JP2012216299A - Light source system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light source system having two sets or more of light source devices, which does not increase in size and can detect whether or not there is abnormality for each of the two sets or more of light devices.SOLUTION: In a detection period for which it is determined whether or not there is abnormality in a light source system, timing of lighting is changed for each of light source devices. For example, while a first light source device is lighted, a second light source device is extinguished, and reversely, while the second light source device is lighted, the first light source device is extinguished. A light quantity detector for detecting a light quantity of the light source devices can acquire in time-division the output of each of light source devices. Accordingly, a failure detection unit can determine whether or not there is abnormality for each of the light source devices on the basis of the output of the light quantity detector.

Description

  The present invention relates to a light source system.

  In general, in a light source system, various mechanisms for detecting a system abnormality are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following technique. This light source system includes a light source having a semiconductor light emitting element inside a package, a lens for condensing light emitted from the light source, a connector for introducing the condensed light into a light guide member, and a connection to the connector And an optical component that is arranged at the other end of the light guide member and emits the guided light. Further, a light branching member is disposed between the lens for condensing light from the light source and the connector. Further, a light receiving element is disposed as a detection member that detects return light reflected by the optical component and branched by the light branching member. This light source system detects disconnection of the light guide member based on the intensity of light detected by the light receiving element.

JP 2008-026698 A

  For example, in the light source system as described above, when it is desired to increase the amount of emitted light or to widen the emission (irradiation) range, for example, two or more sets of light source devices including the light source to the emission port can be used simultaneously. Conceivable. In such a light source system having two or more sets of light source devices, if a mechanism for detecting an abnormality of each light source device is provided, the configuration of the entire system increases.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a light source system having two or more sets of light source devices, which is not increased in size, and can identify the presence or absence of abnormality in each of the two or more sets of light source devices. .

  In order to achieve the above object, an aspect of the light source system of the present invention includes a plurality of light source devices each emitting output light having different identification factors, the light received from the output light, and a light reception signal corresponding to the output light. An output photodetector and the light reception signal are acquired, and the presence or absence of a failure of each of the plurality of light source devices is specified based on the component derived from the identification factor included in the light reception signal and the light reception signal And a failure detection unit.

  According to the present invention, the presence or absence of abnormality can be specified for each of the plurality of light source devices based on the identification factor, so that the light source system having two or more sets of light source devices does not increase in size and has two or more sets. It is possible to provide a light source system capable of specifying the presence or absence of abnormality for each light source device.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a light source system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of each part of the light source system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows another example of arrangement | positioning of each part of the light source system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows another example of arrangement | positioning of each part of the light source system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows another example of arrangement | positioning of each part of the light source system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The timing chart which shows an example of operation | movement of the light source system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The timing chart which shows an example of operation | movement of the light source system which concerns on the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. The timing chart which shows an example of operation | movement of the light source system which concerns on the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment. 9 is a timing chart illustrating an example of an operation of a light source system according to a third modification of the first embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the light source system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The timing chart which shows an example of operation | movement of the light source system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the light source system which concerns on the 1st modification of 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the light source system which concerns on the 2nd modification of 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the light source system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An outline of the configuration of the light source system according to this embodiment is shown in FIG. The light source system includes a light source control unit 11, a failure detection unit 12, a first light source device 13, a second light source device 14, a light amount detector 15, and a warning device 16.

  The light source control unit 11 controls the entire light source system. For example, the light source control unit 11 controls the operations of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 to be described in detail later, and the light emission timing of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 Adjust the intensity of the emitted light. Further, the light source control unit 11 performs the operations of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 according to the states of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 input from the failure detection unit 12. Control.

  The first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 each emit light under the control of the light source control unit 11. The light quantity detector 15 is disposed at a place where the output light of the first light source device 13 and the output light of the second light source device 14 are incident. The light amount detector 15 receives the output light of the first light source device 13 and the output light of the second light source device 14 and outputs a light reception signal corresponding to the light amount to the failure detection unit 12.

  The failure detection unit 12 acquires a light reception signal from the light amount detector 15. Further, the failure detection unit 12 acquires a signal representing the light emission timing, the light amount, and the like from the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 from the light source control unit 11. The failure detection unit 12 identifies a state such as the presence / absence of a failure in the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 based on these acquired signals. The failure detection unit 12 outputs the identified states of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 to the light source control unit 11. In addition, when the failure detection unit 12 detects that the first light source device 13 or the second light source device 14 is abnormal, the failure detection unit 12 causes the warning device 16 to issue a warning.

  The warning device 16 issues a warning when an abnormality is detected in the first light source device 13 or the second light source device 14 under the instruction of the failure detection unit 12. The warning device 16 is a speaker, for example, and may be configured to emit sound. Moreover, the warning device 16 is LED, for example, and may display that there is an abnormality by lighting. Moreover, you may comprise the alarm device 16 so that it may bear on the display apparatus connected to this light source device.

  Thus, for example, the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 function as a plurality of light source devices each emitting output light. For example, the light amount detector 15 receives the output light and outputs the output light. For example, the failure detection unit 12 acquires the light reception signal, and based on the component derived from the identification factor included in the light reception signal and the light reception signal, a plurality of light reception signals are output. It functions as a failure detection unit that identifies the presence or absence of each failure of the light source device. In the present embodiment, there are two light source devices, the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14, whereas the light amount detector 15 is one, and the number of the light amount detectors 15. Is less than the number of light source devices.

