JP2007048116A - Image reading apparatus and its image reading method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading apparatus capable of obtaining subject images (rotating fingerprint images) of good picture quality that cover a wide range including the sides of a subject (e.g., finger) having a curved surface, regardless of the user's experiences and skills, and of reducing the processing load associated with reading action for the images, etc. <P>SOLUTION: The image reading apparatus has a structure in which an image reading part DVC comprising a sensor panel 100 and a back light 200 stacked one on top of the other is tilted and fixed in place in such a manner as to have a predetermined angle α (certain angle other than 0°) with respect to a horizontal reference plane HP. As a finger FG placed on the image reading part DVC (sensor panel 100) is rotated in the outward direction of the body (rightward direction in the case of the right hand) from a horizontal state, the finger is moved along a detection surface DTC and fingerprint reading action is performed to obtain rotating fingerprint images. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus and an image reading method thereof, and more particularly to an image reading apparatus and an image reading method thereof for reading a subject image while rotating (rolling) a subject in contact with a detection surface.

  In recent years, due to changes in the social situation, techniques relating to personal identification or personal identification for identifying individuals have been rapidly adopted in various fields such as immigration control, crime prevention, network access, and information management. Traditionally, as a method for identifying and authenticating an individual, in addition to the well-known fingerprint imprinting, in recent years, a technique for targeting information unique to the living body such as the iris of the eyeball, veins of hands and fingers, and the human phase has been studied. Some of them are already in practical use. Also, with regard to authentication accuracy when identifying individuals, a wide range of technologies have been studied, from those requiring extremely high authentication accuracy to simple ones, depending on the field or system to which the individual identification technology is applied. Yes.

  For example, in immigration procedures in other countries (eg, the United States of America), fingerprinting is mandatory as a method of personal identification. At this time, a method for collecting a wide range of fingerprints, including even the sides of the fingers. May be adopted. Here, since the finger has a curved surface, it is necessary to copy the fingerprint onto the paper surface by attaching the ink to a wide range including the side surface of the finger, placing the finger on the paper surface, and rotating the finger that is in close contact (rolling). There is. Furthermore, when performing fingerprint collation processing, it is necessary to take the fingerprint collected on the paper into a collation device and digitize it, and the series of operations from fingerprint collection to collation is extremely complicated. Had the problem of becoming.

FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a fingerprint reading device in the prior art, and FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a fingerprint reading operation in the prior art.
For example, as shown in FIG. 18, as a technique for reducing the fingerprint collection and collation work as described above, a finger FG placed on a detection surface 511 set on one surface of a triangular prism (optical prism) 510 is used. A fingerprint image projected by irradiating light from the light source 520 is imaged using a two-dimensional sensor such as a CCD (individual imaging device) 530, converted into an electrical signal, and quantized and converted from a digital signal. Is obtained.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, such a series of fingerprint reading operations are continuously performed for each rotation state of the finger FG (each rotation state in the rotational movement RLG), and the synthesis is performed. The processing unit (or rotation combining unit) 540 can generate a wide range of fingerprint images (rotating fingerprint images) including the side surface of the finger FG by combining the acquired image data.

  According to this, the fingerprint image can be read sequentially only by the operation of rotating the finger FG on the flat detection surface 511, and the rotated fingerprint image can be quickly and easily acquired as a digital signal. A series of operations up to can be easily performed. The fingerprint reading apparatus having such a configuration is described in detail in, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

JP 2000-268162 A (Page 3, FIGS. 1 and 2) JP 2000-0667208 (pages 3 to 4, FIGS. 1 to 3)

  However, in the conventional technology as described above, it is necessary to rotate and move the finger placed on the detection surface with good contact without causing a deviation or the like. The subject) had a problem that some degree of habituation and proficiency was required for the rotational movement of the fingers.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 19 (a) to 19 (c), when the finger FG is rotated and moved, an operation of twisting the wrist is necessary. However, from an ergonomic point of view, humans generally use the wrist. Has a body structure that is difficult to twist (in the case of the right hand, the direction of left rotation in the case of the right hand, and in the case of the left hand, in the direction of right rotation) (the state shown in FIG. This places a burden on the user and makes it difficult to read the image on the inner side surface of the finger in close contact with the detection surface, making it possible to obtain a sufficiently wide range of rotated fingerprint images. Had a difficult problem.

  Further, in the technology described in the above-mentioned patent publications and the like, the operation of reading the fingerprint image by the CCD is repeatedly performed for each rotation state of the finger placed on the detection surface, and in each rotation state. Since it is necessary to execute a process of extracting and synthesizing a fingerprint image for each placement position, there is a problem that a processing load related to a fingerprint reading operation and an image synthesizing process in the fingerprint reading apparatus becomes extremely large.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described problems, the present invention provides a wide range of subject images including the side surfaces of a subject when imaging a subject having a curved surface (for example, a finger) regardless of the user's familiarity and proficiency level. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus and an image reading method thereof that can acquire a (rotated fingerprint image) with good image quality and can reduce the processing load related to the image reading operation and the like.

  The invention described in claim 1 is an image reading apparatus that reads an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface, and includes a reading pixel array in which a plurality of reading pixels having a thin film structure are two-dimensionally arranged on at least one surface side of a substrate. The image pattern in a range including the curved surface while rotating the subject placed on the detection surface provided on the read pixel array by scanning the read pixels of the read pixel array in a specific direction. The image reading unit has a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal reference plane and is inclined and fixed in the specific direction.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus for reading an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface, a reading pixel array in which a plurality of reading pixels having a thin film structure are two-dimensionally arranged on at least one surface side of a substrate is provided. Scanning the reading pixels of the reading pixel array in a specific direction to read the image pattern in a range including the curved surface of the subject placed on a detection surface provided on the reading pixel array And the image reading unit is configured to rotate about a central axis parallel to the extending direction of the subject.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus for reading an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface, comprising at least a reading pixel array in which a plurality of reading pixels having a thin film structure are two-dimensionally arranged on one surface side of a substrate. The image pattern in a range including the curved surface while rotating the subject placed on the detection surface provided on the read pixel array by scanning the read pixels of the read pixel array in a specific direction. The image reading unit is configured to move in the specific direction with respect to the subject.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device according to the third aspect, the image reading device holds the subject so that the subject has a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the image reading unit. Is further provided.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the image reading device further includes a surface light source disposed on the other surface side of the image reading unit. It is characterized by that.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the image reading device is disposed on the other surface side of the image reading portion, and a plurality of display pixels are provided on one surface side. An image display unit having a display pixel array arranged two-dimensionally is further provided.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device according to the sixth aspect, the image reading device further includes a surface light source disposed on the other surface side of the image display unit.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the image display unit is configured by the display pixel including a light emitting element.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the read pixels are transmitted from the back side of the image reading unit and placed on the detection surface. It is a photo sensor that receives reflected light of light applied to the subject and reads the image pattern of the subject as light and dark information.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the read pixel is a transparent electrode formed on a transparent insulating substrate with a channel region made of a semiconductor layer interposed therebetween. A drain electrode and a source electrode made of a material; a first gate electrode made of a transparent electrode material formed above the channel region; and a light-shielding electrode material formed below the channel region. A photosensor having a double-gate thin film transistor structure having a second gate electrode and a detection surface formed on the first gate electrode through a transparent insulating film. And

