Method of obtaining information of object

Abstract

To analyse an object quickly.SOLUTION: A component analysis system 1 comprises: a container 2 for storing a soil sample 4; and a component analyzer 3 having a focus F definable by a focal height H1 from a container placement surface 31a. The container 2 includes: a container body 21 storing the soil sample 4; a lid member 22 having a lid window part 222 for transmitting therethrough pulse laser light L1 and fluorescent light L2 for obtaining information on the soil sample 4 and a lid shoulder 223 in contact with the soil sample 4 stored in the container body 21, and attached to the container body 21; and a pressing member 23 arranged within the container body 21 and generating force for pressing the soil sample 4 against the lid member 22. A container height H2 from a body bottom part 212 to the lid shoulder 223 is equal to a focal height H1 from the container placement surface 31a to the focus F.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an object information acquisition system and a method for acquiring information on an object.

Background Art

[0002] As an analyzer for soil, fertilizer, etc., devices using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS method (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy)) or X-ray fluorescence analysis method (XRF method (X-ray Fluorescence)), etc. are known. For example, Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose analyzers using the LIBS method. Non-Patent Document 3 discloses a device using the X-ray fluorescence analysis method. These analyzers are used for concentration management of harmful substances contained in soil or fertilizer. These devices analyze a sample by detecting fluorescence of a wavelength specific to an element generated when the sample to be analyzed is irradiated with laser light, X-rays, or the like.

[0003] Conventionally, as a device for knowing the concentration of harmful substances in soil such as heavy metals, the heavy metal analyzer described in Patent Document 1 is known. According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the preparation of a measurement sample has a plurality of steps, time and effort are required for analysis. On the other hand, the analyzers disclosed in Non-Patent Documents 1 to 3 can obtain a plurality of measurement results in a single analysis. Therefore, the analyzers disclosed in Non-Patent Documents 1 to 3 have an advantage that they can perform analysis more simply and quickly than the above-described conventional analysis methods.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, in the analyzer using the LIBS method disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, an analysis cell is installed on a sample moving stage. A sample is accommodated in the analysis cell. The analyzer using the LIBS method condenses the light of the plasma emission generated when a laser beam is applied to the sample accommodated in the analysis cell onto a spectroscope by an optical system such as a lens and a mirror. Therefore, when analyzing a sample, it is necessary to align the focus of the lens with the measurement target surface of the sample.

[0007] However, the size of the sample varies from sample to sample. When the sizes are different, an operation of adjusting the focus position of the lens to the measurement target surface occurs every time the sample is placed on the sample moving stage. Therefore, it has been difficult to rapidly analyze a large number of samples.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides an object information acquisition system and a method for acquiring information of an object that can rapidly analyze the object.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] An object information acquisition system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a container that houses an object, and an information acquisition device that has a container placement surface on which the container is placed, has a focus that can be defined by the distance from the container placement surface, and obtains information about the object positioned at the focus when housed in the container. The container includes a container body including a main body wall portion and a main body bottom portion that surround the object and a main body opening portion that exposes the object, and a lid member that is attached to the container body and includes a lid window portion that allows electromagnetic waves or electrons for obtaining information about the object to pass through and a lid shoulder portion that contacts the object housed in the container body. The container also has a pressing member that is disposed in a region surrounded by the main body wall portion and the main body bottom portion and generates a force that presses the object toward the lid member when the object is placed thereon. The distance from the main body bottom portion to the lid shoulder portion is equal to the distance from the container placement surface to the focus.

[0010] In the object information acquisition system according to one aspect, the distance from the main body bottom portion to the shoulder portion of the container body is equal to the distance from the container placement surface to the focus of the information acquisition device. Further, the shoulder portion is in contact with the object. Thereby, when the container housing the object is placed on the container placement surface, the focus of the information acquisition device can be aligned with the object. That is, after the container housing the object is placed on the container placement surface, it is not necessary to align the position of the focus of the information acquisition device. As a result, it is possible to start acquiring information only by placing the container housing the object on the container placement surface, so that information about the object can be acquired quickly.

[0011] In the above object information acquisition system, the lid window portion may include a lid through-hole that exposes the object housed in the container body. In this case, the window portion can allow electromagnetic waves or electrons for obtaining information about the object to pass through.

[0012] In the above object information acquisition system, the lid window portion may include a lid through-hole that exposes the object housed in the container body, and a transparent member that can transmit electromagnetic waves irradiated on the object or electromagnetic waves radiated from the object. In this case, the window portion can effectively transmit electromagnetic waves irradiated on the object or electromagnetic waves radiated from the object. Further, when transporting the container housing the object, it is possible to suppress the object from protruding from the window portion.

[0013] In the above object information acquisition system, the lid window portion includes a lid through-hole that exposes the object housed in the container body, and the container further has a plug member that is detachably fitted into the lid through-hole of the lid window portion. When attaching the lid member to the container body, the plug member is fitted into the lid through-hole of the lid window portion, and when obtaining information about the object by the information acquisition device, it may be removed from the lid through-hole of the lid window portion.

[0014] In this case, for example, when transporting the container housing the object, by fitting the plug member into the window portion, it is possible to suppress the object from protruding. Further, since the plug member is removed from the window portion when obtaining information about the object by the information acquisition device, the object can be exposed. Thereby, the window portion can allow electromagnetic waves or electrons for obtaining information about the object by the information acquisition device to pass through.

[0015] The elastic modulus of the pressing member of the above object information acquisition system may be lower than the elastic modulus of the object. In this case, when the object is housed in the container, the force with which the pressing member presses the object can be suppressed, so that it is possible to prevent an excessive force from acting on the object.

[0016] The information acquisition device of the object information acquisition system described above may apply an irradiation electromagnetic wave toward the object located at the focal point, and obtain the components of the object as information regarding the object based on the return electromagnetic wave returning from the object due to the applied irradiation electromagnetic wave. The information acquisition device applies an irradiation electromagnetic wave toward the object located at the focal point, and obtains the components of the object as information regarding the object based on the return electromagnetic wave returning from the object due to the applied irradiation electromagnetic wave. According to this configuration, information regarding the object can be suitably acquired.

[0017] A method for acquiring information of an object, which is another form of the present invention, includes a step of preparing a container that has already contained the object, an information acquisition device that has a container placement surface on which the container that has already contained the object is placed, has a focal point definable by the distance from the container placement surface, and obtains information regarding the object located at the focal point in a state of being contained in the container that has already contained the object, a step of focusing the focal point at a position separated from the container placement surface by a predetermined distance, a step of arranging the container that has already contained the object on the container placement surface, and a step of obtaining information regarding the object contained in the container that has already contained the object arranged on the container placement surface.

[0018] According to this method, after the step of arranging the container that has already contained the object, it is not necessary to perform the step of focusing the focal point of the information acquisition device. As a result, it is possible to start acquiring information only by arranging the container containing the object on the container placement surface, and thus information regarding the object can be acquired quickly.

[0019] In the step of preparing the container that has already contained the object in the method for acquiring information of the object described above, a plurality of containers that have already contained the object are prepared, and after the step of obtaining information regarding the object, the method further includes a step of removing the container that has already contained the object from the container placement surface. After performing the step of focusing the focal point, the steps of arranging the container that has already contained the object, obtaining information regarding the object, and removing the container that has already contained the object from the container placement surface may be repeated while replacing the container that has already contained the object.

[0020] According to these steps, the step of focusing the focal point is not performed every time the container that has already contained the object is arranged on the container placement surface. Therefore, information regarding the object can be quickly obtained for a plurality of containers that have already contained the object.

