Patent Description:
Some ranging apparatuses include a ranging apparatus including an optical scanning device for radiating light toward an object and then reflecting the light reflected by the object.

Patent Literature <NUM> below discloses a micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) scanner that can be used as the optical scanning device.

The MEMS scanner includes a mirror for reflecting light output from a light source toward an object and then reflecting the light reflected by the object toward an optical receiver. The MEMS scanner further includes an actuator that rotates the mirror about a first shaft and rotates the mirror about a second shaft.

When light is output from the light source toward the mirror, for example, if the actuator rotates the mirror about two shafts as follows, optical scanning can be performed on the object.

First, the actuator changes a rotation angle θx about the first shaft from θx<NUM> to θx<NUM>, and then changes a rotation angle θy about the second shaft by Δθ (hereinafter, referred to as a "first rotational operation"). Next, the actuator changes the rotation angle θx about the first shaft from θx<NUM> to θx<NUM>, and then changes the rotation angle θy about the second shaft by Δθ (hereinafter, referred to as a "second rotational operation"). Then, the actuator alternately repeats the first rotational operation and the second rotational operation. <CIT> discloses methods and systems for performing three dimensional LIDAR measurements with multiple illumination beams scanned over a three dimensional environment by one or more optical phase modulation devices are described herein. In one aspect, illumination light from each LIDAR measurement channel is emitted to the surrounding environment in a different direction by an optical phase modulation device. The optical phase modulation device also directs each amount of return measurement light onto a corresponding photodetector. <CIT> describes a situation awareness sensor that includes a plurality of N sensor channels, each channel including an optical phased array having a plurality of solid-state laser emitters, a command circuit and a detector. <CIT> describes wavelength division multiplexed LiDAR systems, methods, and structures that advantageously provide a wide field of view without employing lasers having a large tuning range. <CIT> discloses optical sensing system for a vehicle include a modular architecture. Light can be transmitted to an optical signal processing module, which can include a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) that can create one or more signals with tailored amplitude, phase, and spectral characteristics. <CIT> discloses a light ranging and detection system achieving reconfigurable very wide field of view, high sampling of spatial points per second with high optical power handling by using architecture to efficiently combine different wavelengths, time and frequency coding, and spatial selectivity. The transmitter is capable of generating multiple narrow beams, encoding different beams and transmitting in different spatial directions.

The resolution of the optical scanning with respect to the object depends on the magnitude of Δθ, and the smaller Δθ, the higher the resolution of the optical scanning. However, due to the mechanical structure of the actuator, when a wide viewing angle is to be provided, it is difficult to reduce the deflection angle Δθ for one time, and thus there is a problem that desired resolution cannot be obtained.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and an object of the present invention is to obtain an optical scanning device capable of enhancing the resolution of optical scanning as compared with an optical scanning device configured to scan light only by causing an actuator to rotate a mirror about two shafts.

Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings. An optical scanning device according to the present invention inter alia includes: a light source capable of changing a wavelength or a phase of a light to be output; an optical mode converter connected to an optical waveguide through which the light output from the light source transmits, and configured to radiate the light received through the optical waveguide, wherein the optical mode converter is configured to change a radiation direction of the light to be transmitted from the optical mode converter, in accordance with a change in wavelength of the light output from the light source or phase of the light output from the light source; a mirror arranged around the optical mode converter, and configured to reflect the light radiated from the optical mode converter and then reflected from an object, toward an optical receiver; and an actuator having a first planar portion, a second planar portion, and a third planar portion, wherein the actuator is configured to rotate the first planar portion about each of first and second shafts.

According to the present invention, the optical scanning device can enhance the resolution of optical scanning as compared with an optical scanning device configured to scan light only by causing an actuator to rotate the first planar portion about each of first and second shafts.

In order to explain the present invention in more detail, a mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a configuration diagram illustrating an optical scanning device <NUM> according to a first embodiment.

<FIG> is a configuration diagram illustrating a ranging apparatus including the optical scanning device <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

A light source <NUM> is an oscillator that outputs light to the optical scanning device <NUM>.

The light source <NUM> can change a wavelength or a phase of light output to the optical scanning device <NUM>.

In addition, the light source <NUM> outputs a signal (hereinafter, referred to as a "first timing signal") indicating a timing at which the light is output to the optical scanning device <NUM> to a distance calculation unit <NUM>.

