ES2575031B1 - Multi-layer planar optical device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multilayer planar optical device composed of a multilayer planar structure, in the form of a flexible, moldable or rigid band (or set of them) containing various optical elements, active and passive, for the emission and reception of light beams , connected to a power, regulation and control unit. This device can be attached to tools or instruments and allows lighting, optical analysis, image registration and control of devices through the emission and detection of light signals in spaces and cavities that are difficult to access. # Has its application within industries of manufacturing of devices, devices and auxiliary lighting elements, optical analysis of materials and image registration. More specifically in the automotive, motor and gas and fluid lines, as well as in medicine, surgery, dentistry, biology and veterinary.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Multilayer planar optical device.

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a portable optical device composed of a multi-layer planar structure with a flexible, moldable or rigid band shape (or set of them) containing various optical elements, active and passive, of emission and detection of light beams, connected / s with a unit of feeding, regulation and control. This device can be attached to tools or instruments and allows lighting, optical analysis, image registration and control of devices through the emission and reception of light signals in spaces and cavities that are difficult to access.

It has its application within the industries of manufacturing of devices, devices and auxiliary lighting elements, optical analysis of materials and image registration. More specifically in the automotive, motor and gas and fluid conduction sectors as well as in medicine, surgery, dentistry, biology and veterinary medicine.

State of the art

In many industrial and technological applications it is necessary to illuminate, capture images and analyze the optical properties of cavities, enclosures and cavities of reduced size or difficult access. Such applications include the fields of automotive, inspection of engines and gas and fluid lines, as well! such as the medicine, surgery, dentistry, biology or veterinary sectors.

To illuminate in these types of enclosures, in general, i) lamps or luminaires of multiple types are used, held by various articulated or rigid mechanisms, ii) optical fibers that transmit light from an external source to the interior of the space and iii) flashlights or point sources. The external lamp-type sources have in common that the incident light on the area to be illuminated is directed to it in the form of a cylindrical or conical beam as in the utility model ES1069014. Although adequate lighting levels can be achieved for various uses, the simultaneous use of tools or instruments generates areas of shadow or limited lighting.

Analogously it happens with the optical fibers of illumination of common use in medical and surgical applications. On the other hand, the rapid development of light emitting diode (LED) technologies has led to the generalization of numerous types of luminaires based on this type of light sources, with desirable characteristics of durability, reliability and low consumption. Some of the most outstanding technological aspects that must be resolved in each case are those referring to the spatial distribution of the emitted light, such as in the ES1076869 patent, and the emitter distribution itself in the lamps or luminaires, as in the utility models ES1068169, ES2096710T3 and ES1067877U. Among the applications of these light sources are cables or strips of such diodes for ornamental and decorative uses and as elements in signaling or lighting panels, as described in the utility model ES1076900U.

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On the other hand, to capture images in the enclosures and cavities described, devices such as endoscopes and analog systems are used, in which the image captured by an optical fiber or a microcamera located at the end of an insertion element is transmitted to the outside. Likewise, in order to perform measurements of optical properties in such environments, various systems for capturing the light reflected by optical fibers or small sensors are introduced into them. On the other hand, for the control of devices in an enclosure or cavity, radioelectric communication mechanisms or union wiring with them are used.

The proposed invention combines, in a single device, elements that provide an innovative approach to the limitations of the aforementioned systems: the heat generated by the light sources and other active elements is evacuated through the element that gives it shape and structural support; The multilayer band shape allows, simultaneously and in the same device, to have emitters and receivers equipped, each, with various active and passive optical elements that modulate or modify the properties of the emitted and received light. These additional elements have planar shape and geometry, unlike the combinations of lenses and mirrors typical of light sources such as those referred to in patents EP1880139B1, US2007263390A1 and DE202005007500U1 and in collimation and concentration devices such as that described in patent ES2363396B1. The geometry of the proposed device in the form of a multilayer band also allows it to be small in size and easily introduced in difficult-to-access areas, and the possibility of flexing it or shaping its shape allows it to be adapted to the form of instruments or tools for common use. in each application The combination of these characteristics and the indicated elements allows that, in the same device, the functions of illumination, measurement of optical properties, image capture and optical control of other devices can be performed simultaneously or independently.

Description of the figures

To complement the description of the invention, the following set of figures is attached as an integral part of its description, with an illustrative and non-limiting character.

Figure 1.- General scheme of the multilayer planar optical device.

(1) Optical band.

(2) Unit of feeding, regulation and control.

(3) Beam of connection cables.