  Here, the example of arrangement | positioning of the 1st light source device 13, the 2nd light source device 14, and the light quantity detector 15 is demonstrated. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the light amount detector 15 is fixed by the holding unit 21 at a position where light emitted from the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 is directly incident. In FIG. 2, the light amount detector 15 is arranged in front of the light emission direction of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14, but the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14. If it is a position where the light emitted from is directly incident, it may be arranged at a biased position. In FIG. 2, the holding unit 21 is drawn integrally with a member that fixes the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14. However, if the light amount detector 15 can be held at an appropriate position, the holding unit 21 is drawn. Not limited to.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a mirror 22 fixed to the holding unit 21 is disposed at a position where light emitted from the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 is directly incident, The light quantity detector 15 may be arranged so as to receive the light reflected by the mirror 22.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a light amount detector 15 is arranged on a cover-like holding member 23 that is detachable with respect to a portion where the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 are arranged. Also good. In this case, the holding member 23 is installed so as to cover a portion where the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 are arranged before using the light source system, and in this state, the first light source device. 13 and the second light source device 14 are checked for abnormality. Thereafter, the holding member 23 is removed from the portion where the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 are arranged, and this light source system is used. The light amount detector 15 is disposed inside the cover-like holding member 23 and is disposed at a position where light emitted from the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 directly enters. With such a configuration, the presence or absence of the above can be safely inspected before use.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the light source system includes an optical member 24 such as a lens that adjusts the light emitted from the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14. The light quantity detector 15 may be disposed at a position where the light reflected by the surface of the optical member 24 can be received. In this case, the optical member 24 is preferably processed so as to appropriately reflect the light emitted from the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14.

  Next, the operation of the light source system according to this embodiment will be described. The light source control unit 11 controls turning on or off of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14. In the present embodiment, the detection period is a period for specifying a failed light source device, that is, a period for specifying whether one of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 has a failure. Is provided. In the present embodiment, this detection period is provided after the light source system is turned on and before use as a light source, that is, at the start of light emission of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14. Yes.

  FIG. 6 shows a timing chart of an operation example of the light source system. In this figure, the upper part shows the output of the first light source device 13, the middle part shows the output of the second light source device 14, and the lower part shows the output of the light quantity detector 15. As shown in this figure, in the detection period, the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 are controlled to be lit individually. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 2, in the first half of the detection period (the period shown by (i)), only the first light source device 13 is turned on and the second light source device 14 is turned off, and the second half of the detection period. On the other hand (in the period indicated by (ii)), only the second light source device 14 is turned on and the first light source device 13 is turned off.

  During this detection period, the light amount detector 15 detects the light emitted by the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 and outputs an output value corresponding to the light amount to the failure detection unit 12. Further, the light source control unit 11 outputs a signal related to the light emission timing of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 and the amount of emitted light to the failure detection unit 12. The failure detection unit 12 has a failure in the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 based on the value according to the light amount input from the light amount detector 15 and the signal input from the light source control unit 11. Specify whether or not.

Here, in the detection period, the time during which the first light source device 13 emits light and the time during which the second light source device 14 emits light are separated. Therefore, although there is one light amount detector 15, the failure detection unit 12 uses the information input from the light source control unit 11 to output the light amount detector 15 from the first light source device 13. A signal derived from light and a signal derived from light emitted from the second light source device 14 can be separated.
The detection period may be set to a length that allows the light amount detector 15 to detect the light amount stably. For example, when the output of the light quantity detector 15 is integrated and used, the detection period may be set to a length that can secure an integration time for obtaining a necessary SN ratio.

  This will be described more specifically. As shown in FIG. 6, during the period in which the first light source device 13 is lit (period indicated by (i)), the light amount detector 15 detects the light emitted from the first light source device 13. The value corresponding to the amount of light is output to the failure detection unit 12. Similarly, during the period in which the second light source device 14 is lit (the period indicated by (ii)), the light amount detector 15 detects the light emitted from the second light source device 14 and sets the amount of the light. The corresponding value is output to the failure detection unit 12. In the case where both the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 are operating normally, the failure detection unit 12 also detects the second half of the detection period (the period indicated by (i)). (Period (ii)) also indicates that both the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 are operating normally because both signals indicating lighting are input from the light quantity detector 15. it can. When it is determined that the light source is operating normally, as shown in FIG. 6, both the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 are turned on to start operation as a normal light source. To do.

  On the other hand, for example, when the first light source device 13 is not functioning normally and the light emitted from the first light source device 13 is weak, the period during which the first light source device 13 is lit (in FIG. In the period indicated by i), the output of the light quantity detector 15 decreases. The failure detection unit 12 having received such a signal can specify that the first light source device 13 has failed. Conversely, for example, when the second light source device 14 is not functioning normally and the light emitted from the second light source device 14 is weak, the period during which the second light source device 14 is lit (in FIG. 6). In the period (ii), the output of the light amount detector 15 decreases. The failure detection unit 12 having received such a signal can specify that the second light source device 14 has failed.

  For example, when there is a failure in the first light source device 13, the failure detection unit 12 outputs to the light source control unit 11 that the first light source device 13 has failed. For example, the light source control unit 11 that has input that the first light source device 13 has failed turns off the first light source device 13 and turns on the second light source device 14. The first light source device 13 may be operated so as to be dimmed to a safe level without being completely turned off. For example, when there is a failure in the second light source device 14, the light source control unit 11 turns off the second light source device 14 and turns on the first light source device 13.

  In the above description, the two light source devices are described as the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14, but the same configuration can be made when there are three or more light source devices. That is, the detection period may be divided according to the number of light source devices, the light source devices may be sequentially turned on, and the light amount detector 15 may detect the light amount.

  In the above description, one of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 is completely turned off in a specific period of the detection period. However, the output may be reduced. . In this case, the failure detection unit 12 is configured to identify the presence or absence of a failure in consideration of the output decrease amount.

