Measuring device

Abstract

To provide a measuring device with improved accuracy in measuring substances contained in a solution. [Solution] The measuring device comprises a substrate, an irradiation unit, and a light-receiving element. The substrate has a first surface on which a target solution containing a predetermined substance is placed. The irradiation unit is located below the substrate and is capable of irradiating the target solution on the first surface with irradiation light containing wavelengths absorbed by the predetermined substance. The light-receiving element is located on the substrate and is capable of receiving light reflected at the interface between the target solution and the outside of the target solution. The substrate is in direct contact with the target solution at its first surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device.

Background Art

[0002] Devices capable of measuring information on substances contained in a solution are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that measures pH using a pH indicator contained in a culture medium housed in a culture vessel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There has been room for improvement in the measurement accuracy of substances contained in a solution in conventional measuring devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A measuring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substrate on which a target solution containing a predetermined substance is disposed on a first surface, an irradiation unit that is located below the substrate and is capable of irradiating the target solution on the first surface with irradiation light including a wavelength absorbed by the predetermined substance, and a light receiving element that is located on the substrate and is capable of receiving light reflected at an interface between the target solution and the outside of the target solution. The substrate is in direct contact with the target solution at the first surface.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the measuring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the measurement accuracy of substances contained in a solution.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1]This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a partially enlarged view of the measuring device according to the first embodiment, obtained by cutting along line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a partially enlarged view of the measuring device according to the first embodiment, obtained by cutting along the line BB in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a partially enlarged view of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the measuring device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the measuring device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the measuring device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of a measurement system including a measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] <First Embodiment> The measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with appropriate use of the drawings. The measuring device 1 is a device that can acquire first information regarding a predetermined substance contained in a target solution 7 using light. For example, if the predetermined substance is a substance that can absorb light, the first information can be measured to be information regarding the concentration of the predetermined substance contained in the target solution 7. For example, if a given substance is one whose absorbance changes depending on the pH of the target solution 7, the pH of the target solution 7 can be measured as first information by the change in the absorbance of the given substance.

[0010] The configuration of the measuring device 1 will be explained using Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. As shown in Figure 1, the measuring device 1 has a substrate 10, an irradiation unit 20, and a light-receiving element 30. When acquiring first information about a predetermined substance contained in a target solution 7 using the measuring device 1, the target solution 7 containing the predetermined substance is placed on the substrate 10, the irradiation unit 20 irradiates the target solution 7 with irradiation light IL containing light of a wavelength absorbed by the predetermined substance, and the light-receiving element 30 receives the light reflected at the interface between the target solution 7 and the outside of the target solution 7, thereby acquiring the first information.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the measuring device 1 further includes a side wall 40 located on the substrate 10 and a lid 50 located on the side wall 40. The measuring device 1 has a side wall 40, which allows it to contain the target solution 7 in the space R formed by the substrate 10 and the side wall 40. The lid 50 can cover the space R.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the measuring device 1 has a control unit 60 that can control at least one of the components of the measuring device 1. The control unit 60 further has a calculation unit 61 that calculates first information. By having the calculation unit 61, the measuring device 1 can calculate first information based on the output of the light receiving element 30.

[0013] (Circuit board 10) The substrate 10 is in direct contact with the target solution 7. The substrate 10 houses the light-receiving element 30. The substrate 10 may have a space inside, and the light-receiving element 30 may be located within this space. The substrate 10 may have a space only above the light-receiving element 30. The substrate 10 may have wiring connecting each of the multiple light-receiving elements 30. The target solution 7 can be placed on the substrate 10. The substrate 10 is plate-shaped. For example, the external shape of the substrate 10 when viewed from above is approximately rectangular. For example, the external shape of the substrate 10 when viewed from above may be polygonal, circular, or elliptical. For example, the external shape of the substrate 10 when viewed from above may be square, elliptical, or hexagonal.

[0014] The substrate 10 has a first surface 10A on which the target solution 7 is disposed. The first surface 10A is in direct contact with the target solution 7. The first surface 10A is located on the upper side of the substrate 10. The first surface 10A is a flat surface. The first surface 10A may have a curved surface or a region with an uneven shape. The first surface 10A may have a rough surface region that is rougher than the region where the second surface 10B or the side wall 40 is disposed. For example, the rough surface region of the first surface 10A may be formed by blast treatment or the like.

[0015] The substrate 10 has a second surface 10B located on the opposite side of the first surface 10A. The second surface 10B faces downward of the substrate 12. The second surface 10B is a flat surface. The second surface 10B may have a curved surface or a region with an uneven shape. The second surface is the surface on which the irradiation light IL is incident. A film-like member may be disposed on the second surface 10B.

