Detector

Abstract

To provide a detector capable of achieving higher detection accuracy.SOLUTION: A detector includes a light source device, a detection object body installation part, a liquid crystal shutter having a plurality of divisional areas, and an optical sensor including a plurality of detection areas. The light source device has a shading wall to be arranged between two neighboring light-emitting devices from among a plurality of light-emitting devices. The plurality of divisional areas in the liquid crystal shutter are capable of switching between translucent and opaque. the plurality of light-emitting devices are capable of switching between lighting and non-lighting per one divisional area per one light-emitting device. Each of the light-emitting devices, each of the plurality of divisional areas of an electrochromic shutter and each of the plurality of detection areas overlap when viewed in a Z direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a biosensor including an optical sensor having a photodiode (light detection element), a culture vessel placed above the imaging surface of the optical sensor, and a point light source arranged above the culture vessel. A culture medium and a plurality of target substances (microorganisms) are accommodated in the culture vessel. In the biosensor of Patent Document 1, light emitted from the point light source passes through the culture medium and the plurality of target substances (microorganisms) in the culture vessel and enters the photodiode. However, in the biosensor of Patent Document 1, if a plurality of point light sources are arranged, a single target substance may be irradiated with light from the plurality of point light sources in different directions, potentially resulting in blurring of the image captured by the optical sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6830593 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for a detection device that can detect an object to be detected with higher accuracy.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a detection device that improves the detection accuracy of a detection target. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A detection device of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a light source device including a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a planar manner, a translucent detectable object installation section arranged overlapping one side of the light source device in a first direction and in which a detectable object is installed, a liquid crystal shutter arranged overlapping one side of the detectable object installation section in the first direction and having a plurality of divided areas arranged in a planar manner, and an optical sensor arranged overlapping one side of the liquid crystal shutter in the first direction and including a plurality of detection areas arranged in a planar manner, wherein one of the detection areas includes one or more light detection elements, the light source device has a light-shielding wall arranged between two adjacent light-emitting elements of the plurality of light-emitting elements, each of the plurality of divided areas in the liquid crystal shutter can be switched between translucent and non-translucent for each divided area, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements can be switched between lit and non-lit for each light-emitting element, and each of the plurality of light-emitting elements, each of the plurality of divided areas of the liquid crystal shutter, and each of the plurality of detection areas overlap when viewed from the first direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a detection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the top plate is removed from FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a detection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the liquid crystal shutter according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a detection device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a projection area of ​​light emitted from a light emitting element. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the detection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a detection device according to a comparative example. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of the light source device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of the liquid crystal shutter according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of the optical sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram showing a first step in which four divided regions included in a first divided region group are made light-transmitting. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram showing a second step in which the four divided regions included in the second divided region group are made light-transmitting. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C is a schematic diagram showing a third step in which the four divided regions included in the third divided region group are made light-transmitting. [Figure 12D] FIG. 12D is a schematic diagram showing a fourth step in which the four divided regions included in the fourth divided region group are made light-transmitting. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the operating states of two light emitting elements and two divided regions of liquid crystal shutters adjacent to each other in the X direction. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the detection operation of the detection device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Modes (embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the components described below include those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine and those that are substantially identical. Furthermore, the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and any appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive while maintaining the gist of the present disclosure are naturally included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] In addition, in order to clarify the explanation, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in this disclosure and each drawing, elements similar to those described above with respect to the previous drawings may be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] In the drawings, the XYZ coordinate system has the Z direction (first direction) as the up-down direction, the X direction (second direction) as the left-right direction, and the Y direction (third direction) as the front-to-back direction. The X direction intersects (is perpendicular to) the Y and Z directions, the Y direction intersects (is perpendicular to) the X and Z directions, and the Z direction intersects (is perpendicular 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. Note that a plan view refers to a state viewed from the Z direction (first direction).

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a detection device according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a top plate is removed from Fig. 1.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the detection device 100 has, for example, a substantially box-like shape. The detection device 100 includes a housing 3 and a holding member 4. The housing 3 has a top plate 31 and side plates 32 and 33. The holding member 4 has a plate 41 and a base plate 42. A detection target installation unit 110 is placed on the plate 41. A front holding portion 42c and a rear holding portion 42d are provided at the four corners of the base plate 42. The front holding portion 42c and the rear holding portion 42d are biased upward (toward Z1) by a spring 5. Because the detection target installation unit 110 is placed on the plate 41, the plate 41 and the detection target installation unit 110 are biased upward (toward Z1) by the spring 5.

[0013] 3 is a schematic diagram of a detection device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the detection device 100 includes a light source device 7, a detection target installation unit 110, a liquid crystal shutter 82, an optical sensor 81, and a spring 5.

[0014] The light source device 7 includes a light source substrate 72, a plurality of light-emitting elements 71, and a light-shielding wall 6. The light-emitting elements 71 are, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The light-emitting elements 71 are provided on the light source substrate 72. In this manner, the light source device 7 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 71 arranged in a plane. The light-shielding wall 6 also separates the plurality of light-emitting elements 71 from one another.

[0015] The detectable object installation section 110 includes a mounting substrate 111 and a cover member 112. The detectable object installation section 110 is, for example, a petri dish. The detectable object installation section 110 is translucent. The mounting substrate 111 is disposed on the Z1 side of the light source device 7 and is a translucent substrate on which the detectable object 114 is mounted.

