JPH09307088A - Optical information conversion module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the mutual compensation between optical technologies and electronics technologies, facilitate the conversion of optical information into electric information and the reverse conversion and enable various utilization over a wide range by composing a module of a plurality of optical information conversion units in a sheet-shape. SOLUTION: An optical information conversion module has a sheet-shaped structure which is composed of optical information conversion units which convert the optical information having spatial distribution into electric information or perform the reverse conversion. For instance, an optical information conversion module and an optical information conversion unit 1 which constitutes an optical information conversion module. The optical information conversion unit 1 forms, for instance, a layer-like structure and is provided with a micro lens 2 and a function selection filter 4 subsequently from the surface as a light introduction part. The module is also provided with a photoelectric element drive circuit 5 as a photoelectric transfer part. Thus, the small- sized module can be used in various manners according to the purpose of various optical information processes.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical information conversion module.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a photoelectric conversion element or the like has been used as a means for incorporating various optical signals into an electronic device by using light as an information medium, that is, for converting a change of light into an electric signal and utilizing it. Has been used. Among these means, as a photoelectric conversion element, for example, a photoelectric cell, a photodiode, a phototransistor, a photo IC element, or a photodiode array element in which these are integrated is known. A CCD element that converts an image, which is one of the most important information represented by an optical signal, into an electrical form is also one of photoelectric conversion elements. Further, the photodiode array element is used as an element part of an optoelectronic circuit in an optical control device, optical communication, etc., and the CCD element is used as a direct conversion element from image information to an electric signal in image transmission / reception. There is also.

On the other hand, in recent years, downsizing, that is, downsizing has become an important research and development issue in all technical fields, and in the field of optoelectronics as well, downsizing has been performed in order to meet the demand for downsizing as well. Research and development for are actively carried out. In particular, C
The CD element has made remarkable progress in the downsizing field in the field of handling image information, and is becoming indispensable in the image transmission / reception technology.

This CCD element is one of the solid-state image pickup elements that use the movement of electrons in a semiconductor, and there is an image pickup tube that uses the movement of electrons in a vacuum in addition to this solid-state image pickup element. Compared to this image pickup tube, the solid-state image pickup element is extremely small and light, mechanically durable, consumes much less power, and the obtained image is not affected by sudden external vibration or sunlight. It has very excellent characteristics such as being difficult to receive. For this reason, it is often used for home video cameras and other devices that require small size and stability.
Further, photoelectric conversion elements other than CCD elements are also very important as sensors for optical communication that enables high-speed and large-capacity communication, and conversion elements for solar cells that can be a next-generation electric energy supply source. Play a role.

However, in these photoelectric conversion elements, complementarity between optical technology and technology in the electronics field such as semiconductor technology is an important requirement. For example, in general, CCD
When using the element, it is necessary to form an image on the surface of the light receiving portion by using an imaging lens in order to irradiate the light receiving portion of the CCD element with an image which is an optical signal. The CCD element is also important as a photoelectric conversion element for converting an optical signal into an electric signal, but no effect can be obtained unless the light receiving portion is irradiated with the optical signal. That is, the optical signal irradiating means, for example, the imaging lens becomes very important together with the CCD element.

However, at present, although the CCD element is used together with the imaging lens in the actual use stage, it is often considered separately from the imaging lens and the like. Thus, although optical technology and electronics technology are used in combination, they are rarely considered as one technology, and therefore, the characteristics and advantages of the technologies in both fields are fully utilized. It was not possible to do so, and the usage form and usage method were naturally limited.

Therefore, in order to further develop the optoelectronics technology, it is urgently necessary to proceed with the studies in parallel from the viewpoints of complementary optics and electronics. In view of the above, the present invention can enhance the complementarity between the optical technology and the electronic technology in the above situation, and easily convert optical information into electrical information or vice versa. It is an object of the present invention to provide a completely new optical information conversion means that can be used in a wide range.

