Processing system, soft magnetic material, soft magnetic intermediate material, transformer, processing method, and program

Abstract

The processing device (200) derives magnetic domain information in the pixels (520) to be compared in the region (510) to be compared on the basis of the result of comparison between the region to be compared and the template image (410).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing system, a soft magnetic material, a soft magnetic intermediate material, a transformer, a processing method, and a program. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-032148 filed in Japan on March 2, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] In the past, magnetic domain information in magnetic materials such as oriented electromagnetic steel sheets and non-oriented electromagnetic steel sheets was used to estimate the characteristics of the magnetic materials, and was important in the evaluation of magnetic materials. Magnetic domain information is information that represents the characteristics of the magnetic domain. Magnetic domain information includes, for example, at least one of the width of the magnetic domain and the direction in which the magnetic domain extends (in the following description, the width of the magnetic domain is referred to as the magnetic domain width, and the direction in which the magnetic domain extends is referred to as the magnetic domain direction, as needed). For example, the magnetic domain width is a factor that has a significant impact on the abnormal eddy current loss of the magnetic material. The iron loss of the magnetic material can be estimated based on the distribution of the magnetic domain width in the magnetic material. Such magnetic domain information can also be obtained from the analysis of the magnetic domain image (see Patent Document 1). The magnetic domain image is an image that is visualized by converting the measurement results of the direction of the magnetic moment at each position in the magnetic material to be evaluated into pixel values. The magnetic domain image is usually an image in the form of a stripe pattern. In the magnetic domain image, the width of the stripes may vary depending on the position in the magnetic domain image, the width of the stripes may switch irregularly in the magnetic domain image, or the magnetic domain image may contain noise such as unclear parts (see the following). Figure 3 ). It is not easy to obtain magnetic domain information of such a place in the magnetic domain image. Therefore, a technology is required to obtain magnetic domain information from the magnetic domain image without being affected by these factors as much as possible.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses the following. First, a plurality of partial regions (quadrilateral regions) corresponding to different positions in the magnetic domain image are cut out from a magnetic domain image. A two-dimensional Fourier transform is performed on each of the partial regions cut out from the magnetic domain image to calculate the spatial frequency component of each partial region. Then, based on this spatial frequency component, the magnetic domain width and magnetic domain direction are calculated.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-169979 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the accuracy of magnetic domain information is limited by the resolution due to Nyquist's sampling theorem because Fourier transform is performed. In addition, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, if the pixel value in the magnetic domain image changes periodically, it is possible that a position that is not a magnetic domain is identified as a magnetic domain. Specifically, the width of a stripe that exists locally due to noise, etc., may be calculated as the magnetic domain width (for details about stripes that exist locally due to noise, etc., refer to the following description). Figure 6 Therefore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 may be greatly affected by the above factors. Therefore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that accurate information may not be obtained as magnetic domain information.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to derive magnetic domain information from a magnetic domain image with higher accuracy.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] The processing system disclosed herein is a processing system for deriving magnetic domain information of a magnetic domain image of a processing object, and the processing system comprises: a comparison unit, which compares a compared area in the magnetic domain image of the processing object with one or more template images as images having the magnetic domain information; and a magnetic domain information deriving unit, which derives the magnetic domain information in the compared area based on a result of the comparison, wherein there are multiple template images compared with the compared area by the comparison unit, and the multiple template images have different magnetic domain information from each other.

[0012] Furthermore, the processing system of the present disclosure may include a processing unit that performs processing based on the magnetic domain information derived by the magnetic domain information deriving unit.

[0013] In this case, the magnetic domain information may also include the magnetic domain width. Alternatively, the processing unit may derive information representing the frequency distribution (frequency distribution) of the magnetic domain width derived using one or more magnetic domain images as the magnetic domain image to be processed. Alternatively, the processing unit may perform processing for adjusting the magnetic domain width of the soft magnetic material based on the information representing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width. Alternatively, the processing unit may perform processing for adjusting the magnetic domain width of the soft magnetic material based on a representative value of the magnetic domain width in the information representing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width. The representative value may also be a mode.

[0014] In the soft magnetic material of the present disclosure, in the information indicating the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width derived by the processing unit included in the processing system, the mode of the magnetic domain width is 200 μm or more and less than 400 μm.

[0015] The soft magnetic intermediate material disclosed herein is used for producing the soft magnetic material, wherein the mode of the magnetic domain width in the information indicating the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width derived by the processing unit included in the processing system is 700 μm or greater.

[0016] The transformer of the present invention includes an iron core comprising the soft magnetic material.

[0017] The processing method disclosed herein is a processing method for deriving magnetic domain information of a magnetic domain image of a processing object, the processing method comprising: a comparison process, comparing a compared area in the magnetic domain image of the processing object with one or more template images as images having the magnetic domain information; and a magnetic domain information derivation process, deriving the magnetic domain information in the compared area based on the result of the comparison, wherein in the comparison process, there are multiple template images that can be compared with the compared area, and the multiple template images have different magnetic domain information from each other.

[0018] The program disclosed herein causes a computer to function as each unit of the processing system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a first example of the configuration of a processing system.

[0020] Figure 2A This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a processing device.

[0021] Figure 2B This is a diagram showing a first example of the functional structure of the processing device.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a magnetic domain image.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a first example of a template image group.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a diagram conceptually showing an example of a method of comparing a comparison target region with a template image.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a diagram explaining that a region that is not a magnetic domain is difficult to detect as a magnetic domain.

[0026] Figure 7A This is a flowchart illustrating a first example of the processing method.

[0027] Figure 7B It is a continuation Figure 7A Flowchart of the process.

[0028] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a second example of the template image group.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a second example of the functional structure of the processing device.

[0030] Figure 10A This is a diagram showing an example of a histogram of magnetic domain width.

[0031] Figure 10B This is a diagram showing an example of a function of the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the processing method.

[0033] Figure 12A 3 is a diagram showing a magnetic domain image used in this calculation example.

[0034] Figure 12B This is a diagram showing the calculation results of the magnetic domain width in this calculation example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following describes the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the lengths, positions, sizes, intervals, and other objects of comparison are identical, and in addition to strictly identical objects, these also include objects that differ within the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., objects that differ within the scope of tolerances determined during design).

[0036] (First embodiment)

[0037] First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a processing system. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the processing system of the present embodiment creates a magnetic domain image of a magnetic body S, and based on the magnetic domain image, derives magnetic domain information of a portion of the magnetic body S corresponding to the magnetic domain image. Magnetic domain information is information that represents the characteristics of a magnetic domain. Magnetic domain information includes, for example, information on at least one of the magnetic domain width and the magnetic domain direction. In the present embodiment, the case where the magnetic domain information is quantitative information (numerical information) is exemplified. However, the magnetic domain information may also be qualitative information (information other than numerical values ​​(for example, information indicating a degree of length or shortness)). In addition, the magnetic domain information may also be information that can be determined at a single moment.

[0039] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, a case where the processing system includes the magnetic domain image acquisition device 100 and the processing device 200 is exemplified.

[0040] <Magnetic Domain Image Acquisition Device 100>

[0041] The magnetic domain image acquisition device 100 is a device for acquiring a magnetic domain image of a magnetic body S. In the magnetic domain image, the orientation of the magnetic moment measured at each position in the measurement object area of ​​the magnetic body S is converted into a value corresponding to the orientation. The value of each pixel of the magnetic domain image (pixel value) is represented by a value corresponding to the orientation of the magnetic moment measured at the position corresponding to the pixel. The pixel value of each pixel contained in the magnetic domain image takes any one of two or more values ​​(grayscale values) that can distinguish the orientations of different magnetic moments, or two or more values ​​(grayscale values) that can distinguish the degree of difference between the orientations of different magnetic moments. In Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , a case where the magnetic domain image acquisition device 100 includes a light source 110 , a polarizer 120 , an analyzer 130 , an optical system 140 , a magneto-optical element 150 , and a camera 160 is illustrated.

[0042] The light source 110 includes, for example, a light emitting diode and outputs light.

[0043] The polarizer 120 transmits light (linearly polarized light L1 ) having the same polarization plane among the light output from the light source 110 . The linearly polarized light L1 is irradiated onto the magneto-optical element 150 .

[0044] The magneto-optical element 150 is an element (sensor) that uses the Faraday effect to detect the structure of a magnetic body S. The magneto-optical element 150 includes, for example, a transparent substrate, a magneto-optical film, and a reflective film. The magneto-optical film and the reflective film are sequentially laminated on the transparent substrate. Magneto-optical elements are also referred to as MO sensors.

[0045] A magnetic substance S is disposed on the reflective film side of the magneto-optical element 150. A leakage magnetic field corresponding to the orientation of the magnetic moment within the magnetic substance S is generated. This leakage magnetic field is applied to the magneto-optical film of the magneto-optical element 150. The polarization plane of linearly polarized light L1 entering the magneto-optical element 150 from the transparent substrate side undergoes Faraday rotation in the magneto-optical film at an angle corresponding to the magnitude of the leakage magnetic field from the magnetic substance S (this angle is referred to as the Faraday rotation angle). The light with the rotated polarization plane is reflected by the reflective film. The polarization plane of the light reflected by the reflective film undergoes Faraday rotation again in the magneto-optical film. Thus, reflected light L2, whose polarization plane is rotated according to the magnitude of the leakage magnetic field from the magnetic substance S, is emitted from the magneto-optical element 150 toward the camera 160.

[0046] The polarizer 120 and analyzer 130 are arranged so that their transmission axes are orthogonal to each other (crossed Nicol). After being imaged by an optical system 140 including an imaging lens, the reflected light L2 is incident on the analyzer 130. Of the light incident on the analyzer 130, light with an intensity corresponding to the Faraday rotation angle of the polarization plane of the reflected light L2 is transmitted through the analyzer 130 and incident on the camera 160.

[0047] Camera 160 includes, for example, an image sensor and an image processing circuit. In this embodiment, light of an intensity corresponding to the direction of the leakage magnetic field from the magnetic body S is incident on the light-receiving element of the image sensor. The image sensor converts the light incident on the light-receiving element into an electrical signal. The image processing circuit performs known image processing for generating an image signal on the electrical signals corresponding to the light incident on each light-receiving element of the image sensor, thereby producing a magnetic domain image having pixel values ​​corresponding to the direction of the magnetic moment of the magnetic body S.

[0048] The image sensor may include a CMOS image sensor (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor), a CCD image sensor (Charge Coupled Device), or other image sensors. In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the magnetic domain image is a two-dimensional image is exemplified. Therefore, the image sensor provided by the camera 160 is preferably an area sensor in which a plurality of light-receiving elements are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. However, this is not necessarily required. For example, the image sensor provided by the camera 160 may be a linear sensor in which a plurality of light-receiving elements are arranged in a straight line. In the case where the image sensor provided by the camera 160 is a linear sensor, for example, a two-dimensional magnetic domain image can be obtained by scanning the linear sensor in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the plurality of light-receiving elements.

[0049] The magnetic domain image of the magnetic body (soft magnetic material) of the object for obtaining the magnetic domain image is captured after the magnetic body is demagnetized. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the magnetic flux density in the magnetic body decays according to the following formula (1) during demagnetization. In this case, the magnetic body is demagnetized within 30 seconds. Therefore, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the magnetic domain image acquisition device 100 captures (acquires) the magnetic domain image at a timed interval of 30 seconds after the start of the decay of the magnetic flux density as shown in the following formula (1). In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the magnetic domain image is assumed to be captured at such a timed interval.

[0050] B=1.9e -0.2t cos0.75πt…(1)

[0051] Here, B is the magnetic flux density (T), and t is the time (sec).

[0052] In addition, the magnetic domain image acquisition device 100 can be realized by a known technology described in Patent Document 1. Therefore, the magnetic domain image acquisition device 100 is not limited to a device having Figure 1In addition, if a magnetic domain image having pixel values ​​corresponding to the direction of the magnetic moment of each measurement position in the measurement target area such as the magnetic body S can be obtained, it is not necessary to follow the reference Figure 1 The principle described is used to obtain magnetic domain images.

[0053] <Processing Device 200>

[0054] The processing device 200 performs the following processing, including the following processing: based on the magnetic domain image obtained by the magnetic domain image acquisition device 100, the magnetic domain information of a part or all of the magnetic body S is derived. The magnetic body S is, for example, a soft magnetic body such as a directional electromagnetic steel sheet or a non-directional electromagnetic steel sheet. The shape of the magnetic body S may be plate-shaped or non-plate-shaped. Figure 2A This is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the processing device 200 .

[0055] The processing device 200 includes, as hardware, one or more hardware processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and one or more memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The processing device 200 performs various operations by, for example, executing one or more programs stored in the memory using one or more hardware processors.

[0056] Furthermore, regarding the processing device 200, the input device 220 and the output device 230 are connected to the processing device 200 so as to be communicable therewith. The communication between the processing device 200 and the input device 220 and the output device 230 may be wired communication or wireless communication. In addition, the processing device 200 may also include the input device 220 and the output device 230.

[0057] Alternatively, the processing device 200 may be implemented by dedicated hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0058] The hardware of the processing device 200 may also be as follows, for example Figure 2A As shown in the following example. Figure 2A In FIG, the processing device 200 includes a CPU 2001 , a main storage device 2002 , an auxiliary storage device 2003 , a communication circuit 2004 , a signal processing circuit 2005 , an image processing circuit 2006 , an I / F circuit 2007 , and a bus 2008 .