[0021] The step of preparing a container that has accommodated the object for the method of obtaining information on the object may include: a step of obtaining a formed object; a container body including a main body wall portion and a main body bottom portion that surround the object and an opening that exposes the object; and a pressing member that is disposed in a region surrounded by the main body wall portion and the main body bottom portion and on which the object is disposed. The step of preparing a container member having the pressing member; a step of placing the formed object on the pressing member; and a step of attaching a lid member including a lid window portion through which an electromagnetic wave or an electron for obtaining information on the object passes and a lid shoulder portion that contacts the object accommodated in the container body to the container member.

[0022] Even through these steps, information on the object can be obtained quickly.

[0023] The step of preparing a container that has accommodated the object for the method of obtaining information on the object may include: a step of preparing a container member having a container body including a main body wall portion and a main body bottom portion that surround the object and an opening that exposes the object, and a pressing member that is disposed in a region surrounded by the main body wall portion and the main body bottom portion and on which the object is disposed; a step of placing the object that has not been formed on the pressing member; and a lid unit having a lid member including a lid window portion through which an electromagnetic wave or an electron for obtaining information on the object passes and a lid shoulder portion that contacts the object accommodated in the container body, and a plug member that is removably fitted to the lid window portion so as to block a lid through-hole provided in the lid window portion. The step of fixing the lid unit.

[0024] According to these steps, the operation of transferring the formed object is not required. Therefore, the shape of the formed object can be maintained.

[0025] The method of obtaining information on the object may further include a step of removing the plug member from the lid through-hole of the lid member before the step of obtaining information on the object. In this case, information on the object formed in the step of fixing the lid unit can be obtained.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, there are provided an object information acquisition system and a method for acquiring information of an object, which can quickly acquire information about the object.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, an object information acquisition system and a method for acquiring information of an object, which are one form of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. First, the background leading to the object information acquisition system and the method for acquiring information of an object of the present invention will be described, and then the object information acquisition system and the method for acquiring information of an object, which are one form, will be described in detail.

[0029] Techniques for improving the productivity of all crops are being studied. Crops require various elements such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium during the growth process. These necessary elements that serve as nutrients need to be continuously supplied through the soil to the extent that they are neither insufficient nor excessive during the growth process.

[0030] In addition to the above-mentioned main components, the components required by crops also include heavy metals such as nickel. Examples of heavy metals include arsenic, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and lead. These heavy metals are required in very small amounts for the growth of crops. Alternatively, these heavy metals are almost unnecessary for the growth of crops. When growing crops in soil containing excessive amounts of these heavy metals, it may affect the growth of the crops themselves. Furthermore, the heavy metals contained in the soil may also be transferred to the human body through the crops.

[0031] Therefore, when supplying nutrients to crops in the form of fertilizers, etc., it is necessary to supply a group of elements in an amount that does not particularly affect the human body. In the country, in order to control the upper limit of the supply amount of this group of elements, the upper limit of the allowable concentration of fertilizers, etc. is stipulated by law. For example, the Fertilizer Control Law has set allowable regulatory values for arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel, etc. In order to comply with this regulatory value, it is important for fertilizer producers and suppliers to manage the concentration of harmful substances in the fertilizers they ship.

[0032] As concentration management methods, for example, the following methods can be exemplified. · For each target element, use a reagent that specifically reacts with each element to develop color, and quantify the degree of color development by spectrophotometry and convert it into the amount of the element. · After acid-decomposing the sample to be used as fertilizer, quantitatively analyze various elements by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. · After acid-decomposing in the same manner as above, quantitatively analyze various elements by ICP emission spectrometry.

[0033] Conventionally, the determination of the fertilization amount relied on the empirical values of farmers. That is, there was almost no process of determining the fertilization amount based on measuring the fertilizer components (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, etc.) in the soil.

[0034] Furthermore, currently, the situation regarding heavy metal analysis is the same. The measurement of harmful heavy metals (such as Pb) is not carried out frequently. Also, conventionally, it has been difficult to accurately and multi-point monitor the presence of various harmful substances, so it has been difficult to reuse and recycle materials, such as landfill disposal or mixing into cement raw materials.

[0035] Among fertilizers, chemical fertilizers have a certain degree of consistency in the quality of the raw materials for fertilizers and can be mainly synthesized through chemical manufacturing processes, so the quality of the final product as a fertilizer is relatively stable. Therefore, since the quality of the chemical fertilizer product as a fertilizer is also stable, the frequency of confirming the element concentration of the fertilizer as described above can be low, and unexpected analysis results are also less likely to occur, making production management relatively easy.

[0036] On the other hand, when using various agricultural residues and food residues as raw materials for fertilizers, it is necessary to frequently carry out the above-mentioned analysis because the quality of these raw materials is difficult to be constant. Similarly, when processing industrial waste such as organic sludge and sewage sludge into fertilizers, it is also necessary to frequently carry out the above-mentioned analysis.

[0037] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned analysis, since acid decomposition and chemical reactions are used in the analysis process, a certain amount of time has passed from the start of the analysis until the quantitative result is known. In this case, even if the upper limit value of the heavy metal concentration set in advance is exceeded, if the product has already been shipped and used for agricultural purposes, it is not easy to recover the fertilizer from the product and the farmland. This is the same situation for combustion ash. Or, when shipping after waiting for the result of the above analysis, it is necessary to store the fertilizers waiting for shipment in a warehouse or the like, which requires warehouse costs and equipment costs for maintaining the quality during storage.

[0038] <First Embodiment> <Object Information Acquisition System> The object information acquisition system shown in FIG. 1 can be applied, for example, to soil analysis and heavy metal analysis in the above agricultural field. The object information acquisition system obtains information about the object to be evaluated. The object to be evaluated is, for example, a formed sample such as soil, fertilizer, or combustion ash. The analysis of soil has a background that frequent quantitative analysis has not advanced. Also, since the farmland from which the soil to be analyzed is collected is extensive, potential analysis needs are expected. And the information about the object to be evaluated is, for example, the types of components constituting the sample and the ratio of the components. In the present embodiment, soil is exemplified as the object to be evaluated, and the types of components contained in the soil and the content rate for each type are exemplified as the information about the object to be evaluated. Thus, as a system for performing component analysis of soil, a component analysis system using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS method) can be exemplified. Since the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is a method using laser light, even if an accidental misoperation occurs, the influence on the operator can be minimized. This is because the laser light has a slight influence on the human body. Hereinafter, while exemplifying the component analysis system 1 as an example of the object information acquisition system, the object information acquisition system according to the present embodiment and the method for acquiring information about the object will be described.

[0039] The component analysis system 1 analyzes the components of the soil, which is the object to be evaluated, by splitting the light of the wavelength of the plasma generated when the target object is directly irradiated with laser light using a spectroscope and analyzing the light intensity for each split wavelength. The component analysis system 1 includes a container 2 and a component analyzer 3 (information acquisition device). The container 2 houses a soil sample 4. The component analyzer 3 obtains the types of components constituting the soil sample 4 housed in the container 2 and the content rate of each component. In the following description, this information regarding the soil sample 4 is referred to as "component information of the soil sample 4" or simply "component information". The component analyzer 3 acquires these component information using fluorescence L2 caused by the plasma generated from the soil sample 4 in response to the irradiation of pulsed laser light L1. Hereinafter, first, the component analyzer 3 and the soil sample 4 will be described, and then the configuration of the container 2 will be described.

