JP6700628B1 - Dimming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dimming sheet drive device, a dimming system, and a dimming sheet driving method capable of picking up an image of one space sandwiching a dimming sheet. A voltage for instantaneously increasing the light transmittance of a light control sheet is a transmission voltage, and the light control sheet has a liquid crystal composition between a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode. The voltage is a voltage applied between the first transparent electrode 11 and the second transparent electrode 12, and the output value of the voltage applying unit 33 that applies a voltage between the transparent electrodes is controlled to control the dimming. The light control sheet is provided with a timing control unit that applies a transmission voltage during an image capturing period of the image capturing unit while maintaining the state in which the image capturing unit covered with the sheet 10 cannot be visually recognized. [Selection diagram] Fig. 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a dimming sheet driving device, a dimming system, and a dimming sheet driving method for driving a dimming sheet located between an imaging unit and an imaging target.

  The light control sheet includes a liquid crystal composition sandwiched between a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode. The liquid crystal composition changes between transparent and opaque in response to a voltage change between the transparent electrodes. The light control sheet drive device applies an AC voltage between the transparent electrodes in order to suppress segregation of impurity ions and the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The type of light control sheet is classified into a normal type and a reverse type. The normal type light control sheet is opaque when not energized. The normal type light control sheet is applied to a screen or the like that often needs light shielding properties. The reverse type light control sheet is transparent when not energized (for example, refer to Patent Document 2). Reverse type light control sheets are applied to building materials that require safety due to transparency in an emergency.

JP, 2008-091986, A JP, 2000-321562, A

  By separating the space with an opaque light control sheet, it is possible to form a new shielded space that cannot be visually recognized in the space. The presence or absence of an object in the newly separated shielded space can be visually unrecognizable. Therefore, a highly designed space can be rendered outside the shielded space. On the other hand, when an imaging device exists in the shielded space, imaging by the device is limited to use in the shielded space.

  For example, when a surveillance device installed indoors is housed in a shielded space, the presence or absence of the surveillance device cannot be visually recognized from outside the shielded space, but the surveillance device itself cannot monitor outside the shielded space. When the observation device mounted on the vehicle is housed in the shielded space, the presence or absence of the observation device cannot be visually recognized, but the outside of the vehicle itself cannot be observed by the observation device.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a dimming sheet drive device, a dimming system, and a dimming sheet driving method capable of capturing an image of the other space from the space sandwiching the dimming sheet.

A light control sheet driving device for solving the above-mentioned problems is a light control sheet that is deployed at least in front of an image pickup unit and makes the image pickup unit visually recognizable or visually unrecognizable. A voltage applying unit that applies a voltage for instantaneously increasing the rate to the light control sheet, and a timing control unit that controls the output value of the voltage applying unit and applies the voltage during an image capturing period in the image capturing unit. , Is provided.
A light control system for solving the above problems includes a light control sheet, an image capturing section that captures an image of an image capturing target through the light control sheet, and the light control sheet drive device.

  A light control sheet driving method for solving the above-mentioned problems is a light control sheet that is deployed at least in front of an image pickup unit to make the image pickup unit visually recognizable or visually unrecognizable, and the light transmission of the light control sheet is performed. A voltage for instantaneously increasing the rate is applied to the light control sheet during the image pickup period in the image pickup section.

  According to each of the above configurations, since the light control sheet instantaneously increases the light transmittance during the image pickup period of the image pickup section, the image pickup section located in one space sandwiched between the light control sheets can image the other space. Is possible.

  In the above light control sheet driving device, the timing control unit may apply the voltage during the imaging period while maintaining the light control sheet in a state in which the imaging unit cannot be visually recognized.

  According to the above configuration, the light control sheet unfolded at least in front of the image pickup unit makes the image pickup unit visually unrecognizable. Then, in the space on the opposite side of the imaging unit with the dimming sheet separated, the presence of the imaging unit is excluded from the consciousness of a person located in the space, or the consciousness toward the imaging unit is weakened. In addition, when viewed from inside the space on the opposite side of the imaging unit with the light control sheet separated, it is possible to enhance the designability in the structure that divides the space. Even in such an environment, it is possible to take an image with the image pickup unit, so that it is possible to enhance the usefulness of the light control sheet driving device.

  The light control sheet drive device controls the timing of a first mode in which the voltage is applied during the imaging period while the imaging unit is invisible, and a second mode in which the imaging unit is visually recognizable. It may further include a mode setting unit for setting the unit.

  For example, a crime prevention device installed in a store may enhance a crime solving function by making an image pickup unit included in the crime prevention device visually unrecognizable, or a crime prevention device may be visually recognized to suppress crime. In some cases, it enhances the function. In this respect, with the above configuration, it is possible to set the first mode in which the image pickup unit cannot be visually recognized and the second mode in which the image pickup unit is visually recognizable. It can also be driven.

  In the light control sheet driving device, the output state of the voltage application unit when the transmission voltage is applied is the first state, and the timing control unit sets the transparent electrodes of the light control sheet to different potentials from each other. The first state of being connected and the second state of connecting the transparent electrodes of the light control sheet to a common potential are alternately repeated for the voltage applying section, thereby visually recognizing the imaging section. The transmission voltage may be applied during the imaging period while maintaining the light control sheet in a disabled state.

  According to the above configuration, when the transparent electrodes of the light control sheet have different potentials from each other, the imaging unit can be visually unrecognizable, so that the imaging unit can visually image outside the space. This can be realized with a normal type light control sheet.

  In the above light control sheet drive device, the output state of the voltage application unit when the transmission voltage is applied is the first state, and the timing control unit is configured such that each transparent electrode of the light control sheet is connected to a common potential. The first state and the second state in which the transparent electrodes of the light control sheet are connected to mutually different potentials are alternately repeated for the voltage application section, whereby the image pickup section cannot be visually recognized. The transmission voltage may be applied during the imaging period while maintaining the above state in the light control sheet.

According to the above configuration, when the transparent electrodes of the light control sheet are connected to a common potential, the image pickup unit can be visually unrecognizable, so that the image pickup unit can be imaged outside the space where the image pickup unit cannot be visually recognized. This can be achieved with a reverse type light control sheet.
In the light control sheet drive device, the image pickup period may be a shutter open period in the image pickup unit.