[0016] The substrate 10 has light transmissibility. "Having light transmissibility" means that it is sufficient if it can transmit only light in a predetermined wavelength region. For example, it includes cases where the intensity of light outside the predetermined wavelength region is significantly reduced in the process of passing through the substrate 10. For example, the substrate 10 can transmit a part of the irradiation light IL irradiated from the irradiation unit 20. For example, the substrate 10 can mainly transmit light in the wavelength region of 470 nm or more and 490 nm or less among the irradiation light IL. For example, the substrate 10 can mainly transmit light in the wavelength region of 470 nm or more and 490 nm or less among the irradiation light IL. For example, the substrate 10 can mainly transmit light in the wavelength region of 550 nm or more and 570 nm or less among the irradiation light IL. For example, the substrate 10 can transmit the light in the wavelength region detectable by the light receiving element 30 most efficiently. For example, the transmittance of the substrate 10 to light of 480 nm is 15% or more. For example, the transmittance of the substrate 10 to light of 560 nm is 15% or more.

[0017] The substrate 10 is composed of a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate or a plastic substrate. For example, the substrate 10 has a layer made of tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5), or titanium dioxide (TiO2), and it is sufficient if it can transmit light in at least a specific wavelength region. The substrate 10 may be a laminate.

[0018] (Irradiation unit 20) The irradiation unit 20 can irradiate the irradiation light IL toward the target solution 7. The irradiation unit 20 can irradiate the irradiation light IL toward the target solution 7 located on the first surface 10A. The irradiation unit 20 can irradiate light containing light of a wavelength absorbed by a predetermined substance as the irradiation light IL. The irradiation unit 20 can irradiate the irradiation light IL upward. The irradiation unit 20 may be able to irradiate light with the highest intensity at a predetermined wavelength as the irradiation light IL. The irradiation unit 20 may be able to irradiate light with a large luminance in a predetermined direction as the irradiation light IL.

[0019] The irradiation unit 20 is located below the substrate 10. The irradiation unit 20 faces the second surface 10B of the substrate 10. The irradiation unit 20 can irradiate the irradiation light IL onto the second surface 10B of the substrate 10. At least a part of the irradiation unit 20 is located below the side wall 40. Each component of the irradiation unit 20 may be housed inside the housing. For example, the material of the housing may be metal or resin, etc.

[0020] The irradiation unit 20 has a plurality of light emitting elements 21. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of light emitting elements 21 is arranged at a certain interval. The plurality of light emitting elements 21 are arranged two-dimensionally. The plurality of light emitting elements 21 are arranged in a grid pattern.

[0021] The irradiation unit 20 has a first light-emitting element 21A as a light-emitting element 21, which is capable of emitting a first light L1 having a peak wavelength of a first wavelength. The first light L1 is light in a wavelength band absorbed by a predetermined substance. The first light L1 is light in a wavelength band that is easily absorbed by the predetermined substance. For example, the first light L1 is light in a wavelength band in which the absorbance changes greatly depending on the concentration of the predetermined substance. For example, the first wavelength may be the maximum absorption wavelength of the predetermined substance. The first light L1 is light in the wavelength band of the visible light region. For example, the first light L1 may be light in the ultraviolet region or the infrared region. For example, the first light-emitting element 21A may consist of a light-emitting diode (LED), an electroluminescence device (EL device), a fluorescent lamp, a laser light emission device, etc.

[0022] The irradiation unit 20 has a second light-emitting element 21B as a light-emitting element 21, which is capable of emitting a second light L2 having a peak wavelength of a second wavelength. The second wavelength is different from the first wavelength. For example, the second light L2 is light in a wavelength band that is not absorbed by a predetermined substance. For example, the second light L2 is light in a wavelength band in which the change in absorbance according to the concentration of the predetermined substance is smaller than that of the first light L1. The second light L2 is light in the wavelength band of the visible light region. For example, the second light L2 may be light in the ultraviolet region or the infrared region. For example, the second light-emitting element 21B may be composed of an LED, an EL device, a fluorescent lamp, or a laser light emitting device.

[0023] For example, if the given substance is phenol red, the first wavelength, which is the peak wavelength of the first light L1, may be 560 nm, and the second wavelength, which is the peak wavelength of the second light L2, may be 480 nm. When the first wavelength is 520 nm or higher and 580 nm or lower, the absorbance of the first light L1 changes significantly depending on the concentration of phenol red. When the second wavelength is 460 nm or higher and 510 nm or lower, the change in the absorbance of the second light L2 depending on the concentration of phenol red is, It is smaller than the first light L1.