[0040] <Target object: Soil sample 4> Before being housed in the container 2, the soil sample 4 is subjected to a forming process and solidified. The "solidification" here may be defined as a state in which the soil sample 4 can maintain its shape independently. Also, the "solidified sample" may be defined as one formed by pressing, compression, cutting, freezing, or the like. The processes for forming may include processes such as pressing, compression, cutting, or freezing. The pre-treated soil sample 4 has a sample main surface 4a and a sample back surface 4r on the side opposite to the sample main surface 4a.

[0041] <Component analyzer 3> The component analyzer 3 quantifies or semi-quantifies the dominant components such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon in fertilizers, soil, combustion ash, or materials similar thereto. Also, the component analyzer 3 quantifies or semi-quantifies trace components of heavy metal groups and other contaminants that affect plants and the human body. Furthermore, the component analyzer 3 may have a function of processing the analysis value group into an easy-to-understand diagram and a function of presenting the analysis result to the operator.

[0042] The component analyzer 3 irradiates an object with light of wavelengths corresponding to each of nine elements, namely arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel, chromium, lead, phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon, and measures the response intensity. Then, the component analyzer 3 quantifies the content of each element by comparing the response intensity with a preset reference value. Note that the component analyzer 3 may use multiple wavelengths for a certain element, for example. The component analyzer 3 may perform special processing such as multiple regression on the multiple wavelengths.

[0043] The component analyzer 3 combines the data on the element content calculated above and the threshold values defined by laws for each data, and inputs them into a preset format. Note that the threshold values may be set independently. The component analyzer 3 automatically processes this input according to a program created in advance.

[0044] The component analyzer 3 uploads the above results to the information storage area on the Internet. Further, the component analyzer 3 automatically sends the analysis information to users who need it using means with high speed such as email and SMS. Users who need the analysis information include at least one of a fertilizer producer and a fertilizer user. Also, the analysis information may include determination information such as whether the amount of heavy metal elements is greater than a preset threshold value, and whether the amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen useful for plants are less than the set threshold values. Also, the analysis information may include not only determination information on whether the amounts of heavy metal elements, phosphorus, and nitrogen actually exceed the threshold values, but also information indicating that although they do not actually exceed the threshold values, there is a possibility of exceeding them. Note that the threshold values set here are set on the safe side sufficiently so that, in consideration of the repeated errors and measurement errors of the component analyzer 3, etc., a situation of non - compliance does not occur probabilistically when compared with the various legal threshold values that the sample should ultimately comply with.

[0045] The component analyzer 3 of the embodiment is a laser breakdown spectrometer. By adopting a laser breakdown spectrometer, the pretreatment for the quantification of various elements such as heavy metals can be eliminated or made extremely simple. Furthermore, by adopting a laser breakdown spectrometer, a plurality of objects can be quantitatively analyzed by a single measurement operation. The laser breakdown spectrometer irradiates a sample with pulsed laser light L1. The sample irradiated with the pulsed laser generates plasma. By analyzing the wavelength of the fluorescence L2 generated due to this plasma, the elements contained in the sample can be identified.

[0046] Furthermore, the laser breakdown spectrometer directly irradiates an object with a light beam such as a laser or X-ray. Then, it presents, as a numerical value, the response when the light beam exchanges energy on the object and returns. Therefore, the analysis using the laser breakdown spectrometer is completed in an extremely short time. Furthermore, in the analysis using the laser breakdown spectrometer, by changing the properties of the irradiated light beam, the presence and amount of the elements that specifically respond to the light beam can be semi-quantitatively detected.

[0047] The component analyzer 3 includes a stage 31, a light source 32, an optical system 33, a photodetector 34, and a computer 35. The component analyzer 3 irradiates the soil sample 4 with pulsed laser light L1 (irradiating electromagnetic wave). Then, the soil sample 4 irradiated with the pulsed laser light L1 generates plasma according to the contained elements, and fluorescence L2 (electromagnetic wave) is generated due to this plasma. The component analyzer 3 obtains the component information of the soil sample 4 based on this fluorescence L2.

[0048] The stage 31 has a container placement surface 31a for placing the container 2 containing the soil sample 4. The container 2S that has been placed is arranged on the container placement surface 31a of the stage 31.

[0049] The light source 32 emits pulsed laser light L1 for irradiating the soil sample 4 contained in the container 2. The light source 32 is arranged to face the container 2 containing the soil sample 4.

[0050] The optical system 33 includes a lens 331 and a mirror 332. The lens 331 is arranged between the light source 32 and the container 2 containing the soil sample 4. The lens 331 is arranged to face the container 2 containing the soil sample 4. The lens 331 has a focal point F definable by the distance from the container placement surface 31a. Specifically, the focal point F of the lens 331 is located between the lens 331 and the container placement surface 31a and is at a position of focal height H1 from the container placement surface 31a. The mirror 332 is arranged between the light source 32 and the lens 331. The mirror 332 has a mirror opening 332h through which the pulsed laser light L1 passes. The mirror 332 guides the fluorescence L2 caused by the plasma to the photodetector 34.

[0051] The pulsed laser light L1 emitted from the light source 32 passes through the mirror opening 332h and then passes through the lens 331. Then, the pulsed laser light L1 reaches the sample main surface 4a of the soil sample 4. Also, the fluorescence L2 reaches the photodetector 34 by passing through the lens 331 and the mirror 332 in this order.

[0052] The photodetector 34 spectrally analyzes the fluorescence L2 for each predetermined wavelength. Then, the light intensity for each wavelength is obtained. The photodetector 34 sends the wavelength and the light intensity corresponding to the wavelength to the computer 35.

[0053] The computer 35 obtains component information using the wavelength and the light intensity corresponding to the wavelength sent from the photodetector 34. The computer 35 may include a processor, a memory, a storage, a communication device, etc. In the computer 35, software (program) read into the memory etc. is executed by the processor, and the reading and writing of data in the memory and the storage, as well as the communication by the communication device, are controlled by the processor.

[0054] <Container 2> Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the container 2 will be described. The container 2 is for storing a small amount of soil sample 4. For example, it may be able to accommodate a very small amount (about 10 cc) of the soil sample 4. Also, the container 2 is small and inexpensive. The container 2 is made of a light material such as plastic. The container 2 can be transported at room temperature, at least in the form of mailing or delivery within the country. The container 2 is devised so that it can maintain the analysis target surface (sample main surface 4a) of the soil sample 4 when the soil sample 4 is subjected to analysis. Incidentally, the container 2 may be prepared in advance at the site of a factory that produces and ships fertilizers.

[0055] In the following description, the container 2 containing the soil sample 4 is referred to as the container 2S with the soil sample already contained. Also, what does not contain the soil sample 4 is simply referred to as the container 2.

[0056] The container 2 has a container body 21, a lid member 22, and a pressing member 23. The container body 21 forms a region R for accommodating the pressing member 23 and the soil sample 4. The container body 21 has an opening for putting the soil sample 4. The lid member 22 closes the opening after the soil sample 4 is put into the container body 21.

[0057] The container body 21 has a body wall portion 211, a body bottom portion 212, and a container connecting claw portion 213.

[0058] The main body wall portion 211 extends, for example, in a tubular shape. The upper end 211t of the wall portion on one side of the main body wall portion 211 forms the main body opening 21a. The main body opening 21a exposes the soil sample 4 from the container main body 21. That is, the soil sample 4 is exposed from the main body opening 21a of the container main body 21. A main body bottom portion 212 is formed at the lower end 211b of the wall portion on the other side. In the region R surrounded by the main body wall portion 211 and the main body bottom portion 212, a pressing member 23 and a soil sample 4 are accommodated. That is, the main body wall portion 211 and the main body bottom portion 212 surround the pressing member 23 and the soil sample 4. Hereinafter, the side where the main body bottom portion 212 is located with respect to the main body opening 21a is defined as the lower side, and the opposite side is defined as the upper side.