(25) High brightness LED emitting diode.

(26) Laser emitting diode.

(27) Photodiode (spot) type detector.

(28) Matrix image sensor type detector.

(43) Margin of union of the upper and lower protective layers.

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Figure 2.- Profile of an optical band.

(AB) Longitudinal axis of the optical band.

(CD) and (EF) Axes that define the plane (section or profile) of the band along the longitudinal axis AB.

(4) Upper protective layer.

(5) Passive optical layer.

(6) Active optical layer.

(7) Thermal dissipative sheet and structural support.

(8) Layer of emitters (LED diodes and laser diodes).

(9) Detector layer (point photodiodes and linear and matrix sensors).

(10) Magnetic layer.

(11) Lower protective layer.

(12) Adhesive layer.

(35) Thermal connection cable of the thermal dissipative and structural support sheeting.

(37) Power cables of the active optical layer, the emitter layer and the detector layer.

(38) Control cables of the active optical layer, the emitter layer and the detector layer.

(39) Heatsink of the power, regulation and control unit.

(40) Heat / hot air outlet slots of the power, regulation and control unit.

(41) DC power supply of all band elements.

(42) Electronic modules for the generation of the control signals of all the elements of the band and for reception and analysis of the signals generated by the detectors

(44) Graduated scale of length.

(45) Holes to allow the mechanical fixation of the band.

(46) Set of connectors for power supply, thermal conduction, control and data signals.

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Figure 3.- Schematic view of the disposition of the different layers that make up an optical band.

(13) Beam of light emitted by an LED.

(14) Beam of light emitted by a laser diode.

(15) Optical windows of ultra-thin glass or transparent plastic in the active optical layer.

(16) Optical windows of ultra-thin glass or transparent plastic in the passive optical layer.

(17) Optical color filter (in the passive optical layer).

(18) Diffuser sheet (in the passive optical layer).

(19) Diffraction / holographic network (in the passive optical layer).

(20) Microprism set (in the passive optical layer).

(21) Set of microlenses (in the passive optical layer).

(22) Spatial light or liquid crystal modulator (in the active optical layer).

(23) Variable microlensing (in the active optical layer).

(24) Variable filter (in the active optical layer).

(29) Electric power cables of the active optical layer.

(30) Power cables of the emitter layer.

(31) Power cables of the detector layer.

(32) Control cables of the active optical layer.

(33) Detector layer control cables.

(34) Transmitter layer control cables.

(36) Gaps in the heat sink and structural support sheet. They correspond to the positions of the emitters and detectors.

Figure 4.- Schematic view (profile) of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, as a lighting device.

(47) 120 ° angle light cone emitted by the LED emitting diodes.

(48) Surface to be illuminated (represented, for simplicity, as a plane parallel to the optical band).

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Figure 5.- Schematic view (profile) of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, as an optical analysis device of the medium or of the walls of the enclosure in which the band is inserted.

(a) Bend angle of the longitudinal axis of the optical band.

(49) Cone of light with 90 ° angle emitted by the LEDs.

(50) Beam emitted by the laser diode, of rectangular section of the same size of the active emission surface.

(51) Surface whose optical properties you want to analyze.

(52) Beam reflected (or emitted by fluorescence) by the analyzed surface.

(53) Incident light on the detector (spot photodiode).

Figure 6.- Schematic view (profile) of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, as an image recording device.

(54) Optical windows of ultra-thin glass or transparent plastic in the upper protective layer.

(55) Structured light beams projected on the surface to be registered.

(56) Angular field of vision captured by the first matrix image sensor.

(57) Angular field of vision captured by the second matrix image sensor.

Figure 7.- Schematic view (profile) of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, as a control and communication device (by means of light signals) of other devices.

(58) Device that communicates / controls by means of light signals.

(59) Enclosure / space (59) illuminated by the optical band.

(60) Optical signals (data and signals) emitted by the devices controlled by the optical band.

Description of the invention

The present invention relates to a portable optical device for lighting, analysis, image registration and control of devices by emission, modulation and detection of light beams, composed of a multilayer structure of band-shaped optical elements (or set of such units ), flexible (s), moldable (s) or rigid (s), connected (s) with a power supply unit, regulation and control.

