Detection device

Abstract

To provide a detection device that can detect colonies more effectively. [Solution] The detection device 1 comprises a light source panel 20 provided with a light source that emits light, a planar light sensor 10 in which a plurality of light sensors for detecting light from the light source are arranged in two dimensions, a detectable object placement section 99 provided between the light source and the planar light sensor 10 so as to be able to place a detectable object 200, a diffuser plate 25 placed between the detectable object placement section 99 and the light source to diffuse the light from the light source, and an optical member 26 placed between the detectable object placement section 99 and the planar light sensor 10 to limit the light that reaches the light sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a detection device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a device that captures an image of a Petri dish in which a medium for culturing a culture target such as bacteria is formed to obtain an image, and detects colonies formed on the medium by the culture target from the image (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When using a light source and a photosensor arranged to face each other with a Petri dish sandwiched therebetween as an imaging form of the Petri dish, if there is unevenness in the light from the light source, the unevenness is reflected in the output of the photosensor, and it may not be possible to detect colonies well.

[0005] This disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a detection device that can detect colonies better.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A detection device according to an aspect of this disclosure includes a light source that emits light, a planar photosensor in which a plurality of photosensors for detecting light from the light source are two-dimensionally arranged, a detected object installation portion provided so that a detected object can be installed so as to be interposed between the light source and the planar photosensor, a light control portion arranged between the detected object installation portion and the light source for diffusing the light from the light source, and an optical member arranged between the detected object installation portion and the planar photosensor for limiting the light reaching the photosensor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the main components of the detection device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example configuration of the detection area and wiring area. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit configuration of the light sensor. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light source configuration. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the detection system configuration. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between one detection device and the external configuration. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the main components of the detection device and the structure of each part, including the object to be detected, which is installed in the detection device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing the object to be detected, placed on a light-transmitting member, as seen from the side of the planar light sensor. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the effect of light diffusion by a diffuser plate. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow related to the operation of the detection device. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the initial operation. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of periodic operations. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the main components of the detection device and the structure of each part, including the object to be detected, which is installed in the detection device. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dimming panel. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an additional diagram illustrating the effect of light diffusion by the dimming panel. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the processing flow related to the operation of the detection device for modified shapes. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the processing flow after notification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and modifications that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art while maintaining the spirit of the invention are naturally included within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc., of parts in order to clarify the explanation, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of this disclosure. In addition, in this specification and the drawings, elements similar to those described above in previously shown drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] Figure 1 shows the main components of the detection device 1. The detection device 1 comprises a planar light sensor 10, a light source panel 20, and a control circuit 30. The planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20 of the detection device 1 are connected to the control circuit 30.

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

[0011] The light source panel 20 has a light-emitting region LA that illuminates the detection region SA with light. The light source panel 20 has a light source 22 provided on a substrate 21. The light source 22 emits light. Specifically, the light source 22 has a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and is arranged within the light-emitting region LA. In the example shown in Figure 1, multiple light sources 22 are arranged in a staggered pattern on the substrate 21, but the arrangement of the multiple light sources 22 is not limited to this. For example, multiple light sources 22 may be arranged in a matrix.

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

[0013] The control circuit 30 performs various processes related to the operation of the detection device 1. Specifically, the control circuit 30 is a circuit capable of implementing a plurality of functions, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) for example. The control circuit 30 may also be in other forms, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control circuit 30 is connected to the light source drive circuit 23 via the wiring portion 29 and performs processes related to the lighting of the light source 22, such as determining the lighting pattern and lighting timing of the light source 22.

[0014] Further, the control circuit 30 is connected to the detection circuit 15 via the wiring portion 19 and obtains the output from the detection circuit 15. Here, the control circuit 30 also controls the timing of obtaining the output from the detection circuit 15, that is, the timing of operating the scanning circuit 14 to apply a gate signal to the scanning line 6. Thus, the control circuit 30 controls the operations of the light source 22 and the planar optical sensor 10. Further, the control circuit 30 performs processes based on the outputs of the plurality of optical sensors WA. Such processes include various extraction processes such as contour extraction processing and Hough transformation described later. Also, such processes include determination processing for determining whether colonies have occurred. Such processes will be described later.

[0015] Although not shown in the figures, the detection device 1 includes an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, a digital-to-analog conversion circuit, and the like. The analog-to-digital conversion circuit is a circuit that enables the output from the optical sensor WA (see Figure 2), transmitted via the detection circuit 15, to be processed by the control circuit 30. The digital-to-analog conversion circuit is a circuit that enables the digital signal generated by the control circuit 30's processing to be used for controlling the operation of the planar optical sensor 10 and the light source panel 20. These circuits may, for example, be partially or entirely included in the detection circuit 15. Alternatively, these circuits may function as circuits mounted on flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs) provided as wiring sections 19 and 29. Furthermore, these circuits may be implemented in the detection device 1 by other means.

[0016] Figure 2 shows an example configuration of the detection region SA and the wiring region VA. Multiple optical sensors WA (see Figure 3) are arranged two-dimensionally in the detection region SA of the planar optical sensor 10. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, multiple optical sensors WA are arranged in a matrix along the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy. The first direction Dx and the second direction Dy are orthogonal. Furthermore, when the third direction Dz is mentioned in the following description, it refers to the direction orthogonal to the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy.

[0017] The reset circuit 13 is connected to the reset signal transmission lines 51, 52, ..., 5n. Hereafter, when reset signal transmission line 5 is mentioned, it refers to any of the reset signal transmission lines 51, 52, ..., 5n. The reset signal transmission line 5 is a wiring along the first direction Dx. In the example shown in Figure 2, n reset signal transmission lines 5 are arranged in the second direction Dy. n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. These n reset signal transmission lines 5 are connected to the reset circuit 13 at one end of the first direction Dx.

