Spectroscopic analysis device and spectroscopic analysis method

Abstract

To provide a spectroscopic analysis device capable of simplifying a structure used for reference measurement more than before.SOLUTION: A spectroscopic analysis device 1 includes: an irradiation part 10 for irradiating a measured object with irradiation light; a light reception part 40 for receiving reflection light from the measured object, which is based on the irradiation light; a control part 80 for analyzing optical characteristics of the measured object on the basis of the reflection light; and an operation part 20 for guiding the irradiation light while switching to one of a transmission part W1 for guiding the irradiation light to the measured object in an observation window W and a reference substance R arranged at at least one of the observation window W and a tube T1 covering the observation window W.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a spectroscopic analyzer and a spectroscopic analysis method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for analyzing the optical properties of a measurement target have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a spectroscopic analyzer that enables more accurate and stable measurement of an absorption spectrum.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prior art described in Patent Document 1, a reference substance with a known reflectance, which is necessary for calculating the reflectance of light in the measurement target, is arranged. In the prior art, the configuration used for reference measurement for measuring the reflected light power of the reference substance is complicated.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a spectroscopic analyzer and a spectroscopic analysis method capable of simplifying the configuration used for reference measurement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A spectroscopic analyzer according to some embodiments includes an irradiation unit that irradiates light onto a measurement target, a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the measurement target based on the irradiated light, a control unit that analyzes the optical properties of the measurement target based on the reflected light, a transmission unit that guides the irradiated light to the measurement target at an observation window, and an operation unit that switches to either the observation window or a reference substance disposed on at least one of the observation window and a cylinder covering the observation window to guide the irradiated light.

[0007] As a result, the spectroscopic analyzer can simplify the configuration used for the reference measurement to measure the reflected light power of the reference substance. The operation unit of the spectroscopic analyzer switches to either the transmission unit that guides the irradiation light to the object to be measured at the observation window or the reference substance to guide the irradiation light. As a result, the spectroscopic analyzer can perform the reference measurement only by changing the irradiation position of the irradiation light by the operation unit. Therefore, the spectroscopic analyzer enables a simple reference measurement or calibration work as a spectroscope without involving disassembly, cleaning, and removal of the cylinder. The spectroscopic analyzer does not need to largely separate the optical system for sample measurement and the optical system for reference measurement as in the prior art, and it is easy to simplify the entire optical system in the spectroscopic analyzer. Since the spectroscopic analyzer attaches the reference substance to existing parts such as the cylinder, it can perform both sample measurement and reference measurement without increasing the number of parts and while maintaining the size of the device.

[0008] In the spectroscopic analyzer according to one embodiment, the transmission unit and the reference substance are arranged at different positions on the same concentric circle when viewed from the incident side of the irradiation light with respect to the observation window, and the operation unit may include a changing mechanism that relatively changes the irradiation position of the irradiation light on the concentric circle. As a result, the spectroscopic analyzer can perform the reference measurement only by changing the irradiation position of the irradiation light on the concentric circle by the operation unit.

[0009] In the spectroscopic analyzer according to one embodiment, the irradiation unit may be arranged inside the cylinder. As a result, the spectroscopic analyzer can compactly integrate the entire optical system and facilitate miniaturization of the entire device.

[0010] In the spectroscopic analyzer according to one embodiment, the changing mechanism may include a rotating mechanism that rotates the position of the irradiation unit around the central axis of the concentric circle. As a result, the spectroscopic analyzer can perform the reference measurement only by rotating the irradiation position of the irradiation light around the central axis of the concentric circle by the operation unit.

[0011] In a spectroscopic analyzer according to an embodiment, the reference substance may be fixed together with the transmission portion at the observation window, and the rotation mechanism may include a first rotation mechanism that rotates the cylinder around the central axis. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer can perform reference measurement only by rotating the cylinder around the central axis of the concentric circles by the operation unit.

[0012] In a spectroscopic analyzer according to an embodiment, the reference substance may be fixed to the cylinder, and the rotation mechanism may include a second rotation mechanism that rotates the position of the inner cylinder disposed inside the cylinder and accommodating the irradiation unit around the central axis. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer can perform reference measurement only by rotating the position of the inner cylinder around the central axis of the concentric circles by the operation unit.

