JP2012058037A - Spectrum imaging device, spectrum imaging method, and line light scanning mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a spectrum imaging device and a spectrum imaging method capable of rapid spectrum imaging of any imaging object by eliminating redundancy in imaging time resulting from slit scanning, and to provide a line light scanning mechanism used for the spectrum imaging deice and the spectrum imaging method.SOLUTION: The spectrum imaging device includes, as a mechanism successively transforming observation light L observed from the imaging object into linear light and scanning the linear light, a line light scanning mechanism 120 on which light selection members 121a-121n having the shape corresponding to the linear light to be transformed and independently rotatable around an axis provided in the longitudinal direction are arrayed in the number corresponding to the resolution for scanning the observation light L. Based on the selective rotation of the light selection members 121a-121n constituting the line light scanning mechanism 120, the observation light L is successively transformed into linear light and scanned, and taken in a spectrograph 130.

Description

  The present invention relates to a spectral imaging device and a spectral imaging method for imaging spectral data to be imaged, and a line light scanning mechanism used in the spectral imaging device and the spectral imaging method.

  As an apparatus for imaging an imaging target, a spectrum imaging apparatus generally called a spectrum camera is known. This spectral imaging apparatus normally captures an imaging target by causing an imaging device to receive light while spectrally separating light images sequentially taken by scanning of a slit for each wavelength. As such a spectral imaging apparatus, for example, an apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is known. Conventionally, a spectrum imaging apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the spectrum imaging apparatus includes a spectroscopic unit 10 that receives observation light observed from an imaging target and separates the observation light. In the spectroscopic unit 10, for example, a spectroscopic method using a diffraction grating is employed, and observation light in a region from visible light to near infrared of 400 nm to 800 nm is split into a plurality of wavelength regions. The spectroscopic unit 10 includes a lens 11 into which observation light to be imaged is taken. In such a spectroscopic unit 10, first, when observation light to be imaged is taken in via the lens 11, the observation light is irradiated to a slit plate 12 in which a slit having a fine width is formed. Then, the observation light irradiated on the slit plate 12 is converted into light parallel to the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) which is the slit direction of the slit plate when passing through the slit of the slit plate 12 to be a diffraction grating. 13 is irradiated. The diffraction grating 13 is configured as, for example, a substrate having a grating pattern in which a plurality of linear irregularities are arranged side by side, and slit light that is linear light parallel to the X-axis direction that has passed through the slits of the slit plate 12. (Line light) is split into a plurality of wavelength regions. In this way, the light dispersed by the diffraction grating 13 is incident on the lens 14. Then, the light split by the diffraction grating 13 by the lens 14 is imaged on the imaging surface of the imaging element 15. The image sensor 15 is constituted by, for example, a CCD image sensor, and converts the light imaged on the imaging surface of the image sensor 15 into an electric signal by photoelectric conversion. The electrical signal converted by the image sensor 15 is input to the analysis unit 20.

  Further, the slit plate 12, the diffraction grating 13, the lens 14, and the imaging device 15 that constitute such a spectroscopic unit 10 are provided on the optical stage 16. Under the control of the drive circuit 17, the optical stage 16 moves up and down in the direction perpendicular to the direction of light incident on the spectroscopic unit 10 and in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction. Then, by moving the optical stage 16 up and down, slit light parallel to the X axis is moved in the Y axis direction, and the imaging target is scanned two-dimensionally. The spectroscopic unit 10 includes a focus driving unit 18 as an actuator that drives the lens 11. The focus driving unit 18 determines whether or not the 0th-order diffracted light transmitted through the diffraction grating 13 and dispersed is focused on the surface of the image sensor 15, and is focused on the surface of the image sensor 15. Then, the lens 11 is driven.

  On the other hand, such a spectral imaging apparatus includes an analysis unit 20 that performs component analysis of observation light to be imaged based on the electrical signal output from the imaging element 15 and calculation of a distribution of a physical quantity such as light intensity in a two-dimensional plane. I have. The analysis unit 20 includes a CPU 21, an HSD recording unit 22, a spectrum space calculation unit 23, and an image classification calculation unit 24.

Among these, when the electric signal (digital signal) generated by the image sensor 15 is input, the CPU 21 causes the HSD recording unit 22 to record this electric signal as hyperspectral data (HSD).

  The HSD recording unit 22 records the spectral data to be imaged as hyperspectral data. The hyperspectral data has, for example, an image area of 640 × 800 pixels, and spectral information of a plurality of wavelength areas is included for each pixel. That is, each pixel is configured as “three-dimensional data indicating the position (x, y) and wavelength (λ) of the image plane” that can be individually read.

  The spectrum space calculation unit 23 calculates the position (x, y) of the image plane of each pixel based on the electrical signal output from the image sensor 15. The spectral space calculation unit 23 associates the position (x, y) of the pixel image plane with the wavelength λ. The image classification calculation unit 24 calculates the physical quantity distribution on the image plane for each of a plurality of wavelength regions based on the (x, y, λ) three-dimensional data set of each pixel.

  Then, as an analysis result of the imaging target by the analysis unit 20 configured in this way, information regarding the distribution of physical quantities (light intensity) on the image plane for each of a plurality of wavelength regions is visually displayed on the display unit 30. The

When an object is imaged by such a spectrum imaging apparatus, as shown in FIG. 11, first, an image to be imaged is captured by the lens 11 (step S11). At this time, the light transmitted through the lens 11 is applied to the slit plate 12 at a predetermined position (Y = y _i ). Then, the slit light parallel to the X-axis direction that has passed through the slit of the slit plate 12 is spectrally divided for each wavelength by the diffraction grating 13 (step S12). Next, the dispersed light is received by the imaging device 15, and the received light is converted into an electric signal (digital signal) and is taken into the CPU 21 that constitutes the analysis unit 20.

When the HSD recording unit 22 records the X-axis direction position x at the predetermined position (Y = y _i ) of the slit plate 12 and the value λ of the wavelength region in association with each other (step S13), the optical stage is recorded. 16 is moved in the y-axis direction (step S14).

Thus, by repeating the above steps S11 to S14 as appropriate, each position information x and each wavelength in the X-axis direction when the slit plate 12 moves from the upper end to the lower end (Y = y _{1 to} y _n ) of the specified position. Information regarding the region λ is accumulated as spectral data corresponding to one image to be imaged (step S15). Then, based on the accumulated spectrum data (x, y, λ), (x, y) images respectively corresponding to the values (λ) of the respective wavelength regions are reconstructed (step S16). . As a result, the imaging target is imaged through acquisition of images arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction corresponding to each wavelength region λ.

JP 2009-39280 A

By the way, the acquisition of the spectral data of the imaging target through the scanning of the slit plate 12 is performed through a reciprocating movement in which the slit plate 12 arranged in front of the diffraction grating 13 is moved up and down from the upper end to the lower end of the specified position. Usually, the spectral data to be imaged is acquired only on the forward path when the slit plate 12 reciprocates. For this reason, for example, when a return path operation is performed in which the slit plate 12 moved from the upper end to the lower end of the specified position returns from the lower end of the specified position to the upper end, the spectrum data is not acquired, and the period during which the return path operation is performed is This is a blank period for acquiring the spectrum data. For this reason, when acquiring the imaging target, it takes a time including this blank period, leading to an increase in the imaging time. However, since the spectral imaging apparatus itself is an apparatus that is mounted on an artificial satellite, an aircraft, or the like and developed for the purpose of capturing a still image such as the ground surface, as long as it is used for such applications, Such a prolonged imaging time was not regarded as a problem.

  On the other hand, recently, it has been studied to mount the spectral imaging device on a vehicle such as an automobile and to image various objects around the vehicle with the spectral imaging device. That is, in this case, the imaging target is often a moving object or constantly changing, and the imaging time allowed for a certain imaging target is limited. Therefore, the above-described blank period cannot be ignored.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to eliminate the redundancy of imaging time due to slit scanning and enable rapid spectral imaging for any imaging target. Another object of the present invention is to provide a spectral imaging device and a spectral imaging method, and a line light scanning mechanism used in the spectral imaging device and the spectral imaging method.