[0018] The scanning circuit 14 is connected to scan lines 61, 62, ..., 6n. Hereafter, when scan line 6 is mentioned, it refers to any of scan lines 61, 62, ..., 6n. Scan line 6 is a wiring along the first direction Dx. In the example shown in Figure 2, n scan lines 6 are aligned in the second direction Dy. These n scan lines 6 are connected to the scanning circuit 14 at the other end of the first direction Dx.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the reset signal transmission line 5 and the scan line 6 are arranged alternately in the second direction Dy within the detection region SA. Although the reset circuit 13 and scan circuit 14 exemplified in Figures 1 and 2 are positioned opposite each other across the detection region SA, the layout of the reset circuit 13 and scan circuit 14 is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.

[0020] Furthermore, signal lines 71, 72, ..., 7m are provided within the detection area SA. Hereafter, when signal line 7 is mentioned, it refers to one of signal lines 71, 72, ..., 7m. Signal line 7 is routed along the second direction Dy.

[0021] In the example shown in Figure 2, m signal lines 7 are arranged in the first direction Dx, where m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. Each of these m signal lines 7 is connected at one end in the second direction Dy to one of the multiple switches (for example, switch SW1, switch SW2, switch SW3, or switch SW4) of the multiplexer 40.

[0022] The multiplexer 40 is installed within the wiring area VA. The multiplexer 40 has multiple switches. In the example shown in Figure 2, these multiple switches are shown as switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4. The multiple switches of one multiplexer 40 each turn ON (conductive) at different timings. While one of the multiple switches of one multiplexer 40 is ON (conductive), the other switches are OFF (non-conductive). The number of multiplexers 40 depends on the number (m) of signal lines 7. If the number of switches is p, then the number of multiplexers 40 should be m / p. If there are multiple multiplexers 40, each of the multiple multiplexers 40 is connected to the detection circuit 15 via individual wiring 401, 402, ..., 40p.

[0023] Note that the connection of the signal line 7 to the detection circuit 15 via the multiplexer 40 is merely an example and is not limited to this; the signal line 7 may also be individually directly connected to the detection circuit 15 within the wiring area VA. Within the wiring area VA, the reset circuit 13 is connected to the detection circuit 15 via wiring 131. Within the wiring area VA, the scanning circuit 14 is connected to the detection circuit 15 via wiring 149.

[0024] The detection circuit 15 is involved in detecting light using the PD82 (see Figure 3) provided on the optical sensor WA, and outputs signals to control the operating timing of the reset circuit 13 and the scanning circuit 14 under the control of the control circuit 30. The detection circuit 15 also receives the output from the optical sensor WA as input. The detection circuit 15 converts the signal input from the optical sensor WA into data that can be interpreted by the control circuit 30 and outputs it to the control circuit 30. In this embodiment, the detection circuit 15 is an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

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

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the optical sensor WA is equipped with switching element 81, PD82, transistor element 83, and switching element 85. PD82 is a photodiode (PD). Switching elements 81, 85 and the transistor element are MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors).

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

[0028] The drain of transistor element 83, which functions as a source follower, is supplied with the output source potential VPP2. The source of transistor element 83 is connected to either the source or the drain of switching element 85. The other source or drain of switching element 85 is connected to signal line 7. The gate of switching element 85 is connected to scan line 6.

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

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

[0031] When the gate of the switching element 85 is turned ON by the gate signal provided from the scanning circuit 14 via the scanning line 6, the source-drain of the switching element 85 becomes conductive. As a result, the signal (potential) transmitted to the switching element 85 via the transistor element 83 is transmitted to the signal line 7 through the switching element 85. In this way, an output is generated from the optical sensor WA. Hereafter, when referred to as the gate signal, it refers to the signal (potential) provided from the scanning circuit 14 via the scanning line 6. The scanning circuit 14 is a circuit that outputs the gate signal. As explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3, multiple optical sensors WA connected to the scanning line 6 and the signal line 7 are arranged in a matrix in the detection area SA of the planar optical sensor 10. Here, the scanning line 6 is provided along the first direction Dx and is configured to transmit the gate signal that generates an output from the optical sensor WA. The signal line 7 is configured to transmit the output of the optical sensor WA along the second direction Dy.

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

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the light source 22. As shown in Figure 4, the light source 22 has a first light source 22R, a second light source 22G, and a third light source 22B. The first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B each emit light of a different color. In this embodiment, the first light source 22R emits red (R) light. The second light source 22G emits green (G) light. The third light source 22B emits blue (B) light.

[0034] In Figure 4, the light source 22 is configured such that the longitudinal directions of the first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B are aligned along the second direction Dy, and they are arranged in the order of first light source 22R, second light source 22G, and third light source 22B from one side to the other in the first direction Dx. However, this is merely an example of the configuration of the light source 22 and is not limited to this. For example, the shapes of the first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B in the light source 22 in a planar viewpoint, and the positional relationship between the first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B can be changed as appropriate. A planar viewpoint is a viewpoint that looks straight ahead at the plane (Dx-Dy plane) along which the first direction Dx and the second direction Dy are aligned.

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a detection system 100, which includes a detection device 1. As shown in Figure 5, the detection system 100 comprises a plurality of detection devices 1, a host IC 70, and a connection circuit 125. The plurality of detection devices 1 are electrically connected to a common host IC 70 via the connection circuit 125.

[0036] The incubator 120 shown in Figure 5 is maintained in an environment (temperature, humidity, etc.) suitable for culturing the substance to be detected 200 with its door closed. Multiple detection devices 1 are placed inside the incubator 120.

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between one detection device 1 and the external configuration. As shown in Figure 6, the connection between the detection device 1 and the connection circuit 125 is made by the connection between the control circuit 30 and the connection circuit 125. Also, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 described later, the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20 face each other. Furthermore, the object to be detected 200 can be placed between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20.