Each optical band consists of a plurality of light emitting elements (light emitting diodes, LED) and laser diodes (laser diode, LD)) in surface mount (surface mounted diode, SMD), light detecting elements (punctual, that

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they receive light and convert it into an electrical signal, and linear and matrix sensors, which allow to capture an image) and active and passive optical elements, all arranged in superimposed layers on a thermal dissipative and structural support sheet, and the corresponding connection wiring (with the aforementioned power and control unit), forming a planar structure, with a generic band (or tape) shape, flexible, moldable or rigid (depending on the material and dimensions of the structural support sheet), of variable size, wrapped or coated with a transparent plastic material equipped with length indicator scales and holes for mechanical fixation. Each band can also be fixed by means of adhesives or magnets to instruments, devices or tools to allow its use inside cavities, cavities and small spaces or difficult access.

The size of the bands is mainly determined by the technologies of the emitters and detectors used in surface mounting, their electrical consumption characteristics and the type of data or signals they emit or receive. With the technologies currently available, the transverse dimension (width) of a band can be from about 4 millimeters (mm) to 15 mm, the longitudinal dimension (length) from about 30 mm to about 300 mm and the thickness (thickness) from about 3 mm to 10 mm.

The present device is modular in nature, so that a set of optical bands, equipped with various groups of emitters and light detectors, can be combined with others to achieve multiple geometric configurations of various shapes and sizes, according to the desired purpose. These functions are:

- lighting of a difficult access enclosure (by combining a set of emitting diodes and, where appropriate, diffusing optical elements in the passive optical layer),

- optical analysis of properties of the medium or recent in which the device is located. Specifically, it allows the realization of diffuse reflectance measurements, registration of absorption or fluorescence spectra, both static and dynamic (by combining several emitting diodes and spot, linear or matrix detectors and, where appropriate, by providing filters, lenses or prisms in the active and passive optical layers).

- Image registration (by means of light detectors of the linear or matrix image sensor type with superimposed lenses and filters). Specifically, images from inside cavities and enclosures with difficult access can be registered. The combination of structured light beam projections (with patterns generated by the active optical layer, illuminated by the emitting diodes) with the simultaneous or sequential captation of images in matrix sensors (equipped, where appropriate, with lenses superimposed on the optical layer passive) allows to obtain sequences (or scanned) of conventional two-dimensional (2D) images, stereoscopic pairs or other suitable sets to obtain reconstructions or three-dimensional (3D) visualizations of the enclosure in which the band is located.

- communication and control of devices capable of emitting and receiving light pulses or luminous signals with information encoded in amplitude, frequency, wavelength, phase, polarization or any other property of waves and light beams. This codification is achieved by modulating or controlling the properties of the light emitted by the emitters and the characteristics of the elements (liquid crystal type)

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which are arranged in the active optical layer, both on the emitters and on the detectors.

With reference to the attached figures 1, 2 and 3, the constituent and characteristic elements of each part of the described invention are as follows.

In each optical band, the relative order of the component layers is as follows (listed from the space where the light is emitted):

- upper protective layer (4),

- passive optical layer (5),

- active optical layer (6),

- thermal dissipative and structural support sheet (7),

-capacity of detecting elements (9),

- layer of emitting elements (8),

- magnetic fixing layer or plastic layer with intercalated magnets (10),

- lower protective layer (11),

- adhesive layer (12) for permanent or temporary fixation.

The specific number and type of layers in each band depends on the specific application to which the device is intended.

The characteristics of each of the layers that make up each optical band are as follows:

The upper (4) and lower (11) protective layers: They are sheets of plastic or similar material, transparent (at least, in their upper part), flexible, covering the whole band joining at its edge (43), configuring a wrap that can be waterproof, resistant to the action of agents and external deterioration, and allowing its cleaning and reuse. Depending on the material of which the aforementioned layers are made and the application procedure (cold rolled, glued, thermal plasticized or other), the wrap generated by the bonded protective layers can be sterilizable or endowed with specific resistance to enable the use of the optical band in the presence of certain physical, biological or chemical agents. Specifically, each optical band and its connectors and wiring can be coated or wrapped with transparent and biocompatible protective layers, suitable for being in direct contact with human or animal tissues and organs or other biological materials.

In any case, the procedure for depositing and joining the upper and lower protective layers must be such that it does not cause damage or modification in the optical and electronic elements and components of the other layers. The upper (4) and lower (11) protective layers can be joined around the optical band, constituting a closed and, if necessary, airtight insulating cover, such that the joined protective layers

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they protrude on both sides and at the ends of the optical band in the form of an outer zone (margin or flange) (43). This margin can be cut with the desired shape (for example, in a curved shape at its corners) and marked with position or length indicators (14), graduated in the necessary units (typically, millimeters) to facilitate the measurement of the insertion depth of the optical band in a given space (for example, in difficult access recesses). Likewise, said edge (43) can be punched out with holes or grooves (15) of the desired shape and size, located with the proper spacing between them to enable the use of cables, wires, wires, screws or other fasteners or mechanical anchor

The layer of light emitting elements (8): It consists of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) of small size and high luminosity and, where appropriate, of laser diodes (LD), surface mounted (SMD), on a flexible plastic tape, which also integrates additional electronic elements (resistors, diodes) and wiring necessary for proper power and control.