Hereinafter, means for solving the above-described problems and the effects thereof will be described.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the observation light observed from the object to be imaged is taken into the spectroscope while being sequentially scanned into a line-shaped light, and light having different wavelengths separated by the spectroscope is input to the image sensor. A spectral imaging apparatus for imaging the imaging target by receiving light, and having a shape corresponding to the line-shaped light to be converted as a mechanism for sequentially converting and scanning the observation light into line-shaped light A line light scanning mechanism in which light selection members that are individually rotatable around an axis provided in the longitudinal direction are arranged in a number corresponding to the resolution for scanning the observation light, and constitute the line light scanning mechanism The gist is that the observation light is sequentially converted into a line-shaped light based on the selective rotation of the light selection member, and is taken into the spectroscope.

  According to the said structure, the observation light observed from the imaging object is sequentially converted into a line-shaped light through each rotation of the said light selection member. That is, the observation light observed from the imaging target is scanned by sequentially rotating each light selection member. For this reason, the observation light of the imaging target can be scanned through the periodic rotation of each light selection member, and the spectral data of the imaging target can be continuously acquired. This eliminates the redundancy of the imaging time due to slit scanning when imaging the imaging object based on the spectrum data acquired from the imaging object, so that any imaging object can be quickly processed. Spectral imaging is possible.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the spectral imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the light selection member is formed of a light reflector, and the line light scanning mechanism is configured to sequentially rotate the light selection member. The gist of the present invention is to allow the spectroscope to take in the observation light that has been reflected and converted into line-shaped light.

  According to the above configuration, the observation light observed from the imaging target is converted into line-shaped light based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member by the light reflector, and the converted light is spectrally separated. Guided to the vessel. As a result, the observation light can be scanned with a simpler structure by utilizing the light reflecting action of the light selection member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the spectral imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the light selection member is formed of a light shield arranged without a gap, and the line light scanning mechanism is configured by sequentially arranging the light selection members. The gist of the invention is to allow the spectroscope to take in observation light that is transmitted based on selective rotation and converted into line-shaped light.

  According to the above configuration, the observation light transmitted through the light selection member is converted into line-shaped light based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member by the light shield, and the converted line shape Are guided to the spectroscope. This makes it possible to scan the observation light with a simpler configuration by using the shielding and transmission of light by the light selection member.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the spectral imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the light selection members are made of light reflectors arranged without gaps, and the line light scanning mechanism is arranged in order of the light selection members. The gist of the invention is to allow the spectroscope to take in observation light that is transmitted based on selective rotation and converted into line-shaped light.

  According to the above configuration, the observation light transmitted through the light selection member is converted into line-shaped light based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member by the light reflector, and the converted light is Guided to the spectrometer. On the other hand, the light projected on the light selection member that is not rotated is reflected by the same light selection member in the direction in which the spectroscope does not exist. Thus, also with the above configuration, the observation light can be scanned with a simpler configuration by utilizing the reflection and transmission of light by the light selection member.

The gist of a fifth aspect of the present invention is the spectrum imaging apparatus according to the second or fourth aspect, wherein the reflector is a MEMS mirror that is electrostatically resonated.
If the reflector is constituted by a MEMS mirror that is electrostatically resonated as in the above configuration, the rotation of each reflector can be realized based on the electrostatic action of each reflector. . As a result, the line light scanning mechanism can be miniaturized and the practicality of the line light scanning mechanism can be enhanced.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the spectral imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the MEMS mirror includes a square mirror, and each of the light selection members is to be converted by the square MEMS mirror. The gist is that they are arranged in the light line direction and are simultaneously driven separately for each light selection member.

  According to the said structure, the said light selection member is comprised by arranging the square-shaped MEMS mirror in the line direction of the light which should be converted. The observation light observed from the imaging target is sequentially converted into line light through the simultaneous driving of the arranged MEMS mirrors for each column. Accordingly, even when an existing square MEMS mirror is employed as the MEMS mirror, the light selection member can be configured, and versatility as a line light scanning mechanism is improved.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the spectral imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the line light scanning mechanism continuously rotates each of the arranged light selection members in one direction. The gist is that the observation light is sequentially converted and scanned in one direction by being moved.

  According to the above configuration, the observation light is sequentially converted and scanned in one direction as each of the arranged light selection members is continuously rotated in one direction. For this reason, scanning with respect to the observation light to be imaged can be performed in a certain direction, and spectrum data corresponding to the conversion scanning can be acquired. Thereby, the imaging of the imaging target based on the spectrum data can be realized by a method according to the existing image processing.

  In the invention according to claim 8, the observation light observed from the object to be imaged is spectrally converted while being sequentially scanned into a line-shaped light, and the separated light having different wavelengths is received by the image sensor. A spectral imaging method for imaging an imaging target, wherein the observation light is sequentially converted into a line-shaped light and has a shape corresponding to the line-shaped light to be converted and provided in the longitudinal direction. A line light scanning mechanism in which light selection members that are individually rotatable around the axis are arranged in a number corresponding to the resolution for scanning the observation light, and the light selection members of the line light scanning mechanism are arranged. A step of sequentially scanning the observation light into a line-shaped light based on selective rotation, a step of splitting the converted and scanned line-shaped light into light of different wavelengths, and the separated light; Based on And summarized in that comprising the step of imaging the imaging object.

  According to the above method, the observation light observed from the imaging target is sequentially converted into line light through the rotation of each of the light selection members. That is, the observation light observed from the imaging target is sequentially scanned by sequentially rotating each light selection member. For this reason, the observation light of the imaging target can be scanned through the periodic rotation of each light selection member, and the spectral data of the imaging target can be continuously acquired. This eliminates the redundancy of the imaging time due to slit scanning when imaging the imaging object based on the spectrum data acquired from the imaging object, so that any imaging object can be quickly processed. Spectral imaging is possible.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the spectral imaging method according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the light selection member is made of a light reflector, and the light selection members are sequentially selected by the line light scanning mechanism. The gist of the present invention is to split the observation light, which is reflected and converted into line-shaped light on the basis of such rotation, into light having different wavelengths.

  According to the above method, the observation light observed from the imaging target is converted into line-shaped light based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member by the light reflector, and the converted light is It is split into light with different wavelengths. Accordingly, the observation light to be imaged can be easily scanned using the light reflecting action of the light selection member.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the spectral imaging method according to the eighth aspect, wherein the light selection member is composed of a light shield arranged without a gap, and the light selection is performed by the line light scanning mechanism. The gist is to split the observation light that is transmitted and converted into line-shaped light based on the sequential rotation of the members into light having different wavelengths.

  According to the above method, based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member by the light shield, the observation light transmitted through the light selection member is converted into line-shaped light, and the converted light Is split into light having different wavelengths. Accordingly, it becomes possible to easily scan the observation light to be imaged using the shielding and transmission of light by the light selection member.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the spectral imaging method according to claim 8, wherein the light selection members are made of light reflectors arranged without gaps, and the line light scanning mechanism is used to select the light. The gist is to split the observation light that is transmitted and converted into line-shaped light based on the sequential rotation of the members into light having different wavelengths.

According to the above method, based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member by the light reflector, the observation light transmitted through the light selection member is converted into line-shaped light, and the converted light Is split into light having different wavelengths. On the other hand, the light projected on the light selection member that is not rotated is reflected by the light selection member. As described above, also by the above method, the observation light to be imaged can be easily scanned by utilizing the reflection and transmission of light by the light selection member.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a line light scanning mechanism that sequentially converts and scans observation light observed from an imaging target into line-shaped light, and has a shape corresponding to the line-shaped light to be converted. A number of light selection members that can be individually rotated around an axis provided in the longitudinal direction are arranged in a number corresponding to the resolution for scanning the observation light, and based on the selective rotation of the light selection member The gist of the invention is that the observation light is sequentially converted into line-shaped light.

