Detection apparatus

Abstract

To provide a detection apparatus having higher detection accuracy.SOLUTION: A detection apparatus comprises: a surface shutter device capable of changing a transmittance of light; a light-transmissive light guide plate overlapping the surface shutter device on one side in a first direction; an optical sensor including a plurality of photodiodes overlapping the light guide plate on the one side in the first direction and arranged in a planar manner; and a light source disposed adjacently to the light guide plate in a second direction intersecting the first direction and configured to irradiate a side surface of the light guide plate with light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a biosensor including an optical sensor having a photosensor (photodetecting element), a culture vessel placed on the upper part of the imaging surface of the photosensor, and a light-emitting element arranged above the culture vessel. In the biosensor of Patent Document 1, the light irradiated from the light-emitting element passes through the medium and a plurality of analytes (microorganisms) in the culture vessel and is incident on the photosensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the light incident on the photosensor includes unnecessary light corresponding to so-called noise, the image of the analyte may be blurred or dimmed.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a detection device with higher detection accuracy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A detection device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a planar shutter device capable of changing the light transmittance, a light-transmissive light guide plate overlapping one side in a first direction with respect to the planar shutter device, an optical sensor including a plurality of photodiodes overlapping one side in the first direction with respect to the light guide plate and arranged in a planar shape, and a light source arranged adjacent to the light guide plate in a second direction intersecting the first direction and irradiating light on a side surface of the light guide plate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

【Figure FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram showing the configuration of a switching element in an electrochromic shutter. ​ FIG. 13A is a schematic plan view of a slide shutter according to the third embodiment. ​ FIG. 13B is a side view of FIG. 13A. ​ FIG. 14A is a schematic plan view of a rotary shutter according to the third embodiment. ​FIG. 14B is a side view of FIG. 14A. ​ FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an aspect of a detection operation example of the detection device according to the third embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] The mode (embodiment) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited by the content described in the following embodiments. Further, the constituent elements described below include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and substantially identical ones. Furthermore, the constituent elements described below can be combined as appropriate. Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art with appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the present disclosure are naturally included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] 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 the present disclosure and each figure, the same elements as those described above for the already shown figures may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] In the XYZ coordinates in the drawings, the Z direction (first direction) is the vertical direction, the X direction (second direction) is the left - right direction, and the Y direction is the front - rear direction. The X direction intersects (is orthogonal to) the Y and Z directions, the Y direction intersects (is orthogonal to) the X and Z directions, and the Z direction intersects (is orthogonal to) the X and Y directions. The Z1 side is one side of the first direction, and the Z2 side is the other side of the first direction.

[0011] [First Embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a detection device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the detection device 100 includes a housing 200, a front light FL, an optical sensor 81, an optical filter 82, a liquid crystal shutter 41, and a detection object installation part 111. The liquid crystal shutter 41 is an example of the planar shutter device 4. The front light FL includes a light guide plate 2, a diffuser 3, and a light source device 7. That is, in other words, the detection device 100 includes a housing 200, a light guide plate 2, a light source device 7, a diffuser 3, an optical sensor 81, an optical filter 82, a liquid crystal shutter 41, and a detection object installation part 111. Note that in this specification, the "planar" means, for example, a shape along a plane intersecting the Z direction.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 200 is a box having translucency. Specifically, the housing 200 includes an upper surface 201, a side surface 202, and a bottom surface 203. The upper surface 201, the side surface 202, and the bottom surface 203 are, for example, translucent plate materials. However, in the present invention, the side surface 202 and the bottom surface 203 may be non-translucent. The side surface 202 extends from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface 203 toward the Z1 side. The upper surface 201 is attached to the outer peripheral edge of the side surface 202. Inside the housing 200, a light guide plate 2, a light source device 7, a diffuser 3, an optical sensor 81, and an optical filter 82 are accommodated. A liquid crystal shutter 41 is provided above (Z2 side) the upper surface 201 of the housing 200, and a detection object installation part 111 is disposed above the liquid crystal shutter 41.

[0014] Note that in the embodiment, a mode of providing the detection object installation part 111 is shown. However, since the detection object installation part 111 is not an essential component of the detection device 100, for example, a detection device 100 without the detection object installation part 111 is also applicable as the present invention.

[0015] The light guide plate 2 has light transmissivity. The light guide plate 2 is a flat member. The light guide plate 2 has a first surface 21, a second surface 22, a side surface 23, and a back surface 24. The first surface 21 is the main surface on the Z1 side, and the second surface 22 is the surface on the side opposite to the first surface 21 (i.e., the Z2 side). The side surface 23 is located on the X1 side, and the back surface 24 is located on the X2 side. A reflector 27 is joined to the back surface 24. The reflector 27 reflects the light 120 (see FIG. 6) propagating in the light guide plate 2, thereby suppressing the leakage of the light 120 from the back surface 24 to the outside of the light guide plate 2.

