Optical computation device

Abstract

The present invention achieves an optical computation device that makes it possible to subject visual information of a wider region of an object to optical computation. An optical computation device (1) comprises a plurality of light-emitting units E1, E2, ... , En and a plurality of optical modulation element groups M1, M2, ... , Mn. The light-emitting units E1, E2, ... , En are disposed such that regions through which beams that are output by differing light-emitting units Ei, Ej and that are computably incident on the optical modulation element groups Mi, Mj pass do not match. The optical modulation element groups M1, M2, ... , Mn are disposed such that the optical axis of each optical modulation element group Mi matches the optical axis of a beam which is output from a light-emitting unit Ei and which passes through the inside of an object O.

Description

optical calculation device

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical computing device that performs optical calculations using an optical modulation element.

[0002] Optical modulation elements are known that have multiple cells and are designed to optically perform predetermined calculations by interfering with each other with the signal light transmitted through each cell. Optical calculations using such optical modulation elements have the advantages of being faster and consuming less power compared to electrical calculations using processors. Furthermore, by sequentially applying two or more optical modulation elements arranged side by side to the signal light, multi-stage optical calculations (two or more stages of optical calculations) can be realized.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an optical neural network having an input layer, an intermediate layer, and an output layer. The optical modulation element described above can be used, for example, as an intermediate layer in such an optical neural network.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 7,847,225

[0005] However, in conventional optical computing devices, optical calculations were performed on the visual information of an object by inputting light from a display showing an image containing the object as the subject into a group of optical modulation elements. Therefore, in order to form an image containing the object as the subject, it was necessary to convert the optical signal into an electrical signal using an image sensor. Furthermore, in order to display an image containing the object as the subject, it was necessary to convert the electrical signal into an optical signal using a display.

[0006] In order to solve such problems, for example, it is conceivable to input light that has passed through the interior of an object or light that has been reflected from the surface of the object into a group of light modulation elements. However, a light modulation element cannot correctly process light with a large incident angle. Therefore, when inputting light that has passed through the interior of an object into a group of light modulation elements, there is a problem that the region (three-dimensional region) in which the visual information of the object can be the target of optical calculation is limited inside the object. Further, when inputting light that has been reflected from the surface of an object into a group of light modulation elements, there is a problem that the region (two-dimensional region) in which the visual information of the object can be the target of optical calculation is limited on the surface of the object.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to realize an optical arithmetic device capable of making the visual information of a wider area in an object the target of optical calculation.

[0008] An optical arithmetic device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of light emitting units E １ , E ２ , …, E ｎ (n is an arbitrary natural number of 2 or more), and a plurality of groups of light modulation elements M １ , M ２ , …, M ｎ . Each group of light modulation elements M ｉ (i is each natural number from 1 to n) is composed of at least one light modulation element including a plurality of cells whose modulation amounts can be set independently of each other. The light emitting units E １ , E ２ , …, E ｎ are arranged such that regions through which light fluxes output from different light emitting units E ｉ , E ｊ (j is each natural number from 1 to n different from i) and incident on the groups of light modulation elements M ｉ , M ｊ for calculation do not coincide. The group of light modulation elements M ｉ is arranged such that its optical axis coincides with the optical axis of the light flux output from the light emitting unit E ｉ and passing through the interior of the object O.

[0009] An optical computing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of light-emitting units E １ , E ２ , ..., E ｎ (n is any natural number greater than or equal to 2) and a group of multiple optical modulation elements M １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ and each optical modulation element group M ｉ (where i is a natural number between 1 and n) is composed of at least one optical modulation element including a plurality of cells whose modulation amounts can be set independently of each other, and the light-emitting part E １ , E ２ , ..., E ｎ On the surface of the object O, different light-emitting parts E ｉ , E ｊ A luminous beam output from (where j is a natural number between 1 and n that is different from i), and the optical modulation element group M ｉ , M ｊ The optical modulation element group M is arranged so that the region where the incident light beam is reflected does not coincide with the region where the incident light beam is calculated. １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ This is each optical modulation element group M ｉ The optical axis of the light-emitting part E ｉ It is characterized by being output from and positioned so as to coincide with the optical axis of the light beam reflected from the surface of the object O.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize an optical computing device that can subject a wider area of ​​visual information in an object to optical computation.