  According to the said structure, the observation light observed from the imaging object is sequentially converted into a line-shaped light through each rotation of the said light selection member. That is, the observation light observed from the imaging target is scanned by sequentially rotating each light selection member. For this reason, the observation light to be imaged can be continuously scanned through the periodic rotation of each light selection member. As a result, the observation light observed from the imaging target can be quickly converted into line-shaped light, and the practicality as a line light scanning mechanism is enhanced.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the line light scanning mechanism according to the twelfth aspect, the light selecting member is formed of a light reflector, and the light is reflected based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selecting member. Is the line-shaped converted scanning light of the observation light.

  According to the above configuration, the observation light observed from the imaging target is converted into line-shaped light based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member by the light reflector, and the converted light is Guided to the spectrometer. As a result, the observation light can be scanned with a simpler structure by utilizing the light reflecting action of the light selection member.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the line light scanning mechanism according to the twelfth aspect, the light selection members include light shields arranged without gaps, and the light selection members can be sequentially rotated. The gist of the invention is that the transmitted light is converted into the line-shaped converted scanning light of the observation light.

  According to the above configuration, the observation light transmitted through the light selection member is converted into line-shaped light based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member by the light shield, and the converted light Is guided to the spectrometer. This makes it possible to scan the observation light with a simpler configuration by using the shielding and transmission of light by the light selection member.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the line light scanning mechanism according to the twelfth aspect, the light selection members are formed of light reflectors arranged without gaps, and the light selection members can be sequentially rotated. The gist of the invention is that the transmitted light is converted into the line-shaped converted scanning light of the observation light.

  According to the above configuration, based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member by the light reflector, the observation light transmitted through the light selection member is converted into line-shaped light, and the converted light Is guided to the spectrometer. On the other hand, the light projected on the light selection member that is not rotated is reflected by the light selection member. Thus, also with the above configuration, the observation light can be scanned with a simpler configuration by utilizing the reflection and transmission of light by the light selection member.

The invention according to claim 16 is the line light scanning mechanism according to claim 13 or 15, wherein the reflector is a MEMS mirror that is electrostatically resonated.
If the reflector is constituted by a MEMS mirror that is electrostatically resonated as in the above configuration, the rotation of each reflector can be realized based on the electrostatic action of each reflector. . As a result, the line light scanning mechanism can be miniaturized and the versatility of the line light scanning mechanism can be enhanced.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the line light scanning mechanism according to the sixteenth aspect, the MEMS mirror is a square mirror, and each of the light selection members is converted by the square MEMS mirror. The gist is that they are arranged in the line direction of the light to be driven and are simultaneously driven separately for each light selection member.

  According to the said structure, the said light selection member is comprised by arranging in a line direction of the light which a square-shaped MEMS mirror should convert. The observation light observed from the imaging target is sequentially converted into line light through the simultaneous driving of the arranged MEMS mirrors for each column. As a result, the existing MEMS mirror can be used in configuring the light selection member with the MEMS mirror, and versatility as a line light scanning mechanism is expanded.

  In the invention described in claim 18, the observation light observed from the imaging target is taken into the spectroscope while sequentially converting and scanning the light into a line-shaped light, and the light having different wavelengths separated by the spectroscope is input to the imaging device. A spectral imaging apparatus for imaging the imaging object by receiving light, and as a mechanism for sequentially converting and scanning the observation light into a line-shaped light, a line-shaped light to be converted into an endless belt that can be rotated around A line light scanning mechanism in which slits having a shape corresponding to the line light scanning mechanism are arranged at a predetermined interval, and by the continuous appearance of the slits based on the continuous circular rotation of the endless belt-shaped body constituting the line light scanning mechanism The gist of the invention is that the observation light is sequentially converted into a line-shaped light and scanned into the spectroscope.

  According to the above configuration, the observation light observed from the imaging target is sequentially converted and scanned into line-shaped light through the continuous appearance of slits based on the continuous circular rotation of the endless belt. For this reason, the conversion scanning from the observation light to the line-shaped light can be continuously performed in a certain direction. This eliminates the redundancy of the imaging time due to slit scanning when imaging the imaging object based on the spectrum data acquired from the imaging object, so that any imaging object can be quickly processed. Spectral imaging is possible.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the observation light observed from the imaging target is taken into the spectroscope while being sequentially scanned into a line-shaped light, and the light having different wavelengths separated by the spectroscope is input to the imaging device. A spectral imaging device for imaging the imaging target by receiving light, wherein the observation light is converted into a line-shaped light in order as a mechanism for sequentially scanning between two concentric circles separated by a predetermined interval of a rotating disk. Or, from outside to inside, provided with a line light scanning mechanism in which slits having a shape corresponding to the line-shaped light to be converted are spirally arranged in a number corresponding to the resolution for scanning the observation light, and The spectroscope is disposed so as to oppose a region between the two concentric circles of the rotating disk constituting the line light scanning mechanism, and is opposed to the spectroscope based on continuous rotation of the rotating disk. That the continuous occurrence of the slit in the region by converting scanned the observation light sequentially in a line-shaped light and summarized in that you capture the spectrometer.

  According to the above configuration, in the region facing the spectroscope, the slit appears continuously based on the continuous rotation of the rotating disk. In the above configuration, the slits are arranged from the inside to the outside or between the outside from the two concentric circles. In other words, the slits are arranged in such a manner that the phases of the slits are gradually shifted. In one region between two concentric circles, slits appear sequentially in a certain direction. For this reason, in the region facing the spectroscope, the observation light is successively converted and scanned into a linear light in a certain direction. This eliminates the redundancy of the imaging time due to slit scanning when imaging the imaging object based on the spectrum data acquired from the imaging object, so that any imaging object can be quickly processed. Spectral imaging is possible.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of a spectral imaging apparatus, a spectral imaging method, and a line light scanning mechanism according to the present invention. (A) And (b) is a front view which shows typically the front structure of the line light scanning mechanism of the embodiment. (A) And (b) is a side view which shows typically the scanning principle of the observation light by the light selection member which comprises the line light scanning mechanism of the embodiment. The block diagram which shows the schematic structure about 2nd Embodiment of the spectrum imaging device, spectrum imaging method, and line light scanning mechanism concerning this invention. (A) And (b) is a side view which shows typically the scanning principle of the observation light by the light selection member which comprises the line light scanning mechanism of the embodiment. (A) is a side view which shows the schematic structure about 3rd Embodiment of the spectrum imaging device concerning this invention. FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the line light scanning mechanism according to the embodiment. The front view which shows the enlarged structure which looked at the line light scanning mechanism of the embodiment from the front. (A) is a side view which shows the schematic structure about 4th Embodiment of the spectrum imaging device concerning this invention. FIG. 2B is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of the line light scanning mechanism according to the embodiment. (A) And (b) is a front view showing typically a front structure of a line light scanning mechanism about other embodiments of a spectrum imaging device, a spectrum imaging method, and a line light scanning mechanism concerning the present invention. The block diagram which shows the schematic structure about the conventional spectrum imaging device. The flowchart which shows the imaging procedure of the imaging target by the same apparatus.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which a spectral imaging device, a spectral imaging method, and a line light scanning mechanism according to the present invention are embodied will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the spectral imaging apparatus of the present embodiment. Note that the spectral imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle, for example, and is used for imaging a road environment or a person existing around the host vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the spectrum imaging apparatus 100 includes a light receiving lens 110 that takes in light emitted by the imaging target itself or light reflected by the imaging target, that is, observation light L from the imaging target. The spectral imaging apparatus 100 also includes a line light scanning mechanism 120 as a mechanism for sequentially converting the observation light L to be imaged captured via the light receiving lens 110 into line-shaped light. Further, the spectral imaging apparatus 100 includes a spectroscope 130, an imaging element 140, and an image processing unit 150.

  Among these, the line light scanning mechanism 120 includes a plurality of light selection members 121a to 121n having a shape corresponding to the line-shaped light to be converted when imaging the imaging target, and the direction in which the observation light L is captured. Are arranged with a predetermined inclination angle. The light selection members 121a to 121n are configured to be individually rotatable around an axis provided in the longitudinal direction, and are arranged in a number corresponding to the resolution for scanning the observation light L. In the present embodiment, each of the light selection members 121a to 121n is formed of a light reflector such as a mirror. Thereby, the observation light L projected on each light selection member 121a-121n will be reflected according to the rotation angle of each light selection member 121a-121n.

