Pressure measuring method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

After the same pressure is applied to a color developing member that develops color at a density corresponding to the applied pressure and a sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure, a color developing member image is acquired. Time series data of an output value of the sensor device during application of the pressure is acquired. On the basis of the color developing member image, pressure distribution data indicating the surface distribution of the applied pressure is derived. On the basis of time-series data of output values from the sensor device, pressure distribution time-series data indicating the time lapse of the surface distribution of the applied pressure is derived. The pressure distribution data is used to correct the pressure values at each position and each time point of the pressure distribution time series data. The sensor device is made of a material having a pencil hardness of 2H or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to a pressure measurement method, an information processing device, and a program. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, various techniques were known for measuring the energy applied to a surface (such as pressure, heat, and ultraviolet light).

[0003] First, there are known techniques for measuring energy levels using a colorimetric component that develops color based on the amount of energy applied. One example of such a colorimetric component is Prescale (registered trademark) (manufactured by FUJIFILM Corporation), which can obtain a colorimetric concentration corresponding to the applied pressure. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a pressure measuring plate (e.g., Prescale) is placed on a calibration plate, and an image is taken. The density, size, distortion, and shape of the photographic image are corrected based on the calibration plate contained in the image, and the concentration value of the pressure measuring plate contained in the corrected image is converted into a pressure value.

[0004] Second, sensor devices are known to output electrical signals corresponding to pressure by detecting sensor elements such as pressure. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a sensor device comprising: a sensing unit disposed on a substrate and including a sensor element that detects at least one of pressure and temperature; and a storage unit that stores calibration data of the sensor element. Summary of the Invention

[0005] -The technical problem that the invention aims to solve-

[0006] The purpose of the disclosed technology is to perform high-precision measurement of the time-varying surface distribution of the applied pressure.

[0007] -Means used to solve technical problems-

[0008] The pressure measurement method disclosed in the technology includes at least one processor of an information processing device performing the following processing: acquiring a colorimetric component image, which is a photographic image of the colorimetric component after pressure is applied, under the condition that the same pressure is applied to the colorimetric component that develops color at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure and to a sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure; acquiring time-series data of the output value of the sensor device during the application of pressure; and processing based on the colorimetric component image and the time-series data of the output value of the sensor device, wherein the sensor device is made of a material having a hardness of 2H or higher than that of a pencil.

[0009] The above processing may include processing related to the surface distribution of the applied pressure based on time-series data of the sensor device's output values. The above processing may include: processing using pressure distribution data representing the surface distribution of the applied pressure derived from a colorimetric component image, and pressure distribution time-series data representing the time progression of the applied pressure surface distribution derived from time-series data of the sensor device's output values. The above processing may include using the pressure distribution data to correct the pressure values ​​at various locations and time points in the pressure distribution time-series data.

[0010] When applying the same pressure to the color-developing component and the sensor device, the pressure can be applied while the color-developing component and the sensor device are overlapping. The sensor device can be a piezoresistive tactile sensor, having multiple electrodes arranged on the surface of a substrate and a pressure-sensitive conductive component covering the multiple electrodes. The substrate can be made of a material with a pencil hardness of 2H or higher. The sensor device can have a filter to remove noise components contained in the electrical signals read from the multiple electrodes.

[0011] The information processing apparatus disclosed in this technology includes at least one processor. The processor performs the following processing: acquiring an image of a color-developing component, which is a photographic image of the color-developing component after pressure has been applied, under the condition that the same pressure is applied to both the color-developing component and a sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure; acquiring time-series data of the output value of the sensor device during the application of pressure; and processing based on the color-developing component image and the time-series data of the sensor device's output value. The sensor device is made of a material with a pencil hardness of 2H or higher.

[0012] The disclosed technology involves a program that enables at least one processor in an information processing device to perform the following processing: acquiring a colorimetric component image, which is a photographic image of the colorimetric component after pressure has been applied, under the condition that the same pressure is applied to the colorimetric component at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure and to a sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure; acquiring time-series data of the output value of the sensor device during the application of pressure; and processing based on the colorimetric component image and the time-series data of the output value of the sensor device. The sensor device is made of a material with a pencil hardness of 2H or higher.

[0013] -Invention Effects-

[0014] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to perform high-precision measurement of the time shift of the surface distribution of the applied pressure. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating an example of a pressure measurement method involved in an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0016] Figure 2A This is a plan view illustrating an example of the structure of a sensor device.

[0017] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a sensor device.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of an information processing device.

[0019] Figure 4A This is a diagram representing an example of the first reference data.