  The difference between the period in which the image pickup unit takes in light and the period in which the light control sheet increases the light transmittance reduces the brightness and contrast of the image. In this respect, with the above configuration, regardless of whether it is a mechanical shutter or an electrical shutter, between the period in which the imaging unit takes in light and the period in which the light control sheet instantaneously increases the light transmittance, It is possible to achieve time synchronization. As a result, it is possible to improve the image quality according to the image pickup result through the light control sheet.

  In the above light control sheet drive device, the image pickup period may be from a photoelectric conversion start timing to a charge accumulation end timing in a plurality of image pickup devices included in the image pickup unit.

The photoelectric conversion start timing and the charge accumulation end timing are opportunities for time synchronization for all image pickup devices. Therefore, if the photoelectric conversion start timing is synchronized with the transparent transition start timing in the light control sheet, the image pickup can be started at the timing common to all the image pickup devices. Further, if the configuration is such that the end timing of photoelectric conversion and the start timing of the opaque transition in the light control sheet are synchronized, the image pickup can be ended at the timing common to all the image pickup devices. As a result, it is possible to suppress the variation in the imaging result between the imaging elements.
In the above light control sheet driving device, the light control sheet may include a liquid crystal composition between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode to which the voltage is applied.

  According to the light control sheet drive device, the light control system, and the light control sheet drive method according to the present invention, it is possible to capture an image of one space sandwiched between the light control sheets from the other space.

The block diagram which shows the structure in one Embodiment of a light control system. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-section in an example of the light control sheet with which a light control system is equipped. Sectional drawing which shows the cross-section in other examples of the light control sheet with which a light control system is equipped. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a charge amount transfer configuration in an imaging unit included in the light control system. The block diagram which shows the function of the light control sheet drive device with which a light control system is equipped. 7 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the imaging period and the transition of the drive voltage of the light control sheet. 7 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the imaging period and the transition of the drive voltage of the light control sheet. The block diagram which shows the function of the light control sheet drive device with which the light control system of a modification is equipped.

  An embodiment of a light control sheet driving device, a light control system, and a light control sheet driving method will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. Hereinafter, the light control system, the light control sheet to be driven, and the light control sheet driving device will be sequentially described, and then the driving method executed by the light control sheet driving device will be described.

[Dimming system]
As shown in FIG. 1, the light control system includes a light control sheet 10 and an imaging unit 20.
The imaging unit 20 is installed at a corner where the two side wall surfaces WS and the ceiling surface WT intersect. A light control sheet 10 is deployed in front of the image pickup unit 20 so as to cover the image pickup unit 20. The light control sheet 10 makes the imaging unit 20 visually recognizable or visually unrecognizable.

  The light control sheet 10 physically and optically divides a single indoor space into two spaces. That is, the imaging unit 20 is placed and stored in the first space SP that is partitioned by the surfaces WS and WT and the light control sheet 10. The other space partitioned by the light control sheet 10 is a second space that is an imaging target of the imaging unit 20.

The light control sheet 10 of the present embodiment has a curved surface that is continuous with the side wall surface WS and the ceiling surface WT. Since the light control sheet 10 has a three-dimensional curved surface shape, the two side wall surfaces WS, the ceiling surface WT, and the light control sheet 10 are visually recognized as if they were a single continuous surface. The design of the structure that divides the first space and the second space is enhanced by the continuity described above and the opaque light control sheet 10 making the image pickup unit 20 visually unrecognizable.
The light control sheet 10 may have a curved surface or a flat surface.

  The image capturing unit 20 is installed in, for example, a store and captures an image of a situation near an entrance or an exit of the store, which is an example of the second space. The imaging unit 20 is installed in, for example, a building such as an office building, and captures an image of a situation near a corridor, which is an example of the second space, and a situation inside an elevator.

  The imaging unit 20 may be, for example, an observation device mounted on a vehicle. The observation device captures an image of traffic conditions around the vehicle, road surface conditions on the traveling path, pedestrians around the vehicle, and the like. At this time, the light control sheet 10 separates the inside of the vehicle, which is an example of the first space, from the outside of the vehicle, which is an example of the second space. The design of the vehicle viewed from the outside of the vehicle is enhanced by the opaque light control sheet 10, that is, the light control sheet 10 makes the observation device invisible.

[Light control sheet]
The type of the light control sheet 10 is either a normal type or a reverse type.
The normal type light control sheet 10 has a high light transmittance when the light control sheet 10 is energized, and has a low light transmittance when the light control sheet 10 is not energized. For example, the normal type light control sheet 10 is transparent when the light control sheet 10 is energized and is opaque when the light control sheet 10 is not energized.

  The reverse type light control sheet 10 has a low light transmittance when the light control sheet 10 is energized and has a high light transmittance when the light control sheet 10 is not energized. For example, the reverse type light control sheet 10 is opaque when the light control sheet 10 is energized and is transparent when the light control sheet 10 is not energized.

  Transparent is a state in which the presence or absence of an object can be visually recognized through the light control sheet 10. The opaque state is a state in which the presence or absence of an object cannot be visually recognized through the light control sheet 10. Alternatively, the transparent state is a state in which the shape and type of the object can be visually recognized through the light control sheet 10. Opaque is a state in which the shape and type of an object cannot be visually recognized through the light control sheet 10.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the layer structure of the normal type light control sheet 10. FIG. 3 shows an example of the layer structure of the reverse type light control sheet 10.
As shown in FIG. 2, the normal type light control sheet 10 includes a first transparent electrode 11, a second transparent electrode 12, and a light control layer 13. The light control layer 13 is located between the first transparent electrode 11 and the second transparent electrode 12. The first transparent electrode 11 and the second transparent electrode 12 are connected to the voltage applying section 33 through separate wirings.

The first transparent electrode 11 and the second transparent electrode 12 have visible light transparency and electrical conductivity.
The light transmissive property of the first transparent electrode 11 enables the imaging unit 20 to image through the light control sheet 10. The light transmittance of the second transparent electrode 12 is also the same.
The electrical conductivity of the first transparent electrode 11 makes the potential of the first transparent electrode 11 uniform within the surface of the first transparent electrode 11. The electrical conductivity of the second transparent electrode 12 also makes the potential of the second transparent electrode 12 uniform within the surface of the second transparent electrode 12.

