Thermal analysis device and control software for thermal analysis device

Abstract

Provided are a thermal analyzer and control software therefor, whereby it is possible to visually grasp, in detail, the color of a sample associated with a change in the temperature of the sample and the change thereof, and to easily analyze, in detail, the change in the state of the sample. The thermal analysis device, which measures and calculates the physical properties of a sample while changing the temperature of the sample by heating or cooling, acquires thermal analysis data, and acquires image data by imaging the sample, is provided with: a means for displaying a graph relating to the temperature or time of the thermal analysis data; a means for displaying a sample image of the image data; a means for generating color information data of a range and a type selected from the sample image; and a means for displaying the color generated on the basis of the color information data as a gradient arranged in accordance with the temperature or time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal analysis device, and in particular to a sample observation type thermal analysis device and its control software. Background Art

[0002] Thermal analysis is defined as "a series of techniques for measuring certain physical properties of a substance (including its reaction products) as a function of temperature or time while changing the temperature of the substance according to a certain procedure". Thermal analysis includes thermogravimetric measurement (TG) for measuring the mass change of a sample while heating or cooling the sample to change the temperature, differential thermal analysis (DTA) for measuring the temperature difference between a sample and a reference substance, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for measuring the heat flow difference between a sample and a reference substance, and thermomechanical analysis (TMA) for measuring the dimensional change of a sample. In addition, there are various techniques depending on the type of sample and the purpose of measurement.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a thermal analysis device that measures the thermal behavior of a sample in a heating furnace as the temperature changes. In the thermal analysis device, an opening is provided in the heating furnace to observe the sample, and a shooting unit is provided to shoot image data of the sample through the opening. The thermal analysis device displays color information generated from the image data and the thermal behavior of the sample as the temperature changes in a superimposed manner relative to the temperature. Specifically, a graph of TG data is displayed in a superimposed manner with graphs of the respective values ​​of R, G, and B, with the temperature as the horizontal axis.

[0004] However, according to the color information data such as RGB values ​​and their graphs displayed by the thermal analysis device of Patent Document 1, humans cannot visually judge the actual color of the sample, and therefore cannot visually grasp the color of the sample and its changes accompanying temperature changes. In addition, since the graph of thermal analysis data and the graph of color information data are displayed overlapping, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish and analyze each graph, and sometimes it is difficult to know which vertical axis corresponds to which graph because there are multiple vertical axes.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-1870 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a thermal analysis device and control software for the thermal analysis device that can visually grasp the color of a sample and its change accompanying the temperature change of the sample in detail and can easily analyze the state change of the sample in detail.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention is a thermal analysis device that measures the physical properties of a sample while changing its temperature by heating or cooling it, performs calculations to obtain thermal analysis data, and photographs the sample to obtain image data. The device is characterized in that it comprises: a thermal analysis graph display unit that displays a graph of the thermal analysis data with respect to temperature or time on a display device; a sample image display unit that displays a sample image of the image data on the display device; a color information generation unit that generates color information data of a range and type selected from the sample image; and a gradient display unit that displays a gradient formed by arranging the colors generated from the color information data in correspondence with temperature or time on the display device.

[0012] The thermal analysis device of the present invention may further include a color information graph display unit that displays the temperature or time graph of the color information data on the display device without overlapping the temperature or time graph of the thermal analysis data.

[0013] In the thermal analysis device of the present invention, the color information generating unit may be capable of selecting a plurality of ranges for generating color information data from the sample image.

[0014] In the thermal analysis device of the present invention, the gradation display unit may display a gradation in which colors generated from the color information data and temperatures or times are arranged in correspondence with each other on the display device as a band-shaped color bar.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention is a control software for a thermal analysis device, characterized in that a computer that controls a thermal analysis device that measures the physical properties of a sample while changing the temperature of the sample by heating or cooling and performs calculations to obtain thermal analysis data, and photographs the sample to obtain image data functions as the following units: a thermal analysis graph display unit that displays a graph of the thermal analysis with respect to temperature or time on a display device; a sample image display unit that displays a sample image of the image data on the display device; a color information generation unit that generates color information data of a range and type selected from the sample image; and a gradient display unit that displays a gradient formed by arranging the colors generated from the color information data in correspondence with the temperature or time on the display device.