In the ranging apparatus illustrated in <FIG>, the light source <NUM> provided outside the optical scanning device <NUM> is directly connected to the optical scanning device <NUM>. However, this is merely an example, and the light source <NUM> may be connected to the optical scanning device <NUM> via an optical fiber or the like.

In addition, the optical scanning device <NUM> may include the light source <NUM>.

The optical scanning device <NUM> is installed in a three-dimensional space represented by an x-y-z coordinate system.

The optical scanning device <NUM> includes an optical input port <NUM>, an optical waveguide <NUM>, an optical mode converter <NUM>, a mirror <NUM>, and an actuator <NUM>.

The optical scanning device <NUM> is a device for radiating light output from the light source <NUM> toward an object <NUM> and then reflecting the light reflected by the object <NUM>.

One end of the optical waveguide <NUM> is connected to the optical input port <NUM>.

The optical input port <NUM> receives the light output from the light source <NUM>.

The optical waveguide <NUM> includes, for example, an optical path formed by a core and a cladding.

One end of the optical waveguide <NUM> is connected to the optical input port <NUM>, and the other end of the optical waveguide <NUM> is connected to the optical mode converter <NUM>.

The light received by the optical input port <NUM> is propagated to the optical mode converter <NUM> via the optical waveguide <NUM>.

The optical mode converter <NUM> is implemented by, for example, a grating coupler or an optical phase array.

The optical mode converter <NUM> changes a radiation direction of light output from the light source <NUM> in accordance with a change in wavelength or phase of the light output from the light source <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the structure of the optical mode converter <NUM> is a boxlike structure that takes in the light propagated through the optical waveguide <NUM>.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the optical mode converter <NUM>. In <FIG>, a waveguide connection port 5a is an input port connected to the other end of the optical waveguide <NUM>.

Of the inner faces of the box, at least the inner face of a light radiation face 5b of the optical mode converter <NUM> is provided with a grating coupler or an optical phase array. Each of the grating coupler and the optical phase array corresponds to a light transmission type diffraction grating.

The optical mode converter <NUM> radiates light propagated through the optical waveguide <NUM> toward the object <NUM>.

Since the grating coupler or the like is provided on the inner face of the box, the radiation direction of the light radiated from the optical mode converter <NUM> is switched with a change in wavelength of the light output from the light source <NUM>. The direction in which the radiation direction is switched is a direction that intersects with the direction in which the radiation direction is switched with rotation about a first shaft 7d, or a direction that intersects with the direction in which the radiation direction is switched with rotation about a second shaft 7e.

In the optical mode converter <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, a grating coupler or the like is provided on the inner face of the light radiation face 5b. However, this is merely an example, and the optical mode converter <NUM> may include a converter or the like that switches the radiation direction of the light when the wavelength or the phase of the light output from the light source <NUM> changes.

The mirror <NUM> is a device for reflecting light, which is radiated from the optical mode converter <NUM> and then reflected by the object <NUM>, toward an optical receiver <NUM> to be described later.

The mirror <NUM> included in the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be any mirror, for example, a metal mirror or a glass mirror.

The actuator <NUM> includes a first planar portion 7a holding the optical waveguide <NUM>, the optical mode converter <NUM>, and the mirror <NUM>, a second planar portion 7b holding the optical waveguide <NUM>, a third planar portion 7c holding the optical input port <NUM>, the first shaft 7d, and the second shaft 7e.

Each of the first planar portion 7a, the second planar portion 7b, and the third planar portion 7c is disposed in parallel with the x-y plane in the drawing.

The planar shape of the first planar portion 7a is circular.

The planar shape of the second planar portion 7b is a ring, and the first planar portion 7a is disposed inside the ring.

The first planar portion 7a and the second planar portion 7b are connected via the second shaft 7e.

The planar shape of the third planar portion 7c is rectangular, and a circular hole is provided inside. The second planar portion 7b is disposed inside the third planar portion 7c.

The second planar portion 7b and the third planar portion 7c are connected via the first shaft 7d.

The first shaft 7d is a rotation shaft of the actuator <NUM> in a direction parallel to the x-axis.

The second shaft 7e is a rotation shaft of the actuator <NUM> orthogonal to the first shaft 7d, and is a rotation shaft in a direction parallel to the y-axis.

In the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the first shaft 7d and the second shaft 7e are orthogonal to each other. However, this disclosure is not limited to this example in which the first shaft 7d and the second shaft 7e are strictly orthogonal to each other, and may be deviated from the orthogonal within a range of causing no problem in a practical use. The term "orthogonal" in the present specification is a concept including an example deviated from the orthogonal within a range of causing no problem in a practical use.

