Color measuring device

Abstract

The present invention provides a color measurement device capable of appropriately measuring the color of the same site when the color of a sample is measured a plurality of times. A color measurement device includes a main body, a light source, and a detection unit. The main body is configured so as to be attachable to a detection body. The light source part can irradiate light to the detection body when the detection body is attached to the main body part. When the detection body is attached to the main body, the detection unit is capable of receiving reflected light from the detection body and detecting the color of the detection body by receiving the reflected light. When the detection body is attached to the main body part, the relative positions of the detection body with respect to the main body part, the light source part, and the detection part are positioned at the same relative position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a color measuring device. Background Art

[0002] There is known a colorimeter that can measure color by button operation (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). The colorimeter disclosed in the following Patent Document 1 has a color measuring unit on the lower surface, and when the user presses the color measuring button located on the upper surface, the color of the test object is measured by the color measuring unit.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022 - 127869 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the colorimeter described in Patent Document 1 above does not have a mechanism for accurately positioning the relative positions of the test object and the color measuring unit. Therefore, in the case of measuring the color of the test object multiple times, it is difficult to position the measurement target part on the test object to be exactly the same part in each measurement. Therefore, for example, in the case of measuring the color of a test object whose color changes over time multiple times, even if a change in color is detected, it is not clear whether the change in color of the same part is detected or a change in color caused by measuring different parts is detected.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is desirable to provide a color measuring device that can appropriately measure the color of the same part when measuring the color of a test object multiple times.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] Hereinafter, one aspect of the present disclosure will be described.

[0011] (1) One aspect of the present disclosure is a color measuring device capable of measuring the color of a test object, including a main body part, a light source part, and a detection part. The main body part is configured to be able to attach the test object. The light source part can irradiate the test object with light when the test object is attached to the main body part. The detection part can receive the reflected light from the test object when the test object is attached to the main body part, and receives the reflected light to detect the color of the test object. It is configured such that when the test object is attached to the main body part, the relative positions of the test object with respect to the main body part, the light source part, and the detection part are positioned at the same relative position.

[0012] According to the color measuring device configured as described above, by attaching the detection object to the main body portion, the relative positions of the detection object with respect to the main body portion, the light source portion, and the detection portion can be positioned at the same relative position. Therefore, when measuring the color of the detection object multiple times, it is possible to position the measurement target portion on the detection object in each measurement to be exactly the same portion. Therefore, for example, when measuring the color change over time of a detection object multiple times, it is possible to detect the color change of the same portion.

[0013] (2) In one aspect of the present disclosure, the detection portion may include a plurality of color sensors. Alternatively, the plurality of color sensors may be configured to receive the reflected light from each of the plurality of measurement target portions located on the surface of the detection object and detect the color of each of the plurality of measurement target portions.

[0014] According to the color measuring device configured as described above, it is possible to detect the color of each of the plurality of measurement target portions. Therefore, for example, when the color of the detection object gradually changes from one end to the other end, it is possible to detect the extent to which the color change region has progressed.

[0015] (3) In one aspect of the present disclosure, the main body portion may be configured to shield the detection object from the light from outside the color measuring device when the detection object is attached to the main body portion.

[0016] According to the color measuring device configured as described above, when measuring the color of the detection object, it is possible to exclude the influence of the light from outside the color measuring device.

[0017] (4) In one aspect of the present disclosure, the light source portion may include one or more light emitting elements and a diffuser plate that diffuses the light emitted by the one or more light emitting elements, and is configured to irradiate the detection object with the light diffused by the diffuser plate.

[0018] According to the color measuring device configured as described above, after the light emitted by the one or more light emitting elements is diffused by the diffuser plate, the detection object is irradiated with the light. Therefore, compared with the case without the diffuser plate, the detection object can be irradiated with light uniformly.

[0019] (5) In one aspect of the present disclosure, a holding member capable of holding the detection object may be provided. Alternatively, the main body portion may have a groove into which the holding member can be inserted, and is configured such that when the holding member in a state of holding the detection object is inserted into the groove, the detection object and the holding member are attached to the main body portion.