[0016] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned objects or the above-mentioned solutions. Further details, features, functions and / or effects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing the overall structure of a thermal analysis device as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cutaway perspective view showing the structure of the heating furnace and the surrounding area of ​​a thermal analysis device as one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in this figure, some hatching lines that should be added to the cross-sectional part are omitted.

[0019] Figure 3 : is a block diagram showing a control / processing system of a thermal analysis device as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a flow chart for acquiring thermal analysis data and image data of a sample by a thermal analysis apparatus as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a flow chart for displaying thermal analysis data, image data, and the like on a graph or the like by a thermal analysis device as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 The diagram shows a graph of thermal analysis data (DSC data) displayed by a thermal analysis device as one embodiment of the present invention and a sample image at a desired point on the graph.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a screen for selecting a range of color information data to be generated from a sample image by a color information generating unit as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 : is a table showing color information data generated by a color information generating unit as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 9 : is a diagram showing a color information graph displayed by a color information graph display unit as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig.10 : is a table showing colors generated by a gradation display unit as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing a gradation in which colors generated by a gradation display unit as one embodiment of the present invention are arranged and displayed in correspondence with time.

[0028] Fig.12 The graph shows a graph of thermal analysis data (DSC data) displayed by a thermal analysis device as one embodiment of the present invention, a sample image of a desired point on the graph, a graph of color information data, and a gradation of color. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] As a thermal analysis apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, a sample observation type differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) apparatus will be described. Figure 1 The thermal analysis device 1 includes a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) device 2, a sample automatic changer 3, a cooling unit 4, a cover 5 with an observation window, a camera 6, a camera moving mechanism 7, a computer 8, an input device 9, and a display device 10. The computer 8 is installed with a thermal analysis device control software 30 described later.

[0030] Reference Figure 2 The DSC device 2 is provided with a heating furnace 14 surrounded by insulating materials 12 and 13 on the sides and bottom in a cylindrical housing 11. The heating furnace 14 includes: a measuring chamber 15 with an opening on the upper surface; and a thermosensitive plate 16 disposed inside the measuring chamber 15. A sample container 17 loaded with a sample is disposed at a predetermined sample measuring position on the thermosensitive plate 16. A sample container 18 loaded with a reference substance is disposed at a predetermined reference substance measuring position on the thermosensitive plate 16. A heater 14a (see FIG. 1 ) which generates heat by powering on is disposed in the side wall of the heating furnace 14. Figure 3 The heating furnace 14 heats the sample and the reference substance in the measurement chamber 15 by generating heat from the heater.

[0031] Reference Figure 3 At a predetermined sample measurement position of the heat-sensitive plate 16, a sample temperature detection unit 19 such as a thermocouple is provided, which contacts or approaches the bottom of the sample container 17 arranged at the position to detect the temperature. At a predetermined reference substance measurement position of the heat-sensitive plate 16, a reference substance temperature detection unit 20 such as a thermocouple is provided, which contacts or approaches the bottom of the sample container 18 arranged at the position to detect the temperature. At the bottom of the measurement chamber 15 of the heating furnace 14, a heating furnace temperature detection unit 21 such as a thermocouple is provided, which detects the temperature of the heating furnace 14. The DSC device 2 stores the temperatures detected by the sample temperature detection unit 19, the reference substance temperature detection unit 20, and the heating furnace temperature detection unit 21 as a sample temperature signal, a reference substance temperature signal, and a heating furnace temperature signal, respectively, in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the DSC device 2, and transmits them to the computer 8 through wireless communication or wired communication.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3A refrigerant jacket 22 connected to a cooling unit 4 via two conduits is provided on the outer periphery of the heating furnace 14. The cooling unit 4 cools the heating furnace 14 and the sample and reference material in the measuring chamber 15 by circulating a cooling medium such as liquid nitrogen between the inside of the refrigerant jacket 22 and the cooling unit 4.

