KR100767055B1 - An optical module for observing an event or an object, including a plurality of optic module blocks - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical module for observing an event or an object, having a plurality of optical module blocks is provided to efficiently observe the event or object by having at least one second mirror for observing the event or object, which is detected by a first mirror, with a high resolution. An optical module for observing an event or object includes first and second optical module blocks. In the first optical module block, a first mirror(112) has a wide field of view, and observes the event or object in a wide observation region. At least one second mirror(113) has a longer focus distance than the first mirror(112), and observes the event or object, which is detected by the first mirror(112) with a high resolution. A first optical signal detection unit(114) detects an optical signal from the signal which is transmitted by the first mirror(112) or the at least one second mirror(113). A first body(116) has the first mirror(112), the at least one second mirror(113), and the first optical signal detection unit(114). The first body(116) has apertures for the first mirror(112) and the second mirror(113), and provides an optical path from the first mirror(112) or the second mirror(113) to the first optical signal detection unit(114). In the second optical module bock, a third mirror(122) has a wide field of view, and observes an event or an object in a wide observation region. At least one fourth mirror(123) has a longer focus distance than the third mirror(122), and observes the event or object, which is detected by the third mirror(122) with a high resolution. A second optical signal detection unit(124) detects an optical signal from the signal which is transmitted by the third mirror(122) or the at least one fourth mirror(123). A second body(126) has the third mirror(122), the at least one fourth mirror(123), and the second optical signal detection unit(124). The second body(126) has apertures for the third mirror(122) and the fourth mirror(123), and provides an optical path from the third mirror(122) or the fourth mirror(123) to the second optical signal detection unit(124).

Description

An optical module for observing an event or an object, comprising a plurality of optical module blocks, and an optical module for observing an event or an object.

1 is a view showing the configuration of an optical module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed configuration of the second optical module block 120 shown in FIG. 1.

3 is a view illustrating an operating principle of the second optical module block 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A illustrates a third mirror 122 that is a digital mirror having a wide viewing angle. FIG. 3B is a view illustrating a step of detecting an event or an object, in particular an event or an object (eg, a TLE) moving at a high speed, and FIG. 3B illustrates an analog mirror having a high resolution of the event or object detected in FIG. 3A. The figure which shows the step of observing using.

4 is a view showing specific specifications of the second optical module block 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings>

100: optical module according to an embodiment of the present invention

110: first optical module block

112: first mirror

113: second mirror

114: first optical signal detection unit

116: first body

118, 119, 189, 129, 138, 148: opening

120: second optical module block

122: third mirror

123: fourth mirror

124: second optical signal detection unit

126: second body

130: third optical module block

132: fifth mirror

134: third optical signal detector

136: third body

140: fourth optical module block

142: sixth mirror

144: fourth optical signal detection unit

146: fourth body

210: ultraviolet region detection unit

212: analog board

214: Digital Board

216: PMT power supply

220: near infrared region detection unit

222: near infrared region electronic device

230: data storage

240: interface unit

250: control unit

260: power supply

310: field of view (FOV)

320: Event / thing (TLE)

The present invention relates to an optical module for observing an event or an object, and more particularly includes a plurality of optical module blocks arranged in parallel, wherein each optical module block has a wide viewing angle and an event or an object in a wide viewing area. It further comprises a first mirror and a second mirror for observing the event or object detected by the first mirror in high resolution and having a longer focal length than that of the first mirror to effectively observe the event or object It relates to an optical module for.

In recent years, research on understanding the global electrical phenomena in the atmosphere through the observation of transient luminous events (TLE) and correlating these phenomena with climate, solar and global activities has been actively conducted. . This is because phenomena such as TLEs contain a lot of information about the Earth and the universe.

However, global observation of events or objects such as TLE from the surface of the earth is not effective. This is because there are limited areas on the earth where the phenomenon can be observed higher than the height at which this phenomenon occurs, and because it is not observable at the same time because it is an observable area. .

By contrast, observing the universe from near Earth polar orbit by observing the radio frequencies of ground- or space-based detectors and developing their imagery, in virtually all terrestrial regions of the Earth, It is advantageous in that it can provide information on standby electricity activity during all of the operating times. With this advantage, the observation of high-speed moving events / things on Earth from satellites requires corresponding optical systems. Of course, it is not necessary to limit the use of the optical system to observe events or objects moving at high speed from observations of events / things on Earth from satellites.