The actuator <NUM> rotates each of the optical mode converter <NUM> and the mirror <NUM> about the first shaft 7d and rotates each of the optical mode converter <NUM> and the mirror <NUM> about the second shaft 7e in accordance with a control signal output from a control circuit <NUM> described later.

Each of the principle of rotation about the first shaft 7d and the principle of rotation about the second shaft 7e in the actuator <NUM> is known (See, for example, Patent Literature <NUM>).

In the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the planar shape of the first planar portion 7a is circular. However, this is merely an example, and for example, the planar shape of the first planar portion 7a may be rectangular. When the planar shape of the first planar portion 7a is rectangular, the planar shape of the second planar portion 7b is a rectangular ring, and the inner hole shape of the third planar portion 7c is rectangular.

The object <NUM> is an object to be ranged by the ranging apparatus illustrated in <FIG>.

The object <NUM> is installed in the same three-dimensional space as the optical scanning device <NUM>.

In <FIG>, in order to simplify the drawing, the shape of the object <NUM> is drawn to be a planar shape. However, in practice, the shape of the object <NUM> is three-dimensional, and the face facing the optical scanning device <NUM> among the faces of the object <NUM> is optically scanned by the optical scanning device <NUM>.

In the ranging apparatus illustrated in <FIG>, in order to simplify the description, the three-dimensional space in which the optical scanning device <NUM> is installed and the three-dimensional space in which the object <NUM> is installed are represented in the same coordinate system. In a case where the coordinate system (hereinafter, referred to as a "first coordinate system") of the three-dimensional space in which the optical scanning device <NUM> is installed and the coordinate system (hereinafter, referred to as a "second coordinate system") of the three-dimensional space in which the object <NUM> is installed are separately represented, the x-axis direction in the first coordinate system and the x-axis direction in the second coordinate system are not necessarily the same direction. In addition, the y-axis direction in the first coordinate system and the y-axis direction in the second coordinate system are not necessarily the same direction.

A lens <NUM> is an optical element for condensing the light reflected by the mirror <NUM> on the optical receiver <NUM>.

The optical receiver <NUM> receives the light condensed by the lens <NUM>.

Further, the optical receiver <NUM> outputs a signal (hereinafter, referred to as a "second timing signal") indicating the timing of receiving the light to the distance calculation unit <NUM>.

By disposing the optical receiver <NUM> in the vicinity of the mirror, the optical receiver <NUM> may directly receive the reflected light without passing through the mirror. In this case, the mirror is unnecessary.

The distance calculation unit <NUM> is implemented by, for example, a distance calculation circuit.

The distance calculation unit <NUM> includes a time measurement unit 11a and a distance calculation processing unit 11b.

The distance calculation unit <NUM> calculates the distance from the optical scanning device <NUM> to the object <NUM> on the basis of the time from when the first timing is received from the light source <NUM> to when the second timing is received from the optical receiver <NUM>.

The time measurement unit 11a measures a time from when light is radiated from the optical mode converter <NUM> to when the reflected light is received by the optical receiver <NUM>. That is, the time measurement unit 11a measures the time from when the first timing is received from the light source <NUM> to when the second timing is received from the optical receiver <NUM>.

The distance calculation processing unit 11b calculates the distance from the optical scanning device <NUM> to the object <NUM> on the basis of the time measured by the time measurement unit 11a.

The control circuit <NUM> is provided outside the optical scanning device <NUM>.

The control circuit <NUM> controls each of a rotational operation around the first shaft 7d and a rotational operation around the second shaft 7e in the actuator <NUM>.

In <FIG>, it is assumed that the distance calculation unit <NUM> which is a component of the ranging apparatus is implemented by a distance calculation circuit which is dedicated hardware.

The distance calculation circuit corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof.

The invention is not limited to this example in which the distance calculation unit <NUM> is implemented by dedicated hardware, and the distance calculation unit <NUM> may be implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

The software or firmware is stored in a memory of a computer as a program. The computer means hardware that executes a program, and corresponds to, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a central processing device, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a processor, or a digital signal processor (DSP).

<FIG> is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer in a case where the distance calculation unit <NUM> is implemented by software, firmware, or the like.