[0016] In this embodiment, the detection target object installation section 110 is disposed upside down compared to a normal detection target object installation section. That is, in a normal detection target object installation section, the mounting substrate is disposed on the lower side and the cover member is disposed on the upper side. In contrast, the detection target object installation section 110 according to this embodiment has the mounting substrate 111 disposed on the upper side and the cover member 112 disposed on the lower side. The optical sensor 81 and the liquid crystal shutter 82 are provided on the upper side (Z1 side) of the upside-down detection target object installation section 110, and the light source device 7 is provided on the lower side (Z2 side). A culture medium 113 is provided below the mounting substrate 111, and a detection target object 114 is applied to the culture medium 113 (the lower surface of the culture medium 113). The detection target object 114 is, for example, a microorganism such as bacteria or a sample containing a microorganism, and forms a colony on the culture medium 113 over time. The detection target object 114 is not limited to bacteria and may be other minute objects such as cells.

[0017] The optical sensor 81 has an array substrate 811 and sensor pixels 812 (photodetection elements 813, photodiodes). The optical sensor 81 is arranged to overlap the liquid crystal shutter 82 on the Z1 side. A plurality of sensor pixels 812 are provided on the surface of the array substrate 811 on the Z2 side. The liquid crystal shutter 82 will be described later.

[0018] Light L emitted from the light-emitting element 71 passes through the cover member 112, the culture medium 113, the mounting substrate 111, and the divided regions of the liquid crystal shutter 82 that are in a light-transmitting state (open state), and is irradiated toward the optical sensor 81. The amount of light irradiated onto the light detection element 813 (photodiode) of the optical sensor 81 differs between the region overlapping with the detection target 114 and the region not overlapping with the detection target 114. This allows the optical sensor 81 to capture an image of the detection target 114. In this way, the detection device 100 is a device that places the detection target 114 housed in the detection target installation section 110 between the light source device 7 and the optical sensor 81, and monitors changes in the detection target 114 by capturing an image of the detection target 114 with the optical sensor 81.

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a liquid crystal shutter according to an embodiment. Liquid crystal shutter 82 controls the twist state of the liquid crystal molecules by turning on and off the voltage applied to the electrodes, allowing light to pass through or be blocked by the polarizer on the exit side of the liquid crystal layer LC2. Figure 4 shows three divided regions 820 divided in the X direction.

[0020] The liquid crystal shutter 82 includes a first substrate 280a, a second substrate 280b, and a liquid crystal layer LC2. Specifically, the second substrate 280b is disposed on the Z1 side with a gap between it and the first substrate 280a, and the liquid crystal layer LC2 is provided between the second substrate 280b and the first substrate 280a.

[0021] The first substrate 280a includes a first deflector 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, the first deflector 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 stacked in this order from the Z2 side toward the Z1 side.

[0022] The second substrate 280b includes a second deflector 289b, a second transparent substrate 288, a second electrode 282, and a second alignment film 290b. Specifically, the second deflector 289b, the second transparent substrate 288, the second electrode 282, and the second alignment film 290b are stacked in this order from the Z1 side to the Z2 side.

[0023] The first polarizing plate 289a and the second polarizing plate 289b are polarizing plates that transmit light components that vibrate in a predetermined direction out of the incident light and block light components that vibrate in directions other than that direction.

[0024] 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, for example, light-transmitting electrodes made of indium tin oxide (ITO). The first alignment film 290a and the second alignment film 290b are, for example, made of polyimide (PI). The alignment films are provided to control the alignment of liquid crystal molecules when it is necessary for the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned in one direction over a relatively wide area.

[0025] The liquid crystal shutter 82 also has a switch SW formed of, for example, a TFT. The switch SW has a channel 284, a source 285a, a drain 285b, and a gate 285c mounted on a 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 or not to allow a drain current to flow to the first electrode 281 depending on whether or not a signal is applied to the gate 285c. Note that a first electrode 281, a second electrode 282, and one switch SW are arranged for each divided region 820.

[0026] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a detection device. As shown in Fig. 5, the detection device 100 has an optical sensor 81, a liquid crystal shutter 82, a light source device 7, and a host IC 75. The optical sensor 81 has an array substrate 811, a plurality of sensor pixels 812 (photodetection elements 813, photodiodes) formed on the array substrate 811, gate line drive circuits 814A and 814B, a signal line drive circuit 16A, and a detection control circuit 816.

[0027] The array substrate 811 is formed using the substrate 21 as a base. Each of the plurality of sensor pixels 812 is configured to have a photodetector element 813, a plurality of transistors, and various wirings.

[0028] The array substrate 811 has a detection area AA and a peripheral area GA. The detection area AA is an area in which a plurality of sensor pixels 812 (a plurality of photodetection elements 813) are provided. The peripheral area GA is an area between the periphery of the detection area AA and the outer edge of the array substrate 811, and is an area in which a plurality of sensor pixels 812 are not provided. Gate line driving circuits 814A and 814B, a signal line driving circuit 815A, and a detection control circuit 816 are provided in the peripheral area GA.

[0029] Each of the plurality of sensor pixels 812 is an optical sensor having a photodetection element (photodiode) 813 as a sensor element. Each of the photodetection elements 813 outputs an electrical signal according to the light irradiated thereon.

[0030] The detection control circuit 816 is a circuit that supplies control signals Sa, Sb, and Sc to the gate line driving circuits 814A, 814B and the signal line driving circuit 815A, respectively, and controls their operations. The detection control circuit 816 includes a signal processing circuit that processes the detection signals Vdet from the multiple photodetection elements 813.

[0031] The detection control circuit 816 processes the detection signals Vdet from the multiple light detection elements 813, and outputs a sensor value So based on the detection signal Vdet to the host IC 75. In this way, the detection device 100 detects information related to the object 114 to be detected.

[0032] The liquid crystal shutter 82 has a plurality of divided regions 820 and a second light-emitting element control circuit 822. Each of the divided regions 820 is arranged to overlap a plurality of (for example, four) light-detecting elements 813. The second light-emitting element control circuit 822 is a circuit that supplies a control signal Sg to each of the divided regions 820 and controls their operation. The divided regions 820 of the liquid crystal shutter 82 overlap with the light-detecting elements 813 when viewed from the Z direction. Note that in this embodiment, two or more light-emitting elements 71 may overlap one divided region 820 of the liquid crystal shutter 82.