[0011] This is a plan view of an optical computing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The visual information is a cross-sectional view of an object that is the object to be calculated by the optical computing device shown in Figure 1. This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of optical modulation elements provided in the optical computing device shown in Figure 1. This is a perspective view showing the first three-dimensional arrangement of the optical modulation element group in the optical computing device shown in Figure 1. This is a perspective view showing the second three-dimensional arrangement of the optical modulation element group in the optical computing device shown in Figure 1. This is a perspective view showing the third three-dimensional arrangement of the optical modulation element group in the optical computing device shown in Figure 1. This is a plan view showing a first modified example of the optical computing device shown in Figure 1. This is a plan view showing a second modified example of the optical computing device shown in Figure 1.

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

[0013] (Configuration of the Optical Computing Device) The configuration of the optical computing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a plan view of the optical computing device 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the object O.

[0014] The optical computing device 1 is a device for performing optical calculations on signal light, which is light transmitted through the interior of the object O. In other words, the optical computing device 1 is a device for performing optical calculations on the visual information inside the object O. The content of the optical calculation is arbitrary, but for example, it could be the classification of the object O into a class. In this case, for example, by using a class that represents the type of defect, defect inspection using the optical computing device 1 can be realized.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the optical computing device 1 has multiple light-emitting units E １ , E ２ , ..., E ｎ and a group of multiple optical modulation elements M １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ and multiple light-receiving parts R １ , R ２ , ..., R ｎ The system is equipped with the following: Here, n is any natural number greater than or equal to 2. Hereafter, we will use i as the subscript to represent each natural number between 1 and n, and j as the subscript to represent each natural number between 1 and n that is different from i.

[0016] Light-emitting part E ｉ This is luminous flux B ｉ This configuration is for outputting the following: Light-emitting section E ｉ For example, it can be composed of a light source for generating light and a collimator for collimating the generated light. Here, for example, an LD can be used as the light source. Also, for example, a collimating lens can be used as the collimator.

[0017] Light-emitting part E １ , E ２ , ..., E ｎ Within the object O, different light-emitting parts E ｉ , E ｊLight beam B output from ｉ , B ｊ The optical computing element group M ｉ , M ｊ Light beam B incident on the object in a computable manner ｉ , B ｊ Region (3D region) A through which light is transmitted ｉ , A ｊ They are arranged so that they do not coincide. Referring to the illustrated example, the light-emitting part E １ , E ２ , ..., E ｎ The elements are arranged to satisfy the following conditions 1 to 3.

[0018] Condition 1: Inside object O, light-emitting part E １ Light beam B output from １ The optical computing element group M １ Light beam B incident on the object in a computable manner １ Region A through which light is transmitted １ (See Figure 2(a)) and the light-emitting part E inside the object O. ２ Light beam B output from ２ The optical computing element group M ２ Light beam B incident on the object in a computable manner ２ Region A through which light is transmitted ２ (See Figure 2(b)) and do not match.

[0019] Condition 2: Light-emitting part E inside object O ２ Light beam B output from ２ The optical computing element group M ２ Light beam B incident on the object in a computable manner ２ Region A through which light is transmitted ２ (See Figure 2(b)) and the light-emitting part E inside the object O. ３ Light beam B output from ３ The optical computing element group M ３ Light beam B incident on the object in a computable manner ３ Region A through which light is transmitted ３ (See Figure 2(c)) and do not match.

[0020] Condition 3: Light-emitting part E inside object O ３ Light beam B output from ３ The optical computing element group M ３ Light beam B incident on the object in a computable manner３ Region A through which ３ it passes (see FIG. 2(c)), and the light emitting part E １ in the object O and the light beam B １ output from the light emitting part E １ and incident on the optical operation element group M １ region A through which １ it passes (see FIG. 2(a)) do not match.