[0020] According to the color measuring device configured as described above, if the detection object is held by the holding member and the holding member is inserted into the groove, the detection object and the holding member are attached to the main body portion. Therefore, for example, when the detection object can be held by the holding member all the time, it is only necessary to install and remove the holding member to the main body portion, and compared with the case where it is necessary to install and remove the detection object itself, it is possible to suppress applying an excessive load to the detection object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 A is a perspective view showing one of the usage steps of the color measuring device. Figure 1 B is a perspective view showing another usage step of the color measuring device. Figure 1 C is a perspective view showing yet another usage step of the color measuring device.

[0022] Figure 2 A is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the color measuring device. Figure 2 B is Figure 2 An enlarged view of part IIB shown in A. Figure 2 C is a bottom view showing the substrate, light-emitting element, color sensor, and diffuser plate.

[0023] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the color measuring device.

[0024] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the measurement process.

[0025] Figure 5 A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the discoloration state in the case where the entire test body changes color over time. Figure 5 B is for explaining the measurement with the color measuring device Figure 5 An explanatory diagram of the output value in the case of measuring the color of the test body shown in A.

[0026] Figure 6 A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the discoloration state in the case where the test body changes color over time from one end to the other end. Figure 6 B is for explaining the measurement with the color measuring device Figure 6 An explanatory diagram of the output value in the case of measuring the color of the test body shown in A.

[0027] Figure 7 A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the discoloration state in the case where a part of the test body changes color over time. Figure 7 B is for explaining the measurement with the color measuring device Figure 7 An explanatory diagram of the output value in the case of measuring the color of the test body shown in A. Figure 7 C is showing Figure 7 A graph showing the measurement results of test body No. 2 shown in A. Figure 7 D is showing Figure 7 A graph showing the measurement results of test body No. 3 shown in A.

[0028] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the color measuring device exemplified as another embodiment.

[0029] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0030] 1. 31: Color measurement device; 2: Main body; 3: Holding member; 5: Recess; 6: Groove; 7: Liquid crystal display; 8: Battery; 10: Control substrate; 11A: Control IC; 11B: Power control IC; 12A - 12G: Light-emitting elements; 13A - 13E: Color sensors; 14: Diffuser plate; 21, 21A, 21B: Control units; 22: Display unit; 23: Light source unit; 24: Detection unit; 25: Operation unit; 26: Power control unit; 32: Processing terminal; 35, 36: Power / communication unit; S: Specimen to be measured. Detailed implementation mode

[0031] Next, exemplary implementation modes will be given to explain the color measurement device of the present disclosure. It should be noted that in the following description, based on the six views of the color measurement device, the direction in which the part appearing in the front view faces is defined as the front, the direction in which the part appearing in the rear view faces is defined as the rear, the direction in which the part appearing in the left view faces is defined as the left, the direction in which the part appearing in the right view faces is defined as the right, the direction in which the part appearing in the top view faces is defined as the upper, and the direction in which the part appearing in the bottom view faces is defined as the lower. In addition, these directions are indicated by arrows in the figures.

[0032] [Configuration of color measurement device]

[0033] As shown in Figure 1 A - Figure 1 C, the color measurement device 1 includes a main body 2 and a holding member 3. The holding member 3 is a member for holding the specimen to be measured S. A recess 5 for accommodating the specimen to be measured S is formed on the upper surface of the holding member 3. The shape of the specimen to be measured S is a shape that can be exactly accommodated in the recess 5 of the holding member 3. In other words, it is configured such that the shape of the outer side surface of the specimen to be measured S is the same as the shape of the inner side surface of the recess 5. Therefore, when the specimen to be measured S is held by the holding member 3, as long as the specimen to be measured S is accommodated in the recess 5, the relative position of the specimen to be measured S and the holding member 3 can be positioned at the same relative position.

[0034] A groove 6 into which the holding member 3 can be inserted is provided on the front surface of the main body 2. The groove 6 is a hole portion or a groove portion formed in the main body 2. The groove 6 has a predetermined depth. The length in the vertical direction and the length in the horizontal direction of the holding member 3 are set to be substantially the same as the length in the vertical direction and the length in the horizontal direction of the groove 6.