[0024] The first light-emitting element 21A and the second light-emitting element 21B are located adjacent to each other. The first light-emitting element 21A and the second light-emitting element 21B are located alternately. The irradiation unit 20 has the same number of first light-emitting elements 21A and second light-emitting elements 21B. The number of first light-emitting elements 21A and the number of second light-emitting elements 21B in the irradiation unit 20 may be different. The first light-emitting element 21A may be arranged in only a portion of the region.

[0025] (Photodetector 30) The light-receiving element 30 can receive light incident from above. The light-receiving element 30 can receive light reflected at the interface between the target solution 7 and the outside of the target solution 7. For example, the light-receiving element 30 can receive light reflected at the interface between the substrate 10 and the target solution 7. For example, the light-receiving element 30 can receive light reflected at the interface between the first surface 10A of the substrate 10 and the target solution 7. For example, the light-receiving element 30 can receive light reflected at the interface between the target solution 7 and air. For example, the light-receiving element 30 can receive light reflected at the interface at the liquid surface of the target solution 7. For example, the light-receiving element 30 can receive light reflected at the interface between the target solution 7 and the side wall 40.

[0026] The light-receiving element 30 can receive light reflected from the irradiated light IL at the interface between the target solution 7 and the outside of the target solution 7. For example, the light-receiving element 30 can receive light reflected from the irradiated light IL at the interface between the first surface 10A and the target solution 7. For example, the light-receiving element 30 can receive light reflected from the irradiated light IL at the interface between the target solution 7 and air. For example, the light-receiving element 30 can receive light reflected from the irradiated light IL at the interface on the liquid surface of the target solution 7. For example, the light-receiving element 30 can receive light reflected from the irradiated light IL at the interface between the target solution 7 and the side wall 40. The light-receiving element 30 may receive light reflected or scattered from the irradiated light IL in the target solution 7. The light-receiving element 30 may receive light reflected or scattered from the irradiated light IL by a predetermined substance in the target solution 7.

[0027] The light-receiving element 30 can output a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light. For example, the light-receiving element 30 may be configured to output an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light. For example, the light-receiving element 30 may be configured such that its electrical resistance changes according to the intensity of the received light. The light-receiving element 30 may also be configured to output a signal corresponding to the brightness of the received light. For example, the light-receiving element 30 may be composed of a photodiode or a photoresistor.

[0028] The upper surface of the light-receiving element 30 is covered by the substrate 10. For example, the upper surface of the light-receiving element 30 is covered by an insulating film or the like on the substrate 10. The light-receiving element 30 is located inside the substrate 10. The distance between the upper surface of the light-receiving element 30 and the first surface 10A of the substrate 10 is shorter than the distance between the lower surface of the light-receiving element 30 and the second surface 10B of the substrate 10. The upper surface of the light-receiving element 30 may be inclined with respect to the first surface 10A of the substrate 10.

[0029] The light-receiving element 30 has a detection element 31 and a lower electrode 32. The detection element 31 is located on the lower electrode 32. For example, the detection element 31 can convert the intensity of the received light into an electrical signal. For example, the detection element 31 can convert the intensity of the received light into an electrical signal by the photoelectric effect. For example, the detection element 31 is made of an amorphous semiconductor, such as amorphous silicon.

[0030] The lower electrode 32 can output the electrical signal converted by the detection element 31 to the outside. For example, if the substrate 10 has wiring, the lower electrode 32 can output the electrical signal to the wiring. When the light receiving element 30 is viewed from above, the area of ​​the lower electrode 32 is larger than the area of ​​the detection element 31. It is also large. When the light-receiving element 30 is viewed from above, the lower electrode 32 surrounds the detection element 31. For example, the lower electrode 32 may be made of titanium, silver, tungsten, molybdenum, or aluminum.

[0031] The measuring device 1 has a plurality of light-receiving elements 30. Each of the plurality of light-receiving elements 30 is positioned at a certain interval. As shown in Figure 3, the plurality of light-receiving elements 30 are arranged in two dimensions. As shown in Figure 3, the plurality of light-receiving elements 30 are positioned in a grid pattern. The plurality of light-receiving elements 30 are positioned such that the vertical spacing in Figure 3 and the horizontal spacing in Figure 3 are different. Each of the plurality of light-receiving elements 30 is positioned at the same height in the vertical direction. At least some of the plurality of light-receiving elements 30 are located below the side wall 40.

[0032] (side wall 40) The side wall 40, together with the substrate 10, forms a space R for containing the target solution 7. The side wall 40 is located on the substrate 10. The side wall 40 may be formed integrally with the substrate 10. The side wall 40 may be configured to be detachable from the substrate 10. For example, the material of the side wall 40 may be polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, silicon, or glass.

[0033] (Lid 50) The lid 50 can cover the space R that contains the target solution 7. The lid 50 is located above the substrate 10. The lid 50 is configured to be detachable from the side wall 40. For example, the material of the lid 50 may be polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, silicon, or glass.