[0021] The optical modulation element group M ｉ is arranged such that the optical axis of the optical modulation element group M ｉ coincides with the optical axis of the light beam B ｉ output from the light emitting part E and passing through the object O. Therefore, the light beam B ｉ output from the light emitting part E ｉ passes through the object O and then enters the optical modulation element group M ｉ . The optical modulation element group M ｉ is configured to perform an optical operation on the light beam B ｉ passing through the object O as signal light. The optical modulation element group M ｉ is composed of at least one optical modulation element M ｉ , M ｉ，１ , M ｉ，２ ,..., M ｉ，ｍ . Here, m is an arbitrary natural number of 1 or more. When m is 2 or more, the optical modulation elements M ｉ，１ , M ｉ，２ ,..., M ｉ，ｍ are arranged such that their respective optical axes coincide and perform optical operations on the signal light in order. The configuration example of the optical modulation element M ｉ，ｋ will be described later with reference to a different drawing. Here, k is each natural number from 1 to m.

[0022] The light beam B ｉ output from the optical modulation element group M ｉ enters the light receiving part R ｉ . The light receiving part R ｉ is configured to generate an electrical signal representing the two-dimensional intensity distribution of the light beam B ｉ output from the optical modulation element group M ｉ . The light receiving part R ｉThis can be configured, for example, by a two-dimensional image sensor.

[0023] According to the optical computing device 1, each light-emitting part E inside the object O ｉ Light beam B output from ｉ The optical computing element group M ｉ Light beam B incident on the object in a computable manner ｉ Region A through which light is transmitted ｉ The visual information of the object can be used as the subject of optical calculations. Therefore, with the optical calculation device 1, the area in the object O where its visual information can be used as the subject of optical calculations can be made wider than in the conventional method.

[0024] (Example of optical modulation element configuration) Optical modulation element M included in optical computing device 1 ｉ，ｋ An example of the configuration will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows the optical modulation element M ｉ，ｋ This is a plan view.

[0025] Optical modulation element M ｉ，ｋ As shown in Figure 3, it is composed of multiple microcells in which the phase modulation amount can be set independently of each other. ｉ，ｋ When signal light is incident on the microcell, the signal light with different phases that has passed through each microcell interferes with each other, performing a predetermined optical calculation (transformation of a two-dimensional intensity distribution according to predetermined transformation rules). Note that the optical modulation element M ｉ，ｋ In this case, the refractive index of each microcell may be made uniform and the thickness of each microcell may be set independently, or the thickness of each microcell may be made uniform and the refractive index of each microcell may be set independently.

[0026] In this specification, "microcell" refers to a cell with a size of less than 10 μm, for example. Also, in this specification, "cell size" refers to the square root of the cell's area. For example, if the planar shape of a microcell is square, the cell size is the length of one side of the cell. The lower limit of the cell size is, for example, 1 nm. Figure 2 illustrates M ｉ，ｋIt is composed of 200 x 200 microcells arranged in a matrix. The planar shape of each microcell is a 500 nm x 500 nm square, and the optical modulation element M ｉ，ｋ Its planar shape is a square measuring 100 μm x 100 μm.

[0027] (Three-dimensional arrangement of optical modulation elements, part 1) Optical modulation element group M included in optical computing device 1 １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ The three-dimensional arrangement will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows a group of optical modulation elements M suitable when the object O is stationary. １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ This is a perspective view showing the three-dimensional arrangement. Note that in Figure 4, each optical modulation element group M ｉ As a representative example, the first optical modulator M ｉ，１ This is illustrated.

[0028] In the optical computing device 1 shown in Figure 4, the optical modulation element group M １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ Optical axis μ １ , μ ２ , ..., μ ｎ However, they are arranged on the same plane P and intersect at a single point. This allows for optical calculations to be performed on a wider area of ​​visual information for stationary objects O arranged to cross plane P, compared to using a single optical computing device.

[0029] Furthermore, in order to obtain the above effect, the optical modulation element group M １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ Optical axis μ １ , μ ２ , ..., μ ｎ It is not essential that all of them be arranged on the same plane P. That is, different groups of optical modulation elements M ｉ , M ｊ Optical axis μ ｉ , μ ｊHowever, if they are arranged on the same plane and intersect with each other, the above effect can be obtained. Referring to the illustrated example, the above effect can be obtained if the following conditions 4 to 6 are met.