[0035] When the holding member 3 is inserted into the groove 6, the detection body S and the holding member 3 are attached to the main body portion 2. When the holding member 3 is inserted into the groove 6, the relative positions of the holding member 3 and the detection body S with respect to the main body portion 2 can be positioned at the same relative position as long as the holding member 3 is pushed until it abuts against the deep part of the groove 6. That is, the holding member 3 is in a state of abutting against the deep part of the groove 6, in other words, the holding member 3 is in a state of contacting the deep part of the groove 6. The color measuring device 1 performs measurement as described later in this state.

[0036] A liquid crystal display 7 is provided on the upper surface of the main body portion 2.

[0037] As Figure 2 shown in A, a battery 8 and a control substrate 10 are built in the main body portion 2. As Figure 2 shown in A and Figure 2 B, a control IC (integrated circuit) 11A, a power supply control IC 11B, etc. are mounted on the upper surface of the control substrate 10. As Figure 2 shown in B and Figure 2 C, seven light emitting elements 12A to 12G and five color sensors 13A to 13E, etc. are mounted on the lower surface of the control substrate 10. A diffuser plate 14 is disposed directly below the light emitting elements 12A to 12G. When the detection body S is held by the holding member 3 and the holding member 3 is inserted into the main body portion 2, the detection body S held by the holding member 3 is disposed at a position directly below the color sensors 13A to 13E and the diffuser plate 14.

[0038] In the case of the present embodiment, white LEDs (light emitting diodes) are used as the light emitting elements 12A to 12G. The color sensors 13A to 13E are light receiving devices (for example, electronic circuits) that receive reflected light from the measurement site and output the color of the measurement site as RGB values. In the case of the present embodiment, the five color sensors 13A to 13E are respectively opposed to five measurement sites on the surface of the detection body S, and have a function of receiving reflected light from the five measurement sites respectively and detecting the colors of the five measurement sites respectively. The five color sensors 13A to 13E are arranged in a row at an interval of 2 mm.

[0039] The diffuser plate 14 has the function of scattering the light from the light-emitting elements 12A to 12G incident from the upper surface side inside and emitting the scattered light from the lower surface side. If such a diffuser plate 14 is provided, the seven point light sources composed of the seven light-emitting elements 12A to 12G can be converted into a surface light source composed of the diffuser plate 14. As a result, the entire detection object S can be irradiated with more uniform light with suppressed light source unevenness from this surface light source. The main body portion 2 is configured to shield the detection object S from the influence of light from outside the color measurement device 1 when the holding member 3 and the detection object S are attached to the main body portion 2. Therefore, when measuring the color of the detection object S, only the light from the diffuser plate 14 is irradiated onto the detection object S.

[0040] As Figure 3 shown, the color measurement device 1 includes a control unit 21, a display unit 22, a light source unit 23, a detection unit 24, an operation unit 25, and a power supply control unit 26. The control unit 21 is composed of the above-mentioned control IC 11A and the like. The display unit 22 is composed of the above-mentioned liquid crystal display 7 and the like. The light source unit 23 is composed of the above-mentioned light-emitting elements 12A to 12G and the diffuser plate 14 and the like. The detection unit 24 is composed of the above-mentioned color sensors 13A to 13E and the like. The operation unit 25 is composed of an input device that can be operated by the user (for example, operation buttons, touch panels, etc.). The power supply control unit 26 is composed of the above-mentioned power supply control IC 11B and the like.

[0041] [Measurement Process]

[0042] Next, based on Figure 4 the measurement process executed by the control unit 21 of the color measurement device 1 when using the color measurement device 1 will be described. This measurement process is a process executed when the power switch of the color measurement device 1 is turned on.

[0043] When starting the measurement process, the control unit 21 determines whether the calibration has been completed (S10). In S10, after the power switch is turned on, if the following S20 to S90 have been executed, it is determined that the calibration has been completed, and if S20 to S90 have not been executed, it is determined that the calibration has not been completed. In S10, when it is determined that the calibration has not been completed (S10: No), the control unit 21 performs the measurement of the standard sample (black) (S20).

[0044] The standard sample (black) mentioned here refers to a sample for which the output value (RGB value) in the color measurement device 1 should be (0, 0, 0) when measured with the color measurement device 1. The user sets the standard sample (black) in the color measurement device 1 and performs a color measurement operation through the operation unit 25. Thereby, S20 is executed, and the measurement of the standard sample (black) is performed.