[0016] The light source device 7 faces the side surface 23 of the light guide plate 2. The light source device 7 is located on the X1 side with respect to the side surface 23 of the light guide plate 2. The light source device 7 irradiates the side surface 23 of the light guide plate 2 with the light 120 (see FIG. 6). The light source device 7 includes, for example, a plurality of light sources 71. The light source 71 is also referred to as a light emitting element and is, for example, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs: Light Emitting Diodes). That is, the plurality of light sources 71 are arranged along the Y direction and are arranged opposite to the side surface 23 of the light guide plate 2.

[0017] The scatterer 3 is provided on the first surface 21 of the light guide plate 2. The scatterer 3 is an example of an optical structure. The scatterer 3 emits the light 120 incident on the light guide plate 2 to the Z2 side (the liquid crystal shutter 41 side). The scatterer 3 is, for example, a hemispherical light transmissive member that protrudes convexly from the first surface 21 of the light guide plate 2 toward the Z1 side. The scatterers 3 are arranged in a matrix (matrix) along the X direction and the Y direction. The plurality of scatterers 3 are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction and the Y direction. Note that the scatterer 30 may not be convex but concave.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the optical sensor 81 and the optical filter 82 are arranged to overlap the light guide plate 2 when viewed from the Z direction. The optical sensor 81 and the optical filter 82 are arranged on the Z1 side with respect to the light guide plate 2. The optical sensor 81 has, as shown in FIG. 6 described later, an array substrate 811 and a plurality of sensor pixels 812 (light detection elements 813, photodiodes) formed on the array substrate 811. The optical sensor 81 is arranged on the Z1 side with respect to the optical filter 82. That is, the optical filter 82 is arranged between the optical sensor 81 and the light guide plate 2. The optical filter 82 is an optical element that transmits the component of the light 123 (see FIG. 5) reflected by the object 110 in the Z direction toward the optical sensor 81. Examples of the optical filter 82 include a collimator (collimate aperture) or a louver. The optical sensor 81 and the optical filter 82 will be described later.

[0019] The object installation part 111 is, for example, a petri dish having translucency. However, in the present invention, the object installation part 111 may be non-translucent. The object 110 is installed on the object installation part 111. The object 110 is, for example, a microorganism such as bacteria or a sample containing microorganisms.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the liquid crystal shutter according to the first embodiment. The liquid crystal shutter 41 can transmit or block the light emitted from the liquid crystal layer LC2 by controlling the twisted state of the liquid crystal molecules by turning on and off the voltage applied to the electrodes.

[0021] The liquid crystal shutter 41 includes a first substrate 280a, a second substrate 280b, and a liquid crystal layer LC2. Specifically, the second substrate 280b is arranged at an interval on the Z2 side with respect to the first substrate 280a, and the liquid crystal layer LC2 is provided between the second substrate 280b and the first substrate 280a.

[0022] The first substrate 280a includes a first polarizing plate 289a, a first transparent substrate 283, an insulating layer 287a, an insulating layer 287b, an insulating layer 287c, a first electrode 281, and a first alignment film 290a. Specifically, from the Z1 side to the Z2 side, the first polarizing plate 289a, the first transparent substrate 283, the insulating layer 287a, the insulating layer 287b, the insulating layer 287c, the first electrode 281, and the first alignment film 290a are laminated in this order.

[0023] The second substrate 280b includes a second polarizing plate 289b, a second transparent substrate 288, a second electrode 282, and a second alignment film 290b. Specifically, from the Z2 side to the Z1 side, the second polarizing plate 289b, the second transparent substrate 288, the second electrode 282, and the second alignment film 290b are laminated in this order.

[0024] The first polarizing plate 289a and the second polarizing plate 289b are polarizing plates that transmit light components vibrating in a predetermined direction among the incident light and block light components vibrating in directions other than that direction.

[0025] The first transparent substrate 283 and the second transparent substrate 288 are, for example, glass substrates. The first electrode 281 and the second electrode 282 are electrodes having translucency using, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO: Indium Tin Oxide). The first alignment film 290a and the second alignment film 290b are made of, for example, polyimide (PI). Note that the alignment film is provided to control the alignment of liquid crystal molecules when it is required that the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in one direction over a certain wide area.

[0026] In addition, the liquid crystal shutter 41 has, for example, a switch SW composed of a TFT. The switch SW has a channel 284, a source 285a, a drain 285b, and a gate 285c mounted on the first transparent substrate 283 of the first substrate 280a. A potential based on a local dimming signal is applied to the source 285a. The drain 285b is electrically connected to a wiring 286. The switch SW switches whether to flow a drain current to the first electrode 281 according to the presence or absence of a signal to the gate 285c.