[0059] CPU 2001 comprehensively controls the entire processing unit 200. CPU 2001 uses main storage device 2002 as a work area to execute programs stored in auxiliary storage device 2003. Main storage device 2002 temporarily stores data. Auxiliary storage device 2003 stores various data in addition to programs executed by CPU 2001.

[0060] The communication circuit 2004 is a circuit for communicating with the outside of the processing device 200. The communication circuit 2004 can communicate with the outside of the processing device 200 wirelessly, by wire, or via a network.

[0061] The signal processing circuit 2005 performs various signal processing on the signal received by the communication circuit 2004 and the signal input according to the control of the CPU 2001 .

[0062] The image processing circuit 2006 performs various image processing on the signal inputted under the control of the CPU 2001. The signal subjected to the image processing is outputted to the output device 230 (display), for example.

[0063] The I / F circuit 2007 exchanges data with the devices connected to the I / F circuit 2007. For example, there are Figure 2A At least one of the input device 220 and the output device 230 shown. However, the device connected to the I / F circuit 2007 is not limited thereto.

[0064] Furthermore, the CPU 2001, the main storage device 2002, the auxiliary storage device 2003, the signal processing circuit 2005, the image processing circuit 2006, and the I / F circuit 2007 are connected to a bus 2008. Communication between these components is performed via the bus 2008. The hardware of the processing device 110 is not limited as long as it can realize the functions of the processing device 200. Figure 2A For example, a GPU may be used as a processor instead of the CPU 2001 or in addition to the CPU 2001 .

[0065] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the processing device 200 will be described.

[0066] <<Acquisition Unit 211>>

[0067] The acquisition unit 211 acquires a magnetic domain image and pre-acquired information of a processing target. The pre-acquired information is information that the processing device 200 needs to acquire in advance in order to derive magnetic domain information of the magnetic body S. In this embodiment, the pre-acquired information includes template setting information and threshold information.

[0068] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 211 acquires the magnetic domain image created by the camera 160 from the input device 220. In this embodiment, the camera 160 and the input device 220 perform wired communication via a communication cable.

[0069] In this case, the input device 220 includes a receiving device. In this embodiment, the example of the acquisition unit 211 acquiring the magnetic domain image received by the input device 220 is illustrated. However, the acquisition unit 211 does not necessarily need to acquire the magnetic domain image in this way. For example, the camera 160 may also use a wireless communication device or a wireless communication device (not shown) connected to the camera 160, so that the camera 160 and the input device 220 perform wireless communication, thereby acquiring the magnetic domain image. In addition, the processing device 200 may also include at least a portion of the functions of the camera 160. In this case, the acquisition unit 211 may also acquire the magnetic domain image by creating the magnetic domain image as described above.

[0070] Figure 3 3 is a diagram showing an example of a magnetic domain image 300 . Figure 3 In the figure, the magnetic body S is exemplified as a magnetic domain image 300 of a grain-oriented electromagnetic steel sheet. The following description will be made with the horizontal direction of the magnetic domain image 300 being the x-axis direction and the vertical direction being the y-axis direction. Figure 3 In the figure, for the sake of convenience, the coordinates are displayed at a position away from the magnetic domain image 300. However, in this embodiment, the position of the origin of the coordinate system is the position of the lower left corner of the magnetic domain image 300. Figure 3 In each figure, both the xy two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system and the polar coordinate system (circular coordinate system) are shown. In addition, the origin of the coordinate system is set at the lower left corner of the image. This is also the case for each image other than the magnetic domain image 300 (the template images 410 and 810 described later and the compared area 510).

[0071] In this embodiment, the magnetic domain image 300 is illustrated as a grayscale image (for example, an image having grayscale values ​​of 0 to 255 as pixel values ​​in the case of an 8-bit image). However, the magnetic domain image 300 is not limited to a grayscale image. For example, the magnetic domain image 300 may be a color image or a binary image.

[0072] Figure 3 The magnetic body S shown in the magnetic domain image 300 shown has multiple magnetic domains. In this embodiment, the case where the multiple magnetic domains are arranged roughly along the x-axis direction is illustrated. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the direction of the magnetic moment of the multiple magnetic domains is roughly along the y-axis direction is illustrated. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the direction of the magnetic moment of the multiple magnetic domains is alternately opposite along the x-axis direction is illustrated. That is, Figure 3 There are multiple regions with relatively large grayscale values ​​in the magnetic domain image 300 ( Figure 3 light white areas) and multiple areas with relatively small gray values ​​( Figure 3 The black areas with high concentration are magnetic domains.

[0073] In addition, Figure 3 In the example, each magnetic domain extends approximately along the y-axis direction. Figure 3 In the example, the case where the magnetic domains represented by white and the magnetic domains represented by black are arranged alternately approximately along the x-axis direction is observed. In this case, the boundary of this region (region of concentration inversion) represents a 180° magnetic wall. However, due to factors such as the presence of magnetic domains whose magnetic moments are not parallel to the y-axis and the inclusion of noise in the magnetic domain image 300, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 3 , the pixel values ​​of the magnetic domain image 300 may represent grayscale values ​​other than the minimum grayscale value and the maximum grayscale value, or the magnetic domain direction in the magnetic domain image 300 may not be a certain direction (for example, a direction parallel to the y-axis). Figure 3 As exemplified by the middle region NR, when locally observed, there may be regions that appear to be magnetic domains in the magnetic domain image 300. Furthermore, the magnetic domain image may include 90° magnetic domains in addition to or instead of 180° magnetic domains.

[0074] Return to Figure 2B As described above, in this embodiment, the example acquisition unit 211 acquires template setting information in addition to acquiring the magnetic domain image 300. <<Comparison Unit 213>> As will be described later, in this embodiment, the example processing device 200 compares the compared region of the magnetic domain image 300 with multiple template images. The template setting information is information required to create multiple template images. In addition, the timing at which the acquisition unit 211 acquires the template information is not limited. The acquisition unit 211 can acquire the template information either before or after acquiring the magnetic domain image 300.

[0075] Figure 4 4 is a diagram showing an example of a template image group 400 including a plurality of template images 410. Figure 4 In order to facilitate labeling, only one template image is marked with the label (410). In the following description, the area with a small gray value ( Figure 3 The magnetic domain corresponding to the region with high grayscale value (the region with high grayscale value) is called the first magnetic domain. Figure 3The magnetic domain corresponding to the area with light concentration is called the second magnetic domain. In addition, the first magnetic domain and the second magnetic domain do not need to be defined as such magnetic domains as long as they are magnetic domains with different directions of magnetic moments. For example, the area with large grayscale value ( Figure 3 The magnetic domain corresponding to the area with light grayscale value ( Figure 3 The magnetic domain corresponding to the region with high concentration is set as the second magnetic domain. In this case, Figure 4 In the example below, the density (black and white areas) is reversed. Figure 4 In the description, the first magnetic domain is the white area.

[0076] exist Figure 4 In the example, the case where all template images 410 included in the template image group 400 have the same size and shape is illustrated. Figure 4 In the example, all template images 410 are rectangles with the same length for the long and short sides. The length of the short side of the template image 410 (the length in the x-axis direction) may be, for example, greater than the maximum width assumed as the magnetic domain width of the magnetic body S. In addition, the length of the long side of the template image 410 (the length in the y-axis direction) may be, for example, greater than 1.2 times (preferably greater than 1.5 times) and less than 3 times (preferably less than 2 times) the maximum width assumed as the magnetic domain width of the magnetic body S. However, the shape of the template image 410 is not limited to a rectangle and may be, for example, a square.

[0077] exist Figure 4 In , w is the width of the first magnetic domain (black area) shown in the template image 410. Figure 4 In the example, a case is shown where a plurality of template images having the same magnetic domain width but different magnetic domain directions of the first magnetic domain are included in the template image group 400. Specifically, in Figure 4 In FIG. 4 , a plurality of template images 410 are shown next to w1, in which the magnetic domain width w of the first magnetic domain is the same as w1 but the magnetic domain directions are different from each other. Figure 4 In w2, w3, ..., w p Next to the first magnetic domain, the magnetic domain widths w are shown as w2, w3, ..., w p Template image 410. In addition, Figure 4 In the example template image 410, the maximum magnetic domain width of the first magnetic domain is w1 and the minimum magnetic domain width is w p situation (in Figure 4 In the middle, w1, w p (max) and (min) shown below represent this situation).

[0078] In addition, Figure 4In the example, the magnetic domain width w of the first magnetic domain is w1~w p The case where the width of each of the predetermined width steps Δw is staggered within a range. However, it is not necessary to determine the magnetic domain width w of the first magnetic domain in this way. For example, the width step Δw may not be a constant value. In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the resolution of the magnetic domain width w calculated based on the magnetic domain image 300 is determined by the width step Δw. For example, in a case where improving the accuracy of the magnetic domain width w takes precedence over reducing the calculation load, the width step Δw is reduced. Conversely, in a case where reducing the calculation load of the magnetic domain width w takes precedence over improving the accuracy of the magnetic domain width w, the width step Δw is increased. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the resolution of the magnetic domain width w can be adjusted by the operator, and is therefore not limited by the calculation principle like Nyquist's sampling theorem explained in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the magnetic domain width w of the first magnetic domain can be adjusted by the operator. Therefore, in this embodiment, even when the magnetic domain image 300 includes both wide and narrow domains, the magnetic domain widths w of these domains can be derived without changing the settings used to derive magnetic domain information. In contrast, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when the magnetic domain image 300 includes both wide and narrow domains, if a window function corresponding to the wide domain is set, the narrow domain may not be accurately derived, or may not be derived at all. Therefore, the technique described in Patent Document 1 requires the setting of multiple window functions corresponding to the domain widths.

[0080] exist Figure 4 In the figure, θ is the angle representing the magnetic domain direction of the first magnetic domain (black area) shown in the template image 410. The magnetic domain direction is the direction perpendicular to the magnetic domain width direction in the observation plane (the surface of the template image 410) (in other words, the magnetic domain width direction is the direction perpendicular to the magnetic domain direction in the observation plane). In the following description, the angle representing the magnetic domain direction will be referred to as the magnetic domain angle θ as needed. Figure 4 In the figure, below θ1, the template image 410 is shown in which the magnetic domain angle θ of the first magnetic domain is θ1. Similarly, below θ2, θ3, ..., θ q The magnetic domain angles θ of the first magnetic domain are θ2, θ

[0081] 3. ..., θ q Template image 410. In addition, Figure 4 In the example, the magnetic domain angle θ of the first magnetic domain is represented by the angle (right-hand angle) with the straight line in the positive direction of the x-axis as the starting line and the direction counterclockwise on the paper as the positive direction. In addition, as mentioned above, Figure 4The origin of the coordinate system shown is the position of the lower left corner of each template image 410. Figure 4 In the example, the magnetic domain angle θ1 of the first magnetic domain becomes 90° (in Figure 4 In FIG, the figure next to θ1 (=90°) indicates this case).

[0082] In addition, Figure 4 In the example, the magnetic domain angle θ of the first magnetic domain is shown as an angle that is offset by a predetermined angular step Δθ within a range of 0° to less than 180°. For example, when the angular step Δθ is 5°, the magnetic domain angle θ of the first magnetic domain is 0°, 5°, 10°, ..., 170°, and 175°. However, it is not necessary to determine the magnetic domain angle θ of the first magnetic domain in this manner. For example, the angular step Δθ may not be a constant value. In addition, the range of the magnetic domain angle θ of the first magnetic domain may also be a range narrower than the range of 0° to less than 180°. In this embodiment, the resolution of the magnetic domain angle θ calculated based on the magnetic domain image 300 is determined by the angular step Δθ. Therefore, in this embodiment, the resolution of the magnetic domain angle θ can be adjusted by the operator, similar to the magnetic domain width w, and is therefore not limited by the calculation principle like Nyquist's sampling theorem described in the "Problem to be Solved by the Invention" column. In addition, in the case where the magnetic domain angle θ is in the range of greater than 0° and less than 180° and in the case where the magnetic domain angle θ is in the range of greater than 180° and less than 360°, when the shape of the first magnetic domain in the template image 410 is different, the magnetic domain angle θ can also be set to the range of greater than 0° and less than 360°.

[0083] In addition, Figure 4 In the example, when the magnetic domain angle θ is n×90° (n is 0 or 1) in the template image 410, the shape of the first magnetic domain (black area) is a rectangle, and the center of gravity of the rectangle coincides with the center of gravity of the template image 410. Figure 4 In the example, the shape of the first magnetic domain in the case where the magnetic domain angle θ is other than n×90° is the shape obtained by rotating the first magnetic domain around its center of gravity position by θ° when the magnetic domain angle θ is n×90° (n is 0, 1) (however, in this case, the end of the magnetic domain direction of the first magnetic domain (black area) is made consistent with the end of the template image 410). However, the size and shape of the first magnetic domain in the template image are not limited to such a size and shape. For example, the shape of the first magnetic domain in the template image can be a square or an ellipse. In the case where the shape of the first magnetic domain in the template image is an ellipse, for example, the short diameter of the ellipse can also be the magnetic domain width of the first magnetic domain in the template image. In addition, the direction to which the long diameter of the ellipse points can also be the magnetic domain direction of the first magnetic domain in the template image.