On the other hand, technology that combines small mechanical devices such as sensor valves, gears, reflectors, and semiconductor chip actuators and computers, called micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), is emerging in recent years. MEMS, also known as 'smart meters', are devices that have a microcircuit of tiny silicon chips that are used in the manufacture of mechanical devices such as reflectors or sensors, inflating the airbag to match the speed detected by the car airbag and the weight of the guardian. Global positioning system sensor for continuous tracking and handling of cargo transport, interactive sensor to detect changes in air flow according to the surface air resistance of the aircraft wing, and to produce optical signals at speeds of 20 nanoseconds It is used in many applications such as light switching devices, sensor-operated cold and warm devices, and sensors in buildings that change the flexibility of materials reacting to atmospheric pressure. Given the features and advantages of MEMS technology, there is a need to apply MEMS technology to optical modules for observing events or objects.

The present invention originates from the above recognition of necessity, and includes a plurality of optical module blocks arranged in parallel, each optical module block having a wide viewing angle and a first mirror for detecting an event or an object in a wide viewing area. Further comprising at least one second mirror having a longer focal length than the first mirror and for observing the event or object detected by the first mirror in high resolution, thereby providing an optical module for effectively observing the event or object. For that purpose.

According to a feature of the present invention for achieving the above object, an optical module for observing an event or an object,

(1) a plurality of optical module blocks disposed in parallel, the plurality of optical module blocks including at least a first optical module block and a second optical module block,

(2) The first optical module block,

A first mirror having a wide field of view (FOV) for detecting an event or an object in a wide viewing area;

At least one second mirror having a longer focal length than the first mirror, and for observing the event or object detected by the first mirror in high resolution;

A first optical signal detector for detecting an optical signal from a signal transmitted by the first mirror or the at least one second mirror; And

The first mirror, the at least one second mirror, and the optical signal detector are provided therein; an aperture for each of the first mirror and the at least one second mirror is further provided; A first body for providing an optical path from one mirror or said at least one second mirror to said optical signal detector,

(3) the second optical module block,

A third mirror having a wide viewing angle and detecting an event or an object in a wide viewing area;

At least one fourth mirror having a longer focal length than the third mirror, for observing the event or object detected by the third mirror in high resolution;

A second optical signal detector for detecting an optical signal from a signal transmitted by the third mirror or the at least one fourth mirror; And

The third mirror, the at least one fourth mirror, and the optical signal detection unit therein, further comprising openings for each of the third mirror and the at least one fourth mirror, wherein the third mirror or And a second body providing an optical path from the at least one fourth mirror to the optical signal detector.

Optical module according to another feature of the present invention,

Determine whether the event or object detected by the first mirror and the third mirror is an object to be observed; and when the event or object is determined to be an object to be observed, the location of the event or object is determined; And a control unit for controlling a first mirror, the at least one second mirror, the third mirror, and the at least one fourth mirror.

Optical module according to another feature of the present invention,

The at least one second mirror of the first optical module block and the at least one fourth mirror of the second optical module block may have different focal lengths.

Optical module according to another feature of the present invention,

The first mirror and the third mirror is characterized in that the digital mirror is switched off after detecting the event or object.

Optical module according to another feature of the present invention,

The at least one second mirror and the at least one fourth mirror may be analog mirrors capable of changing a tilting angle at a high speed.

Optical module according to another feature of the present invention,

The first mirror, the at least one second mirror, the third mirror, and the at least one fourth mirror may change the optical path of the image into an arbitrary path.

Optical module according to another feature of the present invention,

The at least one second mirror and the at least one fourth mirror may adjust the resolution to a desired value.

Optical module according to another feature of the present invention,

And wherein said first mirror, said at least one second mirror, said third mirror, and said at least one fourth mirror are mirrors by a microelectromechanical device (MEMS).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a view showing the configuration of an optical module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the optical module 100 according to the exemplary embodiment may include four optical module blocks arranged in parallel, that is, the first optical module block 110 and the second optical module block 120. ), A third optical module block 130, and a fourth optical module block 140. The configuration of each optical module block is as follows.

The first optical module block 110 has a wide viewing angle, a first mirror 112 which is a digital mirror for detecting an event or an object in a wide viewing area, and a longer focal length than the first mirror 112. The second mirror 113 is a high-speed rotating analog mirror for observing an event or an object detected by the first mirror 112 in high resolution, and is transmitted by the first mirror 112 or the second mirror 113. A first optical signal detector 114, a first mirror 112, a second mirror 113, and a first optical signal detector 114 for detecting an optical signal from the signal; And openings 118 and 119 for each of the 112 and the second mirror 113, respectively, and provide an optical path from the first mirror 112 or the second mirror 113 to the first optical signal detector 114. It includes a first body 116 to provide.