The LEDs can be high brightness emitters, of various types, such as monochromatic emitters (emit a single wavelength or color), polychromatic (emit a discrete set of wavelengths or colors), white light (emit light from resulting color white) or dimmable color (red-green-blue, RGB) (emit resulting color light selectable by the user).

The laser diodes (LD) can be of various existing types that can be mounted on said band.

The currents and voltages (voltages or electric potential differences) that regulate the intensity and, where appropriate, the color of the light emitted by the LED or LD diodes, as! as, where appropriate, its modulation in amplitude, frequency or phase, are controlled from the external power supply unit. The LED or LD emitters can be controlled individually or in groups (typically, of two or three units). The preferred positions of these LED or LD emitters are consecutive, aligned along the longitudinal axis of the band

The layer of light detecting elements (9): It consists of a plurality of point, linear and matrix detectors whose positions are interleaved between the emitting elements, or consecutive with them, according to the type of specific application required. The detectors and their wiring are located on the layer of emitting elements, so that both types of elements (emitters and detectors) are, in turn, in thermal contact with the thermal dissipative sheet.

Point detectors are photodiodes, phototransistors and photoresistors that provide an electrical signal (voltage or current) related to the intensity and characteristics of the light received.

Linear and matrix detectors are elements in the form of linear arrays or arrays of individual elements that configure a sensor capable of capturing an image. Linear and matrix image detectors can be charge-coupled devices (CCD), active pixel devices such as those of the complementary semiconductor type of metal oxide (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor, CMOS) and other types.

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Where appropriate, and equipped with the necessary additional electronic elements, the detectors can allow the conversion of the light signals into digital signals or binary data in different formats.

The thermal dissipative and structural support sheet (7): It is a tape (sheet) of a good thermal conductor (preferably, metallic) of a typical thickness of 0.05-3.0 mm, equipped with holes of adequate shape and size in the positions of the emitters and detectors, and located in direct contact with the active optical layer (6) and the emitter layers (8) and detectors (9). This contact - and the fixation between the layers - can be improved by applying putty or thermal glue between them, to allow heat to flow to the dissipative sheet but without electrical contact between the layers.

The material, shape and dimensions of the thermal and structural support sheet determine the characteristics of flexibility, malleability and structural rigidity desired for the band: For example, if it is required to adapt its shape to adhere it or fix it to an instrument or tool determined, the sheet can be made of copper with a thickness of the order of 0.05-0.5 mm. On the contrary, if the band is required to be rigid, this sheet can be made of aluminum or other analogous material, with a thickness of 0.2-3.0 mm. Being, in any case, a good thermal conductor material, it is possible to evacuate the heat generated by the active optical elements towards the external regulation and control unit, where it is passively dissipated or, where appropriate, by fans or active refrigerators, such as thermoelectric modules used in portable electronic applications.

The active optical layer (6): It consists of active flat optical elements, preferably liquid crystal sheets, spatial light modulators, shutters, lenses of variable shape by electric control and adjustable filters, all of them inserted in a flexible support sheet (preferably of plastic) in which the electronic elements and wiring necessary for its correct feeding and control are integrated. The size of the active elements is adequate to be placed on the emitters or on the detectors. By arranging this active optical layer.

- on the emitters: it allows the modulation of the light emitted by them in pulses of duration and adjustable frequency, as well as the control of the amplitude and the phase of the light emitted by each emitter.

- on the detectors: it allows modulating or filtering the incident light on them.

The passive optical layer (5): It consists of a set of optical elements inserted, engraved or stamped on a support sheet of suitable material, preferably of plastic material. It includes refractive elements (lenses, microlenses and others), reflective elements (mirrors, grooves and others), diffractants (diffraction networks, holograms and others), dispersants (prisms, microprisms and others) and diffusers (lambertian and other diffusers) to direct or filter both the light beams emitted by the emitters and the light beams received by the detectors, in the desired directions and with the appropriate levels of power and light intensity for each specific application.

Specifically, the elements of the active and passive optical layers located on the detecting elements allow the light received by them to be filtered according to the type of analysis or registration of images to be performed.