[0084] In addition, in this embodiment, the pixel value of the first magnetic domain in the template image 410 is the minimum grayscale value (=0), and the pixel value of the second magnetic domain is the maximum grayscale value (=255). However, the pixels of the first magnetic domain in the template image 410 may also include pixels with pixel values ​​exceeding the minimum grayscale value. In addition, the pixels of the second magnetic domain in the template image 410 may also include pixels with pixel values ​​below the maximum grayscale value. In addition, the pixel value of the first magnetic domain in the template image 410 may be different depending on the position of the first magnetic domain. Similarly, the pixel value of the second magnetic domain in the template image 410 may be different depending on the position of the second magnetic domain.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, a magnetic domain image 300 of a magnetic body S is shown. The magnetic body S can have a magnetic domain structure in which magnetic domains whose magnetic moments are reversed in a direction substantially parallel to the y-axis are alternately arranged one after another in the x-axis direction. Figure 4 As shown, a case where multiple template images 410 corresponding to such a magnetic domain image 300 are prepared is exemplified. However, the magnetic domain structure of the magnetic body S is not limited to this magnetic domain structure. The magnetic domain image to which this embodiment is applied may also be, for example, a magnetic domain image of a magnetic body S having 90° magnetic walls in addition to 180° magnetic walls, or a magnetic domain image of a magnetic body S having 90° magnetic walls instead of 180° magnetic walls. The template images can be prepared based on the assumed magnetic domain structure of the magnetic body S.

[0086] Alternatively, the template image 410 included in the template image group 400 may be at least one of enlarged and reduced. In this case, for example, the template image 410 is preferably at least one of enlarged and reduced so that the lengths of the magnetic domains (the first magnetic domain and the second magnetic domain) included in the template image 410 in the magnetic domain direction do not become excessively short.

[0087] Specifically, for example, it is preferable to enlarge the template image 410 in such a manner that the magnification rate in the magnetic domain width direction is smaller than the magnification rate in the magnetic domain direction. In addition, it is preferable to enlarge the template image 410 in such a manner that the reduction rate in the magnetic domain width direction is smaller than the reduction rate in the magnetic domain direction. This is to facilitate the distinction between the magnetic domains (first magnetic domain and second magnetic domain) included in the template image 410 and the noise included in the magnetic domain image 300. For example, the magnetic domain direction ( Figure 4 The length in the y-axis direction) is calculated, and the magnetic domain width direction ( Figure 4However, for example, the template image 410 may be enlarged as a whole at the same enlargement ratio. Also, for example, the template image 410 may be reduced as a whole at the same reduction ratio.

[0088] return Figure 2B As described above, the template setting information is information required to create a plurality of template images 410. Figure 4 In the case of the template image 410 shown as an example, the template setting information includes, as information for determining the magnetic domain width w of the first magnetic domain, a maximum value w1, a minimum value w2, and a maximum value w3. p The template setting information includes information for determining the magnetic domain angle θ of the first magnetic domain, such as the maximum value, minimum value, and angle step Δθ of the magnetic domain angle θ of the first magnetic domain.

[0089] As described above, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 211 acquires threshold information in addition to the magnetic domain image 300 and template setting information. The threshold information indicates the threshold used by the comparison unit 213, described later. Details are described later in the section "Comparison Unit 213." The threshold information is a threshold for the degree of consistency between the compared region of the magnetic domain image 300 and the template image 410.

[0090] In this embodiment, a case is exemplified in which an operator operates the input device 220 to input information representing template setting information and threshold information. In this case, the input device 220 has a user interface. In this embodiment, a case is exemplified in which the acquisition unit 211 acquires the template setting information and threshold information input through an input operation on the input device 220. However, the method of acquiring the template setting information and threshold information is not limited. For example, the acquisition unit 211 can acquire the template setting information and threshold information by receiving the template setting information and threshold information sent from an external device through the input device 220. In this case, the input device 220 has a receiving device. In addition, the acquisition unit 211 can also acquire the template setting information and threshold information by reading the template setting information and threshold information stored in a storage medium possessed by the input device 220.

[0091] <<Production Department 212>>

[0092] The creation unit 212 creates a plurality of template images 410 based on the template setting information acquired by the acquisition unit 211. In this embodiment, the creation unit 212 creates Figure 4The case of multiple template images 410 is illustrated. Thus, in this embodiment, the processing device 200 (production unit 212) produces multiple template images 410. However, this is not necessarily required. For example, the acquisition unit 211 may also acquire multiple template images 410. In this case, the acquisition unit 211 does not need to acquire template setting information. The method for acquiring multiple template images 410 can be the same as the method for acquiring template setting information described in the <<Acquisition unit 211>> section.

[0093] <<Comparison Unit 213>>

[0094] The comparing unit 213 compares the compared region 510 of the magnetic domain image 300 with the template image 410 (see Figure 5 ). The compared area 510 is at least a portion of the magnetic domain image 300. The compared area 510 includes compared pixels 520. The compared area 510 is, for example, a portion (a portion) of the magnetic domain image 300 to be compared with the template image 410. The compared pixels 520 are pixels at positions where magnetic domain information is obtained. The compared pixels 520 are set at predetermined positions (for example, the center of gravity position, hereinafter referred to as representative positions) of the compared area 510. The pixels at positions where magnetic domain information is obtained refer to pixels in the magnetic domain image 300 that reflect positions within the compared area 520 of the magnetic domain information obtained by comparison performed by the comparison unit 213. The size (vertical and horizontal lengths) of the compared area 510 can be, for example, one pixel or a collection of multiple pixels. The collection of multiple pixels is, for example, a plurality of pixels contained inside a circle, a quadrilateral, or a polygon of a predetermined size.

[0095] In this embodiment, the case where the compared pixel 520 is composed of one pixel is exemplified. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where magnetic domain information is obtained for each compared pixel 520 by comparison with a plurality of template images is exemplified. That is, the comparison unit 213 compares the image portion (compared area 510) including the pixel at the position where the magnetic domain information is obtained (compared pixel 520) with the plurality of template images 410. Figure 5, a case is illustrated in which there are multiple image portions (compared regions 510) including pixels at positions where magnetic domain information is to be obtained (compared pixels 520). In this case, the comparison unit 213 compares the compared regions 510, including each compared pixel 520, with the template image 410. For example, when magnetic domain information is to be obtained across the entire magnetic domain image 300, the comparison unit 213 selects all pixels within the entire magnetic domain image 300 as compared pixels 520, thereby determining magnetic domain information for all pixels within the entire magnetic domain image 300. For example, the comparison unit 213 may shift each pixel within the magnetic domain image 300 selected as compared pixels 520 by a predetermined interval (e.g., one pixel) while comparing the compared regions 510 with the template image 410, so that all pixels selectable from the template image 410 are selected as compared pixels 520. Alternatively, when magnetic domain information only needs to be obtained for a portion of the magnetic domain image 300, the magnetic domain information for that portion may be determined. In this way, it is not necessarily necessary to obtain the magnetic domain information of all pixels included in the entire magnetic domain image 300 .

[0096] The comparison performed by the comparison unit 213 yields a comparison result, such as a degree of consistency. Based on this comparison result, the magnetic domain information of the compared pixel 520 can be determined from the magnetic domain information of each template image 410. Specifically, by reflecting the magnetic domain information of the template image 410, obtained as a result of the comparison between the compared region 510 and the template image 410, as the magnetic domain information of the compared pixel 520 in the compared region 510, the magnetic domain information of the compared region 520 can be determined. Alternatively, a single template image 410 may be used. In this case, for example, the magnetic domain information of the single template image 410 used for comparison with the compared region 510 can be used to determine whether the magnetic domain information of the compared pixel 520 is identical. Furthermore, for example, the magnitude relationship between the magnetic domain width in the single template image 410 used for comparison with the compared region 510 and the magnetic domain width in the compared region 510 can be determined. Generally, the compared region 510 includes the compared pixel 520 and its surrounding pixels. However, the compared region 510 and the compared pixel 520 may also coincide with each other.

[0097] In the following description, in this embodiment, the comparison unit 213 calculates the degree of consistency (also referred to as similarity, etc.) between the compared region 510 and each of the multiple template images 410 through so-called template matching. More specifically, in this embodiment, the comparison unit 213 moves the compared region 510 within the scanning area 330 set in the magnetic domain image to be processed while determining which template image 410 matches each position. For example, the processing of the comparison unit 213 can also be performed as follows.

[0098] Figure 5 This is a diagram conceptually showing an example of a method of comparing the comparison target region 510 and the template image 410 .

[0099] exist Figure 5 In the figure, an example is shown in which the template image 410 is overlapped with the magnetic domain image 300 in such a manner that the pixel 411 at the upper left corner of the template image 410 is located in a pixel within the rectangular scanning area 330 having diagonal points 310 and 320, and the x-axis direction and y-axis direction of the template image 410 are parallel to the x-axis direction and y-axis direction of the magnetic domain image 300, respectively. In this case, the area of ​​the magnetic domain image 300 overlapping with the template image 410 becomes the compared area 510.

[0100] exist Figure 5 , the case where the vertex 310 of the scanning region 330 is the pixel at the upper left corner of the magnetic domain image 300 is illustrated. In this case, the distance Δx in the x-axis direction from the vertex 320 of the scanning region 330 (one of the aforementioned diagonal points 310, 320) to the end of the magnetic domain image 300 in the positive x-axis direction is the length of the template image 410 in the x-axis direction. Furthermore, the distance Δy in the y-axis direction from the vertex 320 of the scanning region 330 to the end of the magnetic domain image 300 in the negative y-axis direction is the length of the template image 410 in the y-axis direction.

[0101] As described above, the comparison unit 213 sets the compared region 510 for one pixel in the scanning region 330. In addition, the comparison unit 213 sets the pixel at the representative position of the compared region 510 as the compared pixel 520 of the compared region 510. Figure 5 In the example, the representative position is the center of gravity. However, the representative position is not limited to the center of gravity. The representative position can also be the upper left corner. Figure 5 , the state in which the compared region 510 is determined for the pixel at the position of the vertex 310 at the upper left corner of the scanning region 330 is illustrated.

[0102] The comparison unit 213 then calculates the degree of consistency between the compared region 510 and each of the multiple template images 410. A common indicator used in template matching can be used as the degree of consistency. For example, the degree of consistency can be SSD (Sum of Squared Difference) or SAD (Sum of Absolute Difference). SAD is the sum of the absolute values ​​of the differences between the pixel values ​​of the template image 410 and the pixel values ​​of the compared region 510. SSD is the sum of the squares of the differences between the pixel values ​​of the template image 410 and the pixel values ​​of the compared region 510.

[0103] Furthermore, the comparison unit 213 does not necessarily need to calculate the degree of consistency for comparing the compared region 510 with the template image 410. For example, the comparison unit 230 may calculate the degree of inconsistency instead of calculating the degree of consistency. For example, the value obtained by multiplying the SSD or SAD by -1 may be used as the degree of inconsistency.

[0104] As described above, the comparison unit 213 sets the compared region 510 for one pixel in the scanning region 330. The comparison unit 213 then calculates the degree of consistency between the compared region 510 and each of the plurality of template images 410. The comparison unit 213 selects all pixels of the scanning region 330 as compared pixels 520 one by one to perform such a degree of consistency calculation. Thus, the degree of consistency is calculated for all pixels in the scanning region 330. In addition, if all pixels in the scanning region 330 are selected as compared pixels 520, magnetic domain information is derived for all pixels in the scanning region 330, which is preferable. However, not all pixels in the scanning region 330 are necessarily compared pixels 520.

[0105] Furthermore, the order in which the comparison unit 213 selects a pixel in the scanning area 330 is not limited. For example, the comparison unit 213 may select pixels in the scanning area 330 in the following order: first, the vertex 310 at the upper left corner of the scanning area 330 is selected, and finally, the vertex 320 at the lower right corner is selected. The pixels in the upper row are selected one pixel at a time in the positive direction of the x-axis, and then the pixels in the next row are selected one pixel at a time in the positive direction of the x-axis.

[0106] When the comparison unit 213 selects a pixel in the scanning area 330, the comparison pixel 520 in the comparison area 510 is set to a portion 530 of the magnetic domain image 300 (the region 530 is indicated in gray), rather than the entire region of the magnetic domain image 300. In the following description, this region 530 is referred to as the comparison pixel setting region 530 as needed. Generally, the magnetic domain image 300 is an image of a portion of the magnetic material S. Therefore, the comparison unit 213 may calculate the degree of consistency between the comparison area 510 and each of the multiple template images 410 for regions other than the comparison pixel setting region 530 within the magnetic domain image 300 using other magnetic domain images (not shown) adjacent to the region. However, this is not necessarily the case. For example, the comparison unit 213 may not calculate the degree of consistency between the comparison area 510 and each of the multiple template images 410 for regions other than the comparison pixel setting region 530 within the magnetic domain image 300.