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in an image reading method of an image reading apparatus for reading an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface, the arrangement is fixed at a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal reference plane and inclined in a specific direction. Scanning a plurality of read pixels arrayed two-dimensionally in the read pixel array in the specific direction, and placing the subject on a detection surface provided on the read pixel array, in the specific direction And a step of rotating.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in an image reading method of an image reading apparatus for reading an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface, the image reading device is configured to rotate at least about a central axis parallel to the extending direction of the subject. Scanning a plurality of read pixels arrayed two-dimensionally in the read pixel array in a specific direction; placing the subject on a detection surface provided on the read pixel array; and placing the read pixel array on the subject And a step of relatively rotating with respect to it.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading method of the image reading device according to the twelfth aspect, in the step of rotating the read pixel array relative to the subject, the subject is held stationary. It is executed in a state.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading method of the image reading device according to the twelfth aspect, the step of rotating the read pixel array relative to the subject presses the read pixel array by the subject. It is performed by doing.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading method of an image reading apparatus for reading an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface, at least a two-dimensional array is provided in a reading pixel array configured to move in a specific direction with respect to the subject. Scanning the plurality of read pixels in the specific direction, and placing the subject on a detection surface provided on the read pixel array, the read pixel array relative to the subject. Moving in a specific direction.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus and an image reading method for reading an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface (for example, a finger), and having a predetermined angle in a specific direction of the reading pixel array (subject reading scanning direction). The image reading unit is inclined and arranged, and the subject is rotated in the specific direction while closely contacting the subject to the detection surface on the read pixel array in correspondence with the image reading operation (read scanning) in the read pixel array. Move to read the subject image.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in an image reading apparatus and image reading method for reading an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface (for example, a finger), the image reading is rotated about a central axis parallel to the extending direction of the subject. A reading unit array, and rotating the reading pixel array to read the subject image while bringing the subject into close contact with the detection surface on the reading pixel array in correspondence with the image reading operation (reading scanning) in the reading pixel array.

  Furthermore, a third invention is an image reading apparatus and an image reading method for reading an image pattern of a subject (for example, a finger) having a curved surface, and includes an image reading unit that horizontally moves in the rotational movement direction of the subject, and a reading pixel array. Corresponding to the image reading operation (reading scan) in FIG. 1, the subject image is read by moving the read pixel array horizontally, for example, while bringing the subject into close contact with the detection surface on the read pixel array.

  According to these inventions, the subject is rotated and moved in a direction in which the subject is easily operated while the subject is in close contact with the detection surface, or the reading pixel array is relatively rotated or horizontally moved with respect to the subject. Since the image for each curved surface area can be read, a wide range of images (rotated fingerprint images) up to the side area of the subject can be easily and quickly obtained by one scanning scan for one screen in the reading pixel array. Can be acquired.

  In particular, when an image reading method in which the subject is rotated and moved in a direction in which the subject is easy to move or an image reading method in which the reading pixel array is rotated or moved horizontally relative to the subject is applied to the fingerprint reading operation. Does not force the person who collects fingerprints (the user of the image reading device) to twist their arms, reducing the burden of collecting fingerprints, and requires familiarity and proficiency Therefore, the finger can be properly brought into close contact with the detection surface, and a good rotated fingerprint image can be acquired.

  Furthermore, by applying a configuration in which a subject holding unit that relatively holds and fixes the subject is applied to the read pixel array that moves in response to the subject scanning, the subject is shifted from the moving read pixel array. Therefore, a good subject image can be acquired without requiring familiarity or proficiency in the image reading operation. In addition, by applying the configuration in which the image display panel is arranged on the back side of the transmissive read pixel array, it is possible to accurately recognize the user's operation method, subject placement method, and the like in the image reading operation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an imaging mistake or the like in the image reading operation.

Hereinafter, an image reading apparatus and an image reading method thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments.
First, the configuration of an image reading unit applicable to the image reading apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described.
<Configuration Example of Image Reading Unit>

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image reading unit applicable to the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. Here, FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of the image reading unit, and FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image reading unit. Here, a configuration in which a surface light source type backlight is disposed on the back side of the image display unit of the sensor panel is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the image reading unit DVC applicable to the image reading apparatus according to the present invention is roughly classified into a transmission type sensor panel having a detection surface on the upper surface (upper side in the drawing). 100 and a backlight (surface light source) 200 disposed on the back side (lower side of the drawing) of the sensor panel 100, and at least uniform flat light emitted from the backlight 200 is transmitted through the sensor panel 100. Thus, the object (for example, a finger) placed on the detection surface is irradiated.

  Here, in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for convenience of illustration, the sensor panel 100 and the backlight 200 are shown to be separated from each other. However, these configurations are in close contact with each other. It may have a laminated structure, or may have a laminated structure in which an optical member such as a diffusion film or a polarizing plate is interposed between the components.

  The sensor panel 100 includes, for example, a transparent insulating substrate 110 such as a glass substrate and a plurality of photosensors (two-dimensionally arranged on the insulating substrate 110 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B)). The sensor array (reading pixel array) 140 is composed of a reading pixel), and the scanning driver 120 and the reading driver 130 for controlling the reading operation of image information in the sensor array 140 are provided. Here, as a photosensor constituting the sensor array 140, for example, a photosensor having a double-gate thin film transistor structure (to be described later) (hereinafter referred to as “double-gate photosensor”) can be favorably applied.

  The backlight 200 includes, for example, a light guide plate 210 made of an acrylic plate or the like disposed on the back side of the sensor panel 100, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and the light guide plate. 210, a light source 220 including a cold cathode ray tube and a light emitting diode (LED) provided on one side end face side can be applied, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a planar light source in which light-emitting elements such as organic electroluminescence elements (organic EL elements) and light-emitting diodes are two-dimensionally arranged may be applied.