  The material forming each transparent electrode 11, 12 is selected from the group consisting of, for example, indium tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, carbon nanotubes, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). Either one.

  The voltage application unit 33 applies the first electrode voltage SIGD1 to the first transparent electrode 11 to set the first transparent electrode 11 to the first potential V1. The voltage application unit 33 applies the second electrode voltage SIGD2 to the second transparent electrode 12 to set the second transparent electrode 12 to the second potential V2.

  The light control layer 13 includes a liquid crystal composition. Examples of liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal composition include Schiff base-based, azo-based, azoxy-based, biphenyl-based, terphenyl-based, benzoic acid ester-based, tolan-based, pyrimidine-based, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid ester-based, phenylcyclohexane-based, It is a kind selected from the group consisting of dioxane compounds.

  The retention type of the liquid crystal composition is any one selected from the group consisting of polymer network type, polymer dispersion type and capsule type. The polymer network type is provided with a polymer network having a three-dimensional network, and holds the liquid crystal composition in the network-like voids communicating with each other. The polymer dispersion type has a large number of isolated voids in the polymer layer and holds the liquid crystal composition in the voids dispersed in the polymer layer. The capsule type holds a liquid crystal composition having a capsule shape in a polymer layer.

  The light control layer 13 receives a voltage between the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12 and changes the alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules. The change in the alignment direction changes at least one of the degree of scattering, the degree of absorption, and the degree of transmission of visible light entering the light control layer 13.

  When the first electrode voltage SIGD1 and the second electrode voltage SIGD2 are equal to each other, that is, when the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12 are connected to a common potential, the normal type light control sheet 10 has a liquid crystal molecule alignment direction. To be chaotic. When the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is disordered, the light transmittance of the normal type light control sheet 10 is relatively low. When the state of having a relatively low light transmittance is repeated at a frequency that can be visually recognized or is continued, the normal type light control sheet 10 is recognized as opaque, and the imaging unit 20 is placed in the first space. Is visually unrecognizable.

  When the potential difference between the first electrode voltage SIGD1 and the second electrode voltage SIGD2 is a predetermined value or more, that is, when the voltage between the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12 is a predetermined value or more, the normal type light control sheet 10 is The alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules are aligned so that the light control layer 13 transmits visible light. When the alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules are aligned, the light transmittance of the normal type light control sheet 10 is relatively high. When the state of having a relatively high light transmittance is repeated at a frequency that can be visually recognized or is continued, the normal type light control sheet 10 is transparent and the imaging unit 20 is placed in the first space. To make it visually recognizable.

As shown in FIG. 3, the reverse type light control sheet 10 includes a first transparent electrode 11, a second transparent electrode 12, a first alignment film 14, a second alignment film 15, and a light control layer 13.
The light control layer 13 is located between the first alignment film 14 and the second alignment film 15. The first alignment film 14 is located between the light control layer 13 and the first transparent electrode 11 and is in contact with the light control layer 13. The second alignment film 15 is located between the light control layer 13 and the second transparent electrode 12 and is in contact with the light control layer 13.

  The materials forming the first alignment film 14 and the second alignment film 15 are, for example, organic compounds such as polyimide, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, and cyanide compounds, inorganic compounds such as silicone, silicon oxide, and zirconium oxide, or , Composed of a mixture of these.

  The first alignment film 14 and the second alignment film 15 are, for example, vertical alignment films or horizontal alignment films. The vertical alignment film aligns the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules so as to be perpendicular to the electrode surface of the first transparent electrode 11 and the electrode surface of the second transparent electrode 12. The horizontal alignment film aligns the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules so as to be substantially parallel to the electrode surface of the first transparent electrode 11 and the electrode surface of the second transparent electrode 12.

  When the first electrode voltage SIGD1 and the second electrode voltage SIGD2 are equal to each other, that is, when the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12 are connected to a common potential, the reverse type light control sheet 10 has a light control layer 13 of The alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the alignment films 14 and 15 so that visible light is transmitted. When the alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules are aligned, the light transmittance of the reverse type light control sheet 10 is relatively high. When the state of having a relatively high light transmittance is repeated at a frequency that can be visually recognized or is continued, the reverse type light control sheet 10 is transparent and the image pickup unit 20 is placed in the first space. To make it visually recognizable.

  When the potential difference between the first electrode voltage SIGD1 and the second electrode voltage SIGD2 is a predetermined value or more, that is, when the voltage between the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12 is a predetermined value or more, the reverse type light control sheet 10 is The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is disordered so that the light control layer 13 does not transmit visible light. When the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is disordered, the light transmittance of the reverse type light control sheet 10 is relatively low. When the state of having a relatively low light transmittance is repeated at a frequency that can be visually recognized or is continued, the reverse type light control sheet 10 is recognized as opaque, and the imaging unit 20 is placed in the first space. Is visually unrecognizable.

[Imaging unit]
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an image pickup unit that conceptually describes the arrangement of the image pickup elements and the transfer of the charge amount. As shown in FIG. 4, the imaging unit 20 includes an image sensor 21. The image sensor 21 includes a plurality of image pickup elements 21D arranged two-dimensionally. Each image pickup device 21D is a CCD (Charged coupled devices) or a CMOS (Complementary metal oxide semiconductor). The plurality of image pickup elements 21D arranged two-dimensionally constitute a single image receiving surface 21S.

  The image sensor 21 includes an electronic shutter. Opening the electronic shutter means setting a photoelectrically convertible state in the image sensor 21D. Closing the electronic shutter is to transfer the amount of charge after photoelectric conversion from the image sensor 21D.

  The period during which the shutter is open is the imaging period T1. The period during which the shutter is closed is the vertical blanking period T2. The imaging unit 20 captures the light transmitted through the light control sheet 10 during the imaging period T1. The imaging unit 20 transfers the photoelectrically converted charge amount, that is, the imaging result during the vertical blanking period T2.

  The timing control unit 32 generates various timing control signals SIGT. The timing control signal SIGT includes a reset signal P1, a switching signal P2, a vertical clock signal P3, and a horizontal clock signal P4. The reset signal P1 defines the start of the imaging period T1 and the end of the vertical blanking period T2. The switching signal P2 defines the end of the imaging period T1 and the start of the vertical blanking period T2.