[0033] The light source device 7 includes a light source substrate 72, a plurality of light emitting elements 71 formed on the light source substrate 72, gate line driving circuits 814C and 814D, a signal line driving circuit 815B, and a first light emitting element control circuit 74.

[0034] The multiple light-emitting elements 71 are arranged in a matrix in an area overlapping with the detection area AA of the light source substrate 72. The light source substrate 72 is a drive circuit board that drives each light-emitting element 71 by switching it between on (illuminated state) and off (unlit state). Each of the multiple light-emitting elements 71 is arranged so as to overlap with a corresponding divided area 820 of the liquid crystal shutter 82. That is, each of the multiple light-emitting elements 71, each of the multiple divided areas 820 of the liquid crystal shutter 82, and each of the multiple detection areas 810 overlap when viewed in the Z direction.

[0035] The first light emitting element control circuit 74 is a circuit that supplies control signals Sd, Se, and Sf to the gate line driving circuits 814C, 814D and the signal line driving circuit 815B, respectively, and controls their operations.

[0036] The host IC 75 has a sensor value storage circuit 751, a sensor value calculation circuit 752, a light amount setting circuit 753, and a target value storage circuit 759 as control circuits on the optical sensor 81 side. 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 a predetermined calculation process on the sensor value So of the light detection element 813.

[0037] In the light intensity setting mode, the light intensity setting circuit 753 compares the sensor values ​​So detected by the plurality of light detection elements 813 with a preset target sensor value So-t acquired from the target value storage circuit 759, and sets the light intensity for detection by the plurality of light-emitting elements 71. The target value storage circuit 759 stores the preset target sensor value So-t.

[0038] The host IC 75 has, as control circuits on the light source device 7 side, a lighting pattern generation circuit 754 and a lighting pattern storage circuit 755. The lighting pattern storage circuit 755 stores information on the light intensity of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 71 in the light intensity setting mode.

[0039] The lighting pattern generating circuit 754 generates various control signals based on the information on the amount of light from the lighting pattern storage circuit 755 .

[0040] The host IC 75 has an image generation circuit 756 and a memory circuit 757. In the detection mode, the image generation circuit 756 generates an image of the detection target 114 based on the sensor values ​​So output from the multiple light detection elements 813. The memory circuit 757 stores the image data generated by the image generation circuit 756. The host IC 75 is connected to a host PC 758 and transfers the image data to the host PC 758.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a projection area of ​​light emitted from a light emitting element.

[0042] 6, a total of 16 light-emitting elements 71 according to this embodiment are provided. The 16 light-emitting elements 71 are arranged in a matrix at equal intervals in the X direction (second direction) and the Y direction (third direction). Of these 16 light-emitting elements 71, the distance between adjacent light-emitting elements 71 in the X direction is distance d, and the distance between adjacent light-emitting elements 71 in the Y direction is also distance d.

[0043] Furthermore, since the light emitted from one light-emitting element 71 spreads radially upward (toward the Z1 side), as shown in Fig. 6, the projection area IA of light projected onto the optical sensor 81 without the liquid crystal shutter 82 is a circle with a radius r and centered on the light-emitting element 71. As shown in Fig. 6, adjacent projection areas IAs in the X direction or Y direction have an overlapping portion P indicated by hatching. This overlapping portion P causes the captured image of the object to be detected 114 to become blurred or faint.

[0044] Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of the detection device according to the embodiment, and Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the detection device according to the comparative example.

[0045] First, a comparative example shown in FIG. 8 will be described. In the comparative example shown in FIG. 8, the light-shielding wall 6 shown in FIG. 7 is not provided. As shown in FIG. 8, when viewed from the Z direction, the divided region 82-1 overlaps with the light-emitting element 71-1, the divided region 82-2 overlaps with the light-emitting element 71-2, the divided region 82-3 overlaps with the light-emitting element 71-3, and the divided region 82-4 overlaps with the light-emitting element 71-4. Light L1 is emitted from the light-emitting element 71-1, light L2 is emitted from the light-emitting element 71-2, light L3 is emitted from the light-emitting element 71-3, and light L4 is emitted from the light-emitting element 71-4. As shown in FIG. 8, in the comparative example, light L1 is irradiated onto the entire divided region 82-1, the entire divided region 82-2, and part of the divided region 82-3. Similarly, light L2 is irradiated onto the entire divided region 82-2, the entire divided region 82-1, the entire divided region 82-3, and part of the divided region 82-34. In the comparative example in which the light-shielding wall 6 is not provided, the irradiation angle of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 71 is angle θ2.

[0046] In contrast, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , a light-shielding wall 6 is provided. The light-shielding wall 6 is a partition wall that separates adjacent light-emitting elements 71 in the X direction and adjacent light-emitting elements 71 in the Y direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the light-shielding wall 6 has a lattice shape. The light-shielding wall 6 protrudes toward the Z1 side. The height of the light-shielding wall 6 is greater than that of the light-emitting elements 71. The light-shielding wall 6 has visible light absorption properties that absorb at least a portion of visible light. As shown in FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, light L1 is irradiated onto the entire divided region 82-1 and part of the divided region 82-2. That is, while light L1 shown in FIG. 6 reaches the divided region 82-3, in this embodiment, it is blocked by the light-shielding wall 6 and does not reach the divided region 82-3. Similarly, light L3 is irradiated onto the entire divided region 82-3, part of the divided region 82-2, and part of the divided region 82-4. Note that in the embodiment in which the light-shielding wall 6 is provided, the irradiation angle of light emitted from the light-emitting element 71 is angle θ1. Angle θ1 is smaller than angle θ2. In this way, light L from one light-emitting element 71 is irradiated onto one divided region 820 that overlaps with the one light-emitting element 71 in the X direction and onto another divided region 820 adjacent to the one divided region 820, and does not reach the other divided regions 820 because the light is blocked by the light-shielding wall 6. In other words, the angle at which the light is irradiated onto a region beyond the divided region 820 adjacent to the predetermined divided region 820 is angle θ2, and the angle at which the light is not irradiated onto a region beyond the divided region 820 adjacent to the predetermined divided region 820 is angle θ1.