  In the present embodiment, the light emitted from the backlight 200 is transmitted through the insulating substrate 110 and the sensor array 140 of the sensor panel 100 and irradiated to and reflected by the subject placed on the detection surface. The image pattern of the subject can be read by detecting by each photosensor constituting the sensor array 140, converting it to an electrical signal and outputting it.

(Sensor panel)
Hereinafter, the configuration of the sensor panel will be specifically described.
FIG. 2 is a main part configuration diagram showing an example of an image reading unit (sensor panel) applied to the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. In the present embodiment and each embodiment described below, a case where a double-gate photosensor described later is applied as a reading pixel constituting the sensor panel will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In short, other elements can be used as long as they are configured to have a transmissive sensor array so that light from a backlight disposed on the back side can be satisfactorily irradiated to a subject placed on the detection surface. Needless to say, it may have a structure or a circuit configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor panel 100 according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into a large number of photosensors (reading pixels; a double-gate photosensor described later) PS, for example, n rows × m columns (n, m Is an arbitrary positive integer) transmissive sensor array 140, a top gate line Lt extending by connecting the top gate terminals TG of each photosensor PS in the row direction, and each photosensor PS A bottom gate line Lb extending by connecting the bottom gate terminal BG in the row direction, a drain line (data line) Ld extending by connecting the drain terminal D of each photosensor PS in the column direction, and a source terminal S are predetermined. Source line (common line) Ls commonly connected to a low potential voltage (for example, ground potential) Vss of each and a top connected to each top gate line Lt A gate driver 120T, a bottom gate driver 120B connected to each bottom gate line Lb, and a drain driver 130D connected to each drain line Ld are configured. Here, the top gate driver 120T and the bottom gate driver 120B correspond to the scan driver 120 shown in FIG. 1, and the drain driver 130D corresponds to the readout driver 130.

  The top gate control signal shown in FIG. 2 is selectively output as signals φT1, φT2,... ΦTi,..., ΦTi,. This is a control signal for generating φTn (i is an arbitrary positive integer satisfying 1 ≦ i ≦ n), and the bottom gate control signal is used as one of a read voltage and a non-read voltage described later in the bottom gate driver 120B. , ΦBn,..., ΦBn, which are selectively output, are applied to each photosensor PS by a drain driver 130D. At the same time, the data voltage Vrd corresponding to the carrier stored in each photosensor PS is read. It is a control signal for controlling the teeth. All of these control signals are generated and supplied by, for example, a system controller (timing control means) (not shown).

(Photo sensor)
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the element structure of a photosensor applicable to the image reading unit (sensor panel) of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. Here, FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one configuration example of the photosensor, and FIG. 3B is an equivalent circuit diagram of the photosensor.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the photosensor PS applicable to the sensor panel 100 (sensor array 140) described above generally generates electron-hole pairs by the incidence of excitation light (here, visible light). Formed on both ends of the semiconductor layer 11 such as amorphous silicon and impurity layers (ohmic contact layers) 17 and 18 made of n ⁺ silicon on both ends of the semiconductor layer 11, A drain electrode 12 (drain terminal D) and a source electrode 13 (source terminal S) which are made of a conductive material selected from aluminum, an aluminum alloy, and the like and are opaque to visible light, and above the semiconductor layer 11 (upward in the drawing) Are formed via a block insulating film (stopper film) 14 and an upper gate insulating film 15, and a tin oxide film or an ITO film (indium-tin oxide) A top gate electrode TGx (first gate electrode; top gate terminal TG) that is transparent to visible light and has a lower gate insulation under the semiconductor layer 11 (downward in the drawing). A bottom gate electrode BGx (second gate) that is formed through the film 16 and is made of a conductive material selected from chromium, a chromium alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, and the like, and is opaque to light (having a light shielding property). Electrode; bottom gate terminal BG).

  That is, the photosensor PS applied to the sensor array 140 of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention is a photosensor having a so-called double gate type thin film transistor structure (double gate type photosensor), and applies semiconductor manufacturing technology. As shown in FIG. 3A, a thin film is formed on a transparent insulating substrate 110 such as a glass substrate. In addition, a protective insulating film (passivation film) 19 is formed on the entire surface of the insulating substrate 110 including the photosensor PS (view side; upper part of the drawing), and the upper surface of the protective insulating film 19 is detected on the detection surface DTC. As described above, by placing a subject, electrical, physical, and chemical damage to the photosensor PS is suppressed.

  In the photosensor PS shown in FIG. 3A, the top gate insulating film 15, the block insulating film 14, the insulating film constituting the bottom gate insulating film 16, and the protective insulating film provided on the top gate electrode TGx. 19 is made of a material having a high transmittance for visible light that excites the semiconductor layer 11, for example, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or the like, so that it is provided on the insulating substrate 110 side (downward in the drawing). The light emitted from the light source (not shown; corresponding to the backlight 200 described above) is transmitted upward in the drawing, and reflected to the subject placed on the detection surface DTC provided on the upper surface of the protective insulating film 19 Thus, the photosensor PS (specifically, the semiconductor layer 11) has a structure that detects only light incident thereon.

  A photosensor PS having an element structure as shown in FIG. 3A is generally represented by an equivalent circuit as shown in FIG. Here, TG is a top gate terminal electrically connected to the top gate electrode TGx, BG is a bottom gate terminal electrically connected to the bottom gate electrode BGx, and D is a drain electrically connected to the drain electrode 12. A terminal S is a source terminal electrically connected to the source electrode 13.

(Top gate driver 120T / Bottom gate driver 120B)
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration example of a top gate driver or a bottom gate driver applicable to the image reading unit (sensor panel) of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. Here, since the top gate driver 120T and the bottom gate driver 120B have substantially the same configuration, in the following description, the configuration will be described mainly using the top gate driver as an example.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the top gate driver 120T (or the bottom gate driver 120B) is supplied as a top gate control signal (or bottom gate control signal) from a system controller or the like that is schematically omitted. Based on the signal, the reference clock signal, the output enable signal, etc., the start signal is sequentially shifted to the next stage at the timing based on the reference clock signal, and at the timing based on the output enable signal etc., the top gate line Lt (or .., SGn output as shift signals SG1, SG2,... SGn corresponding to the bottom gate line Lb), and shift signals SG1, SG2,. Amplify to a predetermined signal level and reset FaiTi (or read pulse FaiBi) as, each top gate line Lt (or bottom gate line Lb) is configured to have an output buffer 122 for output to the.