[0020] Figure 4B This is a diagram representing an example of the second reference data.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of an information processing device.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process implemented by the CPU executing a stress measurement program.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the unevenness formed on the surface of the sensor device by the application of pressure.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a plan view illustrating an example of the structure of a sensor device. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0026] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an example of a pressure measurement method according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The pressure measurement method according to this embodiment uses two pressure measurement mechanisms, a sensor device 20 and a colorimetric component 30, to measure the applied pressure.

[0027] Figure 2A This is a plan perspective view showing an example of the structure of the sensor device 20. Figure 2BThis is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the sensor device 20. The sensor device 20 is a tactile sensor that detects pressure by means of piezoresistive pressure. The sensor device 20 includes: a plurality of first electrodes 21 extending along a first direction arranged on the surface of a substrate 24; a plurality of second electrodes 22 extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction arranged on the surface of a substrate 25; and a connector 23. The substrates 24 and 25 are bonded together with the first electrodes 21 and the second electrodes 22 intersecting each other. The substrates 24 and 25 are made of resin, and the first electrodes 21 and the second electrodes 22 are made of metals such as Cu or Al. The surfaces of the first electrodes 21 and the second electrodes 22 are covered by a pressure-sensitive conductive component 26. The pressure-sensitive conductive component 26 is a component whose resistance changes according to the applied pressure.

[0028] Electrical signals corresponding to the resistance values ​​at each intersection of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22, which serve as pressure detection points for the sensor device 20, are sequentially read from each electrode. These electrical signals are converted into digital output values, which are then output by connector 23. The output value of the sensor device 20 is proportional to the magnitude of the pressure applied to each intersection of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22. The output value of the sensor device 20 is input to the information processing device 10, which is connected to connector 23.

[0029] The accuracy of pressure measurement based on sensor device 20 is lower than that based on colorimetric component 30. This is because the plastic deformation of substrates 24 and 25 caused by the application of pressure to sensor device 20 leads to deviations in the output value of sensor device 20. Furthermore, even if noise is mixed into the electrical signals read from each electrode of sensor device 20, errors will still occur in the output value of sensor device 20. On the other hand, the output value of sensor device 20 changes with the applied pressure, thus it is possible to acquire the output value of sensor device 20 as time-series data. That is, by performing pressure measurement using sensor device 20, the temporal shift of the surface distribution of the applied pressure can be monitored.

[0030] The color-developing component 30 is a thin-film component formed by stacking a color-developing agent layer containing microcapsules of colorless dye dispersed in the color-developing agent and another color-developing agent layer containing the color-developing agent. When pressure is applied to the color-developing component 30, the microcapsules are broken, and the colorless dye is adsorbed onto the color-developing agent, resulting in color development through a chemical reaction. The colorless dye is encapsulated in various microcapsules of different sizes and strengths. The amount of colorless dye that flows out from the broken microcapsules and is adsorbed onto the color-developing agent varies depending on the pressure applied to the color-developing component 30. Therefore, the color-developing component 30 develops color at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure. By analyzing the color development state of the color-developing component 30, the surface distribution of the pressure applied to the color-developing component 30 can be monitored. In addition, the amount of colorless dye penetrating relative to the color-developing agent is affected by the duration of pressure application. Therefore, the color development concentration of the color-developing component 30 corresponds to the cumulative duration of the applied pressure. For example, Prescale (registered trademark) manufactured by FUJIFILM Corporation can be used as the color-developing component 30.

[0031] By using the colorimetric component 30, the surface distribution of static pressure can be monitored. However, the colorimetric reaction of the colorimetric component 30 is irreversible, so the temporal shift of the surface distribution of pressure cannot be monitored. On the other hand, the accuracy of pressure measurement based on the colorimetric component 30 is higher than that based on the sensor device 20.

[0032] As described above, pressure measurement using sensor device 20 has the advantage of being able to monitor the time-varying surface distribution of the applied pressure, but it also has the disadvantage of relatively low pressure measurement accuracy. Pressure measurement using colorimetric component 30 has the advantage of relatively high pressure measurement accuracy, but it also has the disadvantage of not being able to monitor the time-varying surface distribution of the applied pressure. The pressure measurement method according to this embodiment overcomes one disadvantage of both sensor device 20 and colorimetric component 30 by utilizing another advantage, thereby achieving high-precision measurement of the time-varying surface distribution of the applied pressure.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the pressure measurement method according to this embodiment includes the step of applying pressure to the color developing component 30 and the sensor device 20 while they are overlapped. Furthermore, in addition to the color developing component 30 and the sensor device 20, the object to which pressure is applied, i.e., the target object 50, can be further overlapped to apply pressure. Therefore, the pressure actually applied to the target object 50 can be measured. The target object 50 can be, for example, an industrial product such as a metal plate or a semiconductor wafer, or its material. The pressure measurement method according to this embodiment can be applied during manufacturing processes that involve applying pressure to such industrial products.