Further, the line light scanning mechanism 120 includes a drive unit 122 as a drive source that rotates the light selection members 121a to 121n separately. In addition, although the drive part 122 is provided in each of the light selection members 121a-121n, illustration is abbreviate | omitted in the example here. The drive part 122 is controlled based on the control command value input from the rotation angle control part 123 which controls the drive. In addition, as this control command value, when the light selection members 121a to 121n are rotated, the rotation angle necessary for guiding the observation light L projected onto the light selection members 121a to 121n to the spectrometer 130 is used. A value for is set. And the rotation angle of each light selection member 121a-121n is adjusted by cooperation with such a drive part 122 and the rotation angle control part 123. FIG. In addition, as for the light selection members 121a-121n, the rotation angle is adjusted so that the rotation angle with respect to the arrangement direction of each light selection member 121a-121n may be "0 degree" as the initial state. In addition, a value related to the rotation angle at which the light selection members 121a to 121n should be in the initial state is also set in advance as a control command value by the rotation angle control unit 123.

  In the present embodiment, each of the light selection members 121a to 121n is rotated continuously and periodically in one direction from, for example, the upper light selection member 121a to the lower light selection member 121n. The light L is sequentially converted and scanned in one direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, for example, when the rotation angle of the light selection member 121b is adjusted by the drive unit 122 and the rotation angle control unit 123, the observation light L projected on the light selection member 121b is linear. Is converted into light (slit light) and guided to the spectroscope 130.

  The spectroscope 130 is a spectroscopic optical system that disperses light in the measurement band into components for each wavelength, which is a continuous component, and disperses the light La converted into line-shaped light in the longitudinal direction into components for each wavelength. It has a function to make it. In the present embodiment, for example, a spectroscopic method using a diffraction grating is employed, and observation light in a region from visible light to near infrared of 400 nm to 800 nm is split into a plurality of wavelength regions. For example, the spectroscope 130 is configured as a substrate having a lattice pattern in which a plurality of linear irregularities are arranged in parallel. Specifically, the lattice pattern of the spectroscope 130 is converted into any position of the spectroscope 130 as shown by broken lines Lb and λb1 to λbn, and alternate long and short dash lines Ln and λn1 to λnn in FIG. Even when line-shaped light is projected, the light dispersed for each wavelength is diffused to the imaging surface of the imaging device 140.

  Then, for example, when the light selection member 121b rotates to a predetermined rotation angle defined in advance, the light Lb converted into the line-shaped light by the light selection member 121b is guided to the spectroscope 130 and the same spectrum. Dispersed into the components λb1 to λbn for each wavelength via the device 130 The light thus split by the spectroscope 130 is imaged on the imaging surface of the imaging device 140.

  When the light selection members 121a to 121n are in the initial state, the position and inclination angle of the line light scanning mechanism 120 are adjusted so that none of the reflected light is projected onto the spectroscope 130.

  The image sensor 140 is constituted by, for example, a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor, and converts the light imaged on the imaging surface of the image sensor 140 into an electric signal by photoelectric conversion. Then, an electrical signal (digital signal) converted by the image sensor 140 is input to the image processing unit 150. In addition, information relating to the light selection members 121 a to 121 n that are subject to rotation angle control is input to the image processing unit 150 as control command values from the rotation angle control unit 123. As a result, the image processing unit 150 identifies whether the electrical signal input from the image sensor 140 is based on a signal obtained by photoelectrically converting the line-shaped light guided by any of the light selection members 121a to 121n. It is possible.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the image processing unit 150 is configured to store the CPU 21 and the HSD.
The recording unit 22, the spectrum space calculation unit 23, and the image classification calculation unit 24 are configured. In such an image processing unit 150, first, based on the electric signal input from the image sensor 140 and the control command value input from the rotation angle control unit 123, the light signal input from the image sensor 140 is selected as any light. It is identified whether the line-shaped light guided by the members 121a to 121n is a photoelectrically converted signal. Next, component analysis of the identified light, calculation of a distribution of a physical quantity such as light intensity on a two-dimensional plane, and the like are performed. Then, as a processing result of the image processing unit 150, information related to the distribution of physical quantities (light intensity) on the image plane for each of a plurality of wavelength regions is recorded, so that an imaging target is imaged.

  In the spectral imaging apparatus 100 configured as described above, when the observation light L from the imaging target is taken in via the light receiving lens 110, the light selection members 121a to 121n are continuously operated under the control of the rotation angle control unit 123. Rotate periodically and periodically. Thereby, the observation light L observed from the imaging target is scanned by the light selection members 121a to 121n. The scanning by the light selection members 121a to 121n is performed continuously and periodically, so that the line-shaped light that is sequentially converted and scanned is sequentially projected onto the spectroscope 130. Next, the line-shaped light sequentially projected onto the spectroscope 130 is split by the spectroscope 130 for each wavelength. The spectrally separated light is received by the image sensor 140, and the received light is converted into an electric signal (digital signal) and taken into the image processing unit 150.

  Thus, the light selection members 121a to 121n are sequentially rotated from the light selection member 121a to the light selection member 121n by appropriately repeating the capturing of the observation light L to the image formation of the light separated by the spectroscope 130. Information regarding each wavelength region when operating is accumulated as spectral data corresponding to one image to be imaged. Then, based on the accumulated spectrum data, images corresponding to the values in the respective wavelength regions are reconstructed. As a result, the imaging target is imaged through acquisition of an image corresponding to each wavelength region λ.

Next, the structure of the line light scanning mechanism 120 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2A and 2B show the front structure of the line light scanning mechanism 120, respectively.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the line light scanning mechanism 120 is configured by arranging line-shaped light selection members 121a to 121n without any gaps. Further, each of the light selection members 121a to 121n is connected to the rotation shafts 125a to 125n near the upper end in the thickness direction thereof. Actuators Ma to Mn constituting the driving unit 122 are provided at one ends of the rotating shafts 125a to 125n, respectively. Thereby, each of the light selection members 121a to 121n can be rotated about the rotation shafts 125a to 125n.

  Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the actuator Ma is driven based on the control command value from the rotation angle control unit 123, the light selection member 121a located at the upper end has a predetermined rotation angle defined in advance. Rotate until. Thereby, the direction of the light reflected by the light selection member 121a changes. As a result, the observation light L projected on the light selection member 121a is guided to the spectrometer 130. Next, when the actuator Ma is driven again, the rotation angle of the light selection member 121a is returned to the initial state, and the actuator Mb disposed adjacently below the actuator Ma is driven. As a result, the light selection members 121b arranged adjacently below the light selection member 121b rotate to a predetermined rotation angle. Thus, only the light reflected by the light selection member 121b is guided to the spectrometer 130.

As described above, in the present embodiment, each of the actuators Ma to Mn is sequentially driven from the actuator Ma arranged at the upper end to the actuator Mn arranged at the lower end based on the control command value by the rotation angle control unit 123. Thus, the rotation angles of the light selection members 121a to 121n are sequentially adjusted. As a result, the observation light L projected onto each of the light selection members 121a to 121n is converted into a line-shaped light and is sequentially guided to the spectroscope 130.

  According to such a configuration as the line light scanning mechanism 120, the time required for the observation light L to be scanned after the first period of scanning is completed and the next scanning is started is determined by the rotation operation of the light selection member 121n at the lower end. It is only the time until the rotation operation of the light selection member 121n at the upper end starts. For this reason, when imaging an imaging target through periodic scanning with respect to the observation light L, there is no blank period associated with the above-described reciprocation of the slit so that the scanning time with respect to the observation light L is greatly shortened. Become. As a result, the imaging time of the imaging target based on the line-shaped light that has been converted and scanned can be significantly reduced.