[0047] Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of a light source device according to an embodiment, Fig. 10 is a schematic plan view of a liquid crystal shutter according to an embodiment, and Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view of an optical sensor according to an embodiment.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9 , a total of 16 light-emitting elements 71 according to this embodiment are provided. Each of the 16 light-emitting elements 71 can be switched between on and off. As described above, the 16 light-emitting elements 71 are arranged in a matrix at equal intervals in the X and Y directions. Specifically, four rows are arranged along the X direction and four columns are arranged along the Y direction. For example, the first row is located closest to the Y2 side. In the first row, four light-emitting elements 71 are arranged at equal intervals from the X2 side to the X1 side. Specifically, light-emitting elements 71-1, 71-2, 71-3, and 71-4 are arranged from the X2 side to the X1 side. In the second row, four light-emitting elements 71 are arranged at equal intervals from the X2 side to the X1 side.

[0049] Specifically, light-emitting elements 71-5, 71-6, 71-7, and 71-8 are arranged from the X2 side to the X1 side. In the third row, four light-emitting elements 71 are arranged at equal intervals from the X2 side to the X1 side. Specifically, light-emitting elements 71-9, 71-10, 71-11, and 71-12 are arranged from the X2 side to the X1 side. In the fourth row, four light-emitting elements 71 are arranged at equal intervals from the X2 side to the X1 side. Specifically, light-emitting elements 71-13, 71-14, 71-15, and 71-16 are arranged from the X2 side to the X1 side.

[0050] Regarding the columns, for example, the first column is located closest to the X2 side. In the first column, four light-emitting elements 71 are arranged at equal intervals from the Y2 side to the Y1 side. Similarly, in the second, third, and fourth columns, four light-emitting elements 71 are arranged at equal intervals from the Y2 side to the Y1 side.

[0051] 10, the liquid crystal shutter 82 according to this embodiment is divided into a total of 16 sections in plan view from the Z direction. That is, the liquid crystal shutter 82 has 16 divided regions 820 divided in the X and Y directions.

[0052] Each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 71 can be switched between lit and unlit for each light-emitting element 71. The divided regions 820 that overlap with a lit light-emitting element 71 as viewed from the Z direction are in a light-transmitting state, and the divided regions 820 that overlap with a unlit light-emitting element 71 as viewed from the Z direction are in a non-light-transmitting state.

[0053] Adjacent divided regions 820 in the X direction or Y direction are arranged with no or a small gap between them. Each of the divided regions 820 has a square shape when viewed from the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the divided regions 820 are arranged in a matrix (row and column) at equal intervals in the X and Y directions. The 16 divided regions 820 are arranged in a lattice pattern at equal intervals in the X and Y directions. Specifically, similar to the arrangement of the light-emitting elements, four rows are arranged along the X direction and four columns are arranged along the Y direction. Regarding the rows, for example, the first row is located closest to the Y2 side. In the first row, four divided regions 820 are arranged at equal intervals from the X2 side to the X1 side. Specifically, divided regions 82-1, 82-2, 82-3, and 82-4 are arranged from the X2 side to the X1 side. In the second row, four divided regions 820 are arranged at equal intervals from the X2 side to the X1 side.

[0054] Specifically, divided regions 82-5, 82-6, 82-7, and 82-8 are arranged from the X2 side to the X1 side. In the third row, four divided regions 820 are arranged at equal intervals from the X2 side to the X1 side. Specifically, divided regions 82-9, 82-10, 82-11, and 82-12 are arranged from the X2 side to the X1 side. In the fourth row, four divided regions 820 are arranged at equal intervals from the X2 side to the X1 side. Specifically, divided regions 82-13, 82-14, 82-15, and 82-16 are arranged from the X2 side to the X1 side.

[0055] Regarding the columns, for example, the first column is located closest to the X2 side. In the first column, four divided regions 820 are arranged at equal intervals from the Y2 side to the Y1 side. Similarly, in the second, third, and fourth columns, four divided regions 820 are arranged at equal intervals from the Y2 side to the Y1 side.

[0056] In the present invention, the divided regions 820 are not limited to being square in plan view. Therefore, the divided regions 820 may be, for example, equilateral triangular in plan view, or may be polygonal with five or more sides. Furthermore, the divided regions 820 that are simultaneously in the light-transmitting state are not adjacent to each other.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 11 , one detection region 810 includes one or more photodetection elements 813 (photodiodes). In this embodiment, one detection region 810 includes four photodetection elements 813, but the present invention is not limited to this and may include three or fewer, or five or more, photodetection elements 813. The detection region 810 is disposed corresponding to the divided regions 820 of the liquid crystal shutter 82. Specifically, the outline of the detection region 810 overlaps with the outline of the divided regions 820 of the liquid crystal shutter 82 in the Z direction. Therefore, when viewed from the Z direction, the four photodetection elements 813 are disposed overlapping the divided regions 820 of one liquid crystal shutter 82.

[0058] The detection regions 810 are arranged in a matrix (rows and columns) at equal intervals in the X and Y directions when viewed from the Z direction. The 16 detection regions 810 are arranged in a grid pattern at equal intervals in the X and Y directions. Specifically, similar to the arrangement of the divided regions 820 of the light-emitting element 71 and the liquid crystal shutter 82, four rows are arranged along the X direction and four columns are arranged along the Y direction. Regarding the rows, for example, the first row is located closest to the Y2 side. In the first row, four detection regions 810 are arranged at equal intervals from the X2 side to the X1 side, in the second row, four detection regions 810 are arranged at equal intervals from the X2 side to the X1 side, in the third row, four detection regions 810 are arranged at equal intervals from the X2 side to the X1 side, and in the fourth row, four detection regions 810 are arranged at equal intervals from the X2 side to the X1 side.