(Drain driver 130D)
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration example of a drain driver applicable to the image reading unit (sensor panel) of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the drain driver 130D uses the start signal as a reference based on a start signal, a reference clock signal, an output enable signal, and the like that are supplied as a drain control signal from a system controller (not shown). A shift register circuit portion 131 that sequentially shifts to the next stage at a timing based on the clock signal, and outputs as shift signals SD1, SD2,... SDm corresponding to each drain line Ld at a timing based on the output enable signal, etc. A precharge circuit unit 135 for simultaneously applying a predetermined precharge pulse (precharge voltage Vpg) to each drain line Ld at a timing (precharge period described later) based on a precharge signal φpg supplied as a control signal; Supplied as drain control signal At a timing based on the sampling signal (reading period to be described later), each data voltage Vrd (drain line voltage VD) corresponding to the carrier accumulated in each photosensor PS is read out and held in parallel via each drain line Ld. The sampling circuit unit 134, the source follower circuit unit 133 that amplifies each data voltage Vrd read (held) by the sampling circuit unit 134 to a predetermined signal level, and the shift register circuit unit 131 sequentially output the data voltage Vrd. The amplified data voltage output from the source follower circuit unit 133 is extracted in time series at a timing based on the shift signals SD1, SD2,... SDm, converted into a serial signal, and output as a read data signal Vdata And a parallel-serial conversion circuit unit 132. It is.

(Driving control method of image reading unit)
Next, a drive control method for the above-described image reading unit (sensor panel) will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of a drive control method in the image reading unit (sensor panel) of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an image reading operation when a fingerprint is read in the image reading unit (sensor panel) of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. Here, in FIG. 7, for convenience of illustration, a part of hatching that represents a cross-sectional portion of the sensor array 140 is omitted.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the drive control method for the sensor array 140 described above includes a reset period Trst, a charge accumulation period Ta, a precharge period Tprch, and a readout period Tread in a predetermined processing operation period (one processing cycle). This is realized by setting.
As shown in FIG. 6, first, in the reset period Trst, the reset pulse φTi (for example, the top gate voltage) is applied to the top gate terminal TG of the i-th photosensor PS via the top gate line Lt by the top gate driver 120T. (= Reset pulse voltage) Vtg = + 15V high level) is applied to execute a reset operation (initialization operation) for releasing carriers (here, holes) accumulated in the semiconductor layer 11.

  Next, in the charge accumulation period Ta, by applying a low level bias voltage φTi (for example, top gate voltage Vtg = −15 V) to the top gate terminal TG by the top gate driver 120T, the reset operation is terminated, The accumulation operation (carrier accumulation operation) is started.

  Here, in the charge accumulation period Ta, as shown in FIG. 7, the back disposed below the transparent insulating substrate 110 on which the photosensor PS shown in FIG. 3 is formed (the back side of the display panel 300). The light Lx radiated from the light 200 passes through the sensor panel 100 and is irradiated to the subject (finger FG) placed in close contact with the detection surface DTC on the upper surface of the sensor array 140, and the reflected light of the light Lx Ly passes through the top gate electrode TGx made of a transparent electrode layer and enters the semiconductor layer 11. Thereby, electron-hole pairs are generated in the incident effective region (carrier generation region) of the semiconductor layer 11 according to the amount of light incident on the semiconductor layer 11 during the charge accumulation period Ta, and the semiconductor layer 11 and the block insulating film 14 Holes are accumulated in the vicinity of the interface (around the channel region).

  In the precharge period Tprch, the drain driver 130D precharges the drain terminal D via the drain line Ld based on the precharge signal φpg supplied as a drain control signal in parallel with the charge accumulation period Ta. A pulse (for example, precharge voltage Vpg = + 5 V) is applied, and a precharge operation for holding the charge in the drain electrode 12 is executed.

  Next, in the read period Tread, after the precharge period Tprch has elapsed, the read signal φBi (for example, the bottom gate voltage (= read pulse voltage) is applied to the bottom gate terminal BG via the bottom gate line Lb by the bottom gate driver 120B. ) Vbg = + 10V) is applied to the drain line Ld, the drain voltage VD (data voltage Vrd; voltage signal) corresponding to the carriers (holes) accumulated in the channel region during the charge accumulation period Ta is applied to the drain line Ld. A read operation is performed by the drain driver 130D via the.

  Here, the change tendency of the drain voltage VD (data voltage Vrd) during the application period (readout period) of the read pulse φBi is such that the voltage is steep when there are many carriers accumulated in the charge accumulation period Ta (bright state). On the other hand, when the number of accumulated carriers is small (dark state), it tends to decrease gradually. For example, the data voltage Vrd after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the read period Tread is detected. Accordingly, it is possible to detect the amount of light incident on the photosensor PS, that is, lightness data (lightness / darkness information) corresponding to the light / dark pattern of the subject.

  Then, a series of lightness data detection operations for such a specific row (i-th row) is regarded as one processing cycle, and it is equivalent to each row (i = 1, 2,... N) of the sensor array 140 described above. By repeatedly executing the operation process of the above, the sensor panel 100 including the sensor array 140 including the photosensor PS having a double gate type thin film transistor structure is read as a monochrome image for reading a two-dimensional image pattern (fingerprint image) of the subject as brightness data. The image reading unit can be operated as a mold. Note that the drive control operation of the series of image reading units described above is controlled by, for example, a system controller (not shown).

[First Embodiment]
Next, a first embodiment of an image reading apparatus including the image reading unit having the above-described configuration and an image reading method thereof will be described.
FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the first embodiment of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. Here, FIG. 8A is a schematic top view of the image reading apparatus viewed from the detection surface side, and FIG. 8B is a schematic side view of the image reading apparatus. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an image reading operation (fingerprint reading operation) of the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the first embodiment of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention includes an image reading unit DVC configured by laminating the sensor panel 100 and the backlight 200 described above. In addition, it has a structure in which the horizontal reference plane HP is inclined and fixed in advance so as to have a predetermined angle α (an arbitrary angle other than 0 °). Here, the horizontal reference plane HP is a plane parallel to the abdomen of the finger FG that is the subject (that is, the central region RGc of the fingerprint Pfg), and the image reading unit DVC is in contact with the horizontal reference plane HP. The angle α is set so that an inclination gradient is formed in the direction in which the finger FG is rotated (left direction in the drawing).

  The image reading operation (fingerprint reading operation) in the image reading apparatus having such a configuration is as follows. First, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A, the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) is fixedly arranged at an inclination. The finger FG is placed horizontally (parallel to the horizontal reference plane HP) on the detection surface DTC of the end region (the end region on the right side of the drawing; the start point region) of the image reading area ARs defined by the sensor array 140 of FIG. .