[0045] Next, the control unit 21 sets the output value (RGB value) corresponding to the measurement result (R0, G0, B0) in S20 to (0, 0, 0) (S30). Even when measuring the same standard sample (black), the measurement result (R0, G0, B0) in S20 may have some deviations due to external main factors (such as environmental temperature, etc.). However, the measurement result (R0, G0, B0) in S20 is guaranteed to be the measurement result of the standard sample (black).

[0046] Therefore, in S30, the measurement result (R0, G0, B0) in S20 is made to correspond to the output value (0, 0, 0). In subsequent processing, if the same measurement result (R0, G0, B0) is obtained and the output value (0, 0, 0) is output, an output value that excludes the influence caused by external main factors can be output.

[0047] Next, the control unit 21 performs the measurement of the standard sample (white) (S40). The standard sample (white) mentioned here refers to a sample for which the output value in the color measuring device 1 should be (255, 255, 255) when measured by the color measuring device 1. The user sets the standard sample (white) in the color measuring device 1 and performs a color measurement operation through the operation unit 25. Thereby, S40 is executed to perform the measurement of the standard sample (white).

[0048] Next, the control unit 21 sets the output value corresponding to the measurement result (R255, G255, B255) in S40 to (255, 255, 255) (S50). Even when measuring the same standard sample (white), the measurement result (R255, G255, B255) in S40 may have some deviations due to external main factors (such as environmental temperature, etc.). However, the measurement result (R255, G255, B255) in S40 is guaranteed to be the measurement result of the standard sample (white).

[0049] Therefore, in S50, the measurement result (R255, G255, B255) in S40 is made to correspond to the output value (255, 255, 255). In subsequent processing, if the same measurement result (R255, G255, B255) is obtained and the output value (255, 255, 255) is output, an output value that excludes the influence caused by external main factors can be output.

[0050] In addition, when the measurement results (Rx, Gx, Bx) as intermediate values are obtained, for each of the R value, G value, and B value, interpolation is performed between the measurement results (R0, G0, B0) and the measurement results (R255, G255, B255). Based on this interpolation value, the output values (x, y, z) corresponding to the measurement results (Rx, Gy, Bz) can be obtained. It should be noted that the measurement results (Rx, Gx, Bx) as intermediate values are the values between the measurement results (R0, G0, B0) corresponding to the output value (0, 0, 0) and the measurement results (R255, G255, B255) corresponding to the output value (255, 255, 255).

[0051] Next, the control unit 21 performs the measurement of the test sample (S60). The test sample mentioned here refers to a sample for which the output value in the color measuring device 1 should be a known RGB value when measured by the color measuring device 1. In the case of this embodiment, a sample for which the output value in the color measuring device 1 should be (50, 50, 100) is used as the test sample. In other words, the test sample is a sample in which at least one of the R value, G value, and B value is set to a value intermediate between the value of the standard sample (black) and the value of the standard sample (white). The user sets the test sample in the color measuring device 1 and performs a color measurement operation through the operation unit 25. Thereby, S60 is executed to perform the measurement of the test sample.

[0052] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether the output value is (50, 50, 100) (S70). If the output value is (50, 50, 100) (S70: Yes), the calibration is completed (S90), and the process returns to S10. On the other hand, if the output value is not (50, 50, 100) (S70: No), a correction value is set (S80), and the process returns to S40. Thereby, the processing steps after S40 are executed again.

[0053] When returning from S90 to S10, if it is determined in S10 that the calibration is completed (S10: Yes), the control unit 21 starts color measurement (S100). After the color measurement started in S100 is completed, the control unit 21 outputs the detected RGB value (S110). In S110, the RGB value is displayed on the display unit 22. However, the output method of the RGB value is not limited to display output, and may also be print output, file output, data transmission to a communication target device, etc.

[0054] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether to end the process (S120). In S120, if there is no unoutputted output value, it is determined that the process ends; if there is an unoutputted output value, it is determined that the process does not end. In S120, when it is determined that the process does not end (S120: No), the process returns to S110 to output the unoutputted RGB value (S110). On the other hand, in S120, when it is determined that the process ends (S120: Yes), the Figure 4 measurement process shown ends.