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 4As shown in FIG, the case where the magnetic domain angle θ shown in at least two template images 410 of the plurality of template images 410 is different is illustrated. However, this is not necessarily required. For example, in Figure 4 In the embodiment, it is also possible to prepare a plurality of magnetic domain widths w1 to w2 in only one magnetic domain angle θ1. p Multiple template images 410 of respective first magnetic domains serve as the template image group 400. In this case, the comparison unit 213 may, for example, rotate the compared region 510 by an amount equivalent to the angular step Δθ instead of rotating the template image 410. In this case, the comparison unit 213 may also overlap the rotated compared region 510 with the template image 410, thereby causing the magnetic domain direction indicated by the template image 410 to differ from the magnetic domain direction indicated by the compared region 510. Furthermore, for example, in this case, when the magnetic domain angle θ is derived as the magnetic domain information instead of the magnetic domain width w, the number of template images 410 may be one. Furthermore, the comparison unit 213 may, for example, rotate the compared region 510 instead of, or in addition to, rotating the template image 410.

[0108] <<Magnetic Domain Information Derivation Unit 214>>

[0109] The magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 derives the magnetic domain information of the compared pixels 520 in the compared region 510 based on the comparison results of the comparing unit 213. In this embodiment, the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 determines whether the comparison results between the compared region 510 and each of the multiple template images 410 satisfy a predetermined condition. Then, in this embodiment, the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 derives the magnetic domain information of the compared pixels 520 in the compared region 510 based on the magnetic domain information of the template image 410 that satisfies the predetermined condition, if the predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition can simply be a condition that determines whether there is a template image 410 that is consistent with or similar to the compared region 510. In this embodiment, the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 determines whether the maximum value of the degrees of consistency between the compared region 510 and each of the multiple template images 410 exceeds a threshold value.

[0110] In this case, for example, when there are multiple template images 410 whose degree of consistency with the compared region 510 exceeds a threshold, the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214 may also derive the magnetic domain information of the compared pixels 520 of the compared region 510 based on the template image 410 with the greatest degree of consistency among the multiple template images 410. In this embodiment, the magnetic domain information is exemplified as the magnetic domain width w and the magnetic domain angle θ. However, the magnetic domain information is not limited to the magnetic domain width w and the magnetic domain angle θ. For example, only one of the magnetic domain width w and the magnetic domain angle θ may be used as the magnetic domain information. In the following description, the magnetic domain information derived by the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214 will be referred to as magnetic domain information as needed.

[0111] For example, Figure 4 As shown, if information about the magnetic domain width w and the magnetic domain angle θ is associated with the template image 410, the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 may also derive the magnetic domain information by reading the magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ associated with the template image 410 that has the highest degree of consistency with the compared region 510 as the magnetic domain information for the compared pixel 520 of the compared region 510. Alternatively, for example, if information about the magnetic domain width w and the magnetic domain angle θ is not associated with the template image 410, the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 may calculate the magnetic domain angle θ and magnetic domain width w of the first magnetic domain based on the pixel value of the template image 410 that has the highest degree of consistency with the compared region 510, thereby deriving the magnetic domain information. For example, the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 may determine the boundary (in terms of a magnetic wall) between the first and second magnetic domains and calculate the magnetic domain angle θ and magnetic domain width w of the first magnetic domain based on the direction in which the determined boundary extends and the length of the first magnetic domain in a direction perpendicular to the boundary.

[0112] As described above, in this embodiment, when the maximum value of the degree of coincidence with the compared region 510 exceeds the threshold value, the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 derives the magnetic domain information (magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ) of the compared pixel 520 in the compared region 510. Figure 5 Magnetic domain information (magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ) is derived for each pixel (compared pixel 520) in the compared pixel setting area 530 shown. Furthermore, the magnetic domain information may or may not indicate that the magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ are values ​​of the first magnetic domain.

[0113] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 does not derive the magnetic domain information in the compared pixel 520 of the compared region 510 when the maximum value of the degree of consistency with the compared region 510 does not exceed the threshold value. In this case, the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 may also set the compared pixel 520 from which the magnetic domain information is not derived as a blank pixel indicating that the magnetic domain information is not derived. In this way, the blank pixel is also a compared pixel, but in order to distinguish it from the compared pixel 520, the blank pixel is labeled as 520' (refer to the following description). Figure 6 ).

[0114] However, the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214 does not necessarily need to set blank pixels 520'. For example, the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214 may derive magnetic domain information as described above based on the template image 410 that has the highest degree of consistency with the compared region 510, regardless of whether the threshold value is exceeded. In this case, the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214 does not need to compare the maximum degree of consistency with the threshold value. Furthermore, the supplementary magnetic domain information derivation unit 215, described later, is not required.

[0115] In addition, as described above, in the present embodiment, the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214 calculates the maximum value of the consistency between the compared area 510 and the multiple template images 410, and determines whether the calculated maximum value of the consistency exceeds the threshold. However, the determination condition is not limited to such a condition. For example, the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214 may determine whether it is above the threshold instead of determining whether it exceeds the threshold. In addition, in the case where the comparison unit 213 calculates the inconsistency between the compared area 510 and the multiple template images 410, the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214 may also calculate the minimum value of the inconsistency and determine whether the calculated inconsistency is below the threshold (or lower than the threshold).

[0116] Generally, template matching is used to extract a target (object) in an image. Therefore, in general, in the template matching technology, it is necessary to include all of an object in the image in one template image. In this embodiment, it is necessary to include the entire magnetic domain of the magnetic domain image 300 (the entire stripe extending roughly in the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction)) in one template image. Therefore, even if the general template matching technology can be applied to the magnetic domain image, it is only possible to obtain template matching for extracting each magnetic domain from the magnetic domain image. However, even if only Figure 3 The illustrated magnetic domain image 300 also has a variety of magnetic domain shapes. That is, there are countless magnetic domain shapes. Therefore, the number of template images is also countless. Therefore, it is generally believed that magnetic domain images are not suitable for template matching techniques.

[0117] In contrast, in this embodiment, the template matching technique is used not to derive the entire magnetic domain contained in the magnetic domain image, but to derive the magnetic domain information. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As described, magnetic domain information (e.g., magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ) can be quantitatively derived by comparing a portion of the magnetic domain (the compared region 510) that appears in the magnetic domain image 300 with the template image 410. It is sufficient that the portion of the magnetic domain (the compared region 510) that appears in the magnetic domain image 300 has a size that allows the magnetic domain information (e.g., magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ) to be obtained. Among multiple magnetic domains that have different overall shapes, there are regions that have partially the same or similar shapes. Furthermore, within a single magnetic domain, there are multiple regions that have partially the same or similar shapes. Therefore, there is no need to prepare countless template images 410. As described above, template matching is used in this embodiment not to extract the magnetic domains contained in the magnetic domain image 300, but rather as a method for quantitatively deriving the magnetic domain information contained in the magnetic domain image 300.

[0118] <<Supplementary Magnetic Domain Information Derivation Unit 215>>

[0119] The supplementary magnetic domain information derivation unit 215 derives magnetic domain information for the blank pixel 520' based on the at least one piece of magnetic domain information derived by the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214. As described above, the blank pixel 520' is a compared pixel 520 for which no magnetic domain information has been derived by the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214. Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the magnetic domain information is exemplified as the magnetic domain width w and the magnetic domain angle θ. In the following description, the magnetic domain information derived by the supplementary magnetic domain information derivation unit 215 is referred to as supplementary magnetic domain information, as needed.

[0120] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated template image 410, the first magnetic domain (the region with a small grayscale value ( Figure 3 Therefore, when the compared region 510 is similar to the first magnetic domain, it is highly likely that the magnetic domain information is derived by the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214. In other words, when the target region 510 is not similar to the first magnetic domain but is similar to the second magnetic domain (the region with a large grayscale value ( Figure 3In the case where the magnetic domain information is similar to the area with light concentration)), there is a high possibility that the magnetic domain information is not derived by the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214. However, the magnetic domain information (magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ in the example of this embodiment) of multiple magnetic domains existing in positions close to each other (for example, positions adjacent to each other) is independent of the first magnetic domain and the second magnetic domain and is not greatly different. Therefore, in this embodiment, the supplementary magnetic domain information derivation unit 215 selects at least one magnetic domain information derived by the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214 based on the position of the blank pixel 520' and the position of the compared pixel 520 whose magnetic domain information is derived by the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214. In this case, the supplementary magnetic domain information derivation unit 215 can also calculate the magnetic domain information (supplementary magnetic domain information) in the blank pixel 520' based on the selected magnetic domain information. It is preferred that the position of the blank pixel 520' and the position of the compared pixel 520 are adjacent to each other.

[0121] For example, the supplementary magnetic domain information deriving unit 215 may select the magnetic domain information of the compared pixel 520 whose magnetic domain information has been derived by the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 and whose Euclidean distance to the blank pixel 520' is the shortest. In this case, the supplementary magnetic domain information deriving unit 215 may derive the supplementary magnetic domain information by setting the magnetic domain information of the blank pixel 520' as the magnetic domain information of the blank pixel 520'.

[0122] Alternatively, the supplementary magnetic domain information deriving unit 215 may select a plurality of compared pixels 520 from the compared pixels 520 for which magnetic domain information has been derived by the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214, starting from the pixel with the shortest Euclidean distance from the blank pixel 520'. The number of the plurality of compared pixels 520 may be a predetermined number, for example. The supplementary magnetic domain information deriving unit 215 may also calculate the magnetic domain information of the blank pixel 520' based on the magnetic domain information in the plurality of compared pixels 520. For example, the supplementary magnetic domain information deriving unit 215 may calculate a statistical value, such as the mean, mode, or weighted linear sum, of the magnetic domain widths w (magnetic domain information) in the plurality of compared pixels 520' as the magnetic domain width w in the blank pixel 520'. In the case of a weighted linear sum, a weight coefficient for the magnetic domain width w in the compared pixel 520 may be determined based on the Euclidean distance between the compared pixel 520 and the blank pixel 520'. For example, the shorter the Euclidean distance from the blank pixel 520′, the larger the weight coefficient for the magnetic domain width w in each compared pixel 520. Regarding the magnetic domain angle θ, similar to the magnetic domain width w, the supplementary magnetic domain information derivation unit 215 may calculate the weighted linear sum of the magnetic domain angles θ in the plurality of compared pixels 520 as the magnetic domain angle θ in the blank pixel 520′.

[0123] As described above, in this embodiment, the example Figure 5The following diagram illustrates a case where supplemental magnetic domain information (magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ) is derived for each pixel (compared pixel 520) in the compared pixel setting area 530. Furthermore, the supplemental magnetic domain information may or may not be displayed when the magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ are not the first magnetic domain (or when they are the second magnetic domain).

[0124] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating that in the method of this embodiment, a region that is not a magnetic domain is not easily detected as a magnetic domain. Figure 3 In the region NR shown in the example, the black portion extends along the y-axis direction and there are white portions on both sides in the x-axis direction, so if observed locally, it can also look like a magnetic domain. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, such a region NR is easily detected as a magnetic domain.

[0125] On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the region NR overlaps with the compared pixel 520, the compared region 510 and the compared pixel 520 overlap. Figure 4 The degree of consistency between the template images 410 in the illustrated template image group 400 is low. Consequently, it becomes difficult to derive magnetic domain information (i.e., the compared pixel 520 within the region NR is likely to be set as a blank pixel 520'). In this case, the magnetic domain information (supplementary magnetic domain information) of the blank pixel 520' within the region NR is derived using the magnetic domain information of the compared pixel 520 located near the blank pixel 520'.

[0126] For example, Figure 6 The compared pixel 520 at the position shown is the one that is calculated from the compared pixels 520 for which the magnetic domain information is obtained. Figure 6 The Euclidean distance of the blank pixel 520' within the region NR shown is closest to the compared pixel 520. Furthermore, the magnetic domain information in the compared pixel 520 is the magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ of the first magnetic domain 610. Then, the magnetic domain information of the compared pixel 520 with the closest Euclidean distance to the blank pixel 520' is derived as the magnetic domain information (supplementary magnetic domain information) of the blank pixel 520'. In this case, the magnetic domain information (supplementary magnetic domain information) of the blank pixel 520' is the magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ of the first magnetic domain 610. Therefore, the region NR is not detected as noise, and the magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ that are close to the magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ of the second magnetic domain (the region with low concentration) surrounding the region NR are derived as the magnetic domain information of the region NR.

[0127] <<Output Unit 216>>

[0128] The output unit 216 outputs the total magnetic domain information, including the total magnetic domain information derived by the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 and the total supplementary magnetic domain information derived by the supplementary magnetic domain information deriving unit 215. In this embodiment, the example illustrates a case where the total magnetic domain information includes information including the magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ for each compared pixel 520 in the compared pixel setting area 530. Alternatively, a position in the magnetic domain image may be associated with the total magnetic domain information (each magnetic domain information derived by the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 and the supplementary magnetic domain information derived by the supplementary magnetic domain information deriving unit 215).

[0129] In this embodiment, the output unit 216 is illustrated as outputting all magnetic domain information to the output device 230. In this embodiment, the output device 230 is illustrated as displaying all magnetic domain information. In this case, for example, the output device 230 may also include a computer display. In addition, the output device 230 may also include a storage medium. In this case, for example, all magnetic domain information stored in the storage medium of the output device 230 may also be used in the processing device 200 and the external device. In addition, the output device 230 may also include a sending device. In this case, for example, the output device 230 sends all magnetic domain information to the external device. The communication between the output device 230 and the external device may be wired communication, wireless communication, or communication via a network.