[0034] (Control unit 60) The measuring device 1 may have a control unit 60 that can control at least one of the components of the measuring device 1. For example, the control unit 60 can control the irradiation unit 20. For example, the control unit 60 may be able to switch the illumination and extinction of the light-emitting element 21. For example, the control unit 60 may be able to switch the illumination and extinction of a plurality of light-emitting elements 21. For example, the control unit 60 may be able to switch the illumination and extinction of the first light-emitting element 21A and the second light-emitting element 21B.

[0035] The control unit 60 can control the time for which the first light-emitting element 21A emits light and the time for which the second light-emitting element 21B emits light. For example, the control unit 60 can control the time for which the first light-emitting element 21A emits light and the time for which the second light-emitting element 21B emits light to be different times. For example, the control unit 60 can control the first light-emitting element 21A and the second light-emitting element 21B not to emit light at the same time. For example, the control unit 60 can control the first light-emitting element 21A and the second light-emitting element 21B to emit light alternately. For example, the control unit 60 can control the second light-emitting element 21B to emit light after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first light-emitting element 21A extinguished. For example, the control unit 60 can control the first light-emitting element 21A to emit light after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second light-emitting element 21B extinguished. The control unit 60 may also control the first light-emitting element 21A and the second light-emitting element 21B to emit light at the same time.

[0036] For example, the control unit 60 may be able to receive the electrical signal output by the lower electrode 32. For example, the control unit 60 may be configured to transmit the electrical signal output by the lower electrode 32 to an external device. For example, the control unit 60 may be configured to supply power to at least one of the components of the measuring device 1 through an external power supply.

[0037] The control unit 60 can calculate first information regarding a predetermined substance in the target solution 7. The calculation unit 61 may have a calculation unit 61. For example, the calculation unit 61 can calculate first information regarding the concentration of a predetermined substance in the target solution 7 based on the outputs of a plurality of photodetectors 30. For example, the calculation unit 61 may calculate first information regarding the concentration of a predetermined substance in the target solution 7 based on the median or average value of the outputs of a plurality of photodetectors 30. For example, the calculation unit 61 may calculate first information regarding the concentration of a predetermined substance in the target solution 7 based on the outputs of the photodetectors 30 due to light of a first wavelength and the outputs of the photodetectors 30 due to light of a second wavelength. For example, the calculation unit 61 may calculate first information regarding the concentration of a predetermined substance in the target solution 7 based on the outputs of the photodetectors 30 due to first light L1 and the outputs of the photodetectors 30 due to second light L2.

[0038] For example, the calculation unit 61 may calculate first information regarding the concentration of a predetermined substance in the target solution 7 based on the difference between the output of the photodetector 30 due to light of a first wavelength and the output of the photodetector 30 due to light of a second wavelength. For example, the calculation unit 61 may calculate first information regarding the concentration of a predetermined substance in the target solution 7 based on the ratio of the output of the photodetector 30 due to light of a first wavelength and the output of the photodetector 30 due to light of a second wavelength.

[0039] The first piece of information may be the concentration of a specified substance in the target solution 7. The first piece of information may be the physical properties of the target solution 7 that can be derived from the concentration of a specified substance in the target solution 7. The first piece of information may be the pH or temperature of the target solution 7. The specified substance may be a substance that can absorb irradiation light IL. The specified substance may be a substance that can scatter irradiation light IL. The specified substance may be a substance secreted by cells. The specified substance may be a substance that decomposes over time in the target solution 7. The specified substance may be a hydrolyzable substance. The specified substance may be a pH-responsive substance. The specified substance may be a substance whose structure changes depending on the pH or temperature of the target solution 7.

[0040] The control unit 60 may be electrically connected to the substrate 10. The control unit 60 may be connected to the second surface 10B of the substrate 10. A part of the control unit 60 may be located below the substrate 10. A part of the control unit 60 may be located below the irradiation unit 20. A part of the control unit 60 may be located to the side of the irradiation unit 20.

[0041] The calculation unit 61 may calculate second information different from the first information based on the output of the photodetector 30 caused by light of a second wavelength. If the target solution 7 contains a substance different from the predetermined substance, for example, the second information may be the concentration of the substance in the target solution 7. If the target solution 7 contains a sample, for example, the second information may be information about the sample in the target solution 7. If the target solution 7 contains cells as a sample, for example, the second information may be an image or video of the cells.

[0042] For example, the calculation unit 61 may receive the electrical signal output by the lower electrode 32. For example, the calculation unit 61 may calculate first information based on the electrical signals output by the lower electrodes 32 of a plurality of light-receiving elements 30. For example, the calculation unit 61 may transmit the first information to an external device.