  According to the light source system according to the present embodiment that operates as described above, in a system having two or more light source devices, a single light amount detector 15 can be used without increasing the size of a mechanism for detecting the presence or absence of abnormality. The presence or absence of failure of each light source device can be specified. Therefore, when some of the light source devices fail, only the failed light source device can be stopped and the other light source devices can continue to operate. As a result, even if a failure occurs in any of the light source devices, the output of the illumination light can be maintained by the light source device that does not have a failure.

In the description of the present embodiment, the light amount of the light source device having an abnormality is reduced. However, even when the amount of light increases due to the abnormality, the failure detection unit 12 can similarly detect the abnormality.
In the present embodiment, the light quantity detector 15 always outputs the light reception signal indicating the light reception amount, but may be configured to output the light reception signal only during the detection period. In this case, the light quantity detector 15 is controlled by the failure detection unit 12.

[First Modification of First Embodiment]
A first modification of the first embodiment will be described. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. In the first embodiment, a detection period is provided before using the light source system. On the other hand, in this modification, the detection period is periodically provided during use of the light source system.

  FIG. 7 shows a timing chart of the operation of the light source system according to this modification. As shown in this figure, the detection period in which the light quantity detector 15 outputs a light reception signal is inserted during the normal operation in which both the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 emit light. ing. In other words, during the detection period, the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 both perform a normal operation of emitting light.

  In the detection period, the light source control unit 11 sequentially turns on the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 similarly to the detection period in the first embodiment. In FIG. 7, the period during which the first light source device 13 is lit is indicated by (i), and the period during which the second light source device 14 is lit is indicated by (ii). The light quantity detector 15 detects light and outputs a signal representing the light quantity to the failure detection unit 12. The failure detector 12 outputs the output of the light amount detector 15 during the period when the first light source device 13 shown in FIG. 7 (i) is lit and the second output shown in FIG. 7 (ii). Based on the output of the light amount detector 15 during the period when the light source device 14 is turned on, the normality or abnormality of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 is specified as in the case of the first embodiment. To do. The failure detection unit 12 outputs the presence / absence of abnormality of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 to the light source control unit 11.

  As in the case of the first embodiment, the number of light source devices is not limited to two, and may be three or more. When the number of light source devices is three or more, each light source device may be turned on sequentially during the detection period. Further, the light quantity detector 15 may continuously output a light reception signal indicating the amount of received light, or may be configured to output a light reception signal only during the detection period. In any case, the failure detection unit 12 performs a process using the light reception signal in the detection period.

  When the light source system is used in combination with an imaging device and the light source system is used for illumination of a subject to be imaged, the detection period is set to the imaging device's readout period, blanking period, or the like. It may be provided in a period other than the exposure period. By doing in this way, it does not affect the image shooting by the imaging device. According to the present modification, it is possible to periodically inspect for an abnormality in the light source device.

  When the light source device is controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM), the modulation period of the pulse modulation is equal to the insertion period of the detection period, and the same effect can be obtained.

[Second Modification of First Embodiment]
A second modification of the first embodiment will be described. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described. In this modification, the total light amount of the outputs of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 is detected during use of the light source system, and the failure detection unit 12 detects a failure due to the change in the total light amount. Detect. When the occurrence of a failure is detected, a detection period is provided as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 shows a timing chart of the operation of the light source system according to this modification. The light quantity detector 15 receives light emitted from the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 during a period of use of the light source system, which is indicated as a usage period in FIG. Output to the detector 12. Here, the failure detection unit 12 does not distinguish between the output of the first light source device 13 and the output of the second light source device 14, and acquires the light reception signal output by the light amount detector 15 for the total of both outputs. Yes.

  If the failure detection unit 12 detects that the light intensity changes beyond the allowable range based on the signal from the light amount detector 15 during the use period, the failure detection unit 12 shifts to the detection period. In FIG. 8, the lower limit value of the allowable range is indicated by a one-dot chain line. That is, when the detection value by the light amount detector 15 is out of the allowable range, there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the first light source device 13 or the second light source device 14. However, as to which of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 is abnormal, the sum of the output of the first light source device 13 and the output of the second light source device 14 is detected. It cannot be specified by the period of use. Therefore, it is specified in the detection period which of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 is abnormal.

  When the failure detection unit 12 detects that the light intensity has changed beyond the allowable range during the use period, the failure detection unit 12 outputs to that effect to the light source control unit 11 and that the shift to the detection period. In the detection period, as in the case of the first embodiment, the light source control unit 11 turns on only the first light source device 13 in a predetermined period, and turns on only the second light source device 14 in other periods. . As in the case of the first embodiment, the failure detection unit 12 receives the light emission timings of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 acquired from the light source control unit 11 and the light reception acquired from the light amount detector 15. Based on the relationship with the light intensity included in the signal, it is specified which of the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 is abnormal. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the failure detection unit 12 specifies that the second light source device 14 has an abnormality based on the small output of the light amount detector 15 related to the second light source device 14.

  The failure detection unit 12 transmits to the light source control unit 11 the light source device having the abnormality identified in the detection period. The light source control unit 11 stops or reduces the output of the light source device having the abnormality to a safe level. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, since the failure detection unit 12 has specified that the second light source device 14 is abnormal, the light source control unit 11 stops the output of the second light source device 14 after the detection period. is doing.

  According to this modification, the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 can be constantly turned on during the use period. That is, lighting with a lighting duty ratio of 100% is possible. Therefore, this modification is effective when a higher amount of light is required.

  For detecting the failure during the use period, the light amount detector 15 used in the detection period may be used as in this modification, but the failure may be detected by other means. For example, when the light source system is used in combination with a video acquisition system, a decrease in light amount may be detected based on an image acquired by a color image sensor of the video acquisition system.