[0059] Next, the operation timing of the liquid crystal shutter 82 and the timing of lighting and non-lighting of the light-emitting elements will be described. FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram showing a first process in which four divided regions included in a first divided region group are set to a light-transmitting state. FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram showing a second process in which four divided regions included in a second divided region group are set to a light-transmitting state. FIG. 12C is a schematic diagram showing a third process in which four divided regions included in a third divided region group are set to a light-transmitting state. FIG. 12D is a schematic diagram showing a fourth process in which four divided regions included in a fourth divided region group are set to a light-transmitting state. Note that light-emitting elements 71 in a lit state are shown as white, and light-emitting elements 71 in a non-lit state are shown as hatched. Furthermore, divided regions 820 in a light-transmitting state are shown as white, and divided regions 820 in a non-light-transmitting state are shown as hatched.

[0060] As described above, the divided regions 820 of the liquid crystal shutter 82 and the light-emitting elements 71 are arranged in a matrix (rows and columns) at equal intervals in the X and Y directions. In this embodiment, a process of setting four (a predetermined number of two or more) divided regions 820 to a light-transmitting state and setting 12 (the remaining number) divided regions 820, which is 16 (the total number of divided regions) minus four (a predetermined number of two or more), to a non-light-transmitting state, is performed four times (multiple times). This process is performed by switching the divided regions 820 to a light-transmitting state until all 16 (the total number of divided regions) have been set to a light-transmitting state at least once. Specifically, this process includes a first process shown in FIG. 12A, a second process shown in FIG. 12B, a third process shown in FIG. 12C, and a fourth process shown in FIG. 12D.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 12A, in the first step, four divided regions included in the first divided region group are set to a light-transmitting state. The four divided regions are divided region 82-1, divided region 82-3, divided region 82-9, and divided region 82-11, and the other divided regions 820 are set to a non-light-transmitting state. Furthermore, light-emitting elements 71-1, light-emitting element 71-3, light-emitting element 71-9, and light-emitting element 71-10 are set to a lit state, and the other light-emitting elements 71 are set to a non-lit state. As shown in FIG. 12A, divided regions 820 that are set to a light-transmitting state at the same time are not adjacent to each other.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 12B, in the second step, four divided regions included in the second divided region group are set to a light-transmitting state. The four divided regions are divided region 82-2, divided region 82-4, divided region 82-10, and divided region 82-12, and the other divided regions 820 are set to a non-light-transmitting state. Furthermore, light-emitting elements 71-2, light-emitting element 71-4, light-emitting element 71-10, and light-emitting element 71-12 are set to a lit state, and the other light-emitting elements 71 are set to a non-lit state. As shown in FIG. 12B, divided regions 820 that are set to a light-transmitting state at the same time are not adjacent to each other.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 12C, in the third step, four divided regions included in the third divided region group are set to a light-transmitting state. The four divided regions are divided region 82-5, divided region 82-7, divided region 82-13, and divided region 82-15, and the other divided regions 820 are set to a non-light-transmitting state. Furthermore, light-emitting elements 71-5, light-emitting element 71-7, light-emitting element 71-13, and light-emitting element 71-15 are set to a lit state, and the other light-emitting elements 71 are set to a non-lit state. As shown in FIG. 12C, divided regions 820 that are set to a light-transmitting state at the same time are not adjacent to each other.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 12D, in the fourth step, four divided regions included in the fourth divided region group are set to a light-transmitting state. The four divided regions are divided region 82-6, divided region 82-8, divided region 82-14, and divided region 82-16, and the other divided regions 820 are set to a non-light-transmitting state. Furthermore, light-emitting elements 71-6, light-emitting element 71-8, light-emitting element 71-14, and light-emitting element 71-16 are set to a lit state, and the other light-emitting elements 71 are set to a non-lit state. As shown in FIG. 12D, divided regions 820 that are set to a light-transmitting state at the same time are not adjacent to each other.

[0065] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the operating states of two light-emitting elements and two divided regions of the liquid crystal shutter adjacent in the X direction. In Fig. 13, the diagram shown in the upper left part shows the timing of lighting and non-lighting of light-emitting element 71-1 (see Fig. 9) and the operating state of divided region 82-1 (see Fig. 10) of liquid crystal shutter 82. Light-emitting element 71-1 and divided region 82-1 overlap in the Z direction. In Fig. 13, the diagram shown in the lower right part shows the timing of lighting and non-lighting of light-emitting element 71-2 (see Fig. 9) and the operating state of divided region 82-2 (see Fig. 10) of liquid crystal shutter 82. Light-emitting element 71-2 and divided region 82-2 overlap in the Z direction.

[0066] Furthermore, the control signal Sg (see FIG. 5) that commands the opening and closing of the shutter is indicated by a solid line, and the transmittance of the shutter is indicated by a dashed line. Note that the highest transmittance of the liquid crystal shutter 82 is represented as 100%, and the lowest transmittance is represented as 0%. In this embodiment, the predetermined transmittance that provides satisfactory detection accuracy is 95% or higher, so the transmittance of 95% is represented by a two-dot chain line.