[0038] Note that Figure 6 only provides a general overview of the relationship between the planar light sensor 10, the light source panel 20, and the object to be detected 200. The specific structure for installing the object to be detected 200 between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20 will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0039] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the detection device 1 and the structure of each part, including the object to be detected 200, which is installed in the detection device 1. The object to be detected 200 is a culture medium 215 contained in a container dish 210. The container further has a lid 220. Specifically, the dish 210 is a Petri dish. The lid 220 is the lid of the dish 210. As shown in Figure 8 and other figures described later, the inner diameter of the annular side wall of the lid 220 is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the annular side wall of the dish 210. That is, the lid 220 has a cylindrical outer wall that covers the cylindrical outer wall of the dish 210 from the outside. The culture medium 215 is a culture medium in which colonies can be cultured. Hereinafter, when simply referred to as a colony, it refers to a colony formed on the object to be detected 200 and cultured in the culture medium 215. The object to be cultured is an object such as biological tissue or microorganism that is expected to be cultured in the culture medium 215. The culture medium 215 exhibits light transmission to such an extent that the degree of light transmission changes depending on the presence or absence of colonies and the thickness of the colonies. The object to be detected 200 is placed on the light-transmitting member 91. The light-transmitting member 91 is a plate-shaped member made of colorless glass or a colorless synthetic resin that has light transmission properties.

[0040] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing the object to be detected 200 placed on the light-transmitting member 91 as seen from the planar light sensor 10 side. As shown in Figure 8, the light-transmitting member 91 is a circular member with a diameter that can accommodate the object to be detected 200 inside from a planar viewpoint. The light-transmitting member 91 forms a light-transmitting region between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20 that can accommodate the object to be detected 200 inside. The light-transmitting member 91 is in contact with the light-shielding member 92 at its outer edge. The light-shielding member 92 is a plate-shaped member into which the light-transmitting member 91 is fitted. The light-shielding member 92 exhibits light-shielding properties.

[0041] The edge 95 shown in Figure 8 is the outer edge of the light-transmitting member 91 and the inner edge of the light-shielding member 92 into which the light-transmitting member 91 is fitted. The edge 95 is a circle from a planar viewpoint. Alternatively, a light-transmitting region within the edge 95 may be formed when the light-transmitting member, which functions as the light-transmitting member 91, overlaps with the light-shielding member 92, which has been cut out in a circular shape to form the inner edge corresponding to the edge 95. In this case, the light-transmitting member 91 does not need to be disc-shaped.

[0042] In this embodiment, a diffuser plate 25 is provided on the light source panel 20 side of the light-transmitting member 91. The diffuser plate 25 is an optical member that diffuses light. The diffuser plate 25 is positioned between the light-transmitting member 91 and the light-emitting region LA of the light source panel 20. When the diffuser plate 25 receives light emitted from the light-emitting region LA from the light source panel 20 side, it transmits the light to the light-transmitting member 91 side, thereby further diffusing the direction of light propagation. As a result, as shown in Example 1 of Figure 9 described later, the light from the light-emitting region LA formed by a collection of multiple light sources 22 arranged in two dimensions can be made more uniform in a planar view. The diffuser plate 25 in this embodiment is positioned between the light-transmitting member 91 and the light source 22 of the object to be detected installation section 99 and functions as a dimming unit that diffuses light from the light source 22.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, an elastic member 93 is provided between the light-shielding member 92 and the light source panel 20. The elastic member 93 is an elastic member that biases the light-shielding member 92 toward the planar light sensor 10. Specifically, the elastic member 93 is, for example, a cylindrical compression coil spring as shown in Figure 8. The object to be detected 200, placed on the light-transmitting member 91, is pressed against the optical member 26 provided between the planar light sensor 10 and the light-transmitting member 91 by the biasing force that the elastic member 93 exerts on the light-shielding member 92. In this embodiment, the object to be detected mounting section 99 is composed of the light-transmitting member 91, the light-shielding member 92, and the elastic member 93. In other words, the object to be detected mounting section 99 has a light-transmitting member 91 on which the object to be detected is placed, and a light-shielding member 92 which is a light-shielding member that supports the light-transmitting member from its outer circumference.

[0044] The optical element 26 functions as an optical element that limits the light emitted from the light-emitting region LA of the light source panel 20 to the planar light sensor 10. Specifically, the optical element 26 has one of the following: a plate-shaped louver, a cylindrical aperture, or a microlens. The plate-shaped louver consists of multiple parallel plate-shaped structures whose plate surfaces are aligned along the third direction Dz. It is desirable that the structure be made of a material with strong light-absorbing properties. The cylindrical aperture is a cylindrical opening that penetrates the base of the optical element 26, which is aligned with a plane perpendicular to the third direction Dz (Dx-Dy plane), in the third direction Dz. It is desirable that the base be made of a material with strong light-absorbing properties. The microlens is a tiny lens whose optical axis is aligned along the third direction Dz. It is desirable that the base of the optical element 26 supporting the microlens be made of a material with strong light-absorbing properties.

[0045] Regardless of the form of the optical element 26, the optical element 26 is provided with the purpose of limiting the direction of propagation of light emitted from the light source 22 and reaching the planar light sensor 10 to the third direction Dz or a direction with a shallower inclination angle to the third direction Dz. This makes it easier to limit the range through which the light detected by each of the multiple light sensors WA passes to the range facing each light sensor WA. Note that the light before passing through the optical element 26 is affected by the scattering of light by the diffuser plate 25. Therefore, as will be shown in the explanation referring to Figure 9 later, even with the optical element 26, the light reaching the detection region SA is affected by the scattering of light by the diffuser plate 25.

[0046] The third direction Dz of the light-emitting region LA of the light source panel 20 and the detection region SA of the planar light sensor 10 are opposed to each other, and this is maintained by the housing 90. The housing 90 is a light-shielding housing provided to pre-house the light source panel 20, elastic member 93, diffuser plate 25, light-transmitting member 91, light-shielding member 92, optical member 26, and planar light sensor 10 inside. The positional relationship of each component shown in Figure 7 is established when the object to be detected 200 is placed between the optical member 26 and the light-transmitting member 91. In this embodiment, the object to be detected 200 is placed on the light-transmitting member 91 such that the lid 220 side of the object to be detected 200 abuts against the light-transmitting member 91. That is, the object to be detected 200 is placed between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20 such that the lid 220 is positioned relatively lower and the dish 210 is positioned relatively higher.

[0047] As described above with reference to Figure 7, the detection device 1 of the embodiment has a structure that allows the object to be detected 200 to be placed between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20. In the placed object to be detected 200, the bottom surface of the dish 210 on which the culture medium 215 is formed is aligned with the detection area SA of the planar light sensor 10 and the light emission area LA of the light source panel 20.