[0130] <Flowchart>

[0131] Next, refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B An example of a processing method performed using the processing device 200 of this embodiment is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The flowchart is implemented, for example, by a processor included in the processing device 200 expanding a program stored in a memory in the memory and executing the program.

[0132] First, in step S701, the acquisition unit 211 acquires template setting information. The template setting information is information required to create a plurality of template images 410. The template setting information includes, for example, the maximum value w1, the minimum value w p , and information on the width step Δw as information for determining the magnetic domain width w of the first magnetic domain. Furthermore, the template setting information includes, for example, information on the maximum value, minimum value, and angle step Δθ of the magnetic domain angle θ of the first magnetic domain as information for determining the magnetic domain angle θ of the first magnetic domain.

[0133] Next, in step S702 , the creating unit 212 creates and stores a plurality of template images 410 based on the template setting information acquired in step S701 .

[0134] Next, in step S703, the acquisition unit 211 acquires the magnetic domain image 300 and threshold information of the magnetic body S. The threshold information is indicated in the following description. Figure 7B The information of the threshold value to be compared with the maximum degree of consistency among the degrees of consistency between the compared region 510 and the plurality of template images 410 in step S708 is provided.

[0135] Next, in step S704, the comparison unit 213 determines the comparison region 510 for each pixel in the scanning region 330, and sets the pixel at a representative position (e.g., the center of gravity) of the comparison region 510 as the comparison pixel 520 of the comparison region 510. In this embodiment, the comparison pixel 520 is set in the comparison pixel setting region 530. In step S704, the region to be compared with the template image 410 read in the next step S705 is set as the comparison region 510.

[0136] Next, in step S705 , the comparison unit 213 reads out one of the plurality of template images 410 stored in step S702 .

[0137] Next, in step S706 , the comparison unit 213 calculates the degree of coincidence between the compared region 510 in which the compared pixels 520 are set in step S704 and the template image 410 read out in step S705 .

[0138] Next, in step S707, the comparison unit 213 determines whether all of the multiple template images 410 stored in step S702 (the multiple template images 410 included in the template image group 400) have been read. If this determination indicates that all of the multiple template images 410 stored in step S702 have not been read (if the answer is "No" in step S707), the process of step S705 is repeated. Then, in step S705, a new template image 410 is read. Furthermore, in step S706, the degree of coincidence between the comparison region 510, in which the comparison pixels 520 were set in step S704, and the template image 410 is calculated. The processes of steps S705 to S707 are repeated until it is determined in step S707 that all of the multiple template images 410 stored in step S702 have been read.

[0139] Then, when it is determined in step S707 that all of the plurality of template images 410 stored in step S702 have been read (step S707: Yes), the Figure 7BIn step S708, the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 determines whether the maximum value of the degree of coincidence between the comparison area 510 in which the comparison pixels 520 are set in step S704 and each template image 410 read out in step S705 exceeds the threshold value indicated by the threshold value information obtained in step S703.

[0140] If the result of this determination is that the maximum value of the degrees of coincidence between the compared region 510 and each template image 410 exceeds the threshold value (step S708 : Yes), the process of step S709 is performed.

[0141] In step S709, the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 derives the magnetic domain information for the compared pixels 520 in the compared region 510 based on the template image 410 that has the highest degree of coincidence with the compared region 510 in which the compared pixels 520 were set in step S704, among the plurality of template images 410 stored in step S702. The process then proceeds to step S711, which will be described later.

[0142] On the other hand, if the result of step S708 is that the maximum value of the degree of coincidence between the compared region 510 and each template image 410 does not exceed the threshold value (step S708: No), the process proceeds to step S710. In step S710, the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214 sets the compared pixel 520 set in step S704 to a blank pixel 520'. Then, the process proceeds to step S711.

[0143] In step S711, the comparison unit 213 determines whether all pixels in the compared pixel setting area 530 are set as compared pixels 520. If the result of this determination is that all pixels in the compared pixel setting area 530 are not set as compared pixels 520 (step S711: No), the comparison unit 213 performs the comparison again. Figure 7A Then, in step S704, a new compared pixel 520 is set, and steps S705 to S710 are performed again for the compared pixel 520. The processes of steps S704 to S711 are repeated until it is determined in step S711 that all pixels in the compared pixel setting area 530 have been set as compared pixels 520.

[0144] Then, in step S711, if it is determined that all pixels in the compared pixel setting area 530 have been set as compared pixels 520 (step S711: Yes), the process proceeds to step S712. In step S712, the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214 determines whether a blank pixel 520' has been set (for at least one compared pixel 520) in step S710. If the result of this determination is that a blank pixel 520' has not been set (step S712: No), the process of steps S713 to S715 is omitted, and the process proceeds to step S716, described below.

[0145] Meanwhile, in step S712, it is checked whether a blank pixel 520' has been set in step S710. If this check indicates that a blank pixel 520' has been set (step S712: Yes), the process proceeds to step S713. In step S713, the supplementary magnetic domain information derivation unit 215 sequentially selects one of the blank pixels 520' set in step S710.

[0146] Next, in step S714, the supplementary magnetic domain information derivation unit 215 selects at least one piece of magnetic domain information derived in step S709 based on the position of the blank pixel 520' selected in step S712 and the position of the compared pixel 520 set in step S704. The supplementary magnetic domain information derivation unit 215 then calculates the magnetic domain information (supplementary magnetic domain information) for the blank pixel 520' based on the selected magnetic domain information.

[0147] Next, in step S715, the supplementary magnetic domain information derivation unit 215 determines whether all blank pixels 520' set in step S710 have been selected. If this determination indicates that all blank pixels 520' have not been selected (step S715: No), step S713 is repeated. Then, in step S713, a new blank pixel 520' is selected. Furthermore, in step S714, the magnetic domain information (supplementary magnetic domain information) for this blank pixel 520' is calculated. Steps S713 to S715 are repeated until step S715 determines that all blank pixels 520' set in step S710 have been selected.

[0148] Then, in step S715, when it is determined that all the blank pixels 520' set in step S710 are selected (step S715: Yes), the process of step S716 is performed. In step S716, the output unit 216 outputs all the magnetic domain information including the magnetic domain information derived in step S709 and the supplementary magnetic domain information derived in step S714. In addition, in the case where it is determined in step S712 that the blank pixels 520' are not set (No) and the process of step S716 is performed, the supplementary magnetic domain information is not included in the total magnetic domain information. When the process of step S716 is completed, Figure 7A and Figure 7B The processing of the flowchart ends.

[0149] Summary

[0150] As described above, in this embodiment, the processing device 200 derives magnetic domain information for the compared pixels 520 in the compared region 510 based on the results of comparing the compared region 510 in the magnetic domain image 300 with one or more template images 410. Each template image 410 is pre-set with magnetic domain information corresponding to the image (such as magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ). By reflecting the results of the comparison between the compared region 510 and the template image 410 on the compared pixels 520 within the compared region 500, the processing device 200 can quantitatively determine the magnetic domain information (such as magnetic domain width w and magnetic domain angle θ) of the compared pixels 520 to be derived through template matching. Therefore, the magnetic domain information of the compared region 510 can be determined at the desired resolution based on the prepared template image. Furthermore, the magnetic domain information can be robustly derived, being less susceptible to noise and other factors. Consequently, the magnetic domain information can be derived with higher accuracy.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing device 200 uses the magnetic domain information of the template image 410 determined to correspond to the compared region 510 based on the comparison results between the compared region 510 and the multiple template images 410 satisfying specified conditions as the magnetic domain information for the compared region 510. Therefore, the template image 410 corresponding to the compared region 510 can be appropriately selected from the multiple template images 410. Therefore, template matching can more accurately and quantitatively determine the magnetic domain information (such as the magnetic domain width w and the magnetic domain angle θ) of the compared pixel 520 to be derived. This allows for more accurate derivation of magnetic domain information.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing device 200 uses the magnetic domain information of the template image 410, determined to correspond to the compared region 510 based on the comparison result between the compared region 510 and the template image 410 satisfying a predetermined condition, as the magnetic domain information of the compared region 510. In this case, the magnetic domain information corresponding to the compared region 510 that does not satisfy the predetermined condition (the magnetic domain information in the blank pixels 520') is not derived. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inaccurate information from being derived as magnetic domain information.

[0153] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing device 200 derives the magnetic domain information (supplementary magnetic domain information) in the compared region 51 from which no magnetic domain information has been derived (the magnetic domain information in the blank pixels 520'). This can suppress a decrease in the accuracy of the derived magnetic domain information and reduce the number of areas from which no magnetic domain information has been derived.

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing device 200 selects magnetic domain information from at least one of the other compared regions 510 based on the position of the compared region 510 from which magnetic domain information has not been derived (the position of the blank pixel 520') and the other compared regions 510 from which magnetic domain information has been derived (the position of the compared pixel 520). In a magnetic material, regions with equal magnetic domain widths w are often clustered within the crystal grains. Therefore, for example, the magnetic domain widths w of the compared pixels 520 in the other compared regions 510 that are closer to the position of the compared region 510 from which magnetic domain information has not been derived (the position of the blank pixel 520') can be used to supplement the magnetic domain information of the blank pixel 520'. Consequently, the magnetic domain information of the blank pixel 520' can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0155] In this embodiment, the magnetic domain width w shown in at least two of the multiple template images 410 is made different from each other. Therefore, by selecting the most consistent template image, for example, the magnetic domain width w can be derived as magnetic domain information with higher accuracy. In this embodiment, the magnetic domain extension direction shown in at least two of the multiple template images 410 is made different from each other. Therefore, by selecting the most consistent template image, for example, the magnetic domain direction (e.g., magnetic domain angle θ) can be derived as magnetic domain information with higher accuracy, even without performing image rotation or other processing.

[0156] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least one of the magnetic domain image 300 and the template image 410 is rotated before the compared region 510 is compared with the template image 410. Therefore, by selecting the most consistent template image, etc., the magnetic domain direction (e.g., magnetic domain angle θ) can be derived as magnetic domain information with higher accuracy.

[0157] (Second embodiment)

[0158] Next, the second embodiment is described. In the first embodiment, the magnetic domains that exist in positions close to each other are independent of the first magnetic domain and the second magnetic domain, and their magnetic domain information is not greatly different. Therefore, an example is given of determining the information of the first magnetic domain (black area) (for example, the magnetic domain width w and the magnetic domain angle θ) in the template image 410. In contrast, in the present embodiment, an example is given of comparing a template image that determines the information of the second magnetic domain (white area) (for example, the magnetic domain width w and the magnetic domain angle θ) with the compared area 510 in addition to the template image 410. By determining the information of the first magnetic domain and the second magnetic domain, more detailed magnetic domain information can be derived with high precision. Thus, the main difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is that a template image for comparison with the compared area 510 is added. Therefore, in the description of the present embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are marked with the same reference numerals. Figures 1 to 7B The same reference numerals are used instead, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0159] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of a template image group 800 including a plurality of template images 810 that determine information of the second magnetic domain. Figure 4 Likewise, in Figure 8 In order to facilitate labeling, the label (810) is only marked in one template image.

[0160] The template image 810 is realized, for example, by replacing the first magnetic domain (black area) and the second magnetic domain (white area) relative to the template image 410. In addition, similarly to the template image 410, instead of rotating the template image 810, the compared area 510 may be rotated by an amount equivalent to the angle step Δθ. In this case, the direction of the magnetic domain shown in the template image 810 may be made different from the direction of the magnetic domain shown in the compared area 510 by overlapping the rotated compared area 510 with the template image 810. In addition, the magnetic domain angles θ2, θ3, ..., θ4 of the first magnetic domain in the template image 410 are different from the magnetic domain angles θ2, θ3, ..., θ5 of the first magnetic domain in the template image 410. q The magnetic domain angles θ2, θ3, ..., θ q Similarly, the magnetic domain widths w1, w3, ..., w of the first magnetic domain in the template image 410 are w1, w3, ..., w p The second magnetic domain widths w1, w3, ..., w in the template image 810 p It can be the same or different.

[0161] In this embodiment, template image 410 is an example of a first template image corresponding to a first magnetic domain. Furthermore, in this embodiment, template image 810 is an example of a second template image corresponding to a second magnetic domain. Furthermore, as long as the orientations of the magnetic moments of the first and second magnetic domains are different, the boundary (magnetic wall) between the first and second magnetic domains is not limited to a 180° magnetic wall. Furthermore, assuming that there are three or more magnetic domains in the magnetic domain image, one or more template images may be prepared for each of all or a portion of the three or more magnetic domains.

[0162] In the processing method (flow chart) of this embodiment, for example, the template image read out in step S705 of FIG. 7 becomes Figure 4 The template image 410 and Figure 8 The template image 810 shown in FIG. In addition, in step S707, it is determined whether Figure 4 The template image 410 and Figure 8 The entirety of the template image 810 is shown.

[0163] As described above, in this embodiment, the processing device 200 compares the compared region 510 with the template images 410 and 810. Therefore, the blank pixels 520' can be reduced, and the accuracy of deriving the magnetic domain information can be further improved.