[0027] Next, the optical filter will be described. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of a cross section of a collimator and a light guide plate, which are an example of the optical filter. FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic view of a cross section of a louver and a light guide plate, which are an example of the optical filter. The optical filter 82 is an optical element that transmits the component of the light 120 reflected by the object 110 in the Z direction toward the optical sensor 81. The optical filter 82 includes a light shielding portion and a light guiding portion, and the light shielding portion has a higher light absorption rate than the light guiding portion.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the collimator 82A includes a columnar hole 82A1 (light guiding portion) extending along the Z direction. The hole 82A1 transmits the light 120 reflected by the object 110 toward the optical sensor 81. The diameter D1 of the hole 82A1 (the maximum distance along the X direction in the cross section) is larger than the diameter d of the scatterer 3.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the louver 82B includes a plate-shaped light shielding portion 82B2 and a light guiding portion 82B1. The light shielding portion 82B2 and the light guiding portion 82B1 extend in the Z direction. The light shielding portion 82B2 and the light guiding portion 82B1 are alternately arranged along the X direction. The light shielding portion 82B2 has a higher light absorption rate than the light guiding portion 82B1. The light guiding portion 82B1 transmits the light 120 reflected by the object 110 toward the optical sensor 81. The thickness D2 of the light guiding portion 82B1 along the X direction (the maximum distance along the X direction in the cross section) is larger than the diameter d of the scatterer 3.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, the light propagation state will be briefly described. FIG. 5 is a side view schematically showing the light propagation in the light guide plate. As shown in FIG. 5, the light 120 emitted from the light source 71 enters the inside of the light guide plate 2 from the side surface 23 of the light guide plate 2, and propagates in the X direction in the light guide plate 2 while repeating total reflection at the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. A part of the light 120 propagating in the light guide plate 2 becomes scattered light 121 by the scatterer 3. A part of the scattered light 121, the light 123, is emitted from the second surface 22 of the light guide plate 2 toward the object to be detected 110, reflected by the object to be detected 110, and irradiated onto a plurality of photodiodes 813 of the optical sensor 81 through the light guide plate 2 and the optical filter 82. In addition, the scattered light 121 scattered by the scatterer 3 includes the light 122 emitted toward the optical filter 82 in addition to the light 123 emitted toward the object to be detected 110 side.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the detection device. As shown in FIG. 6, the detection device 100 includes an optical sensor 81, a planar shutter device 4, a light source device 7, and a signal control IC 75. The optical sensor 81 includes an array substrate 811, a plurality of sensor pixels 812 (light detection elements 813, photodiodes) formed on the array substrate 811, gate line drive circuits 814A and 814B, a signal line drive circuit 815A, and a detection control circuit 816.

[0032] The array substrate 811 is formed with the substrate as a base. Each of the plurality of sensor pixels 812 includes a light detection element 813, a plurality of transistors, and various wirings.

[0033] The array substrate 811 has a detection region AA and a peripheral region GA. The detection region AA is a region where a plurality of sensor pixels 812 (a plurality of light detection elements 813) are provided. The peripheral region GA is a region between the outer periphery of the detection region AA and the outer edge of the array substrate 811, and is a region where no plurality of sensor pixels 812 are provided. The gate line drive circuits 814A and 814B, the signal line drive circuit 815A, and the detection control circuit 816 are provided in the peripheral region GA.

[0034] The plurality of sensor pixels 812 are each an optical sensor having a photodetection element (photodiode) 813 as a sensor element. The photodetection elements 813 output electrical signals corresponding to the light irradiated thereto respectively.

[0035] The detection control circuit 816 is a circuit that supplies control signals Sa, Sb, and Sc to the gate line drive circuits 814A and 814B and the signal line drive circuit 815A respectively to control their operations. The detection control circuit 816 includes a signal processing circuit that performs signal processing on the detection signals Vdet from the plurality of photodetection elements 813.

[0036] The detection control circuit 816 performs signal processing on the detection signals Vdet from the plurality of photodetection elements 813 and outputs a sensor value So based on the detection signals Vdet to the signal control IC 75. Thereby, the detection device 100 detects information regarding the detected object 110.

[0037] The planar shutter device 4 includes a liquid crystal shutter 41 and a liquid crystal drive circuit 822. The liquid crystal shutter 41 has the configuration described with reference to FIG. 2 as described above. The liquid crystal drive circuit 822 is a circuit that supplies a control signal Sg to the liquid crystal shutter 41 to control the operation of the liquid crystal.

[0038] The light source device 7 includes a light source 71 and a light emitting element control circuit 74. The light source 71 and the light emitting element control circuit 74 are electrically connected via a wiring 74a.