[0067] First, as shown by the solid line, at time T1, the divided region 82-1 of the liquid crystal shutter 82 receives a control signal Sg (see FIG. 5) that opens (turns on) the shutter. After receiving the control signal Sg, the transmittance of the divided region 82-1 of the liquid crystal shutter 82 gradually increases, reaches 95% at time T2, and saturates at approximately 100% at time T3. In this embodiment, a transmittance of 95% or more is considered to be the light-transmitting state (open state) of the liquid crystal shutter 82, and a non-light-transmitting state (closed state) is considered to be a state in which the transmittance is less than 5%, for example. Therefore, at time T2, the divided region 82-1 of the liquid crystal shutter 82 enters the light-transmitting state (open state). The time from time T1 to time T2 is determined in advance, for example, by experiment. Thus, it is determined that the transmittance of the liquid crystal shutter 82 has reached 95% at the time (time T2 - time T1) that has elapsed since time T1.

[0068] At time T3, light-emitting element 71-1 changes from a non-lighting state (extinct state) to a lighting state. The lighting state of light-emitting element 71-1 continues from time T3 to time T4. At time T4, light-emitting element 71-1 changes to a non-lighting state.

[0069] At time T5, after time T4, when a control signal Sg to close (turn off) the shutter is received, the transmittance of divided region 82-1 of liquid crystal shutter 82 gradually decreases from time T5, reaches 95% at time T6, and saturates at around 0% at time T7. Since the transmittance reaches 95% at time T6, divided region 82-1 of liquid crystal shutter 82 is closed at time T6. Time T7 is also the timing when all divided regions 820 are in a non-transmitting state.

[0070] After time T7, the light-emitting element 71-2 is turned on and off, and the divided region 82-2 of the liquid crystal shutter 82 is opened. The changes in the light-emitting state and the non-light-emitting state of the light-emitting element 71-2 are the same as those of the light-emitting element 71-1, and the open / closed state of the divided region 82-2 of the liquid crystal shutter 82 is the same as that of the divided region 82-1.

[0071] Specifically, first, as shown by the solid line, divided region 82-2 of liquid crystal shutter 82 receives a control signal Sg that opens (turns ON) the shutter at time T8. After receiving the control signal Sg, the transmittance of divided region 82-2 of liquid crystal shutter 82 gradually increases, reaches 95% at time T9, and saturates at around 100% at time T10.

[0072] At time T10, the light-emitting element 71-2 changes from a non-lighted state (extinct state) to a lighted state. The light-emitting element 71-2 remains in the lit state from time T10 to time T11. At time T11, the light-emitting element 71-2 changes to the non-lighted state.

[0073] At time T12 after time T11, when a control signal Sg to close (turn off) the shutter is received, the transmittance of divided area 82-2 gradually decreases from time T12, reaches 95% at time T13, and saturates at around 0% at time T14.

[0074] Here, divided region 82-1 becomes translucent in the first step shown in FIG. 12A, and divided region 82-2 becomes translucent in the second step shown in FIG. 12B. Divided region 82-1 and divided region 82-2 are adjacent to each other in the X direction. Time T7 is the timing at which all divided regions 820 become non-translucent. As described above, in this embodiment, divided region 82-1, which becomes translucent in the first step (a certain step) of four (multiple) steps, and divided region 82-2, which becomes translucent in the second step (the step following that certain step), are adjacent to each other, and a timing occurs between the first step and the second step at which all divided regions 820 become non-translucent.

[0075] Next, an example of the detection operation of the detection device will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

[0076] First, in step S101, the lighting pattern generation circuit 754 (see FIG. 5) turns off all the light-emitting elements 71 and turns off (closes) all the divided regions 820 of the liquid crystal shutter 82. As a result, all 16 light-emitting elements 71 shown in FIG. 9 are turned off, and all 16 divided regions 820 shown in FIG. 10 are turned off.

[0077] Next, the host IC 75 (see FIG. 5) sets the number n of the light emitting element 71 to n=1 (step S102).

[0078] Then, lighting pattern generation circuit 754 turns ON the control signals for all divided areas 820 included in the divided area group corresponding to number n (step S103). Specifically, as described with reference to Fig. 12A, in the first step, the control signals for four divided areas (divided area 82-1, divided area 82-3, divided area 82-9, and divided area 82-11) included in the first divided area group are turned ON. As a result, as described with reference to Fig. 13, for example, divided area 82-1 receives control signal Sg that opens (turns ON) the shutter at time T1.

[0079] Next, after the transmittance of all the divided regions included in the first divided region group of ST103 reaches 95% or more, the lighting pattern generation circuit 754 lights up the light-emitting element 71 corresponding to the number n (step S104). Specifically, all the divided regions included in the first divided region group of ST103 are the divided region 82-1, the divided region 82-3, the divided region 82-9, and the divided region 82-11. As a result, as described with reference to FIG. 13, at time T3, for example, the light-emitting element 71-1 changes from a non-lighting state (extinct state) to a lighting state.

[0080] Then, the image generation circuit 756 (see FIG. 5) generates divided image data for the divided areas 820 included in the divided area group corresponding to the number n, and stores the generated data in the storage circuit 757 (step S105). As a result, divided image data corresponding to all of the divided areas 820 included in, for example, the first divided area group is generated and stored.

[0081] Next, the lighting pattern generation circuit 754 turns off the light-emitting element 71 corresponding to the number n (step S106). Specifically, the light-emitting element 71 that overlaps in the Z direction with the divided region 820 included in the first divided region group changes from the lighting state to the non-lighting state at time T4 described with reference to FIG.

[0082] After turning off the light-emitting element 71 in S106, the lighting pattern generation circuit 754 turns off the control signals for all the divided regions 820 included in the divided region group corresponding to the number n (step S107). Specifically, at time T5 after time T4 described in FIG. 13, when the lighting pattern generation circuit 754 receives a control signal Sg for closing (turning off) the shutters of all the divided regions 820 included in the first divided region group, the transmittance of all the divided regions 820 gradually decreases from time T5.

[0083] The host IC 75 determines whether the number n is the final value (step S108), and if it determines that the number n is not the final value, the host IC updates the number n of the light-emitting element to n=n+1 (step S109). For example, it updates n from n=1 to n=2, and returns to step S103. If n=2, this corresponds to the second step in this embodiment.