  The timing control unit 32 generates the reset signal P1 using, for example, the activation signal SIGF and the reference clock CKB. The timing control unit 32 measures the time elapsed from the generation of the reset signal P1 and generates the switching signal P2 when the imaging period T1 has elapsed from the generation of the reset signal P1.

  The timing control unit 32 generates the vertical clock signal P3 using, for example, the switching signal P2 and the reference clock CKB. The timing control unit 32 generates the horizontal clock signal P4 using, for example, the reset signal P1 and the reference clock CKB.

  The image sensor 21 opens the shutter for a preset imaging period T1 each time the reset signal P1 is input. That is, the reset signal P1 determines the start timing of the imaging period T1. The reset signal P1 is input to the image sensor 21 from the timing control unit 32.

  The image capturing section 20 forms an image of the light captured by the image capturing section 20 on the image receiving surface 21S through an optical system included in the image capturing section 20. The image sensor 21 converts the image formed on the image receiving surface 21S into the charge amount of each image sensor 21D. The charge amount of each image sensor 21D indicates the intensity of light in the image sensor 21D.

  The image sensor 21D accumulates the charge amount obtained by photoelectric conversion in the image capturing period T1. That is, the reset signal P1 causes the image pickup device 21D to start photoelectric conversion and charge accumulation. The switching signal P2 determines the end timing of the image pickup period T1 and ends the charge accumulation in the image pickup device 21D.

The image sensor 21 transfers the charge amount of each image pickup element 21D. The transfer method of the image sensor 21 is one of frame transfer, interline transfer, and frame interline transfer.
The frame is a set of charge amounts accumulated in the image pickup period T1 in each image pickup device 21D. The frame is image data for generating one image. The image sensor 21 transfers a single frame during the vertical blanking period T2.

  More specifically, the image sensor 21 treats one row of the image pickup device 21D as a horizontal line 21A. The image sensor 21 vertically transfers the charge amount of the horizontal line 21A for one row every time the vertical clock signal P3 is input. The transfer destination of the vertical transfer is the horizontal CCD 21T. Every time the vertical clock signal P3 is input, the image sensor 21 advances the vertical transfer target in order from the first horizontal line 21A to the last horizontal line 21A.

  Next, the image sensor 21 horizontally transfers the charge amount of the horizontal CCD 21T in the order in which the image pickup devices 21D are arranged each time the horizontal clock signal P4 is input. The transfer destination of the horizontal transfer is the register 21T included in the image sensor 21. As a result, the image sensor 21 transfers a single frame to the register 21T.

  The period in which the vertical clock signal P3 is repeated is a period for vertically transferring a single frame and is included in the vertical blanking period T2. The vertical clock signal P3 is input from the timing controller 32 to the image sensor 21. The switching signal P2 can also be used as the vertical clock signal P3 for transferring the charge amount of the first row.

  The period in which the horizontal clock signal P4 is repeated is a period for generating a single frame and is included in the imaging period T1. The horizontal clock signal P4 included in the imaging period T1 is input to the image sensor 21 from the timing control unit 32.

[Light control sheet drive]
As shown in FIG. 5, the light control sheet driving device 30 includes a control unit 31, a voltage application unit 33, an AC power supply 34, and an input processing unit 35.
The control unit 31 includes a central processing unit that operates at a control level voltage and a memory. The control unit 31 is not limited to the one that performs all kinds of processing by software. For example, the control unit 31 may include dedicated hardware (application-specific integrated circuit: ASIC) that executes at least a part of various processes. The control unit 31 is also configured as a circuit including one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as ASIC, one or more processors (microcomputers) that operate according to a computer program (software), or a combination thereof. . In the following, an example will be described in which the control unit 31 stores the light control sheet drive program in a readable readable medium, reads out and executes the drive program stored in the readable medium, and outputs various signals.

  The AC power supply 34 converts the input voltage into the drive level of the light control sheet 10 and outputs the converted DC voltage to the voltage application unit 33. In addition, the AC power supply 34 converts the input voltage into a control level and outputs the converted DC voltage to the control unit 31 and the input processing unit 35. The dimming system is installed in various buildings such as stores, office buildings, houses, stations, airports, and moving bodies such as vehicles. The input voltage is a direct current power source installed in the mobile body or an alternating current power source provided in the building.

  The voltage application unit 33 includes a full bridge circuit connected to the AC power supply 34. The voltage application unit 33 uses the DC voltage input by the AC power supply 34 to generate the first electrode voltage SIGD1 and the second electrode voltage SIGD2. The voltage application unit 33 applies the first electrode voltage SIGD1 to the first transparent electrode 11 and the second electrode voltage SIGD2 to the second transparent electrode 12.

The first electrode voltage SIGD1 and the second electrode voltage SIGD2 apply a transmission voltage or an opaque voltage between the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12. The transmission voltage is a magnitude that allows visible light to pass through the light control sheet 10.
The normal type transmission voltage sets a drive level voltage between the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12, and repeats polarity inversion between the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12. The transmission voltage is, for example, 20 V or higher. The reverse type transmission voltage connects the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12 to a common potential. The common potential is, for example, the ground potential (0V).

The non-transmission voltage is a magnitude that does not allow visible light to pass through the light control sheet.
The opaque voltage in the normal type connects the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12 to a common potential. The common potential is, for example, the ground potential. The transmission voltage in the reverse type sets a drive level voltage between the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12, and repeats polarity inversion between the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12. The transmission voltage is, for example, 20V.

  The operation unit 40 receives the input operation of the user. The operation unit 40 outputs various signals for operating the light control sheet 10 and the imaging unit 20 based on the input operation of the user. For example, the operation unit 40 receives the mode operation of the user and outputs the mode setting signal SIGM.

The mode setting signal SIGM is a signal that determines either the first mode or the second mode. The first mode and the second mode are drive modes of the light control sheet 10.
The first mode is a driving mode in which the voltage application unit 33 applies the transmission voltage periodically and instantaneously while the light control sheet 10 makes the imaging unit 20 visually unrecognizable. That is, in the first mode, a state in which the voltage applying unit 33 applies an opaque voltage and has a relatively high light transmittance so that a state having a relatively low light transmittance can be visually recognized. This is a drive mode in which the voltage application unit 33 applies the transmission voltage with a frequency and a period that cannot be visually recognized.
In the second mode, the voltage application unit 33 continues to apply the transmission voltage. That is, the second mode is a driving mode in which the light control sheet 10 allows the image pickup unit 20 to be visually recognized.