[0008]

To solve the above problems, the present invention comprises a plurality of optical information conversion units capable of converting optical information having a spatial distribution into electrical information and vice versa. Provided is an optical information conversion module having a sheet shape.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above optical information conversion module, the optical information conversion unit is separable, the module is deformable, and the optical information conversion unit is provided with a function selection filter. To be
Furthermore, the optical information conversion unit is also configured as a light receiving part and / or a light emitting part, a separation layer, a function selection filter, and a photoelectric conversion part and / or an electro-optical conversion part.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION As described above, the optical information conversion module of the present invention has a sheet-shaped structure including an optical information conversion unit capable of converting optical information into electrical information and vice versa. However, as such a structure of the present invention, for example, the structure shown in FIG. 1 can be exemplified as a typical example. FIG. 1 illustrates an optical information conversion module of the present invention and an optical information conversion unit that constitutes the module.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the optical information conversion module of the present invention has a sheet shape in which one or more separable optical information conversion units are connected, and further, the optical information conversion unit and the optical information conversion unit. It has a structure that can change the shape of the information conversion module. . Explaining in more detail, each optical information conversion unit (1) includes, for example, a light introducing section for guiding an optical signal to a photoelectric conversion section and a photoelectric conversion section for converting the optical signal into an electric signal. Each of these parts forms, for example, a layered structure, and a microlens (2) as a light introducing part, a separation layer (3), and a function selection filter (4) are respectively provided in order from the surface, Further, a photoelectric element drive circuit (5) as a photoelectric conversion unit is provided in the lower layer. That is, each optical information conversion unit (1) can independently perform optical information conversion.

For example, when the optical signal distributed in space is optical information representing an arbitrary image, first, the optical signal received by the microlens (2), that is, an arbitrary image is
An image is formed on the function selection filter (4) through the separation layer (3). At this time, for example, in order to eliminate the complicated optical adjustment for forming an arbitrary image, the microlens (2) is formed so that the arbitrary image at infinity is formed on the surface of the function selection filter (4). Three layers, the separation layer (3) and the function selection filter (4), are fixed in advance. FIG. 2 exemplifies a conceptual diagram of the light introducing section. In FIG. 2, the focal length for forming an arbitrary image at infinity on the function selection filter (4) surface is, for example, a separation located between the microlens (2) and the function selection filter (4). Adjusted by layer (3).

The image formed on the function selection filter (4) is introduced into the photoelectric element drive circuit (5) through the function selection filter (4) and converted into an electric signal. The function selection filter (4) serves to add some signal processing to the optical signal before the optical signal representing the arbitrary image is converted into an electric signal in the photoelectric element drive circuit (5). This added signal processing differs depending on the type of the function selection filter, and various signal processing can be optically performed by arbitrarily changing the function selection filter (4).

FIG. 3 shows an example of the shape of the function selection filter. FIG. 3A shows a far field image introducing filter,
FIG. 3B shows a vertical component extraction filter, FIG. 3C shows an edge enhancement filter, a so-called Laplacian filter, and FIG. 3D shows a phase object detection filter, a so-called Schlieren effect. Of these function selection filters illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, if it is desired to extract only the vertical component of the image formed on the function selection filter (4), a vertical component extraction filter,
If you want to enhance the edges of the image, you can use various edge processing filters, and use various filters according to the usage pattern or usage method / purpose of the optical information conversion module. Can be easily applied to.

Then, the optical signal subjected to the optical processing is
The photoelectric element drive circuit (5) immediately below the function selection filter (4) converts the signal into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal. This electrical signal is obtained by converting an optical signal that has already undergone optical special signal processing, so the amount of signal is greatly reduced, and therefore the processing load in the subsequent electrical signal processing is significant. It is possible to perform light information processing at a very high speed.

In the optical information conversion unit (1) having such a structure, for example, since the photoelectric conversion section is located immediately below the light introducing section as described above, for example, the conventional CCD element and the imaging lens are combined. A very simple and compact structure that does not require the complicated auxiliary equipment connecting the imaging lens and the CCD element and the wasted space that were required in the optical information processing device and the like that are separately combined. can do.

In addition to the video information processing, the structure of the optical information conversion unit (1) may include, for example, a light receiving element and a light emitting element, so that an optical / photoelectric conversion element such as an optical active sensor. Can also function as. Furthermore,
By using a split type device as a light emitting element, 2
Dimensional pattern information can be taken in, and it can be used as a digital optical operation technology by Fourier transform or spatial coding technology.

That is, by using the optical information conversion unit (1) having a structure and a function selection filter (4) having various forms and functions according to the purpose of use, the range of use becomes very wide. This is made possible by combining the technology in the optical field and the technology in the electronics field as one technology.

The optical information conversion module of the present invention may have a sheet shape in which a plurality of such optical information conversion units (1) are connected, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. The individual optical information conversion units (1) may optionally be separable. That is, according to the purpose of use, only one optical information conversion unit (1) can be separated from the optical information conversion module having a sheet shape, and a plurality of optical information conversion units can be used along any size. The information conversion unit (1) can also be used separately.