[0084] Then, the processes from step S103 to step S107 are performed, and it is again determined whether or not the number n is the final value (step S108), and the processes are repeated until the number n reaches the final value. In this embodiment, after the second process, the third and fourth processes are performed. That is, these processes are performed while switching the divided regions 820 that are in the light-transmitting state until all 16 divided regions 820 have been in the light-transmitting state at least once.

[0085] Then, when the host IC 75 determines that the number n is the final value (step S108), the image generation circuit 756 generates composite image data by combining all of the divided image data (step S110). As a result, composite image data corresponding to all of the divided areas 820 of the liquid crystal shutter 82 is generated. Then, the image generation circuit 756 transfers the composite image data to the host PC 758 (step S111).

[0086] As described above, the detection device 100 includes the light source device 7, the light-transmitting detection target installation section 110, the liquid crystal shutter 82 having the plurality of divided regions 820, and the optical sensor 81 including the plurality of detection regions 810. Each of the plurality of divided regions 820 in the liquid crystal shutter 82 can be switched between light-transmitting and non-light-transmitting, and each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 71 can be switched between lit and unlit. Each of the plurality of light-emitting elements 71, each of the plurality of divided regions 820 in the liquid crystal shutter 82, and each of the plurality of detection regions 810 overlap when viewed in the Z direction. The light source device 7 has a light-shielding wall 6 arranged between two adjacent light-emitting elements 71 among the plurality of light-emitting elements 71.

[0087] As mentioned above, when multiple light-emitting elements 71 are arranged, light from different directions may be irradiated onto a single object to be detected 114 from the multiple light-emitting elements 71, which may result in blurring of the image captured by the optical sensor 81.

[0088] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, each of the multiple light-emitting elements 71, each of the multiple divided regions 820 of the liquid crystal shutter 82, and each of the multiple detection regions 810 of the optical sensor 81 overlap when viewed from the Z direction. Furthermore, a light-shielding wall 6 is provided between two adjacent light-emitting elements 71. Therefore, by turning on one light-emitting element 71 and putting the divided region 820 that is arranged overlapping with that one light-emitting element 71 into a light-transmitting state, it is possible to prevent multiple light beams L from entering the detection region 810 that is arranged overlapping with the divided region 820 in the light-transmitting state.

[0089] Furthermore, by providing a light-shielding wall 6 between two adjacent light-emitting elements 71, a portion of the light L emitted from one light-emitting element 71 is blocked by the light-shielding wall 6. This further prevents multiple light rays L from entering the divided region 820 and the detection region 810 that are arranged to overlap one light-emitting element 71. As a result, blurring of the image captured by the optical sensor 81 can be further reduced.

[0090] The divided regions 820 that overlap in the Z direction with the light-emitting element 71 in the lit state are in a light-transmitting state, and the divided regions 820 that overlap in the Z direction with the light-emitting element 71 in the unlit state are in a light-non-transmitting state.

[0091] According to this, one light-emitting element 71 is turned on, the divided region 820 that is arranged overlapping with the one light-emitting element 71 is set to a light-transmitting state, and the divided region 820 adjacent to the one divided region 820 is set to a light-non-transmitting state. Therefore, the light L that passes through the divided region 820 in the light-transmitting state and reaches the detection region 810 is limited to the light L emitted from the one light-emitting element 71. This makes it possible to further reduce blurring of the image captured by the optical sensor 81.

[0092] Four (a predetermined number equal to or greater than two) divided regions 820 are in a light-transmitting state, and the remaining 12 divided regions 820, obtained by subtracting four from 16 (the total number of divided regions 820), are in a non-light-transmitting state.

[0093] That is, a step is provided in which four of the 16 divided regions 820 are simultaneously made translucent. Therefore, all (16) of the plurality of divided regions 820 can be made translucent in four steps, and therefore, compared to an embodiment in which, for example, only one divided region 820 is made translucent in one step, all (16) of the plurality of divided regions 820 can be made translucent in fewer steps.

[0094] The divided regions 820 that are simultaneously in the light-transmitting state are not adjacent to each other.

[0095] According to this, when one light-emitting element 71 is turned on and the divided region 820 that is arranged overlapping with the one light-emitting element 71 is set to a light-transmitting state, the light L that passes through the divided region 820 in the light-transmitting state and reaches the detection region 810 is limited to the light L emitted from the one light-emitting element 71. This makes it possible to further reduce blurring of the image captured by the optical sensor 81.

[0096] Light L from one light-emitting element 71 is irradiated onto one divided area 820 that overlaps with the one light-emitting element 71 in the Z direction and onto another divided area 820 adjacent to the one divided area 820, and is blocked by the light-shielding wall 6 and does not reach the other divided areas 820.

[0097] With this, a portion of the light L emitted from one light-emitting element 71 is blocked by the light-shielding wall 6, which further prevents multiple light rays L from entering the divided region 820 and the detection region 810 that overlap one light-emitting element 71 in the Z direction. This further reduces blurring of the image captured by the optical sensor 81. Here, "adjacent" includes adjacent in the X direction, adjacent in the Y direction, and adjacent in the X and Y directions. For example, the divided regions adjacent to divided region 82-6 in the X direction are divided region 82-5 and divided region 82-7, the divided regions adjacent to divided region 82-6 in the Y direction are divided region 82-2 and divided region 82-10, and the divided regions adjacent to divided region 82-6 in the X and Y directions are divided region 82-1, divided region 82-3, divided region 82-9, and divided region 82-11.