[0013] In a spectroscopic analyzer according to an embodiment, the reference substance may be fixed together with the transmission portion at the observation window, and the change mechanism may include a third rotation mechanism that rotates the observation window around the central axis of the concentric circles. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer can perform reference measurement only by rotating the observation window by the operation unit and relatively rotating and moving the irradiation position of the irradiation light.

[0014] In a spectroscopic analyzer according to an embodiment, the change mechanism may include a first slide mechanism that translates the irradiation unit inside the cylinder. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer can perform reference measurement only by translating the irradiation position of the irradiation light by the operation unit.

[0015] In a spectroscopic analyzer according to an embodiment, the reference substance may be fixed together with the transmission portion at the observation window, and the change mechanism may include a second slide mechanism that translates the observation window. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer can perform reference measurement only by translating the observation window by the operation unit and relatively translating the irradiation position of the irradiation light.

[0016] In the spectroscopic analyzer according to one embodiment, the reference substance is fixed together with the transmission part at the observation window, and the irradiation part may be arranged outside the cylinder. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer can omit the space for arranging the irradiation part inside the cylinder, facilitating the miniaturization of the cylinder.

[0017] In the spectroscopic analyzer according to one embodiment, the change mechanism may include a fourth rotation mechanism that rotates the cylinder around the central axis of the cylinder. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer can execute the reference measurement only by rotating the cylinder around its central axis by the operation unit.

[0018] In the spectroscopic analyzer according to one embodiment, the change mechanism may include a fifth rotation mechanism that rotates the observation window around the central axis of the concentric circles. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer can execute the reference measurement only by rotating the observation window by the operation unit and relatively rotationally moving the irradiation position of the irradiation light.

[0019] In the spectroscopic analyzer according to one embodiment, the change mechanism may include a third slide mechanism that translates the cylinder. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer can execute the reference measurement only by translating the irradiation position of the irradiation light by the operation unit.

[0020] In the spectroscopic analyzer according to one embodiment, the change mechanism may include a fourth slide mechanism that translates the observation window. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer can execute the reference measurement only by translating the observation window by the operation unit and relatively translating the irradiation position of the irradiation light.

[0021] In a spectroscopic analyzer according to an embodiment, the operation unit may guide the irradiation light to one of the plurality of transmission units having different transmittances, the one transmission unit being selected according to at least one of the intensity of the irradiation light and the type of the object to be measured. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer can accurately perform sample measurement by associating the transmission unit with various intensities of irradiation light. Similarly, the spectroscopic analyzer can accurately perform sample measurement by associating the transmission unit with various types of objects to be measured.

[0022] In a spectroscopic analyzer according to an embodiment, the operation unit may guide the irradiation light to one of the plurality of reference substances having different reflectivities, the one reference substance being selected according to the type of the object to be measured. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer can accurately perform reference measurement by associating the reference substance with various types of objects to be measured.

[0023] A spectroscopic analysis method according to some embodiments includes irradiating an object to be measured with irradiation light, receiving reflected light from the object to be measured based on the irradiation light, analyzing optical characteristics of the object to be measured based on the reflected light, switching to either a transmission unit that guides the irradiation light to the object to be measured at an observation window or a reference substance disposed on at least one of the observation window and a cylinder covering the observation window, and guiding the irradiation light.

[0024] As a result, the spectroscopic analyzer that executes the spectroscopic analysis method can simplify the configuration used for the reference measurement to measure the reflected light power with the reference substance. The spectroscopic analyzer switches to either the transmission part that guides the irradiation light to the measurement target at the observation window or the reference substance to guide the irradiation light. As a result, the spectroscopic analyzer can execute the reference measurement only by changing the irradiation position of the irradiation light. Therefore, the spectroscopic analyzer enables a simple reference measurement or calibration work as a spectroscope without involving disassembly, cleaning, and removal of the cylinder, etc. The spectroscopic analyzer does not need to largely separate the optical system for sample measurement and the optical system for reference measurement as in the prior art, and it is easy to simplify the entire optical system in the spectroscopic analyzer. The spectroscopic analyzer can attach the reference substance to existing parts such as a cylinder, and can execute both sample measurement and reference measurement without increasing the number of parts and while maintaining the size of the apparatus.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a spectroscopic analyzer and a spectroscopic analysis method capable of further simplifying the configuration used for reference measurement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

[0027] The background and problems of the prior art will be described in more detail.

