Detector

Abstract

To provide a detector that can suppress reduction of sensing accuracy.SOLUTION: A detector comprises: a sensor panel having a detection region in which a plurality of light sensors are two-dimensionally arranged; a light source which emits light; a member which is provided so as to be capable of installing a body to be detected in order to allow the body to be detected to interpose between the detection region and the light source; and a control circuit which performs treatment based on an output from the plurality of light sensors, where the member has a light-transmitting region in which the body to be detected is installed and a light-shielding region which is provided on outer peripheral side of the light-transmitting region, the detection region is arranged so as to overlap both the light-transmitting region and the light-shielding region, and the control circuit obtains a difference between an output from a light sensor overlapping the light-transmitting region and an output from a light sensor overlapping the light-shielding region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a detection device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a detection device that enables an optical sensor to detect the state of a culture environment in which biological tissues or microorganisms are the culture targets (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Sensing of the culture environment by a detection device such as Patent Document 1 is based on the tendency that the brightness of the light detected by the optical sensor decreases as the culture of the culture target progresses. For this reason, when an error occurs in the output of the optical sensor due to external noise or the like, the accuracy of sensing decreases. There has been a demand for a detection device capable of suppressing such a decrease in sensing accuracy.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a detection device capable of suppressing a decrease in sensing accuracy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a sensor panel having a detection region in which a plurality of optical sensors are two-dimensionally arranged, a light source that emits light, a member provided so that a detection object can be installed to interpose the detection object between the detection region and the light source, and a control circuit that performs processing based on outputs of the plurality of optical sensors. The member has a light-transmitting region where the detection object is installed and a light-shielding region provided on the outer peripheral side of the light-transmitting region. The detection region is arranged to overlap both the light-transmitting region and the light-shielding region. The control circuit obtains a difference between the output of the optical sensors that overlap the light-transmitting region and the output of the optical sensors that overlap the light-shielding region.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and for those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art with appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the invention, they are naturally included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, for the purpose of making the description clearer, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual aspect, but this is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. Also, in this specification and each figure, the same elements as those described above with respect to the previously presented figures may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the main configuration of the detection device 1. The detection device 1 includes a sensor panel 10, a light source panel 20, and a control circuit 30. The sensor panel 10 and the light source panel 20 of the detection device 1 are connected to the control circuit 30.

[0010] The sensor panel 10 has a detection area SA (see Fig. 2) provided on the substrate 11. Also, a reset circuit 13, a scanning circuit 14, and a wiring area VA are mounted on the substrate 11. The components on the detection area SA, the reset circuit 13, and the scanning circuit 14 are connected to the detection circuit 15 via the wiring area VA.

[0011] The light source panel 20 has a light emitting area LA that irradiates the detection area SA with light. The light source panel 20 has a light source 22 provided on the substrate 21. The light source 22 has a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and is arranged within the light emitting area LA. In the example shown in Fig. 1, a plurality of light sources 22 are arranged in a matrix on the substrate 21.

[0012] The light source panel 20 is provided with a light source drive circuit 23. The light source drive circuit 23 performs control of the presence or absence of lighting and the luminance control during lighting of each of the plurality of light sources 22 under the control of the control circuit 30. The plurality of light sources 22 may be provided so as to be individually light emission controllable, or may be provided so as to emit light collectively.

[0013] The control circuit 30 performs various processes related to the operation of the detection device 1. Specifically, the control circuit 30 is a circuit capable of implementing a plurality of functions, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) for example. The control circuit 30 is connected to the detection circuit 15 via the wiring section 19 and obtains the output from the detection circuit 15. Also, the control circuit 30 is connected to the light source drive circuit 23 via the wiring section 29, and performs processes related to the lighting of the light source 22, such as determination of the lighting pattern of the light source 22.

[0014] Also, the control circuit 30 performs calculation of a difference value and determination processing based on the difference value. The calculation and determination processing of such a difference value will be described later.

[0015] Although not shown in the drawings, the detection device 1 includes an analog / digital conversion circuit for enabling the output from the optical sensor WA (see FIG. 2) transmitted via the detection circuit 15 to be handled by arithmetic processing performed by the control circuit 30, and a digital / analog conversion circuit for making the digital signals generated by the arithmetic processing of the control circuit 30 available for use in controlling the operations of the sensor panel 10 and the light source panel 20. These circuits may be, for example, partly or entirely included in the control circuit 30, or may be functions performed by circuits mounted on flexible printed circuits (FPCs) provided as the wiring section 19 and the wiring section 29, or may be mounted on the detection device 1 by other methods.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the detection area SA and the wiring area VA. A plurality of optical sensors WA (FIG. 3) are provided in the detection area SA. In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of optical sensors WA are arranged in a matrix along the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy. The first direction Dx and the second direction Dy are orthogonal to each other. Also, when described as the third direction Dz in the following description, it refers to a direction orthogonal to the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy.

[0017] The reset circuit 13 is connected to reset signal transmission lines 51, 52, ···, 5n. Hereinafter, when described as the reset signal transmission line 5, it refers to any one of the reset signal transmission lines 51, 52, ···, 5n. The reset signal transmission line 5 is a wiring along the first direction Dx. In the example shown in FIG. 2, n reset signal transmission lines 5 are arranged in the second direction Dy. n is a natural number of 2 or more. Such n reset signal transmission lines 5 are connected to the reset circuit 13 on one end side in the first direction Dx.

[0018] The scanning circuit 14 is connected to scanning lines 61, 62, ···, 6n. Hereinafter, when described as the scanning line 6, it refers to any one of the scanning lines 61, 62, ···, 6n. The scanning line 6 is a wiring along the first direction Dx. In the example shown in FIG. 2, n scanning lines 6 are arranged in the second direction Dy. Such n scanning lines 6 are connected to the scanning circuit 14 on the other end side in the first direction Dx.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the reset signal transmission line 5 and the scanning line 6 are alternately arranged in the second direction Dy within the detection region SA. Note that although the reset circuit 13 and the scanning circuit 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are arranged at positions facing each other with the detection region SA therebetween, the layouts of the reset circuit 13 and the scanning circuit 14 are not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.

[0020] Also, signal lines 71, 72, ···, 7m are provided within the detection region SA. Hereinafter, when referring to the signal line 7, any one of the signal lines 71, 72, ···, 7m is meant. The signal line 7 is a wiring along the second direction Dy.

[0021] In the example shown in FIG. 2, m signal lines 7 are arranged in the first direction Dx. m is a natural number of 2 or more. Each of the m signal lines 7 is connected to any one of a plurality of switches (for example, switch SW1, switch SW2, switch SW3, or switch SW4) that the multiplexer 40 has at one end side in the second direction Dy.

[0022] The multiplexer 40 is provided within the wiring region VA. The multiplexer 40 has a plurality of switches. In the example shown in FIG. 2, switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 are shown as the plurality of switches. The plurality of switches that one multiplexer 40 has become ON (conductive state) at different timings. Among the plurality of switches that one multiplexer 40 has, while one switch is ON (conductive state), the other switches are OFF (non-conductive state). The number of multiplexers 40 corresponds to the number (m) of signal lines 7. If the number of switches is p, the number of multiplexers 40 is sufficient if it is m / p. When there are a plurality of multiplexers 40, the plurality of multiplexers 40 are each connected to the detection circuit 15 via individual wirings 401, 402, ···, 40p.