The second optical module block 120 has a wide viewing angle, a third mirror 122 which is a digital mirror for detecting an event or an object in a wide viewing area, and a longer focal length than the third mirror 122. And a fourth mirror 123 which is a high-speed rotating analog mirror for observing an event or an object detected by the third mirror 122 in high resolution, and is transmitted by the third mirror 122 or the fourth mirror 123. A second optical signal detector 124 for detecting an optical signal from the signal, a third mirror 122, a fourth mirror 123, and a second optical signal detector 124 therein; And an opening 128 and 129 for each of the 122 and fourth mirrors 123, and the optical path from the third mirror 122 or the fourth mirror 123 to the second optical signal detector 124. Providing a second body 126.

The third optical module block 130 has a wide viewing angle, and has a light from a signal transmitted by the fifth mirror 132 and the fifth mirror 132, which are digital mirrors for detecting an event or an object in a wide viewing area. And a third optical signal detector 134 for detecting a signal, a fifth mirror 132 and a third optical signal detector 134 therein, and an opening 138 for the fifth mirror. And a third body 136 that provides an optical path from the fifth mirror 132 to the third optical signal detector 134.

The fourth optical module block 140 includes a conventional sixth mirror 142 for space telescope, a fourth optical signal detector 144 for detecting an optical signal from a signal transmitted by the sixth mirror 142, and And a sixth mirror 142 and a fourth optical signal detector 144 therein, further comprising an opening 148 for the sixth mirror 142, and the fourth light from the sixth mirror 142. And a fourth body 146 that provides an optical path to the signal detector 144.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, although the third optical module block includes only one digital mirror and the fourth optical module block includes only one conventional mirror for space telescope, Like the first optical module block or the second optical module block, the fourth optical module block may adopt a configuration including a combination of a digital mirror and an analog mirror, or may include other optical devices. In addition, although FIG. 1 illustrates the case where the number of optical module blocks is four, there is no limitation on the number of optical module blocks included in the optical module.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 1, the second mirror 113 of the first optical module block 110 and the fourth mirror 123 of the second optical module block 120 may have different focal lengths. .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the first mirror 112 to the sixth mirror 143 may be arranged to transfer the optical path of an image of an event or an object to an arbitrary path to be transmitted to the optical signal detector 130. It is.

Among the mirrors shown in FIG. 1, the first mirror 112 of the first optical module block 110, the third mirror 122 of the second optical module block 120, and the third optical module block 130 are described. The fifth mirror 132 performs a function of detecting an event or an object, in particular, an event or an object moving at a high speed (eg, an instant light event TLE) in a wide viewing area by using the optical field of view (FOV). As shown in FIG. 1, these mirrors 112, 122, 132 are all located close to the corresponding optical signal detectors 114, 124, 134 in the corresponding bodies 116, 126, 136 and the focal lengths. Is short. In particular, these wide viewing angle mirrors 112, 122, 132 are preferably MEMS micromirror arrays that can be digitally turned on / off after detecting an event or object so as not to interfere with the detailed viewing of the high resolution mirrors.

On the other hand, the second mirror 113 of the first optical module block 110 and the fourth mirror 123 of the second optical module block 120 are respectively attached to the first mirror 112 and the third mirror 122. It performs a function of observing the event or the object (eg, TLE) detected by the high resolution in detail. These second mirror 113 and the fourth mirror 123 are compared with the first mirror 112 and the third mirror 122, the corresponding optical signal detection unit 114 in the corresponding body (116, 126) , 124) farther away and has a longer focal length. In particular, these high resolution mirrors 113, 123 are rotated so that they can be observed in high resolution while tracking events or objects detected by the corresponding wide viewing angle mirrors 112, 122, in particular events or objects moving at high speed. It is desirable for the MEMS micromirror array to be able to change the angle at high speed in an analog manner.

In the following description, the configuration and specifications of the second optical module block 120 of the four optical module blocks in more detail to understand the configuration of the optical module according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a more detailed configuration of the second optical module block 120 illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the second optical module block 120 of the optical module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention detects an event or an object (observation object) in a wide viewing area using a wide viewing angle. The third mirror 122, the fourth mirror 123 for observing the events or objects detected by the third mirror 122 in high resolution, the third mirror 122 and the fourth mirror 123 A second optical signal detector 124, a third mirror 122, a fourth mirror 123, and a second optical signal detector 124 for detecting the optical signal from the signal transmitted by And a second body 126. The second body 126 further includes openings 128, 129 for each of the third mirror 122 and the fourth mirror 123. In addition, the second optical module block 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a data storage unit 230 for storing the detected optical signal, an interface unit 240 for connecting devices, and a system. It may further include a control unit 250 for controlling the whole and a power supply unit 260 for supplying power to the devices.