[0055] [Measurement Example (Part 1)]

[0056] Figure 5 Figure A shows an example in which the entire test object S changes color over time. Figure 5 Figure B shows the output values when the color of the test object S shown in Figure 5 Figure A is measured by the color measuring device 1. It should be noted that for the convenience of illustration, in Figure 5 Figure Figure 6 Figure Figure 7 Figure A, the change in the color of the test object S is represented by changing the size of the dots. However, in the actual test object S, the color of the test object S changes, and there are no dots on the actual test object S.

[0057] In Figure 5 the example shown in Figure A, the test object S changes color in the order of progressing from No. 1 to No. 7 over time. The color sensors 13A to 13E measure the color of the test object S at the positions shown together in Figure 5 Figure A. In this example, the entire color change of the test object S proceeds uniformly. Therefore, the output values of the color sensors 13A to 13E for each of the samples No. 1 to No. 7 are the same output value.

[0058] [Measurement Example (Part 2)]

[0059] Figure 6 Figure A shows an example in which the test object S changes color over time from one end to the other end. Figure 6 Figure B shows the output values when the color of the test object S shown in Figure 6 Figure A is measured by the color measuring device 1.

[0060] In this example, the test object S changes color in the order of progressing from No. 1 to No. 7 over time. The color sensors 13A to 13E are at the positions shown together in Figure 6The color of the detection element S at the position in A is measured. In this example, the color change of the detection element S proceeds over time from one end toward the other end. Therefore, regarding the output values of the color sensors 13A to 13E for the specimens No. 1 to No. 7 respectively, the color change timing is later the closer to the color sensor 13A side, and the color change timing is earlier the closer to the color sensor 13E side.

[0061] [Measurement Example (the Third)]

[0062] Figure 7 A is a diagram showing an example in which a part of the detection element S changes color and the color change region expands over time. Figure 7 B is the output value when measuring Figure 7 the color of the detection element S shown in A with the color measuring device 1. Figure 7 C is showing Figure 7 a graph of the measurement result of the detection element No. 2 shown in A. Figure 7 D is showing Figure 7 a graph of the measurement result of the detection element No. 3 shown in A. It should be noted that for the convenience of illustration, in Figure 7 A, the color of the detection element S is represented by black and white binary values, but in the actual detection element S, there are hues such as Figure 7 the RGB values shown in B.

[0063] In this example, the color change of the detection element S proceeds in the order from No. 1 to No. 3 over time. The color sensors 13A to 13E measure the color of the detection element S at the positions shown together in Figure 7 A. In this example, the color change of the detection element S proceeds over time from near the center toward both ends. If the output values shown in Figure 7 B are used, the length of the color change region of the detection element S can be calculated. As a specific example, first, using Figure 7 the RGB values shown in B, each RGB value is transformed into a grayscale value. The transformation to the grayscale value can be performed, for example, using the following [Formula 1].

[0064] [Formula 1]

[0065] Grayscale value = R value × 0.3 + G value × 0.59 + B value × 0.11

[0066] Figure 7 The graph shown in C is the graph in the case where the measurement result of the detection element No. 2 is transformed into a grayscale value. Figure 7 The graph shown in D is the graph in the case where the measurement result of the detection element No. 3 is transformed into a grayscale value.

[0067] In Figure 7In the case of the graph shown in C, color change is detected by two color sensors 13B and 13C. In this case, among the color sensors 13B and 13C that detect color change, the distance between the sensors at the farthest positions is 2 mm, and the minimum distance between the sensors is 2 mm. Therefore, the sum of these distances is the length of 4 mm of the color change region of the detection object S.

[0068] In Figure 7 In the case of the graph shown in D, color change is detected by three color sensors 13B, 13C, and 13D. In this case, among the color sensors 13B to 13D that detect color change, the distance between the sensors at the farthest positions is 4 mm, and the minimum distance between the sensors is 2 mm. Therefore, the sum of these distances is the length of 6 mm of the color change region of the detection object S.

[0069] [Effect]

[0070] According to the color measurement device 1 described above, by attaching the detection object S to the main body portion 2, the relative positions of the detection object S with respect to the main body portion 2, the light source portion 23, and the detection portion 24 can be positioned at the same relative position. Therefore, as Figure 5 A to Figure 7 As exemplified in A, in the case of measuring the color of the detection object S multiple times, positioning can be performed such that the measurement target portion on the detection object S in each measurement becomes exactly the same portion. Therefore, for example, in the case of measuring the color of the detection object S whose color changes over time multiple times, the color change of the same portion can be detected.