  The input processing unit 35 processes a signal input from the operation unit 40 so that the control unit 31 executes a process according to an input operation on the operation unit 40. The input processing unit 35 is an example of a mode setting unit, and, for example, converts the mode defined by the input mode setting signal SIGM into a signal that can be processed by the control unit 31.

  The control unit 31 includes a timing control unit 32. The control unit 31 receives the processing result of the input processing unit 35 and generates the activation signal SIGF, for example. The activation signal SIGF is input to the timing control unit 32. Further, the control unit 31 receives the processing result of the input processing unit 35 and sets the mode based on the mode setting signal SIGM in the timing control unit 32.

  The timing control unit 32 set to the first mode receives the processing result of the input processing unit 35 and generates the transmission start signal SIGC1 and the non-transmission start signal SIGC2. The timing control unit 32 set to the second mode receives the processing result of the input processing unit 35 and generates the transmission start signal SIGC1.

  The transmission start signal SIGC1 is a control signal for applying the transmission voltage to the voltage application unit 33, and is synchronized with the reset signal P1. The timing control unit 32 uses the activation signal SIGF and the reference clock CKB in the same manner as the reset signal P1 to generate the transmission start signal SIGC1.

  The non-transmission start signal SIGC2 is a control signal for applying the non-transmission voltage to the voltage application unit 33, and is synchronized with the switching signal P2 that determines the end of the imaging period T1. The timing control unit 32, like the switching signal P2, generates the opaque start signal SIGC2 based on the timing from the generation of the reset signal P1.

  The timing control unit 32 inputs the transmission start signal SIGC1 and the non-transmission start signal SIGC2 to the voltage application unit 33. The voltage application unit 33 generates the first electrode voltage SIGD1 and the second electrode voltage SIGD2 at the timing according to the transmission start signal SIGC1 and the non-transmission start signal SIGC2.

  When the transmission start signal SIGC1 is input to the voltage application unit 33, the voltage application unit 33 generates the first electrode voltage SIGD1 and the second electrode voltage SIGD2 to generate the transmission voltage between the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12. Apply.

  When the non-transmission start signal SIGC2 is input to the voltage application unit 33, the voltage application unit 33 generates the first electrode voltage SIGD1 and the second electrode voltage SIGD2, and the non-transmission between the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12. Apply voltage.

[Action]
A method of driving the light control sheet performed by the light control sheet drive device will be described with reference to timing charts showing transitions of various timing control signals SIGT and electrode voltages SIGD1 and SIGD2.

  6 is a timing chart in the first mode applied to the normal type light control sheet 10, and FIG. 7 is a timing chart in the first mode applied to the reverse type light control sheet 10. is there. First, an example of the normal type light control sheet 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 6, and then an example of the reverse type light control sheet 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the control unit 31 generates the activation signal SIGF, the timing control unit 32 generates the reset signal P1 at the timing t1 and inputs the reset signal P1 to the imaging unit 20. Further, the timing control unit 32 generates the transmission start signal SIGC1 synchronized with the reset signal P1 at the timing t1 and inputs the transmission start signal SIGC1 to the voltage application unit 33.

  The imaging unit 20 causes the image sensor 21 to start photoelectric conversion and charge accumulation in response to the input of the reset signal P1. On the other hand, the voltage application unit 33 instantaneously sets the first electrode voltage SIGD1 to the high level VH and instantaneously sets the second electrode voltage SIGD2 to the low level VL in response to the input of the transmission start signal SIGC1. Set. That is, the control unit 31 causes the image pickup unit 20 to start image pickup by the image sensor 21, and instantaneously sets the normal type transmission voltage between the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12 in the light control sheet 10. To do. As a result, the light control sheet 10 realizes a high light transmittance during a visually unrecognizable period so that the imaging unit 20 can perform imaging while making the imaging unit 20 visually unrecognizable in the first space. ..

  Next, the timing control unit 32 generates the switching signal P2 at the timing t2 when the instantaneous imaging period T1 has elapsed from the reset signal P1, and inputs the switching signal P2 to the imaging unit 20. Further, the timing control unit 32 generates the vertical clock signal P3 and inputs the vertical clock signal P3 to the imaging unit 20. Further, the timing control unit 32 generates the opaque start signal SIGC2 synchronized with the switching signal P2 at the timing t2, and inputs the opaque start signal SIGC2 to the voltage application unit 33.

  The imaging unit 20 causes the image sensor 21 to stop imaging in response to the input of the switching signal P2. The imaging unit 20 also causes the image sensor 21 to vertically transfer a frame that is an imaging result in response to the input of the vertical clock signal P3. On the other hand, the voltage application unit 33 sets the first electrode voltage SIGD1 to the low level VL and sets the second electrode voltage SIGD2 to the low level VL in response to the input of the opaque start signal SIGC2.

  That is, the control unit 31 causes the image pickup unit 20 to stop the image pickup and process the image pickup result, and sets the normal type opaque voltage between the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12 in the light control sheet 10. To do. As a result, the light control sheet 10 keeps the imaging unit 20 invisible in the first space.

  Next, the timing control unit 32 generates a new reset signal P1 at timing t3 and inputs the reset signal P1 to the imaging unit 20. The timing control unit 32 also generates the horizontal clock signal P4 and inputs the horizontal clock signal P4 to the imaging unit 20. Further, the timing control unit 32 generates the transmission start signal SIGC1 synchronized with the reset signal P1 at the timing t3, and inputs the transmission start signal SIGC1 to the voltage application unit 33.

  The imaging unit 20 causes the image sensor 21 to start photoelectric conversion and charge accumulation in response to the input of a new reset signal P1. Further, the imaging unit 20 horizontally transfers the vertically transferred frame according to the input of the horizontal clock signal P4. On the other hand, the voltage application unit 33 sets the first electrode voltage SIGD1 to the low level VL and sets the second electrode voltage SIGD2 to the high level VH in response to the input of the transmission start signal SIGC1.