[0039] The plurality of light sources 71 are positioned to face the side surface 23 of the light guide plate 2. The plurality of light sources 71 are driven by switching between on (lit state) and off (unlit state) according to a command Sd from the light emitting element control circuit 74.

[0040] The signal control IC 75, as a control circuit on the optical sensor 81 side, includes a sensor value storage circuit 751, a sensor value calculation circuit 752, a light quantity setting circuit 753, and a target value storage circuit 759. The sensor value storage circuit 751 stores the sensor value So output from the detection control circuit 816 of the optical sensor 81. The sensor value calculation circuit 752 performs predetermined arithmetic processing on the sensor value So of the light detection element 813.

[0041] In the light quantity setting mode, the light quantity setting circuit 753 compares the sensor values So detected by the plurality of light detection elements 813 with the preset target sensor value So-t acquired from the target value storage circuit 759, and sets the light quantity for detecting the plurality of light sources 71. The target value storage circuit 759 stores the preset target sensor value So-t.

[0042] The signal control IC 75, as a control circuit on the light source device 7 side, includes a lighting pattern generation circuit 754 and a lighting pattern storage circuit 755. The lighting pattern storage circuit 755 stores information on the light quantity of each of the plurality of light sources 71 in the light quantity setting mode.

[0043] The lighting pattern generation circuit 754 generates various control signals based on the light quantity information in the lighting pattern storage circuit 755.

[0044] The signal control IC 75 includes an image generation circuit 756 and a storage circuit 757. In the detection mode, the image generation circuit 756 generates an image of the object 110 based on the sensor values So output from the plurality of light detection elements 813. The storage circuit 757 stores the image data generated by the image generation circuit 756. The signal control IC 75 is connected to the host PC 758 and transfers the image data to the host PC 758.

[0045] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, a detection operation example of the detection device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a detection operation example of the detection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the first process in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the second process in FIG. 7.

[0046] First, as shown in FIG. 7, in step S101, the power supply of the detection device 100 is turned on to activate the detection device 100. Then, the first process of step S102 is performed. The first process is as shown in FIG. 8.

[0047] That is, first, in step S201, the lighting pattern generation circuit 754 (see FIG. 6) sets all the light sources 71 to the non-lighting (extinguished) state and sets the entire surface of the liquid crystal shutter 41 to the non-transmissive state (OFF). As a result, all the light sources 71 shown in FIG. 6 are in the non-lighting state, and the entire surface of the liquid crystal shutter 41 is in the closed OFF state.

[0048] Then, the lighting pattern generation circuit 754 sets all the light sources 71 to the lighting state (step S202). As a result, the liquid crystal shutter 41 is non-transmissive, and the light sources 71 are in the lighting state.

[0049] Then, the image generation circuit 756 (see FIG. 6) captures an image of the object to be detected and generates base image data (step S203), and the storage circuit 757 stores the base image data (step S204). As a result, the base image data in the non-transmissive state of the liquid crystal shutter 41 is stored in the storage circuit 757.

[0050] After that, the lighting pattern generation circuit 754 sets all the light sources 71 to the non-lighting (extinguished) state and sets the entire surface of the liquid crystal shutter 41 to the transmissive state (ON) (step S205). As a result, the first process is completed.

[0051] After the first process is completed, the signal control IC 75 determines whether it has received an imaging command signal for the object to be detected 110 (step S103). If it is determined that the signal has not been received, the process returns to step S103 again. If it is determined that the signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0052] In step S104, the signal control IC 75 determines whether to enter the calibration mode every time an image is captured. If it is to enter the calibration mode, the process proceeds to step S106. If it is not to enter the calibration mode, the process proceeds to step S105. Step S106 is the first process shown in FIG. 8 and has already been described as such. The second process of step S105 is as shown in FIG. 9.

[0053] That is, first, in step S301, the lighting pattern generation circuit 754 turns on all the light sources 71. As a result, the entire surface of the liquid crystal shutter 41 is in a light-transmitting state (ON) and all the light sources 71 are in a lit state. Then, the image generation circuit 756 (see FIG. 6) captures an image of the detection target 110 to generate captured image data, and the storage circuit 757 stores the captured image data (step S302). Next, the image generation circuit 756 obtains difference image data from the difference between the base image data and the captured image data (step S303). The image generation circuit 756 transfers the difference image data to the host PC (step S304). After step S304, after returning to step S103 to check whether the next imaging command has been received, the processes of step S104, step S105, and step S106 are repeated.

[0054] As described above, in the first embodiment, the detection device 100 includes a planar shutter device 4, a light guide plate 2, an optical sensor 81, and a light source 71. The planar shutter device 4 can change the light transmittance and is disposed overlapping the Z2 side of the light guide plate 2.