[Third Modification of First Embodiment]
A third modification of the first embodiment will be described. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described. This modification is an operation example according to the case where there are three or more light source devices.
FIG. 9 shows a timing chart of the operation of the light source system according to this modification. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the light source system includes three light source devices. Here, these light sources are referred to as a first light source device, a second light source device, and a third light source device, and will be described assuming that the second light source device has a failure.

  In the present modification, as in the second modification of the first embodiment, a detection period is provided while the light source system is being used. In the detection period, the light source control unit 11 sequentially turns off one light source device among the first to third light source devices. That is, in the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the light source control unit 11 turns off the first light source device and turns on the second and third light source devices during the detection period (i). Similarly, in the period indicated by (ii) during the detection period, the light source control unit 11 turns off the second light source device and turns on the first and third light source devices. In the period indicated as (iii) in the detection period, the light source control unit 11 turns off the third light source device and turns on the first and second light source devices.

  At this time, the light quantity detector 15 detects the light emitted from the light source device and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity to the failure detection unit 12. Since the output of the second light source device is lower than normal (broken line shown in the second row in FIG. 9), the second light source device is lit during the detection period as shown in the lowermost row in FIG. The output of the light quantity detector 15 during the period marked (i) and during the period marked (iii) is lower than the output during the period marked (ii). In this example, the failure detection unit 12 identifies that the second light source device is abnormal by comparing the outputs of the light quantity detectors 15 for each period. In this way, the failure detection unit 12 can specify which light source device has a failure among the plurality of light source devices.

  Instead of turning off the light source devices in order, the light source control unit 11 may change the output of the specific light source device to a predetermined ratio, for example, half of the normal value. In that case as well, if any of the light source devices has a failure, the failure detection unit 12 can identify the failed light source device.

  Further, by modulating the output light amount of each light source device in a predetermined pattern during the detection period, the failure detection unit 12 can separate the light for each light source device based on the output of the light amount detector 15 to detect failure. The unit 12 may be configured to identify the failed light source device. For example, by making the patterns used for the modulation of each light source device orthogonal, it is possible to grasp which light source device the light from the light amount detector 15 is derived from.

  Moreover, not only changing the light quantity one by one among many light source devices, but also taking the approach of the optimal weighing problem, it is configured to identify the failed light source device in the shortest detection period. Also good. That is, the light amount of a plurality of light source devices may be changed at the same time, and the light source device having an abnormality may be specified based on the combination thereof. For example, turn off half of all the light source devices, specify which half contains the light source device that has an abnormality, and then do the same for the half light source device that contains the light source device that has an abnormality. Repeatedly, limiting the number of light source devices finally having an abnormality to one. Which light source device output light amount or the like is changed can be prepared in advance and provided in a storage unit (not shown). In this case, the light source control unit 11 can read the pattern provided in the storage unit and control the light source device. Such a method is particularly effective in the case of a light source system including many light source devices, for example, a light source system including several tens or more light source devices.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment, a light source device that is abnormal is specified using a difference in wavelength of light emitted from the light source device using a spectroscopic sensor.

  The configuration of the light source system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 of the light source device emit light having different wavelengths. Here, the wavelength of the light emitted from the first light source device 13 is λ1, and the wavelength of the light emitted from the second light source device 14 is λ2. The light source system according to the present embodiment has a spectroscopic sensor 35 instead of the light amount detector 15 in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the light source control unit 11 turns on both the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 simultaneously. The spectroscopic sensor 35 detects a received light signal including a wavelength-specific intensity signal indicating the light intensity of the wavelength λ1 emitted from the first light source device 13 and the light intensity of the wavelength λ2 emitted from the second light source device 14. 12 is output.

  The failure detection unit 12 determines whether there is an abnormality in the first light source device 13 and the second light source device 14 based on the light reception signal input from the spectroscopic sensor 35. For example, when the failure detection unit 12 detects that the output of the first light source device 13 or the second light source device 14 has decreased, or the output of the first light source device 13 or the second light source device 14 is a predetermined value. When it is detected that the range has been exceeded, it can be determined that the light source device is abnormal. Further, the amount of light emitted from the first light source device 13 and the amount of light emitted from the second light source device 14 may be compared to determine a failure based on the magnitude or difference.

  When the failure detection unit 12 detects that the first light source device 13 or the second light source device 14 is abnormal, the failure detection unit 12 outputs the fact to the light source control unit 11. The light source control unit 11 turns off the light source device having an abnormality. The light source controller 11 may reduce the output to a safe level, for example, a level that does not ignite, without turning off the abnormal light source device. A light source device having no abnormality can maintain lighting.

  For example, consider a case where the output of the second light source device 14 decreases as shown in FIG. At this time, based on the output of the spectroscopic sensor 35, that is, the light intensity of the wavelength λ1 emitted by the first light source device 13 does not change, and the light intensity of the wavelength λ2 emitted by the second light source device 14 decreases. The failure detection unit 12 identifies that the second light source device 14 is abnormal. The failure detection unit 12 outputs to the light source control unit 11 that the second light source device 14 has an abnormality. The light source control unit 11 stops the output of the second light source device 14 based on the information input from the failure detection unit 12.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a light source system having two or more light source devices, any one of a plurality of light source devices can be performed by one spectroscopic sensor without increasing the size of a mechanism for detecting the presence or absence of abnormality. It is possible to specify whether or not the light source device is out of order. Therefore, when some of the light source devices fail, only the failed light source device can be stopped and the other light source devices can continue to operate. As a result, the output of the illumination light can be maintained by the light source device that does not have a failure. In the first embodiment, it is necessary to turn off each light source device every period. However, according to this embodiment, it is possible to detect an abnormality while each light source device is always turned on. .