[0034] The pressure measurement method according to this embodiment includes the step of acquiring a colorimetric image 40, which is a photographic image of a colorimetric component 30 after pressure is applied. The colorimetric image 40 is acquired as a color image. The colorimetric component 30 can be photographed using a digital camera or a scanner. If the information processing device 10 is equipped with a digital camera, the colorimetric component 30 can be photographed by the digital camera equipped with the information processing device 10.

[0035] The information processing device 10 can be a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet computer, or a desktop or laptop personal computer.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of an information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, non-volatile memory 103, an input device 104 including a keyboard and mouse, a display 105, and a communication interface 106.

[0037] These hardware components are connected to bus 108.

[0038] Display 105 may be a touch panel display. Communication interface 106 is an interface for data communication between information processing device 10 and a digital camera or scanner that captures the image sensor device 20 and the color display unit image 40. The communication method may be either wired or wireless. Wireless communication may be applicable, for example, to existing wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0039] The non-volatile memory 103 is a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or flash memory. The non-volatile memory 103 stores a pressure measurement program 110, first reference data 120A, and second reference data 120B. RAM 102 is a working memory for CPU 101 to perform processing. CPU 101 loads the pressure measurement program 110 stored in non-volatile memory 103 into RAM 102 and performs processing according to the pressure measurement program 110. CPU 101 is an example of a "processor" in the disclosed technology.

[0040] Figure 4AThis diagram illustrates an example of the first reference data 120A. The first reference data 120A is data that establishes a correspondence between the color development density value and the pressure value in a photographic image of the color development component 30 after pressure application, i.e., the color development component image 40. The information processing device 10 refers to the first reference data 120A when deriving the pressure value applied to the color development component 30 based on the color development component image 40. The first reference data 120A may be provided by the manufacturer of the color development component 30. The first reference data 120A may, for example, be created based on a representative characteristic of the color development characteristics of the color development component 30. The color development density value in the reference data 120A may be a grayscale value, for example, representing the color development density of the color development component 30 in the color development component image 40 using 256 grayscale values. The tuning number may be appropriately determined.

[0041] Figure 4B This diagram illustrates an example of the second reference data 120B. The second reference data 120B is data that establishes a correspondence between the output value of the sensor device 20 and the pressure value. The information processing device 10 refers to the second reference data 120B when deriving the pressure value applied to the sensor device 20 based on the output value of the sensor device 20. The second reference data 120B may be provided by the manufacturer of the sensor device 20. The output value of the sensor device 20 may be an 8-bit digital value representing the pressure detected by the sensor device 20 in, for example, 256 stages.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, an output unit 12, a calibration unit 13, and a display processing unit 14. The CPU 101 executes the pressure measurement program 110, and the CPU 101 functions as the acquisition unit 11, the output unit 12, the calibration unit 13, and the display processing unit 14.

[0043] In the pressure measurement method described in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, with the color developing component 30 and the sensor device 20 overlapped, pressure is applied to the color developing component 30 and the sensor device 20. After the pressure application is completed, the color developing component 30 is removed, and the color developing surface of the color developing component 30 is photographed using a digital camera or scanner (not shown).

[0044] The acquisition unit 11 acquires a colorimetric image 40, which is a photographic image of the colorimetric component 30 after pressure is applied. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11 acquires timing data of the output values ​​of the sensor device 20 during the application of pressure.

[0045] The export unit 12 uses the color developing component image 40 acquired by the acquisition unit 11 and the first reference data 120A to export pressure distribution data representing the surface distribution of the applied pressure value. Specifically, the export unit 12 determines the color density value of each pixel in the color developing component image 40 and, referring to the first reference data 120A, exports the pressure value corresponding to the color density value for each image. The export unit 12 can analyze the color developing component image 40 to export, in addition to the pressure value, index values ​​such as pressure effectiveness, pressure area, average pressure, maximum pressure, minimum pressure, weighting, and pressure uniformity. Pressure effectiveness is the proportion of the area of ​​the color developing area of ​​the color developing component 30 that is included within the recommended pressure range of the color developing component 30. The pressure area is the area of ​​the color developing region (hereinafter referred to as the color developing region) of the color developing component 30. The average pressure is the average pressure of the color developing region. The maximum pressure is the maximum pressure of the color developing region. The minimum pressure is the minimum pressure of the color developing region. The weighting is the weighting value of the color developing region (pressure area × average pressure). Pressure uniformity is an indicator of the uniformity of pressure values ​​in the color development area.