[0059] The main body bottom portion 212 has a bottom main surface 212a facing inward and a bottom back surface 212r facing outward. The bottom main surface 212a contacts the pressing member 23. The bottom back surface 212r contacts the container placement surface 31a of the stage 31 when the container 2 is placed on the stage 31.

[0060] The container connecting claw portion 213 is formed at the upper end 211t of the wall portion. The container connecting claw portion 213 is formed on the outer wall surface 211c of the main body wall portion 211. The container connecting claw portion 213 protrudes outward from the wall surface 211c. The container connecting claw portion 213 extends, for example, along the circumferential direction of the main body wall portion 211 on the wall surface 211c. A part of the lid member 22 engages with the container connecting claw portion 213.

[0061] The lid member 22 has a lid wall portion 221, a lid window portion 222, a lid shoulder portion 223, and a lid connecting claw portion 224.

[0062] The lid member 22 is attached to the upper end 211t of the wall portion. The lid wall portion 221 extends, for example, in a tubular shape. The lid shoulder portion 223 and the lid window portion 222 are arranged on the upper lid upper end 221t side of the lid wall portion 221. The lid connecting claw portion 224 is formed at the lower lid lower end 221b of the lid wall portion 221. The lid wall portion 221 is located outside the main body wall portion 211.

[0063] The shape of the lid shoulder portion 223 corresponds to the shape of the container body 21 in plan view. The lid shoulder portion 223 includes a shoulder outer edge 223g located on the outside and a shoulder inner edge 223u located on the inside. Further, the lid shoulder portion 223 includes a shoulder main surface 223a and a shoulder back surface 223r. The lid shoulder portion 223 is connected to the lid upper end 221t at the shoulder outer edge 223g. The shoulder back surface 223r of the lid shoulder portion 223 is in contact with the sample main surface 4a of the soil sample 4.

[0064] Here, the distance from the main body bottom portion 212 to the lid shoulder portion 223 is defined as the container height H2. This container height H2 corresponds to the position of the focal point F of the component analyzer 3. The position of this focal point F may be defined as the focal height H1 (see FIG. 1) from the container placement surface 31a of the stage 31 to the focal point F of the lens 331. And the container height H2 is equal to the focal height H1. More specifically, the container height H2 from the bottom back surface 212r of the main body bottom portion 212 to the shoulder back surface 223r of the lid shoulder portion 223 is equal to the focal height H1 from the container placement surface 31a of the stage 31 to the focal point F of the lens 331. Thereby, the sample main surface 4a can be arranged at the focal point F of the lens 331.

[0065] Note that the "equal" as referred to in this embodiment is not limited to the case where the values of the container height H2 and the focal height H1 exactly match. The "equal" as referred to in this embodiment defines that the relationship of the heights at which, after the accommodated container 2S is arranged on the container placement surface 31a, component analysis can be immediately started without requiring adjustment of the focal point F, is such that the container height H2 and the focal height H1 are equal.

[0066] The lid window portion 222 rises from the shoulder inner edge 223u of the lid shoulder portion 223. Both ends of the lid window portion 222 are open. That is, the lid window portion 222 includes a lid through-hole 22h that exposes the soil sample 4. The lid through-hole 22h allows electromagnetic waves for obtaining information regarding the soil sample 4 to pass through. Specifically, the lid through-hole 22h allows the pulsed laser light L1 and the fluorescence L2 to pass through.

[0067] The lid connection claw portion 224 protrudes toward the inside of the lid wall portion 221 from the inner lid wall surface 221u of the lid wall portion 221. The lid connection claw portion 224 extends, for example, on the inner lid wall surface 221u along the circumferential direction of the lid wall portion 221. The lid connection claw portion 224 engages with the container connection claw portion 213 of the container body 21.

[0068] As described above, the pressing member 23 is disposed in the region R surrounded by the main body wall portion 211 and the main body bottom portion 212. The pressing member 23 includes a pressing main surface 23a and a pressing back surface 23r. The pressing member 23 is disposed on the bottom main surface 212a of the main body bottom portion 212 and is in contact with the bottom main surface 212a. The soil sample 4 is disposed on the upper pressing main surface 23a of the pressing member 23.

[0069] According to such a container 2, a sample can be prepared in a short time. Further, according to such a container 2, the sample can be installed in the component analyzer 3, the sample can be analyzed, and then the analysis information can be provided to a user such as a fertilizer producer or a fertilizer consumer in as short a time as possible.

[0070] <Operational Effects of the Component Analysis System of the First Embodiment> The component analysis system 1 includes a container 2 for accommodating a soil sample 4, and a component analyzer 3 that has a container placement surface 31a on which the container 2 is placed, has a focal point F definable by a focal height H1 from the container placement surface 31a, and obtains component information of the soil sample 4 positioned at the focal point F while being accommodated in the container 2. The container 2 includes a container main body 21 including a main body wall portion 211 and a main body bottom portion 212 surrounding the soil sample 4 and a main body opening 21a for exposing the soil sample 4, a lid window portion 222 for passing a pulsed laser beam L1 and fluorescence L2 for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4, and a lid shoulder portion 223 in contact with the soil sample 4 accommodated in the container main body 21, and a lid member 22 attached to the container main body 21, and a pressing member 23 that is disposed in a region R surrounded by the main body wall portion 211 and the main body bottom portion 212, in which the soil sample 4 is disposed, and generates a force for pressing the soil sample 4 toward the lid member 22. The container height H2 from the main body bottom portion 212 of the container main body 21 to the lid shoulder portion 223 is equal to the focal height H1 from the container placement surface 31a to the focal point F.

[0071] The container height H2 from the main body bottom portion 212 of the container main body 21 to the lid shoulder portion 223 is equal to the distance from the container placement surface 31a to the focal height H1 of the component analyzer 3. Further, the lid shoulder portion 223 is in contact with the soil sample 4. Thereby, when the accommodated container 2S containing the soil sample 4 is placed on the container placement surface 31a, the focal point F of the component analyzer 3 can be made to coincide with the soil sample 4. That is, after the accommodated container 2S is placed on the container placement surface 31a, it is not necessary to align the focal point F of the component analyzer 3 with the sample main surface 4a of the soil sample 4. As a result, since it is possible to start acquiring the component information only by placing the accommodated container 2S on the container placement surface 31a, the component information of the soil sample 4 can be acquired quickly.

[0072] In addition, according to the component analysis system 1, a plurality of pretreatments are unnecessary, and the analysis itself can be achieved in a short time.

[0073] The lid window portion 222 includes a lid through-hole 22h that exposes the soil sample 4 accommodated in the container body 21. In this case, the lid through-hole 22h can allow the pulsed laser light L1 and the fluorescence L2 for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4 to pass therethrough.

[0074] The elastic modulus of the pressing member 23 is lower than that of the soil sample 4. In this case, when the soil sample 4 is accommodated in the container 2, the pressing member 23 can suppress the force for pressing the soil sample 4, so that an excessive force can be prevented from acting on the soil sample 4.

[0075] The component analysis device 3 applies the pulsed laser light L1 toward the soil sample 4 located at the focal point F, and obtains the components of the soil sample 4 as the component information of the soil sample 4 based on the fluorescence L2 corresponding to the plasma generated due to the applied pulsed laser light L1. According to this configuration, the component information of the soil sample 4 can be acquired.

[0076] <Method for obtaining component information of soil sample 4> Next, a method for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the method for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4. FIG. 4 is a process diagram for explaining the steps of FIG. 3.