  Next, the scanning principle of the observation light L by the line light scanning mechanism 120 will be described with reference to FIG. 3A and 3B show the relationship between the rotation angle of the light selection members 121a to 121n and the observation light L when the light selection members 121a to 121n are viewed from the side.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, for example, if only the light selection member 121e among the light selection members 121a to 121h rotates, the observation light L of the imaging target captured via the light receiving lens 110 is obtained. Among them, only the observation light Le projected on the rotating light selection member 121e is guided to the spectroscope 130 and the image sensor 140. On the other hand, the observation light L projected on the light selection members 121a to 121d and 121f to 121h in the initial state is reflected in a direction in which the spectroscope 130 and the image sensor 140 do not exist. As a result, only the line-shaped light corresponding to the shape of the light selection member 121e is projected onto the spectroscope 130 and the image sensor 140.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the light selection member 121e is returned to the initial state by rotating again, the observation light Le projected on the light selection member 121e is changed to another light selection. Similar to the observation light L projected on the members 121a to 121d and 121f to 121h, the light is reflected in a direction in which the spectroscope 130 and the image sensor 140 do not exist.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the observation light L projected on each of the light selection members 121a to 121n is sequentially converted into a line-shaped light through the separate rotation operation of each of the light selection members 121a to 121n and the light reflecting action. Can be guided to the spectroscope 130 and the image sensor 140.

As described above, according to the spectral imaging apparatus, the spectral imaging method, and the line light scanning mechanism according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Through the selective rotation of each of the light selection members 121a to 121n constituting the line light scanning mechanism 120, the observation light L observed from the imaging target is sequentially converted and scanned into line light. . For this reason, the observation light L to be imaged can be scanned through the periodic rotation of each of the light selection members 121a to 121n, and the spectrum data of the image to be imaged can be continuously acquired. . This eliminates the redundancy of the imaging time due to slit scanning when imaging the imaging object based on the spectrum data acquired from the imaging object, so that any imaging object can be quickly processed. Spectral imaging is possible.

(2) The light selection members 121a to 121n are configured by light reflectors, and line light reflected based on the rotation of the light selection members 121a to 121n is taken into the spectrometer 130. For this reason, it becomes possible to convert and scan the observation light L observed from the object to be imaged into line-shaped light by utilizing the light reflection action. As a result, the line light scanning mechanism 120 can be configured with a simpler configuration. In addition, since the light converted into the line shape can be guided in an arbitrary direction through the light reflecting action of the light selection members 121a to 121n, the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the spectroscope 130 and the image sensor 140 is increased. You will be able to.

  (3) The observation light L is sequentially converted and scanned by continuously rotating each of the arranged light selection members 121a to 121n in one direction. Therefore, scanning with respect to the observation light L to be imaged can be performed in a certain direction, and spectrum data corresponding to this conversion scanning can be acquired. That is, the observation light L to be imaged can be scanned in a manner that approximates the existing slit scanning. As a result, it becomes possible to perform imaging of the imaging target based on the line-shaped light that has been sequentially converted and scanned by using an existing image processing apparatus or image processing method, and thus imaging of the imaging target can be performed more easily. Will be able to do.

(4) The spectral imaging apparatus 100 is mounted on a vehicle. For this reason, even when a moving object such as a person or an appropriately changing surrounding environment is imaged as an imaging target, the imaging target can be appropriately imaged. Thereby, when imaging an imaging target based on spectrum data acquired from the imaging target, its practicality is improved.
(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment that embodies a spectral imaging apparatus, a spectral imaging method, and a line light scanning mechanism according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In this embodiment, the observation light L is converted and scanned through the reflection and transmission of light by the light selection members 121a to 121n, and the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. It has become. The spectrum imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is also used for imaging a person or the like that is mounted on a vehicle and exists in the vicinity of the road environment or the host vehicle.

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the spectral imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment as a diagram corresponding to FIG. In FIG. 4, elements that are the same as those shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of these elements are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the spectral imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the light receiving lens 110 and the line light scanning mechanism 120 are arranged on the same axis as the spectroscope 130 and the imaging element 140. Further, the line light scanning mechanism 120 of the present embodiment is arranged with a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the traveling direction of the observation light L. Thus, in the line light scanning mechanism 120 of the present embodiment, when each of the light selection members 121a to 121n is in an initial state where the rotation angle with respect to the arrangement direction is “0 °”, each of the light selection members 121a to 121a. The observation light L taken in via the light receiving lens 110 by 121n is reflected to the side where the observation light L is taken. For this reason, when the light selection members 121a to 121n are in the initial state, the observation light L observed from the imaging target is the spectrometer 130 arranged in the traveling direction of the observation light L with respect to the line light scanning mechanism 120. And it is not projected on the image sensor 140.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the upper light selection member 121a of the light selection members 121a to 121n is rotated, the rotated light selection member 121a is disposed adjacent to the light selection member 121a. A gap is formed between the light selecting member 121b. A part of the observation light L taken in through the light receiving lens 110 is transmitted through the line light scanning mechanism 120 through this gap. At this time, since each of the light selection members 121a to 121n is formed in a line shape, the observation light L transmitted through the line light scanning mechanism 120 is converted into a line-shaped light La. As described above, in the present embodiment, switching between reflection and transmission of light by each of the light selection members 121a to 121n is executed through a rotation operation of each of the light selection members 121a to 121n.

  When scanning the observation light L, first, only the light selection member 121a is rotated to a predetermined rotation angle, and the other light selection members 121b to 121n are set to an initial state. Next, the light selection member 121a is rotated again to return to the initial state, and only the light selection member 121b disposed adjacently below the light selection member 121a is rotated to a predetermined rotation angle. As a result, a gap is formed only between the light selection member 121b and the light selection member 121c arranged adjacently below the light selection member 121b. Then, the light selection members 121a to 121n are continuously and periodically rotated from the light selection member 121a at the upper end to the light selection member 121n at the lower end, so that the gap between the light selection members 121a to 121n is line light. The scanning mechanism 120 is formed continuously and periodically from the upper end to the lower end. Thereby, the light projected on the line light scanning mechanism 120 via the light receiving lens 110 is sequentially converted and scanned into line-shaped light.

  For example, the line-shaped light La transmitted through the line light scanning mechanism 120 through the rotation of the light selection member 121 a is projected onto the spectroscope 130. The light La thus projected onto the spectroscope 130 is split into a plurality of wavelength regions when passing through the spectroscope 130, as in the first embodiment. The split light La is imaged on the imaging surface of the imaging device 140 and converted into an electrical signal by the imaging device 140. The electrical signal thus converted is input from the image sensor 140 to the image processing unit 150 and is used for imaging the imaging target.

  In the spectral imaging apparatus 100 configured as described above, when the observation light L from the imaging target is taken in via the light receiving lens 110, the light selection members 121a to 121n are continuously operated under the control of the rotation angle control unit 123. Rotate periodically and periodically. That is, the gap formed through the rotation of each of the light selection members 121a to 121n changes continuously and periodically from the upper end to the lower end of the line light scanning mechanism 120. As a result, the observation light L observed from the imaging target is sequentially transmitted from the upper end to the lower end of the line light scanning mechanism 120, and the observation light L is sequentially converted and scanned into line-shaped light. In this way, the line-shaped light that is sequentially converted and scanned is sequentially projected onto the spectroscope 130.

  Then, similarly to the first embodiment, the light selection members 121a to 121n are arranged at the upper end by appropriately repeating from the capturing of the observation light L to the image formation of the dispersed light. Information regarding each wavelength region when rotating sequentially from 121a to the light selection member 121n at the lower end is accumulated as spectrum data corresponding to one image to be imaged. Then, based on the accumulated spectrum data, images corresponding to the values in the respective wavelength regions are reconstructed. As a result, the imaging target is imaged through acquisition of an image corresponding to each wavelength region.

  Next, the scanning principle of the observation light L by the line light scanning mechanism 120 will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 3A and 3B, and the rotation angle of the light selection members 121a to 121n of the present embodiment and the observation light L described above. The relationship is schematically shown.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, if only the light selection member 121e among the light selection members 121a to 121n is rotated, for example, the light selection member 121e and the light selection member adjacent to the light selection member 121e are selected. A gap is formed between the member 121d and the member 121d. For this reason, a part of the observation light L to be imaged captured through the light receiving lens 110 passes through the line light scanning mechanism 120 through a gap formed between the light selection members 121e and 121d. Guided to the spectroscope 130 and the image sensor 140.