[0046] Furthermore, the export unit 12 uses the timing data of the output value of the sensor device 20 acquired by the acquisition unit 11 and the second reference data 120B to export time-lapse pressure distribution timing data representing the surface distribution of the applied pressure. Specifically, the export unit 12 refers to the second reference data 120B and performs processing to export the pressure value corresponding to the output value of the sensor device 20 at each detection point of the sensor device 20.

[0047] The correction unit 13 performs a correction process, which uses pressure distribution data based on the color developing component image 40 to correct the pressure values ​​P at each location and time point represented by the pressure distribution time-series data based on the output value of the sensor device 20. s（x，y） (t) Correction is performed. The following is a detailed explanation of the correction process.

[0048] The calibration unit 13 derives the cumulative time value for each detection point based on the pressure value represented by the pressure distribution time-series data. Hereinafter, the cumulative time value of the pressure at each detection point will be referred to as the cumulative pressure value P. a（x，y） .

[0049] Next, the correction unit 13 measures the pressure values ​​P at each location as represented by the pressure distribution data based on the color rendering component image 40. c（x，y） Divide by the cumulative pressure value P at the same location a（x、y） Derive the correction coefficient C at each detection point of the sensor device 20. （x，y） .

[0050] That is, the correction coefficient C at each detection point of the sensor device 20 （x，y）It is expressed by the following equation (1). In addition, the positions of each detection point of the sensor device 20 and the positions of each pixel of the color display component image 40 are defined by the xy orthogonal coordinate system. The pressure distribution time series data based on the output value of the sensor device 20 and the pressure distribution time series data based on the color display component image 40 are aligned with each other using the xy orthogonal coordinate system.

[0051] C （x,y） =P c（x,y） / P a（x,y） ···(1)

[0052] Next, the calibration unit 13 performs pressure distribution time-series data based on the output value of the sensor device 20 at each detection point, and calculates the pressure value P at each detection point and at each time point. s（x，y） (t) multiplied by the correction factor C （x，y） The processing is performed. Therefore, the pressure values ​​P at each location and time point are corrected based on the pressure distribution time-series data of the sensor device 20's output value. s（x，y） (t). That is, the corrected pressure values ​​P at each location and time point. （x，y） (t) is represented by the following equation (2).

[0053] P （x,y） (t) = P s（x,y） (t)×C （x,y） ···(2)

[0054] Here, it is assumed that the area resolution of the pressure distribution time-series data based on the colorimetric component image 40 is different from the area resolution of the pressure distribution time-series data based on the sensor device 20. Typically, the area resolution of the pressure distribution data based on the colorimetric component image 40 is higher than the area resolution of the pressure distribution time-series data based on the sensor device 20. This is because the number of pixels in the colorimetric component image 40 is usually greater than the number of pressure detection points in the sensor device 20. Therefore, for example, processing can be performed to make the area resolution of the pressure distribution data based on the colorimetric component image 40 consistent with the area resolution of the pressure distribution time-series data based on the sensor device 20. For example, if the area resolution of the pressure distribution data based on the colorimetric component image 40 is four times the area resolution of the pressure distribution time-series data based on the sensor device 20, a resolution conversion can be performed to merge four adjacent pixels of the colorimetric component image 40 into one pixel. In this case, the average pixel value of the four pixels can be used as the pixel value of the merged pixel, and then a correction coefficient C can be derived. （x，y） .

[0055] Furthermore, processing can be performed to make the area resolution of the pressure distribution time-series data based on sensor device 20 consistent with the area resolution of the pressure distribution data based on color display component image 40. For example, if the area resolution of the pressure distribution data based on color display component image 40 is four times the area resolution of the pressure distribution time-series data based on sensor device 20, a resolution conversion can be performed to divide one pressure detection point of sensor device 20 into four regions. In this case, a correction coefficient C can be derived for each of the four regions based on the output value of the detection point before the division. （x，y） .

[0056] The display processing unit 14 displays the corrected pressure values ​​P at each location and time point. （x，y） (t) Processing displayed on the display 105. The display processing unit 14 can, for example, display the corrected pressure values ​​at each location using multiple three-dimensional graphs at each point in time. Furthermore, the display processing unit 14 can display three-dimensional graphs representing the corrected pressure values ​​at each location using animations that change over time. Additionally, the display processing unit 14 can display two-dimensional graphs representing the time progression of the pressure values ​​at a specified location.

[0057] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow implemented by the CPU 101 executing the pressure measurement program 110. Before executing the pressure measurement program 110, it is assumed that pressure is applied to the color developing component 30 and the sensor device 20 in these overlapping states. Furthermore, it is assumed that a color developing component image 40 is obtained from the color developing component 30 after the pressure is applied.