[0048] Light emitted from the light-emitting region LA of the light source panel 20 is diffused by the diffuser plate 25, passes through the light-transmitting member 91, the object to be detected 200, and the optical member 26, and reaches the detection region SA of the planar light sensor 10. Thus, the planar light sensor 10 is configured to output data that reflects the intensity of light emitted from the light source 22, passing through the object to be detected 200, and reaching multiple light sensors WA. The data referred to here is based on the set of outputs of multiple light sensors WA and can be considered as image data. The image referred to here is an arrangement of multiple pixels, where the output of one light sensor WA is considered as one pixel, and the pixels are arranged to correspond to the arrangement of light sensors WA in the detection region SA. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, when simply referred to as an image, it refers to the set of outputs of multiple light sensors WA. Also, unless otherwise specified, when simply referred to as a pixel, it refers to the output of a light sensor WA. In practice, however, processing such as analog / digital conversion is performed to treat the output of a light sensor WA as a pixel. In this embodiment, the relevant processing is performed by the detection circuit 15 as described above, but it may also be performed by the control circuit 30.

[0049] The intensity of light reaching the detection area SA is affected by the degree of light transmission through the culture medium 215. Furthermore, the uniformity of the light reaching the detection area SA is affected by the degree of light diffusion between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20.

[0050] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram regarding the effect of light diffusion by the diffuser plate 25. The first example is a diagram showing an example of an image obtained in the embodiment. The second example is a diagram showing an example of an image obtained in a configuration in which the diffuser plate 25 is omitted from the embodiment. In other words, the first example is a diagram showing the case where light diffusion by the diffuser plate 25 occurs between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20. The second example is a diagram showing the case where light diffusion by the diffuser plate 25 does not occur between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20.

[0051] In Figure 9 and Figure 15 (described later), the bright areas 2151 reflect the light that has passed through the areas of the culture medium 215 where no colonies have formed. Conversely, the dark areas 2152 reflect the light that has passed through the areas of the culture medium 215 where colonies have formed. The areas of the culture medium 215 where colonies have formed are less permeable to light than the areas of the culture medium 215 where no colonies have formed. Therefore, the dark areas 2152 appear as relatively dark areas compared to the bright areas 2151. Furthermore, pattern 2153 is a pattern created by the unevenness of light reaching the detection area SA. The pattern 2153 shown in Figures 9 and 15 appears as a honeycomb pattern, but the pattern that appears as pattern 2153 is not limited to this. The pattern that appears as pattern 2153 reflects several factors that affect the path of light between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20, such as the arrangement of the light source 22 and the structure of the optical element 26.

[0052] As explained with reference to Figure 7, in this embodiment, a diffuser plate 25 is provided between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20. As a result, the light from the light source 22 is diffused to a range of angles larger than the third direction Dz and reaches the detection region SA. In Figure 7, the diffusion range of the light emitted from the light source 22 before passing through the diffuser plate 25 is schematically shown as the diffusion range V1. The diffusion range of the light emitted from the light source 22 after passing through the diffuser plate 25 is also schematically shown as the diffusion range V2.

[0053] Due to the diffusion of light by the diffuser plate 25, in this embodiment, an image with a clear difference in brightness between the bright areas 2151 and the dark areas 2152 is obtained, as shown in the first example of Figure 9. Therefore, by comparing the image before the dark areas 2152 appear with the image after the dark areas 2152 appear, it becomes easier to determine that the dark areas 2152 have appeared and to what extent they have appeared. Thus, according to this embodiment, an image that allows for a better determination of the degree of colony growth in the culture medium 215 can be obtained. In other words, the diffusion of light by the diffuser plate 25 creates a condition in which colonies can be detected more effectively.

[0054] On the other hand, if there is no light diffusion by the diffuser plate 25, an image with pattern 2153 is obtained, as shown in the second example in Figure 9. In the second example, the boundary between the bright area 2151 and the dark area 2152 becomes unclear in the part of the image where pattern 2153 is present. Therefore, in the second example, it becomes more difficult to detect how many colonies have formed in the culture medium 215 compared to the first example.

[0055] In other words, the diffusion of light by the diffuser plate 25 suppresses the appearance of the pattern 2153 in the image. That is, by placing the diffuser plate 25 between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20, an image that can better determine the degree of colony formation in the culture medium 215 can be obtained.

[0056] Next, the processing flow related to the operation of the detection device 1 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 10 to 12. Unless otherwise specified, in this embodiment, the control circuit 30 is the main control unit for the processing of each step shown in the flowcharts in Figures 10 to 12.

[0057] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow related to the operation of the detection device 1. First, the initial operation is performed (step S1). At the time of the initial operation, it is assumed that the object to be detected 200 has just been placed in the detection device 1. In other words, at the time of the initial operation, it is assumed that no colonies have formed in the culture medium 215.

[0058] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the initial operation. First, the brightness of the first light source 22R is automatically adjusted (step S11). The automatic brightness adjustment in step S11 and in steps S15 and S19, which will be described later, is the process of adjusting the brightness of multiple identical color light sources provided in the light-emitting region LA to a predetermined brightness. Here, we will explain as an example the case in which the automatic brightness adjustment of multiple first light sources 22R is performed in step S11. In this example, the multiple first light sources 22R start in a state where they are operating at either the lowest brightness or the highest brightness, and their operation is controlled so that the brightness changes towards the other of the lowest or highest brightness as time progresses. During this time, light detection and output of multiple light sensors WA provided in the detection region SA are performed periodically. Here, the brightness of the first light source 22R at the point when the output of the light sensor WA corresponds to the predetermined brightness is treated as the predetermined brightness. The lowest brightness is the lower limit of the brightness adjustment range of the light source (for example, the first light source 22R). Adjusting the brightness of a light source within the specified adjustment range corresponds to adjusting the power supplied to the light source. The brightness adjustment range and the corresponding power adjustment range are predetermined. Furthermore, the maximum brightness is the upper limit of the brightness adjustment range of the light source (for example, the first light source 22R).