[0030] Condition 4: Optical modulation element group M １ , M ２ Optical axis μ １ , μ ２ However, the same plane P １，２ They are positioned above each other and intersect with each other.

[0031] Condition 5: Optical modulation element group M ２ , M ３ Optical axis μ ２ , μ ３ However, the same plane P ２，３ They are positioned above each other and intersect each other. Here, plane P ２，３ is the plane P １，２ It may be the same plane, or plane P １，２ It may be a different plane.

[0032] Condition 6: Optical modulation element group M ３ , M １ Optical axis μ ３ , μ １ However, the same plane P ３，１ They are positioned above each other and intersect. Here, plane P ３，１ is the plane P １，２ It may be the same plane, or plane P １，２ It may be a different plane. Also, here, plane P ３，１ is the plane P ２，３ It may be the same plane, or plane P ２，３ It may be a different plane.

[0033] (Three-dimensional arrangement of optical modulation elements, part 2) Optical modulation element group M included in optical computing device 1 １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ The three-dimensional arrangement will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows a group of optical modulation elements M suitable when the object O is translated along the path Γ. １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎThis is a perspective view showing the three-dimensional arrangement. Note that in Figure 5, each optical modulation element group M ｉ As a representative example, the first optical modulator M ｉ，１ This is illustrated.

[0034] In the optical computing device 1 shown in Figure 5, the optical modulation element group M １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ Optical axis μ １ , μ ２ , ..., μ ｎ However, the parallel plane P intersects the path Γ of the object O. １ , P ２ , ..., P ｎ They are positioned above each other and are in a skewed position relative to each other. As a result, the object O is on plane P １ When crossing region A １ Optical calculations are performed on the target object O, and the object O is on the plane P. ２ When crossing region A ２ Optical calculations are performed on the target object O, and the object O is on the plane P. ｎ When crossing region A ｎ By performing optical calculations targeting a wide area, it becomes possible to perform optical calculations targeting a wider area compared to using a single optical computing device.

[0035] Furthermore, in order to obtain the above effect, the optical modulation element group M １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ Optical axis μ １ , μ ２ , ..., μ ｎ Plane P on which the plane is located １ , P ２ , ..., P ｎ It is not essential that all of them are parallel. That is, different groups of optical modulation elements M ｉ , M ｊ Optical axis μ ｉ , μ ｊ However, each of these two planes P is parallel to the other and intersects the path Γ of the object O. ｉ , P ｊ The above effect can be obtained if they are positioned above each other and in a twisted position relative to each other. In the illustrated example, it is sufficient if the following conditions 7 to 9 are met.

[0036] Condition 7: Optical modulation element group M １ , M ２ Optical axis μ １ , μ ２ However, two parallel planes P intersect the path Γ of object O. １ , P ２ They are positioned above each other and are also in a twisted position relative to each other.

[0037] Condition 8: Optical modulation element group M ２ , M ３ Optical axis μ ２ , μ ３ However, two parallel planes P' intersect the path Γ of object O. ２ , P' ３ They are positioned above each other and are in a skewed position relative to each other. Here, plane P' ２ is the plane P ２ It may be the same plane, or plane P ２ It may be a different plane.

[0038] Condition 9: Optical modulation element group M ３ , M １ Optical axis μ ３ , μ １ However, two parallel planes P'' intersect the path Γ of object O. ３ ,P” １ They are positioned above each other and are in a skewed position relative to each other. Here, plane P'' ３ is the plane P' ３ It may be the same plane, or plane P' ３ It may be a different plane. Also, plane P'' １ is the plane P １ It may be the same plane, or plane P １ It may be a different plane.

[0039] The object O may be a part (one slice) of a columnar object translating along the path Γ, for example, a part (one slice) of an optical fiber translating along the path Γ. In this case, the optical modulation element group M １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ Using the optical computing device 1 arranged as shown in Figure 5, for example, quality inspection of optical fibers can be suitably performed.