  That is, the control unit 31 causes the image pickup unit 20 to start image pickup by the image sensor 21, and causes the light control sheet 10 to apply a transparent voltage, which is the polarity inverted from the previous transmission voltage, to the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12. Set in between. Accordingly, the light control sheet 10 instantaneously achieves a high light transmittance so that the imaging unit 20 can be imaged while the imaging unit 20 cannot be visually recognized in the first space.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 32 generates the switching signal P2 at the timing t4 when the imaging period T1 has elapsed from the new reset signal P1 and inputs the switching signal P2 to the imaging unit 20. Further, the timing control unit 32 generates the vertical clock signal P3 and inputs the vertical clock signal P3 to the imaging unit 20. Further, the timing control unit 32 generates the opaque start signal SIGC2 synchronized with the switching signal P2 at the timing t4, and inputs the opaque start signal SIGC2 to the voltage application unit 33. Then, the control unit 31 causes the image pickup unit 20 to stop the image pickup and process the image pickup result, and sets the normal type opaque voltage between the two transparent electrodes 11 and 12 in the light control sheet 10. To do. As a result, the light control sheet 10 keeps the imaging unit 20 invisible in the first space.

  Then, the timing control unit 32 performs the processing from the timing t2 to the timing t3 until the timing t5 at which the further reset signal P1 is generated, and thereby keeps the imaging unit 20 invisible in the first space.

  After that, the light control sheet driving device repeats the processing from the timing t1 to the timing t5, for example, until a new mode setting signal SIGM is input from the operation unit 40.

  As shown in FIG. 7, also in the reverse type light control sheet 10, when the control unit 31 generates the activation signal SIGF, the timing control unit 32 inputs the reset signal P1 to the imaging unit 20 at timing t1, and , The transmission start signal SIGC1 synchronized with the reset signal P1 is input to the voltage application unit 33.

  At timing t2, the timing control unit 32 inputs the switching signal P2 and the vertical clock signal P3 to the imaging unit 20. Further, the timing control unit 32 inputs the non-transmission start signal SIGC2 synchronized with the switching signal P2 to the voltage application unit 33.

  At timing t3, the timing control unit 32 inputs the new reset signal P1 and the horizontal clock signal P4 to the imaging unit 20. Further, at the timing t3, the timing control unit 32 inputs the transmission start signal SIGC1 synchronized with the reset signal P1 to the voltage applying unit 33.

  At timing t4, the timing control unit 32 inputs the switching signal P2 and the vertical clock signal P3 to the imaging unit 20. Further, the timing control unit 32 inputs the non-transmission start signal SIGC2 synchronized with the switching signal P2 to the voltage application unit 33.

  During this time, the control unit 31 causes the image sensor 21 to perform photoelectric conversion and charge accumulation from timing t1 to timing t2. From timing t2 to timing t3, the control unit 31 causes the image sensor 21 to stop capturing an image and vertically transfer the frame. From timing t3 to timing t4, the control unit 31 again causes the image sensor 21 to perform photoelectric conversion and charge accumulation, and horizontally transfers the vertically transferred frame. From timing t4 to timing t5, the control unit 31 again causes the image sensor 21 to stop imaging and vertically transfer a new frame.

  On the other hand, from the timing t1 to the timing t2, the control unit 31 sets the low level VL to the first electrode voltage SIGD1 and sets the low level VL to the second electrode voltage SIGD2. That is, the control unit 31 causes the voltage application unit 33 to set a reverse type transmission voltage. As a result, the light control sheet 10 makes the image capturing unit 20 visually unrecognizable in the first space, and has an instantaneously high light transmittance so that the image capturing unit 20 can capture an image during the image capturing period T1. To achieve.

  Further, from the timing t2 to the timing t3, the control unit 31 sets the first electrode voltage SIGD1 to the high level VH and sets the second electrode voltage SIGD2 to the low level VL. That is, the control unit 31 causes the voltage applying unit 33 to set the reverse type opaque voltage. As a result, the light control sheet 10 keeps the imaging unit 20 invisible in the first space.

  Further, from timing t3 to timing t4, the control unit 31 sets the first electrode voltage SIGD1 to the low level VL and sets the second electrode voltage SIGD2 to the low level VL. That is, the control unit 31 causes the voltage application unit 33 to set the reverse type transmission voltage again. As a result, the light control sheet 10 makes the image capturing unit 20 visually unrecognizable in the first space, and has an instantaneously high light transmittance so that the image capturing unit 20 can capture an image during the image capturing period T1. To achieve.

  Then, from timing t4 to timing t5, the control unit 31 sets the first electrode voltage SIGD1 to the low level VL and sets the second electrode voltage SIGD2 to the high level VH. That is, the control unit 31 causes the voltage application unit 33 to set an opaque voltage whose polarity is inverted from the previous opaque voltage. Thereby, the light control sheet 10 keeps the imaging unit 20 invisible in the first space.

As described above, according to the above embodiment, the effects listed below can be obtained.
(1) The light control sheet 10 that covers the imaging unit 20 makes the imaging unit 20 visually unrecognizable in the first mode. Therefore, in the second space separated by the light control sheet 10, the presence of the image capturing unit 20 is removed from the consciousness of the person located in the second space, or the consciousness of the image capturing unit 20 is weakened. Further, when viewed from the inside of the second space, the side walls WS, the ceiling surface WT, and the light control sheet 10 that partition the space can be improved in design.

  (2) Since the light control sheet 10 instantaneously increases the light transmittance during the image pickup period T1 of the image pickup unit 20, the image pickup unit 20 is arranged in a space where the image pickup unit 20 cannot be visually recognized. It also becomes possible to image the second space from within the space.

  (3) Since the first mode in which the image pickup unit 20 cannot be visually recognized and the second mode in which the image pickup unit 20 can be visually recognized can be set, the light control sheet 10 is driven according to the application scene. Will also be possible.

  For example, when the image capturing unit 20 is installed in a store as a crime prevention device, the timing control unit 32 is set to the first mode and the image capturing unit 20 becomes visually unrecognizable, so that the crime solving function is enhanced. On the other hand, the timing control unit 32 is set to the second mode so that the imaging unit 20 can be visually recognized, and thus the crime suppression function is enhanced.