[0059] In the embodiment, step S11 involves the individual adjustment of the brightness of multiple first light sources 22R. Specifically, the first light sources 22R and the light sensors WA, whose output reflects this brightness, are pre-associated. That is, when the output of the light sensors WA corresponds to a predetermined "target brightness achieved by automatic brightness adjustment," the automatic brightness adjustment of the first light sources 22R associated with the light sensors WA is completed. More specifically, one light sensor WA detects light from the first light sources 22R associated with that particular light sensor WA more strongly than light from other first light sources 22R. For this reason, the associated first light sources 22R and light sensors WA are positioned so that they overlap or nearly overlap in a planar view. In this way, the brightness of the first light sources 22R is determined, completing the automatic brightness adjustment.

[0060] In step S11, as well as in steps S15 and S19 described later, the control circuit 30 operates the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20 to perform automatic brightness adjustment.

[0061] By replacing the first light source 22R with the second light source 22G in the explanation of the process in step S11, the explanation of the process in step S15 will be described later. Also, by replacing the first light source 22R with the third light source 22B in the explanation of the process in step S11, the explanation of the process in step S19 will be described later. Furthermore, the specific flow of automatic brightness adjustment exemplified here is merely an example and is not limited to this; as long as the brightness of multiple identical color light sources can be set to a predetermined brightness, the details may be changed as appropriate.

[0062] After the processing in step S11, a scanning process is performed using light from the first light source 22R (step S12). Specifically, the control circuit 30 operates the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20 to perform the scanning process. In the process of step S12, the light source that lights up due to the operation of the light source panel 20 is the first light source 22R. In the process of step S12, the second light source 22G and the third light source 22B do not light up. As a result, the control circuit 30 obtains an image corresponding to the output of multiple light sensors WA that detected light from the first light source 22R that has passed through the object to be detected 200. Upon completion of the process in step S12, the first light source 22R turns off (step S13).

[0063] In step S16, which will be described later, the light source that is illuminated is the second light source 22G instead of the first light source 22R. Also, in step S20, which will be described later, the light source that is illuminated is the third light source 22B instead of the first light source 22R. After the processing in steps S12 and S13, the first data is output (step S14). The first data is the image data obtained by the light from the first light source 22R. Specifically, the control circuit 30 uses the image data that reflects the output of the light sensor WA obtained in step S12 as the first data.

[0064] After the processing in step S14, the brightness of the second light source 22G is automatically adjusted (step S15). After the processing in step S15, a scanning process is performed using light from the second light source 22G (step S16). Specifically, the scanning process is performed by the control circuit 30 operating the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20. In the processing of step S16, the light source that lights up due to the operation of the light source panel 20 is the second light source 22G. In the processing of step S16, the first light source 22R and the third light source 22B do not light up. As a result, the control circuit 30 obtains an image corresponding to the output of multiple light sensors WA that have detected light from the second light source 22G that has passed through the object to be detected 200. Upon completion of the processing in step S16, the second light source 22G is turned off (step S17).

[0065] After the processing in step S16 and step S17, the second data is output (step S18). The second data is the image data obtained from the light from the second light source 22G. Specifically, the control circuit 30 uses the image data that reflects the output of the light sensor WA obtained in the processing of step S16 as the second data.

[0066] After the processing in step S18, the brightness of the third light source 22B is automatically adjusted (step S19). After the processing in step S19, a scanning process is performed using light from the third light source 22B (step S20). Specifically, the scanning process is performed by the control circuit 30 operating the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20. In the processing of step S20, the light source that lights up due to the operation of the light source panel 20 is the third light source 22B. In the processing of step S20, the first light source 22R and the second light source 22G do not light up. As a result, the control circuit 30 obtains an image corresponding to the output of multiple light sensors WA that have detected light from the third light source 22B that has passed through the object to be detected 200. Upon completion of the processing in step S20, the third light source 22B is turned off (step S21).

[0067] After the processing in step S20 and step S21, the second data is output (step S22). The second data is the image data obtained by the light from the third light source 22B. The control circuit 30 uses the image data that reflects the output of the light sensor WA obtained in the processing of step S20 as the third data.

[0068] The initial operation ends upon completion of the first step S22. As shown in Figure 10, after the initial operation, which is the process of step S1, timing by a timer begins (step S2). The process of step S2 may be performed by, for example, a timer circuit provided in the control circuit 30, or by setting a variable that functions as a counter and updating the counter based on the operating clock of the control circuit 30, or by any other method.

[0069] After the start of timing by the process in step S2, a check is performed to see if a predetermined time has elapsed (step S3). The control circuit 30 waits without performing the next process until the predetermined time has elapsed (step S3; No). The predetermined time is, for example, 5 minutes, but is not limited to this. The predetermined time may be appropriately determined according to the period (time interval) for which it is necessary to determine whether a colony has formed. After the process in step S2, once the predetermined time has elapsed (step S3; Yes), a periodic operation is performed (step S4).

[0070] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of a periodic operation. A periodic operation is an operation in which the processes in steps S11, S15, and S19 of the various processes included in the initial operation described with reference to Figure 11 are omitted. In a periodic operation, the processes are carried out in the following order: steps S12, S13, S14, S16, S17, S18, S20, S21, and S22.

[0071] The first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B are each illuminated at different timings. Furthermore, while one of the first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, or the third light source 22B is illuminated, the other two remain unlit. These light sources are also illuminated periodically in the order of the first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B. These are demonstrated in the processing of steps S12, S13, S16, S17, S20, and S21 during the initial operation and periodic operation.

[0072] The brightness of the first light source 22R, which lights up during periodic operation, is the brightness adjusted by the automatic brightness adjustment process in step S11 of the initial operation. The brightness of the second light source 22G, which lights up during periodic operation, is the brightness adjusted by the automatic brightness adjustment process in step S15 of the initial operation. The brightness of the third light source 22B, which lights up during periodic operation, is the brightness adjusted by the automatic brightness adjustment process in step S19 of the initial operation.

[0073] The periodic operation ends upon completion of the second and subsequent steps S22. As shown in Figure 10, after the periodic operation in step S4, the timer is reset (step S5). That is, the timer, which was started in step S2, is reset in step S5.