In a case where the distance calculation unit <NUM> is implemented by software, firmware, or the like, a program for causing a computer to execute a processing procedure performed by the distance calculation unit <NUM> is stored in a memory <NUM>. Then, a processor <NUM> of the computer executes the program stored in the memory <NUM>.

Next, the operation of the ranging apparatus illustrated in <FIG> will be described.

The light source <NUM> outputs light to the optical input port <NUM> of the optical scanning device <NUM>.

In addition, the light source <NUM> outputs a first timing signal indicating a timing at which light is output to the distance calculation unit <NUM>.

The optical input port <NUM> receives the light output from the light source <NUM>. The light received by the optical input port <NUM> is propagated to the optical mode converter <NUM> via the optical waveguide <NUM>.

The light radiated from the optical mode converter <NUM> is reflected by the object <NUM>.

The mirror <NUM> reflects the light radiated from the optical mode converter <NUM> and then reflected by the object <NUM> toward the optical receiver <NUM>.

The lens <NUM> condenses the light reflected by the mirror <NUM> on the optical receiver <NUM>.

The optical receiver <NUM> receives the light condensed by the lens <NUM>, and outputs a second timing signal indicating the timing of receiving the light to the distance calculation unit <NUM>.

The distance calculation unit <NUM> calculates a time T from when the light is output to when the light is received from the time ts when the first timing signal is received from the light source <NUM> and the time tr when the second timing signal is received from the optical receiver <NUM> as expressed in the following Formula (<NUM>).

Next, the distance calculation unit <NUM> calculates the distance L from the optical scanning device <NUM> to the position hit by the light in the object <NUM> using the calculated time T as expressed in the following Formula (<NUM>).

In Formula (<NUM>), c represents the speed of light.

In order to be able to calculate the distance L to a plurality of positions on the face of the object <NUM>, the actuator <NUM> rotates each of the optical mode converter <NUM> and the mirror <NUM> about the first shaft 7d. Further, the actuator <NUM> rotates each of the optical mode converter <NUM> and the mirror <NUM> about the second shaft 7e.

By the actuator <NUM> rotating each of the optical mode converter <NUM> and the mirror <NUM>, it is possible to scan the light as indicated by the solid line in <FIG>.

<FIG> is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a scanning trajectory of light.

The scanning trajectory of light illustrated in <FIG> appears in a case where the actuator <NUM> rotates each of the optical mode converter <NUM> and the mirror <NUM> as follows when light is output from the light source <NUM>.

First, the actuator <NUM> moves the position of the light striking the face of the object <NUM> in a direction parallel to the y-axis by changing the rotation angle θx around the first shaft 7d from θx<NUM> to θx<NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a "first rotational operation"). Note that the distance calculation unit <NUM> calculates the distance L at a plurality of positions while the first rotational operation is being performed.

Next, the actuator <NUM> changes the position in the x-axis direction of the light striking the face of the object <NUM> by changing the rotation angle θy around the second shaft 7e by Δθ (hereinafter, referred to as a "second rotational operation"). Note that the distance calculation unit <NUM> calculates the distance L at a plurality of positions while the second rotational operation is being performed. Hereinafter, a set of the first rotational operation and the second rotational operation is referred to as first optical scanning.

In the example of <FIG>, since the actuator <NUM> changes the rotation angle θy around the second shaft 7e just before the end of the first rotational operation, the scanning trajectory of the light draws a curve. In a case where the actuator <NUM> changes the rotation angle θy around the second shaft 7e after the first rotational operation is ended, the position of the light striking the face of the object <NUM> changes in a direction parallel to the x-axis.

Next, the actuator <NUM> moves the position of the light striking the face of the object <NUM> in a direction parallel to the y-axis by changing the rotation angle θx around the first shaft 7d from θx<NUM> to θx<NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a "third rotational operation"). Note that the distance calculation unit <NUM> calculates the distance L at a plurality of positions while the third rotational operation is being performed.

Next, the actuator <NUM> changes the position in the x-axis direction of the light striking the face of the object <NUM> by changing the rotation angle θy around the second shaft 7e by Δθ (hereinafter, referred to as a "fourth rotational operation"). Note that the distance calculation unit <NUM> calculates the distance L at a plurality of positions while the fourth rotational operation is being performed. Hereinafter, a set of the third rotational operation and the fourth rotational operation is referred to as second optical scanning.