[0077] The method for obtaining component information includes a step S1 of preparing the accommodated container 2S and a step S2 of analyzing the soil sample 4 (object). The entity that performs step S2 may be the same as the entity that performs step S1. Also, the entity that performs step S2 may be different from the entity that performs step S1.

[0078] Step S1 includes steps S11 to S19. First, an unmolded soil sample 4 is prepared (step S11). Next, a mold for molding the soil sample 4 is prepared (step S12). As the mold, for example, a tablet press may be used. Subsequently, the unmolded soil sample 4 is placed in the mold (step S13). For example, the soil placed in the mold may be about 10 g.

[0079] Next, the soil sample 4 accommodated in the mold is pressed (step S14). As a result, the soil sample 4 is formed. In this step S14, regardless of the type of the soil sample 4, the soil sample 4 is formed according to certain determined conditions. When different types of samples are formed under the same forming conditions in this way, the shape (height) of the formed soil sample 4 may differ from sample to sample. In the method for acquiring component information of the present embodiment, even if the height differs from sample to sample, it is not necessary to perform the operation of adjusting the focus F of the component analyzer 3 for each sample.

[0080] Next, the soil sample 4 formed from the mold is taken out (step S15). Next, an empty container body 21 is prepared (step S16). Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the pressing member 23 is placed in the empty container body 21 (step S17, see FIG. 4(a)). Note that it is also possible to prepare a container body 21 in which the pressing member 23 is already arranged (the container member 26, see FIG. 4(a)). Next, the soil sample 4 formed on the pressing main surface 23a is placed (step S18, see FIG. 4(b)).

[0081] Here, when the pressing member 23 and the soil sample 4 are arranged in the container body 21, the sample main surface 4a of the soil sample 4 protrudes from the upper end 211t of the wall portion of the container body 21. Further, the total height H3 (see FIG. 4(b)) from the bottom back surface 212r to the sample main surface 4a is higher than the container height H2 described above.

[0082] Next, the lid member 22 is attached to the container body 21 (step S19, see FIG. 4(c)). Since the elastic modulus of the pressing member 23 is lower than the elastic modulus of the soil sample 4, when the lid member 22 is attached to the container body 21, the pressing member 23 is compressed by the difference between the total height H3 and the container height H2. As a result, the pressing member 23 generates a pressing force for pressing the soil sample 4 toward the lid member 22. Due to this pressing force, the sample main surface 4a of the soil sample 4 comes into contact with the shoulder back surface 223r of the lid shoulder 223.

[0083] As a result of performing the above-described step S1, the container 2S that has been filled can be obtained.

[0084] Next, a step S2 of analyzing the object to be evaluated is performed. Step S2 includes steps S21 to S25.

[0085] First, a container 2S that has been filled is prepared (step S21). For example, when an operator who performs the analysis operation in step S2 creates the container 2S that has been filled, the preparation of the container 2S that has been filled in this step S21 may be for the operator to perform the above-described step S1. On the other hand, when a worker different from the operator who performs the analysis operation in step S2 creates the container 2S that has been filled, the preparation of the container 2S that has been filled in this step S21 may be for the operator who performs the analysis operation in step S2 to receive it from the worker who created the container 2S that has been filled by means of handover or transportation.

[0086] Furthermore, the number of containers 2S that have been filled prepared in step S21 may be one or a plurality.

[0087] Next, a component analyzer 3 is prepared (step S22). Next, the focus F of the lens 331 is adjusted to a position separated from the container placement surface 31a by a predetermined focus height H1 (step S23). Specifically, the focus F of the lens 331 is adjusted to a position at the focus height H1 from the container placement surface 31a. The operation of adjusting the position of the focus F may be manually performed by an operator who handles the component analyzer 3, or may be automatically performed by the computer 35 giving a control signal to the lens drive unit 333 that drives the lens 331.

[0088] Next, the operator places the container 2S that has been filled on the container placement surface 31a of the stage 31 (step S24). The operator places it so that the focus F is positioned inside the lid through-hole 22h of the container 2S that has been filled. Next, the operator executes the component analysis of the soil sample 4 (step S25). As a result of performing this step S25, the component information of the soil sample 4 can be obtained.

[0089] More specifically, the computer 35 executes a program for obtaining component information. For example, when there is a substance called element A, the program pre-specifies the wavelength of the irradiation light that highly sensitively responds to a simulated sample mainly composed of element A. The computer 35 that has loaded the program for converting into concentration controls the light source 32 to irradiate the wavelength. Then, the computer 35 converts the raw data obtained from the photodetector 34 into heavy metal concentration data according to the processing described in the program. Also, the program holds the response intensity for a standard sample with a known concentration of element A as information. And the computer 35 that executes the program may determine the concentration of element A in the soil sample 4 by performing a proportional calculation with the response intensity of the actual sample.

[0090] Note that the computer 35 may output the acquired analysis information to a predetermined output destination. For example, the computer 35 may input the analysis information into a predetermined result format and then send it to the target person who needs the analysis information by email or the like. Also, the computer 35 may upload it to a specified information storage area on the Internet.

[0091] Furthermore, the computer 35 may upload the advanced determination result using the analysis information to the specified information storage area on the Internet. The advanced determination result using the analysis information may be, for example, the result of determining whether or not the semi-quantitative data included in the analysis information exceeds a predetermined threshold. As a specific example of the advanced determination result using the analysis information, regarding the nine items of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel, chromium, lead, nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon, whether or not the concentration information of these included in the analysis information exceeds the threshold may be used. By automatically executing the above-described processing by the computer 35, labor saving and speedup can be achieved.

[0092] Next, the operator removes the accommodated container 2S from the container placement surface 31a (step S26). By performing step S26, the analysis work for one accommodated container 2S is completed.

[0093] When there are a plurality of the accommodated containers 2S prepared in step S21, the analysis operation is performed on the second accommodated container 2S. In this case, first, the accommodated container 2S is placed on the container placement surface 31a (step S24). Then, the steps of step S24 to step S26 are repeatedly performed until the analysis of all the accommodated containers 2S is completed.

[0094] The method for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4 described above can obtain the component information without requiring a pretreatment that causes a chemical reaction accompanied by discoloration, color development, or light emission. Further, according to the method for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4 described above, the analysis itself is completed only by irradiating with laser light and detecting the response caused by the irradiation, so that the analysis result can be obtained in a very short time.

[0095] In addition, in the method for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4 described above, the analysis information may be reported to the factory that is preparing for fertilizer shipment. Further, the analysis information may be reported to the user of the fertilizer who has obtained the fertilizer and has not yet applied the fertilizer by using telecommunication means.

[0096] <Function and Effect of the Method for Obtaining Component Information of Soil Sample 4> The method for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4 of the first embodiment includes a step S1 of preparing an accommodated container 2S containing the soil sample 4, a container placement surface 31a on which the accommodated container 2S is placed, a focal point F definable by the distance from the container placement surface 31a, and obtaining information about the soil sample 4 located at the focal point F in the state of being accommodated in the accommodated container 2S. In the component analyzer 3, a step S23 of aligning the focal point F at a position separated from the container placement surface 31a by a predetermined distance, a step S24 of placing the accommodated container 2S on the container placement surface 31a, and a step S25 of obtaining information about the soil sample 4 accommodated in the accommodated container 2S placed on the container placement surface 31a.

