (c), it is difficult to confirm the existence of objects S3 and S4.

[0153] Figure 12 The graphs illustrate the comparative examples. (a) and (b) show the case where any illumination angle from the light source between 410° and 440° is set to θ2 (four-lamp diffusion). (a) shows that the illumination angle θ2 is greater than the illumination angle θ1 (refer to...). Figure 8 (a) In the case where the illumination angle is 2 degrees larger (θ2 = θ1 + 2 degrees), (b) indicates that the illumination angle θ2 is greater than the illumination angle θ1 (refer to...). Figure 8 The case of a 5-degree difference (θ2 = θ1 + 5 degrees).

[0154] Figure 12 (a) to (b) represent the average value of several frames, with the vertical axis representing distance (m) and the horizontal axis representing the X-pixel of position.

[0155] As a comparative example, the case of measuring the distance to objects S3 and S4 is shown, which is the same as the case of the embodiment.

[0156] Reference Figure 12 (a) is not a nice coordinate graph of the degree to which two objects can exist specifically.

[0157] Additionally, refer to Figure 12 (b), with Figure 12 Compared to case (a), this is a coordinate graph where it is impossible to specifically identify two objects, and it is also difficult to infer the existence of two objects.

[0158] Here, in the case of a single light spreading... Figure 11 In the above, (b) has a higher ranging accuracy than (a), but in the case of four-lamp diffusion... Figure 12 In the above, the ranging accuracy of (a) is higher than that of (b). That is, in the case of four-lamp diffusion, the ranging accuracy is lower compared to the case of one-lamp diffusion.

[0159] To elaborate further, although at a distance of 100 from the image (refer to...) Figure 6 (c) is not shown, but a highly reflective material is present near the object S3. When this highly reflective material is present, the light reflected by the highly reflective material may affect the distance image 100. More specifically, it may cause the reflected light from the highly reflective material to be partially received by the distance image 100 corresponding to the objects S3 and S4.

[0160] By setting the illumination angle to θ2, light diffusion is achieved, resulting in illumination over a wider area compared to the case with an illumination angle of θ1. Furthermore, in the comparative example, by setting the illumination angles of light sources 410 to 440 to θ2, stronger light is illuminated over a larger area compared to the case with an illumination angle of θ1. Therefore, in the comparative example, compared to the case of the embodiment, strong light is also illuminating objects other than objects S3 and S4, and the strong reflected light is received by the light-receiving unit 5. It is believed that the resulting effect leads to a decrease in the accuracy of distance measurement.

[0161] In this embodiment, light source 440 is set to illumination angle θ2 among light sources 410-440 to eliminate non-illuminated areas and improve ranging accuracy. However, setting all light sources 410-440 to illumination angle θ2, as in the comparative example, actually leads to a decrease in ranging accuracy.

[0162] The number of light sources at illumination angle θ2 is preferably less than the number of light sources at illumination angle θ1.

[0163] More preferably, the number of light sources with illumination angle θ2 is 1 (single-lamp diffusion). Even in the case where there are highly reflective materials near the objects S3 and S4, single-lamp diffusion can suppress the influence of light spots and reduce the decrease in ranging accuracy.

[0164] (Explanation of variations)

[0165] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a variation, similar to the one described above. Figure 10 correspond.

[0166] Figure 13 The variation shown illustrates a case where the light-receiving section 5 is divided into two light-receiving segments C1 and C2. In this case, the number of light-emitting segments is the same as the number of light-receiving segments, which is two, and there are also two irradiated segments. Furthermore, in Figure 13 In the modified example, there are two light sources, one with an illumination angle of θ1 and the other with an illumination angle of θ2. The light from the light source with illumination angle θ1 is in the region 411 shown by the double-dotted line, and the light from the light source with illumination angle θ2 is in the region 421 shown by the solid line.

[0167] The light from the light source with an illumination angle θ2 illuminates the entire area of ​​the illuminated section C1 and the adjacent illuminated section C2.

[0168] Therefore, in the modified example, when the illuminated section C1 is exposed, light is emitted from two light sources, and when the illuminated section C2 is exposed, light is emitted from the light source at the illumination angle θ2.

[0169] (Light-emitting device 2 and distance-measuring device 1)

[0170] exist Figure 1The light-emitting device 2 shown by the dashed line includes a light-emitting part 4, a light-emitting driving part 6, and a control part 8. This light-emitting device 2 is an example of a light-emitting device, characterized in that it is equipped with a plurality of light sources having a plurality of light-emitting segments capable of emitting light individually, and in each of the plurality of light sources, one light-emitting segment that irradiates light only toward a certain area is driven to be in a lit state, and the illumination angle of a portion of the plurality of light sources is larger than the illumination angle of the other light sources.