In the example of <FIG>, since the actuator <NUM> changes the rotation angle θy around the second shaft 7e just before the end of the third rotational operation, the scanning trajectory of the light draws a curve. In a case where the actuator <NUM> changes the rotation angle θy around the second shaft 7e after the third rotational operation is ended, the position of the light striking the face of the object <NUM> changes in a direction parallel to the x-axis.

The actuator <NUM> alternately and repeatedly performs the first optical scanning and the second optical scanning, so that the light scanning as indicated by the solid line in <FIG> is implemented. The actuator <NUM> may simultaneously perform both the first optical scanning and the second optical scanning.

In the ranging apparatus illustrated in <FIG>, the light source <NUM> itself changes the wavelength or the phase of light. However, this is merely an example, and the light source <NUM> may change the wavelength or the phase of light in accordance with the control signal output from the control circuit <NUM>.

The light source <NUM> changes the wavelength or the phase of the light output to the optical scanning device <NUM> to change the radiation direction of the light radiated from the optical mode converter <NUM>.

The direction in which the radiation direction is switched is a direction that intersects with the direction in which the radiation direction is switched with rotation about the first shaft 7d, or a direction that intersects with the direction in which the radiation direction is switched with rotation about the second shaft 7e.

The dotted line illustrated in <FIG> indicates a scanning trajectory of light that appears as the radiation direction of light radiated from the optical mode converter <NUM> changes. The example of <FIG> illustrates that the direction in which the radiation direction is switched is a direction that intersects with the direction in which the radiation direction is switched with rotation about the first shaft 7d.

<FIG> illustrates that the direction in which the radiation direction is switched is both a direction that intersects the direction in which the radiation direction is switched with rotation about the first shaft 7d and a direction that intersects the direction in which the radiation direction is switched with rotation about the second shaft 7e.

For example, the light scanning trajectory as indicated by the dotted line in <FIG> appears, so that the resolution of the optical scanning in the direction parallel to the x-axis in the optical scanning device <NUM> is enhanced.

In the first embodiment described above, the optical scanning device <NUM> is configured to include the optical mode converter <NUM> that changes the radiation direction of the light in accordance with the change in wavelength or phase of the light output from the light source <NUM>, and the actuator <NUM> that rotates the optical mode converter <NUM> about each of two shafts orthogonal to each other. Thus, the optical scanning device <NUM> can enhance the resolution of optical scanning as compared with an optical scanning device configured to scan light only by causing an actuator to rotate a mirror about two shafts.

In the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, a rotation shaft in a direction parallel to the x-axis is the first shaft 7d, and a rotation shaft in a direction parallel to the y-axis is the second shaft 7e. However, this is merely an example, and the rotation shaft in the direction parallel to the x-axis may be the second shaft 7e and the rotation shaft in the direction parallel to the y-axis may be the first shaft 7d.

The ranging apparatus illustrated in <FIG> includes one optical receiver <NUM>. However, this is merely an example, and for example, in a case where the reflection direction of light by the mirror <NUM> greatly changes, the plurality of optical receivers <NUM> may be arrayed one-dimensionally along the reflection direction of light as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a configuration diagram illustrating another ranging apparatus including the optical scanning device <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

In a second embodiment, an optical scanning device <NUM> in which an optical waveguide <NUM>' is branched into a plurality of branches, and optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> are connected to a plurality of branch destinations 4a, 4b, and 4c, respectively, in the optical waveguide <NUM>' will be described.

<FIG> is a configuration diagram illustrating an optical scanning device <NUM> according to the second embodiment. In <FIG>, the same reference numerals as those in <FIG> denote the same or corresponding parts, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The optical waveguide <NUM>' includes, for example, an optical path formed by a core and a cladding.

One end of the optical waveguide <NUM>' is connected to the optical input port <NUM>, and the other end of the optical waveguide <NUM>' is branched into a plurality of branches.

In the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the other end of the optical waveguide <NUM>' is branched into three. However, this is merely an example, and the other end of the optical waveguide <NUM>' may be branched into two or four or more.

The optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> are connected to the three branch destinations 4a, 4b, and 4c, respectively, at the other end of the optical waveguide <NUM>'.

Each of the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> is an optical mode converter similar to the optical mode converter <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

In the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> are arranged at positions that are different from each other and in directions that are different from each other with respect to the first planar portion 7a. Therefore, even if both the wavelengths and the phases of lights output from the light source <NUM> to the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> are the same as each other, the directions of the lights radiated from the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> are different from each other. Therefore, the lights radiated from the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> strike positions that are different from each other with respect to the object <NUM>. The wavelengths or phases of the lights output from the light source <NUM> to the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> may be different from each other. Even in this case, the lights radiated from the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> strike positions that are different from each other with respect to the object <NUM>.