[0055] Since the detection device 100 includes the planar shutter device 4, it can obtain base image data, captured image data, and difference image data obtained from the difference between the base image data and the captured image data. The captured image data is image data of the detection target 110 obtained by detection with the optical sensor 81. The captured image data includes the base image data. The base image data does not include data in which the light 120 reflected from the detection target 110 is detected by the optical sensor 81. Therefore, by obtaining the difference image data from the difference between the base image data and the captured image data, the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment can obtain higher detection accuracy.

[0056] It includes a light-transmissive detection target installation part 111 that is arranged to overlap the Z2 side of the planar shutter device 4 and on which the detection target 110 is installed. According to this, when the detection target 110 is a microorganism such as bacteria or a sample containing microorganisms, the detection target 110 can be installed using the detection target installation part 111, so that the detection work becomes easier.

[0057] The light guide plate 2 is provided with a scatterer 3 (optical structure). The optical structure emits the light 120 incident from the light source 71 from the second surface 22 of the light guide plate 2. In this way, since the optical structure scatters the light 120, the light 120 propagating in the light guide plate 2 can be emitted toward the detection target 110. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the detection target 110 becomes higher.

[0058] The optical structure is provided on the first surface 21 of the light guide plate 2.

[0059] The planar shutter device 4 is arranged on the second surface 22 side of the light guide plate 2. Therefore, an optical structure can be formed on the first surface 21 of the light guide plate 2 to scatter the light 123 with the optical structure and transmit it through the light guide plate 2 so as to reach the planar shutter device 4 on the second surface 22 side.

[0060] The optical structure includes a plurality of scatterers 3 that cause scattering when the light 120 propagating in the light guide plate 2 reaches them. According to this, the scatterer 3 can emit the light 120 propagating in the light guide plate 2 toward the object to be detected 110.

[0061] An optical filter 82 is provided between the light guide plate 2 and the optical sensor 81.

[0062] According to this, since the optical filter 82 can block the light from an oblique direction, it is possible to suppress the blurring of the imaging captured by the photodiode 813.

[0063] A storage circuit 757 that stores base image data obtained by detecting the light 120 irradiated from the light source 71 in the non-translucent state of the planar shutter device 4 with the optical sensor 81, and the planar shutter device 4 obtains imaging image data obtained by detecting the light 120 irradiated from the light source 71 in the translucent state with the optical sensor 81, and an image generation circuit 756 that obtains difference image data indicating a detection result of a state in which the object to be detected 110 is mounted on the object installation unit 111 from the difference between the base image data and the imaging image data.

[0064] The imaging image data is image data of the object to be detected 110 obtained by detection with the optical sensor 81. The imaging image data includes the base image data. The base image data does not include data in which the light 120 reflected from the object to be detected 110 is detected by the optical sensor 81. Therefore, by obtaining the difference image data from the difference between the base image data and the imaging image data, the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment can obtain higher detection accuracy.

[0065] The planar shutter device 4 is a liquid crystal shutter 41, and after the power is turned on, the process for storing the base image data in the storage circuit 757 is automatically performed.

[0066] According to this, when the power is turned on, the process of storing the base image data is automatically performed, which is convenient. Further, the liquid crystal shutter 41 has the merit that its opening / closing speed is faster than that of the electrochromic shutter 42.

[0067] [Second Embodiment] Next, the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of the electrochromic shutter according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the electrochromic shutter. FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram showing the configuration of the switching element in the electrochromic shutter.

[0068] Hereinafter, the electrochromic shutter 42 will be described. In the following description, "electrochromic" in the electrochromic shutter may be simply abbreviated as "EC". That is, for example, the electrochromic shutter may be described as an EC shutter, and the electrochromic material may be described as an EC material. Note that EC is an abbreviation of ElectroChromic.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 10, the electrochromic shutter 42 includes a first substrate 8211, a second substrate 8212, and an electrochromic material 8215. The EC material 8215 is sandwiched between the first substrate 8211 and the second substrate 8212 in the Z direction. The EC shutter 42 is a device that uses an EC material 8215 capable of reversibly controlling light transmission and non-light transmission by controlling the applied voltage. Examples of the EC material 8215 include ion-insertion type metal oxides such as chromium oxide (Cr2O3) and tungsten oxide (WO3), but it is not limited thereto, and other materials that cause the same phenomenon may be adopted.

[0070] The first substrate 8211 and the second substrate 8212 are substrates having translucency, such as glass substrates for example. A first electrode 8213 is formed on the surface of the first substrate 8211 on the side of the EC material 8215. A second electrode 8214 is formed on the surface of the second substrate 8212 on the side of the EC material 8215. A switching element 8240 is connected to the first electrode 8213. The potential difference between the first electrode 8213 and the second electrode 8214 determines the voltage applied to the EC material 8215. In the embodiment, a fixed potential is applied to the second electrode 8214.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 11, the EC shutter 42 has an active area 82AA and a switching circuit area 82SA. A plurality of switching elements 8240 are arranged in a matrix in the active area 82AA.