  Accordingly, since the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) is inclined with respect to the horizontal reference plane HP, the right side region RGr in the drawing of the finger FG placed horizontally is in close contact with the detection surface DTC. . Here, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, each of FIGS. 9A to 9C is placed on the image reading area ARs (detection surface DTC) of the sensor panel 100. Since the finger is viewed from the fingertip side in the user direction, the left side surface region of the finger FG is actually in close contact with the detection surface DTC. Hereinafter, it shall be interpreted similarly.

  In this state, for example, a user of the image reading apparatus (a person to be fingerprinted) operates a start switch or the like to start a series of drive control operations for the image reading unit DVC as described above, and the sensor panel 100 From the start point region on one end side (the end region on the right side of the sensor array 140 shown in FIG. 8A) to the end point region on the other end side (the end region on the left side of the sensor array 140 shown in FIG. 8A) ) Until the image is sequentially read (scanned) for each row of the sensor array 140.

  Then, during the image reading operation (reading scan), as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the finger FG is in the horizontal state (the right side region RGr in the drawing of the finger FG (fingerprint Pfg) is the detection surface DTC. Rotate in the direction of the outside of the body (right rotation direction for the right hand, left rotation direction for the left hand) from the state of being in close contact with the body of the finger FG (the central region RGc of the fingerprint Pfg) Then, the finger FG (fingerprint Pfg) is moved until the left side region RGl in the drawing comes into close contact with the detection surface DTC.

  Thus, in each rotation state of the finger FG, the photosensors PS in the row corresponding to the region where the finger FG is in close contact with the detection surface DTC sequentially executes (reads scanning) the above-described image reading operation, and the scanning direction (specific scanning) Since the fingerprint Pfg can be read in the direction), a rotated fingerprint image can be acquired by one scanning scan (one screen) in the sensor array 140 (image reading area ARs).

  In this manner, detection is performed while rotating the finger FG placed on the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) inclined and fixed in a specific direction from the horizontal state (right direction in the present embodiment). By moving along the surface DTC, the finger FG can be rotated in a direction that facilitates rotation (outside the body; rightward for the right hand and leftward for the left hand) due to the structure of the human body. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden without forcing the user to forcibly twist his / her finger inside the body, and the finger can be properly brought into close contact with the detection surface, and a good rotation fingerprint image can be obtained by a simple reading operation. Can be obtained.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of an image reading apparatus including the image reading unit having the above-described configuration and an image reading method thereof will be described.
FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. Here, FIG. 10A is a schematic top view of the image reading apparatus viewed from the detection surface side, and FIG. 10B is a schematic side view of the image reading apparatus. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an image reading operation (fingerprint reading operation) of the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment. In addition, about the structure and control operation | movement equivalent to 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the description is simplified.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the second embodiment of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention is parallel to the extending direction of the finger FG and is below the drawing side of the finger FG (abdomen). The left and right ends of the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100 and backlight 200) described above are movable up and down alternately (in a seesaw shape) with reference to a central axis CL provided on the side). . That is, the image reading unit DVC is configured to rotate about the central axis CL.

  The image reading operation (fingerprint reading operation) in the image reading apparatus having such a configuration is as follows. First, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11A, one end of the image reading unit DVC (FIG. 11A ) In a state in which the right end of the drawing) is tilted upward and the other end (the left end of the drawing in FIG. 11A) is tilted downward (for convenience of description, it is described as “right tilted state” for convenience) Thus, the finger FG is placed horizontally on the detection surface DTC of the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) on the central axis CL. Thereby, since the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) is set to the right tilt state, the right side area RGr in the drawing of the finger FG placed horizontally (actually the left side area of the finger FG) is detected. It will be in close contact with the surface DTC.

  Then, an image reading operation (drive control operation of the image reading unit DVC) is started in a state where the finger FG is fixed above the central axis CL (stationary state), and sequentially for each row of the sensor panel 100 (sensor array 140). Corresponding to the reading operation (reading scan) of the fingerprint Pfg to be executed, the image reading unit DVC is changed from the right inclined state to the horizontal state (FIG. 11B) as shown in FIGS. Then, one end of the image reading unit DVC (the right end in the drawing in FIG. 11A) is inclined downward, and the other end (the left end in the drawing) is inclined upward (FIG. 11C); For convenience, the finger FG is held so as to be in close contact with the detection surface DTC on the sensor panel 100 while being rotated to the “left inclined state”.

  Thus, the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) is rotated with respect to the horizontally held finger FG, which is equivalent to the case where the finger FG is rotated relative to the sensor panel 100. A state can be realized, and a wide range of fingerprints Pfg from the right side region RGr of the finger FG through the abdomen (central region RGc of the fingerprint Pfg) to the left side region RGl of the finger FG is detected. Since the state of being in close contact with the surface DTC can be realized, the fingerprint Pfg of the region in close contact with the detection surface DTC can be sequentially read in each rotation state of the sensor panel 100, and once in the sensor array 140 ( A rotated fingerprint image can be acquired by scanning for one screen.

  Accordingly, by rotating the image reading unit DVC with respect to the finger FG held horizontally, a rotated fingerprint image can be acquired without rotating the finger FG, and thus the user can twist the finger. A good rotation fingerprint image can be acquired by a simple reading operation by properly bringing a finger into close contact with the detection surface without being forced.

  In particular, according to the configuration of the image reading unit DVC applied to the image reading apparatus according to the present invention (see FIGS. 1 and 2), the sensor panel 100 and the backlight 200 have a thin plate-like configuration. As shown in the prior art (see FIG. 18), an optical system such as a triangular prism or a CCD (photo sensor) is provided, and the triangular prism and the CCD are arranged. Unlike the configuration in which it is difficult to rotate or move the entire apparatus as in the configuration in which the positional relationship is fixed, the entire image reading unit DVC is rotated with respect to the finger FG placed on the detection surface DTC. The configuration can be realized easily and satisfactorily.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an image reading apparatus including the image reading unit having the above-described configuration and a third embodiment of the image reading method will be described.
FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a third embodiment of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. Here, FIG. 12A is a schematic top view of the image reading device viewed from the detection surface side, and FIG. 12B is a schematic side view of the image reading device. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an image reading operation (fingerprint reading operation) of the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the third embodiment of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention is parallel to the extending direction of the finger FG, and includes the above-described image reading unit DVC (sensor panel). 100 and the backlight 200), the other end (the right end of the drawing in FIG. 12) of the image reading unit DVC is based on the central axis CL provided at the one end (the left end of the drawing in FIG. 12). It is configured to move up and down. That is, the image reading unit DVC is configured to rotate about the central axis CL.