In a case where the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> are arranged in directions that are different from each other, a plurality of optical receivers <NUM> may be used as illustrated in <FIG>. The optical receivers <NUM> are arranged at positions and configured to receive lights radiated from the respective optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> and then reflected by the object <NUM>.

The first planar portion 7a of the actuator <NUM> holds the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> and the mirror <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> rotates each of the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> and the mirror <NUM> about the first shaft 7d, and rotates each of the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> and the mirror <NUM> about the second shaft 7e.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the actuator <NUM> scans light as indicated by the solid line in <FIG> by alternately and repeatedly performing the first optical scanning and the second optical scanning.

The radiation directions of lights radiated from the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> change by the light source <NUM> changing the wavelengths or the phases of lights output to the optical scanning device <NUM>.

As the radiation directions of the lights radiated from the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> change, a scanning trajectory of the light as indicated by the dotted line in <FIG> appears. The appearance of the scanning trajectory of the light as indicated by the dotted line in <FIG> enhances the resolution of the optical scanning in the direction parallel to the x-axis in the optical scanning device <NUM>.

In the second embodiment described above, the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is configured in such a manner that the optical waveguide <NUM>' is branched into a plurality of branches, the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> are connected to the plurality of branch destinations 4a, 4b, and 4c, respectively, in the optical waveguide <NUM>', and the actuator <NUM> rotates each of the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> and the mirror <NUM> about the first shaft 7d and rotates each of the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> and the mirror <NUM> about the second shaft 7e. Therefore, the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> can enhance the resolution of the optical scanning as compared with an optical scanning device configured to scan light only by causing an actuator to rotate a mirror about two shafts. In addition, the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> can perform optical scanning of the entire face facing the optical scanning device <NUM> among the faces of the object <NUM> even if the operation of rotation about the second shaft 7e in the actuator <NUM> is reduced as compared with the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

In a third embodiment, an optical scanning device <NUM> including a plurality of optical waveguides <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> and a plurality of optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> will be described.

<FIG> is a configuration diagram illustrating the optical scanning device <NUM> according to the third embodiment. In <FIG>, the same reference numerals as those in <FIG> and <FIG> denote the same or corresponding parts, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The optical waveguides <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> include, for example, an optical path formed by a core and a cladding.

One end of each of the optical waveguides <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> is connected to one light source <NUM> via the optical input port <NUM>.

The other end of the optical waveguide <NUM>-<NUM> is connected to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM>, and the other end of the optical waveguide <NUM>-<NUM> is connected to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM>. In addition, the other end of the optical waveguide <NUM>-<NUM> is connected to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM>.

The optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> may be arranged in the same direction or may be arranged in directions different from each other.

The optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes the optical waveguides <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> and the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>. However, this is merely an example, and the number of the optical waveguides <NUM> included in the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and the number of the optical mode converters <NUM> included in the optical scanning device <NUM> may be two or four or more.

When the optical scanning device <NUM> includes the optical waveguides <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> and the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>, the same effects as those of the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> can be obtained.

<FIG> is a configuration diagram illustrating a ranging apparatus including the optical scanning device <NUM> according to the third embodiment. In <FIG>, the same reference numerals as those in <FIG> denote the same or corresponding parts, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The ranging apparatus illustrated in <FIG> includes the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Each of the light sources <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> is a light source similar to the light source <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The light source <NUM>-<NUM> outputs light to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM> via the optical waveguide <NUM>-<NUM>, and the light source <NUM>-<NUM> outputs light to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM> via the optical waveguide <NUM>-<NUM>. In addition, the light source <NUM>-<NUM> outputs light to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM> via the optical waveguide <NUM>-<NUM>.

When outputting light, each of the light sources <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> notifies the distance calculation unit <NUM> that light has been output.

The light sources <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> output lights having different wavelengths from each other or lights having different phases from each other.

That is, the light source <NUM>-<NUM> outputs the light having the wavelength λ<NUM> to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM>, the light source <NUM>-<NUM> outputs the light having the wavelength λ<NUM> to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM>, and the light source <NUM>-<NUM> outputs the light having the wavelength λ<NUM> to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM>.