Further, each optical information conversion unit (1)
Is manufactured by using a flexible material such as a polymer material, an organic semiconductor material, or an organic conductive material. Further, for example, a structure in which the connection portion of each optical information conversion unit (1) can be moved. By
The module of the present invention can be arbitrarily modified in shape according to various purposes of use.

With respect to each optical information conversion unit (1), for example, a wiring for grounding, a power source, and a signal extraction can be provided on the back surface, the side end, and the like. The individual units (1) connected to each other can be connected and appropriately connected by these. Furthermore, if each sensor unit can be moved according to the observation situation and the sensor placement can be changed at any time, the effect of the shape being able to change arbitrarily is that the sensor placement dynamically changes according to the observation target. By making various changes, it is possible to further expand and improve the observation / recognition function for the observation target whose shape and state change.

As described above, the optical information conversion module according to the present invention is capable of various kinds of optical information conversion, in which a lens or a function selection filter which is an optical system technology is arbitrarily combined with a photoelectric element which is an electronic technology. It is composed of multiple units, has a sheet shape, and is deformable, so it has a smaller size and various usage patterns compared to conventional photoelectric conversion elements, etc., and is suitable for various purposes of optical information processing. It can also be used together, and can easily convert optical information into electrical information or vice versa.

Examples will be shown below to describe the embodiments of the present invention in more detail. Of course, the present invention is not limited by the following examples.

[0024]

【Example】

(Embodiment 1) Spherical form Using the optical information conversion module of the present invention, optical information data distributed in a 360-degree space is input and converted into an electric signal.

FIG. 4 exemplifies a conceptual view of an optical information conversion module having a spherical shape which is an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the optical information conversion module of the present invention has a spherical shape deformed along a spherical surface, and the optical information existing in the space of 360 degrees around it is
It can be input as optical information data for each position coordinate captured by each optical information conversion unit, or as image data captured by each optical information conversion unit. When inputting as image data, it is 360 depending on the configuration density of the optical information conversion unit that constitutes the optical information conversion module.
The resolution of the image information existing in the space is determined.

Conventionally, such input of optical information must be performed by using, for example, an image pickup apparatus combining a fisheye lens or a plurality of image pickup apparatuses, which is very difficult. With the optical information conversion module, the optical information existing in the 360-degree space can be very easily input as coordinate system data or image data.

(Embodiment 2) Cylindrical form By using the optical information conversion module of the present invention,
The optical information data distributed in the space inside the pipe is input and converted into an electrical signal. FIG. 5 exemplifies a conceptual diagram of an optical information conversion module having a cylindrical shape which is an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the optical information conversion module of the present invention has a cylindrical shape deformed along the surface of an elongated cylindrical rod or tube. By using the optical information conversion module of the present invention having such a configuration as an in-pipe inspection machine to inspect the inside of the pipe, a state image in the pipe captured by each optical information conversion unit constituting the optical information conversion module Can be easily inspected.

For inputting image information in such a pipe, conventionally, for example, an optical fiber was used to transmit the image information in the pipe to the outside of the pipe for information conversion. The in-pipe inspection machine used was able to inspect only the image obtained from the tip of the optical fiber. However, by using the optical information conversion module of the present invention, it is possible to capture the image information of the entire inside of the pipe at one time, so that the pipe can be easily inspected in a very short time.

(Embodiment 3) Kamaboko type configuration FIG. 6 illustrates a conceptual diagram of an optical information conversion module having a kamaboko type configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the optical information conversion module of the present invention has a semi-cylindrical shape that is deformed along a semicylindrical surface. The optical information conversion module of the present invention having such a configuration can be arranged as shown in FIG. 6 (a) and attached to the side surface of an automobile for use. When a parallel running vehicle approaches as shown in position (A) → position (B) in the figure,
As shown in (b), the number of sensors that recognize the parallel running vehicle increases. Considering the correlation between the time change of the increase in the number of parallel running vehicles detected by the sensors arranged in the vertical direction (circumferential direction) and the time change of the increase in the number of parallel running vehicles detected between the sensors arranged in the front-rear direction. By doing so, it is possible to detect not only the distance from the simple parallel running vehicle but also the degree of danger.

(Embodiment 4) Recessed Form FIG. 7 illustrates a conceptual diagram of an optical information conversion module having a recessed form which is an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the optical information conversion module of the present invention has a concave shape deformed along a semicircular or semispherical inner surface. By using the optical information conversion module of the present invention having such a configuration in the vicinity of the inspection target, the object can be observed with high resolution and little distortion.