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The magnetic fixing layer (10): It is a flexible tape of magnetic material that adheres on one side to the bottom of the layer in which the light emitters and receivers are located. Being magnetized, it allows permanent or temporary fixation to parts, instruments or tools of various shapes and characteristics (of the ferromagnetic type), in order to be able to use the device described in this invention inside diverse spaces, including cavities, cavities and difficult access spaces. The intensity of the magnetic force of attraction depends on the characteristics of the tape itself, finding multiple commercial options. A tape with magnetic force should be chosen such that it allows the fixing of the optical band to a ferromagnetic surface taking into account the thickness of the lower protective layer (11).

In those situations in which the creation of a magnetic field area along the entire optical band is not interested, the magnetic fixing layer (10) can be replaced by a plastic with intercalated magnets or, simply, by a layer of adhesive material fixing (12), adhered to the outside of the lower protective layer. Likewise, an optical band without a magnetic or adhesive layer can also be fixed or mechanically anchored (using screws, threads, wires or sutures) using the holes (15) located in the margin (43) generated by the union of the upper protective layers (4 ) and lower (11).

The independent power and control unit: It is a unit that contains

a) a low voltage continuous power supply, preferably 12V or 24V, which provides the necessary voltage and electrical current to the active elements of the optical band connected thereto. The power of the optical band is provided by batteries, accumulators or analog elements. This feed is particularly suitable for optical bands to be used in spaces, enclosures or cavities where it is necessary to avoid any possible risk arising from the use of high tensions, such as in applications in medicine, surgery, biology or veterinary medicine, or in industrial applications in atmospheres. Chemically reactive, incendiary, or explosive.

b) a set of passive dissipating elements, fin type, or active, fan type

or thermoelectric modules, which dissipate the heat generated by the active elements located in the optical band. These heatsinks are necessary to evacuate the heat generated by the active optical elements (located in the active band), and the emitters and light detectors (located in their corresponding bands). This heat is transmitted by the thermal dissipative sheet from the elements in which it is produced to the said control unit through a heat conducting cable, since the dissipating elements establish a temperature difference (and, consequently, a gradient thermal) between them and the band.

c) the electronic circuit board that generates, transmits, adapts, and modulates the control signals of the properties and characteristics of the active optical elements.

d) the electronic circuit that generates, transmits, adapts, and modulates the signals that are converted by the emitters into sequences of luminous pulses of the amplitude, frequency, wavelength, phase and polarization required to achieve the activation and communication with detector elements that are located in the environment of the band that issues them, and

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e) the electronic circuit board that receives, decodes and stores the signals received by the detectors located in the optical band.

Additionally, this control unit can be connected to a computer, a data recording and storage system or analog device, by wiring or wirelessly.

The power supply, the control and modulation signals of the emitted light and the signals and data generated by the detectors are transmitted to the optical band / s and from it to the power and control unit by means of a set of specific cables, equipped with the appropriate connectors at its ends. The thermal dissipative sheet is connected by a suitable connector to a good heat conductor cable (for example, copper). The assembly of the electrical and thermal connection cables can be grouped in the form of a beam, coaxial conductors, flat cable or other. The wiring may be covered by materials that can be cleaned and, where appropriate, sterilized.

Both the optical band and the external power, regulation and control unit can be portable. Likewise, each optical band and its connectors, wraps and connection wiring can be reusable, recyclable or disposable.

With the basic configuration described, the geometric, optical, electronic and mounting parameters can be optimized for different specific applications. In some of them, such as the use as a proposed lighting device, the described invention can be manufactured with commercially available devices and technologies, in a very wide range of costs and benefits, enabling its implementation in the form of economic and cost-effective devices.

Mode of realization of the invention

With reference to the attached figures, the present invention relates to a portable optical device for lighting, analysis, image registration and control of devices by means of emission, modulation and reception of light beams, composed of a multilayer optical band (1) (or set of them) connected to a power supply unit, regulation and control (2) by a set of electrical and thermal connection cables (3).

Each optical band consists of a plurality of light emitters (LED diodes and laser diodes), light detectors (point, linear and matrix) and active and passive optical elements arranged in layers superimposed with a thermal dissipative and structural support sheet, and the corresponding connection wiring with the power and control unit. Once the general characteristics of the proposed invention have been defined, a set of four preferred modes or examples of realization thereof are presented below:

Mode of realization 1: Illumination device.