  On the other hand, the observation light L projected on the light selection members 121a to 121d and 121f to 121h in the initial state is reflected in a direction in which the spectroscope 130 and the image sensor 140 do not exist. As a result, only the line-shaped light that has passed through the light selection member 121e is projected onto the spectroscope 130 and the image sensor 140.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the light selection member 121e is returned to the initial state by rotating again, the observation light Le projected on the light selection member 121e is changed to another light selection. Similar to the observation light L projected on the members 121a to 121d and 121f to 121h, the light is reflected in the direction in which the spectroscope 130 and the image sensor 140 do not exist.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the observation light L projected on each of the light selection members 121a to 121n through the separate rotation operations of the light selection members 121a to 121n and the reflection and transmission of the light is linear. It can be converted into light and guided to the spectroscope 130 and the image sensor 140.

  As described above, according to the spectral imaging apparatus, the spectral imaging method, and the line light scanning mechanism according to the present embodiment, the effects (1), (3), and (4) can be obtained, and the above (2) The following effects can be obtained instead.

  (2A) The light selection members 121a to 121n are configured by light reflectors, and line light transmitted based on the rotation of the light selection members 121a to 121n is taken into the spectrometer 130. Therefore, the observation light L observed from the imaging target can be converted and scanned into line-shaped light through switching between light reflection and transmission. As a result, the line light scanning mechanism 120 can be configured with a simpler configuration.

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the spectral imaging device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A shows a schematic configuration of the spectral imaging apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 6B shows a schematic configuration of the line light scanning mechanism of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a front structure of the line light scanning mechanism of the present embodiment. The spectrum imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is also used for imaging a person or the like that is mounted on a vehicle and exists in the vicinity of the road environment or the host vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the spectral imaging apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes a light receiving lens 210 that takes in light emitted by the imaging target itself or light reflected by the imaging target, that is, observation light L from the imaging target. ing. Further, the spectral imaging apparatus 200 is a line light scanning mechanism 220 housed in a rectangular casing 201 as a mechanism for sequentially converting the observation light L to be imaged captured via the light receiving lens 210 into line light. It has. Further, the spectral imaging apparatus 200 includes a spectroscope 230, an imaging element 240, and an image processing unit 250 housed in the casing 201.

Among these, as shown in FIG. 6B, the line light scanning mechanism 220 includes an endless belt-like body 221 that can rotate around and four roller-shaped drive units 222 that rotate the endless belt-like body 221 around. ing. The drive part 222 is formed with protrusions 222a fitted to the endless belt 221 at both ends of the roller surface so as to go around the roller surface. The drive unit 222 configured as described above is disposed at the four corners of the casing 201 and is electrically connected to the control unit 223 that controls the drive (FIG. 6A). A control command value for rotating the endless belt 221 by the control unit 223 is input to each driving unit 222 and the image processing unit 250.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the endless belt 221 has a plurality of slits 221 a to 221 n having a shape corresponding to line-shaped light to be converted when imaging an imaging target. The image sensor 240 is arranged at the same interval D2 as the width D1 in the longitudinal direction (D1 = D2). Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the front structure of the endless strip 221 is provided with a plurality of synchronization holes into which projections 222 a formed on the drive unit 222 are fitted at both ends in the short direction of the endless strip 221. Sp is provided corresponding to each of the slits 221a to 221n. Then, when the endless belt-like body 221 rotates in a state where the projection 222a is fitted in the synchronization hole Sp, the control command value (drive state of the drive unit 222) by the slits 221a to 221n and the control unit 223 is obtained. Are mechanically synchronized. Thereby, in the image processing unit 250 to which the control command value from the control unit 223 is input, the positions of the slits 221a to 221n appearing between the light receiving lens 210 and the spectroscope 230 can be specified.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the line light scanning mechanism 220 is configured by stretching the endless belt-like body 221 on the drive unit 222 disposed at the four corners. Has been. As a result, the endless belt 221 is interposed between the light receiving lens 210, the spectroscope 230, and the image sensor 240.

  In the line light scanning mechanism 220 configured as described above, when each drive unit 222 is driven to rotate counterclockwise, for example, based on the control command value from the control unit 223, the endless belt stretched around the drive unit 222 221 rotates counterclockwise. Thereby, between the spectroscope 230 and the light receiving lens 210, the slits 221a to 221n formed in the endless belt 221 rotating around between them appear continuously.

  When the observation light L observed from the imaging target is taken into the light receiving lens 210, the taken observation light L appears at that time between the spectroscope 230 and the light receiving lens 210, for example, a slit. The light passes through 221a and is converted into linear light La. Thus, when the slit 221a moves from the upper end to the lower end of the light receiving lens 210 and the spectroscope 230 by rotating the endless belt 221 around, the observation light L is sequentially converted and scanned into linear light from the upper end to the lower end. It becomes like this. Then, the line-shaped light La converted by the slit 221a is taken into the spectroscope 230, dispersed into the components λa1 to λan for each wavelength, and received by the image sensor 240. Thus, the light received by the image sensor 240 is converted into an electrical signal and input to the image processing unit 250. Then, in this image processing unit 250, as in the first and second embodiments, the imaging target is detected based on the electrical signal converted by the imaging element 240 and the control command value by the control unit 223. Imaging is performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the endless strip 221 continuously rotates so that the slits 221a to 221n are provided between the spectroscope 230 and the light receiving lens 210 as slits 221a → slit 221b → slit 221c. . In such a manner, it appears continuously. As a result, the observation light L captured via the light receiving lens 210 is converted and scanned into a linear light continuously in a certain direction through the continuous rotation of the slits 221a to 221n. For this reason, the redundancy related to the slit scanning is eliminated, and the imaging time of the imaging target based on the light converted and scanned into the line-shaped light is greatly shortened. In this way, based on the line-shaped light that is sequentially scanned, the image processing unit 250 performs imaging of the imaging target.

As described above, according to the spectral imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) As a mechanism for sequentially converting and scanning the observation light L into a line-shaped light, slits 221a to 221n having a shape corresponding to the line-shaped light to be converted are provided on the endless belt 221 that can rotate around The line light scanning mechanisms 220 arranged at intervals are used. Then, through continuous rotation of the endless belt 221 constituting the line light scanning mechanism 220, the observation light L is sequentially converted into a line-shaped light and scanned into the spectroscope 230. For this reason, the observation light L observed from the object to be imaged can be converted into linear light continuously in a certain direction. This eliminates the redundancy of the imaging time due to slit scanning when imaging the imaging object based on the spectrum data acquired from the imaging object, so that any imaging object can be quickly processed. Spectral imaging is possible.

  (2) Further, according to such a configuration as the line light scanning mechanism 220, imaging is performed with a simpler configuration and easier control such as rotating the endless belt 221 formed with the slits 221a to 221n. The target can be imaged.

  (3) The spectrum imaging apparatus 200 is mounted on a vehicle. For this reason, even when a moving body such as a person or a surrounding environment that changes as appropriate is imaged, it is possible to appropriately capture the imaging target within a limited imaging time. Thereby, when imaging an imaging target based on spectrum data acquired from the imaging target, its practicality is improved.

(Fourth embodiment)
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the spectral imaging device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A shows a schematic configuration of the spectral imaging apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 8B shows a schematic configuration of the line light scanning mechanism of the present embodiment. The spectrum imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is also used for imaging a person or the like that is mounted on a vehicle and exists in the vicinity of the road environment or the host vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the spectral imaging apparatus 300 of the present embodiment includes a light receiving lens 310 that takes in light emitted by the imaging target itself or light reflected by the imaging target, that is, observation light L from the imaging target. ing. Further, the spectral imaging apparatus 300 is a disc-shaped line configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis O as a mechanism for sequentially converting the observation light L to be imaged captured via the light receiving lens 310 into line-shaped light. An optical scanning mechanism 320 is provided. Further, the spectral imaging apparatus 200 includes a spectroscope 230, an imaging element 240, and an image processing unit 250 behind the observation light L in the traveling direction.