[0023] Note that the connection between the signal line 7 and the detection circuit 15 via the multiplexer 40 is merely an example and is not limited thereto. The signal line 7 may be directly connected to the detection circuit 15 individually within the wiring area VA. Within the wiring area VA, the reset circuit 13 is connected to the detection circuit 15 via the wiring 131. Within the wiring area VA, the scanning circuit 14 is connected to the detection circuit 15 via the wiring 141.

[0024] The detection circuit 15 is related to the detection of light by the PD82 (see FIG. 3) provided in the optical sensor WA, and controls the operation timings of the reset circuit 13 and the scanning circuit 14. Also, the output from the optical sensor WA is input to the detection circuit 15. The detection circuit 15 converts the signal input from the optical sensor WA into data interpretable by the control circuit 30 and outputs it to the control circuit 30. Note that the detection circuit 15 in the embodiment is an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

[0025] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit configuration of the optical sensor WA. Note that the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy in FIG. 3 merely correspond to the directions of the reset signal transmission line 5, the scanning line 6, and the signal line 7, and do not precisely show the relative positional relationship of the circuit configuration within the optical sensor WA.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, a switching element 81, a PD82, a transistor element 83, and a switching element 85 are provided within the optical sensor WA. The PD82 is a photodiode (PD: PhotoDiode). The switching elements 81, 85, and the transistor element are MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor).

[0027] The gate of the switching element 81 is connected to the reset signal transmission line 5. A reset potential VReset is applied to one of the source or drain of the switching element 81. The other of the source or drain of the switching element 81 is connected to the cathode of the PD82 and the gate of the transistor element 83. Hereinafter, when referred to as the connection part CP, it refers to the location where the other, the cathode of the PD82 and the gate of the transistor element 83 are connected. Also, a reference potential VCOM is applied from the anode side of the PD82. The potential difference between the reset potential VReset and the reference potential VCOM is predetermined, but the potentials of the reset potential VReset and the reference potential VCOM may be variable. Note that the reset potential VReset is a potential higher than the reference potential VCOM.

[0028] An output source potential VPP2 is applied to the drain of the transistor element 83 that functions as a source follower. One of the source or drain of the switching element 85 is connected to the source of the transistor element 83. The other of the source or drain of the switching element 85 is connected to the signal line 7. The gate of the switching element 85 is connected to the scanning line 6.

[0029] The reset potential VReset, the reference potential VCOM, and the output source potential VPP2 are supplied by the detection circuit 15 to the optical sensor WA based on the power supplied via a power supply circuit (not shown) connected to the detection circuit 15, for example, but it is not limited thereto and can be appropriately changed.

[0030] The output source potential VPP2 is predetermined. Also, the potential on the source side of the transistor element 83 becomes a potential that is lower than the output potential of the PD82 by the gate-source voltage (Vth) of the transistor element 83. In this case, the potential on the source side of the transistor element 83 depends on the potentials of the reset potential VReset and the reference potential VCOM. The potential of the output of the PD82 depends on the photovoltaic power generated by the PD82 in response to the light detected by the PD82 during the exposure period.

[0031] When the gate of the switching element 85 is turned ON by a signal supplied from the scanning circuit 14 via the scanning line 6, the source-drain of the switching element 85 becomes conductive. As a result, the signal (potential) transmitted to the switching element 85 via the transistor element 83 is transmitted to the signal line 7 through the switching element 85. In this way, an output from the optical sensor WA is generated. Hereinafter, when referring to a scanning signal, it refers to a signal (potential) supplied from the scanning circuit 14 via the scanning line 6. The scanning circuit 14 is a circuit that outputs a scanning signal.

[0032] The output of one PD82 provided in one optical sensor WA corresponds to the intensity of light detected by the PD82 within a predetermined exposure period. The output of the PD82 is reset according to a signal supplied from the reset circuit 13 via the reset signal transmission line 5. When the gate of the switching element 81 is turned ON by this signal, the source-drain of the switching element 81 becomes conductive. As a result, the potential of the connection part CP is reset to the reset potential VReset.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a detection system 100 provided as a configuration including the detection device 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the detection system 100 includes a plurality of detection devices 1, a host IC 70, and a connection circuit 125. The plurality of detection devices 1 are electrically connected to a common host IC 70 via the connection circuit 125.

[0034] The incubator 120 shown in FIG. 4 is maintained in an environment (temperature, humidity, etc.) suitable for culturing the object to be detected SUB with the door closed. The plurality of detection devices 1 are arranged inside the incubator 120 and execute a scan process (see FIG. 10 etc.) described later.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between one detection device 1 and an external configuration. As shown in FIG. 5, the connection between the detection device 1 and the connection circuit 125 is made through the connection between the control circuit 30 and the connection circuit 125. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the sensor panel 10 and the light source panel 20 face each other. Further, a gap is provided between the sensor panel 10 and the light source panel 20 where the object to be detected SUB can be placed.

[0036] The object to be detected SUB is made of a translucent member, and a culture medium is formed on the upper surface side. The culture medium is a medium on which colonies can be cultured. Hereinafter, when simply referred to as a colony, it refers to a colony formed by biological tissues or microorganisms cultured in the culture medium formed on the object to be detected SUB. More specifically, the object to be detected SUB is, for example, a glass Petri dish, but is not limited thereto, and other configurations having the same function may be used. Also, the culture medium formed on the object to be detected SUB does not exhibit complete light-shielding properties, but exhibits translucency to such an extent that the degree of light transmission changes according to the presence or absence of colonies and the thickness of the colonies.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the main configuration of the detection device 1 and the object to be detected SUB. When the object to be detected SUB is placed between the sensor panel 10 and the light source panel 20, as shown in FIG. 6, the object to be detected SUB is placed on the installation member 60. The installation member 60 functions as a member provided so that the object to be detected SUB can be installed so as to interpose the object to be detected SUB between the detection region SA and the light source panel 20.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an object irradiated with light from the sensor panel 10 in a plan view. The plan view refers to a viewpoint of front - viewing the plane along the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy. The installation member 60 is composed of a member having a light - transmitting portion THA on which the object to be detected SUB is placed and having light - transmissivity, and a light - shielding portion SHA located on the outer peripheral side of the light - transmitting portion THA in the plan view and composed of a member having light - shielding property. For a specific example, the light - transmitting portion THA is made of glass or a colorless resin, and the light - shielding portion SHA is made of a black resin. In FIG. 7, the outer edge of the light - transmitting portion THA is shown as an edge ED. That is, with the edge ED as a boundary, the inside is the light - transmitting portion THA and the outside is the light - shielding portion SHA. The light - transmitting portion THA functions as a light - transmitting region at least in part. The light - shielding portion SHA functions as a light - shielding region at least in part.