[0072] Also, in the EC shutter 42, the signal output via the wiring 8231 is given as a drive signal to the active area 82AA via the gate driver 8221 and the wiring 8235. The signal output via the wiring 8232 is given to the switching circuit area 82SA via the decoder 8222 and the wiring 8236. The potential of the signal output via the wiring 8233 is given as an applied potential to the active area 82AA via the switching circuit area 82SA and the wiring 8237. The potential of the signal output via the wiring 8234 is given as a reset potential to the active area 82AA via the switching circuit area 82SA and the wiring 8237.

[0073] FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram showing the configuration of a switching element in an electrochromic shutter. The switching element 8240 shown in FIG. 12 is a field effect transistor (FET: Field Effect Transistor). The gate of the switching element 8240 is connected to the scanning line 8350. One of the source or drain of the switching element 8240 is connected to the transmission line 8370. The other of the source or drain of the switching element 8240 is connected to the first electrode 8213. That is, the switching element 8240 functions as a switching element that applies a potential corresponding to the potential (for example, an applied potential or a reset potential) of the signal transmitted through the transmission line 8370 to the first electrode 8213 at the timing when a signal (drive signal) is applied to the gate via the scanning line 8350.

[0074] The transmission line 8370 shown in FIG. 12 is any one of the transmission lines Data_1, Data_2, Data_3, ···, Data_n shown in FIG. 11. The wiring 8237 includes a plurality of transmission lines like the transmission lines Data_1, Data_2, Data_3, ···, Data_n shown in FIG. 11. The plurality of transmission lines are connected to the wiring 8233 via the switching circuit area 82SA. n is a natural number of 2 or more indicating the number of arrangements of the switching element 8240 in the Y direction and the number of transmission lines. A plurality of switching elements 8240 arranged in the X direction share the same transmission line.

[0075] A plurality of transmission lines such as the transmission lines Data_1, Data_2, Data_3, ···, Data_n are each connected to the wiring 8233 via individual first switching units 8251, 8252, 8253, ···, 825n. As shown in FIG. 11, the transmission line Data_1 is connected to the wiring 8233 via the first switching unit 8251. The transmission line Data_2 is connected to the wiring 8233 via the first switching unit 8252. The transmission line Data_3 is connected to the wiring 8233 via the first switching unit 8253. Similarly, the transmission line Data_n is connected to the wiring 8233 via the first switching unit 825n.

[0076] Also, a plurality of transmission paths such as transmission paths Data_1, Data_2, Data_3, ···, Data_n are each connected to wiring 8234 via individual second switching units 8261, 8262, 8263, ···, 826n. As shown in FIG. 11, transmission path Data_1 is connected to wiring 8234 via second switching unit 8261. Transmission path Data_2 is connected to wiring 8234 via second switching unit 8262. Transmission path Data_3 is connected to wiring 8234 via second switching unit 8263. Similarly, transmission path Data_n is connected to wiring 8234 via second switching unit 826n. The positions where the plurality of transmission paths are connected to the second switching units 8261, 8262, 8263, ···, 826n are on the active area 82AA side rather than the positions where the plurality of transmission paths are connected to the first switching units 8251, 8252, 8253, ···, 825n.

[0077] The first switching units 8251, 8252, 8253, ···, 825n and the second switching units 8261, 8262, 8263, ···, 826n operate under the control of decoder 8222.

[0078] Decoder 8222 is connected to wirings ASW1, ASW2, ASW3, ···, ASWn that transmit signals for individually controlling the first switching units 8251, 8252, 8253, ···, 825n. As shown in FIG. 11, wiring ASW1 connects decoder 8222 and first switching unit 8251. Wiring ASW2 connects decoder 8222 and first switching unit 8252. Wiring ASW3 connects decoder 8222 and first switching unit 8253. Similarly, wiring ASWn connects decoder 8222 and first switching unit 825n. Wiring 8236 includes wirings ASW1, ASW2, ASW3, ···, ASWn.

[0079] Further, the decoder 8222 is connected to a wiring ASW0 that transmits a signal for collectively controlling the second switching units 8261, 8262, 8263, ···, 826n. The wiring ASW0 connects the decoder 8222 and the second switching units 8261, 8262, 8263, ···, 826n. The wiring 8236 includes the wiring ASW0 in addition to the wirings ASW1, ASW2, ASW3, ···, ASWn.

[0080] The decoder 8222 operates in response to a signal given from the host 8225 via the wiring 8232, and controls the operations of the first switching units 8251, 8252, 8253, ···, 825n and the second switching units 8261, 8262, 8263, ···, 826n. More specifically, the decoder 8222 functions as a so-called combinational logic circuit, and can control the operations of the first switching units 8251, 8252, 8253, ···, 825n and the second switching units 8261, 8262, 8263, ···, 826n in response to a signal given via the wiring 8232 that includes a smaller number of wirings than the number of wirings included in the wiring 36.