  Among these, the line light scanning mechanism 320 includes a disk-shaped rotating disk 321 as shown in FIG. The rotary disk 321 has slits 321a to 321n having shapes corresponding to the line-shaped light to be converted from the inside to the outside of two concentric circles OA and OB that are spaced apart from each other with the rotation axis O as the center. They are arranged in a spiral. In this embodiment, the length D3 of one side of the spectroscope 330 and the image sensor 340 is formed to be equal to the distance D4 between the two concentric circles OA and OB (D3 = D4). Further, the slits 321a to 321n are arranged in a number corresponding to the resolution for scanning the observation light L. The spectroscope 330 and the image sensor 340 are arranged so as to face the scanning region R that is one region between the two concentric circles OA and OB of the rotating disk 321.

Further, the line light scanning mechanism 320 includes a drive unit 322 as a drive source for rotating the rotating disk 321 (FIG. 8A). The drive unit 322 is electrically connected to a control unit 323 that controls the drive state. The control command value by the control unit 323 is input to the drive unit 322 to be controlled and the image processing unit 350.

  In the line light scanning mechanism 320 configured as described above, when the driving unit 322 is driven based on the control command value from the control unit 323, the rotating plate 321 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the light receiving lens 310 side, for example. As shown in FIG. 8B, for example, when the slit 321a among the slits 321a to 321n is positioned in the scanning region R, the slit 321a is formed as illustrated in FIG. Thus, the observation light L taken in from the light receiving lens 310 is converted into a line-shaped light La and projected onto the spectroscope 330. When the turntable 321 rotates in this way, next, the slit 321b adjacent to the slit 321a is positioned in the scanning region R. Then, the observation light L taken from the light receiving lens 310 through the slit 321b is converted into line-shaped light, and the converted line-shaped light is projected onto the spectroscope 330.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the scanning region R in which the spectroscope 330 is disposed so as to face the slits 321a to 321n in the form of slits 321a → slits 321b → slits 321c due to continuous rotation of the rotating plate 321. Will appear sequentially. At this time, the slits 321a to 321n are arranged in such a manner that the slits 321a to 321n are gradually shifted from the inside to the outside between the two concentric circles OA and OB. Will come to be. As a result, the observation light L taken in via the light receiving lens 310 is converted and scanned into linear light in a constant direction through the continuous appearance of the slits 321a to 321n. For this reason, the redundancy related to the slit scanning is eliminated, and the imaging time of the imaging target based on the light converted and scanned into the line-shaped light is greatly shortened.

  In this way, the spectroscope 330 is projected with line-shaped light obtained by sequentially converting and scanning the observation light L through the continuous rotation operation of the turntable 321. The light projected on the spectroscope 330 is split into a plurality of wavelength regions by the spectroscope 330, and the split light is imaged on the imaging surface of the image sensor 340. Thus, in the image processing unit 350, as in the first to third embodiments, imaging of an imaging target is performed based on the electrical signal converted by the imaging device 340 and the control command value by the control unit 323. To be done.

As described above, according to the spectral imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) As a mechanism for sequentially converting and scanning the observation light L into line-shaped light, it has a shape corresponding to the line-shaped light to be converted outside the two concentric circles OA and OB on the rotating disk 321. The line light scanning mechanism 320 in which the slits 321a to 321n are spirally arranged in a number corresponding to the resolution for scanning the observation light L is used. A spectroscope 330 is arranged opposite to the scanning region R of the rotating disk 321 constituting the line light scanning mechanism 320, and the observation light L is sequentially transmitted in a line shape through the continuous rotation of the rotating disk 321. The light is converted into light and scanned into the spectroscope 330. For this reason, the observation light L observed from the object to be imaged can be converted into linear light continuously in a certain direction. This eliminates the redundancy of the imaging time due to slit scanning when imaging the imaging object based on the spectrum data acquired from the imaging object, so that any imaging object can be quickly processed. Spectral imaging is possible.

  (2) Further, according to such a configuration as the line light scanning mechanism 320, an imaging target can be selected under a simpler configuration and easier control, such as rotating the turntable 321 in which the slits 321a to 321n are formed. An image can be taken.

  (3) The spectral imaging apparatus 300 is mounted on a vehicle. For this reason, even when a moving body such as a person or a surrounding environment that changes as appropriate is imaged, it is possible to appropriately capture the imaging target within a limited imaging time. Thereby, when imaging an imaging target based on spectrum data acquired from the imaging target, its practicality is improved.

In addition, each said embodiment can also be implemented with the following forms.
In the fourth embodiment, the rotating plate 321 is rotated counterclockwise, but the rotating plate 321 can be rotated clockwise to convert and scan the observation light L into line light. . In this case, when the turntable 321 rotates clockwise, slits 321n to 321a appear continuously in the scanning region R from the lower end to the upper end of the scanning region R. Thus, the observation light L can be sequentially converted and scanned into a linear light in a constant direction from the lower end to the upper end of the scanning region R.

  In the fourth embodiment, the slits 321a to 321n are arranged in a spiral shape from the inside to the outside of the two concentric circles OA and OB on the rotating disk 321. Not limited to this, the slits 321a to 321n may be arranged in a spiral shape from the outside to the inside of the two concentric circles OA and OB in the rotating disk 321. In this case, when the turntable 321 rotates, slits 321a to 321n appear in the scanning region R continuously from the lower end to the upper end of the scanning region R. Thus, the observation light L can be sequentially converted and scanned into a linear light in a constant direction from the lower end to the upper end of the scanning region R.

  In the third embodiment, the endless strip 221 is rotated counterclockwise, but the endless strip 221 may be rotated clockwise. In this case, between the spectroscope 230 and the light receiving lens 210, slits 221n to 221a formed in an endless belt 221 rotating around between them continuously appear upward. It becomes. As a result, the observation light L can be successively converted and scanned into linear light from the lower end to the upper end.

  In the third embodiment, the protrusion 222a is provided in the driving unit 222 and the synchronization hole Sp is provided in the endless belt 221. However, the slits appearing sequentially between the light receiving lens 210 and the spectroscope 230. As long as the positions of 221a to 221n can be specified, the protrusion 222a and the synchronization hole Sp may be omitted.

  In the line light scanning mechanism 120 of each of the first and second embodiments, the observation light L is sequentially converted in one direction by continuously rotating each of the light selection members 121a to 121n in one direction. It was decided to scan. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as long as the observation light L is converted into line-shaped light based on the selective rotation of the light selection members 121a to 121n, and the order of rotating the light selection members 121a to 121n is as follows. Is optional.

  In the first and second embodiments, the actuators Ma to Mn are used as the drive sources for the light selection members 121a to 121n. Not limited to this, the actuators Ma to Mn may be omitted, and the light selection members 121a to 121n may be configured by MEMS mirrors driven by electrostatic resonance (electrostatic force) or electromagnetic force. In this case, the line light scanning mechanism 120 can be further downsized, and the spectrum imaging apparatus 100 can be downsized. In addition, the light selection members 121a to 121n only need to be selectively rotated, and the drive source thereof is also arbitrary.

  -Moreover, you may make it comprise the said MEMS mirror by a square-shaped mirror. That is, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B corresponding to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the square MEMS mirror 126 driven by electrostatic force or electromagnetic force is You may make it comprise each of light selection member 121Aa-121An by arranging in the line direction of the light which should be converted. 9B, the rotation angle of the light selection members 121Aa to 121An may be changed by simultaneously driving the MEMS mirror 126 separately for each of the light selection members 121Aa to 121An. . In this case, the observation light L observed from the imaging target is sequentially converted into line-shaped light through simultaneous driving for each column of the arranged MEMS mirrors 126. As a result, when the light selection members 121Aa to 121An are configured by the MEMS mirror 126, an existing MEMS mirror can be used, and versatility as a line light scanning mechanism is expanded.