[0033] The housing cover 23 that closes the upper surface of the housing 11 is provided with a cover body 5 with an observation window. The cover body 5 with an observation window includes an inner cover 24 with an observation window that is detachably mounted on the heating furnace 14, a middle cover 25 with an observation window that is detachably mounted on the spacer 5a provided on the housing cover 23, and an outer cover 26 with an observation window that is detachably mounted on the cover body 5, so as to be able to open and close the upper surface opening of the measurement chamber 15. The three covers with observation windows are provided to prevent condensation from forming on the observation windows during cooling by the cooling unit 4. During measurement, all the covers 24, 25, and 26 with observation windows are mounted on the cover body 5, and the upper surface opening of the measurement chamber 15 is closed.

[0034] The DSC device 2 is a heat flux type differential scanning calorimetry device. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) refers to "a method of quantitatively measuring the heat absorption and heat generation caused by the state change of the sample while measuring the temperature of both the reference substance and the sample while applying a certain amount of heat". The reference substance is formed of a thermally stable material, and even if the temperature changes, it will not undergo physical property changes such as melting and evaporation. In contrast, if the sample undergoes an endothermic reaction or an exothermic reaction corresponding to the temperature change according to its own characteristics, its temperature change will stop during the reaction, and a temperature difference ΔT will be generated between the sample and the reference substance. The heat flow for alleviating the temperature difference ΔT flows into the sample through the thermosensitive plate 16. The amount of heat (heat flow) flowing into the sample per unit time is proportional to the temperature difference ΔT between the sample and the reference substance. Therefore, considering the temperature dependence, the value after integrating the temperature difference ΔT with respect to time is corrected and divided by the device constant k, thereby calculating the heat (energy) of the sample. In this way, the heat flux flowing into the sample is calculated based on the temperature difference between the sample and the reference substance, thereby calculating the heat. The calculated calorific value is thermal analysis data (DSC data) obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of the sample.

[0035] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The camera 6 photographs the sample in the sample container 17 at a predetermined sample measurement position arranged in the measurement chamber 15 through the observation windows of the three covers 24, 25 and 26 with observation windows of the cover body 5. The image data of the sample photographed by the camera 6 is stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the camera 6 or the camera moving mechanism 7, and is sent to the computer 8.

[0036] The camera moving mechanism 7 adjusts the photographing position of the sample by the camera 6. When the covers 24, 25 and 26 with observation windows are removed from the cover body 5 to place or replace the sample or reference material in the measuring chamber 15, the camera 6 supported by the camera moving mechanism 7 with a horizontal axis rotates upward and backward and retreats from the periphery of the cover body 5.

[0037] When the camera 6 pivotally supported by the camera moving mechanism 7 is rotated upward and backward to be retracted, and the covers 24, 25 and 26 with observation windows are removed from the cover body 5, the sample automatic changer 3 operates. The sample automatic changer 3 can place the sample container 17 loaded with the sample at a predetermined sample measurement position or take it out from the position through the upper surface opening of the measurement chamber 15. The sample automatic changer 3 can also be configured to place the sample container 18 loaded with the reference substance at a predetermined reference substance measurement position or take it out from the position.

[0038] Reference Figure 3 The computer 8 is installed with a control software 30 for a thermal analysis device as an embodiment of the present invention. The computer 8 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 27, an image processing unit (GPU) 28, a storage device 29 such as a HDD / SSD, etc. The computer 8 sends and receives various signals with the DSC device 2, the automatic sample changer 3, the cooling unit 4, the camera 6, the camera moving mechanism 7, the input device 9, and the display device 10 through wired communication or wireless communication.

[0039] The input device 9 is a device for the operator to input sample measurement conditions, operation instructions for each device, etc. into the computer 8. The input device 9 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, etc., but may also include a touch panel or an input unit that performs input by voice.