  In the image reading apparatus (fingerprint reading operation) in the image reading apparatus having such a configuration, first, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13A, the other end (right end in the drawing) of the image reading unit DVC is used. The finger FG is horizontally placed in an arbitrary area of the image reading area ARs of the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) in the state of being tilted upward (right tilted state). Accordingly, since the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) is set to the right inclined state, the right side area RGr (actually) of the finger FG placed horizontally as in the second embodiment described above. (The left side surface region of the finger FG) comes into close contact with the detection surface DTC.

  Then, the image reading operation (drive control operation of the image reading unit DVC) is started in a state where the finger FG is horizontally placed on the detection surface DTC, and sequentially executed for each row of the sensor panel 100 (sensor array 140). Corresponding to the reading operation (reading scanning) of the fingerprint Pfg, the finger FG is always pressed down to the detection surface DTC on the sensor panel 100 as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C. The image reading unit DVC is rotated from the right inclination state to the left inclination state (FIG. 13C) through the horizontal state (FIG. 13B).

  Accordingly, as in the second embodiment described above, the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) rotates with respect to the finger FG held horizontally, whereby the finger FG is moved with respect to the sensor panel 100. A state equivalent to the case of relatively rotational movement can be realized, and from the right side region RGr of the finger FG to the left side region RGl of the finger FG through the abdomen (central region RGc of the fingerprint Pfg). Since it is possible to realize a state in which the wide range of fingerprints Pfg up to and including the detection surface DTC are continuously in close contact with each other, the fingerprint Pfg in the region in close contact with the detection surface DTC is sequentially read in each rotation state of the sensor panel 100. Thus, a rotated fingerprint image can be obtained by one scanning scan (one screen) in the sensor array 140.

  Accordingly, by rotating the image reading unit DVC with respect to the finger FG held horizontally, a rotated fingerprint image can be acquired without rotating the finger FG, and thus the user can twist the finger. A good rotation fingerprint image can be acquired by a simple reading operation by properly bringing a finger into close contact with the detection surface without being forced.

  Although not shown in the second and third embodiments, the sensor panel 100 (sensor array 140) performs the image reading operation on the row position (that is, reading scan). The image reading unit DVC includes a drive mechanism and a control unit for rotating the image reading unit DVC.

  That is, in the state where the fingerprint reading operation is started, the image reading unit DVC is set to the right inclined state, and the fingerprint Pfg of the right side region RGr in the drawing of the finger in close contact with the starting point region of the sensor array 140 (image reading area ARs). Is read and the image reading operation (reading scan) in each row of the sensor array 140 is executed as time passes, so that the image reading unit DVC is rotated and set in the horizontal state, and the sensor array 140 (image reading area) The fingerprint Pfg of the center region RGc of the finger FG that is in close contact with the middle (intermediate) region of ARs) is read, and the image reading unit DVC is rotated and set to the left inclined state, so that the sensor array 140 (image reading) In each row of the sensor array 10 so that the fingerprint Pfg of the left side region RGl of the finger in close contact with the end point region of the area ARs) is read. That the image reading operation and rotational operation of the (reading scanning) an image reading unit DVC is controlled to work.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, an image reading apparatus having an image reading unit having the above-described configuration and a fourth embodiment of the image reading method will be described.
FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. Here, FIG. 14A is a schematic top view of the image reading device viewed from the detection surface side, and FIG. 14B is a schematic side view of the image reading device. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an image reading operation (fingerprint reading operation) of the image reading apparatus according to this embodiment.

  In the fourth embodiment of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the above-described image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100 and backlight 200) extends the finger FG. It is configured to move in the direction perpendicular to the current direction (that is, the direction of both sides of the finger FG (the left-right direction in the drawing) and the scanning direction in the sensor array 140; the specific direction). That is, the image reading unit DVC is configured to move horizontally in the horizontal direction with respect to the finger FG placed horizontally.

  Further, in the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment, the finger FG that rotates and moves in close contact with the detection surface DTC with respect to the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) that moves in the lateral direction described above is shifted from side to side. In order to prevent this, a slip stopper (subject holding part) GD that can be freely rotated while the finger FG is fitted is provided at a predetermined position. Here, the misalignment stopping portion GD is configured by a frame-shaped member corresponding to the width of the finger, for example.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15A, the image reading operation (fingerprint reading operation) in the image reading apparatus having such a configuration is as follows. First, the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel) is placed in front of the misalignment prevention unit GD. 100), in the state where the end region (starting region) on one side (right side of the drawing) of the image reading region ARs is arranged, the finger FG is fitted to the misalignment stopping portion GD and the finger FG is moved in one direction (drawing). It is placed on the detection surface DTC in a state tilted (rightward) (twisted state). As a result, the finger FG is tilted to the right in the drawing with respect to the detection surface DTC of the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100), so the right side region RGr of the finger FG in the drawing (actually the left side region of the finger FG). Will be in close contact with the detection surface DTC.

  Then, with the finger FG placed on the detection surface DTC, an image reading operation (drive control operation of the image reading unit DVC) is started, and fingerprints are sequentially executed for each row of the sensor panel 100 (sensor array 140). Corresponding to the reading operation (reading scan) of Pfg, as shown in FIGS. 15A to 15C, the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel) with respect to the misalignment preventing unit GD (the placement position of the finger FG). 100) is horizontally moved in the right direction in the drawing, and the finger FG is rotated and moved in the right direction in the drawing within the misalignment stop GD while the finger FG is always in close contact with the detection surface DTC on the sensor panel 100.

  Accordingly, the finger FG is relatively moved with respect to the fixed sensor panel 100 by horizontally moving the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) in close contact with the finger FG held by the misalignment prevention unit GD. To the left side region RGl of the finger FG through the abdomen (the central region RGc of the fingerprint Pfg) from the right side region RGr of the finger FG. Since the fingerprint Pfg in a wide range can be in close contact with the detection surface DTC, it can be in close contact with the detection surface DTC in each rotation state of the finger FG (each horizontal movement position of the sensor panel 100). The fingerprint Pfg in the area can be sequentially read, and a rotated fingerprint image can be obtained by one scanning scan (one screen) in the sensor array 140.

  Therefore, the finger FG held at a predetermined position fixed to the horizontally moving image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) is moved in the horizontal direction (horizontal movement) according to the moving state of the image reading unit DVC. Rotating operation without causing it to obtain a rotated fingerprint image, so it is good without forcing the user to move while twisting with the finger in close contact with the detection surface A simple rotating fingerprint image can be acquired.