The mirrors 122 and 123 illustrated in FIG. 2 have been described in detail with reference to FIG. 1.

The second optical signal detector 124 detects an optical signal from signals incident from the third mirror 122 and the fourth mirror 123. The second optical signal detector 124 according to the present invention may further include an ultraviolet region detector for detecting the optical signal in the ultraviolet region and a near infrared region detector for detecting the optical signal in the near infrared region. The ultraviolet region detection unit may be composed of a multi anode photomultiplier tube (MAPMT). As shown in FIG. 2, the ultraviolet region detection unit includes a MAPMT, which includes an ultraviolet region detection unit 210 for detecting an optical signal in the ultraviolet region, an analog board 212 and a digital device for supporting the ultraviolet region detection unit 210. A PMT power supply unit 216 for supplying power to the board 214 and the MAPMT may be included, and the near-infrared region detector includes a near-infrared region detector 220 and a near-infrared region detector 220 for detecting an optical signal in the near-infrared region. The NIR electronic device 222 for supporting may be included. Although the optical system of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 detects only signals in the ultraviolet region and signals in the near infrared region, the area of the detectable optical signal need not be limited, and an electronic device portion (electronic signal processing unit) supporting the optical signal detection unit is provided. It is also not necessary to be limited to the configuration shown in FIG.

The second body 126 includes a third mirror 122, a fourth mirror 123, and a second optical signal detector 124 therein, and from the third mirror 122 and the fourth mirror 123. The optical path to the second optical signal detector 124 is provided. In addition, the second body 126 further includes openings 128 and 129 for the lower portion of the third mirror 122 and the fourth mirror 123, respectively, and the openings 128 and 129 are each an aperture collimator ( Not shown).

The data storage unit 230 is a part for storing the detected optical signal, and a hard disk or the like may be used. The interface unit 240 is a part for connecting devices, and a bus interface may be used. The controller 250 may be configured as a CPU box for controlling the entire system. In particular, the controller 170, together with the electronic signal processing units included in the optical signal detector 130, determine whether an event or object detected by the first mirror 110 is an object of observation, and the event or object is If it is determined that the object is to be observed, the location of the event or the object may be determined, and the first mirror and the second mirror may be controlled in response. Of course, a separate controller for performing such a function may be placed inside the optical signal detector. The power supply unit 260 is a part for supplying power to the devices in the system.

3A and 3B, the operation principle of the optical module 100 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the second optical module block 120.

3 is a view illustrating an operating principle of the second optical module block 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A illustrates a third mirror 122 that is a digital mirror having a wide viewing angle. FIG. 3B is a view illustrating a step of detecting an event or an object, in particular, an event or an object (eg, a TLE) moving at a high speed, and FIG. 3B is an analog mirror having a high resolution of the event or object detected in FIG. 3A. Is a diagram showing a step of observing in detail using). The optical module of the present application uses the imaging principle of a pinhole camera that uses the action of forming an image by passing light through a small hole.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the second optical module block 120 according to the present invention first uses the third mirror 122, which is a digital mirror having a wide field of view (FOV), to observe an event to be observed in a wide viewing area. Attempt to detect a thing 320 (eg, instant light event TLE) (event / object detection step). In this case, since the third mirror 122 is not high in resolution but has a wide viewing angle (shown in FIG. 3A, the viewing angle 310 of the third mirror 122 is used) to detect an event or an object in a wide viewing area. Suitable. The incident or object 320 detected by the third mirror 122 is sent to the second optical signal detector 124 to determine whether it is an object of observation. If it is determined that the event or object 320 detected by the third mirror 122 and sent to the second optical signal detector 124 is an object to be observed, the process proceeds to the event / object observation step shown in FIG. 3B.

As shown in FIG. 3B, in the event / object observation step, the event or object 320 detected in the event / object detection step of FIG. 3A is observed in detail using the fourth mirror 123. In the event / object observation step, an analog mirror having a high resolution is used as the fourth mirror 123. In particular, in order to track and observe an event or an object 320 moving at a high speed, the fourth mirror 133 may rotate the rotation angle at a high speed. Should be able to change. In the event / object observation phase, the third mirror 122 should be able to be switched off and the fourth mirror 123 should be focused on the detected event or object 320.