  In the second embodiment, the light selection members 121a to 121n are configured by reflectors, but the light selection members 121a to 121n may be configured by light shields arranged without gaps. . Then, the light that is transmitted based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member constituted by the light shield may be used as the line-shaped converted scanning light of the observation light L. In this case, based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member by the light shield, the observation light transmitted through the light selection member is converted into line-shaped light, and the converted light is Guided to the spectroscope 130. Thereby, the conversion scanning of the observation light L using light shielding and transmission by the light selection member is realized.

  In the first embodiment, the light selection members 121a to 121n are arranged adjacent to each other without gaps, but the light selection by the light selection members 121a to 121n formed of a reflector is used to form a line shape. In order to guide the light to the spectroscope 130, a configuration having a gap between the light selection members 121a to 121n may be used. In the second embodiment, the light selection members 121a to 121n are arranged without gaps. However, when a member that shields or reflects light is provided between the light selection members 121a to 121n, Each of the light selection members 121a to 121n may be arranged separately. The point is that the observation light L is converted into line-shaped light only by the rotating light selection member, and the converted light may be guided to the spectrometer 130.

  In each of the above embodiments, the spectral imaging device is mounted on a vehicle, and a person or the like existing around the road environment or the host vehicle is captured. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the spectrum imaging device may be used as a single imaging device, and its imaging target is also arbitrary.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Spectrum imaging device, 110 ... Light receiving lens, 120 ... Line light scanning mechanism, 121a-121n, 121Aa-121An ... Light selection member, 122 ... Drive part, 123 ... Rotation angle control part, 125a-125n ... Rotating shaft, 126 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... MEMS mirror, 130 ... Spectroscope, 140 ... Image sensor, 150 ... Image processing part, 200 ... Spectral imaging device, 201 ... Case, 210 ... Light receiving lens, 220 ... Line light scanning mechanism, 221 ... Endless belt, 221a 221n: slit, 222: drive unit, 222a ... projection, 223 ... control unit, 230 ... spectroscope, 240 ... imaging device, 250 ... image processing unit, 300 ... spectral imaging device, 310 ... light receiving lens, 320 ... line light Scanning mechanism, 321... Rotating plate, 321a to 321n... Slit, 322... Drive unit, 323. 30 ... spectrometer, 340 ... imaging element, 350 ... image processing unit, R ... scanning area, Sp ... synchronization hole, Ma～Mn ... actuator.

Claims (19)

The observation light observed from the imaging target is taken into the spectroscope while being sequentially scanned into a line-shaped light, and the imaging device receives the light having different wavelengths separated by the spectroscope. A spectral imaging device for performing
As a mechanism for sequentially converting and scanning the observation light into line-shaped light, the light selection has a shape corresponding to the line-shaped light to be converted and can be rotated individually about an axis provided in the longitudinal direction. The member includes a line light scanning mechanism arranged in a number corresponding to the resolution for scanning the observation light, and the observation light is sequentially transmitted based on selective rotation of the light selection member constituting the line light scanning mechanism. A spectral imaging apparatus characterized in that it is converted into line-shaped light and scanned into the spectroscope. The light selection member is made of a light reflector, and the line light scanning mechanism applies observation light reflected and converted into line-shaped light to the spectroscope based on sequential rotation of the light selection member. The spectrum imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spectrum imaging apparatus is incorporated. The light selection member is formed of a light shield arranged with no gap, and the line light scanning mechanism transmits observation light that is transmitted and converted into line-shaped light based on sequential selective rotation of the light selection member. The spectral imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The light selection member is composed of a light reflector arranged with no gap, and the line light scanning mechanism transmits observation light that is transmitted and converted into line light based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member. The spectral imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The spectrum imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the reflector is a MEMS mirror that is electrostatically resonated. The MEMS mirror is formed of a square mirror, and each of the light selection members is arranged in the line direction of the light to be converted and is simultaneously driven separately from the light selection member. Item 6. The spectral imaging apparatus according to Item 5. The line light scanning mechanism sequentially converts and scans the observation light in one direction by continuously rotating each of the arranged light selection members in one direction. The spectral imaging device according to item. Spectral imaging method in which observation light observed from an imaging object is spectrally converted while being sequentially scanned into a line-shaped light, and the imaged object is imaged by causing the imaging device to receive the separated light having different wavelengths. Because
As a mechanism for sequentially converting and scanning the observation light into line-shaped light, the light selection has a shape corresponding to the line-shaped light to be converted and can be rotated individually about an axis provided in the longitudinal direction. A line light scanning mechanism in which members are arranged in a number corresponding to the resolution for scanning the observation light is used, and the observation light is sequentially transmitted based on selective rotation of the light selection member constituting the line light scanning mechanism. A step of converting and scanning into line-shaped light, a step of splitting the converted and scanned line-shaped light into light having different wavelengths, and a step of imaging the imaging target based on the split light. A spectral imaging method characterized by the above. The light selection member is formed of a light reflector, and the line light scanning mechanism reflects the observation light that is reflected and converted into line-shaped light by the selective rotation of the light selection member. The spectral imaging method according to claim 8, wherein the spectrum imaging is performed on light having different wavelengths. The light selection member is composed of a light shield arranged with no gap, and is transmitted and converted into line-shaped light by the line light scanning mechanism based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member. The spectral imaging method according to claim 8, wherein the observed light is split into light having different wavelengths. The light selection member is composed of a light reflector arranged with no gap, and is transmitted by the line light scanning mechanism based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member and converted into line light. The spectral imaging method according to claim 8, wherein the observed light is split into light having different wavelengths. A line light scanning mechanism for sequentially converting and scanning observation light observed from an imaging target into line-shaped light,
A number of light selection members each having a shape corresponding to the line-shaped light to be converted and rotatable individually about an axis provided in the longitudinal direction thereof are arranged corresponding to the resolution for scanning the observation light. The line light scanning mechanism is characterized in that the observation light is sequentially converted into line-shaped light based on the selective rotation of the light selection member. The line light according to claim 12, wherein the light selection member is made of a light reflector, and the light reflected on the basis of the sequential selective rotation of the light selection members is a line-shaped converted scanning light of the observation light. Scanning mechanism. 13. The light selection member is composed of a light shield arranged with no gap, and the light transmitted based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member is used as the line-shaped converted scanning light of the observation light. The line light scanning mechanism described in 1. 13. The light selection member is made of a light reflector arrayed without a gap, and the light transmitted based on the sequential selective rotation of the light selection member is used as the line-shaped converted scanning light of the observation light. The line light scanning mechanism described in 1. The line light scanning mechanism according to claim 13, wherein the reflector includes a MEMS mirror that is electrostatically resonated. The MEMS mirror is formed of a square mirror, and each of the light selection members is arranged in the line direction of the light to be converted and is simultaneously driven separately from the light selection member. Item 17. A line light scanning mechanism according to Item 16. The observation light observed from the imaging target is taken into the spectroscope while being sequentially scanned into a line-shaped light, and the imaging device receives the light having different wavelengths separated by the spectroscope. A spectral imaging device for performing
As a mechanism for sequentially converting and scanning the observation light into a line-shaped light, a line light scanning in which slits having shapes corresponding to the line-shaped light to be converted are arranged at predetermined intervals on an endless belt that can rotate around The observation light is sequentially converted into line-shaped light by the continuous appearance of the slit based on the continuous circular rotation of the endless belt-shaped body constituting the line light scanning mechanism. A spectral imaging device characterized by being captured. The observation light observed from the imaging target is taken into the spectroscope while being sequentially scanned into a line-shaped light, and the imaging device receives the light having different wavelengths separated by the spectroscope. A spectral imaging device for performing
As a mechanism for sequentially converting and scanning the observation light into a line-shaped light, a shape corresponding to the line-shaped light to be converted is formed from the inside to the outside or the outside to the inside between two concentric circles separated by a predetermined interval of the rotating disk. A slit having a line and a line light scanning mechanism arranged in a number corresponding to the resolution for scanning the observation light, and a slit between the two concentric circles of the rotating disk constituting the line light scanning mechanism. The spectroscope is arranged opposite to the area, and the observation light is sequentially converted into line light by the continuous appearance of the slit in the area facing the spectroscope based on the continuous rotation of the rotating disk. A spectral imaging apparatus characterized by being scanned and loaded into the spectroscope.

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