[0039] For example, when a colony having a shape and size such as the colony SC shown in FIG. 7 is formed in the medium of the object to be detected SUB, the light - transmissivity of the region where the medium of the object to be detected SUB is formed and where the colony SC is located is lower than that of the region other than the colony SC.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, the installation member 60 is provided so that the object to be detected SUB can be placed between the sensor panel 10 and the light - source panel 20. The light - source panel 20 has a light source 22 disposed on the side of the installation member 60 of the substrate 21. The light source 22 is provided to irradiate light toward the installation member 60 side. Further, the substrate 11 of the sensor panel 10 is provided so that the detection region SA (see FIGS. 1 and 2) faces the installation member 60 side. The optical sensor WA (see FIGS. 2 and 3) in the detection region SA generates an output corresponding to the light that is emitted from the light source 22, passes through the light - transmitting portion THA, the object to be detected SUB, the medium formed on the object to be detected SUB, etc., and reaches the optical sensor WA. Therefore, in the embodiment, the output of each of the plurality of optical sensors WA generates an output based on the presence or absence of a colony and the thickness of the colony at the point where each optical sensor WA overlaps in the plan view.

[0041] Of the plurality of optical sensors WA, the light from the light source 22 at the position facing the optical sensor WA that overlaps with the light-shielding portion SHA of the installation member 60 in the plan view is shielded by the light-shielding portion SHA. Therefore, the output of the optical sensor WA produces an output (minimum output) in a state where it substantially does not detect light. In other words, the detection region SA having a plurality of optical sensors WA two-dimensionally arranged along the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy overlaps with the light-transmitting portion THA in part and with the light-shielding portion SHA in another part in the plan view. Thus, in the plan view, the detection region SA covers both the light-transmitting region (light-transmitting portion THA) and the light-shielding region (light-shielding portion SHA).

[0042] In addition, the output of each of the plurality of optical sensors WA is transmitted to the control circuit 30 via the wiring portion 19. FIG. 6 schematically shows that the substrate 31 on which the control circuit 30 (see FIG. 1) is mounted is connected to the wiring portion 19 and the wiring portion 29. The wiring portion 29 connects the control circuit 30 and the light source panel 20. The wiring portion 19 and the wiring portion 29 are, for example, FPCs, but are not limited thereto, and other configurations having the same function may be used. Also, the arrangement of the detection circuit 15 schematically shown in FIG. 6 is merely an example, and does not limit the relationship between the wiring portion 19 and the detection circuit 15. Further, the control circuit 30 shown in FIG. 5 schematically shows the control circuit 30 formed on the substrate 31 shown in FIG. 6, and does not show the relative size and shape of the control circuit 30 with respect to the sensor panel 10 and the light source panel 20.

[0043] As described above, the configuration that is a prerequisite for the detection of light by the plurality of optical sensors WA provided in the detection region SA has been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. Hereinafter, when referring to the output of the detection region SA, it refers to the output corresponding to the detection of light by the plurality of optical sensors WA provided in the detection region SA. Next, the output of the detection region SA will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a schematic graph showing an example of the relationship between the output of the detection area SA and the passage of time accompanied by the growth of colonies in the medium formed on the object to be detected SUB. The "Raw data" indicated by the vertical axis of the graphs shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 described later represents the output of the detection area SA. The horizontal axis of the graphs shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 represents time.

[0045] As described above, among the plurality of optical sensors WA, the optical sensor WA that overlaps with the light-shielding portion SHA of the installation member 60 in a plan view produces an output (minimum output) in a state where it substantially does not detect light. In FIG. 8, such a minimum output is shown as a graph of the light-shielding area output GRB. In the embodiment, even when the output of the optical sensor WA is the minimum output, it shows an output level significantly higher than the state (no output) when the power is off. In FIG. 8, the height of the minimum output level with respect to no output is indicated by level D1.

[0046] On the other hand, the optical sensor WA that overlaps with the light-transmitting portion THA (see FIG. 7) and the object to be detected SUB in a plan view produces an output significantly higher than such a minimum output. In FIG. 8, the output by the optical sensor WA that overlaps with the light-transmitting portion THA (see FIG. 7) and the object to be detected SUB in a plan view is shown as a graph of the light-transmitting area output GRA.

[0047] In the medium formed on the object to be detected SUB, colonies may occur over time. In addition, the generated colonies show changes according to the progress of the culture, such as the area expanding over time. The graph in FIG. 8 is a graph when the culture accompanied by the generation and expansion of such colonies progresses over time. Therefore, with the exception of the timing T2, the output indicated by the light-transmitting area output GRA decreases over time. This is because the function of the colonies to block the light from the sensor panel 10 toward the light source panel 20 becomes more prominent as the colonies are generated and expanded.

[0048] As long as unintentional noise does not affect the sensor panel 10, the output of the optical sensor WA indicated by the light-shielding region output GRB remains constant regardless of the passage of time, and the output of the optical sensor WA indicated by the light-transmitting region output GRA decreases according to the degree of progress of the colony culture that occurs over time. On the other hand, it is difficult to make the possibility that unintentional noise affects the output of the optical sensor WA zero. FIG. 8 shows the case where unintentional noise occurs at timing T2. At timing T2, the outputs of all the optical sensors WA have uniformly increased due to unintentional noise. For this reason, the output of the light-shielding region output GRB is at level D2, which is significantly higher than level D1, while the output at points in time other than timing T2 is at level D1. Also, the output of the light-transmitting region output GRA is significantly higher at timing T2 than the outputs at points in time before and after that.

[0049] If the output of the light-transmitting region output GRA is directly treated as the output indicating the degree of progress of the colony culture, the output may not accurately indicate the degree of progress of the colony culture due to being affected by unintentional noise, such as at timing T2. Therefore, in the embodiment, a mechanism for suppressing the influence of unintentional noise is adopted.

[0050] Specifically, in the embodiment, a process is performed to calculate a difference value obtained by subtracting the value indicating the output level of the optical sensor WA that overlaps with the light-shielding portion SHA of the installation member 60 in a plan view from the value indicating the output level of the optical sensor WA that overlaps with the light-transmitting portion THA (see FIG. 7) and the detection object SUB among the plurality of optical sensors WA in a plan view. Calculation of such a difference value corresponds to obtaining the difference between the output of the optical sensor WA that overlaps with the light-transmitting portion THA and the output of the optical sensor WA that overlaps with the light-shielding portion SHA. In FIG. 8, the output corresponding to such a difference value is shown as a graph of the difference output GRC.

[0051] For example, the output level of the light-transmitting region output GRA at timing T1 in FIG. 8 is level AR1. Also, the output level of the light-blocking region output GRB at timing T1 in FIG. 8 is level BR1. Level BR1 is an output level that is higher by level D1 based on the no-output described above. Therefore, level AC1 obtained by subtracting level BR1 from level AR1 is treated as the output at timing T1. In FIG. 8, the magnitude of the decrease width C1 indicating the change in the direction of decreasing the output level from level AR1 to level AC1 corresponds to level D1. Also, the output level of the light-transmitting region output GRA at timing T2 in FIG. 8 is level AR2. Also, the output level of the light-blocking region output GRB at timing T2 in FIG. 8 is level BR2. Level BR2 is an output level that is higher by level D2 based on the no-output described above. Level D2 has a significantly larger difference from the no-output compared to level D1. The output at timing T2 is level AC2 obtained by subtracting level BR2 from level AR2. In FIG. 8, the magnitude of the decrease width C2 indicating the change in the direction of decreasing the output level from level AR2 to level AC2 corresponds to level D2.