This embodiment has a specific field of applications as a lighting device in cavities, enclosures and cavities inside complex multi-piece assemblies, such as in the automotive industry, in the inspection of the interior of motors and ducts such as pipes and circuits. fluids and gases, and in

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minimally invasive surgery procedures or deep-field surgical intervention.

As shown in Figure 4, by way of example, the optical band (1) is provided with a certain number of equal LED emitting diodes (25), with white light and high luminosity, in surface mounting (SMD technology). Each of them emits a cone of light with an angle of 120 ° (47). The number of emitting diodes, their power and their relative positions are determined by the desired level of illumination on the surface (48) to be illuminated. The intensity of the emitted light is controlled by a regulator circuit located in the power supply, regulation and control unit. Depending on the number of emitting diodes installed and their power, the thickness of the heat sink and structural support sheet is determined. As an example, with a set of 6 white light diodes, 1800 lumen, mounted on an SMD band of about 10 mm wide, 80 mm long and 4 mm thick, the resulting optical band will have about 80-90 mm length and about 10-15 mm wide (including the margins (43) for the mechanical fixing holes and the graduated length scale). As the aforementioned diodes consume a power of about 1.5 W, the dissipative sheet would be made of a 0.1-0.3 mm thick copper sheet. If RGB type diodes of variable color are used, the control of the light emitted by them is also regulated in the power supply, regulation and control unit.

Using the aforementioned diodes and materials, the device assembled according to this realization can be low cost, allowing a simple and economical construction and assembly.

Realization mode 2: Device for optical analysis.

This embodiment of the proposed invention is intended for the field of analysis of optical properties of materials. In particular, it allows the realization of diffuse reflectance measurements, the obtaining of the absorption and fluorescence spectra, both static and dynamic, of the walls (or medium) in which the light emitted by the band is reflected. These measurements are carried out by combining and synchronizing the emission of continuous or pulsed beams from one or several emitting diodes with the reception at one or several point, linear or matrix detectors equipped, where appropriate, both the emitters and the detectors, of filters, lenses or prisms in the passive and active optical layers.

As shown in Figure 5, by way of example, the optical band (1) is provided with two equal LED emitting diodes (25) and a laser diode (26) and a photodiode type detector (27). Each of the LEDs emits a light cone with a 90 ° angle (49) and the laser diodes emit a rectangular section beam of the same size of the active emission surface (50). The number of emitting diodes (LED and laser), their powers and their relative positions are determined by the desired level of illumination on the surface (51) to be analyzed. The type of elements located in the active and passive optical layers are determined according to the desired properties in the light emitted by the emitters and in that received by the detectors. The light emitted by the LED diodes (25) and the laser diodes (26) affects the surface object of the analysis (51) and after being reflected, transmitted, retracted or diffracted in it (52) is captured (53) by the detector (27). The optical band (1) is curved at an angle a to facilitate the incidence (on the detectors) of the light reflected by the walls of the enclosure.

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Depending on the type of analysis that is desired, the emitting diodes can generate a set of several wavelengths (colors) or, like the laser diode, be monochromatic and emit a single color. Its electrical characteristics are similar to those set out in realization 1 above. The detectors can be sensitive photodiodes in the visible and near infrared ranges (typically, from about 400 nanometers (nm) to about 850 nm) with an electrical consumption of the order of 0.1 W. The dimensions of the optical band with the above elements would be about 100 mm long, 10-12 mm wide and 4-6 mm thick. The elements of the passive optical layer may include optical filters that determine the wavelength ranges received by the detectors and, for example, eliminate ambient light so that only the wavelengths (colors) of interest affect the detectors. For the measurement of the absorption spectra in steady state, the light is emitted continuously and the detectors remain active (receiving) during the time interval necessary for the signal to be collected with the appropriate signal-to-noise ratio. For its part, in order to carry out dynamic measurements, the power supply, regulation and control unit must issue synchronization signals so that the emission and reception of the light beams generated by the emitters and received by the detectors is carried out at intervals temporary or following the necessary duration and frequency pulses.

For the measurement of fluorescence spectra, the emitted wavelength must be adequate to stimulate the corresponding fluorescence phenomenon in the medium or enclosure on which the light strikes. For example, for the use of this device in surgery interventions in which vascular fluorescence is needed, the emitting diodes must emit wavelengths in the near infrared range and the detectors must receive wavelengths in the visible range. If you are interested in measuring oncological fluorescence, the emitters must generate beams of light in the near ultraviolet spectrum and the detectors must measure in the visible range.