[0040] (Three-dimensional arrangement of optical modulation elements, part 3) Optical modulation element group M included in optical computing device 1 １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ The three-dimensional arrangement will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows a group of optical modulation elements M suitable when the object O translates along path Γ and rotates around path Γ as the axis of rotation. １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ This is a perspective view showing the three-dimensional arrangement. Note that in Figure 6, each optical modulation element group M ｉ As a representative example, the first optical modulator M ｉ，１ This is illustrated.

[0041] In the optical computing device 1 shown in Figure 6, the optical modulation element group M １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ Optical axis μ １ , μ ２ , ..., μ ｎ However, the parallel plane P intersects the path Γ of the object O. １ , P ２ , ..., P ｎ They are positioned above each other and are parallel to each other. As a result, the object O is on plane P １ When crossing region A １ Optical calculations are performed on the target object O, and the object O is on the plane P. ２ When crossing region A ２ Optical calculations are performed on the target object O, and the object O is on the plane P. ｎ When crossing region A ｎ By performing optical calculations targeting a wide area, it becomes possible to perform optical calculations targeting a wider area compared to using a single optical computing device.

[0042] Furthermore, in order to obtain the above effect, the optical modulation element group M １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ Optical axis μ １ , μ ２ , ..., μ ｎ Plane P on which the plane is located １ , P ２ , ..., P ｎ It is not essential that all of them are parallel. That is, different groups of optical modulation elements M ｉ , Mｊ Optical axis μ ｉ , μ ｊ However, each of these two planes P is parallel to the other and intersects the path Γ of the object O. ｉ , P ｊ The above effect can be obtained if they are positioned above each other and parallel to each other. In the case of the illustrated example, it is sufficient if the following conditions 10 to 12 are met.

[0043] Condition 10: Optical modulation element group M １ , M ２ Optical axis μ １ , μ ２ However, two parallel planes P intersect the path Γ of object O. １ , P ２ They are positioned above each other and are parallel to each other.

[0044] Condition 8: Optical modulation element group M ２ , M ３ Optical axis μ ２ , μ ３ However, two parallel planes P' intersect the path Γ of object O. ２ , P' ３ They are positioned on top of each other and are parallel to each other. Here, plane P' ２ is the plane P ２ It may be the same plane, or plane P ２ It may be a different plane.

[0045] Condition 9: Optical modulation element group M ３ , M １ Optical axis μ ３ , μ １ However, two parallel planes P'' intersect the path Γ of object O. ３ ,P” １ They are positioned on top of each other and are parallel to each other. Here, plane P'' ３ is the plane P' ３ It may be the same plane, or plane P' ３ It may be a different plane. Also, plane P'' １ is the plane P １ It may be the same plane, or plane P １ It may be a different plane.

[0046] Furthermore, the object O may be a part (one slice) of a columnar object that translates along path Γ and rotates with path Γ as its axis of rotation, for example, a part (one slice) of an optical fiber that translates along path Γ. In this case, the optical modulation element group M １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ Using the optical computing device 1 arranged as shown in Figure 6, for example, quality inspection of optical fibers can be suitably performed.

[0047] (Modified Optical Computing Device, Part 1) A modified optical computing device 1 (hereinafter referred to as optical computing device 1A) will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a plan view of optical computing device 1A.

[0048] In the optical computing device 1A, similar to the optical computing device 1, each optical modulation element group M ｉ to, light-emitting part E ｉ The light beam B is emitted from and passes through the interior of the object O. ｉ The following is input. However, in the optical computing device 1A, the light-emitting unit E ｉ Light beam B output from ｉ A mirror M is positioned on the optical path of the optical unit E. ｉ From the light receiving part R ｉ Light beam B up to ｉ The optical axis is reflected by mirror M.

[0049] Therefore, the optical modulation element group M ｉ The (Optical Modulator Group M) ｉ The optical axis of the light-emitting part E ｉ The light beam B is output from the source, reflected by mirror M, and then transmitted through the interior of object O. ｉ It is positioned to coincide with the optical axis. In this case as well, optical calculations can be performed on visual information over a wider area (internal area) compared to when a single optical computing unit is used.