[0058] In step S1, the acquisition unit 11 acquires a color development component image 40, which is a photographic image of the color development component 30 after pressure is applied.

[0059] In step S2, the acquisition unit 11 acquires timing data of the output value of the sensor device 20 during the application of pressure.

[0060] In step S3, the export unit 12 uses the color developing component image 40 and the first reference data 120A obtained in step S1 to export pressure distribution data representing the surface distribution of the applied pressure value. Specifically, the export unit 12 determines the color density value of each pixel in the color developing component image 40 and, with reference to the first reference data 120A, performs processing to export the pressure value corresponding to the color density value for each image.

[0061] In step S4, the derivation unit 12 uses the timing data of the output value of the sensor device 20 obtained in step S2 and the second reference data 120B to derive time-series data of the pressure distribution representing the surface distribution of the applied pressure over time. Specifically, the derivation unit 12 refers to the second reference data 120B and performs processing to derive the pressure value corresponding to the output value of the sensor device 20 at each detection point of the sensor device 20 at each time point.

[0062] In step S5, the correction unit 13 uses the pressure distribution time series data exported in step S3 to adjust the pressure values ​​P at each location and time point represented by the pressure distribution time series data exported in step S4. s（x，y） (t) Correction is performed. The corrected pressure values ​​P at each location and time point. （x，y） (t) is represented by equation (2).

[0063] In step S6, the display processing unit 14 displays the corrected pressure values ​​P at each position and time point. （x，y） (t) Processing displayed on display 105.

[0064] As described above, the pressure measurement method involved in the disclosed technology includes the following steps: an information processing device 100 acquires a colorimetric component image 40, which is a photographic image of the colorimetric component 30 after pressure is applied, wherein the colorimetric component 30 is colored at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure and the sensor device 20 outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure, with the colorimetric component 30 and the sensor device 20 overlapping; acquires time-series data of the output value of the sensor device 20 during the pressure application period; derives pressure distribution data representing the surface distribution of the applied pressure based on the colorimetric component image 40; derives pressure distribution time-series data representing the time progression of the surface distribution of the applied pressure based on the time-series data of the output value of the sensor device 20; and uses the pressure distribution data to correct the pressure values ​​at each position and time point of the pressure distribution time-series data.

[0065] In pressure measurement using sensor device 20, there is the advantage of being able to monitor the temporal shift of the surface distribution of the applied pressure, but on the other hand, there is the disadvantage of relatively low pressure measurement accuracy. In pressure measurement using colorimetric component 30, there is the advantage of relatively high pressure measurement accuracy, but on the other hand, there is the disadvantage of not being able to monitor the temporal shift of the surface distribution of the applied pressure. According to the pressure measurement method of this embodiment, by utilizing another advantage to overcome one of the disadvantages of pressure measurement using sensor device 20 and pressure measurement using colorimetric component 30, it is possible to perform high-precision measurement of the temporal shift of the surface distribution of the applied pressure.

[0066] However, if the pressure measurement accuracy based on sensor device 20 is too low, even with the correction processing involved in the pressure measurement method of this embodiment, it is difficult to derive an accurate pressure value. One of the main reasons for the reduced pressure measurement accuracy of sensor device 20, as described above, is the plastic deformation of substrates 24 and 25 accompanying the application of pressure to sensor device 20. If plastic deformation occurs in substrates 24 and 25, the compression state of the pressure-sensitive conductive component 26 relative to the applied pressure changes, and therefore the output value of sensor device 20 changes. For example, if substrates 24 and 25 are made of PET with a hardness equivalent to pencil hardness 1H, it is possible that by applying pressure within an assumed measurement pressure range (e.g., 0.001 MPa or more and 1000 MPa or less), plastic deformation may occur in substrates 24 and 25 to the extent that it affects the output value of sensor device 20.

[0067] Therefore, in the pressure measurement method according to the disclosed technical embodiments, a sensor device 20 is used, which is made of a material with a hardness sufficient for plastic deformation to prevent the output value from being affected by pressure applied within the assumed measurement pressure range. Specifically, in the sensor device 20, the substrates 24 and 25 are made of a material with a pencil hardness of 2H or higher. By making the substrates 24 and 25 of a material with a pencil hardness of 2H or higher, plastic deformation of the substrates 24 and 25 caused by pressure applied to the sensor device 20 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing changes in the output value of the sensor device 20 caused by deformation of the substrates 24 and 25. As a result, the accuracy of pressure measurement based on the sensor device 20 can be improved. For example, epoxy resin (equivalent to hardness 2H), PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone, equivalent to hardness 3H), and glass (equivalent to hardness 9H) can be used as the materials for the substrates 24 and 25.