In this embodiment, the upper protective layer must include, inserted therein, transparent optical windows located in the positions corresponding to the emitters and light detectors. These windows can be made of transparent plastic or, if high quality or specific transmission characteristics are required (for example, for wavelengths in the ultraviolet and infrared ranges), in ultra-thin glass of suitable characteristics.

Mode of realization 3: Device for registering images.

This embodiment of the proposed invention allows the capture of images by means of image sensor detectors (linear or matrix) equipped, where appropriate, with filters and lenses superimposed on the optical layers (active and passive). The projection of structured light beams with patterns generated by the active optical layer, illuminated by the emitting diodes, and the simultaneous or sequential capture of the corresponding images allows to obtain sequences (scanned) of conventional two-dimensional (2D) images, stereoscopic pairs or others suitable sets to obtain reconstructions or three-dimensional (3D) visualizations of the enclosure in which the band is located. This may be of particular interest within cavities and difficult-to-access enclosures, in which it is not possible to introduce other types of cameras.

With reference to figure 6 attached, and by way of example, the optical band (1) is angled (an angle a) and equipped with two LED emitting diodes (25) and two detectors of the matrix image sensor type (28). In front of each emitter (25), there is a modulator

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space of light or illiquid glass (54) in the active optical layer. These elements generate a set of lines, grids or figures of different shapes, such as circumferences, crosses, and others (55) that, when illuminated by the emitted light, define a structured pattern of light that is projected onto the surface (51) that you want to scan in three dimensions.

Image sensors (28) can register conventional images (photographs) 20 but with the angular differences defined by the angles between their optical axes. As an example, angle a is shown. The optical elements located in the active and passive layers determine the fields of vision (56, 57) captured by the matrix sensors.

Realization mode 4: Device for control and optical communication with other devices.

In this embodiment, the control unit

- generates or transmits to the band / s connected to it the signals that must be converted by the emitting diodes into sequences of light pulses of the amplitude, frequency, wavelength, phase and polarization required to achieve activation or communication with other devices equipped with optical detectors that are located in the environment of the band that emits them.

- receives and decodes the light signals generated by the detectors when the beams or light signals emitted by other devices equipped with light emitters located in the environment of the band that receives them hit.

This form of activation or control of devices (and, where appropriate, communication with them) has the characteristics of being wireless, very fast, without generating or being subjected to electromagnetic disturbances or interferences (such as currents, sparks or arcs voltaic and others). Therefore, this embodiment of the proposed invention may be particularly suitable for use in environments where such risks must be avoided, such as applications in enclosures with chemically reactive, explosive or incendiary atmospheres, or inside the body human, animals or biological organisms.

With reference to FIG. 7 attached, by way of example, the optical band (1) is provided with two equal LED emitting diodes (25) and two photodiode type detectors (27). Each of the LEDs emits a cone with an angle of 120 ° (47) and the emitted light is modulated by the signals generated by the power, regulation and control unit (2).

On the other hand, the optical signals (60) emitted by other devices in the environment of the optical band are received by the detectors (27) and transmitted to the power supply, regulation and control unit (2).

The number of emitting diodes, their powers and their relative positions are determined by the level of illumination necessary to establish communication with the devices (58). The type of elements located in the active and passive optical layers are determined according to the desired properties in the light emitted by the emitters and that received by the detectors. The connection wiring (3) links the optical band (1) with the power, regulation and control unit (2).

Some aspects common to the different modes of realization are the following:

- The connection wiring (3) consists of conventional cables, including those of transmission of the electrical supply, those of transmission of control signals

5 from the power supply unit, regulation and control to the active elements of the bands, the transmission of the serials and data generated by the detectors and a thermal conductor cable for connection of the dissipative sheet with the dissipating element of the power supply unit , regulation and control.

10 - In all its applications, the invention acts from the power supply

provided by the feeding, regulation and control unit (2). This power supply will be of direct current, low voltage (12 volts or 24 volts), according to the type of diodes and other active elements, provided by batteries, accumulators or similar elements arranged in said unit. This is portable, operating in a low voltage direct current to avoid possible electrical risks arising from the use of alternating current, thus allowing its use as a device in direct contact with the human body, animals or biological organisms, enclosures with explosive gas atmospheres , flammable and others.

20 - The upper (4) and lower (11) protective layers can be made of plastic material

of different types, depending on the environment or environment in which the optical bands will be arranged.

- The materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements and layers are susceptible to variations that do not involve alterations to the essentiality of the

invention.