[0052] In FIG. 8, due to the influence of unintended noise, the light-transmitting region output GRA shows an output level that is significantly higher at timing T2 than before and after timing T2, and does not accurately reflect the progress of colony culture. On the other hand, the differential output GRC including the above-described levels AC1 and AC2 shows a change in which the output level gradually decreases over time. It can be said that such a differential output GRC more accurately reflects the progress of colony culture over time. As described above, the process of calculating the difference value can improve the accuracy of the correspondence between the light detection result by the optical sensor WA and the progress of colony culture. The control circuit 30 that calculates such a difference value functions as a control circuit that performs processing based on the outputs of a plurality of optical sensors WA.

[0053] In addition, in the embodiment, a determination process is performed to determine whether "colonies generated in the medium formed on the detected object SUB have been detected" based on the difference value. Taking a specific example, based on the comparison result between the difference value and the threshold value, a determination is made as to whether colonies have been detected. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the threshold value TH is illustrated as the output level corresponding to the threshold value. When the differential output GRC is equal to or less than the threshold value TH, it is determined that colonies have been detected. When the differential output GRC exceeds the threshold value TH, it is determined that the colonies have not yet been detected.

[0054] As described above, the output of the detection region SA, the calculation of the difference value corresponding to the output of the detection region SA, and the determination process have been explained. Here, when calculating the difference value, it is required to specify the optical sensor WA that overlaps the light-transmitting portion THA (see FIG. 7) in the plan view and the detected object SUB, and the optical sensor WA that overlaps the light-shielding portion SHA of the installation member 60 in the plan view.

[0055] Here, the region where the light-transmitting portion THA (see FIG. 7) and the detected object SUB exist in the plan view can be regarded as a light-transmitting region whose light-transmitting degree changes according to the progress of colony culture. Also, the region where the light-shielding portion SHA of the installation member 60 exists in the plan view can be regarded as a light-shielded region. Therefore, the optical sensor WA that overlaps the light-transmitting portion THA (see FIG. 7) and the detected object SUB in the plan view can generally be regarded as an optical sensor WA provided in the light-transmitting region. Also, the optical sensor WA that overlaps the light-shielding portion SHA of the installation member 60 in the plan view can generally be regarded as an optical sensor WA provided in the light-shielded region. However, this principle does not apply to the optical sensor WA that overlaps the boundary region SWA described later.

[0056] In the embodiment, specific processing of the optical sensor WA provided in the light-transmitting region and the optical sensor WA provided in the light-shielding region is performed. It should be noted that when such specific processing is performed, it is assumed that the detected object SUB is not placed on the installation member 60. That is, the detected object SUB does not intervene between the sensor panel 10 and the light source panel 20 at the time of such specific processing. Otherwise, the light irradiation performed for such specific processing and the detection of light by the sensor panel 10 reflect the positional relationship among the sensor panel 10, the light source panel 20, and the installation member 60 described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a mechanism related to the distinction between the light-transmitting region and the light-shielding region. In FIG. 9, the degree of light transmission in the first direction Dx on the first reference line FA1 of the installation member 60 is represented by a graph of Rawdata indicating the level of the output of the detection region SA.

[0058] As described above, the light-transmitting portion THA has light-transmitting properties, and the light-shielding portion SHA has light-shielding properties. Therefore, in the high-output region AR overlapping the light-transmitting portion THA on the first reference line FA1, the output of the detection region SA is the maximum output MAX or substantially equal to the maximum output MAX. Also, in the low-output region BR overlapping the light-shielding portion SHA on the first reference line FA1, the output of the detection region SA is the minimum output MIN or substantially equal to the minimum output MIN. The maximum output MAX is the output of the optical sensor WA that showed the highest output.

[0059] The minimum output MIN is the output of the optical sensor WA that showed the lowest output. In the embodiment, the set of optical sensors WA serving as the basis for obtaining the maximum output MAX and the minimum output MIN is a plurality of optical sensors WA provided throughout the detection region SA. However, in a modification example described later, it is in units of partial regions or sensor rows.

[0060] On one hand, near the edge ED, although the output of the detection region SA is higher on the light-transmitting part THA side and lower on the light-blocking part SHA side, there is a difference in the output of the detection region SA depending on the position in the first direction Dx. Also, near the edge ED, the output of the detection region SA does not become as high as the maximum output MAX even on the light-transmitting part THA side, and does not become as low as the minimum output MIN even on the light-blocking part SHA side.

[0061] In the embodiment, based on the first threshold TH1 with reference to the maximum output MAX and the minimum output MIN, the optical sensor WA considered to be provided in the light-transmitting region is specified. Specifically, the first threshold TH1 corresponds to the output of the first ratio (for example, 95%) when the maximum output MAX is regarded as 100% output and the minimum output MIN is regarded as 0% output. In the embodiment, among the plurality of optical sensors WA arranged in the detection region SA, the optical sensor WA with an output equal to or higher than the first threshold TH1 is specified as the optical sensor WA provided in the light-transmitting region. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the optical sensor WA in the high-output region AR is specified as the optical sensor WA provided in the light-transmitting region. Therefore, the output of the optical sensor WA in the high-output region AR shown in FIG. 9 is reflected in the light-transmitting region output GRA described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0062] Also, in the embodiment, based on the second threshold TH2 with reference to the maximum output MAX and the minimum output MIN, the optical sensor WA considered to be provided in the light-blocking region is specified. The second threshold TH2 corresponds to an output lower than the first threshold TH1. Specifically, the second threshold TH2 corresponds to the output of the second ratio (for example, 5%) when the maximum output MAX is regarded as 100% output and the minimum output MIN is regarded as 0% output. In the embodiment, among the plurality of optical sensors WA arranged in the detection region SA, the optical sensor WA with an output equal to or lower than the second threshold TH2 is specified as the optical sensor WA provided in the light-blocking region. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the optical sensor WA in the low-output region BR is specified as the optical sensor WA provided in the light-blocking region. Therefore, the output of the optical sensor WA in the low-output region BR shown in FIG. 9 is reflected in the light-blocking region output GRB described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0063] Also, in the embodiment, an optical sensor WA with an output that is less than the first threshold TH1 and exceeds the second threshold TH2 is regarded as the optical sensor WA in the boundary region SWA. The optical sensor WA in the boundary region SWA is an optical sensor WA that overlaps with the edge ED or is arranged near the edge ED in a plan view, and refers to an optical sensor WA for which it is difficult to clearly determine whether it is provided in the light-transmitting region or the light-shielding region based on the output. The output of the optical sensor WA in the boundary region SWA is not used for calculating the difference value. That is, the output of the optical sensor WA in the boundary region SWA is not reflected in either the light-transmitting region output GRA or the light-shielding region output GRB described with reference to FIG. 8. Therefore, the output of the optical sensor WA that overlaps with the boundary region SWA between the light-transmitting region and the light-shielding region is not used to obtain the difference.