[0171] in addition, Figure 1 The distance measuring device 1 shown is an example of a distance measuring device, which includes: a light receiving unit 5 that receives reflected light from a light emitting device 2; an acquisition unit 5 that acquires the light receiving result performed by the light receiving unit 5; and a control unit 8 that determines the distance based on the light receiving result acquired by the acquisition unit 5. The light receiving unit 5 is an example of both a light receiving unit and an acquisition unit. The CPU 81 of the control unit 8, which performs the distance measuring function, is an example of a distance measuring unit.

[0172] <Postscript> (((1)))

[0174] A light-emitting device, characterized in that,

[0175] The system is configured with multiple light sources, each having multiple light-emitting segments capable of emitting light independently. In each of the multiple light sources, one light-emitting segment that irradiates light only toward a specific area is illuminated. The illumination angle of a portion of the multiple light sources is larger than that of the other light sources. (((2)))

[0177] According to the light-emitting device described in ((1)), it is characterized in that,

[0178] The light-emitting segment of the partial light source illuminates the area adjacent to the area, and the irradiated range of the light-emitting segment of the partial light source is larger than the irradiated range of the same light-emitting segment in the other light sources. (((3)))

[0180] According to the light-emitting device described in ((2)), it is characterized in that,

[0181] The light-emitting segment of the light source illuminates the entire area of ​​the region and the adjacent region. (((4)))

[0183] The light-emitting device according to any one of ((1))) to ((3))) is characterized in that,

[0184] The number of some light sources is less than the number of the other light sources. (((5)))

[0186] According to the light-emitting device described in (4), it is characterized in that,

[0187] The number of light sources in this part is one. (((6)))

[0189] The light-emitting device according to any one of ((1))) to ((5)) is characterized in that,

[0190] The portion of the light source includes optical components that make the illumination angle larger than that of the other light sources. (((7)))

[0192] According to the light-emitting device described in (6), it is characterized in that,

[0193] The number of optical components is less than the number of the plurality of light-emitting segments. (((8)))

[0195] A ranging device comprising:

[0196] The light-emitting device described in (((1))) includes: a light-receiving section that receives reflected light from the light-emitting device; an acquisition section that acquires the light-receiving result performed by the light-receiving section; and a distance measuring section that measures distance based on the light-receiving result acquired by the acquisition section.

[0197] According to (((1)), compared with the case where multiple light sources have the same illumination angle, it is possible to suppress the effect of the offset of the luminous segment on a region.

[0198] According to ((2)), compared with the case where the following structure is not adopted, it is possible to suppress the effect of the offset of the light-emitting segment on a region: a light-emitting segment in a part of the light source illuminates the region adjacent to the region, and the irradiation range of a light-emitting segment in a part of the light source is larger than the irradiation range of a light-emitting segment in other light sources.

[0199] According to ((3)), compared to the case where a structure is not used where a light-emitting segment of a light source illuminates the entire region adjacent to a region, the effect of the offset of the light-emitting segment on a region can be suppressed.

[0200] According to ((4)), compared to the case where the number of light sources is less than the number of other light sources, it is possible to suppress the effects of the presence of highly reflective materials.

[0201] According to ((5)), compared with the case where the number of light sources is one, it is possible to suppress the effects of the presence of highly reflective materials.

[0202] According to (6), compared to the case where some light sources do not have optical components that make the illumination angle larger than that of other light sources, the cost can be reduced.

[0203] According to ((7)), compared to a structure where the number of optical components is less than the number of multiple light-emitting segments, it is possible to reduce costs.

[0204] According to (8), compared with the case where multiple light sources have the same illumination angle, it is possible to suppress the effect of the offset of the light-emitting segment on a region.

Claims

1. A light-emitting device, characterized in that, The system is configured with multiple light sources, each having multiple light-emitting segments capable of emitting light independently. In each of the multiple light sources, one light-emitting segment that irradiates light only toward a specific area is illuminated. The illumination angle of a portion of the multiple light sources is larger than that of the other light sources.

2. The light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein, The light-emitting segment of the light source illuminates the area adjacent to the first region. The irradiated area of ​​a certain luminescent segment in one of the light sources is larger than the irradiated area of ​​the same luminescent segment in the other light sources.

3. The light-emitting device according to claim 2, wherein, The light-emitting segment of the light source illuminates the entire area of ​​the region and the adjacent region.

4. The light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The number of some light sources is less than the number of the other light sources.

5. The light-emitting device according to claim 4, wherein, The number of light sources in this part is one.

6. The light-emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The portion of the light source includes optical components that make the illumination angle larger than that of the other light sources.

7. The light-emitting device according to claim 6, wherein, The number of optical components is less than the number of the plurality of light-emitting segments.

8. A ranging device, characterized in that, have: The light-emitting device according to claim 1; A light-receiving part that receives reflected light from the light-emitting device; The acquisition unit acquires the result of light reception performed by the light receiving unit; as well as The ranging unit measures the distance based on the light reception result obtained by the acquisition unit.

Images