[0050] Furthermore, the object O may (1) remain stationary, (2) move along path Γ, or (3) move along path Γ and rotate with path Γ as the axis of rotation. Optical modulation element group M ｉ , M ２ , ..., M ｎBy adopting the tertiary configurations shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, respectively, as the three-dimensional arrangement, optical calculations can be performed on visual information over a wider area compared to using a single optical computing device.

[0051] (Modified Optical Computing Device, Part 2) A modified optical computing device 1 (hereinafter referred to as optical computing device 1B) will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a plan view of optical computing device 1B.

[0052] In the optical computing device 1A, each optical modulation element group M ｉ to, light-emitting part E ｉ The luminous beam B is emitted from and reflected by the surface of object O. ｉ This is input. Therefore, the light-emitting part E １ , E ２ , ..., E ｎ On the surface of the object O, different light-emitting parts E ｉ , E ｊ Light beam B output from ｉ , B ｊ The elements are arranged so that the regions where the light is reflected (two-dimensional regions) do not coincide. ｉ The (Optical Modulator Group M) ｉ The optical axis of the light-emitting part E ｉ The luminous beam B is emitted from and reflected by the surface of object O. ｉ It is positioned to coincide with the optical axis. In this case as well, optical calculations can be performed on visual information over a wider area (surface area) compared to when a single optical computing unit is used.

[0053] Furthermore, the object O may (1) remain stationary, (2) move along path Γ, or (3) move along path Γ and rotate with path Γ as the axis of rotation. Optical modulation element group M ｉ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ By adopting the tertiary configurations shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, respectively, as the three-dimensional arrangement, optical calculations can be performed on visual information over a wider area compared to using a single optical computing device.

[0054] In addition, in the optical computing device 1B, the light-emitting unit E ｉThe positional relationship between the light modulation element group Mi and the object O changes according to the shape of the object O. Therefore, in the optical computing device 1B, the object O is assumed to be an object O of a predetermined shape, and the light-emitting unit E ｉ and the optical modulation element group M ｉ The positional relationship with the object O is predetermined according to its shape.

[0055] (Summary) The optical computing device according to Embodiment 1 comprises a plurality of light-emitting units E １ , E ２ , ..., E ｎ (n is any natural number greater than or equal to 2) and a group of multiple optical modulation elements M １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ and each optical modulation element group M ｉ (where i is a natural number between 1 and n) is composed of at least one optical modulation element including a plurality of cells whose modulation amounts can be set independently of each other, and the light-emitting section E １ , E ２ , ..., E ｎ On the surface of the object O, different light-emitting parts E ｉ , E ｊ A luminous beam output from (where j is a natural number between 1 and n that is different from i), and the optical modulation element group M ｉ , M ｊ The optical modulation element group M is arranged such that the regions through which the incident light beam passes do not coincide. １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ This is each optical modulation element group M ｉ The optical axis of the light-emitting part E ｉ It is characterized by being output from and positioned so as to coincide with the optical axis of the light beam that has passed through the interior of the object O.

[0056] According to the above configuration, each light-emitting part E inside the object O ｉ The visual information of the region through which the light beam output from can be used as the subject of optical calculations. Therefore, with the above configuration, the region in the object O whose visual information can be used as the subject of optical calculations can be made wider than in the conventional method.

[0057] The optical computing device according to embodiment 2 comprises a plurality of light-emitting units E １ , E２ , ..., E ｎ (n is any natural number greater than or equal to 2) and a group of multiple optical modulation elements M １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ and each optical modulation element group M ｉ (where i is a natural number between 1 and n) is composed of at least one optical modulation element including a plurality of cells whose modulation amounts can be set independently of each other, and the light-emitting section E １ , E ２ , ..., E ｎ On the surface of the object O, different light-emitting parts E ｉ , E ｊ A luminous beam output from (where j is a natural number between 1 and n that is different from i), and the optical modulation element group M ｉ , M ｊ The optical modulation element group M is arranged such that the regions where the incident light beam is reflected do not coincide. １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ This is each optical modulation element group M ｉ The optical axis of the light-emitting part E ｉ It is characterized by being output from and arranged so as to coincide with the optical axis of the light beam reflected from the surface of the object O.