[0040] The display device 10 displays various information according to the control of the software 30 installed in the computer 8 and the input from the input device 9. The display device 10 is composed of a liquid crystal monitor or the like.

[0041] The thermal analysis device 1 is controlled by a computer 8 installed with software 30, and while the temperature of the sample in the measuring chamber 15 is changed by heating by the heating furnace 14 or cooling by the cooling unit 4, the physical properties of the sample are measured and calculated to obtain thermal analysis data, and the sample is photographed by the camera 6 to obtain image data.

[0042] The computer 8 in which the software 30 is installed has a configuration and function as a thermal analysis graph display unit 31 for displaying a graph of the thermal analysis data with respect to temperature or time on the display device 10 .

[0043] The computer 8 in which the software 30 is installed has a configuration and function as a sample image display unit 32 for displaying an image of a sample of the image data on the display device 10 .

[0044] The computer 8 in which the software 30 is installed has a configuration and function as a color information generating unit 33 for generating color information data of a range and a type selected from the sample image.

[0045] The computer 8 in which the software 30 is installed has a configuration and function as a color information graph display unit 34 for displaying the temperature or time graph of the color information data on the display device 10 without overlapping the temperature or time graph of the thermal analysis data.

[0046] The computer 8 in which the software 30 is installed has a configuration and function as a gradation display unit 35 for displaying a gradation in which colors generated from the color information data and temperatures or times are arranged in correspondence with each other on the display device 10 .

[0047] Reference Figure 4 An example of a flowchart for acquiring thermal analysis data and image data of a sample by a thermal analysis apparatus as one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0048] In step S101 , the setting screen of the measurement conditions and temperature program of the thermal analysis device 1 is opened, and the sample name, sample weight, set temperature range, measurement time, measurement interval, etc. are input and set in the computer 8 through the input unit 9 .

[0049] In step S102 , a setting screen for sample imaging conditions of the thermal analysis device 1 is opened, and imaging time, imaging interval, etc. are input and set in the computer 8 through the input unit 9 .

[0050] In step S103, the measurement is started, and the temperature is controlled by the computer 8 installed with the software 30 according to the predetermined measurement conditions and the predetermined temperature program, and the heating furnace 14 generates heat due to the heater being energized to heat the sample loaded in the sample container 17 arranged at the predetermined sample measurement position of the measurement chamber 15, or the cooling unit 4 circulates the cooling medium between the cooling unit 4 and the inside of the refrigerant jacket 22 through two conduits to cool the heating furnace 14 and the sample loaded in the sample container 17 arranged at the predetermined sample measurement position of the measurement chamber 15. In addition, according to the predetermined measurement conditions such as the measurement interval, the sample temperature is measured by the sample temperature detection unit 19, and the reference substance temperature detection unit 20 measures the temperature of the reference substance.

[0051] In step S104 , the computer 8 calculates the heat flux, that is, the amount of heat flowing into the sample based on the measured temperature difference between the sample temperature and the reference substance temperature, and acquires thermal analysis data (DSC data) of the sample.

[0052] In step S201 , under the control of the computer 8 installed with the software 30 , the camera 6 of the thermal analyzer 1 images the sample loaded in the sample container 17 disposed at a predetermined sample measurement position of the measurement chamber 15 during measurement according to predetermined sample imaging conditions.

[0053] In step S202 , the computer 8 acquires image data of the sample being measured.

[0054] In step S105 , the thermal analysis data of the sample and the image data of the sample acquired by the computer 8 are stored in the storage device 29 of the computer 8 .

[0055] Next, an example of a flowchart for displaying thermal analysis data and image data on a graph or the like by the thermal analysis apparatus as one embodiment of the present invention in order to analyze state changes of a sample accompanying temperature changes will be described.

[0056] Reference Figure 5 In step S301, the thermal analysis device 1 is controlled by a computer 8 installed with software 30, and while the temperature of the sample in the measurement chamber 15 is changed by heating by the heating furnace 14 or cooling by the cooling unit 4, the physical properties of the sample are measured and calculated to obtain thermal analysis data, and the camera 6 takes a picture of the sample being measured to obtain image data. For example, it is possible to Figure 4 According to the flowchart shown in the figure, the sample is measured and photographed to obtain thermal analysis data and image data. Alternatively, the thermal analysis data and image data may be obtained by reading data stored in the storage device 29 of the computer 8.