[0068] Furthermore, when pressure is applied while the color-developing component 30 and the sensor device 20 are overlapped, the following issues may arise. Specifically, such as... Figure 2A As shown, the sensor device 20 has a first electrode 21 and a second electrode 22 arranged in a grid pattern. The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are formed on the surfaces of substrates 24 and 25 respectively by film formation methods such as printing. If the thickness of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 increases, then... Figure 7As shown, by applying pressure, unevenness corresponding to the arrangement of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is formed on the surface of the sensor device 20 (the contact surface with the color-developing component 30), affecting the color development state of the color-developing component 30. Specifically, in the color-developing component 30, grid-like color-developing portions corresponding to the arrangement of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 may sometimes be generated. Thus, the generation of color-developing portions originating from the structure of the sensor device 20 in the color-developing component 30 can hinder high-precision pressure measurement.

[0069] The substrates 24 and 25 of the sensor device 20 are made of a material with a hardness of 2H or higher than that of a pencil, which can mitigate or eliminate the unevenness formed on the surface of the sensor device 20 (the contact surface with the color developing component 30) by pressure application, and suppress the influence on the color developing state of the color developing component 30.

[0070] One of the reasons for the reduced accuracy of pressure measurement using the sensor device 20, as described above, is the noise contained in the electrical signals read from the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 of the sensor device 20. Therefore, the pressure measurement method according to this embodiment uses a sensor device 20 that has a filter to remove noise components contained in the electrical signals read from the multiple electrodes. Figure 8 As shown, the sensor device 20 has a filter 27 on the analog line connected to the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 to remove noise components contained in the electrical signal transmitted to the analog line. An analog-to-digital converter 28 is provided after the filter 27. The filter 27 and the analog-to-digital converter 28 are mounted on a substrate constituting the connector 23.

[0071] Furthermore, while the above description illustrates applying pressure with the color-developing component 30 and the sensor device 20 overlapping, the disclosed technology is not limited to this method. That is, in the pressure measurement method disclosed in the technology, it is sufficient to apply the same pressure to the color-developing component 30 and the sensor device 20; it is not necessary to apply pressure to both simultaneously. The same pressure can be applied sequentially to the color-developing component 30 and the sensor device 20. Here, "same" also includes cases where they are considered substantially the same. For example, if the mechanism that applies pressure to the color-developing component 30 and the sensor device 20 (such as the stamping device) outputs a pressure corresponding to a set value, then if the set value is the same, the pressures sequentially applied to the color-developing component 30 and the sensor device 20 can be considered substantially the same.

[0072] As the hardware structure for implementing the various processes performed by the aforementioned functional units of the information processing device 10, various processors as shown below can be used. As described above, among the various processors, in addition to the general-purpose processor, i.e., CPU, which executes software (program) and functions as various processing units, there are also processors with circuit structures specifically designed for performing specific processes, such as programmable logic devices (PLDs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), whose circuit structures can be changed after manufacturing FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0073] A processing unit can consist of one of these various processors, or it can consist of a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., a combination of multiple FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Furthermore, multiple processing units can also be composed of a single processor.

[0074] As examples of a single processor comprising multiple processing units, firstly, there is the following approach: As exemplified by client and server computers, a single processor is composed of one or more CPUs and software, functioning as multiple processing units. Secondly, there is the following approach: As exemplified by System-on-Chip (SoC), a processor that implements the overall system functionality including multiple processing units using a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. In this way, various processing units are constructed as hardware structures using one or more of the aforementioned processors. Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structures of these various processors can utilize circuits composed of semiconductor elements and other circuitry.

[0075] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes the pressure measurement program 110 being pre-stored (installed) in the non-volatile memory 103, it is not limited to this. The pressure measurement program 110 can be provided as a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (CompactDisc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Additionally, the pressure measurement program 110 can also be configured to be downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0076] The following notes further disclose the above implementation methods.

[0077] (Note 1)

[0078] A pressure measurement method includes processing performed by at least one processor provided by an information processing device as follows:

[0079] Acquire an image of the color-developing component, wherein the image of the color-developing component is a photographic image of the color-developing component after pressure is applied, under the condition that the same pressure is applied to the color-developing component that develops color at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure and the sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure;

[0080] Acquire timing data of the output values ​​of the sensor device during the application of pressure; and

[0081] Processing of time-series data based on the color rendering component image and the output values ​​of the sensor device.

[0082] The sensor device is made of a material with a hardness of 2H or higher than that of a pencil.

[0083] (Note 2)

[0084] According to the pressure measurement method described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0085] The processing includes processing based on time-series data of the sensor device's output values, relating to the surface distribution of the applied pressure.