[0097] According to the above method, since the step S23 of aligning the focus F of the component analyzer 3 at a position separated from the container placement surface 31a by the focal height H1 is before the step S24 of arranging the accommodated container 2S, the analysis of the soil sample 4 can be performed quickly. That is, since the step S23 of aligning the focus F of the component analyzer 3 is not after the step S24 of arranging the accommodated container 2S, information regarding the soil sample 4 can be obtained quickly.

[0098] In short, the method for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4 of the first embodiment makes the soil sample 4, which is the object, have at least one plane by performing a preformed shaping process. At least one plane serves as the analysis target surface. The preformed shaping process may include compression molding, cutting, etc. For example, when the object is fine grains such as soil as in the first embodiment, the preformed shaping process can make a solidified sample. The shape of the sample may be a cylinder or a hexahedron.

[0099] According to the above method, analysis information can be obtained even in a short time from when the fertilizer is manufactured at the factory until it is actually applied. Furthermore, by configuring it as the component analysis system 1, complicated manual work is reduced, which can contribute to cost reduction of labor costs.

[0100] The method for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4 of the first embodiment further includes a step S26 of removing the accommodated container 2S containing the soil sample 4 from the container placement surface 31a after the step S25 of obtaining information regarding the soil sample 4. Further, this method repeats the step S24 of arranging the accommodated container 2S, the step S25 of obtaining information regarding the soil sample 4, and the step S26 of removing from the container placement surface 31a while replacing the accommodated container 2S containing the soil sample 4 after performing the step S23 of aligning the focus F.

[0101] Since the step S23 of aligning the focus F of the component analysis device 3 does not come after the step S24 of arranging the container 2S that has already been filled, it is not necessary to align the focus F of the component analysis device 3 every time the container 2S that has already been filled is replaced. Therefore, information regarding the object can be acquired quickly.

[0102] The step S1 of preparing the container that has already been filled includes the step S15 of obtaining the formed soil sample 4, a container body 21 including a main body wall portion 211 and a main body bottom portion 212 that surround the soil sample 4 and a main body opening 21a that exposes the soil sample 4, the step S16 of preparing a container member having a pressing member 23 that is disposed in a region R surrounded by the main body wall portion 211 and the main body bottom portion 212 and in which the soil sample 4 is disposed, the step S18 of disposing the formed soil sample 4 on the pressing member 23, and the step S19 of attaching a lid member 22 including a lid window portion 222 that allows an electromagnetic wave or an electron for obtaining information regarding the soil sample 4 to pass therethrough and a lid shoulder portion 223 that contacts the soil sample 4 accommodated in the container body 21 to the container member. Thereby, the container 2S that has already been filled can be obtained.

[0103] <Second Embodiment> The component analysis system 1A of the second embodiment is different from the component analysis system 1 of the first embodiment in that the container 2A further has a plug member 24.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 5, the container 2A further has a plug member 24 in addition to the configuration of the container 2 of the first embodiment. The plug member 24 is detachably fitted into the lid through-hole 22h of the lid member 22. The plug member 24 is fitted into the lid through-hole 22h when the lid member 22 is attached to the container body 21. Further, the plug member 24 is removed from the lid through-hole 22h when the component analysis device 3 obtains information regarding the soil sample 4. Hereinafter, the plug member 24 in a state of being fitted into the lid window portion 222 will be described.

[0105] The plug member 24 has a handle portion 241 and a connecting portion 242. The handle portion 241 is formed in a columnar shape. The handle portion 241 is arranged to face the lid window portion 222. The outer handle side surface 241a of the handle portion 241 is located outside the lid window portion 222. That is, the handle portion 241 is formed larger than the lid window portion 222.

[0106] The connecting portion 242 extends downward from the back surface 241r of the handle portion 241 on the lower side. The connecting portion 242 is fitted into the lid through-hole 22h. Specifically, the outer connecting side surface 242a of the connecting portion 242 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the lid through-hole 22h. Thereby, when the lid member 22 is attached to the container body 21, it is possible to prevent the soil sample 4 from jumping out of the container 2A through the lid through-hole 22h.

[0107] <The operation and effect of the component analysis system of the second embodiment> The container 2 further has a plug member 24 that is detachably attached to the lid through-hole 22h. The plug member 24 is fitted into the lid through-hole 22h when the lid member 22 is attached to the container body 21. The plug member 24 is removed from the lid through-hole 22h when the component analysis device 3 obtains the component information of the soil sample 4.

[0108] For example, when transporting the container 2 containing the soil sample 4, by fitting the plug member 24 into the lid window portion 222, it is possible to prevent the soil sample 4 from jumping out. Further, since the plug member 24 is removed from the lid through-hole 22h when the component analysis device 3 obtains the component information of the soil sample 4, the soil sample 4 can be exposed. Thereby, the lid through-hole 22h can pass the pulsed laser light L1 or fluorescence L2 for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4 by the component analysis device 3.

[0109] In short, in the second embodiment, compression molding is performed by the lid unit 25 including the lid member 22 and the plug member 24. The same analysis as that exemplified in the first embodiment can also be performed in the second embodiment. Further, the container 2A of the second embodiment can prevent the soil sample 4 from jumping out of the lid through-hole 22h, as well as the odor and the scattering of radioactive substances. As a result, measures regarding these jumps and scatterings can be simplified during the transportation of the container 2 containing the soil sample 4. Moreover, according to the container 2A of the second embodiment, a fluid sample such as slurry can also be measured.

[0110] Next, a method for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4 in the second embodiment will be described. The method for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4 is the analysis method using the above-described container 2A. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the method for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining some of the steps shown in FIG. 6.

[0111] The method for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4 in the second embodiment includes a step of preparing the container 2A containing the soil sample 4 (step S3) and a step of analyzing the soil sample 4 (step S4). Similar to the first embodiment, the entity that performs step S4 may be the same as the entity that performs step S3. Also, the entity that performs step S4 may be different from the entity that performs step S3.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 6, step S3 includes steps S31 to S36. First, an unformed soil sample 4 is prepared (step S31). Next, an empty container body 21 is prepared (step S32). Next, the pressing member 23 is placed in the empty container body 21 (step S33, see FIG. 7(a)). By performing steps S32 and S33, a container member 26 including the container body 21 and the pressing member 23 can be obtained. Next, the unformed soil sample 4 is placed on the pressing member 23 in the container body 21 (step S34, see FIG. 7(b)). Next, a lid unit 25 having a lid member 22 and a plug member 24 is prepared (step S35). Next, the lid unit 25 is attached to the container body 21 in which the unformed soil sample 4 is accommodated (step S36). In step S36, the lid unit 25 is attached to the container body 21 by pushing the unformed soil sample 4 into the container body 21 (step S36, see FIG. 7(c)). As a result, the pressing member 23 presses the soil sample 4, and a formed soil sample 4 is obtained. As a result, a filled container 2AS which is the container 2A containing the soil sample 4 can be obtained.

[0113] Next, a step of analyzing the formed soil sample 4 (step S4) is performed. Step S4 includes steps S41 to S47.

[0114] First, the operator prepares the filled container 2AS (step S41). Next, the operator prepares the component analyzer 3 (step S42). Next, the operator focuses the focus F at a position separated from the container placement surface 31a by the focal height H1 (step S43). Next, the operator removes the plug member 24 from the lid member 22 (step S44, see FIG. 7(d)). Next, the operator places the filled container 2AS on the container placement surface 31a (step S45). Next, the component analysis of the soil sample 4 is performed (step S46). Next, the filled container 2AS is removed from the container placement surface 31a (step S47). When there are a plurality of containers, after step S47, the process returns to step S44, and the steps of steps S44 to S47 are repeated until the analysis of all the filled containers 2AS is completed.