[0057] Figure 6 An example of a graph of DSC data obtained by measuring the temperature of a sample and the temperature of a reference substance in a process of raising the temperature of the sample to 80°C and then lowering it to -50°C, and calculating based on the temperature difference between the sample and the reference substance is shown. Specifically, a graph of the temperature and time of the sample is displayed by the thermal analysis graph display unit 31 with the horizontal axis being time (Time, unit min.) and the vertical axis being temperature (Temperature, unit °C). In addition, a graph of the heat flux and time is displayed with the horizontal axis being time (Time, unit min.) and the vertical axis being heat flux (Heat Flow, unit mW.).

[0058] exist Figure 6In the example, a sample image of an arbitrarily selected point on a graph of heat flux and time of thermal analysis data (DSC data) is displayed by the sample image display unit 32. The sample image display unit 32 can select a plurality of points on the graph of thermal analysis data or a plurality of sample images from the image data stored in the storage device 29, and display the plurality of sample images on the display device 10.

[0059] Reference Figure 5 In step S302, the color information generating unit 33 can select the range and type of color information generated from the sample image. Figure 7 FIG. 2 shows an example of a sample observation color information window opened by the color information generating unit 33 for selecting the range and type of color information generated from the sample image. In the sample observation color information window, the sample image is displayed by the sample image display unit 32. Figure 7 In the Sample Observation Color Information window, a check box is provided to select "Select by square" or "Select by circle" as the range (target range) of color information generated from the sample image. Figure 7 In the example, since "Select by circle" is checked, a dotted circle is displayed in the sample image displayed in the sample observation color information window. The object range displayed by the dotted circle can be changed in size and position by the input device 9 such as a keyboard and a mouse.

[0060] Although in Figure 7 Although not shown, there is also a sample observation color information window for selecting the type of color information to be generated. The color information is information that digitizes the color of the image data captured by the camera 6. The type of color information to be generated can be selected from "RGB" which represents colors by a combination of red (Red), green (Green), and blue (Blue) which are "three primary colors of light", "CMYK" which represents colors by a combination of cyan (Cyan), magenta (Magenta), and yellow (Yellow) which are "three primary colors of color" and black (Black), "HSV" which represents colors by a combination of hue (Hue), saturation (Saturation), and value (Value) defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE Lab), etc.

[0061] Reference Figure 5 In step S303, the color information generating unit 33 generates color information data of the range and type selected from the sample image. Figure 7 When the "Generate" displayed in the sample observation color information window is clicked with a mouse, the color information generating unit 33 determines the range and type of color information to be generated and generates color information data. Figure 8An example of the color information data generated by the color information generating unit 33 is shown in the table. Figure 8 As shown, thermal analysis data (Temp, DSC), image data (observation image), and color information data (R value, G value, B value) are stored in association with measurement time (Time).

[0062] Reference Figure 5 In step S303, the color information graph display unit 34 may also display a graph of the color information data with respect to temperature or time on the display device. Fig. 9 An example of a time graph of R value, G value, and B value displayed as color information data by the color information graph display unit 34 is shown. According to the graphs of these color information, it can be understood that the color information has changed greatly during the period of about 5 minutes to 7 minutes from the start of the measurement and the period of about 14 minutes to 20 minutes (especially around 19 minutes). In this way, according to the graph of the color information, the period and amount of the color change of the sample can be accurately understood. However, according to the graph of the color information, it is impossible to visually understand the actual color of the sample and its changes. In addition, it is impossible to understand the relationship with the sample temperature.