[0064] Note that the arrangement of the optical sensors WA in the first direction Dx with an output of the first threshold TH1 or more, such as in the high-output region AR, and the arrangement of the optical sensors WA in the first direction Dx with an output of the second threshold TH2 or less, such as in the low-output region BR, differ depending on the position in the second direction Dy. For example, at a position in the second direction Dy that overlaps with the second reference line FA2 closer to the end side in the second direction Dy compared to the first reference line FA1, the optical sensors WA with an output of the first threshold TH1 or more are reduced closer to the center in the first direction Dx, and the optical sensors WA with an output of the second threshold TH2 or less are expanded closer to the center side in the first direction Dx. Also, at a position in the second direction Dy that overlaps with the third reference line FA3 where the entire first direction Dx is the light-shielding portion SHA, the output of any optical sensor WA is the second threshold TH2 or less.

[0065] The specific processing of the optical sensor WA provided in the light-transmitting area and the optical sensor WA provided in the light-shielding area is performed before the object to be detected SUB is placed on the installation member 60, that is, before the start of various processes related to the detection of colonies based on the difference value. Further, in the embodiment, the above-described calculation process, determination process, and related specific process of the difference value are performed by the control circuit 30, but they may be performed by other configurations included in the detection device 1, or may be performed by an external information processing device connected to the detection device 1. In that case, such an information processing device is regarded as a part of the entire detection device including the configuration of the detection device 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0066] In the embodiment, the outputs of the plurality of optical sensors WA provided in the detection area SA are classified into the output of the optical sensor WA provided in the light-transmitting area and the output of the optical sensor WA provided in the light-shielding area. The output of the optical sensor WA provided in the light-transmitting area and the output of the optical sensor WA provided in the light-shielding area are individually averaged.

[0067] Specifically, the outputs of the optical sensors WA provided in the light-transmitting area are added together and divided by the number of the optical sensors WA provided in the light-transmitting area, whereby the average value of the outputs of the optical sensors WA provided in the light-transmitting area is obtained. When the average luminance value of the light-transmitting area is described in the embodiment, it refers to the average value of the outputs of the optical sensors WA provided in the light-transmitting area in the entire detection area SA. It can be said that the light-transmitting area output GRA described with reference to FIG. 8 reflects the average luminance value of the light-transmitting area.

[0068] Also, the outputs of the optical sensors WA provided in the light-shielding area are added together and divided by the number of the optical sensors WA provided in the light-shielding area, whereby the average value of the outputs of the optical sensors WA provided in the light-shielding area is obtained. When the average luminance value of the light-shielding area is described in the embodiment, it refers to the average value of the outputs of the optical sensors WA provided in the light-shielding area in the entire detection area SA. It can be said that the light-shielding area output GRB described with reference to FIG. 8 reflects the average luminance value of the light-shielding area.

[0069] In addition, in the embodiment, correction processing is performed based on the brightness of the light from the light source 22. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 9, the maximum output MAX described is set as the output level of 100%, and the minimum output MIN is set as the output level of 0%, and processing is performed to handle the output levels of the light transmission region output GRA and the light shielding region output GRB as output levels of 0% or more and 100% or less. Therefore, it can be said that the correction processing is processing for making the output level of the light transmission region output GRA correspond to the brightness of the light from the light source 22. Note that the output level of the light shielding region output GRB is 0% or extremely close to 0%.

[0070] Note that the threshold value (for example, threshold value TH) for the determination processing for determining that "colonies generated in the medium formed on the detection target SUB have been detected" based on the difference value described with reference to FIG. 8 may be a ratio based on the maximum output MAX (100%) and the minimum output MIN (0%) that are the basis for the correction processing, or may be a predetermined absolute output level. In any case, in the operation criteria based on prior reference setting, experiments, etc., when the medium formed on the detection target SUB reaches the "state that should be treated as colonies having been detected" assumed in advance, it is only necessary that the determination result based on the relationship between the difference value and the threshold value satisfies the operation criteria.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the detection device 1. When the power of the detection device 1 is turned on (step S1), the light transmission region and the light shielding region are specified (step S2). In the processing of step 2, the specification processing of the optical sensor WA provided in the light transmission region and the optical sensor WA provided in the light shielding region described above may be performed, or data indicating the result of the specification processing performed before the processing of step S1 may be held in a storage device or a storage circuit provided in the control circuit 30 and the data may be read out in the processing of step S2.

[0072] After step S2, the detection target SUB is installed (step S3). In the process of step S3, the detection target SUB is placed on the light-transmitting part THA of the installation member 60, and the installation member 60 and the detection target SUB are installed in the detection device 1 so as to be interposed between the sensor panel 10 and the light source panel 20. The process of step S3 is performed, for example, by a human hand, but it may also be performed mechanically. Note that before the process of step S3, the detection target SUB does not intervene between the sensor panel 10 and the light source panel 20.

[0073] After the process of step S3, a scanning process is performed (step S4). The scanning process is a process of emitting light from the light source 22, irradiating the light from the light source 22 toward the sensor panel 10, and obtaining outputs from a plurality of optical sensors WA provided in the detection region SA of the sensor panel 10. By performing the process of step S4 after the process of step S3, the scanning process is performed in a state where the installation member 60 and the detection target SUB are interposed between the sensor panel 10 and the light source panel 20. That is, the degree of progress of colony culture is reflected in the output obtained in the process of step S4 in terms of the degree of light transmission in the light-transmitting region.

[0074] After the process of step S4, correction processing is applied to the output obtained in the process of step S4 (step S5). The process of step S5 is the correction process based on the brightness of the light from the light source 22 described above.

[0075] After the process of step S5, a difference value between the average luminance value of the light-transmitting region and the average luminance value of the light-shielding region is calculated (step S6). Specifically, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 8, a difference output GRC as a difference value between the light-transmitting region output GRA and the light-shielding region output GRB is obtained. More specifically, in one process of step S6, a difference value at a certain point in time is calculated. For example, at timing T1, the calculated difference value is level AC1. Also, at timing T2, the calculated difference value is level AC2.

[0076] After the process of step S6, it is determined whether the difference value indicates the detection of colonies (step S7). Specifically, the determination process of regarding that "colonies generated in the medium formed on the detection target SUB have been detected" based on the difference value and the threshold value (for example, threshold value TH) described above and explained with reference to FIG. 8 is performed.

[0077] If it is determined in the process of step S7 that the difference value does not indicate the detection of colonies (step S7; No), the process returns to step S4 again. The process of step S4, which will be performed multiple times by shifting to the process of step S4 after the process of step S7, may be performed at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time is, for example, 5 minutes, but it is not limited to this, and any time can be set as the predetermined time.

[0078] If it is determined in the process of step S7 that the difference value indicates the detection of colonies (step S7; Yes), an output indicating that colonies have been detected is performed by the control circuit 30 (step S8). The output by the process of step S8 is transmitted to the host IC 70 via the connection circuit 125 and functions as a trigger for causing the host IC 70 to execute "processing for notification to the administrator of the detection target SUB". Such "processing for notification to the administrator of the detection target SUB" is a predetermined process. For example, it is an e-mail transmission process to the e-mail address of the registered administrator of the detection target SUB, but it is not limited to this, and any one or more output forms that enable the administrator to grasp that colonies have been detected in the detection target SUB may be adopted.