Claims (13)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 1. Multilayer planar optical device characterized in that it comprises: a) A flexible, moldable or rigid multilayer optical band (1) or set of them, each consisting of the following layers, the relative order of the component layers being as follows, listed from the space where the light is emitted: - A top protective layer (4) - Passive optical layer (5) - Active optical layer (6) - Thermal dissipative and structural support sheet (7) - Layer of light detecting elements (9) - Layer of light emitting elements (8) - Magnetic fixing layer or plastic layer with intercalated magnets (10) - A lower protective layer (11) - A layer of adhesive material (12) for permanent or temporary fixation. b) Power, regulation and control unit (2) and c) Thermal and electrical connection wiring set (3), for lighting, optical analysis, image registration and control of devices by means of emission, modulation and reception of light beams. 2. Multilayer planar optical device according to the previous revindication characterized in that the upper and lower protective layers are joined by their sides, forming a hermetic wrap, closed by its perimeter. In this way, the optical band can be used in enclosures, spaces, cavities or cavities filled with fluid or liquid material without these making contact with the elements and layers contained within the envelope defined by the joined protective layers. 3. Multi-layer planar optical device according to previous claims characterized in that the passive optical layer is constituted by refractive, reflective, diffractant, dispersant and diffuser elements inserted, engraved or stamped on a support sheet of suitable material, preferably of plastic material. 4. Multilayer planar optical device according to previous claims characterized in that the active optical layer is constituted by a set of active flat elements, preferably of liquid crystal, spatial light modulators, shutters, lenses of variable shape by means of electric control and adjustable filters inserted in a Flexible support sheet in which the electronic elements and wiring necessary for proper power and control are integrated. 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 5. Multilayer planar optical device according to previous claims characterized in that the thermal dissipative and structural support sheet of the optical band is a tape of a good thermal conductor, preferably metallic, of a thickness ranging from 0.05 mm to 3 mm, provided of gaps in the positions of the emitters and the detectors, in direct contact with them and with the active optical layer, so that it allows the dissipation of the heat generated by the active optical elements, emitters and detectors towards the external regulation unit and control. 6. Multi-layer planar optical device according to claim 5 characterized in that the thermal dissipative and structural support sheet is made of copper or similar material, with a thickness ranging between 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm for a flexible or malleable optical band. 7. Multi-layer planar optical device according to claim 5 characterized in that the thermal dissipative and structural support sheet is made of aluminum material or the like, with a thickness ranging between 0.2 mm and 3 mm for a rigid optical band. 8. Multi-layer planar optical device according to previous claims characterized in that the layer of light emitting elements consists of a set of high-brightness light emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser diodes (LD), surface mounted (SMD) on a tape support, in thermal contact with the thermal dissipative sheet, and in which the additional electronic elements and wiring necessary for its correct power and control are integrated. 9. Multi-layer planar optical device according to previous claims characterized in that the layer of light detecting elements consists of a set of detectors whose positions are interspersed or consecutive with the emitting elements, located on the same layer and in thermal contact with the thermal dissipative sheet. 10. Multilayer planar optical device according to previous claims characterized in that the power, regulation and control unit consists of a) a low voltage continuous power supply, preferably 12V or 24V, which provides the necessary voltage and electrical current to the active elements of the optical band connected thereto; b) a set of passive, fin or active dissipative elements, fans or thermoelectric modules, which dissipate the heat generated by the active elements located in the optical band, and c) the electronic circuit that generates, transmits, adapts, and modulates the control signals of the properties and characteristics of the active optical elements, d) the electronic circuitry it generates. transmits, adapts, and modulates the signals that are converted by the emitting diodes into sequences of luminous pulses of the amplitude, frequency, wavelength, phase and polarization required to achieve activation and communication with other light detecting elements that are located in the environment of the band that broadcasts them, and e) the electronic circuit board that receives, decodes and stores the signals received by the detectors located in the optical band. 11. Multi-layer planar optical device according to previous claims characterized in that the thermal and electrical connection wiring assembly is provided with connectors at its ends to the optical band and to the power and control unit that transmit the heat generated in the optical band, the power supply electric, the signs of 5 control and modulation of the emitted light and the signals and data generated by the detectors. 12. Multilayer planar optical device according to previous claims characterized in that the wiring is covered with biocompatible and sterilizable material to be reusable, recyclable or disposable. 10 13. Use of the device described in the preceding claims for the illumination, optical analysis, image capture and optical control of other devices, in enclosures, cavities, cavities and difficult access spaces, preferably in the automotive, motor and conduction sectors. gases and fluids as well as in medicine, surgery, 15 dentist, biologist and veterinarian.