[0074] Furthermore, the control circuit 30 determines whether a colony has formed based on the change in brightness between the data obtained in the initial operation and the data obtained in the periodic operation (step S6). Specifically, the control circuit 30 compares the t-th data obtained in the initial operation with the t-th data obtained in the periodic operation. If the control circuit 30 finds a dark area in the t-th data obtained in the periodic operation that is not present in the t-th data obtained in the initial operation, it determines that the dark area is due to a colony. Here, t in the t-th data is one of 1, 2, or 3. To illustrate the case where t is 1, "The control circuit 30 compares the first data obtained in the initial operation with the first data obtained in the periodic operation. If the control circuit 30 finds a dark area in the first data obtained in the periodic operation that is not present in the first data obtained in the initial operation, it determines that the dark area is due to a colony." The same interpretation applies to the cases of t=2 or t=3. The control circuit 30 determines the cases of t=1, t=2, and t=3 individually. The size threshold at which a dark area is treated as a colony is predetermined and can be adjusted as needed depending on the size of the colony targeted for notification by the notification process described later.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a dark area that can be identified as a colony is present in one or more of the cases t=1, t=2, and t=3, it is treated as if a colony has been determined to have occurred in step S6. However, the specific conditions for such determination are not limited to these. If a dark area that can be identified as a colony is present in two or more or all three of the cases t=1, t=2, and t=3, it may be determined in step S6 that a colony has been determined to have occurred. Step S6 corresponds to a process that determines whether a colony has occurred based on a comparison of multiple images obtained at different timings.

[0076] If it is determined in step S6 that a colony has been formed (step S6; Yes), a notification process is performed (step S7). In the notification process, notification is performed using a predetermined notification method. In this embodiment, the execution of the notification process sends an email indicating that a colony has been formed to the email address of the administrator of the detected object 200. The email and the text sent in the email are predetermined. In this embodiment, for example, the control circuit 30 functions as the entity that sends the email, but it is not limited to this. As another example, the control circuit 30 may output a signal to an external information processing device that functions as a command to send an email, or it may be done by other means. Also, the form of notification performed in the notification process is not limited to sending an email. For example, an audio output device such as a speaker may be operated to output a predetermined "sound to notify that a colony has been formed," or it may be a notification in another form. The process in step S7 corresponds to the process of outputting an indication that a colony has been formed when it is determined that a colony has been formed.

[0077] If it is determined in step S6 that no colonies have formed (step S6; No), the process proceeds to step S2 unless the operation of the detection device 1 has finished (step S8; No). That is, the timer starts again, and each time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, periodic operation, timer reset, and determination of whether colonies have formed are performed. If the operation of the detection device 1 finishes in step S8 (step S8; Yes) and after the execution of step S7, the process related to the operation of the detection device 1 ends.

[0078] As described above, according to the embodiment, the detection device 1 comprises a light source (light source 22) that emits light, a planar light sensor (planar light sensor 10) in which a plurality of light sensors (light sensors WA) that detect light from the light source are arranged in two dimensions, a detectable object installation section (detectable object installation section 99) provided so that a detectable object (detectable object 200) can be installed between the light source and the planar light sensor, a dimming section (diffuser plate 25) arranged between the detectable object installation section and the light source to diffuse the light from the light source, and an optical member (optical member 26) arranged between the detectable object installation section and the planar light sensor to limit the light that reaches the light sensor. As a result, the diffusion of light by the diffuser plate 25 creates a state in which colonies can be detected more effectively. Therefore, according to the embodiment, colonies can be detected more effectively.

[0079] Furthermore, the optical element (optical element 26) has either a plate-shaped louver, a cylindrical aperture, or a microlens. This makes it easier to limit the range through which light detected by each of the multiple light sensors (light sensor WA) passes to the range facing each light sensor.

[0080] (modified version) Hereinafter, modified examples of the embodiments described above, which differ in some aspects from the original embodiment, will be explained with reference to Figures 13 to 17. In the explanation of the modified examples, components similar to those in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0081] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the detection device 1A according to a modified example and the structure of each part, including the object to be detected 200 installed in the detection device 1A. As shown in Figure 13, in the modified example, the light-transmitting member 91 in the embodiment is replaced with a dimming panel 910. The dimming panel 910 is configured to be switchable between a state in which it functions similarly to the diffuser plate 25 in the embodiment and a state in which it functions similarly to the light-transmitting member 91. In the modified example shown in Figure 13, the dimming panel 910 can function similarly to the diffuser plate 25 in the embodiment, so the diffuser plate 25 is omitted.

[0082] Figure 13 shows, in general terms, the diffusion range of light emitted from the light source 22 before passing through the dimming panel 910 as diffusion range V11. Also, the diffusion range of light emitted from the light source 22 after being diffused by passing through the dimming panel 910 is shown as diffusion range V21. When diffusion range V21 occurs, the dimming panel 910 is in a diffusion mode, diffusing the light. Furthermore, the diffusion range of light emitted from the light source 22 after passing through the dimming panel 910 is shown as diffusion range V31. When diffusion range V31 occurs, the dimming panel 910 is in a non-diffusing mode, transmitting light without diffusing it as much as in the diffusion mode. Diffusion range V21 represents a greater degree of light diffusion than diffusion range V31.

[0083] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dimming panel 910. The dimming panel 910 includes a first substrate 920, a second substrate 930, and a liquid crystal 940.

[0084] The first substrate 920 includes a translucent substrate 921, a pixel electrode 950, and an insulating layer 922. The pixel electrode 950 is provided individually for each pixel region 970, for example. The second substrate 930 includes a translucent substrate 931, a common electrode 960, and an insulating layer 932.

[0085] In this disclosure, the liquid crystal 940 is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC). That is, the dimming panel 910 is a liquid crystal panel in which polymer dispersed liquid crystal is encapsulated. Specifically, the liquid crystal 940 includes a bulk 941 and fine particles 942. The orientation of the fine particles 942 changes in the bulk 941 according to the potential difference between the pixel electrode 950 and the common electrode 960. The light scattering state by the liquid crystal 940 is switched and controlled by switching the potential of the pixel electrode 950 for each pixel region 970.