[0079] As described above, according to the embodiment, the detection device 1 includes a sensor panel (sensor panel 10) having a detection region (detection region SA) in which a plurality of optical sensors (optical sensors WA) are two-dimensionally arranged, a light source (light source 22) that emits light, a member (installation member 60) provided so that the object to be detected (object to be detected SUB) can be installed so as to interpose the object to be detected between the detection region and the light source, and a control circuit (control circuit 30) that performs processing based on the outputs of the plurality of optical sensors. The member has a light-transmitting region (light-transmitting portion THA) where the object to be detected is installed and a light-shielding region (light-shielding portion SHA) provided on the outer peripheral side of the light-transmitting region. The detection region is arranged so as to overlap both the light-transmitting region and the light-shielding region. The control circuit obtains the difference between the output of the optical sensor overlapping the light-transmitting region and the output of the optical sensor overlapping the light-shielding region.

[0080] Thus, even if there is noise affecting the plurality of optical sensors (optical sensors WA), the influence of such noise is brought about in both the output of the optical sensor overlapping the light-transmitting region (light-transmitting portion THA) and the output of the optical sensor overlapping the light-shielding region (light-shielding portion SHA). Therefore, the difference between the output of the optical sensor overlapping the light-transmitting region and the output of the optical sensor overlapping the light-shielding region is not substantially affected by noise. For example, if the output of the optical sensor overlapping the light-transmitting region is α and the output of the optical sensor overlapping the light-shielding region is β, the difference in the case where there is no influence of noise can be expressed as α - β. Also, if the change in the output due to the influence of noise is γ, the difference in the case where there is noise can be expressed as (α + γ) - (β + γ) = α - β. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sensing accuracy due to noise.

[0081] In addition, since the optical sensor (optical sensor WA) has a photodiode (PD82), it can be made relatively fast and highly sensitive compared to other configurations that function as optical sensors. Also, by arranging the optical sensors, a two-dimensional detection surface can be formed more easily.

[0082] In addition, since the output of the optical sensor (optical sensor WA) overlapping with the boundary region (boundary region SWA) between the light-transmitting region and the light-blocking region is not used to obtain a difference, the optical sensor overlapping with the light-transmitting region and the optical sensor overlapping with the light-blocking region can be more reliably distinguished. Therefore, the accuracy of the difference can be further enhanced.

[0083] (Modification Example) Next, a modification example that is partially different from the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 17. Regarding the description of the modification example, the same reference numerals may be given to the same matters as those in the embodiment, and the description may be omitted.

[0084] (Modification Example 1) FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the number of blocks in the detection region SA and the number of inputs of the multiplexer. In Modification Example 1, the detection region SA is divided into a plurality of divided regions (blocks). In the example shown in FIG. 11, the detection region SA is divided into a total of 4 blocks, namely Block1, Block2, Block3, and Block4. As shown in the order of Block1, Block2, Block3, and Block4, the plurality of blocks that divide the detection region SA in Modification Example 1 are arranged in the second direction Dy. In Modification Example 1, the plurality of optical sensors WA provided in the detection region SA are equally or approximately equally divided by the number of blocks. The number of optical sensors WA included in such a plurality of blocks is the same or approximately the same.

[0085] In Modification Example 1, it is desirable that n be a multiple of the number of blocks. When n is a multiple of the number of blocks, the number of reset signal transmission lines 5 and the number of scanning lines 6 included in each of the plurality of blocks are the numbers obtained by dividing n by the number of blocks. However, it is not essential that each block has exactly the same number of optical sensors WA. Some blocks may have more optical sensors WA than other blocks. Note that the number of blocks is not limited to 4 and may be any natural number of 2 or more.

[0086] In addition, in Modification 1, further classification according to the number of inputs of the multiplexer is applied. The number of inputs of the multiplexer here refers to the number of a plurality of switches (for example, switches SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4) that the multiplexer 40 described with reference to FIG. 2 has. In FIG. 11, the classification according to the number of inputs of the multiplexer is indicated by the values of "1", "2", "3", and "4" enclosed as the multiplexer input MUX. "1" of the multiplexer input MUX indicates the signal line 7 connected to the switch SW1. "2" of the multiplexer input MUX indicates the signal line 7 connected to the switch SW2. "3" of the multiplexer input MUX indicates the signal line 7 connected to the switch SW3. "4" of the multiplexer input MUX indicates the signal line 7 connected to the switch SW4. Note that in the embodiments and various modifications including Modification 1, the number of inputs of the multiplexer is not limited to 4, and may be any natural number of 2 or more.

[0087] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an individual detection flow by a combination of a block and an input of a multiplexer. In Modification 1, based on the combination of the block and the input of the multiplexer, the output of the optical sensor WA in the scan process is classified. In FIG. 12, the scan process starts (START) from "Block1MUX1" and sequentially proceeds in the order of "Block1MUX2", "Block1MUX3", "Block1MUX4", "Block2MUX1", "Block2MUX2", "Block2MUX3", "Block2MUX4", "Block3MUX1", "Block3MUX2", "Block3MUX3", "Block3MUX4", "Block4MUX1", "Block4MUX2", "Block4MUX3", "Block4MUX4", and ends (END) with the completion of the scan process of "Block4MUX4" being illustrated.

[0088] "Block1MUX1" refers to the optical sensor WA included in block Block1, which shares the signal line 7 connected to switch SW1. "Block1MUX2" refers to the optical sensor WA included in block Block1, which shares the signal line 7 connected to switch SW2. "Block2MUX1" refers to the optical sensor WA included in block Block2, which shares the signal line 7 connected to switch SW1. Thus, in the description of "Block(t)MUX(r)", (t) is a natural number and takes a value less than or equal to the number of blocks. Also, (r) is a natural number and takes a value less than or equal to the number of inputs of the multiplexer. That is, "Block(t)MUX(r)" refers to the optical sensor WA included in block Block(t), which shares the signal line 7 connected to switch SW(r). In the example shown in Fig. 11, (t) and (r) take any value among 1, 2, 3, and 4.

[0089] In the first modified example described with reference to Fig. 11, "Block1MUX1", "Block1MUX2", "Block1MUX3", "Block1MUX4", "Block2MUX1", "Block2MUX2", "Block2MUX3", "Block2MUX4", "Block3MUX1", "Block3MUX2", "Block3MUX3", "Block3MUX4", "Block4MUX1", "Block4MUX2", "Block4MUX3", and "Block4MUX4" each cover different partial regions of the detection area SA. For example, "Block1MUX1" can be understood as a partial region of the detection area SA that consists of a sensor row included in block Block1 and a sensor column connected to switch SW1. Combining the outputs of all these 16 partial regions is equivalent to the output of the entire detection area SA.