  (4) Whether it is the normal type light control sheet 10 or the reverse type light control sheet 10, the above-mentioned drive device for the light control sheet provides the effects according to (1) to (3).

  (5) When there is a gap between the period in which the image sensor 21 takes in light through the light control sheet 10, that is, the image pickup period T1 and the period in which the light control sheet 10 instantaneously increases the light transmittance, when the light control sheet 10 is present. There is a possibility that the brightness and contrast of the image cannot be sufficiently enhanced in the imaging result obtained through the above. In this regard, it is possible to achieve time synchronization between the period in which the image sensor 21 takes in light through the light control sheet 10, that is, the imaging period T1 and the period in which the light control sheet 10 instantaneously increases the light transmittance. Therefore, it is possible to improve the image quality based on the image pickup result obtained through the light control sheet 10.

  (6) The photoelectric conversion start timing in the image pickup device 21D and the charge accumulation end timing in the image pickup device 21D are opportunities for time synchronization for all the image pickup devices 21D. Therefore, if the configuration is such that the start timing of photoelectric conversion and the start timing of the transparent transition in the light control sheet 10 are synchronized, that is, the reset signal P1 and the transmission start signal SIGC1 are synchronized, all imaging is performed. Imaging can be started at a timing common to the element 21D.

  Further, as long as the charge accumulation end timing and the opaque transition start timing in the light control sheet 10 are synchronized, that is, the switching signal P2 and the non-transmission start signal SIGC2 are synchronized, all of them are provided. Imaging can be ended at a timing common to the image sensor 21D. As a result, it is possible to suppress the variation in the imaging result between the imaging elements 21D.

As described above, the above embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows.
[Dimming system]
The dimming system may separately include a sensor control unit that controls driving of the image sensor 21 and a dimming sheet driving device that drives the dimming sheet 10. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a modified example including an image pickup drive device and a light control sheet drive device.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the imaging unit 20 includes a sensor control unit 22 and a time synchronization communication unit 26. The light control sheet driving device 30 includes a sheet control unit 37 and a time synchronization communication unit 36.

  The sensor control unit 22 generates various timing control signals SIGT described in the above embodiment. The sensor control unit 22 inputs the reset signal P1 and the switching signal P2 to the image sensor 21, and causes the image sensor 21 to open the shutter for the imaging period T1. The sensor controller 22 inputs the vertical clock signal P3 and the horizontal clock signal P4 to the image sensor 21, and causes the image sensor 21 to transfer a frame. That is, the sensor control unit 22 separately includes the function for driving the image sensor 21 among the functions of the control unit 31 described in the above embodiment.

  The sheet control unit 37 generates the transmission start signal SIGC1 and the non-transmission start signal SIGC2 described in the above embodiment. The sheet control unit 37 inputs the transmission start signal SIGC1 and the non-transmission start signal SIGC2 to the voltage application unit 33, and causes the voltage application unit 33 to apply the first electrode voltage SIGD1 and the second electrode voltage SIGD2. That is, the sheet control unit 37 has a separate function of driving the light control sheet 10 among the functions of the control unit 31 described in the above embodiment.

  The time synchronization communication unit 26 included in the image capturing unit 20 and the time synchronization communication unit 36 included in the light control sheet driving device 30 enable time synchronization between the image capturing unit 20 and the light control sheet driving device 30. That is, the time synchronization communication units 26 and 36 synchronize the sensor clock CL2, which is the reference clock of the imaging unit 20, and the sheet clock CL3, which is the reference clock of the light control sheet driving device 30.

  For example, the sensor control unit 22 is a master that is a provider of the reference time. The light control sheet driving device 30 is a slave that synchronizes with the reference time. The time synchronization communication unit 26 is configured to be communicable with the time synchronization communication unit 36. Each of the time synchronization communication units 26, 36 repeats transmission and reception of a PTP (Precision Time Protocol) packet to calculate the deviation between the sensor clock CL2 and the seat clock CL3. The light control sheet driving device 30 corrects the deviation of the sheet clock CL3 so that the sheet clock CL3 is time-synchronized with the sensor clock CL2.

  The time synchronization communication unit 26 transmits the reset signal P1 and the switching signal P2 to the time synchronization communication unit 36. The time synchronization communication unit 36 processes the reset signal P1 and the switching signal P2 using the corrected seat clock CL3. That is, the time synchronization communication unit 36 processes the reset signal P1 so that the reset signal P1 generated by the sensor control unit 22 and the transmission start signal SIGC1 generated by the sheet control unit 37 are time synchronized. Further, the time synchronization communication unit 36 processes the switching signal P2 so that the switching signal P2 generated by the sensor control unit 22 and the non-transmission start signal SIGC2 generated by the seat control unit 37 are time synchronized.

  According to the above configuration, even if the image sensor 21 and the light control sheet 10 are controlled to be driven by different control units, it is possible to obtain the effects according to the above (1) to (6). is there.

[Imaging period]
The period in which the voltage applying unit 33 applies the transmission voltage is not limited to the period determined every time the reset signal P1 is generated, but may be the period determined every time the reset signal P1 is generated a predetermined number of times.

  For example, the period in which the voltage application unit 33 applies the transmission voltage may be determined when the generation of the reset signal P1 is repeated twice. In this configuration, image capturing using the light control sheet 10 that is instantaneously transparent and image capturing using the opaque light control sheet 10 are alternately repeated. Then, although the frame using the opaque light control sheet 10 is interposed, the result of imaging using the transparent light control sheet 10 is obtained. Such a configuration is significant in that the load required to drive the light control sheet can be reduced, for example, in an environment in which a large change does not occur frequently in the imaging target of the imaging unit 20.

  The period in which the voltage applying unit 33 applies the transmission voltage may be started before generation of the reset signal P1 or may be started after generation of the reset signal P1. That is, the light control sheet driving device may instantaneously make the light control sheet 10 transparent so as to overlap the image pickup period T1 of the image pickup section 20.

  In the configuration in which the transmission voltage is applied before the reset signal P1 is generated, for example, the control unit 31 receives the input of the activation signal SIGF, pre-reads the generation of the reset signal P1, and precedes the generation of the reset signal P1. , And generates a transmission start signal SIGC1.