  Here, the case where there are two light source devices and two wavelengths of emitted light has been described as an example, but there are three or more light source devices and three or more types of wavelengths. Can be configured similarly. Moreover, this embodiment can also be combined with the first embodiment. For example, it is assumed that there are four light source devices, two of which emit light of wavelength λ1, and the other two emit light of wavelength λ2. At this time, a detection period is provided, and in the detection period, in order to specify the presence or absence of each failure of the light source device that emits light of wavelength λ1, as in the first embodiment, the emission of each light is performed. You may make it vary timing. Similarly, in the detection period, in order to specify the presence or absence of failure of each light source device that emits light of wavelength λ2, the timing of emission of each light may be varied.

[First Modification of Second Embodiment]
A first modification of the second embodiment will be described. Here, differences from the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, the light source system according to this modification includes a light source control unit 11, a failure detection unit 12, a first excitation light source 33, a second excitation light source 34, and a first optical fiber 36. A second optical fiber 37, a first phosphor unit 38, a second phosphor unit 39, a spectroscopic sensor 35, and a warning device 16.

  The light source control unit 11 controls the outputs of the first excitation light source 33 and the second excitation light source 34. The first excitation light source 33 emits excitation light having a wavelength λ 1 under the control of the light source control unit 11. Excitation light emitted from the first excitation light source 33 enters the first optical fiber 36. The first optical fiber 36 guides the incident excitation light to the first phosphor unit 38. In the first phosphor unit 38, part of the excitation light having the wavelength λ1 guided by the first optical fiber 36 is converted in wavelength, and the fluorescence having the wavelength λ3 is emitted. In addition, the excitation light guided by the first optical fiber 36 and not wavelength-converted by the first phosphor unit 38 is transmitted through the first phosphor unit 38 and emitted. Thus, the first excitation light source 33, the first optical fiber 36, and the first phosphor unit 38 constitute a first light source device 51.

  Similarly, the second excitation light source 34 emits excitation light having a wavelength λ 2 under the control of the light source control unit 11. The excitation light emitted from the second excitation light source 34 enters the second optical fiber 37. The second optical fiber 37 guides the incident excitation light to the second phosphor unit 39. In the second phosphor unit 39, part of the excitation light having the wavelength λ2 guided by the second optical fiber 37 is wavelength-converted, and the fluorescence having the wavelength λ4 is emitted. Also, the excitation light guided by the second optical fiber 37 and not wavelength-converted by the second phosphor unit 39 is transmitted through the second phosphor unit 39 and emitted. As described above, the second excitation light source 34, the second optical fiber 37, and the second phosphor unit 39 constitute a second light source device 52.

  The spectroscopic sensor 35 receives the excitation light of wavelength λ1 and the fluorescence of wavelength λ3 emitted from the first phosphor unit 38, and the excitation light of wavelength λ2 and the fluorescence of wavelength λ4 emitted from the second phosphor unit 39. To do. The spectroscopic sensor 35 outputs the light intensity to the failure detection unit 12 for each of the excitation light having the wavelength λ1, the excitation light having the wavelength λ2, the fluorescence having the wavelength λ3, and the fluorescence having the wavelength λ4.

Based on the input from the spectroscopic sensor 35, the failure detection unit 12 includes a first excitation light source 33, a second excitation light source 34, a first optical fiber 36, a second optical fiber 37, and a first phosphor unit. 38 and the second phosphor unit 39 is identified whether or not there is a failure.
For example, when neither the light with the wavelength λ1 nor the light with the wavelength λ3 is detected, it is considered that the first excitation light source 33 or the first optical fiber 36 is abnormal. Further, when the light with the wavelength λ1 is detected and the light with the wavelength λ3 is not detected, it is considered that the first phosphor unit 38 is abnormal. Moreover, when neither the light of wavelength λ2 nor the light of wavelength λ4 is detected, it is considered that the second pumping light source 34 or the second optical fiber 37 is abnormal. In addition, when the light with the wavelength λ2 is detected and the light with the wavelength λ4 is not detected, it is considered that the second phosphor unit 39 is abnormal.

  The failure detection unit 12 includes a first excitation light source 33, a second excitation light source 34, a first optical fiber 36, a second optical fiber 37, a first phosphor unit 38, and a second phosphor unit 39. If any of them is detected to be faulty, the fact is output to the light source control unit 11. When the light source control unit 11 inputs from the failure detection unit 12 that a failure has been detected, the light source control unit 11 turns off the first excitation light source 33 or the second excitation light source 34 related to the failure. The light source control unit 11 may reduce the output of the first excitation light source 33 or the second excitation light source 34 related to the failure.

Also in the light source device using the excitation light source and the wavelength conversion unit as in the present modification, one light source device among a plurality of light source devices has failed due to one spectroscopic sensor, as in the second embodiment. Can be identified.
Here, the case where there are two excitation light sources and two wavelengths of emitted light has been described as an example, but the same is true even when there are three or more excitation light sources and three or more types of wavelengths. .

[Second Modification of Second Embodiment]
A second modification of the second embodiment will be described. Here, differences from the second embodiment will be described. When the light source system is used in combination with the video acquisition system, the light amount of each wavelength may be detected based on the image acquired by the color image sensor of the video acquisition system. In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the light source system may include a color image sensor 31 uniquely. In any case, the color light sensor captures the reflected light of the light irradiated to the irradiation object 90 by the light source device, and specifies whether the light source is abnormal.

In such a case, the failure detection unit 12 acquires information on an image acquired by the color image sensor 31 by photographing. The failure detection unit 12 obtains the light intensity for each wavelength related to the light source system based on the image information. Based on this light intensity, as in the case of the second embodiment described above, it is determined whether each light source provided in the light source system has an abnormality.
Also in this modification, as in the second embodiment, it is possible to identify which light source device out of the plurality of light source devices has failed.