[0090] In the scan process of "Block(t)MUX(r)", a scan signal is applied to the scan line 6 of the block Block(t), and no scan signal is applied to other scan signals. Further, in the scan process of "Block(t)MUX(r)", the switch SW(r) is turned ON (conductive state), and switches other than the switch SW(r) provided in the multiplexer 40 are turned OFF (non-conductive state). In this way, an output limited to the output from the optical sensor WA indicated by "Block(t)MUX(r)" can be obtained.

[0091] According to Modification 1, by performing the scan process described with reference to FIG. 12, the output of the optical sensor WA affected by unintended noise in the output of the detection region SA can be made more limited. In addition, it becomes easier to suppress the influence of noise on the output of the optical sensor WA with higher accuracy.

[0092] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a case where noise NS occurs during the execution process of the flow shown in FIG. 12. In the example shown in FIG. 13, noise NS has occurred during the scan process of "Block1MUX2", and such noise NS has not occurred during other scan processes. In such an example, the influence of noise that does not appear in other scan processes may be reflected only in the output obtained by the scan process of "Block1MUX2". Therefore, in Modification 1, noise countermeasures such as the generation of the differential output GRC from the translucent region output GRA by applying the reduction width C2 corresponding to the level D2 at the timing T2 in FIG. 8 may be limitedly applied to the output obtained by the scan process of "Block1MUX2" in which such noise NS has occurred. This makes it easier to suppress the influence of noise with higher accuracy compared to the case where the influence of noise on a part of the detection region SA is averaged over the entire detection region SA.

[0093] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process performed by the detection device 1 of Modification 1. The flow from step S1 to step S5 is the same as that of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 10 and Modification 1 described with reference to FIG. 14, except for the matters related to the process of step S4 which will be particularly noted below.

[0094] However, in the process of step S4 in Modification 1, the output is classified according to the combination of the block and the input of the multiplexer, and individual data retention corresponding to the classified output is performed. For example, in the example described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, in each of the 16 classifications of "Block1MUX1", "Block1MUX2", "Block1MUX3", "Block1MUX4", "Block2MUX1", "Block2MUX2", "Block2MUX3", "Block2MUX4", "Block3MUX1", "Block3MUX2", "Block3MUX3", "Block3MUX4", "Block4MUX1", "Block4MUX2", "Block4MUX3", and "Block4MUX4", data corresponding to the output of the optical sensor WA is individually held by the control circuit 30. Specifically, the control circuit 30 has a buffer memory capable of storing such data. Further, the scan process for generating these individual data is performed corresponding to the progress of the scan process in the order described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0095] In Modification 1, after the process of step S5, setting of a variable for managing the number of blocks and setting of a variable for managing the number of inputs of the multiplexer are performed (step S11). In the example shown in FIG. 14, j is set as a variable for managing the number of blocks. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 14, k is set as a variable for managing the number of inputs of the multiplexer. j and k are set with an initial value of 0.

[0096] After the process of step S11, it is determined whether j is a value corresponding to the number of blocks (step S12). For example, in the case of the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the value corresponding to the number of blocks is 4.

[0097] If it is determined in the process of step S12 that j is not a value corresponding to the number of blocks (step S12; No), it is determined whether k is a value corresponding to the number of inputs of the multiplexer (step S13). For example, in the case of the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the number of inputs of the multiplexer is 4.

[0098] If it is determined in the process of step S13 that k is not a value corresponding to the number of inputs of the multiplexer (step S13; No), the difference value between the average luminance value of the light-transmitting region and the average luminance value of the light-shielding region in "Block(j + 1)MUX(k + 1)" is calculated (step S14). The process of step S14 is the same as the process of step S6, except that the output of the optical sensor WA to be processed is limited to "Block(j + 1)MUX(k + 1)". For example, when j = 0 and k = 0, "Block(j + 1)MUX(k + 1)" is "Block1MUX1".

[0099] After the process of step S14, 1 is added to k (step S15), and the process proceeds to step S12. Thereafter, if it is determined in the process of step S13 that k is a value corresponding to the number of inputs of the multiplexer (step S13; Yes), 1 is added to j (step S16), and the value of k is reset to 0 (step S17). The processes of step S16 and step S17 can be in any order. After the processes of step S16 and step S17, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0100] If it is determined in the process of step S12 that j is a value corresponding to the number of blocks (step S12; Yes), it is determined whether any of the difference values calculated in multiple processes of step S14 indicates the detection of a colony (step S18). The process of step S18 is the same as the process of step S7, except that there are a plurality of difference values to be determined depending on the number of times of the process of step S14.

[0101] If it is determined in the process of step S18 that the difference value does not indicate the detection of a colony (step S18; No), the process returns to step S4 again. The process of step S4 that will be performed multiple times by returning to step S4 after the process of step S18 may be performed at the above-mentioned predetermined time interval.

[0102] When it is determined in the process of step S18 that the difference value indicates the detection of a colony (step S18; Yes), the process proceeds to the process of step S8. Except for the above-mentioned matters to be noted, the first modification example is the same as the embodiment.

[0103] According to the first modification example, a plurality of optical sensors (optical sensor WA) are arranged in a matrix, and a detection area (detection area SA) having a plurality of partial areas. The control circuit (control circuit 30) obtains the difference between the output of the optical sensor overlapping the light transmission area (light transmission part THA) and the output of the optical sensor overlapping the light shielding area (light shielding part SHA) for each of the partial areas, so that it becomes easier to suppress the influence of noise with higher precision.

[0104] (Second modification example) FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process performed by the detection device 1 of the second modification example. The flow from step S1 to step S5 is the same as that of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 10 and the second modification example described with reference to FIG. 15, except for the matters related to the process of step S4 to be noted below.

[0105] However, in the process of step S4 in the second modification example, the output is divided in units of the scanning line 6, and individual data holding corresponding to the divided output is performed. Therefore, in the second modification example, data corresponding to the output of the optical sensor WA is individually held by the control circuit 30 in each of the n rows of sensor rows corresponding to the n scanning lines 6. Specifically, the control circuit 30 has a buffer memory capable of storing such data.

[0106] In the second modification example, after the process of step S5, a variable for managing the number of the scanning lines 6 is set (step S21). In the example shown in FIG. 15, q is set as a variable for managing the number of the scanning lines 6. q is set with an initial value of 0.

[0107] After the process of step S21, it is determined whether q is a value corresponding to the number of the scanning lines 6 (step S22). For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 2, the value corresponding to the number of the scanning lines 6 is n.

[0108] If it is determined in the process of step S22 that q does not correspond to the number of scanning lines 6 (step S22; No), the difference value between the average luminance value of the light-transmitting region and the average luminance value of the light-shielding region in the (q + 1)-th sensor row is calculated (step S23). The process of step S23 is the same as the process of step S6, except that the output of the optical sensor WA to be processed is limited to the (q + 1)-th sensor row.

[0109] After the process of step S23, 1 is added to q (step S24), and the process proceeds to step S22. Then, if it is determined in the process of step S22 that q corresponds to the number of scanning lines 6 (step S22; Yes), it is determined whether any of the difference values calculated in the multiple processes of step S23 indicates the detection of colonies (step S25). The process of step S25 is the same as the process of step S7, except that there are multiple difference values to be determined according to the number of times of the process of step S23.