[0081] The scanning line 8350 shown in FIG. 12 is any one of the scanning lines Gate_1, Gate_2, Gate_3, ···, Gate_m shown in FIG. 11. The wiring 8235 includes a plurality of scanning lines like the scanning lines Gate_1, Gate_2, Gate_3, ···, Gate_m shown in FIG. 11. The gate driver 8221 operates in response to a signal given from the host 8225 via the wiring 8231, and sequentially gives drive signals to the scanning lines Gate_1, Gate_2, Gate_3, ···, Gate_m. m is a natural number of 2 or more indicating the number of the switching elements 8240 arranged in the X direction and the number of the scanning lines. The plurality of switching elements 8240 arranged in the Y direction share the same scanning line.

[0082] Note that, for the flowchart according to the second embodiment, the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 in which "liquid crystal shutter" is replaced with "electrochromic shutter" can be adopted.

[0083] As described above, in the second embodiment, the planar shutter device 4 is the electrochromic shutter 42, and after the power is turned on, the process for storing the base image data in the memory circuit 757 is automatically performed.

[0084] According to this, when the power is turned on, the process for storing the base image data is automatically performed, which is convenient. Further, the electrochromic shutter 42 has the merit that the maximum light transmittance is higher than that of the liquid crystal shutter 41.

[0085] [Third Embodiment] Next, the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 13A is a schematic plan view of a slide shutter according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13B is a side view of FIG. 13A. FIG. 14A is a schematic plan view of a rotary shutter according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14B is a side view of FIG. 14A.

[0086] In the third embodiment, a manual shutter 43, which is an example of the planar shutter device 4, will be described. Examples of the manual shutter 43 include a slide shutter 44 and a rotary shutter 45. First, the slide shutter 44 will be described.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the slide shutter 44 includes a shutter body 441 and a guide rail 442. The slide shutter 44 is provided on the upper surface 201 of the housing 200. An opening 201b is provided in the upper surface 201. That is, the inside of the opening edge 201a having a rectangular shape in plan view is the opening 201b. From the upper side (Z2 side), the second surface 22 of the light guide plate 2 can be visually recognized through the opening 201b. That is, when the opening 201b is opened, light passes through the opening 201b.

[0088] The shutter body 441 has a rectangular shape that is long in the X direction. The shutter body 441 has edges 441a, 441b, 441c, and 441d. The length of the shutter body 441 in the Y direction is longer than the length of the opening 201b in the Y direction. The length of the shutter body 441 in the X direction is longer than twice the length of the opening 201b in the X direction. A pair of guide rails 442 are provided on the Y1 side and the Y2 side. The guide rail 442 has an L shape when viewed from the X direction. The guide rail 442 extends in the X direction. The edges 441c and 441d of the shutter body 441 are slidably supported by the pair of guide rails 442. The end of the guide rail 442 on the X2 side is located on the X1 side of the end of the opening edge 201a on the X1 side. The shutter body 441 is slidable in the X direction along the pair of guide rails 442. In FIG. 13A, the shutter body 441 shown by the solid line indicates a state where the entire surface of the opening 201b is opened, and the shutter body 441 shown by the two-dot chain line indicates a state where the entire surface of the opening 201b is closed. That is, the shutter body 441 is slidable in the X direction within the slide range 443.

[0089] Next, the rotary shutter 45 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the rotary shutter 45 includes a shutter body 451 and a hinge 452. The rotary shutter 45 is provided on the upper surface 201 of the housing 200. An opening 201b is provided in the upper surface 201.

[0090] The shutter body 451 has a rectangular shape. The shutter body 451 has edges 451a, 451b, 451c, and 451d. The length of the shutter body 441 in the Y direction is longer than the length of the opening 201b in the Y direction. The length of the shutter body 441 in the X direction is longer than the length of the opening 201b in the X direction. The hinges 452 are provided in a pair on the Y1 side and the Y2 side. The shutter body 441 is rotatably supported by the pair of hinges 452. That is, as shown in FIG. 14B, the shutter body 441 rotates along the rotation direction 453 indicated by the arrow. In FIGS. 13A and 13B, the shutter body 451 shown by the solid line indicates a state in which the entire surface of the opening 201b is opened, and the shutter body 451 shown by the two-dot chain line indicates a state in which the entire surface of the opening 201b is closed.

[0091] Next, with reference to FIG. 15, a detection operation example of the detection device according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an aspect of the detection operation example of the detection device according to the third embodiment.