[0086] (Note 3)

[0087] According to the pressure measurement method described in Appendix 2, wherein,

[0088] The processing includes: processing pressure distribution data representing the surface distribution of the applied pressure derived from the image of the color-developing component, and processing pressure distribution time-series data representing the time progression of the surface distribution of the applied pressure derived from the time-series data of the output values ​​of the sensor device.

[0089] (Note 4)

[0090] According to the pressure measurement method described in Appendix 3, wherein,

[0091] The process includes using the pressure distribution data to correct the pressure values ​​at each location and time point of the pressure distribution time series data.

[0092] (Note 5)

[0093] According to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4, the pressure measurement method, wherein,

[0094] Pressure is applied while the color-developing component and the sensor device are overlapped.

[0095] (Note 6)

[0096] According to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5, the pressure measurement method, wherein,

[0097] The sensor device is a piezoresistive tactile sensor, which has multiple electrodes arranged on the surface of a substrate and a pressure-sensitive conductive component covering the multiple electrodes.

[0098] The substrate is made of a material with a pencil hardness of 2H or higher.

[0099] (Note 7)

[0100] According to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 6, the pressure measurement method, wherein,

[0101] The sensor device has a filter that removes noise components contained in the electrical signals read from the plurality of electrodes.

[0102] (Note 8)

[0103] An information processing device includes at least one processor, which performs the following processing:

[0104] Acquire an image of the color-developing component, wherein the image of the color-developing component is a photographic image of the color-developing component after pressure is applied, under the condition that the same pressure is applied to the color-developing component that develops color at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure and the sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure;

[0105] Acquire timing data of the output values ​​of the sensor device during the application of pressure; and

[0106] Processing of time-series data based on the color rendering component image and the output values ​​of the sensor device.

[0107] The sensor device is made of a material with a hardness of 2H or higher than that of a pencil.

[0108] (Note 9)

[0109] A program for causing at least one processor in an information processing device to perform the following processing:

[0110] Acquire an image of the color-developing component, wherein the image of the color-developing component is a photographic image of the color-developing component after pressure is applied, under the condition that the same pressure is applied to the color-developing component that develops color at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure and the sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure;

[0111] Acquire timing data of the output values ​​of the sensor device during the application of pressure; and

[0112] Processing of time-series data based on the color rendering component image and the output values ​​of the sensor device.

[0113] The sensor device is made of a material with a hardness of 2H or higher than that of a pencil.

[0114] (Postscript 10)

[0115] A pressure measurement method, wherein at least one processor of an information processing device performs the following processing:

[0116] Acquire an image of the color-developing component, wherein the image of the color-developing component is a photographic image of the color-developing component after pressure is applied, under the condition that the same pressure is applied to the color-developing component that develops color at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure and the sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure;

[0117] Acquire timing data of the output values ​​of the sensor device during the application of pressure;

[0118] Based on the image of the color-developing component, pressure distribution data representing the surface distribution of the applied pressure is derived;

[0119] Based on the time-series data of the output values ​​of the sensor device, pressure distribution time-series data representing the time-lapse of the surface distribution of the applied pressure are derived; and

[0120] The pressure distribution data is used to correct the pressure values ​​at each location and time point in the pressure distribution time series data.

[0121] The sensor device is made of a material with a hardness of 2H or higher than that of a pencil.