Further, the light source <NUM>-<NUM> changes the wavelength λ<NUM> in a range of, for example, (λ<NUM> - Δλ<NUM>) to (λ<NUM> + Δλ<NUM>), the light source <NUM>-<NUM> changes the wavelength λ<NUM> in a range of, for example, (λ<NUM> - Δλ<NUM>) to (λ<NUM> + Δλ<NUM>), and the light source <NUM>-<NUM> changes the wavelength λ<NUM> in a range of, for example, (λ<NUM> - Δλ<NUM>) to (λ<NUM> + Δλ<NUM>).

Alternatively, the light source <NUM>-<NUM> outputs the light having the phase θ<NUM> to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM>, the light source <NUM>-<NUM> outputs the light having the phase θ<NUM> to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM>, and the light source <NUM>-<NUM> outputs the light having the phase θ<NUM> to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM>.

Furthermore, the light source <NUM>-<NUM> changes the phase θ<NUM>, for example, in a range of (θ<NUM> - Δθ<NUM>) to (θ<NUM> + Δθ<NUM>), the light source <NUM>-<NUM> changes the phase θ<NUM>, for example, in a range of (θ<NUM> - Δθ<NUM>) to (θ<NUM> + Δθ<NUM>), and the light source <NUM>-<NUM> changes the phase θ<NUM>, for example, in a range of (θ<NUM> - Δθ<NUM>) to (θ<NUM> + Δθ<NUM>).

The time measurement unit 11a of the distance calculation unit <NUM> measures the time from when the light is radiated from each of the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> to when the reflected light is received by each of the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>.

The distance calculation processing unit 11b calculates the distance from the optical scanning device <NUM> to the object <NUM> on the basis of each time measured by the time measurement unit 11a.

In the third embodiment described above, the ranging apparatus includes the plurality of light sources <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>, and the light sources <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to output lights having mutually different wavelengths or lights having mutually different phases. Therefore, the switching directions of the radiation directions of the lights radiated from the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> can be set to different switching directions from each other.

In the ranging apparatus illustrated in <FIG>, the light sources <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> output lights having different wavelengths from each other or lights having different phases from each other.

In a fourth embodiment, an optical scanning device <NUM> including an optical demultiplexer <NUM> that demultiplexes light propagated through an optical waveguide <NUM> for each wavelength will be described.

<FIG> is a configuration diagram illustrating the optical scanning device <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment. In <FIG>, the same reference numerals as those in <FIG> and <FIG> denote the same or corresponding parts, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The optical demultiplexer <NUM> is inserted in the middle of the optical waveguide <NUM>.

The optical demultiplexer <NUM> demultiplexes the light propagated through the optical waveguide <NUM> for each wavelength.

When light including a plurality of wavelengths λ<NUM>, λ<NUM>, and λ<NUM> is output from the light source <NUM>, the optical demultiplexer <NUM> demultiplexes the light propagated through the optical waveguide <NUM> for each wavelength. For example, the optical demultiplexer <NUM> outputs the light having the wavelength λ<NUM> to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM>, outputs the light having the wavelength λ<NUM> to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM>, and outputs the light having the wavelength λ<NUM> to the optical mode converter <NUM>-<NUM>.

In the fourth embodiment described above, the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is configured to include the optical demultiplexer <NUM> that is inserted in the middle of the optical waveguide <NUM> and demultiplexes the light propagated through the optical waveguide <NUM> for each wavelength, and the plurality of optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> that radiate a plurality of lights demultiplexed by the optical demultiplexer <NUM> toward the object <NUM> as the optical mode converter <NUM>. Therefore, the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> can enhance the resolution of the optical scanning as compared with an optical scanning device configured to scan light only by causing an actuator to rotate a mirror about two shafts. In addition, the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> can perform optical scanning of the entire face facing the optical scanning device <NUM> among the faces of the object <NUM> even if the operation of rotation about the second shaft 7e in the actuator <NUM> is reduced as compared with the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Furthermore, the switching directions of the radiation directions of the lights radiated from the optical mode converters <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> can be set to different switching directions from each other.

In a fifth embodiment not being an embodiment of the invention, an optical scanning device <NUM> in which, instead of mounting the mirror <NUM>, an optical mode converter <NUM>' receives light reflected by an object <NUM> and outputs the received light to an optical waveguide <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> is a configuration diagram illustrating the optical scanning device <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment. In <FIG>, the same reference numerals as those in <FIG> denote the same or corresponding parts, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The optical mode converter <NUM>' is an optical mode converter having a structure similar to that of the optical mode converter <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, and radiates light propagated through the optical waveguide <NUM> toward the object <NUM>.