[0110] If it is determined in the process of step S25 that the difference value does not indicate the detection of colonies (step S25; No), the process returns to step S4 again. The process of step S4 that will be performed multiple times by returning to step S4 after the process of step S25 may be performed at the above-mentioned predetermined time interval.

[0111] If it is determined in the process of step S25 that the difference value indicates the detection of colonies (step S25; Yes), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0112] By calculating the difference value described with reference to FIG. 8 in units of scanning lines 6 as in Modification 2, it is possible to more reliably suppress the generation of streaks due to feed-through that may occur with the reset of the optical sensor WA. Such streaks due to feed-through may be caused by a difference in the reset potential of the optical sensor WA depending on the sensor row.

[0113] As described with reference to FIG. 3, when the output of PD82 is reset in response to a signal supplied from the reset circuit 13 via the reset signal transmission line 5, the potential of the connection portion CP is reset. Here, the potential of the connection portion CP generally becomes the reset potential VReset. However, due to the influence of the level of the potential before reset caused by various factors such as the degree of light detection by PD82 before reset, the potential after reset may not be completely unified. For this reason, if there is a difference in the potential after reset between one and the other of adjacent sensor rows, such a difference may appear as a difference in the level of the output of the optical sensor WA in units of sensor rows. Such a difference in the level of the output of the optical sensor WA between adjacent sensor rows acts as a difference in brightness or darkness when the output of the optical sensor WA is interpreted as the "brightness of the detected light", as if the sensor rows form stripes of brightness and darkness. The stripe due to feed-through refers to the occurrence of such a phenomenon.

[0114] Therefore, in the second modification, by calculating the difference value in units of the scanning line 6, that is, in units of sensor rows, the occurrence of stripes due to feed-through is more reliably suppressed. This is because calculating the difference value described with reference to FIG. 8 in units of sensor rows means that the potential after reset of each sensor row is reflected not only in the level of the light-transmitting region output GRA in units of sensor rows but also in the level of the light-shielding region output GRB in units of sensor rows. That is, in the second modification, since both the light-transmitting region output GRA and the light-shielding region output GRB are handled in units of sensor rows, the influence of the reset potential that can cause a difference in units of sensor rows can be completed in units of sensor rows by subtracting the light-shielding region output GRB from the light-transmitting region output GRA. Therefore, the influence of the potential after reset of each sensor row does not substantially appear in the differential output GRC obtained in the second modification. Thus, according to the second modification, the occurrence of stripes due to feed-through that may occur with the reset of the optical sensor WA can be more reliably suppressed. Except for the matters noted above, the second modification is the same as the embodiment.

[0115] According to Modification 2, it is a detection region (detection region SA) in which a plurality of optical sensors (optical sensor WA) are arranged in a matrix, and the control circuit (control circuit 30) obtains the difference between the output of the optical sensor overlapping the light-transmitting region (light-transmitting portion THA) and the output of the optical sensor overlapping the light-shielding region (light-shielding portion SHA) for each row of the optical sensors, thereby suppressing the influence of streaks due to feed-through.

[0116] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 16, an example of a configuration common to the above-described embodiments and various modifications will be given. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the light source 22. As shown in FIG. 16, the light source 22 includes a first light source 22R, a second light source 22G, and a third light source 22B. The first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B are light-emitting elements (for example, LDs) that emit light of different colors. In the embodiment, the first light source 22R emits red (R) light. The second light source 22G emits green (G) light. The third light source 22B emits blue (B) light. By turning on the first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B at the same time, white light is irradiated.

[0117] Note that in the light source 22 shown in FIG. 16, the longitudinal directions of the first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B are along the second direction Dy, and the first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B are arranged in this order from one side to the other side in the first direction Dx. However, this is only an example of the form of the light source 22 and is not limited thereto. For example, the shapes of the first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B in the plan view of the light source 22 and the positional relationship between the first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B can be changed as appropriate. Also, a single white light source may be provided instead of the first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B.

[0118] In addition, the switching element 81 and the switching element 85 shown in FIG. 3 are not limited to a configuration using a single switching element. FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram showing an optical sensor with a partially different configuration from that of FIG. 3. For example, the switching element 81 may have a so-called double gate configuration of a switching element 81a and a switching element 81b as shown in FIG. 17. Also, the switching element 85 may have a so-called double gate configuration of a switching element 85a and a switching element 85b as shown in FIG. 17.

[0119] In addition, the object to be detected such as the object to be detected SUB is not limited to a Petri dish on which a culture medium is formed, and may be in other forms. For example, it may be a plate for suspension culture or the like.

[0120] Also, the arrangement of the optical sensors WA is not limited to a matrix along the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy. For example, the optical sensors WA arranged in each of the sensor rows adjacent to each other in the second direction Dy do not necessarily have to be linearly positioned along the second direction Dy. Specifically, it may be in a so-called staggered pattern. From the viewpoint of sharing the reset signal transmission line 5 and the scanning line 6, it is desirable that the arrangement along the first direction Dx among the plurality of optical sensors WA is an arrangement located on a straight line along the first direction Dx, but this is not essential either, and it can be appropriately changed within a range that does not impair the functions of the optical sensors WA and the detection region SA. The arrangement of the light sources 22 in the light source panel 20 is not limited to a matrix either, and can be arbitrarily arranged.

[0121] Also, with regard to other operational effects brought about by the aspects described in the present embodiment that are obvious from the description in this specification or can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art, they are naturally understood to be brought about by the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0122] 1 Detection device 10 Sensor panel 20 Light source panel 22 Light source 30 Control circuit 60 Setting member 82 PD THA Translucent part SHA Light-shielding part SUB Object to be detected WA Optical sensor

Claims

1. A sensor panel having a detection area in which a plurality of optical sensors are two-dimensionally arranged; A light source that emits light; A member provided so that the object to be detected can be installed so that the object to be detected is interposed between the detection area and the light source; A control circuit that performs processing based on the outputs of the plurality of optical sensors, and comprising: The member has a light-transmitting area where the object to be detected is installed and a light-shielding area provided on the outer peripheral side of the light-transmitting area; The detection area is arranged so as to overlap both the light-transmitting area and the light-shielding area; The control circuit obtains a difference between the output of the optical sensor that overlaps the light-transmitting area and the output of the optical sensor that overlaps the light-shielding area; A detection device.

2. The optical sensor has a photodiode, The detection device according to claim 1.

3. The detection area is such that A plurality of the optical sensors are arranged in a matrix, Having a plurality of sub-areas, The control circuit obtains a difference between the output of the optical sensor that overlaps the light-transmitting area and the output of the optical sensor that overlaps the light-shielding area for each of the sub-areas; The detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The detection area is such that a plurality of the optical sensors are arranged in a matrix, The control circuit obtains a difference between the output of the optical sensor that overlaps the light-transmitting area and the output of the optical sensor that overlaps the light-shielding area for each row of the optical sensors; The detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The output of the optical sensor that overlaps the boundary area between the light-transmitting area and the light-shielding area is not used to obtain the difference; The detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

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