[0115] <Advantages and effects of the method for obtaining component information of the soil sample 4 according to the second embodiment> In the step S3 of preparing the container 2AS already containing the sample in the second embodiment, the container member 26 having the container body 21 including the main body wall portion 211 and the main body bottom portion 212 surrounding the soil sample 4 and the main body opening 21a for exposing the soil sample 4, and the pressing member 23 disposed in the region R surrounded by the main body wall portion 211 and the main body bottom portion 212 and on which the soil sample 4 is disposed is prepared in steps S32 and S33, the step S34 of disposing the soil sample 4 not yet formed in the container member 26, and the step S36 of attaching the lid unit having the lid window portion 222 through which the pulsed laser beam L1 and the fluorescence L2 for obtaining the component information of the soil sample 4 pass and the lid shoulder portion 223 in contact with the soil sample 4 accommodated in the container body 21 to the lid window portion 222 so as to close it are included. Thus, the container 2AS including the lid unit 25 can be obtained.

[0116] <Modification 1> The object information acquisition system and the method for acquiring information of an object of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0117] The container 2B according to the modification shown in FIG. 8 is different from the container 2 of the first embodiment in that the lid member 22 further has a glass plate 28 which is a transparent member. The glass plate 28 is disposed between the lid window portion 222 and the container body 21. The glass plate 28 is capable of transmitting the pulsed laser beam L1 irradiated to the soil sample 4. Further, the glass plate 28 is also capable of transmitting the fluorescence L2 caused by the plasma emitted from the soil sample 4.

[0118] Note that the material of the transparent member may be appropriately selected according to the wavelength of the light used for the analysis. For example, when the wavelength is up to ultraviolet rays, quartz, sapphire, calcium fluoride, etc. can be selected as the material of the transparent member. Also, glass or acrylic can be selected as the transparent material.

[0119] The glass plate 28 is disposed inside the lid wall portion 221. The glass plate 28 is formed larger than the lid window portion 222 and covers the lid through-hole 22h. That is, the lid through-hole 22h is physically blocked by the glass plate 28. The upper glass plate main surface 28a of the glass plate 28 is in contact with the shoulder back surface 223r of the lid shoulder portion 223. The glass plate back surface 28r of the glass plate 28 is in contact with the sample main surface 4a of the soil sample 4.

[0120] In the container 2B according to the modification, the glass plate 28 can transmit the pulsed laser light L1 irradiated to the soil sample 4 and the fluorescence L2 caused by the plasma radiated from the soil sample 4. Further, the lid window portion 222 is blocked by the glass plate 28. Thereby, when transporting the container 2B containing the object to be evaluated, it is possible to suppress the soil sample 4 from jumping out from the lid through-hole 22h.

[0121] Even the container 2B of Modification 1 can be subjected to the same analysis as in the first embodiment. Further, according to the container 2B of Modification 1, it is possible to prevent the soil sample 4 from jumping out from the lid through-hole 22h, the odor, and the scattering of radioactive substances. As a result, when transporting the container 2B containing the object, it is possible to simplify the countermeasures against these jumps and scatterings. Moreover, the container 2B of the modification can also measure a fluid sample such as a slurry.

[0122] <Other Modifications> The object information acquisition system is not limited to a system using a laser breakdown spectrometer, and a system using a fluorescence X-ray analyzer (XRF) may also be used. The fluorescence X-ray analyzer measures the wavelength and energy of characteristic fluorescence X-rays generated by irradiating a sample with X-rays. The fluorescence X-ray analyzer performs a composition analysis for identifying the elements constituting the sample using these measurement results. Further, the fluorescence X-ray analyzer performs a quantitative analysis of the content of the elements constituting the sample using these measurement results.

[0123] The object information acquisition system may be a system using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The scanning electron microscope irradiates a measurement sample with an electron beam in which an electron beam is converged. The scanning electron microscope detects secondary electrons, reflected electrons (backscattered electrons), transmitted electrons, X-rays, cathodoluminescence (fluorescence), internal electromotive force, etc. radiated from the measurement sample irradiated with the electron beam, thereby obtaining information on the measurement sample. The scanning electron microscope includes a convergence coil. Since the convergence coil functions to converge the electron beam to the focal point F, it coincides with the lens 331 provided in the component analyzer 3 of the first embodiment in terms of function.

[0124] When the information about the object is information obtained by visual observation or image information obtained by a camera or the like, the object information acquisition system may be a system using an optical microscope. The system provided with the optical microscope may apply illumination light from a light source device to the object. Further, when observation and imaging are possible with ambient natural light, the light source device may be omitted.

[0125] The object information acquisition system may further include a robotic arm for automatically placing the already-accommodated container 2S on the stage 31 in order to achieve further labor saving and speed-up. According to the component analysis system including the robotic arm, first, the computer 35 controls the robotic arm to place the already-accommodated container 2S on the stage 31. Next, the computer 35 obtains raw data for automatically obtaining component information by controlling the light source 32, the photodetector 34, and the lens drive unit 333. Next, the computer 35 converts the obtained raw data into the concentrations of various elements and removes the already-accommodated container 2S from the stage 31. Further, the computer 35 may record the component information including the concentrations of various elements on a predetermined electronic medium, or may upload the component information to a predetermined recording area on the Internet. Then, the computer 35 may notify a pre-registered information provider of the completion of the upload of the component information by means such as e-mail. By automatically executing these series of operations by the computer 35, further labor saving and time shortening can be achieved.

[0126] [Appendix] The object information acquisition system and the method for acquiring information of an object include the following configuration.

[0127] The present disclosure is [1] "a container for accommodating an object, an information acquisition device having a container placement surface on which the container is placed, having a focal point definable by a distance from the container placement surface, and obtaining information about the object located at the focal point in a state of being accommodated in the container, wherein the container includes a container body including a main body wall portion and a main body bottom portion surrounding the object and a main body opening portion for exposing the object, and a lid member attached to the container body, the lid member including a lid window portion through which an electromagnetic wave or an electron for obtaining information about the object passes and a lid shoulder portion in contact with the object accommodated in the container body, A pressing member that is disposed in a region surrounded by the main body wall portion and the main body bottom portion, on which the object is placed, and that generates a force for pressing the object toward the lid member. The distance from the main body bottom portion to the lid shoulder portion is equal to the distance from the container placement surface to the focal point. The object information acquisition system.

[0128] The present disclosure is [2] "The lid window portion includes a lid through-hole that exposes the object accommodated in the container main body. The object information acquisition system according to [1] above."

[0129] The present disclosure is [3] "The lid window portion includes a lid through-hole that exposes the object accommodated in the container main body and a transparent member that is permeable to electromagnetic waves irradiated on the object or electromagnetic waves radiated from the object. The object information acquisition system according to [1] above."

[0130] The present disclosure is [4] "The lid window portion includes a lid through-hole that exposes the object accommodated in the container main body, The container further has a plug member that is removably fitted into the lid through-hole of the lid window portion, The plug member, When the lid member is attached to the container main body, it is fitted into the lid through-hole of the lid window portion, When information about the object is obtained by the information acquisition device, it is removed from the lid through-hole of the lid window portion. The object information acquisition system according to [1] or [2] above. "

[0131] The present disclosure is [5] "The elastic modulus of the pressing member is lower than the elastic modulus of the object. The object information acquisition system according to any one of [1] to [4] above."

[0132] This disclosure is "[6] The information acquisition device applies an irradiation electromagnetic wave toward the object located at the focal point, and obtains the components of the object as information about the object based on the return electromagnetic wave returning from the object due to the applied irradiation electromagnetic wave, for the object information acquisition system according to any one of [1] to [5] above."