Unlike the optical mode converter <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the optical mode converter <NUM>' radiates light toward the object <NUM>, receives light reflected by the object <NUM>, and outputs the received light to the optical waveguide <NUM>.

An optical circulator <NUM> is inserted into the optical waveguide <NUM>.

The optical circulator <NUM> outputs the light output from the light source <NUM> to the optical mode converter <NUM>' via the optical waveguide <NUM>.

In addition, the optical circulator <NUM> outputs the light output from the optical mode converter <NUM>' to the optical receiver <NUM> via an optical output port <NUM> described later.

The optical output port <NUM> is connected to the optical receiver <NUM> via, for example, an optical fiber.

In the optical scanning device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, since the optical mode converter <NUM>' is connected to the optical receiver <NUM> via the optical waveguide <NUM>, the optical circulator <NUM>, and the optical output port <NUM>, the ranging apparatus does not need to include the lens <NUM>.

Note that the light received by the optical mode converter <NUM>' is propagated to the optical receiver <NUM> via the optical waveguide <NUM>, the optical circulator <NUM>, and the optical output port <NUM>.

In the ranging apparatus according to the embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, the light source <NUM> or the light sources <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> always change the wavelength of light output to the optical mode converter <NUM> or the like or the phase of light output to the optical mode converter <NUM> or the like.

However, this is merely an example, and the light source <NUM> or the light sources <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> may temporarily change the wavelength of light output to the optical mode converter <NUM> or the like or the phase of light output to the optical mode converter <NUM> or the like.

In the example of <FIG>, the light source <NUM> or the light sources <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> change the wavelength of the light output to the optical mode converter <NUM> or the like or the phase of the light output to the optical mode converter <NUM> or the like only when ranging is performed at two positions <NUM> on the face of the object <NUM> facing the optical scanning device <NUM>. When ranging is performed at a position other than the two positions <NUM>, the wavelength of light output from the light source <NUM> or the light sources <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> to the optical mode converter <NUM> or the like is constant, and the phase of light output to the optical mode converter <NUM> or the like is constant.

In a case where the position <NUM> where the ranging needs to be performed in detail is only a part of the face of the object <NUM>, the light source <NUM> or the like temporarily changes the wavelength or the like of the light output to the optical mode converter <NUM> or the like, thereby reducing unnecessary ranging and shortening the ranging time without deteriorating the ranging accuracy of the position <NUM>.

It should be noted that the present invention can freely combine the embodiments, modify any component of each of the embodiments, or omit any component in each of the embodiments.

The present invention is suitable for an optical scanning device that radiates light into space and then reflects light reflected by an object.

The present invention is suitable for a ranging apparatus including the optical scanning device.

Claim 1:
An optical scanning device (<NUM>), comprising:
a light source (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>) capable of changing a wavelength or a phase of a light to be output;
an optical mode converter (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>) connected to an optical waveguide (<NUM>) through which the light output from the light source (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>) transmits, and configured to radiate the light received through the optical waveguide (<NUM>);
a mirror (<NUM>) arranged around the optical mode converter (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>), and configured to reflect the light radiated from the optical mode converter (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>) and then reflected from an object (<NUM>), toward an optical receiver (<NUM>); and
an actuator (<NUM>) having a first planar portion (7a), a second planar portion (7b), and a third planar portion (7c), wherein
the second planar portion (7b) has a hole in which the first planar portion (7a) is disposed, and the third planar portion (7c) has a hole in which the second planar portion (7b) is disposed, wherein
the third planar portion (7c) supports the second planar portion(7b) via a first shaft (7d), and is connected to the second planar portion (7b) via the first shaft (7d) and rotatable about the first shaft (7d),
the second planar portion (7b) supports the first planar portion (7a) via a second shaft (7e) substantially perpendicular to the first shaft (7d), and is connected to the first planar portion (7a) via the second shaft (7e) and rotatable about the second shaft (7e),
the first planar portion (7a) holds the optical mode converter (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>) and the mirror (<NUM>),
the optical mode converter (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>) is configured to change a radiation direction of the light to be transmitted from the optical mode converter (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>), in accordance with a change in wavelength of the light output from the light source (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>) or phase of the light output from the light source (<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>), and
the actuator (<NUM>) is configured to rotate the first planar portion (7a) about each of the first and second shafts (7d and 7e).