[Third Embodiment]
A third embodiment will be described. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 14 shows a configuration example of the light source system according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the light source system includes a light source control unit 11, a failure detection unit 12, a first excitation light source 33, a second excitation light source 34, a first branch coupler 41, and a second branch. The coupler 42, the first phosphor unit 38, the second phosphor unit 39, the first optical fiber 43, the second optical fiber 44, the third optical fiber 45, and the fourth light A fiber 46, a fifth optical fiber 47, a sixth optical fiber 48, a wavelength filter 49, a light amount detector 15, and a warning device 16 are provided.

  The first branch coupler 41 and the second branch coupler 42 are 2 × 1 type branch couplers. A first optical fiber 43 and a third optical fiber 45 are connected to the root side port of the first branch coupler 41. A first excitation light source 33 is connected to the other end of the first optical fiber 43. A light amount detector 15 is connected to the other end of the third optical fiber 45 via a wavelength filter 49. A second optical fiber 44 is connected to the front end side port of the first branch coupler 41. The first phosphor unit 38 is connected to the other end of the second optical fiber 44. In this way, the first excitation light source 33, the first branch coupler 41, the first phosphor unit 38, the first optical fiber 43, the second optical fiber 44, and the third light. The fiber 45 constitutes the first light source device 61.

A fourth optical fiber 46 and a sixth optical fiber 48 are connected to the root side port of the second branch coupler 42. A second excitation light source 34 is connected to the other end of the fourth optical fiber 46. A light amount detector 15 is connected to the other end of the sixth optical fiber 48 via a wavelength filter 49. A fifth optical fiber 47 is connected to the distal end side port of the second branch coupler 42. The second phosphor unit 39 is connected to the other end of the fifth optical fiber 47. In this way, the second excitation light source 34, the second branch coupler 42, the second phosphor unit 39, the fourth optical fiber 46, the fifth optical fiber 47, and the sixth light The fiber 48 constitutes the second light source device 62.
The light source control unit 11 controls the outputs of the first excitation light source 33 and the second excitation light source 34.

  The light guide in the first light source device 61 will be described. The first excitation light source 33 emits excitation light having a wavelength λ 1 under the control of the light source control unit 11. The excitation light emitted from the first excitation light source 33 enters the first optical fiber 43. The first optical fiber 43 guides the incident excitation light to the first branch coupler 41. Almost all of the pumping light guided from the first optical fiber 43 to the first branch coupler 41 is guided to the second optical fiber 44. The excitation light incident on the second optical fiber 44 is guided to the first phosphor unit 38. In the first phosphor unit 38, a part of the excitation light having the wavelength λ1 guided by the second optical fiber 44 is wavelength-converted by the phosphor in the first phosphor unit 38, and the fluorescence having the wavelength λ3 is converted. The light is emitted from the emission port of the first phosphor unit 38. In addition, the excitation light guided by the second optical fiber 44 and not wavelength-converted by the first phosphor unit 38 is transmitted through the first phosphor unit 38 and emitted.

  Most of the fluorescence converted in wavelength by the first phosphor unit 38 is emitted from the exit of the first phosphor unit 38, but a part of the fluorescence is incident on the second optical fiber 44. The fluorescence incident on the second optical fiber 44 is guided to the first branch coupler 41. In the first branch coupler 41, the fluorescence is ideally incident on the first optical fiber 43 and the third optical fiber 45 by 1/2 each. The fluorescence incident on the third optical fiber 45 is guided to the wavelength filter 49.

  The second excitation light source 34 emits excitation light having a wavelength λ 2 under the control of the light source control unit 11. The excitation light emitted from the first excitation light source 33 enters the fourth optical fiber 46. The fourth optical fiber 46 guides the incident excitation light to the second branch coupler 42. Almost all of the pumping light guided from the fourth optical fiber 46 to the second branch coupler 42 is guided to the fifth optical fiber 47. The excitation light incident on the fifth optical fiber 47 is guided to the second phosphor unit 39. In the second phosphor unit 39, a part of the excitation light having the wavelength λ2 guided by the fifth optical fiber 47 is wavelength-converted by the phosphor in the second phosphor unit 39, and the fluorescence having the wavelength λ4 is converted. The light is emitted from the emission port of the second phosphor unit 39. Further, the excitation light guided by the fifth optical fiber 47 and not wavelength-converted by the second phosphor unit 39 passes through the second phosphor unit 39 and is emitted.

Most of the fluorescence converted in wavelength by the second phosphor unit 39 is emitted from the exit of the second phosphor unit 39, but part of the fluorescence enters the fifth optical fiber 47. The fluorescence incident on the fifth optical fiber 47 is guided to the second branch coupler 42. In the second branch coupler 42, the fluorescence is ideally incident on the fourth optical fiber 46 and the sixth optical fiber 48 ½ each. The fluorescence incident on the sixth optical fiber 48 is guided to the wavelength filter 49.
As the wavelength filter 49, a filter that transmits fluorescence of wavelengths λ3 and λ4 is used. Therefore, the fluorescence guided by the third optical fiber 45 or the sixth optical fiber 48 enters the light amount detector 15.

  The light source controller 11 controls turning on and off of the first excitation light source 33 and the second excitation light source 34. In the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the first excitation light source 33 and the second excitation light source 34 are controlled so as to have a period during which they are individually lit. Based on the amount of light detected by the light amount detector 15 at each time, the failure detection unit 12 detects the state of the first light source device 61 and the second light source device 62. That is, when the light source system is operating normally, the amount of fluorescent light incident on the light amount detector 15 falls within a predetermined range. This predetermined range is determined based on the amount of light incident on the light amount detector 15 during normal operation. Thus, when the amount of fluorescent light incident on the light amount detector 15 is within a predetermined range, the failure detection unit 12 determines that the light source device is operating normally.