[0122] Furthermore, the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-140448, filed on August 30, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference. Moreover, all documents, patent applications, and technical specifications described in this specification, and those specifically described and incorporated herein by reference, are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent. Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. A pressure measurement method, comprising at least one processor of an information processing device performing the following processing: Acquire an image of the color-developing component, wherein the image of the color-developing component is a photographic image of the color-developing component after pressure is applied, under the condition that the same pressure is applied to the color-developing component that develops color at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure and the sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure; Acquire timing data of the output values ​​of the sensor device during the application of pressure; and Processing of time-series data based on the color rendering component image and the output values ​​of the sensor device. The sensor device is made of a material with a hardness of 2H or higher than that of a pencil. 2. The pressure measurement method according to claim 1, wherein, The processing includes processing based on time-series data of the sensor device's output values, relating to the surface distribution of the applied pressure. 3. The pressure measurement method according to claim 2, wherein, The processing includes: processing pressure distribution data representing the surface distribution of the applied pressure derived from the image of the color-developing component, and processing pressure distribution time-series data representing the time progression of the surface distribution of the applied pressure derived from the time-series data of the output values ​​of the sensor device. 4. The pressure measurement method according to claim 3, wherein, The process includes using the pressure distribution data to correct the pressure values ​​at each location and time point of the pressure distribution time series data. 5. The pressure measurement method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Pressure is applied while the color-developing component and the sensor device are overlapped. 6. The pressure measurement method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The sensor device is a piezoresistive tactile sensor, which has multiple electrodes arranged on the surface of a substrate and a pressure-sensitive conductive component covering the multiple electrodes. The substrate is made of a material with a pencil hardness of 2H or higher. 7. The pressure measurement method according to claim 6, wherein, The sensor device has a filter that removes noise components contained in the electrical signals read from the plurality of electrodes. 8. An information processing apparatus comprising at least one processor, said processor performing the following processing: Acquire an image of the color-developing component, wherein the image of the color-developing component is a photographic image of the color-developing component after pressure is applied, under the condition that the same pressure is applied to the color-developing component that develops color at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure and the sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure; Acquire timing data of the output values ​​of the sensor device during the application of pressure; and Processing of time-series data based on the color rendering component image and the output values ​​of the sensor device. The sensor device is made of a material with a hardness of 2H or higher than that of a pencil. 9. A program for causing at least one processor in an information processing apparatus to perform the following processing: Acquire an image of the color-developing component, wherein the image of the color-developing component is a photographic image of the color-developing component after pressure is applied, under the condition that the same pressure is applied to the color-developing component that develops color at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure and the sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure; Acquire timing data of the output values ​​of the sensor device during the application of pressure; and Processing of time-series data based on the color rendering component image and the output values ​​of the sensor device. The sensor device is made of a material with a hardness of 2H or higher than that of a pencil. (Additional) 10. The pressure measurement method according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor device has a substrate with multiple pressure detection points on its surface, and the substrate has a hardness of 2H or higher than that of a pencil. Explanation or declaration (as amended in accordance with Article 19 of the Treaty) Declaration amended in accordance with PCT Article 19 The amendment to claim 10 has been made. Claim 10 is based on the matters described in paragraphs

[0015] ,

[0016] , and

[0051] of the specification at the time of application.

Claims

1. A pressure measurement method, comprising at least one processor of an information processing device performing the following processing: Acquire an image of the color-developing component, wherein the image of the color-developing component is a photographic image of the color-developing component after pressure is applied, under the condition that the same pressure is applied to the color-developing component that develops color at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure and the sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure; Acquire timing data of the output values ​​of the sensor device during the application of pressure; and Processing of time-series data based on the color rendering component image and the output values ​​of the sensor device. The sensor device is made of a material with a hardness of 2H or higher than that of a pencil.

2. The pressure measurement method according to claim 1, wherein, The processing includes processing based on time-series data of the sensor device's output values, relating to the surface distribution of the applied pressure.

3. The pressure measurement method according to claim 2, wherein, The processing includes: processing pressure distribution data representing the surface distribution of the applied pressure derived from the image of the color-developing component, and processing pressure distribution time-series data representing the time progression of the surface distribution of the applied pressure derived from the time-series data of the output values ​​of the sensor device.

4. The pressure measurement method according to claim 3, wherein, The process includes using the pressure distribution data to correct the pressure values ​​at each location and time point of the pressure distribution time series data.

5. The pressure measurement method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Pressure is applied while the color-developing component and the sensor device are overlapped.

6. The pressure measurement method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The sensor device is a piezoresistive tactile sensor, which has multiple electrodes arranged on the surface of a substrate and a pressure-sensitive conductive component covering the multiple electrodes. The substrate is made of a material with a pencil hardness of 2H or higher.

7. The pressure measurement method according to claim 6, wherein, The sensor device has a filter that removes noise components contained in the electrical signals read from the plurality of electrodes.

8. An information processing apparatus comprising at least one processor, said processor performing the following processing: Acquire an image of the color-developing component, wherein the image of the color-developing component is a photographic image of the color-developing component after pressure is applied, under the condition that the same pressure is applied to the color-developing component that develops color at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure and the sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure; Acquire timing data of the output values ​​of the sensor device during the application of pressure; and Processing of time-series data based on the color rendering component image and the output values ​​of the sensor device. The sensor device is made of a material with a hardness of 2H or higher than that of a pencil.

9. A program for causing at least one processor in an information processing apparatus to perform the following processing: Acquire an image of the color-developing component, wherein the image of the color-developing component is a photographic image of the color-developing component after pressure is applied, under the condition that the same pressure is applied to the color-developing component that develops color at a concentration corresponding to the applied pressure and the sensor device that outputs an output value corresponding to the applied pressure; Acquire timing data of the output values ​​of the sensor device during the application of pressure; and Processing of time-series data based on the color rendering component image and the output values ​​of the sensor device. The sensor device is made of a material with a hardness of 2H or higher than that of a pencil.

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