[0098] The light-emitting elements 71, divided regions 820, and detection regions 810 are arranged in a matrix along the X direction (second direction) that intersects with the Z direction (first direction), and the Y direction (third direction) that intersects with the Z direction and the X direction. A process in which four divided regions 820 are in a light-transmitting state and the remaining 12 divided regions 820 (16 minus four) are in a non-light-transmitting state is performed four times. This process is performed by switching the divided regions 820 that are in a light-transmitting state until all 16 divided regions 820 are in a light-transmitting state at least once.

[0099] Therefore, in this embodiment, all (16) of the plurality of divided regions 820 can be made light-transmitting in four steps. In contrast, in an aspect in which only one divided region 820 is made light-transmitting in one step, for example, 16 steps are required to make the 16 divided regions 820 light-transmitting.

[0100] Therefore, according to this embodiment, all (16) of the plurality of divided regions 820 can be made to be in a light-transmitting state with fewer steps.

[0101] The divided region 82-1 that is set to the light-transmitting state in the first step (a certain step) of the four (multiple) steps and the divided region 82-2 that is set to the light-transmitting state in the second step (the next step) are adjacent to each other in the X direction. Between the first step and the second step, there are times (times T7 and T8) when all the divided regions 820 are set to the non-light-transmitting state.

[0102] In other words, divided region 82-1 becomes non-transmitting before divided region 82-2 becomes transmitting. Therefore, light L reaching divided region 82-2 is limited to light L emitted from light emitting element 71-2, which further reduces blurring of the image captured by optical sensor 81.

[0103] When the transmittance of the divided region 820 in the light transmitting state is equal to or greater than a predetermined value relative to the maximum transmittance, the light emitting element 71 is turned on. The predetermined value is, for example, 95%.

[0104] 13, the time during which the transmittance of divided region 82-1 is equal to or greater than 95% of the predetermined value is from time T2 to time T6. During the range from time T2 to time T6, light-emitting element 71-1 is in the lit state. That is, when light-emitting element 71-1 is in the lit state, divided region 82-1 is in the light-transmitting state, and divided region 820 adjacent to divided region 82-1 is in the light-non-transmitting state. This prevents multiple light beams from entering one detection region 810, thereby further reducing blurring of the image captured by optical sensor 81.

[0105] After one light emitting element 71 is turned off, the transmittance of one divided region 820 that overlaps with the one light emitting element 71 in the Z direction starts to decrease.

[0106] 13, the time when light-emitting element 71-1 enters the non-illuminated state is time T4. The time when the transmittance of divided region 82-1 starts to decrease is time T5. Time T5 occurs after time T4. In other words, when light-emitting element 71-1 is in the non-illuminated state, divided region 82-1 is always in the non-transmitting state. This prevents multiple light beams from entering one detection region 810, thereby further reducing blurring of the image captured by optical sensor 81. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 6. Blackout walls 7 Light source device 71 Light-emitting element 81 Optical Sensor 810 detection area 813 Photodetector (photodiode) 82 LCD shutter 820 Split area 100 Detection device 110 Detectable object installation section 114 Object to be detected L light

Claims

1. a light source device including a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a plane; a light-transmitting detection target installation portion that is disposed on one side of the light source device in a first direction and that has a detection target installed thereon; a liquid crystal shutter that is arranged to overlap one side of the detection object installation portion in the first direction and has a plurality of divided regions arranged in a plane; an optical sensor that is arranged to overlap one side of the liquid crystal shutter in the first direction and includes a plurality of detection areas arranged in a plane; One of the detection regions includes one or more light detection elements, the light source device has a light-shielding wall disposed between two adjacent light-emitting elements among the plurality of light-emitting elements, each of the plurality of divided regions of the liquid crystal shutter is switchable between light transmitting and non-light transmitting, and each of the plurality of light emitting elements is switchable between light emitting and non-light emitting, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements, each of the plurality of divided regions of the liquid crystal shutter, and each of the plurality of detection regions overlap when viewed from the first direction; Detection device.

2. Among the plurality of divided regions, A divided region overlapping a light-emitting element in a lit state when viewed from the first direction is in a light-transmitting state, and a divided region overlapping a light-emitting element in a non-lit state when viewed from the first direction is in a light-nontransmitting state. The detection device according to claim 1 .

3. a predetermined number (two or more) of divided regions are in a light-transmitting state, and the remaining number of divided regions (a number obtained by subtracting the predetermined number from the total number of the plurality of divided regions) are in a light-non-transmitting state; The detection device according to claim 2 .

4. The divided areas that are simultaneously in the light-transmitting state are not adjacent to each other. The detection device according to claim 3 .

5. The light from one light emitting element is the light is irradiated onto one divided region that overlaps with the one light-emitting element in the first direction and another divided region adjacent to the one divided region, and the light is blocked by the light-shielding wall and does not reach the other divided regions; The detection device according to claim 4 .

6. the plurality of light-emitting elements, the plurality of divided regions, and the plurality of detection regions are arranged in a matrix along a second direction intersecting the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, a step of making the two or more predetermined number of the divided regions into a light-transmitting state and making the remaining number of the divided regions, which is obtained by subtracting the predetermined number from the total number of the plurality of divided regions, into a light-non-transmitting state, is performed a plurality of times; This process comprises: The divided regions to be in a light-transmitting state are switched over until all of the plurality of divided regions are in a light-transmitting state at least once.

5. The detection device according to claim 3 or 4.

7. a divided region that is set to a light-transmitting state in a step among the plurality of steps is adjacent to a divided region that is set to a light-transmitting state in a step subsequent to the step; a timing occurs between the certain step and the next step in which all the divided regions are in a non-light-transmitting state; The detection device according to claim 6.

8. When the transmittance of the one divided region in the light-transmitting state is equal to or greater than a predetermined value relative to the maximum transmittance, the one light-emitting element is turned on. The detection device according to claim 5 .

9. After the one light-emitting element is turned off, the transmittance of the one divided region starts to decrease. The detection device according to claim 8.

10. The predetermined value is 95%. The detection device according to claim 8.

Images