[0164] (Third embodiment)

[0165] Next, the third embodiment is described. In this embodiment, a case where processing is performed based on the magnetic domain information derived as described in the first and second embodiments is exemplified. Thus, this embodiment adds a structure and a process for performing processing based on the magnetic domain information to the first and second embodiments. Therefore, in the description of this embodiment, the same parts as those in the first and second embodiments are marked with the same reference numerals. Figures 1 to 8 The same reference numerals are used instead, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0166] The processing system of this embodiment not only derives magnetic domain information but also performs processing based on the magnetic domain information.

[0167] As described in the first and second embodiments, the use of the methods of the first and second embodiments can reduce the influence of noise and accurately derive magnetic domain information including the magnetic domain width. Therefore, by making effective use of this magnetic domain width information, it is possible to more effectively improve the magnetic properties (e.g., iron loss) of a magnetic body S (soft magnetic material), for example.

[0168] Therefore, in this embodiment, a case is illustrated in which the processing based on magnetic domain information includes processing for adjusting the magnetic domain width of the magnetic body S. Furthermore, processing based on magnetic domain information is not limited to this type of processing. For example, processing for deriving other manufacturing conditions may be performed in addition to or in place of the magnetic domain width. For example, processing for adjusting the magnetic domain angle may also be performed. Furthermore, in the following description, manipulation of magnetic domains, including adjustment of the magnetic domain width, may be referred to as magnetic domain control, as needed.

[0169] Furthermore, processing based on magnetic domain information is not limited to deriving manufacturing conditions for magnetic material S. For example, processing can also be performed to convert each pixel of the magnetic domain image into a color corresponding to the value of the magnetic domain information corresponding to that pixel. In this way, each position of the magnetic domain image can be colored and displayed using the color corresponding to the value of the magnetic domain information. Therefore, the operator can more intuitively understand the distribution of magnetic domain information. For example, the grayscale value (e.g., 0 to 255) representing one color (e.g., R) in RGB (red, green, blue) can be made to correspond to the value of the magnetic domain width w. Alternatively, the grayscale value (e.g., 0 to 255) representing another color (e.g., G) in RGB (red, green, blue) can be made to correspond to the value of the magnetic domain angle θ. Furthermore, the grayscale value representing the remaining color (e.g., B) in RGB (red, green, blue) can be set to a constant value.

[0170] This embodiment illustrates a case where a soft magnetic material is used as the magnetic body S for obtaining a magnetic domain image and controlling magnetic domains during the production of grain-oriented electrical steel strip. However, the magnetic body S is not limited to such a soft magnetic material as long as it allows for magnetic domain control.

[0171] Figure 9 1 is a diagram showing an example of the functional structure of a processing device 900. The hardware of the processing device 900 may be the same as that of the processing device 200 described in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a processing system including a magnetic domain image acquisition device 100, a processing device 900, and a magnetic domain control device 910 is illustrated.

[0172] <Magnetic Domain Image Acquisition Device 100>

[0173] The magnetic domain image acquisition device 100 may be the same device as the magnetic domain image acquisition device 100 described in the first embodiment. The magnetic domain image acquisition device 100 may also acquire the magnetic domain image 300 of a magnetic material S being transported. In this case, the magnetic domain image acquisition device 100 may also acquire the magnetic domain image 300 of a magnetic material S being transported on a production line while being unwound from a coil, for example. Furthermore, the magnetic domain image acquisition device 100 may also acquire the magnetic domain image 300 of a magnetic material S that is not being transported (i.e., a magnetic material S that is not moving). In this case, the magnetic domain image acquisition device 100 may also acquire the magnetic domain image 300 of a magnetic material S that has been cut from a coil, for example.

[0174] <Magnetic Domain Control Device 910>

[0175] The magnetic domain control device 910 is a device that performs magnetic domain control on a magnetic material S (soft magnetic material). The magnetic domain control device 910 can also perform magnetic domain control on a magnetic material S that is being transported. In this case, for example, the magnetic domain control device 910 can also perform magnetic domain control on a magnetic material S that is being transported on a production line while being unwound from a coil. Furthermore, the magnetic domain control device 910 can also perform magnetic domain control on a non-transported magnetic material S (i.e., a magnetic material S that is not moving).

[0176] In addition, in this embodiment, as described later, a case is exemplified in which the magnetic domain control device 910 performs magnetic domain control on the magnetic body S after an operation instruction to the magnetic body S is outputted from the processing device 900 .

[0177] In this embodiment, the magnetic domain control device 910 is illustrated as a device that implements magnetic domain control on a magnetic body S by irradiating it with a laser or electron beam. In this case, the magnetic domain control device 910 can also irradiate the magnetic body S with a laser or electron beam across its width. Alternatively, the magnetic domain control device 910 can irradiate the entire surface or back surface of a plate-shaped or strip-shaped magnetic body S with a laser or electron beam. The following description illustrates a case where the magnetic domain control device 910 includes an irradiation portion for irradiating with a laser. Furthermore, in the case where the magnetic domain control device 910 irradiates with an electron beam, the laser light is replaced with an electron beam in the following description.

[0178] In the case where the magnetic body S being conveyed on the production line while being unwound from the coil is a soft magnetic material in the manufacturing process of a directional electromagnetic steel strip, the magnetic domain control device 910 can, for example, irradiate the magnetic body S being conveyed on the production line with a laser after the cold rolling process is completed and before the process of forming a coating (such as an insulating coating) on ​​the surface of the steel plate begins. In addition, the production line preferably includes, for example, a hot rolling process, a cold rolling process, and a process of forming a coating on the surface of the steel plate. In addition, the hot rolling process is a process of hot rolling a steel material such as a steel billet. The cold rolling process is a process of cold rolling a steel strip after the hot rolling process. The process of forming a coating on the surface of the steel plate is a process of forming a coating on the surface of the steel strip after the cold rolling process. In addition, the production line more preferably includes an annealing process and a pickling process in addition to these processes. The annealing process is a process of continuously annealing the steel strip after the cold rolling process. In the annealing process, the strain of the steel strip is reduced (preferably removed). The pickling process is a process of pickling the steel strip after the annealing process. In the pickling process, the oxide scale formed on the surface of the steel strip is reduced (preferably removed). Furthermore, the hot rolling process, the cold rolling process, and the process of forming a film on the surface of the steel sheet can be performed on different production lines. Each process from the cold rolling process to the process of forming a film on the surface of the steel sheet can be performed continuously on the same production line. When an annealing process is performed, laser irradiation is performed after the annealing process. When a pickling process is performed, laser irradiation is preferably performed after the pickling process. The hot rolling process, the cold rolling process, the process of forming a film on the surface of the steel sheet, the annealing process, and the pickling process themselves can be performed using known techniques. Therefore, a detailed description of these processes is omitted here.

[0179] Furthermore, the magnetic domain control device 910 is not limited to a device that irradiates a laser or electron beam, as long as it can control the magnetic domains of a soft magnetic material by changing the magnetic domain width. For example, the magnetic domain control device 910 may also be a device that forms grooves in the magnetic material S by physically contacting the magnetic material S. Furthermore, for example, the magnetic domain control device 910 may also be a device that performs electric field etching on the magnetic material S.

[0180] <Processing Device 900>

[0181] <<Acquisition Unit 211, Creation Unit 212, Comparison Unit 213, Magnetic Domain Information Derivation Unit 214, Supplementary Magnetic Domain Information Derivation Unit 215, Output Unit 216>>

[0182] The acquisition unit 211 , the creation unit 212 , the comparison unit 213 , the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214 , the supplementary magnetic domain information derivation unit 215 , and the output unit 216 have the same functions as those described in the first and second embodiments.

[0183] For example, the acquisition unit 211 may acquire one magnetic domain image 300 from one coil, or may acquire multiple magnetic domain images 300 from one coil. When the acquisition unit 211 acquires multiple magnetic domain images 300, the creation unit 212, the comparison unit 213, the magnetic domain information derivation unit 214, and the supplemental magnetic domain information derivation unit 215 may perform the processing described in the first and second embodiments, using the multiple magnetic domain images 300 acquired by the acquisition unit 211 as the magnetic domain images to be processed.

[0184] In this embodiment, the output unit 216 outputs an operation instruction to the magnetic domain control device 910 in addition to or instead of outputting all magnetic domain information to the output device 230 .

[0185] <<Processing Unit 217>>

[0186] The processing unit 217 performs processing based on the magnetic domain information derived by the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214. In this embodiment, the processing unit 217 performs processing based on all magnetic domain information. As described in the first embodiment, all magnetic domain information includes all magnetic domain information derived by the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214 and all supplementary magnetic domain information derived by the supplementary magnetic domain information deriving unit 215. For example, when performing processing based on the magnetic domain information, the processing unit 217 may not use part of the magnetic domain information derived by the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214. Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 217 may not use all or part of the supplementary magnetic domain information derived by the supplementary magnetic domain information deriving unit 215.

[0187] In this embodiment, the processing unit 217 performs processing based on all magnetic domain information for each piece of magnetic domain information derived from one magnetic domain image 300 (i.e., for each magnetic domain image 300). However, this is not necessarily the case. The processing unit 217 may also perform processing based on all magnetic domain information for each piece of magnetic domain information derived from a plurality of magnetic domain images 300 (i.e., for a plurality of magnetic domain images 300).

[0188] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the processing performed by the processing unit 217 includes a process for adjusting the magnetic domain width of the magnetic body S. However, as mentioned above, the processing based on magnetic domain information is not limited to such processing. If the processing performed by the processing unit 217 does not include a process for adjusting the magnetic domain width of the magnetic body S, the processing system may not include the magnetic domain control device 910. Alternatively, a processing device different from the processing device 900 may also have the functions of the processing unit 217. In this case, the processing device 900 and the other processing device may also communicate.

[0189] An example of a process for adjusting the magnetic domain width of the magnetic body S will be described below.

[0190] In this embodiment, the example processing unit 217 derives information representing the frequency distribution (frequency distribution) of the magnetic domain width. The information representing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width may also be information representing the relationship between the value of the magnetic domain width and the number of magnetic domain widths having the value. In addition, the information representing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width may also be information representing the relationship between the range of the magnetic domain width and the number of magnetic domain widths having values ​​within the range. The information representing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width may also be, for example, a histogram. In addition, the information representing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width may also be a table. In addition, the information representing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width may also be a function. In this case, the number of magnetic domain widths may also be represented as a function of the value of the magnetic domain width. The order of the function is not limited. In addition, the coefficients and constants of the function may also be derived, for example, by using curve fitting.

[0191] In this embodiment, the processing unit 217 uses all magnetic domain information derived using a single magnetic domain image 300 as the target magnetic domain image to derive information indicating the frequency distribution of magnetic domain widths included in the all magnetic domain information. However, the processing unit 217 may also use all magnetic domain information derived using a plurality of magnetic domain images 300 as the target magnetic domain images to derive information indicating the frequency distribution of magnetic domain widths included in the all magnetic domain information.

[0192] In one magnetic domain image 300, the number of partial regions to be compared with the template image 410 is derived (for example, Figure 5 When all magnetic domain information derived using one magnetic domain image 300 as a processing target magnetic domain image is used to derive information indicating a frequency distribution of magnetic domain widths included in the all magnetic domain information, the processing unit 217 derives information indicating a frequency distribution of magnetic domain widths using the magnetic domain widths of the number of the partial regions.

[0193] In addition, when the supplementary magnetic domain information is not derived by the supplementary magnetic domain information deriving unit 215 or when the supplementary magnetic domain information is not derived, the number of magnetic domain widths derived from one magnetic domain image 300 becomes the number of magnetic domain information derived by the magnetic domain information deriving unit 214.

[0194] Furthermore, by deriving information representing the frequency distribution of magnetic domain widths through the processing unit 217, the user can more intuitively grasp the distribution of magnetic domain widths. Therefore, the processing unit 217 can derive information representing the frequency distribution of magnetic domain widths without performing processing to adjust the magnetic domain widths of the magnetic material S. Furthermore, the processing unit 217 can derive information representing the frequency distribution of magnetic domain angles instead of, or in addition to, the frequency distribution of magnetic domain widths.

[0195] To adjust the magnetic domain width, the laser irradiation time and number of irradiations may be adjusted in addition to or instead of adjusting the laser intensity. However, this may require slowing down the conveying speed of the magnetic material S. Therefore, in this embodiment, the processing unit 217 is shown as determining the laser intensity to adjust the magnetic domain width.

[0196] If the intensity of the laser is changed, the mode of the magnetic domain width in the magnetic body S changes. If the intensity of the laser is changed, the average value of the magnetic domain width in the magnetic body S also changes. However, in the case where there are regions with extremely wide magnetic domain widths or regions with extremely narrow magnetic domain widths in the magnetic body S, the average value of the magnetic domain width in the magnetic body S fluctuates. On the other hand, the iron loss of the magnetic body S is determined by the distribution of the magnetic domain widths on the entire surface of the magnetic body S. The local abnormal values ​​of the magnetic domain width have a great influence on the average value of the magnetic domain width. However, the area occupied by the magnetic domain with a magnetic domain width representing a local abnormal value is small relative to the entire surface of the magnetic body S. Therefore, it is not preferable that the indicated value of the laser intensity is affected by the local abnormal value of the magnetic domain width. Therefore, it is preferable to manufacture the magnetic body S (soft magnetic material) based on the mode of the magnetic domain width.