(Embodiment 5) Pincushion form FIG. 8 illustrates a conceptual diagram of an optical information conversion module having a pincushion form which is an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 8, the optical information conversion module of the present invention has a bobbin-like form arranged on the side surface of the bobbin. When the optical information conversion module of the present invention having such a configuration is used for observing a sufficiently distant place, it is almost equivalent to a spherical arrangement, and it is possible to monitor the entire circumference, and moreover, the output line of the optical information conversion module. Since the (signal line) can be extended in the direction of the arrow, it is easy to secure a space for taking out the signal line.

(Embodiment 6) The position of an arbitrary object existing in an arbitrary space is measured by using the optical information conversion module of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an arrangement example of an optical information conversion module for position detection which is an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the optical information conversion modules are respectively arranged on two orthogonal planes included in an arbitrary space where the detection target object exists, and image data of the detection target object obtained by the optical information conversion unit and The position coordinates of this object in an arbitrary space can be detected from the coordinate system data of the object to be detected on the plane.

(Embodiment 7) Optical information communication is performed by using the optical information conversion module of the present invention as an optical information transmission network. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an arrangement example of an optical information conversion module for an optical information transmission network which is an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the optical information conversion module of the present invention comprises one optical information conversion unit having a structure in which light receiving / light emitting elements are integrated. A plurality of such optical information conversion modules are used as necessary, and the optical information transmitted by a certain optical information conversion module is received and, for example, after information processing such as amplification, optical deflection, calculation, and compression is performed, The light is emitted to another optical information conversion module, and the other optical information conversion modules similarly receive, process, and emit light, and transmit optical information one after another.

In such an optical information transmission network,
Since the optical information conversion module of the present invention, which is extremely small and simple, is used, it is possible to install a simple network, and to arrange signal lines or temporary signal lines in a living space where complicated wiring is disliked. , Its application can be expanded in various ways. (Embodiment 8) Wide area optical information communication is performed by using the optical information transmission network of the embodiment 7 according to the optical information conversion module of the present invention as a wide area sensor network.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an arrangement example of an optical information conversion module as a wide area sensor network which is an embodiment of the present invention. This is a system in which a sensor function is added to the optical information transmission network, and unit forms are arranged as necessary. Hardware having a mutual communication function is connected to each unit. This wide area sensor network can be used for, for example, a crustal movement monitor and a traffic volume monitor.

[0036]

As described in detail above, the optical information conversion module of the present invention is smaller in size and can be used in various forms as compared with the conventional photoelectric conversion element, and can be used for video information processing, optical communication, and optical sensors. It can be used in combination with various uses of optical information processing, and it is possible to easily convert optical information into electrical information and vice versa.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a structural perspective view illustrating an optical information conversion module of the present invention and an optical information conversion conversion unit constituting the module.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram exemplifying a light introducing section of an optical information conversion unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the shape of a function selection filter.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an optical information conversion module having a spherical shape according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual view illustrating an optical information conversion module having a cylindrical shape which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an optical information conversion module having a kamaboko type according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an optical information conversion module having a concave shape that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram exemplifying an optical information conversion module having a pincushion form which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an arrangement example of an optical information conversion module for position detection which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an arrangement example of an optical information conversion module for an optical information transmission network which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an arrangement example of an optical information conversion module for a wide area sensor network which is an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Optical Information Conversion Unit 2 Micro Lens 3 Separation Layer 4 Function Selection Filter 5 Photoelectric Device Drive Circuit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (71) Applicant 594034935 Yoshiki Ichioka Room No. 1109, Kamiyamada, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture (71) Applicant 596069678 Jun Yata, 1-4-1, Doshodaidai, Suma-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture Room 710 (72) Inventor Yoshiki Ichioka 1-7 Kamiyamada, Suita City, Osaka Room 1109 (72) Inventor Jun Yata 1-4-1, Doshodaidai, Suma-ku, Hyogo Prefecture Room 710

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An optical information conversion module comprising a plurality of optical information conversion units capable of converting spatially distributed optical information into electrical information and vice versa, and having a sheet shape. 2. The optical information conversion module according to claim 1, wherein the optical information conversion unit is separable. 3. The optical information conversion module according to claim 1, which is deformable. 4. The optical information conversion unit is provided with a function selection filter.
One of the optical information conversion module. 5. The optical information conversion unit includes a light receiving portion and / or
The optical information conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which comprises a light emitting section, a separation layer, a function selection filter, and a photoelectric conversion section and / or an electro-optical conversion section.