[0043] (70 units) The measuring device 1 may have a housing 70 that houses the irradiation unit 20 and the control unit 60. The housing 70 may have an internal space, and the irradiation unit 20 and the control unit 60 may be located within this space. The housing 70 may house part or all of the substrate 10. The housing 70 may have an open top surface. The housing 70 may have an open side surface. For example, the housing 70 may be made of metal or resin.

[0044] (Method for measuring the concentration of a specified substance using measuring device 1) The following describes an example of a method for measuring the concentration of a predetermined substance in a target solution 7 using measuring device 1. The first piece of information is the concentration of the predetermined substance in the target solution 7. Note that the method for measuring the concentration of a predetermined substance using measuring device 1, as described later, is merely an example and is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations based on this disclosure.

[0045] First, the target solution 7 is placed on the first surface 10A of the substrate 10. The target solution 7 is placed on the first surface 10A so that it is in direct contact with the first surface 10A. The target solution 7 is contained in the space R formed by the substrate 10 and the side wall 40. By placing the target solution 7 on the first surface 10A of the substrate 10, the target solution 7 is placed above the light-receiving element 30. For example, if the target solution 7 is a culture medium for cell culture, the target solution 7 may be placed on the first surface 10A of the substrate 10 with the cells suspended in the target solution 7. If the target solution 7 is a culture medium for cell culture, cell culture may be performed on the substrate 10 after placing the target solution 7 on the substrate 10.

[0046] Secondly, after the target solution 7 is placed on the first surface 10A of the substrate 10, the irradiation unit 20 is irradiated with irradiation light IL. The irradiation light IL irradiated from the irradiation unit 20 passes between multiple light-receiving elements 30 and irradiates the target solution 7.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, a portion of the irradiation light IL irradiated onto the target solution 7 is reflected at the interface between the target solution 7 and the outside of the target solution 7. A portion of the irradiation light IL irradiated onto the target solution 7 is absorbed by the target solution 7. Here, when the concentration of a predetermined substance in the target solution 7 changes, the absorbance of the target solution 7 changes. When the absorbance of the target solution 7 changes, the proportion of irradiation light IL absorbed by the target solution 7 changes. When the concentration of a predetermined substance in the target solution 7 changes, the proportion of light reflected at the interface between the target solution 7 and the outside of the target solution 7 and reaching the photodetector 30 changes, and the output of the photodetector 30 changes. Therefore, the concentration of a predetermined substance in the target solution 7 can be measured based on the change in the output of the photodetector 30.

[0048] In this case, when a measuring device is used to measure information about a predetermined substance contained in the target solution 7, in which the first surface of the substrate and the target solution 7 do not come into direct contact, the light reflected at the interface on the first surface does not change regardless of the state of the predetermined substance in the target solution 7. Therefore, the output of the photodetector caused by the light reflected at the interface on the first surface becomes noise, which could lead to a decrease in the measurement accuracy of information about the predetermined substance.

[0049] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the measuring device 1 has direct contact between the first surface 10A of the substrate 10 and the target solution 7. When the target solution 7 measuring device 1 is used to measure information about a predetermined substance contained in the target solution 7, the interface on the first surface 10A is the interface between the first surface 10A and the target solution 7. The light reflected at the interface between the first surface 10A and the target solution 7 changes depending on the state of the predetermined substance in the target solution 7. Therefore, the output of the light receiving element 30, which is caused by the light reflected at the interface on the first surface 10A, can be used to measure information about the predetermined substance in the target solution 7. As described above, the measuring device 1 can improve the measurement accuracy of information about the predetermined substance contained in the target solution 7 by having direct contact between the first surface 10A of the substrate 10 and the target solution 7.

[0050] (Method for measuring the pH of the target solution 7 using measuring device 1) Below, as another example of the use of the measuring device 1, an example of a method for measuring the pH of a target solution 7 using the measuring device 1 will be described. The first piece of information is the pH of the target solution 7. By using a substance whose absorbance characteristics change according to the pH of the target solution 7 as the predetermined substance, the pH of the target solution 7 can be measured. For example, the predetermined substance may be a substance whose structure changes according to the pH of the target solution 7.

[0051] For example, if the specified substance is phenol red, the boundary is when the pH of the target solution 7 is approximately 6.6 or higher and 8.0 or lower, and the structure α, whose maximum absorption wavelength band is around 560 nm, The structure changes to structure β, which has a maximum absorption wavelength band of around 430 nm. The pH of the target solution 7 can be measured by the concentration of a predetermined substance in structure α or structure β in the target solution 7. Specifically, the irradiation unit 20 irradiates the target solution 7 with irradiation light IL that includes light of a wavelength that can be absorbed by structure α or structure β. For example, the irradiation unit 20 irradiates the target solution 7 with irradiation light IL that includes light of a wavelength corresponding to the maximum absorption wavelength band of structure α or structure β. Multiple photodetectors 30 receive light reflected at the interface between the target solution 7 and the outside of the target solution 7, and output the light corresponding to the received light.