[0071] In addition, according to the color measurement device 1 described above, a plurality of color sensors 13A to 13E are arranged at intervals of 2 mm. Therefore, for example, as Figure 6 A to Figure 7 As exemplified in A, in the case where the color change region of the detection object S gradually changes, by measuring the color of the detection object S multiple times, it is possible to detect the extent to which the color change region has progressed.

[0072] In addition, according to the color measurement device 1 described above, when the detection object S is attached to the main body portion 2, the main body portion 2 shields the detection object S from the influence of light from outside the color measurement device 1. Therefore, when measuring the color of the detection object S, the influence of light from outside the color measurement device 1 can be excluded.

[0073] In addition, according to the color measurement device 1 described above, after the light emitted from one or more light emitting elements 12A to 12G is scattered by the diffuser plate 14, the detection object S is irradiated with this light. Therefore, compared with the case where there is no diffuser plate 14, the detection object S can be irradiated with light uniformly.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the colorimetric device 1, when the test object S is held by the holder 3 and the holder 3 is inserted into the groove 6, the test object S and the holder 3 are attached to the main body 2. Therefore, for example, in the case where the test object S can be always held by the holder 3, it is sufficient to only attach and detach the holder 3 to the main body 2, and compared with the case where the test object S itself needs to be attached and detached, it is possible to suppress the application of an unnecessary load to the test object S.

[0075] Moreover, according to the above-mentioned colorimetric device 1, the color of the test body S can be measured and the measurement result can be output as an RGB value. In addition, the color change of the same part of the surface of the test body S can be obtained. Moreover, the range of the color change area can be detected, and an output value that can estimate the length of the color change area can be obtained. Therefore, if it is such a colorimetric device 1, it can be expected to be used in the purpose of sensing various phenomena accompanied by color change. As specific uses, for example, it is envisaged to confirm the color unevenness of resin molded products, investigate foreign matter in thermal conductive sheets, sense abnormal film thickness of coatings, analyze color change of pH test paper, confirm color abnormality of metal plating, determine whether the metal surface is treated, and sense color change caused by metal corrosion.

[0076] [Other embodiments]

[0077] The colorimetric device 1 has been described above by way of example, but the above-mentioned example is merely an example of one aspect of the present disclosure. That is, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and can be implemented in various ways within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0078] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an integrated colorimetric device 1 is shown as an example, but a part of the structure may be separated from the remaining structure. Figure 8 As shown, the color measuring device 31 and the processing terminal 32 may also be separate. Figure 8 In the example shown, the colorimetric device 31 includes a control unit 21A, a light source unit 23, a detection unit 24, and a power supply / communication unit 35. The processing terminal 32 includes a control unit 21B, a display unit 22, an operation unit 25, and a power supply / communication unit 36.

[0079] The processing terminal 32 is, for example, a general-purpose device such as a personal computer or a smart phone. The light source unit 23, the detection unit 24, the display unit 22, and the operation unit 25 are respectively the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment. The control units 21A and 21B are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment in that they control their respective control objects. The power supply / communication units 35 and 36 can be any device having both a power supply function and a communication function, such as a USB interface device.

[0080] When operating the color measuring device 31, if an operation of the operation unit 25 is performed, a command corresponding to the operation is transmitted from the processing terminal 32 to the color measuring device 31 via the power supply / communication units 35 and 36. The measurement result of the color measured by the detection unit 24 is transmitted from the color measuring device 31 to the processing terminal 32 via the power supply / communication units 35 and 36.

[0081] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the detection unit 24 is composed of five color sensors 13A to 13E is shown, but the number of color sensors is not limited. Specifically, as long as there is one or more color sensors. However, when it is desired to detect a change in the length of the color-changing region, it is preferable to provide two or more color sensors. When it is desired to improve the resolution of the detection range, the more color sensors, the better. For example, in the above-described color measuring device 1, a configuration in which the color sensors 13B and 13D are omitted and three color sensors 13A, 13C, and 13E are provided may also be employed. Alternatively, in the above-described color measuring device 1, a configuration in which the color sensors 13A, 13B, 13D, and 13E are omitted and one color sensor 13C is provided may also be employed.