[0058] According to the above configuration, each light-emitting part E on the surface of the object O ｉ The visual information of the region to which the light beam output from is reflected can be used as the subject of optical calculations. Therefore, with the above configuration, the region in the object O whose visual information can be used as the subject of optical calculations can be made wider than in the conventional method.

[0059] The optical computing device according to embodiment 3 is the optical computing device described in embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the object O is stationary and different optical modulation element groups M ｉ , M ｊ The optical axes are arranged on the same plane and intersect with each other, which is a characteristic feature.

[0060] According to the above configuration, when the object is stationary, the area in the object O where its visual information can be subject to optical calculation can be made wider than in the conventional method.

[0061] The optical computing device according to embodiment 4 is the optical computing device described in embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the object O is translated along the path, and different groups of optical modulation elements M ｉ , M ｊ The optical axes are arranged on two mutually parallel planes that intersect the aforementioned path of the object O, and are also in a skewed position relative to each other.

[0062] According to the above configuration, when an object is translated, the area in the object O where its visual information can be subject to optical calculation can be made wider than in the conventional method.

[0063] The optical computing device according to embodiment 5 is the optical computing device described in embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the object O translates along the path and rotates with the path as the axis of rotation, and different groups of optical modulation elements M ｉ , M ｊ The optical axes are arranged on two mutually parallel planes that intersect the path of the object O, and are parallel to each other.

[0064] According to the above configuration, when an object is translated and rotated, the area in the object O where its visual information can be subject to optical calculation can be made wider than in the conventional method.

[0065] (Additional Notes) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in each of the embodiments described above are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0066] 1, 1A, 1B Optical computing unit Ei Light-emitting unit Mi Optical modulation element group Ri Light-receiving unit O Target object

Claims

1. A plurality of light emitting units E １ , E ２ , …, E ｎ (where n is an arbitrary natural number of 2 or more), and a plurality of optical modulation element groups M １ , M ２ , …, M ｎ , and each optical modulation element group M ｉ (where i is each natural number from 1 to n) is composed of at least one optical modulation element including a plurality of cells capable of independently setting modulation amounts, and the light emitting units E １ , E ２ , …, E ｎ are arranged such that regions through which light beams output from different light emitting units E ｉ , E ｊ (where j is each natural number from 1 to n different from i) and incident on the optical modulation element groups M ｉ , M ｊ in an operable manner do not coincide, and the optical modulation element groups M １ , M ２ , …, M ｎ are arranged such that the optical axes of each optical modulation element group M ｉ coincide with the optical axes of the light beams output from the light emitting unit E ｉ and transmitted through the inside of the object O. An optical computing device characterized by this.

2. Multiple light-emitting parts E １ , E ２ , ..., E ｎ (n is any natural number greater than or equal to 2) and a group of multiple optical modulation elements M １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ and each optical modulation element group M ｉ (where i is a natural number between 1 and n) is composed of at least one optical modulation element including a plurality of cells whose modulation amounts can be set independently of each other, and the light-emitting section E １ , E ２ , ..., E ｎ On the surface of the object O, different light-emitting parts E ｉ , E ｊ A luminous beam output from (where j is a natural number between 1 and n that is different from i), and the optical modulation element group M ｉ , M ｊ The optical modulation element group M is arranged such that the regions where the incident light beam is reflected do not coincide. １ , M ２ , ..., M ｎ This is each optical modulation element group M ｉ The optical axis of the light-emitting part E ｉ An optical computing device characterized by being arranged such that the optical axis of the light beam output from and reflected off the surface of the object O coincides with that axis.

3. The object O is stationary, and the different groups of optical modulation elements M ｉ , M ｊ The optical computing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the optical axes are arranged on the same plane and intersect with each other.

4. The object O is translated along the path, and different groups of optical modulation elements M ｉ , M ｊ The optical computing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the optical axes are arranged on two mutually parallel planes that intersect the aforementioned path of the object O, and are in a skewed position relative to each other.

5. Object O translates along the path and rotates with the path as the axis of rotation, and different groups of optical modulation elements M ｉ , M ｊ The optical computing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the optical axes are arranged on two mutually parallel planes that intersect the path of the object O, and are parallel to each other.

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