[0052] For example, the measuring device 1 can calculate the pH value of the target solution 7 by comparing the output value of the light-receiving element 30 with a pre-created table or function that associates pH values ​​with the output values ​​of the light-receiving element 30. The calculation unit 61 may store the table or function that associates pH values ​​with the output values ​​of the light-receiving element 30. Instead of the output value of the light-receiving element 30, for example, the transmittance of the target solution 7, the absorbance of the target solution 7, the optical density of the target solution 7, or the concentration ratio of phenol red in structures α and β in the target solution 7 may be used.

[0053] For example, the measuring device 1 can input the output value of the photodetector 30 into a pre-created model that associates pH values ​​with the output values ​​of the photodetector 30, and calculate the pH value of the target solution 7. The calculation unit 61 may store the model that associates pH values ​​with the output values ​​of the photodetector 30. For example, the model that associates pH values ​​with the output values ​​of the photodetector 30 may be created by machine learning. Instead of the output value of the photodetector 30, for example, the transmittance of the target solution 7, the absorbance of the target solution 7, the optical density of the target solution 7, or the concentration ratio of phenol red in structures α and β in the target solution 7 may be used.

[0054] The specified substance is not limited to phenol red, but may be, for example, phenolphthalein, methyl orange, methyl red, bromothymol blue, bromocresol purple, or thymol blue. The specified substance is not limited to low molecular weight substances, but may also be, for example, high molecular weight or supramolecular weight substances.

[0055] In this embodiment, the measuring device 1 has direct contact between the first surface 10A of the substrate 10 and the target solution 7. Therefore, the light reflected at the interface between the first surface 10A and the target solution 7, which is the interface on the first surface 10A, changes depending on the state of the predetermined substance in the target solution 7. As a result, the measuring device 1 can improve the measurement accuracy of the predetermined substance contained in the target solution 7.

[0056] <Second Embodiment> The following describes the measuring device 2 according to the second embodiment. The measuring device 2 differs from the measuring device 1 in that it has an illuminance sensor 280. The illuminance sensor 280 can detect the illuminance of the irradiated light IL. As shown in Figure 5, the illuminance sensor 280 is located below the irradiation unit 20. The illuminance sensor 280 may be in contact with the lower surface of the irradiation unit 20. The illuminance sensor 280 may be located to the side of the irradiation unit 20. The illuminance sensor 280 may be composed of, for example, a phototransistor or a photodiode.

[0057] The calculation unit 261 can calculate first information regarding a predetermined substance in the target solution 7 based on the output of the light receiving element 30 and the output of the illuminance sensor 280. For example, the calculation unit 261 may correct the output of the light receiving element 30 based on the output of the illuminance sensor 280. For example, the calculation unit 261 may correct the first information based on the output of the illuminance sensor 280. For example, the control unit 260 may control the irradiation unit 20 to increase the intensity of the irradiation light IL emitted by the irradiation unit 20 when the output of the illuminance sensor 280 decreases.

[0058] For example, if the light-emitting element 21 of the irradiation unit 20 is an LED, the output of the light-emitting element 21 changes depending on the temperature or operating time of the light-emitting element 21. In this case, even if the state of a predetermined substance in the target solution 7 does not change, there is a risk that the output of the light-receiving element 30 will change. On the other hand, the measuring device 2 has an illuminance sensor 280 that can detect the illuminance of the irradiation light IL, and can calculate first information based on the change in the output of the illuminance sensor 280. As a result, the measurement accuracy of the measuring device 2 can be improved.

[0059] <Third Embodiment> The following describes the measuring device 3 according to the third embodiment. The measuring device 3 differs from the measuring device 1 in the configuration of the substrate 310. As shown in Figure 6, the substrate 310 has a protective film 313 facing upward. On the substrate 310, the upper surface of the protective film 313 is in direct contact with the target solution 7. On the substrate 310, the upper surface of the protective film 313 is the first surface 310A. For example, the protective film 313 may be made of acrylic resin, vinyl chloride resin, polyolefin resin, parylene resin, polyvinylidene chloride, or polyethylene. For example, the thickness of the protective film 313 may be 500 nm or more and 50 μm or less. For example, the refractive index of the protective film 313 may be about the same as that of the part of the substrate 310 that is in contact with the protective film 313. For example, the measuring device 3 may have a layer located between the protective film 313 and the substrate 310, having a refractive index between the refractive index of the protective film 313 and the refractive index of the substrate 310.