[0086] Figure 14 shows an example in which the pixel electrode 950 and the common electrode 960 are arranged opposite each other with the liquid crystal 940 in between. The dimming panel 910 may also be configured such that the pixel electrode 950 and the common electrode 960 are provided on a single substrate, and the orientation changes due to the electric field generated by the pixel electrode 950 and the common electrode 960, thereby controlling the scattering state of the liquid crystal 940. Furthermore, although Figure 14 shows the pixel electrode 950 provided individually for each pixel region 970, the specific form of the pixel electrode 950 is not limited to this. Similar to the common electrode 960 which is continuous along the translucent substrate 931, the pixel electrode 950 may be configured to be continuous along the translucent substrate 921. Regardless of the specific configuration of the pixel electrode 950, the switching of the light scattering state by the liquid crystal 940 in the modified example is performed uniformly throughout the dimming panel 910. In other words, the switching of the light scattering state by the liquid crystal 940 in the modified example is not independent for each pixel region 970.

[0087] In the modified configuration, the dimming panel 910 enters a non-diffuse mode (OFF) when there is no potential difference between the pixel electrode 950 and the common electrode 960, thereby transmitting light without substantially diffusing it. In the modified configuration, the dimming panel 910 enters a diffuse mode (ON) when a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 950 such that a potential difference is created between the pixel electrode 950 and the common electrode 960. Control related to switching the operating state of the dimming panel 910 is performed, for example, by the control circuit 30, but is not limited to this, and a dedicated configuration for such control may be provided. Here, the control circuit 30 in the modified configuration performs operation control of the light source 22, the planar light sensor 10, and the dimming panel 910, and processing based on the outputs of the multiple light sensors WA.

[0088] Figure 15 is an additional explanatory diagram regarding the effect of light diffusion by the dimming panel 910. The third example shown in Figure 15 is a magnified view of a portion of the image inside the dish 210 obtained when the dimming panel 910 is in diffusion mode, which diffuses light. The fourth example is a magnified view of a portion of the image inside the dish 210 obtained when the dimming panel 910 is in non-diffusing mode, which transmits light.

[0089] In the third example, similar to the first example, pattern 2153 is not present, and the brightness of the light area 2151 and the dark area 2152 is more pronounced than in the second and fourth examples, making it easier to determine the degree of colony formation. On the other hand, in the third example, there is some blurring at the boundary between the light area 2151 and the dark area 2152.

[0090] In the fourth example, pattern 2153 is present, similar to the second example, but the boundary between the light area 2151 and the dark area 2152 is more clearly defined compared to the third example. Therefore, if there is a need to determine the colony shape with higher accuracy, obtaining an image similar to the fourth example is advantageous.

[0091] Therefore, in the modified version, the detection device 1A operates to obtain an image with the dimming panel 910 in diffusion mode until it is determined that a colony has formed. In the modified version, after it is determined that a colony has formed, the detection device 1A operates to obtain both an image with the dimming panel 910 in diffusion mode and an image with the dimming panel 910 in non-diffusing mode. This makes it easier for the operator to retrospectively confirm the shape of the colony that has formed from the image after it has been determined that a colony has formed. Thus, the dimming panel 910 in the modified version is positioned between the light-transmitting member 91 of the object to be detected installation section 99 and the light source 22 and functions as a dimming unit that diffuses the light from the light source 22. Furthermore, the dimming panel 910 is provided so that it can switch between a diffusion mode that diffuses light and a non-diffusing mode that diffuses light less than the diffusion mode.

[0092] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the processing flow related to the operation of the modified detection device 1A. In the explanation referring to Figure 16, we will specifically explain the differences from the processing flow related to the operation of detection device 1 explained with reference to Figure 10.

[0093] In the modified example, as shown in Figure 16, before the processing of step S1, the control circuit 30 performs a process to set the operating mode of the dimming panel 910 to diffusion mode (step S31). The processing in step S31 causes the dimming panel 910 to diffuse light. That is, before the initial operation by the processing of step S1, the dimming panel 910 is in a state that produces substantially the same optical effect as the diffuser plate 25 in the embodiment. Therefore, the detection device 1A is operating in a state in which it can obtain an image similar to that of the first example described with reference to Figure 9. In this way, the control circuit 30 of the modified example operates the dimming panel 910 in diffusion mode until it is determined that a colony has been formed.

[0094] In another modified example, as shown in Figure 16, a post-notification operation is performed after the processing in step S7 (step S32).

[0095] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the processing flow after notification. In the explanation referring to Figure 17, the same step codes will be used to describe processes that have already been explained, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0096] In the post-notification processing, first, the control circuit 30 sets the operating mode of the dimming panel 910 to non-diffuse mode (step S32). As a result of the process in step S32, the dimming panel 910 becomes a state in which it transmits light without diffusing it. After the process in step S32, the processes in step S2 and step S3 are performed sequentially, followed by a wait until a predetermined time has elapsed, and then the process in step S4. At this point, the process in step S32 is performed before the steady-state processing in step S4, so that the detection device 1A switches to a state in which it can obtain an image similar to the fourth example described with reference to Figure 14.

[0097] After the periodic operation by step S4 is completed in a state where an image similar to the fourth example described with reference to Figure 14 is obtained, the process of step S31 is performed. That is, the detection device 1A switches to a state where an image similar to the first example described with reference to Figure 9 is obtained. After the process of step S31, the steady-state operation by step S4 is performed again. After the process of step S4, the process of step S5 is performed. After the process of step S5, unless the operation of the detection device 1 has finished (step S8; No), the process proceeds to step S33. That is, the dimming panel 910 switches again from diffuse mode to non-diffuse mode, timing is performed by the timer, and each time a predetermined time has elapsed, periodic operation, switching of the dimming panel 910 from diffuse mode to non-diffuse mode, periodic operation, and timer reset are performed. If the operation of the detection device 1 is completed in the subsequent step S8 (step S8; Yes), the process related to the operation of the detection device 1A is completed, as shown in Figure 16.