Next, with reference to Figure 4 will be described a specific specification of the second optical module block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a view showing specific specifications of the second optical module block 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a digital mirror may be used as the third mirror 122, and an analog mirror may be used as the fourth mirror 123. Specific specifications may be determined for the requirements of the respective mirrors for implementing the respective steps shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Specifications that can be determined for the mirrors include viewing area, focal length, viewing angle, aperture size, and the like. First, specifications of the third mirror 122, which is a digital mirror, are shown in Table 1 below.

Observation area Focal length Field of view (FOV) 240 km 3.02 cm 33.36 degrees 300 km 2.41 cm 41.16 degrees

When the size of the viewing area to be covered by the third mirror 122 is determined, the focal length and the viewing angle FOV can be determined accordingly, and although not shown in Table 1, the opening size can also be determined.

Specifications for the fourth mirror 123, which is an analog mirror, are shown in Table 2 below.

Resolution for each pixel Observation area Focal length Field of view (FOV) Cover area Opening size 2 km 16 km 45.25 cm 2.29 degrees 170.0 km 2.50 cm 3 km 24 km 30.20 cm 3.43 degrees 178.7 km 2.60 cm 5 km 40 km 18.10 cm 5.72 degrees 203.5 km 2.97 cm

인 것을 가정한 경우 제4 미러(123)에 의해 커버될 수 있는 영역이다. 제4 미러(123)에 대하여, PMT 상의 각 픽셀에 대한 해상도가 결정되면, 이에 따른 관찰 영역, 초점 거리, 시야각, 개구 크기 및 커버 영역이 결정될 수 있다.In Table 2, the resolution for each pixel means the resolution for each pixel on the photomultiplier tube (PMT) used as the optical signal detection unit, and the cover area is the angle of rotation of the fourth mirror 123, which is an analog mirror.

If it is assumed to be an area that can be covered by the fourth mirror 123. With respect to the fourth mirror 123, when the resolution for each pixel on the PMT is determined, an observation area, a focal length, a viewing angle, an opening size, and a cover area may be determined accordingly.

According to the optical module of the present invention, the optical module includes a plurality of optical module blocks arranged in parallel, wherein each optical module block has a wide viewing angle and has a first mirror and a first mirror for detecting an event or an object in a wide viewing area. By further including at least one second mirror for observing the event or object detected by the first mirror at a higher resolution with a longer focal length, it is possible to effectively observe the event or object.

Claims (8)

Optical module for observing events or objects, A plurality of optical module blocks including a first optical module block and a second optical module block, disposed in parallel, The first optical module block, A first mirror having a wide field of view (FOV) for detecting an event or an object in a wide viewing area; At least one second mirror having a longer focal length than the first mirror, and for observing the event or object detected by the first mirror in high resolution; A first optical signal detector for detecting an optical signal from a signal transmitted by the first mirror or the at least one second mirror; And The first mirror, the at least one second mirror, and the optical signal detection unit therein, further comprising an aperture for each of the first mirror and the at least one second mirror, wherein the first mirror Or a first body providing an optical path from the at least one second mirror to the optical signal detector, The second optical module block, A third mirror having a wide viewing angle and detecting an event or an object in a wide viewing area; At least one fourth mirror having a longer focal length than the third mirror, and for observing the event or object detected by the third mirror in high resolution; A second optical signal detector for detecting an optical signal from a signal transmitted by the third mirror or the at least one fourth mirror; And The third mirror, the at least one fourth mirror, and the optical signal detection unit therein, further comprising an opening for each of the third mirror and the at least one fourth mirror, wherein the third mirror or the one And a second body that provides an optical path from the fourth mirror to the optical signal detector. The method of claim 1, Determining whether the object detected by the first optical signal detector or the second optical signal detector is an observation object, and when the detected object is determined to be an observation object, the one or more second mirrors or the like so that the detected object is observed in detail; Control unit for controlling the at least one fourth mirror An optical module further comprising. The method of claim 1, The at least one second mirror of the first optical module block and the at least one fourth mirror of the second optical module block have different focal lengths. The method of claim 1, And the first mirror and the third mirror are mirrors that are switched off after detecting the event or object. The method of claim 1, The at least one second mirror and the at least one fourth mirror are mirrors that vary a tilting angle. The method of claim 1, And wherein the first mirror, the one or more second mirrors, the third mirror, and the one or more fourth mirrors are controlled by the optical path of the image. The method of claim 1, The at least one second mirror and the at least one fourth mirror adjust the resolution to a desired value. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The first mirror, the one or more second mirrors, the third mirror, and the one or more fourth mirrors are micromirrors or arrays thereof made with Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. Optical module.

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