[0197] Therefore, in this embodiment, the processing unit 217 performs processing for adjusting the magnetic domain width of the magnetic body S based on the mode of the magnetic domain width in the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width. However, a representative value other than the mode may be used in addition to the mode, or a representative value other than the mode may be used instead of the mode. For example, the median may be used as a representative value other than the mode.

[0198] For example, when the information representing the frequency distribution of magnetic domain widths is a function, the value of one or more magnetic domain widths that maximizes the value of the function is the mode of the magnetic domain widths. Alternatively, when the frequency distribution of magnetic domain widths is represented by a histogram, the mode of the magnetic domain widths is the level or levels (range of magnetic domain widths) that maximize the frequency (frequency) in the histogram.

[0199] Figure 10A 10 is a diagram showing an example of a histogram 1010 of magnetic domain width. Figure 10A In the middle, the magnetic domain width W i ~W i+9 The upper limit and lower limit of each level of the histogram 1010 representing the magnetic domain width are shown. i ~W i+9 i in is an integer greater than 1. In addition, in order to distinguish the sign indicating the magnetic domain width from the Figure 4 The symbols shown (w1~w p ) difference, in Figure 10A and Figure 10B In the figure, the symbol representing the magnetic domain width is set to capital letter W. Figure 11 In A, the magnetic domain width W i+5 ~W i+6 The range (level) is the range of magnetic domain widths corresponding to the mode of the magnetic domain widths in the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain widths. In this case, the processing unit 217 may determine the representative value (eg, arithmetic mean) of the level as the mode of the magnetic domain widths.

[0200] Figure 10B 10 is a diagram showing an example of a function 1020 of the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width. Figure 10B In the function 1020 showing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width, the magnetic domain width W having the maximum value is shown. max (One value) is the mode of the magnetic domain width in the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width. The processing unit 217 max Determined as the mode of the magnetic domain widths.

[0201] Furthermore, if there are multiple values ​​(multiple levels) representing the mode of the magnetic domain width, the processing unit 217 may process each of these multiple values ​​(multiple levels) as the mode of the magnetic domain width. Furthermore, the processing unit 217 may select one or more of these multiple values ​​(multiple levels). For example, the processing unit 217 may process the maximum value (level) among these multiple values ​​(multiple levels) or a value (level) exceeding a specified value as the mode of the magnetic domain width.

[0202] In addition, if the intensity of the laser is high, the effect of subdividing the magnetic domains can be fully obtained. Therefore, the abnormal eddy current loss of the magnetic body S is reduced. However, when the intensity of the laser is too high, the hysteresis loss of the magnetic body S may increase due to thermal strain. Therefore, there is a situation where it is not preferred if the intensity of the laser is too high. On the other hand, when the intensity of the laser is too low, the effect of subdividing the magnetic domains may not be fully obtained. Therefore, the abnormal eddy current loss of the magnetic body S may not be reduced. Based on the above, it is preferred to control the intensity of the laser used to subdivide the magnetic domains within an appropriate range. In addition, the appropriate intensity of the laser varies according to the magnetic domain width of the magnetic body S before the magnetic domain width is controlled. By increasing the intensity of the laser irradiated to the area with a wide magnetic domain width and reducing the intensity of the laser irradiated to the area with a narrow magnetic domain width, the iron loss of the magnetic body S can be reduced.

[0203] Based on the above viewpoints, in this embodiment, the processing unit 217 determines the intensity of the laser (or electron beam) to be the intensity Ua (mJ / mm) that satisfies the following formula (2): 2 ) situation.

[0204] [Number 1]

[0205]

[0206] Here, W m It is the mode of the magnetic domain width in the information indicating the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width (μm). m It is derived before irradiating the laser (or electron beam). In addition, the unit of the angle represented by arctan is radian (rad). That is, (W m -400) / 300 and (W m The unit of -300) / 300 is radians (rad).

[0207] Furthermore, the processing unit 217 preferably determines the laser intensity Ua through laser irradiation so that the mode of the magnetic domain width in the frequency distribution information representing the magnetic domain width is greater than or equal to 200 μm and less than 400 μm. In other words, the processing unit 217 preferably determines the laser intensity Ua so that the mode of the magnetic domain width, derived from the magnetic domain image of the magnetic body S (soft magnetic material) after laser irradiation as the processing target, is greater than or equal to 200 μm and less than 400 μm. In this manner, a soft magnetic material can be produced in which the mode of the magnetic domain width in the frequency distribution information representing the magnetic domain width is greater than or equal to 200 μm and less than 400 μm.

[0208] The processing unit 217 outputs an operation instruction indicating that the laser beam with the intensity determined as described above is to be output to the magnetic domain control device 910 via the output unit 216. The magnetic domain control device 910 irradiates the magnetic body S with the laser beam with the intensity included in the operation instruction. In this case, the processing unit 217 may derive the operation conditions of the magnetic domain control device 910 so that the laser beam is irradiated to the irradiation range of the magnetic body S (for example, the entirety of at least one of the front and back surfaces of the magnetic body S) and include them in the operation instruction.

[0209] Alternatively, stress relief annealing may be performed on the magnetic material S after magnetic domain control as described above. In this case, the magnetic domain image acquisition device 100 may also acquire a magnetic domain image 300 of the magnetic material S after the stress relief annealing. The processing device 900 may then derive information representing the frequency distribution of magnetic domain widths based on the magnetic domain image 300. In this case, the mode of the magnetic domain widths in the information representing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain widths is preferably 700 μm or greater. In this case, by performing stress relief annealing on the magnetic material S after magnetic domain control, the mode of the magnetic domain widths of the magnetic material S is changed from, for example, 200 μm or greater and less than 400 μm to 700 μm or greater. In other words, by performing stress relief annealing on the magnetic material S after magnetic domain control, the state of the magnetic domains of the magnetic material S becomes close to the state before magnetic domain control.

[0210] Stress relief annealing is performed, for example, as follows. First, the temperature of the magnetic body S is set to 800°C. The state in which the temperature of the magnetic body S is set to 800°C is continued for more than 240 minutes (the magnetic body S is kept at 800°C for more than 240 minutes). In addition, for reasons such as shortening the time of stress relief annealing, the holding time of the magnetic body S may be 240 minutes. Thereafter, the magnetic body S is cooled as follows. First, before the temperature of the magnetic body S is reduced from 800°C to 200°C, the average cooling rate is set to more than 0°C / h and less than 25°C / h. In addition, for reasons such as shortening the time of stress relief annealing, the average cooling rate may be 25°C / h. Thereafter, the magnetic body S is cooled to 50°C at an average cooling rate of more than 0°C / h and less than 100°C / h. In addition, for reasons such as shortening the time of stress relief annealing, the average cooling rate may be 100°C / h.

[0211] This confirms that the magnetic body S (soft magnetic material) after laser irradiation has a mode of magnetic domain width of 700 μm or more in the information indicating the frequency distribution of magnetic domain width before laser irradiation.

[0212] Alternatively, a soft magnetic material having a mode of 700 μm or more of the magnetic domain width in the information representing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width may be used as a soft magnetic intermediate material for manufacturing a magnetic body S. The soft magnetic intermediate material may also be a material obtained by stress relief annealing of the soft magnetic material. The stress relief annealing may be performed under the above-mentioned conditions, for example. In this case, it is preferred to manufacture a magnetic body S (soft magnetic material) having a mode of 200 μm or more of the magnetic domain width in the information representing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width and less than 400 μm by irradiating the soft magnetic intermediate material with a laser.

[0213] <Transformer>

[0214] In addition, the iron core for the transformer can also be manufactured using the magnetic body S (in this embodiment, a directional electromagnetic steel strip) manufactured by performing magnetic domain control as described above. In addition, a transformer having the iron core can also be manufactured. For example, a plurality of soft magnetic plates are manufactured by cutting the magnetic body S into a shape that is approximately the same as (preferably the same as) the planar shape of the iron core. The cutting can be performed by punching or by laser processing. A laminated iron core is manufactured by stacking these multiple soft magnetic plates. In addition, the iron core for the transformer is not limited to the laminated iron core. For example, the magnetic body S can also be used to manufacture a wound iron core as the iron core for the transformer. The manufacturing method of the iron core for the transformer itself can be achieved by a well-known technology. Therefore, a detailed description of the manufacturing method of the iron core for the transformer itself is omitted here.

[0215] The transformer core thus manufactured is wound with coils through insulating materials. These coils, for example, include a primary coil to which voltage is applied and a secondary coil to which the transformed voltage is generated. The transformer manufacturing method itself can be implemented using well-known techniques. Therefore, a detailed description of the transformer manufacturing method itself will be omitted here.

[0216] Furthermore, the magnetic material S may not be used for the iron core of a transformer. For example, the magnetic material S may be used to manufacture the stator iron core (for example, split iron core) of a rotating electrical machine.

[0217] <Flowchart>

[0218] Next, refer to Figure 11 An example of a processing method performed using the processing device 900 of this embodiment is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Figure 11 The flowchart is implemented, for example, by a processor included in the processing device 900 expanding a program stored in a memory in the memory and executing the program.

[0219] First, in step S1101 , the acquisition unit 211 acquires template setting information.

[0220] Next, in step S1102 , the creating unit 212 creates and stores a plurality of template images 410 based on the template setting information acquired in step S1101 .

[0221] In addition, the processing of steps S1101 and S1102 can be respectively Figure 7A The processing of steps S701 and S702 is the same as that of FIG.

[0222] Next, in step S1103, a magnetic domain information derivation process is performed. The magnetic domain information derivation process is, for example, Figure 7A and Figure 7B The processing of steps S703 to S715 is performed. The processing described in the second embodiment can also be performed in step S1103. Here, a case where one magnetic domain image 300 is acquired in step S1103 (step S703) is exemplified.

[0223] Next, in step S1104, the processing unit 217 extracts the magnetic domain width from all the magnetic domain information (the magnetic domain information derived in step S709 and the supplementary magnetic domain information derived in step S714). The processing unit 217 derives information indicating the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width thus extracted.

[0224] Next, in step S1105, the processing unit 217 determines the mode of the magnetic domain width in the information representing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width. For example, when the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width is represented by the histogram 1010, the mode of the magnetic domain width is represented by a level (a range of magnetic domain widths). In this case, the processing unit 217 may also determine the representative value (e.g., the arithmetic mean) of the level as the mode of the magnetic domain width. Alternatively, for example, when the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width is represented by the function 1020, the processing unit 217 may also determine the magnetic domain width at which the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width represents the maximum value in the function 1020 as the mode of the magnetic domain width.

[0225] Next, in step S1106 , the processing unit 217 determines the intensity of the laser light based on the value of the magnetic domain width corresponding to the mode of the magnetic domain widths.

[0226] In this case, the processing unit 217 preferably determines the intensity of the laser light so as to satisfy the formula (2). In addition, the processing unit 217 preferably determines the entirety of at least one of the front surface and the back surface of the magnetic body S as the irradiation range of the laser light.

[0227] Next, in step S1107, the processing unit 217 derives an action command indicating irradiation with the laser light of the intensity determined in step S1107 and outputs it to the output unit 216. The output unit 216 outputs this action command to the magnetic domain control device 910. Consequently, the magnetic domain control device 910 irradiates the magnetic material S with the laser light of the intensity determined in step S1107. The period during which the magnetic domain control device 910 irradiates the magnetic material S, which is the target of magnetic domain control, is within the irradiation range of the laser light emitted from the magnetic domain control device 910. The magnetic material S, which is the target of magnetic domain control, may also be the magnetic material S from which the magnetic domain image 300 is obtained. Alternatively, the magnetic material S, which is the target of magnetic domain control, may also be the base material of the magnetic material S from which the magnetic domain image 300 is obtained. For example, if the magnetic material S, which is the target of magnetic domain image 300, is cut from a coil, the base material is the coil.

[0228] (Calculation example)

[0229] Next, a calculation example is shown. Note that this calculation example is not limited to this calculation example. Figure 12A and Figure 12B is a graph showing the results of this calculation example. In this calculation example, the method of the first embodiment is used to calculate Figure 12A The magnetic domain image 1210 is shown with a magnetic domain width w. Figure 12B The calculated results of the magnetic domain width w are shown. Figure 12B The pixel of the width visualization image 1220 shown is the compared pixel 520. The position of the pixel of the width visualization image 920 is the same as Figure 12A For example, the pixel value of the pixel in the first row and first column of the width visualization image 1220 represents the magnetic domain width w in the pixel in the first row and first column of the magnetic domain image 1210. Figure 12B The width visualization image 1220 shown shows that the higher the concentration, the wider the magnetic domain width w (in other words, the lower the concentration, the narrower the magnetic domain width w).

[0230] Compare Figure 12A and Figure 12B It can be seen that in Figure 12B The width of the area of ​​the visualization image 1220 shown is Figure 12A In the magnetic domain image 1210 shown, the density becomes lighter in the region corresponding to the narrow width w (for example, the region on the positive side of the x-axis). Figure 12B The width of the area of ​​the visualization image 1220 shown is Figure 12A The density is higher in the region corresponding to the wider width w (eg, the region near the center of the x-axis) in the magnetic domain image 1210. This shows that the method of the above embodiment can accurately derive magnetic domain information of the magnetic body S.