[0133] This disclosure is "[7] A method for obtaining information about an object, comprising: a step of preparing a container that has already contained the object; an information acquisition device having a container placement surface on which the container that has already contained the object is placed, having a focal point definable by the distance from the container placement surface, and obtaining information about the object located at the focal point in a state of being contained in the container that has already contained the object, the step of aligning the focal point at a position spaced apart from the container placement surface by a predetermined distance; the step of arranging the container that has already contained the object on the container placement surface; and the step of obtaining information about the object contained in the container that has already contained the object arranged on the container placement surface."

[0134] This disclosure is "[8] In the step of preparing the container that has already contained the object, a plurality of the containers that have already contained the object are prepared, and after the step of obtaining information about the object, the method further includes a step of removing the container that has already contained the object from the container placement surface, and after performing the step of aligning the focal point, the steps of arranging the container that has already contained the object, obtaining information about the object, and removing the container that has already contained the object from the container placement surface are repeated while replacing the container that has already contained the object, for the method for obtaining information about the object according to [7] above."

[0135] This disclosure is "[9] The step of preparing the container that has already contained the object includes a step of obtaining the formed object; a step of preparing a container member including a container body including a main body wall portion and a main body bottom portion surrounding the object and an opening portion for exposing the object, and a pressing member disposed in a region surrounded by the main body wall portion and the main body bottom portion and on which the object is disposed." A step of placing the formed object on the pressing member; A method for acquiring information of an object according to [7] above, including: a step of attaching a lid member including a lid window portion through which electromagnetic waves or electrons for obtaining information about the object pass and a lid shoulder portion in contact with the object accommodated in the container body to the container member.

[0136] The present disclosure is

[10] "The step of preparing the accommodated container includes: A step of preparing a container member having a container body including a main body wall portion and a main body bottom portion surrounding the object and an opening for exposing the object, and a pressing member disposed in a region surrounded by the main body wall portion and the main body bottom portion and on which the object is disposed; A step of placing the unformed object on the pressing member; A method for acquiring information of an object according to [7] above, including: a step of fixing a lid unit having a lid member including a lid window portion through which electromagnetic waves or electrons for obtaining information about the object pass and a lid shoulder portion in contact with the object accommodated in the container body, and a plug member removably fitted to the lid window portion so as to close a lid through-hole provided in the lid window portion, to the container member on which the unformed object is placed.

[0137] The present disclosure is

[11] "The method for acquiring information of an object according to

[10] above, further including a step of removing the plug member from the lid through-hole of the lid member before the step of obtaining information about the object."

Explanation of reference numerals

[0138] 1,1A Component analysis system 2,2A,2B Container 2S,2AS Accommodated container 21 Container body 211 Main body wall portion 212 Main body bottom portion 21a Main body opening 213 Container connection claw portion 22 Lid member 222 Lid window portion 223 Lid shoulder 224 Lid connecting claw part 23 Pressing member 24 Bolt member 25 Lid unit 26 Container member 28 Glass plate (transparent member) 3 Component analyzer (information acquisition device) 31 Stage 31a Container placement surface 32 Light source 33 Optical system 331 Lens 332 Mirror 333 Lens drive unit 34 Photodetector 35 Computer 4 Soil sample (object) F Focus H1 Focus height H2 Container height H3 Total height L1 Pulse laser light (irradiating electromagnetic wave) L2 Fluorescence (returning electromagnetic wave) R Region

Claims

1. A container for housing an object, An information acquisition device having a container placement surface on which the container is placed, having a focus definable by a distance from the container placement surface, and obtaining information regarding the object located at the focus in a state of being housed in the container, The container includes A container body including a main body wall portion and a main body bottom portion surrounding the object and a main body opening for exposing the object, A lid member attached to the container body, including a lid window portion for passing an electromagnetic wave or an electron for obtaining information regarding the object and a lid shoulder portion in contact with the object housed in the container body, A pressing member disposed in a region surrounded by the main body wall portion and the main body bottom portion, on which the object is placed, and generating a force for pressing the object toward the lid member, An object information acquisition system, wherein a distance from the main body bottom portion to the lid shoulder portion is equal to a distance from the container placement surface to the focus.

2. The object information acquisition system according to claim 1, wherein the lid window portion includes a lid through-hole for exposing the object housed in the container body.

3. The object information acquisition system according to claim 1, wherein the lid window portion includes a lid through-hole for exposing the object housed in the container body and a transparent member capable of transmitting an electromagnetic wave irradiated to the object or an electromagnetic wave radiated from the object.

4. The lid window portion includes a lid through-hole for exposing the object housed in the container body, The container further has a plug member detachably fitted into the lid through-hole of the lid window portion, The plug member When attaching the lid member to the container body, is fitted into the lid through-hole of the lid window portion, When obtaining information regarding the object by the information acquisition device, is removed from the lid through-hole of the lid window portion. The object information acquisition system according to claim 1.

5. The object information acquisition system according to claim 1, wherein the elastic modulus of the pressing member is lower than the elastic modulus of the object.

6. The object information acquisition system according to claim 1, wherein the information acquisition device applies an irradiation electromagnetic wave toward the object located at the focal point, and obtains a component of the object as information about the object based on a return electromagnetic wave returning from the object due to the applied irradiation electromagnetic wave.

7. A step of preparing a container that has housed an object; In an information acquisition device that has a container placement surface on which the container that has housed the object is placed, has a focal point definable by a distance from the container placement surface, and obtains information about the object located at the focal point in a state of being housed in the container that has housed the object, a step of aligning the focal point at a position separated from the container placement surface by a predetermined distance; A step of arranging the container that has housed the object on the container placement surface; A method for acquiring information about an object, comprising: a step of obtaining information about the object housed in the container that has been arranged on the container placement surface.

8. In the step of preparing the container that has housed the object, a plurality of the containers that have housed the object are prepared, After the step of obtaining information about the object, the method further includes a step of removing the container that has housed the object from the container placement surface, After performing the step of aligning the focal point, the steps of arranging the container that has housed the object, obtaining information about the object, and removing the container from the container placement surface are repeated while replacing the container that has housed the object. The method for acquiring information about an object according to claim 7.

9. The step of preparing the container that has housed the object includes A step of obtaining the formed object; A step of preparing a container member having a container body including a main body wall portion and a main body bottom portion surrounding the object and an opening for exposing the object, and a pressing member disposed in a region surrounded by the main body wall portion and the main body bottom portion and on which the object is disposed. A step of placing the formed object on the pressing member. A method for acquiring information of an object according to claim 7, comprising a step of attaching a lid member including a lid window portion through which an electromagnetic wave or an electron for obtaining information about the object passes and a lid shoulder portion in contact with the object accommodated in the container body to the container member.

10. The step of preparing the accommodated container is A step of preparing a container member having a container body including a main body wall portion and a main body bottom portion surrounding the object and an opening for exposing the object, and a pressing member disposed in a region surrounded by the main body wall portion and the main body bottom portion and on which the object is disposed. A step of placing the unformed object on the pressing member. A method for acquiring information of an object according to claim 7, comprising a step of fixing a lid unit having a lid member including a lid window portion through which an electromagnetic wave or an electron for obtaining information about the object passes and a lid shoulder portion in contact with the object accommodated in the container body, and a plug member removably fitted to the lid window portion so as to close a lid through-hole provided in the lid window portion, to the container member on which the unformed object is placed.

11. The method for acquiring information of an object according to claim 10, further comprising a step of removing the plug member from the lid through-hole of the lid member before the step of obtaining information about the object.

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