[0060] For example, the substrate 310 may have a coating as a protective film 313. For example, the coating may be composed of a protein or the like. For example, the coating may be composed of fibronectin, laminin, collagen, vitronectin, Matrigel, chitosan, or osteopontin.

[0061] For example, the first surface 310A, which is the upper surface of the protective film 313, may have a rougher surface area than the area where the side wall 40 is located. For example, the first surface 310A, which is the upper surface of the protective film 313, may have a more hydrophilic area than the area where the side wall 40 is located. For example, the more hydrophilic area of ​​the first surface 310A may be formed by plasma treatment or the like. Plasma treatment of the first surface 310A may be applied to only a part of the first surface 310A. For example, when cells are cultured on the first surface 310A of the measuring device 4, the presence of a more hydrophilic area on the first surface 310A facilitates cell adhesion.

[0062] For example, the first surface 310A, which is the upper surface of the protective film 313, may have a region that is more hydrophilic in only a part of it than the region where the side wall 40 is located. For example, the first surface 310A, which is the upper surface of the protective film 313, may have a region that is more hydrophobic in only a part of it than the region where the side wall 40 is located. For example, a highly hydrophobic film may be used as the protective film 313, and a treatment to increase the hydrophobicity may be applied to only a part of the first surface 310A. For example, when cells are cultured on the first surface 310A of the measuring device 4, if the first surface 310A has a highly hydrophobic region, cells will not adhere to the highly hydrophobic region, and the influence of cells on the calculation of the first information can be reduced.

[0063] <Fourth Embodiment> The following describes the measuring device 4 according to the fourth embodiment. The measuring device 4 differs from the measuring device 1 in the configuration of the side wall 440 and the cover 450. As shown in Figure 7, the measuring device 4 has a light-shielding wall 441 as the side wall 440. The measuring device 4 has a light-shielding cover 451 as the cover 450. The light-shielding wall 441 and the light-shielding cover 451 can block light incident from the outside. The light-shielding wall 441 and the light-shielding cover 451 can block light in at least a predetermined wavelength range. For example, the light-shielding wall 441 and the light-shielding cover 451 may block light of at least a first wavelength or a second wavelength. The measuring device 4 may have only one of the light-shielding wall 441 or the light-shielding cover 451.

[0064] For example, the light-shielding wall 441 may be made of polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, silicon, or glass. For example, the light-shielding wall 441 may be black, or a dark color such as dark blue, dark red, or dark green. For example, the transmittance of the light-shielding wall 441 in a predetermined wavelength range may be lower than the transmittance of the substrate 410 in a predetermined wavelength range. For example, the transmittance of the light-shielding wall 441 in a predetermined wavelength range may be 20% or less. For example, the visible light transmittance of the light-shielding wall 441 may be 20% or less. For example, the reflectance of the light-shielding wall 441 in a predetermined wavelength range may be 10% or less. For example, the visible light transmittance of the light-shielding wall 441 may be 10% or less.

[0065] For example, the light-shielding cover 451 may be made of polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, silicon, or glass. For example, the light-shielding cover 451 may be black, or a dark color such as dark blue, dark red, or dark green. For example, the transmittance of the light-shielding cover 451 in a predetermined wavelength range may be lower than the transmittance of the substrate 410 in a predetermined wavelength range. For example, the transmittance of the light-shielding cover 451 in a predetermined wavelength range may be 20% or less. For example, the visible light transmittance of the light-shielding cover 451 may be 20% or less. For example, the reflectance of the light-shielding cover 451 in a predetermined wavelength range may be 10% or less. For example, the visible light transmittance of the light-shielding cover 451 may be 10% or less.

[0066] <Measurement System 1000> The measurement system 1000, including the measuring device 1, will be described below. As shown in Figure 8, the measurement system 1000 includes the measuring device 1, a presentation device 1002 that presents first information based on the signal output from the measuring device 1, and a cable 1003 that connects the measuring device 1 and the presentation device 1002.

[0067] The presentation device 1002 receives information output from the control unit 60 of the measuring device 1 and presents it to the user. For example, the presentation device 1002 receives first information output from the control unit 60 of the measuring device 1 and presents the first information to the user. For example, the presentation device 1002 may receive an electrical signal output by the light-receiving element 30 from the control unit 60 of the measuring device 1 and present the first information to the user based on the received electrical signal. The data presented by the presentation device 1002 is not limited to first information, but may also be second information, for example. For example, the presentation device 1002 may be a personal computer or a mobile phone. The method of connecting the measuring device 1 and the presentation device 1002 is not limited to the cable 1003, but may also be connected by, for example, a wireless communication network.