[0082] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the light source unit 23 is composed of seven light-emitting elements 12A to 12G and the diffuser plate 14 is shown, but whether or not to provide the diffuser plate 14 is arbitrary. In addition, whether or not to use LEDs as the light-emitting elements 12A to 12G is also arbitrary.

[0083] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the main body unit 2 is configured to shield the detection object S from external light. However, if the color measuring device 1 is used in an environment where the influence of external light is not too large, whether or not the main body unit 2 has a structure for shielding external light is also arbitrary.

[0084] It should be noted that multiple functions achieved by one component exemplified in the above-described embodiment can be achieved by multiple components. One function achieved by one component exemplified in the above-described embodiment can also be achieved by multiple components. Multiple functions achieved by multiple components exemplified in the above-described embodiment can be achieved by one component. One function achieved by multiple components exemplified in the above-described embodiment can also be achieved by one component. A part of the configuration exemplified in the above-described embodiment can also be omitted. It is also possible to add or replace at least a part of the configuration exemplified in one embodiment in the above-described embodiment with the configuration exemplified in the above-described embodiment other than this one embodiment.

[0085] [Technical idea disclosed in this specification]

[0086] [Item 1]

[0087] A color measuring device configured to measure the color of a test object, comprising:

[0088] A main body configured to attach the test object;

[0089] A light source unit configured to irradiate the test object with light when the test object is attached to the main body; and

[0090] A detection unit configured to receive the reflected light from the test object when the test object is attached to the main body, and detect the color of the test object by receiving the reflected light,

[0091] The color measuring device is configured such that when the test object is attached to the main body, the relative positions of the test object with respect to the main body, the light source unit, and the detection unit are positioned at the same relative position.

[0092] [Item 2]

[0093] The color measuring device according to Item 1, wherein

[0094] The detection unit includes a plurality of color sensors,

[0095] The plurality of color sensors are configured to receive the reflected light from respective ones of a plurality of measurement sites located on the surface of the test object and detect the color of each of the plurality of measurement sites.

[0096] [Item 3]

[0097] The color measuring device according to Item 1 or Item 2, wherein

[0098] The main body is configured to shield the test object from light from outside the color measuring device when the test object is attached to the main body.

[0099] [Item 4]

[0100] The color measuring device according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein

[0101] The light source unit includes one or more light emitting elements and a diffuser plate that diffuses the light emitted by the one or more light emitting elements, and is configured to irradiate the test object with the light diffused by the diffuser plate.

[0102] [Item 5]

[0103] The color measuring device according to any one of Items 1 to 4, wherein

[0104] A holding member capable of holding the test object is provided,

[0105] The main body has a groove into which the holding member can be inserted, and is configured such that when the holding member holding the detection body is inserted into the groove, the detection body and the holding member are attached to the main body portion.

Claims

1. A color measuring device configured to measure the color of a test object, the color measuring device comprising: A main body configured to be able to attach the test object; A light source unit configured to irradiate light to the test object when the test object is attached to the main body; and A detection unit configured to receive the reflected light from the test object when the test object is attached to the main body, and detect the color of the test object by receiving the reflected light, The color measuring device is configured such that when the test object is attached to the main body, the relative positions of the test object with respect to the main body, the light source unit, and the detection unit are positioned at the same relative position.

2. The color measuring device according to claim 1, wherein The detection unit includes a plurality of color sensors, The plurality of color sensors are configured to receive the reflected light from respective ones of a plurality of measurement sites located on the surface of the test object and detect the color of each of the plurality of measurement sites.

3. The color measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The main body is configured to shield the test object from light from outside the color measuring device when the test object is attached to the main body.

4. The color measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The light source unit includes one or more light emitting elements and a diffuser plate that diffuses the light emitted by the one or more light emitting elements, and is configured to irradiate the light diffused by the diffuser plate to the test object.

5. The color measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein A holding member configured to be able to hold the test object is provided, The main body is configured to have a slot into which the holding member can be inserted, and when the holding member holding the test object is inserted into the slot, the test object and the holding member are attached to the main body.

Images