[0098] Except for the points specifically noted above, the detection device 1A is the same as the detection device 1 in the embodiment. The modified control circuit 30, after determining that a colony has formed, alternately performs processing to obtain data with the dimming panel 910 in diffusion mode and processing to obtain data with the dimming panel 910 in non-diffusion mode. This is shown in the post-notification processing.

[0099] As explained above, in the modified version, the dimming unit is a dimming panel (dimming panel 910) that can switch between a diffusion mode that diffuses light and a non-diffusing mode that diffuses light less than the diffusion mode. This makes it possible to achieve both better detection of colonies due to light diffusion and more accurate confirmation of the shape of the resulting colonies.

[0100] In a modified version, the system further includes a processing unit (control circuit 30) that controls the operation of a light source (light source 22), a planar light sensor (planar light sensor 10), and a dimming panel (dimming panel 910), and processes the output of multiple light sensors (light sensors WA). The object to be detected (object to be detected 200) is a culture medium (culture medium 215) contained in a container dish (dish 210). The planar light sensor outputs data that reflects the intensity of light emitted from the light source, passing through the object to be detected, and reaching the multiple light sensors. The processing unit determines whether colonies have formed in the culture medium based on a comparison of multiple such data obtained at different timings, and operates the dimming panel (dimming panel 910) in diffusion mode until it is determined that colonies have formed. This enables operation that prioritizes better detection of colonies until it is determined that colonies have formed.

[0101] In another modified configuration, the processing unit (control circuit 30) outputs an output indicating the presence of a colony when it is determined that a colony has formed. After determining that a colony has formed, the processing unit (control circuit 30) alternately performs processing to obtain data with the dimming panel (dimming panel 910) in diffusion mode and processing to obtain data with the dimming panel in non-diffusing mode. This allows for the provision of data that allows for more accurate confirmation of the shape of the colony after it has been determined that a colony has formed.

[0102] In another modified example, the dimming panel (dimming panel 910) is a liquid crystal panel containing polymer-dispersed liquid crystal. This makes it easier to provide a configuration that achieves both better detection of colonies due to light diffusion and more accurate confirmation of the shape of the resulting colonies.

[0103] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the object to be detected 200 is placed on the light-transmitting member 91 with the dish 210 containing the culture medium 215 positioned relatively above and the lid 220 positioned relatively below. This makes it easier to guide the water droplets from the inner surface of the dish 210 to the space between the dish 210 and the lid 220, and move them outside the dish 210.

[0104] In this embodiment, a light source 22 having a first light source 22R, a second light source 22G, and a third light source 22B is used as the light source, but the light sources that can be used in the form of this disclosure are not limited to this. For example, a light source corresponding to four or more colors of light may be used, or a light source corresponding to one or two colors of light may be used. In addition, light of a composite color obtained by simultaneously lighting some or all of multiple types of light sources that emit light of different colors may be used. For example, when the first light source 22R, the second light source 22G, and the third light source 22B are lit simultaneously, white light can be obtained. In addition, the multiple light sources 22 may be lit simultaneously, or each of the multiple light sources 22 may be lit individually at different timings. The first example described with reference to Figure 9 and the third example described with reference to Figure 14 are images obtained in a surface light source mode in which the multiple light sources 22 are lit simultaneously on a color-by-color basis. The second example described with reference to Figure 9 and the fourth example described with reference to Figure 14 are images obtained in a point light source mode in which each of the multiple light sources 22 is lit individually at different timings. Here, the second and fourth examples may also be obtained using the area light source mode.

[0105] Furthermore, the relative vertical relationship between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 7, and may be the reverse of that. Also, the elastic member 93 is not essential for the object to be detected mounting section 99. For example, the light-transmitting member 91 may be interposed between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20 by fixing the light-shielding member 92 to the housing 90. In this case, a gap into which the object to be detected 200 can be inserted is provided above the light-transmitting member 91 between the planar light sensor 10 and the light source panel 20.

[0106] Furthermore, while a lid 220 is not essential for the detected object 200, it is more desirable to provide one in order to prevent foreign matter from entering the culture medium 215. Also, although the dish 210 in this embodiment is a Petri dish, it is not limited to this, and other configurations that function similarly may be used.

[0107] Furthermore, any other effects and advantages brought about by the embodiments described herein that are obvious from this specification or that can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art are naturally provided by this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1. Detection device 10 Planar light sensor 22 Light source 25 Diffuser 26 Optical components 30 Control circuits 91 Light-transmitting member 92 Light-shielding material 95 yen 99 Detected object installation section 210 dishes 220 Lid 215 Culture medium 910 Dimming Panel WA Optical Sensor

Claims

1. A light source that emits light, A planar light sensor in which multiple light sensors for detecting light from the aforementioned light source are arranged in a two-dimensional manner, A detection object installation unit is provided so as to be able to install the detection object between the light source and the planar light sensor, A dimming unit is positioned between the object to be detected and the light source to diffuse the light from the light source, An optical member is disposed between the object to be detected mounting section and the planar light sensor to limit the light reaching the light sensor, A detection device equipped with the following features.

2. The dimming unit is a dimming panel that can switch between a diffusion mode that diffuses light and a non-diffusing mode that diffuses light less than the diffusion mode. The detection device according to claim 1.

3. The processing unit further comprises a unit that controls the operation of the light source, the planar light sensor, and the dimming panel, and performs processing based on the outputs of the multiple light sensors. The object to be detected is a culture medium contained in a container dish. The planar light sensor outputs data that reflects the intensity of light emitted from the light source, passing through the object to be detected and reaching the multiple light sensors. The aforementioned processing unit, Based on a comparison of multiple data obtained at different time points, it is determined whether colonies have formed in the culture medium. The dimming panel is operated in the diffusion mode until it is determined that the colony has formed. The detection device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned processing unit, If it is determined that the colony has formed, an output indicating that the colony has formed will be generated. After it is determined that the colony has formed, the process of obtaining the data with the dimming panel in the diffusion mode and the process of obtaining the data with the dimming panel in the non-diffusing mode are performed alternately. The detection device according to claim 3.

5. The dimming panel is a liquid crystal panel in which polymer-dispersed liquid crystal is encapsulated. The detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The optical member has one of the following: a plate-shaped louver, a cylindrical aperture, or a microlens. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images