[0231] (Example)

[0232] Next, an example will be described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. In this example, multiple 55 mm square samples were produced from a single coil of grain-oriented electrical steel strip, manufactured without performing a magnetic domain control process. By collecting multiple samples from different locations within a single coil, multiple samples with different magnetic domain structures can be obtained. In this example, all samples were made to have the same shape and size to meet the requirements specified in JIS C 2556:2015.

[0233] In the description of this embodiment, the magnetic domain image is obtained as described in the first embodiment. The magnetic domain image is obtained by photographing the entire surface (one side) of the sample. In addition, when photographing the magnetic domain image, the magnetic flux density within the sample is decayed according to formula (1). Then, the magnetic domain image is acquired (photographed) at a time of 30 seconds after the decay begins.

[0234] In the description of this embodiment, the magnetic domain width histogram, which serves as an example of information indicating the frequency distribution of magnetic domain width, is derived as described in the third embodiment. The range of each level in the magnetic domain width histogram is set to 50 μm. In the magnetic domain width histogram, the arithmetic mean of the level with the highest frequency is taken as the mode of the magnetic domain width.

[0235] In this example, stress relief annealing was performed on all samples under the same conditions. Specifically, the samples were kept at 800°C for at least 240 minutes and then cooled. During this process, the average cooling rate was kept at 25°C / h or less until the sample temperature dropped from 800°C to 200°C. Furthermore, the average cooling rate was kept at 100°C / h or less until the sample temperature reached 50°C.

[0236] In this example, according to JIS C 2556:2015, a 55 mm square sample was used by the SST (Single Sheet Tester) method, and the iron loss was derived for each sample under the same conditions.

[0237] The aforementioned multiple samples are divided into samples in which the magnetic domains are controlled by laser light of the same intensity; and samples in which the magnetic domains are controlled by laser light of an intensity derived based on equation (2) as described in the third embodiment. In the following description of this embodiment, the former samples are referred to as comparative example samples. In addition, the latter samples are referred to as inventive example samples.

[0238] Before irradiation with laser light, the iron loss of the sample used in the comparative example was measured. Then, the intensity Ua was set to 1.5 mJ / mm 2 , the entire surface of the sample used in the comparative example was irradiated with laser light to perform magnetic domain control.

[0239] Next, a histogram of the magnetic domain width of the sample for the comparative example in which magnetic domain control was performed was derived.

[0240] Next, the mode of the magnetic domain width was determined from the histogram of the magnetic domain width of the comparative example sample in which the magnetic domain control was performed.

[0241] Next, stress relief annealing was performed on the comparative example sample in which magnetic domain control was performed.

[0242] Next, a histogram of the magnetic domain width of the sample for the comparative example that was subjected to stress relief annealing was derived.

[0243] Next, the mode of the magnetic domain width was determined from the histogram of the magnetic domain width of the comparative example sample that had been subjected to stress relief annealing.

[0244] The above operation was performed for each comparative sample. Table 1 shows the results for the eight comparative samples.

[0245] Table 1

[0246]

[0247] In Table 1, "Mode after Annealing" is the mode of the magnetic domain widths of the comparative example samples that underwent stress relief annealing. "Iron Loss Ratio" is the value obtained by dividing the iron loss of the comparative example samples that underwent magnetic domain control by the iron loss of the comparative example samples before laser irradiation. "Mode during Magnetic Domain Control" is the mode of the magnetic domain widths of the comparative example samples that underwent magnetic domain control.

[0248] The iron loss of the sample used in the example of the invention was also measured before the laser irradiation. In addition, the histogram of the magnetic domain width of the sample used in the example of the invention was derived as described in the third embodiment.

[0249] Next, the mode of the magnetic domain width (μm) was determined from the histogram of the magnetic domain width of the sample used in the invention example before laser irradiation, and used as W in formula (2). m .

[0250] Next, the entire surface of the sample used in the invention example was irradiated with laser light having an intensity Ua satisfying the formula (2), thereby performing magnetic domain control.

[0251] Next, the iron loss of the sample used in the example of the invention in which magnetic domain control was performed was derived. In addition, a histogram of the magnetic domain width of the sample used in the example of the invention in which magnetic domain control was performed was derived.

[0252] Next, the mode of the magnetic domain width was determined from the histogram of the magnetic domain width of the samples of the invention example in which magnetic domain control was performed.

[0253] Next, stress relief annealing was performed on the sample used in the example of the invention in which magnetic domain control was performed.

[0254] Next, a histogram of the magnetic domain width of the sample used in the invention example that had been subjected to stress relief annealing was derived.

[0255] Next, the mode of the magnetic domain width was determined from the histogram of the magnetic domain width of the sample for the invention example that had been subjected to stress relief annealing.

[0256] The above operation was performed for each of the inventive samples. Table 2 shows the results for the eight inventive samples.

[0257] Table 2

[0258]

[0259] In Table 2, the "mode after annealing" is the mode of the magnetic domain width of the sample used in the invention example that underwent stress relief annealing. As described in the third embodiment, in Tables 1 and 2, the "mode after annealing" corresponds to the mode of the magnetic domain width before magnetic domain control. The "iron loss ratio" is the value obtained by dividing the iron loss of the sample used in the invention example that underwent magnetic domain control by the iron loss of the sample used in the invention example before laser irradiation. The "mode during magnetic domain control" is the mode of the magnetic domain width of the sample used in the invention example that underwent magnetic domain control.

[0260] As shown in Table 1, if the intensity Ua of the laser is kept constant regardless of the magnetic domain structure, then when the mode of the magnetic domain width before magnetic domain control is greater than 700 μm, the mode of the magnetic domain width after magnetic domain control (laser irradiation) cannot be made to be greater than 200 μm and less than 400 μm (refer to "Mode during magnetic domain control" No. 3 to No. 8 in Table 1).

[0261] On the other hand, as shown in Table 2, when laser light of intensity Ua satisfying equation (2) is irradiated, even when the mode of the magnetic domain width before magnetic domain control is 700 μm or greater, the mode of the magnetic domain width after magnetic domain control (laser light irradiation) can be made to be within the range of 200 μm or greater and less than 400 μm (see "Mode during magnetic domain control" in No. 3 to No. 8 in Table 2). Thus, when laser light of intensity Ua satisfying equation (2) is irradiated, iron loss can be reduced compared to when the laser light intensity Ua is kept constant regardless of the magnetic domain structure (see "Iron Loss Ratio" in No. 3 to No. 8 in Tables 1 and 2).

[0262] (Other embodiments)

[0263] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be implemented by executing a program on a computer. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium recording the program and a computer program product such as the program can also be applied as embodiments of the present disclosure. Examples of recording media include floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, nonvolatile memory cards, and ROMs.

[0264] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are merely examples of specific implementations of the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0265] Industrial applicability

[0266] The present disclosure can be used, for example, to obtain magnetic domain information.

Claims

1. A processing system for deriving magnetic domain information of a magnetic domain image of a processing object, The processing system comprises: a comparing unit that compares a compared region in the magnetic domain image to be processed with one or more template images that are images having the magnetic domain information; and a magnetic domain information deriving unit configured to derive the magnetic domain information in the compared region based on a result of the comparison; There are a plurality of template images that can be compared with the compared area by the comparison unit. The plurality of template images have the magnetic domain information different from each other.

2. The processing system according to claim 1, The magnetic domain information deriving unit selects a template image satisfying a predetermined condition from among the one or more template images as the template image corresponding to the compared region, and uses the magnetic domain information of the template image corresponding to the compared region as the magnetic domain information in the compared region.

3. The processing system according to claim 2, The predetermined condition is a condition using the degree of coincidence between the compared region and the template image.

4. The processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The magnetic domain image includes a plurality of compared regions from which the magnetic domain information is derived. The processing system includes a supplementary magnetic domain information extraction unit that extracts the magnetic domain information in the compared area for which the magnetic domain information is not extracted by the magnetic domain information extraction unit based on the magnetic domain information in at least one other compared area extracted by the magnetic domain information extraction unit.

5. The processing system according to claim 4, The supplementary magnetic domain information derivation unit selects the at least one other compared region based on the position of the compared region from which the magnetic domain information was not derived by the magnetic domain information derivation unit and the position of the compared region from which the magnetic domain information was derived by the magnetic domain information derivation unit.

6. The processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The magnetic domain image includes images of a first magnetic domain and a second magnetic domain having magnetic moments oriented in different directions. The template image includes a first template image corresponding to the first magnetic domain and a second template image corresponding to the second magnetic domain. The comparing section compares the compared region of the magnetic domain image with the first template image and compares the compared region of the magnetic domain image with the second template image.

7. The processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The magnetic domain information includes information indicating at least one of a magnetic domain width and a direction in which the magnetic domain extends.

8. The processing system according to claim 7, At least two of the plurality of template images show different magnetic domain widths and different directions in which the magnetic domains extend.

9. The processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The comparison unit compares the compared region with the template image after rotating at least one of the magnetic domain image and the template image.

10. The processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The processing system includes a processing unit that performs processing based on the magnetic domain information derived by the magnetic domain information deriving unit.

11. The processing system according to claim 10, The magnetic domain information includes magnetic domain width, The processing unit derives information indicating a frequency distribution of the magnetic domain widths derived using one magnetic domain image or a plurality of magnetic domain images as the magnetic domain images to be processed.

12. The processing system according to claim 11, The processing unit performs processing for adjusting the magnetic domain width of the soft magnetic material based on information indicating the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width.

13. The processing system according to claim 12, The processing unit performs processing for adjusting the magnetic domain width of the soft magnetic material based on a representative value of the magnetic domain width in information indicating a frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width.

14. The processing system according to claim 13, The magnetic domain width is adjusted by irradiating the soft magnetic material with a laser or electron beam. The processing unit performs: deriving information representing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width derived from one of the magnetic domain images or multiple magnetic domain images in the soft magnetic material before being irradiated with a laser or electron beam as the magnetic domain image of the processing object; and determining the intensity of the laser or electron beam irradiating the soft magnetic material based on the representative value of the magnetic domain width in the information representing the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width.

15. The processing system according to claim 14, The processing system includes an irradiation unit that irradiates the soft magnetic material with a laser or an electron beam. The irradiation unit irradiates laser light or electron beam based on the processing result of the processing unit.

16. The processing system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, The representative value is the mode.

17. The processing system according to claim 16, The processing unit sets the mode of the magnetic domain width in the information indicating the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width to W. m , the unit is μm, the unit of the angle represented by arctan is rad, and the intensity of the laser or electron beam is determined to be the intensity Ua that satisfies the following formula (A), and the unit is mJ / mm 2 , [Number 1] 18. The processing system according to claim 16 or 17, The processing unit determines the intensity of the laser or electron beam so that the mode of the magnetic domain width of the soft magnetic material after irradiation with the laser or electron beam in the information indicating the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width is 200 μm or more and 400 μm or less.

19. The processing system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, In the information indicating the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width, a mode of the magnetic domain width of the soft magnetic material before irradiation with a laser beam or an electron beam is 700 μm or more.

20. The processing system according to any one of claims 16 to 19, The processing unit derives information indicating a frequency distribution of the magnetic domain widths derived from one or more magnetic domain images of the soft magnetic material subjected to stress relief annealing after being irradiated with a laser or electron beam as the magnetic domain image to be processed, In the information indicating the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width, the mode of the magnetic domain width is 700 μm or more.

21. A soft magnetic material, In the information indicating the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width derived by the processing unit included in the processing system according to any one of claims 16 to 20, the mode of the magnetic domain width is 200 μm or more and less than 400 μm.

22. The soft magnetic material according to claim 21, When the soft magnetic material is subjected to stress relief annealing, the mode of the magnetic domain width in the information indicating the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width derived by the processing unit is 700 μm or more. The stress relief annealing is carried out as follows: after the soft magnetic material is kept at 800°C for 240 minutes, the soft magnetic material is cooled at an average cooling rate of 25°C / h until the temperature of the soft magnetic material drops from 800°C to 200°C, and the soft magnetic material is cooled at an average cooling rate of 100°C / h until the temperature of the soft magnetic material drops from 200°C to 50°C.

23. A soft magnetic intermediate material for producing the soft magnetic material according to claim 21 or 22, In the information indicating the frequency distribution of the magnetic domain width for the magnetic domain width derived by the processing unit included in the processing system according to claim 19 or 20, the mode of the magnetic domain width is 700 μm or more.

24. A transformer, A core comprising the soft magnetic material according to claim 21 or 22 is provided.

25. A processing method for deriving magnetic domain information of a magnetic domain image of a processing object, The processing method has the following features: a comparing step of comparing a compared region in the magnetic domain image of the processing target with one or more template images as images having the magnetic domain information; and a magnetic domain information deriving step of deriving the magnetic domain information in the compared area based on the comparison result; In the comparison step, there are a plurality of template images that can be compared with the compared area. The plurality of template images have the magnetic domain information different from each other. 26 . A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the processing system according to claim 1 .

Images