Although not shown in the present embodiment, a drive mechanism for horizontally moving the image reading unit DVC in accordance with the row position where the image reading operation is performed in the sensor panel 100 (sensor array 140), and It has a configuration provided with control means.
That is, in the state where the fingerprint reading operation is started, the fingerprint Pfg in the right side region RGr of the finger in close contact with the starting point region of the sensor array 140 (image reading area ARs) of the image reading unit DVC is read, and as time passes. The image reading operation (reading scan) in each row of the sensor array 140 is executed, and the finger FG is rotated according to the horizontal movement of the image reading unit DVC, so that the middle of the sensor array 140 (image reading area ARs). The fingerprint Pfg of the central region RGc of the finger FG in close contact with the (intermediate) region is read, and the finger FG is rotated in accordance with the horizontal movement of the image reading unit DVC, whereby the sensor array 140 (image reading areas ARs The sensor array 1 so that the fingerprint Pfg of the left side region RGl of the finger in close contact with the end point region of FIG. Image reading operation and the horizontal movement of the (reading scanning) an image reading unit DVC is controlled so as to work in each row.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) is horizontally moved in the horizontal direction with respect to the finger FG held at a predetermined position has been described, but the present invention is limited to this configuration. For example, the technical idea according to the present embodiment is applied to the first embodiment described above, and the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) is set in the configuration shown in FIGS. The image reading unit DVC may be moved in the scanning direction in a state where the image reading unit DVC is tilted at an angle of FIG. 10, or applied to the second and third embodiments described above. In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) that rotates may be configured to hold the finger FG at a predetermined position.

  According to this, it is possible to reduce the burden without forcing the finger that rotates according to the image reading unit DVC (sensor panel 100) to the inside of the body, and the finger is placed on the detection surface. Since it can be made to adhere | attach appropriately, without producing a shift | offset | difference, a favorable rotation fingerprint image can be acquired.

<Another configuration example of the image reading unit>
FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating another configuration example of the image reading unit applicable to the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. Here, FIG. 16A is a schematic perspective view of the image reading unit, and FIG. 16B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image reading unit. In addition, about the structure equivalent to the image reading part (refer FIG. 1) mentioned above, the same or equivalent code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is simplified.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 (a) and 16 (b), another configuration example of the image reading unit DVC applicable to the image reading apparatus according to the present invention has a detection surface on the upper surface (upper side in the drawing). A transmissive sensor panel 100, a transmissive image display unit 300 disposed on the back side (lower side of the drawing) of the sensor panel 100, and a backlight disposed on the rear side (lower side of the drawing) of the image display unit 300 (Plane light source) 200, and at least uniform plane light emitted from the backlight 200 passes through the image display unit 300 and the sensor panel 100 and is placed on a detection surface (for example, a finger). ).

  Here, in FIGS. 16A and 16B, for the sake of illustration, the image display unit 300 and the image reading unit 100 and the image display unit 300 and the backlight 200 are separated from each other. However, these configurations may have a laminated structure in close contact with each other, or a laminated structure in which an optical member such as a diffusion film or a polarizing plate is interposed between the components. You may have.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the image display unit 300 is a glass substrate disposed on one side (view side) of the light guide plate 210 from which light is emitted in the backlight 200 described above. Transparent insulating substrate 310, a transparent counter substrate 320 disposed to face one surface side (viewing side) of the insulating substrate 310, and an electrode provided between the insulating substrate 310 and the counter substrate 320 A display pixel array 350 in which a plurality of liquid crystal pixels (display pixels) including a liquid crystal encapsulating layer 340 in which liquid crystal is encapsulated between the electrode layer and the wiring layer are two-dimensionally arranged, for example, A transmissive liquid crystal display panel can be applied satisfactorily.
On the insulating substrate 310 in the region where the counter substrate 320 is not disposed, a display driving driver (gate driver, source driver, etc.) 330 for controlling the display operation of image information in the display pixel array 350, etc. Is provided.

  That is, in the image reading unit DVC according to this configuration example, the light emitted from the backlight 200 passes through the insulating substrate 310 and the counter substrate 320 constituting the display pixel array 350 of the image display unit 300, and the image reading unit The desired image information displayed in the display pixel array 350 (image display area) is radiated to the visual field side through the insulating substrate 110 constituting the read pixel array 140 of the unit 100, and the user (fingerprint target) is displayed. (Image display function) as well as the finger fingerprint placed on the image reading area of the image reading unit 100 can be read as shown in the above-described embodiments. (Image reading function).

  Here, the image information displayed on the image display unit 300 (display pixel array 350) may be arbitrary. For example, the fingerprint reading operation shown in each of the above-described embodiments may be performed in advance or Character information or image information that is guided during the reading operation may be displayed. This makes it possible to accurately recognize the user's operation method, finger placement method, and the like in the fingerprint reading operation, so that it is possible to suppress imaging errors and the like in the fingerprint reading operation.

<Another configuration example of the image reading unit>
FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram showing still another configuration example of the image reading unit applicable to the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. Here, FIG. 17A is a schematic perspective view of the image reading unit, and FIG. 17B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image reading unit. In addition, about the structure equivalent to the image reading part (refer FIG. 1) mentioned above, the same or equivalent code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is simplified.

  As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, another configuration example of the image reading unit DVC applicable to the image reading apparatus according to the present invention is roughly divided into a detection surface on the upper surface (upper side in the drawing). A self-luminous image display unit (image display unit, surface light source) 400 including a transmissive sensor panel 100 and a plurality of display pixels arranged on the back side (lower side of the drawing) of the sensor panel 100 and including light emitting elements. And at least light (display light) emitted in association with a display operation in the image display unit 400 passes through the sensor panel 100 and is irradiated to a subject (for example, a finger) placed on the detection surface. It is configured to be.

  Here, in FIGS. 17A and 17B, for convenience of illustration, the image display unit 400 and the image reading unit 100 are shown to be separated from each other. It may have a laminated structure in close contact with each other, or may have a laminated structure in which an optical member such as a diffusion film or a polarizing plate is interposed between the components.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the image display unit 300 includes an insulating substrate 410 disposed so as to face the insulating substrate 110 of the image reading unit 100, and the insulating substrate 410. A structure including a display pixel array 430 in which display pixels including light-emitting elements such as organic electroluminescence elements (organic EL elements) and light-emitting diodes are two-dimensionally arranged can be applied.
In addition, on the insulating substrate 410 in a region where the display pixel array 430 is not formed, a display driving driver (gate driver, source driver, etc.) 420 for controlling the display operation of image information in the display pixel array 430. Etc. are provided.