  In addition, the failure detection unit 12 is configured such that the first light source to which the first excitation light source 33 belongs when, for example, the light amount detected by the light amount detector 15 decreases during a period in which only the first excitation light source 33 is lit. It is determined that the device 61 has failed. Conversely, for example, when the amount of light detected by the light amount detector 15 decreases during a period in which only the second excitation light source 34 is lit, the second light source device 62 to which the second excitation light source 34 belongs fails. The failure detection unit 12 determines that the error has occurred.

  For example, when a failure occurs in the first phosphor unit 38, such as when the phosphor is cracked or the phosphor is detached from the first phosphor unit 38, the excitation light applied to the phosphor is changed. Decrease. For this reason, the fluorescence wavelength-converted by the phosphor decreases, and the fluorescence re-entering the second optical fiber 44 also decreases. The fluorescence re-incident on the second optical fiber 44 enters the light amount detector 15 via the third optical fiber 45 in the same manner as in normal operation. At this time, the light amount of the fluorescence becomes the light amount in normal operation. Compared to decrease. The same applies when a failure occurs in the second phosphor unit 39.

  Further, for example, when the second optical fiber 44 is disconnected, the pumping light that is incident on the first optical fiber 43 from the first pumping light source 33 and passes through the first branch coupler 41 is transmitted to the second optical fiber. The amount of excitation light that is reflected at the disconnection portion 44 and proceeds toward the first phosphor unit 38 from the disconnection portion is reduced. Accordingly, the excitation light incident on the first phosphor unit 38 is reduced. Therefore, the fluorescence generated in the phosphor decreases, and the fluorescence re-entering the second optical fiber 44 from the phosphor decreases. Therefore, the fluorescence incident on the light quantity detector 15 decreases. The same applies when the fifth optical fiber 47 is disconnected.

  When the first optical fiber 43 is disconnected, the excitation light incident on the first optical fiber 43 from the first excitation light source 33 is reflected and scattered by the disconnected portion of the first optical fiber 43, and the first The excitation light incident on one branch coupler 41 decreases. Accordingly, the excitation light incident on the first phosphor unit 38 is reduced. Therefore, the fluorescence generated in the phosphor is reduced. As a result, the fluorescence re-entering the second optical fiber 44 from the phosphor decreases, and the fluorescence incident on the light quantity detector 15 decreases. The same applies when the fourth optical fiber 46 is disconnected.

When the third optical fiber 45 is disconnected, a part of the fluorescence generated by the first phosphor unit 38 reenters the second optical fiber 44 as in the normal operation, and the first optical fiber 45 ½ fluorescence is incident on the third optical fiber 45 by the branch coupler 41. Since the amount of this fluorescent light decreases at the disconnection portion of the third optical fiber 45, the amount of fluorescent light incident on the light amount detector 15 decreases. The same applies when the sixth optical fiber 48 is disconnected.
As described above, when the optical fiber constituting the light source system of the present embodiment is disconnected or when a failure occurs in each phosphor unit, the amount of fluorescent light incident on the light amount detector 15 decreases. .

When a failure is detected in the first light source device 61 or the second light source device 62, the failure detection unit 12 outputs a message to that effect to the light source control unit 11.
The light source control unit 11 that has input that a failure has been detected in the first light source device 61 or the second light source device 62 is the one of the failed first light source device 61 and second light source device 62 that has failed. The first excitation light source 33 or the second excitation light source 34 belonging to is turned off. Even if the light is not completely turned off, the output may be reduced to a safe level, for example, a level at which laser leakage does not affect the human body. Of the first excitation light source 33 and the second excitation light source 34, the light source in which no failure is detected can be kept on.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the light source system having the configuration of the present embodiment, the optical fiber is disconnected or the wavelength conversion member is dropped without increasing the size of the mechanism for detecting the presence or absence of abnormality. The occurrence of breakage can be detected by one light quantity detector 15 and it can be specified which of the plurality of light source devices has failed. As a result, the output of the excitation light source related to the failure can be stopped or reduced. As described above, it is possible to prevent the excitation light from leaking from the light source device to the outside with a simple configuration, and to ensure high safety, and also to maintain the output of illumination light by maintaining a light source that does not have a failure. be able to.

Further, although the wavelength filter 49 that transmits the fluorescence of the wavelengths λ3 and λ4 is used, a filter that transmits the excitation light of the wavelengths λ1 and λ2 may be used. In that case, for example, when only the first excitation light source 33 is lit, the failure detection unit 12 increases or decreases the light amount detected by the light amount detector 15 and goes out of the predetermined range. It is determined that the first light source device 61 to which the excitation light source 33 belongs has failed. On the other hand, for example, when only the second excitation light source 34 is lit, if the light amount detected by the light amount detector 15 increases or decreases and falls outside a predetermined range, the second excitation light source 34 belongs to. The failure detection unit 12 determines that the second light source device 62 has failed.
Alternatively, the light incident on the light amount detector 15 may be branched by a branching coupler or the like, and wavelength filters that transmit different wavelengths may be provided to detect the light amounts of fluorescence and excitation light. In that case, the failure of the light source device can be more reliably determined by combining the information of the fluorescence and the excitation light.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of problems to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effect of the invention can be obtained. The configuration in which this component is deleted can also be extracted as an invention. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