[0068] The inventions described in this disclosure have been explained above based on the drawings and embodiments. However, the inventions described in this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, the inventions described in this disclosure can be modified in various ways within the scope shown in this disclosure, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the inventions described in this disclosure. In other words, it should be noted that it is easy for those skilled in the art to make various modifications or alterations based on this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are included in the scope of this disclosure.

[0069] For example, the measurement device 1 has been described in which the control unit 60 and the calculation unit 61 are configured differently, but it is not limited to this. The measurement device 1 may have only the control unit 60, and the control unit 60 may be able to calculate first information about a predetermined substance in the target solution 7. The control unit 60 may be able to calculate second information different from the first information. The control unit 60 may be able to transmit the first information to an external device.

[0070] For example, in the measuring device 1, the irradiation unit 20 has a plurality of light-emitting elements 21. As stated above, this is not the only possible configuration. The illumination unit 20 may be composed of a first part having a light source and a light guide part capable of guiding the light emitted by the light source. The illumination unit 20 may be composed of a plurality of first parts. The light source may be an LED or the like. The light guide part may be made of acrylic resin or the like. The first part may have a diffuser that can diffuse the light guided by the light guide upward, or a reflector that can reflect the light guided by the light guide.

[0071] For example, in the measuring device 1, the irradiation unit 20, the control unit 60, the substrate 10, the side wall 40, and the lid 50 may be configured to be detachable from one another. The irradiation unit 20 and the control unit 60 may be housed in a single enclosure. The measuring device 1 may also include a component positioned between the substrate 10 and the side wall 40 that can reduce leakage of the target solution 7.

[0072] For example, in the measurement device 1, the target solution 7 is described as being placed on the first surface 10A of the substrate 10, but the device is not limited to this configuration. The measurement device 1 may also be configured such that a container made of resin material or the like is placed on the substrate 10, and the target solution 7 is placed inside the container. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1,2,3,4 Measuring devices 10,310 circuit boards 10A,311A 1st side 10B 2nd side 313 Protective film 20 Irradiation area 21 Light-emitting element 21A First light-emitting element 21B Second light-emitting element 30 light-receiving elements 31 detection element 32 Lower electrode 40,440 side wall 441 Light-blocking wall 50,450 Lid 451 Blackout lid 60 Control Unit 61 Calculation Section 70 cabinets 280 Illuminance Sensor 1000 measurement systems 1002 Presentation device 1003 Cable 7. Target Solution R space IL irradiation light L1 1st light L2 2nd light

Claims

1. A substrate on which a target solution containing a predetermined substance is placed on the first surface, An irradiation unit located below the substrate, capable of irradiating the target solution on the first surface with irradiation light containing wavelengths absorbed by the predetermined substance, The substrate is located and includes a light-receiving element capable of receiving light reflected at the interface between the target solution and the outside of the target solution, The substrate is a measuring device that comes into direct contact with the target solution at its first surface.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the light-receiving element is capable of receiving light scattered by the target solution from the irradiated light.

3. Multiple light-receiving elements, The measuring device according to claim 2, further comprising a calculation unit that calculates first information relating to the concentration of a predetermined substance in the target solution based on the median or average value of the outputs of the plurality of light-receiving elements.

4. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation unit comprises a first light-emitting element capable of emitting first light having a peak wavelength of a first wavelength, and a second light-emitting element capable of emitting second light having a peak wavelength of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength.

5. The measuring device according to claim 4, further comprising a calculation unit that calculates first information relating to the concentration of a predetermined substance in the target solution based on the output of the light receiving element due to light of a first wavelength and the output of light of a second wavelength.

6. The aforementioned solution contains the sample, The measuring apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a calculation unit capable of calculating second information relating to the sample based on the output caused by the second wavelength of light.

7. The measuring device according to claim 6, wherein the second information is an image or video of the sample in the target solution.

8. The measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the irradiation unit has a control unit that controls the time at which the first light-emitting element emits light and the time at which the second light-emitting element emits light to be different times.

9. The measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element are alternately positioned in the irradiation section.

10. An illuminance sensor capable of detecting the illuminance of the aforementioned irradiated light, The measuring device according to claim 1, comprising: a calculation unit capable of calculating first information relating to the concentration of a predetermined substance in the target solution based on the output of the light receiving element and the output of the illuminance sensor.

11. The measuring device according to claim 10, wherein the illuminance sensor is located below the irradiation unit.

12. The system includes a calculation unit that can calculate first information regarding a predetermined substance in the target solution based on the output of the light-receiving element, The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first information is the pH of the target solution.

13. The aforementioned predetermined substance is pH responsive, The measuring device according to claim 12, wherein the calculation unit calculates the first information based on the absorbance of the predetermined substance.

14. The substrate has a protective film, The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the protective film is the first surface.

15. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a light-shielding wall located on the first surface of the substrate.

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