[0092] First, as shown in FIG. 15, in step S401, the power of the detection device 100 is turned on to activate the detection device 100. Then, the lighting pattern generation circuit 754 (see FIG. 6) turns off (extinguishes) all the light sources 71, and the operator closes the entire surface of the opening 201b of the housing 200 with the manual shutter 43 (step S402). In step S403, the signal control IC 75 determines whether the manual shutter is closed. Specifically, the signal control IC 75 detects the light reception level of the entire surface of the optical sensor 81 and determines whether the light reception level is lower than a specified value. If it is determined that the light reception level is lower than the specified value, it is determined that the manual shutter is closed, and the process proceeds to step S405. If it is determined that the light reception level is higher than the specified value, it is determined that the manual shutter is open, and an error signal is transferred to the host PC 758 (step S404), and the process returns to step S402.

[0093] In step S405, the lighting pattern generation circuit 754 turns on all the light sources 71. As a result, the entire surface of the aperture 201b is blocked by the manual shutter 43, and the light sources 71 are in the lit state. Then, the image generation circuit 756 captures an image of the detected object 110 to generate base image data (step S406), and the memory circuit 757 stores the base image data (step S407). Thus, the base image data in the state where the entire surface of the aperture 201b is blocked by the manual shutter 43 is stored in the memory circuit 757.

[0094] After that, the signal control IC 75 determines whether it has received an imaging command signal for the detected object 110 (step S408). If it determines that it has not received the signal, it returns to step S408 again. If it determines that it has received the signal, it proceeds to step S409. Step S409 is the second process shown in FIG. 9 and has been described above. After step S409, it returns to step S408 to confirm the reception of the next imaging command, and then repeats the process of step S409.

[0095] As described above, the planar shutter device 4 is the manual shutter 43. After the power is turned on, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a process for storing base image data in the memory circuit 757 is performed. The predetermined condition is that the output of the optical sensor 81 is the output when the manual shutter 43 is closed. That is, "satisfying the predetermined condition" means that the signal control IC 75 detects the light reception level of the entire surface of the optical sensor 81 and determines that the light reception level is lower than a specified value.

[0096] The manual shutter 43 has a higher light shielding rate when the shutter is closed than the liquid crystal shutter 41 and the electrochromic shutter 42. Therefore, the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment can obtain higher detection accuracy.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0097] 2 Light guide plate 3 Scattering body (optical structure) 4 Planar shutter device 7 Light source device 21 First surface 22 Second surface 41 Liquid crystal shutter 42 Electrochromic shutter 43 Manual shutter 44 Slide shutter 45 Rotary shutter 71 Light source 81 Optical sensor 82 Optical filter 100 Detection device 110 Object to be detected 111 Object installation part 813 Photodiode (light detection element) FL Front light

Claims

1. A planar shutter device capable of changing the light transmittance, A light-transmissive light guide plate overlapping one side of the planar shutter device in a first direction, An optical sensor including a plurality of photodiodes overlapping one side of the light guide plate in the first direction and arranged in a planar manner, A light source arranged adjacent to the light guide plate in a second direction intersecting the first direction and irradiating light on a side surface of the light guide plate, Comprising, A detection device.

2. Comprising a detection object installation part which is arranged to overlap the other side of the planar shutter device in the first direction and on which a detection object is installed, The detection device according to Claim 1.

3. The detection object installation part has light-transmittance, The detection device according to Claim 2.

4. On the light guide plate, An optical structure for emitting the light incident from the light source from the surface on the other side of the light guide plate in the first direction is provided, The detection device according to Claim 2.

5. The optical structure is provided on the surface on one side of the light guide plate in the first direction, The detection device according to Claim 4.

6. The optical structure is a plurality of scatterers that cause scattering when the light propagating in the light guide plate reaches, The detection device according to Claim 4 or 5.

7. An optical filter is provided between the light guide plate and the optical sensor, The detection device according to Claim 4 or 5.

8. A storage circuit for storing base image data obtained by detecting the light irradiated from the light source by the optical sensor when the planar shutter device is in a non-light-transmissive state, An image generation circuit that acquires imaging image data obtained by detecting the light irradiated from the light source by the optical sensor when the planar shutter device is in a light-transmissive state, and acquires difference image data from the difference between the base image data and the imaging image data, The detection device according to Claim 6.

9. The planar shutter device is a liquid crystal shutter, After power-on, the process for storing the base image data in the storage circuit is automatically performed, The detection device according to Claim 8.

10. The planar shutter device is an electrochromic shutter, After power-on, the process for storing the base image data in the storage circuit is automatically performed, The detection device according to Claim 8.

11. The planar shutter device is a manual shutter, When the predetermined conditions are satisfied after the power is turned on, a process for storing the base image data in the memory circuit is performed. The predetermined conditions are that the output of the optical sensor is the output when the manual shutter is closed. The detection device according to claim 8.

Images