The light source system according to the present invention includes the following gist.
[1] A plurality of light source devices each emitting output light having different identification factors;
A photodetector for receiving the output light and outputting a light reception signal corresponding to the output light;
A failure detection unit that acquires the light reception signal and identifies the presence or absence of a failure in each of the plurality of light source devices based on the component derived from the identification factor included in the light reception signal and the light reception signal;
A light source system comprising:
[2] Further comprising a mirror on which the output light is incident,
The photodetector receives the output light guided by the mirror;
The light source system according to [1], wherein
[3] The light source system according to [1], wherein the photodetector receives the output light reflected by an object illuminated with the output light.
[4] The light source device includes an optical member that adjusts an optical path of the output light,
The photodetector receives the output light reflected by the optical member;
The light source system according to [1], wherein
[5] The photodetector is a video acquisition device,
The light reception signal is a video signal acquired by the video acquisition device.
The light source system according to [1], wherein
[6] Each of the light source devices is
An excitation light source that emits excitation light;
An optical fiber for guiding the excitation light source;
A wavelength converting member that absorbs the excitation light guided by the optical fiber, converts the wavelength, and emits the wavelength converted light;
Have
The light source device emits the excitation light and the wavelength converted light as the output light.
The light source system according to [1], wherein
[7] The light source system according to [6], further comprising a detection optical fiber that guides a part of the wavelength converted light emitted from the wavelength conversion member to the photodetector.
[8] A branch coupler inserted in the optical fiber;
A part of the wavelength-converted light emitted from the wavelength conversion member, guided by the optical fiber, and a part of the wavelength-converted light branched by the branch coupler is guided to the photodetector. Fiber,
The light source system according to [6], further comprising:
[9] According to [7] or [8], a part of the wavelength-converted light emitted from the plurality of light source devices is all guided to one photodetector by the detection optical fiber. The light source system described.
[10] The identification factor is the wavelength of the excitation light and / or the wavelength-converted light,
The light reception signal includes a wavelength-specific intensity signal representing the intensity of the output light for each wavelength,
The failure detection unit derives the state of the output light emitted from each of the plurality of light source devices using the intensity signal for each wavelength as the component based on the light reception signal, and each of the plurality of light source devices. Identify the presence or absence of failure,
The light source system according to any one of [6] to [9].
[11] If the failure detection unit specifies that there is a failure in any of the plurality of light source devices,
The light source device having the failure stops or reduces the output of the output light,
The light source device without the failure continues emission of the output light,
The light source system according to [1], further comprising: a light source control unit that controls each of the light source devices.
[12] The light source system according to [1], wherein the light detector is a light amount detector.
[13] The light source system according to [1] or [10], wherein the photodetector is a spectral detector that outputs a light amount for each wavelength as the light reception signal.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Light source control part, 12 ... Failure detection control part, 13 ... 1st light source device, 14 ... 2nd light source device, 15 ... Light quantity detector, 16 ... Warning device, 21 ... Holding part, 22 ... Mirror, 23 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Holding member, 24 ... Optical member, 31 ... Color image sensor, 33 ... 1st excitation light source, 34 ... 2nd excitation light source, 35 ... Spectral sensor, 36 ... 1st optical fiber, 37 ... 2nd light Fibers 38... First phosphor unit 39. Second phosphor unit 41. First branch coupler 42. Second branch coupler 43. First optical fiber 44. Fiber 45 ... third optical fiber 46 ... fourth optical fiber 47 ... fifth optical fiber 48 ... sixth optical fiber 49 ... wavelength filter 51 ... first light source device 52 ... first 2 light source devices, 61 ... first light source device, 62 ... second light source device , 90 ... object to be irradiated.

Claims (13)

A plurality of light source devices each emitting output light having different identification factors;
A photodetector for receiving the output light and outputting a light reception signal corresponding to the output light;
A failure detection unit that acquires the light reception signal and identifies the presence or absence of a failure in each of the plurality of light source devices based on the component derived from the identification factor included in the light reception signal and the light reception signal;
A light source system comprising:   The light source system according to claim 1, wherein the light detector receives at least a part of the output light emitted from all the light source devices.   The light source system according to claim 1, wherein the number of the photodetectors is smaller than the number of the light source devices. The identification factor is the relationship between time and light intensity in the detection period;
The failure detection unit derives a state of the output light emitted from each of the plurality of light source devices using the time when the light intensity changes as the component based on the light reception signal in the detection period, Identifying whether each of the light source devices has a failure,
The light source system according to claim 1, wherein the light source system is a light source system.   The light source system according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of light source devices switch between emission and non-emission of the output light according to the time in the detection period.   The light source system according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of the light source devices change the light intensity of the output light according to the time in the detection period.   The light intensity of the output light of one of the plurality of light source devices is changed in accordance with the time for all the light source devices sequentially in the detection period. 5. The light source system according to 4.   The light source system according to claim 4, wherein the detection period is provided at the start of emission of the output light from the light source device.   8. The light source system according to claim 4, wherein the detection period is periodically provided during emission of the output light of the light source device. 9. The failure detection unit determines whether there is a failure in any of the plurality of light source devices based on the light reception signal during emission of the output light of the light source device,
The detection period is provided when the failure detection unit specifies that there is a failure in any of the light source devices,
The light source system according to claim 4, wherein the light source system is a light source system. The discriminating factor is a wavelength;
The light reception signal includes a wavelength-specific intensity signal representing the intensity of the output light for each wavelength,
The failure detection unit derives the state of the output light emitted from each of the plurality of light source devices using the intensity signal for each wavelength as the component based on the light reception signal, and each of the plurality of light source devices. Identify the presence or absence of failure,
The light source system according to claim 1, wherein the light source system is a light source system.   The light source system according to claim 11, wherein the failure detection unit identifies the presence or absence of a failure in each of the plurality of light source devices by comparing the intensity signals for each wavelength for each wavelength. A holding member that is attachable to and detachable from the output light output port of the light source device;
The photodetector is held by the holding member;
The light source system according to claim 1, wherein the light source system is a light source system.

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