  In the configuration in which the transmission voltage is applied after the reset signal P1 is generated, for example, the control unit 31 delays the generation of the transmission start signal SIGC1 by a predetermined time from the generation of the reset signal P1.

  The period in which the voltage applying unit 33 applies the opaque voltage may be started before the generation of the switching signal P2 or may be started after the generation of the switching signal P2. That is, the light control sheet driving device may instantaneously make the light control sheet 10 transparent so as to overlap the vertical blanking period T2 of the imaging unit 20.

  In the configuration in which the opaque voltage is applied before the generation of the switching signal P2, for example, the control unit 31 receives the generation of the reset signal P1, prefetches the generation of the switching signal P2, and precedes the generation of the switching signal P2. Then, the opaque start signal SIGC2 is generated.

  Further, in the configuration in which the opaque voltage is applied after the generation of the switching signal P2, for example, the control unit 31 delays the generation of the opaque start signal SIGC2 by a predetermined time from the generation of the switching signal P2.

  In the second mode, the voltage application unit 33 applies the transmission voltage, and the voltage application unit 33 applies the non-transmission voltage at a frequency and a period in which the state having the relatively low light transmittance cannot be visually recognized. It may be a driving form. At this time, the light control sheet driving device 30 applies an opaque voltage to the light control sheet so that the light control sheet 10 does not momentarily reduce the light transmittance during the image pickup period T1 of the image pickup section 20. That is, the timing control unit 32 controls the output value of the voltage application unit 33 to apply the transmission voltage during the imaging period T1 of the imaging unit 20.

  According to this configuration, the momentary decrease in the light transmittance during the period in which the image capturing unit 20 is visually recognized does not hinder the image capturing by the image capturing unit 20. Therefore, it becomes possible to reliably capture an image of the second space from within the first space SP while the image capturing unit 20 is visually recognized.

[Light control sheet]
The opaque light control sheet 10 may have an achromatic color or a chromatic color.
The hue and brightness of the opaque light control sheet 10 may be the same as those of the side wall surface WS and the ceiling surface WT. According to this structure, the design of the structure that divides the first space and the second space is further enhanced.
The transparent light control sheet 10 may be colorless and transparent or colored and transparent.

[Dimming system]
The image capturing unit included in the light control system may be configured to capture a moving image in which a plurality of frames are continuous, or may be configured to capture a still image that is a single frame.

  The form of the light control sheet is not limited to the method of switching between transparent and opaque by controlling the orientation of liquid crystal molecules, and the redox reaction can be reversibly promoted according to the magnitude of the electric field applied to the light control sheet. An electrochromic method in which the light absorption rate is changed as the redox reaction proceeds may be used.

  CL2... Sensor clock, CL3... Sheet clock, CKB... Reference clock, P1... Reset signal, P2... Switching signal, P3... Vertical clock signal, P4... Horizontal clock signal, SIGC1... Transparent start signal, SIGC2... Opaque start signal, SIGD1... 1st electrode voltage, SIGD2... 2nd electrode voltage, SIGF... Activation signal, SIGM... Mode setting signal, SIGT... Timing control signal, T1... Imaging period, T2... Vertical blanking period, WS... Side wall surface, WT... Ceiling surface, 10... Light control sheet, 11... First transparent electrode, 12... Second transparent electrode, 13... Light control layer, 14... First alignment film, 15... Second alignment film, 20... Imaging unit, 21... Image sensor, 21D... Image pickup element, 21T... Horizontal CCD, 30... Light control sheet driving device, 31... Control section, 32... Timing control section, 33... Voltage applying section, 34... DC power supply, 35... Input processing section, 40 …Operation part.

Claims (9)

A light control sheet that is unfolded at least in front of the image pickup unit to make the image pickup unit visible or unrecognizable ;
And a light control sheet driving device,
The light control sheet is one of surfaces that divide a space for storing the imaging unit,
The light control sheet drive, to the dimming sheet, a voltage applying unit for voltage application pressure to to increase the light transmittance of the light control sheet momentarily, the output value before Symbol voltage applying unit A timing control unit that controls the voltage to be applied during an image pickup period in the image pickup unit .
Case, the hue and brightness light adjustment sheet has the hue and brightness and dimming system is the same with the other face delimiting the space in which the light control sheet to disable visually recognize the imaging unit. The dimming system according to claim 1, wherein the timing control unit applies the voltage during the imaging period while maintaining the dimming sheet in a state in which the imaging unit cannot be visually recognized. A first mode in which the voltage is applied during the imaging period while making the imaging unit visually unrecognizable;
The light control system according to claim 2, further comprising a mode setting unit that sets a second mode that allows the image capturing unit to be visually recognized to the timing control unit. The output state of the voltage applying unit when the voltage is applied is the first state,
The timing control unit,
The first state in which each transparent electrode of the light control sheet is connected to different potentials,
A second state in which each transparent electrode of the light control sheet is connected to a common potential;
Is alternately repeated to the voltage applying section, thereby applying the transmission voltage during the imaging period while maintaining the light control sheet in a state in which the imaging section cannot be visually recognized. The dimming system described in. The output state of the voltage applying unit when the voltage is applied is the first state,
The timing control unit,
The first state in which each transparent electrode of the light control sheet is connected to a common potential;
A second state in which each transparent electrode of the light control sheet is connected to different potentials,
Is alternately repeated to the voltage applying section, thereby applying the transmission voltage during the imaging period while maintaining the light control sheet in a state in which the imaging section cannot be visually recognized. The dimming system described in. The light control system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging period is an opening period of a shutter in the imaging unit. The light control system according to claim 6, wherein the imaging period is from a photoelectric conversion start timing to a charge accumulation end timing in a plurality of imaging elements included in the imaging unit. The imaging unit is installed at a corner where two side wall surfaces and a ceiling surface intersect,
The two side wall surfaces and the ceiling surface form the other surface that divides the space,
The light control sheet is developed in front of the image pickup unit so as to cover the image pickup unit, and is continuous with the two side wall surfaces and the ceiling surface, and the image is taken together with the two side wall surfaces and the ceiling surface. 8. The dimming system according to claim 1, wherein the space for storing a part is partitioned .   The light control sheet has a curved shape that is continuous with the two side wall surfaces and the ceiling surface.
  The light control system according to claim 8.