  That is, in the image reading unit DVC according to this configuration example, the display light radiated from the image display unit 400 is radiated to the visual field side through the insulating substrate 110 constituting the reading pixel array 140 of the image reading unit 100. Thus, desired image information displayed on the display pixel array 430 (image display area) can be visually recognized by the user (fingerprinted person) (image display function), and the image display unit 400 is displayed on the screen. Since it functions as a light source, it is possible to read a rotated fingerprint image of a finger placed in the image reading area of the image reading unit 100 (image reading function).

  Here, in the image display unit 400 (display pixel array 430) including display pixels including light emitting elements such as organic EL elements, thin film technology is applied on the insulating substrate 410 to display pixels (light emitting elements and the like). As shown in FIG. 1, the backlight 200 including the light guide plate 210 and the light source 220 is applied. As shown in FIG. 16, the backlight 200 and the transmissive image reading unit are formed. Compared to the configuration of 300, the image reading apparatus can be significantly reduced in thickness and power consumption.

  Also in the image reading unit DVC according to this configuration example, as in the configuration example shown in FIG. 16, as the image information displayed on the image display unit, for example, the fingerprint reading operation described in each of the above embodiments is performed. By displaying the guiding character information, image information, and the like, it is possible to suppress imaging errors of the rotated fingerprint image.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the fingerprint reader in a prior art. It is a principal part block diagram which shows an example of the image reading part (sensor panel) applied to the image reading apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the element structure of the photosensor applicable to the image reading part (sensor panel) of the image reading apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a top gate driver or a bottom gate driver applicable to an image reading unit (sensor panel) of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a drain driver applicable to an image reading unit (sensor panel) of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of a drive control method in the image reading unit (sensor panel) of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows image reading operation in the case of reading a fingerprint in the image reading part (sensor panel) of the image reading apparatus which concerns on this invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a first embodiment of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the image reading operation (fingerprint reading operation) of the image reading apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows 2nd Embodiment of the image reading apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the image reading operation (fingerprint reading operation) of the image reading apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows 3rd Embodiment of the image reading apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the image reading operation (fingerprint reading operation) of the image reading apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows 4th Embodiment of the image reading apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the image reading operation (fingerprint reading operation) of the image reading apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the other structural example of the image reading part applicable to the image reading apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the further another structural example of the image reading part applicable to the image reading apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the fingerprint reader in a prior art. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the fingerprint reading operation | movement in a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DVC image reading unit 100 sensor panel 200 backlight 300, 400 image display unit FG finger Pfg fingerprint

Claims (15)

In an image reading apparatus that reads an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface,
at least,
A reading pixel array in which a plurality of reading pixels having a thin film structure are two-dimensionally arranged is provided on one surface side of the substrate, and the reading pixels of the reading pixel array are scanned in a specific direction so as to be placed on the reading pixel array. An image reading unit that reads the image pattern in a range including the curved surface while rotating the subject placed on the provided detection surface;
The image reading device is characterized in that the image reading unit has a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal reference plane and is arranged and fixed while being inclined in the specific direction. In an image reading apparatus that reads an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface,
at least,
A reading pixel array in which a plurality of reading pixels having a thin film structure are two-dimensionally arranged is provided on one surface side of the substrate, and the reading pixels of the reading pixel array are scanned in a specific direction so as to be placed on the reading pixel array. An image reading unit that reads the image pattern in a range including the curved surface of the subject placed on a detection surface provided;
The image reading device, wherein the image reading unit is configured to rotate about a central axis parallel to the extending direction of the subject. In an image reading apparatus that reads an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface,
at least,
A reading pixel array in which a plurality of reading pixels having a thin film structure are two-dimensionally arranged is provided on one surface side of the substrate, and the reading pixels of the reading pixel array are scanned in a specific direction so as to be placed on the reading pixel array. An image reading unit that reads the image pattern in a range including the curved surface while rotating the subject placed on a provided detection surface;
The image reading apparatus, wherein the image reading unit is configured to move in the specific direction with respect to the subject. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a subject holding unit configured to hold the subject so that the subject has a predetermined positional relationship with the image reading unit. apparatus. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a surface light source disposed on the other surface side of the image reading unit. The image reading apparatus further includes an image display unit that is disposed on the other surface side of the image reading unit and includes a display pixel array in which a plurality of display pixels are two-dimensionally arranged on one surface side. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a surface light source disposed on the other surface side of the image display unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image display unit includes the display pixels including a light emitting element. The reading pixel receives reflected light of light that is transmitted from the back side of the image reading unit and is applied to the subject placed on the detection surface, and displays the image pattern of the subject as brightness information. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading apparatus is a photosensor that reads as The reading pixel is formed on a transparent insulating substrate, and has a drain electrode and a source electrode made of a transparent electrode material sandwiched between a channel region made of a semiconductor layer and above the channel region. A first gate electrode made of a transparent electrode material, a second gate electrode made of a light-shielding electrode material formed below the channel region, and a transparent material on the first gate electrode The image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image reading apparatus is a photosensor having a double-gate thin film transistor structure having the detection surface formed through an insulating film having a structure. In an image reading method of an image reading apparatus that reads an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface,
at least,
Scanning a plurality of read pixels that are two-dimensionally arranged in a read pixel array having a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal reference plane and inclined and fixed in a specific direction in the specific direction;
Placing the subject on a detection surface provided on the read pixel array and rotating the subject in the specific direction;
An image reading method for an image reading apparatus, comprising: In an image reading method of an image reading apparatus that reads an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface,
at least,
Scanning a plurality of read pixels arranged two-dimensionally in a read pixel array configured to rotate about a central axis parallel to the extending direction of the subject in a specific direction;
Placing the subject on a detection surface provided on the read pixel array, and rotating the read pixel array relative to the subject; and
An image reading method for an image reading apparatus, comprising: The image reading method of the image reading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the step of rotating the read pixel array relative to the subject is executed in a state where the subject is held stationary. . The image reading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the step of rotating the read pixel array relative to the subject is performed by pressing the read pixel array with the subject. Method. In an image reading method of an image reading apparatus that reads an image pattern of a subject having a curved surface,
at least,
Scanning a plurality of read pixels that are two-dimensionally arranged in a read pixel array configured to move in a specific direction with respect to the subject;
Placing the subject on a detection surface provided on the read pixel array, and moving the read pixel array relative to the subject in the specific direction;
An image reading method for an image reading apparatus, comprising:

Images