[0063] Reference Figure 5 In step S304, the gradient display unit 35 generates a color from the color information data. Fig.10 In the "Color" column, the color generated by the gradient display unit 35 according to the R value, G value and B value of the color information data is displayed. Fig.10 As shown, thermal analysis data, image data, color information (R value, G value, B value) and the generated color are tied to the measurement time and the temperature of the sample at that time. Therefore, based on the generated color, the color of the sample corresponding to each measurement time and sample temperature can be visually grasped.

[0064] Reference Figure 5 In step S305, the gradient display unit 35 displays the generated colors on the display device in a gradient arranged corresponding to the temperature or time. Fig.11 An example is shown in which the generated colors are displayed in gradation arranged in accordance with the measurement time. Fig.11 The gradient shown is a gradient formed by arranging the colors generated from the color information data in correspondence with time and is displayed in a strip or bar shape, so it can be called a "color bar". Fig.11 The color of the sample is dark blue from the start of the measurement to about 5 minutes (in black and white). Fig.11The color of the sample is dark in the middle, but changes from blue (dark) to gray (light) during the period from about 5 minutes to about 7 minutes, continues to be gray (light) from about 7 minutes to about 14 minutes, gradually changes from gray (light) to blue (dark) after about 14 minutes to 18 minutes, changes greatly around 19 minutes, and is dark blue (dark) after about 20 minutes, so that the color change of the sample can be visually grasped in detail.

[0065] For example, in Fig.12 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents time (measurement time) when a piece of paper with words written on it using an erasable ballpoint pen is placed in the sample container and the sample is placed in the sample container. 2 A graph of thermal analysis data (DSC data) measured by thermal analysis device 1, which is a sample observation type DSC device, when the temperature is raised to 80°C at 10°C / min and then lowered to -50°C in an atmosphere. In addition, a graph (Temp) showing the relationship between time (measurement time) and sample temperature is also shown.

[0066] exist Fig.12 The curve of thermal analysis data (DSC data) Figure 1 The sample images at five points on the curve graph of the thermal analysis data (DSC data) are displayed. Although the display of the sample image can grasp the actual color of the sample, since the number of sample images that can be displayed is limited, it is difficult to evaluate the local color change of the sample and compare the color changes of multiple parts.

[0067] exist Fig.12 The curve of thermal analysis data (DSC data) Figure 1 The color information data (RGB value) generated from the text part near the center of the sample image is displayed below the graph of the thermal analysis data (DSC data) without being superimposed on the graph of the thermal analysis data (DSC data). Since the graph of the thermal analysis data and the graph of the color information data are displayed without being superimposed, each graph becomes easy to see and analyze. The graph of the color information data (RGB value) can grasp the period and amount of color change, but it is impossible to visually grasp the color of the sample and its changes.

[0068] exist Fig.12 The curve of thermal analysis data (DSC data) Figure 1The gradient (color bar) formed by arranging the colors generated from the color information data (RGB values) is displayed with the horizontal axis as the time from the start of the measurement and the scale size being consistent. The gradient (color bar) formed by arranging the colors generated from the color information data (RGB values) can visually and easily grasp the actual color of the sample and its changes in detail. Therefore, by displaying the curve graph of the thermal analysis data and displaying the changes in the color of the sample with the gradient (color bar), the color of the sample and its changes accompanying the temperature change of the sample can be visually grasped in detail, and the state change of the sample can be easily analyzed in detail.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications and equivalents included in the scope of the technical concept of the present invention and each component of the present invention.

[0070] For example, the color information generating unit 33 may be a color information generating unit capable of selecting multiple ranges for generating color information data from the sample image. By selecting multiple ranges in the sample image and generating color information data for each range, it is possible to compare and evaluate the color changes of multiple parts in the sample image.

[0071] Furthermore, the thermal analysis device of the present invention may not include a color information graph display unit for displaying the temperature or time graph of the color information data on the display device without superimposing the temperature or time graph of the thermal analysis data.

[0072] In addition, the gradient display unit is not limited to displaying the gradient formed by arranging the colors generated from the color information data and the temperature or time in correspondence as a strip-shaped color bar on the display device. For example, the color of the temperature or time curve graph of the thermal analysis data may be displayed as a gradient formed by arranging the colors generated from the color information data and the temperature or time in correspondence.

[0073] In addition, the thermal analysis device of the present invention is not limited to a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) device, but is also composed of a plurality of devices such as a cooling unit, a computer with control software installed, an input device, and a display device, and some or all of these devices may be integrated. In addition, a computer with control software installed may also control a plurality of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) devices and other thermal analysis devices. In addition, part or all of the control software may also be installed on a server on the cloud.

[0074] The thermal analysis apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) apparatus, and may be a thermogravimetric (TG) apparatus, a differential thermal analysis (DTA) apparatus, a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) apparatus, a thermomechanical analysis (TMA) apparatus, or other various thermal analysis apparatuses.

[0075] Industrial Applicability

[0076] The present invention can be used to provide a thermal analysis device that can visually grasp the color of a sample and its change accompanying the temperature change of the sample in detail and can easily analyze the state change of the sample in detail, and control software for realizing such a thermal analysis device.

[0077] Description of Reference Numerals

[0078] 1: Thermal analysis device,

[0079] 2: Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) device,

[0080] 3: Automatic sample changer,

[0081] 4: Cooling unit,

[0082] 5: Cover with observation window,

[0083] 6: Camera,

[0084] 7: Camera moving mechanism,

[0085] 8: Computer,

[0086] 9: Input device,

[0087] 10: Display device,

[0088] 11: Shell,

[0089] 12, 13: Insulation materials,

[0090] 14: Heating furnace,

[0091] 14a: Heater,

[0092] 15: Measurement room,

[0093] 16: Thermal board,

[0094] 17, 18: Sample container,

[0095] 19: Sample temperature detection unit,

[0096] 20: Reference material temperature detection unit,

[0097] 21: Heating furnace temperature detection unit,

[0098] 22: Refrigerant jacket,

[0099] 23: Shell cover,

[0100] 24: Inner cover with observation window,

[0101] 25: Middle cover with observation window,

[0102] 26: Outer cover with observation window,

[0103] 27: Central Processing Unit (CPU),

[0104] 28: Graphics processing unit (GPU),

[0105] 29: Storage device,

[0106] 30: Control software,

[0107] 31: Thermal analysis curve display unit,

[0108] 32: Sample image display unit,

[0109] 33: Color information generation unit,

[0110] 34: Color information curve display unit,

[0111] 35: Gradient display unit.

Claims

1. A thermal analysis device that measures the physical properties of a sample while changing the temperature of the sample by heating or cooling, performs calculations to obtain thermal analysis data, and photographs the sample to obtain image data, It is characterized in that have: A thermal analysis graph display unit, which displays a graph of the thermal analysis data with respect to temperature or time on a display device; a sample image display unit that displays the sample image of the image data on the display device; A color information generating unit that generates color information data of a range and a type selected from the sample image; as well as The gradation display unit displays the gradation in which the colors generated from the color information data are arranged corresponding to the temperature or time on the display device.

2. The thermal analysis device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A color information graph display unit is further provided for displaying the temperature or time graph of the color information data on the display device without overlapping the temperature or time graph of the thermal analysis data.

3. The thermal analysis device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The color information generating unit can select a plurality of ranges for generating color information data from the sample image.

4. The thermal analysis device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The gradation display unit displays a gradation in which colors generated from the color information data are arranged in correspondence with temperature or time on the display device as a band-shaped color bar.

5. A control software for a thermal analysis device, It is characterized in that A computer that controls a thermal analysis device that measures physical properties of a sample while changing the temperature of the sample by heating or cooling, performs calculations to obtain thermal analysis data, and photographs the sample to obtain image data, functions as the following means: A thermal analysis graph display unit, which displays a graph of the thermal analysis data with respect to temperature or time on a display device; a sample image display unit that displays the sample image of the image data on the display device; A color information generating unit that generates color information data of a range and a type selected from the sample image; as well as The gradation display unit displays the gradation in which the colors generated from the color information data are arranged corresponding to the temperature or time on the display device.

Images