[0028] The reflectance of light at the object to be measured is calculated by dividing the reflected light power at the object to be measured by the reflected light power of a reference substance with a known reflectance. The spectroscopic analyzer is affected by fluctuations in the light source and deterioration of the light guiding means and the light collecting means, etc., on the measured values such as the reflected light power. Therefore, the spectroscopic analyzer needs to periodically perform a reference measurement using a reference substance in order to correct such effects. Performing such a periodic reference measurement manually increases the man-hours and is inefficient. Therefore, various mechanisms for automatically performing the reference measurement have been studied.

[0029] For example, in the spectroscopic analyzer described in Patent Document 1, a reference substance with a known reflectance, which is necessary for calculating the reflectance of light at the object to be measured, was arranged inside the probe. The spectroscopic analyzer had a mirror inside the probe for performing a reference measurement. The spectroscopic analyzer had a mechanism for automatically performing operations such as maintaining the mirror arranged inside the probe obliquely or tilting it horizontally.

[0030] The spectroscopic analyzer described in Patent Document 1 automatically switched between sample measurement and reference measurement for measuring the reflected light power at the object to be measured by operating a mirror disposed inside the probe by a mechanism. For example, the spectroscopic analyzer automatically executed a reference measurement by operating the mechanism so as to maintain the mirror disposed inside the probe at an oblique angle.

[0031] However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, the spectroscopic analyzer needed to additionally include a mirror and a mechanism therein for performing a reference measurement. The spectroscopic analyzer needed to include therein an optical system for sample measurement and an optical system for reference measurement in a largely separated state. Therefore, the entire optical system in the spectroscopic analyzer was complicated. In addition, the configuration used for the reference measurement was complicated.

[0032] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a spectroscopic analyzer and a spectroscopic analysis method capable of simplifying the configuration used for reference measurement. As an example, the present disclosure aims to realize a simpler configuration than the prior art by disposing a reference substance on the surface of an observation window or a cylinder covering the observation window and changing the measurement position by rotating the cylinder or the like.

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be mainly described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a first schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a second schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of the configuration and function of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0035] The spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment analyzes the optical characteristics of the object to be measured disposed inside the sample chamber S. More specifically, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 irradiates the object to be measured with irradiation light through the observation window W installed in the sample chamber S. The spectroscopic analyzer 1 receives the reflected light from the object to be measured based on the irradiation light. The spectroscopic analyzer 1 analyzes the optical characteristics of the object to be measured based on the received reflected light.

[0036] In the present disclosure, the "sample chamber S" includes, for example, any space having a function of storing or transporting the object to be measured. The sample chamber S is constituted by a tank, piping, and the like. In FIGS. 1 and 2 and the like, the sample chamber S is described as a cube as an example, but may have any shape such as a cube, a rectangular parallelepiped, or a cylindrical shape. The "observation window W" includes, for example, any window made of a material having a function of transmitting light at the wavelength of the irradiation light used for the spectroscopic analyzer 1 to analyze the optical characteristics of the object to be measured disposed inside the sample chamber S by light. The observation window W is formed of a material such as an acrylic resin, glass, quartz, sapphire, and diamond. The observation window W may have a thickness of 10 mm or more in order to sufficiently increase impact resistance and pressure resistance. The connection between the observation window W and the sample chamber S may be based on, for example, a site glass structure or a fixing structure such as a clamp and a screw in order to maintain airtightness. The observation window W has a structure that penetrates a part of the wall of the sample chamber S.

[0037] The "object to be measured" includes any object such as a solid, a liquid, and a slurry. The object to be measured includes, for example, an object in which diffuse reflection occurs when the spectroscopic analyzer 1 analyzes the optical characteristics of the object to be measured using the diffuse reflection method. The "optical characteristics" include the wavelength dependence of the light reflectance. The spectroscopic analyzer 1 analyzes, as an example, the light reflectance spectrum at the object to be measured based on the diffuse reflection method.

[0038] The observation window W is covered by a cylinder T1 from the incident side of the irradiation light on the observation window W. The cylinder T1 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the observation window W. The cylinder T1 houses a part of the irradiation unit 10, the operation unit 20, the condensing unit 30a, and the light guide unit 30b, which will be described later, inside thereof. The cylinder T1 is configured so that foreign matter does not enter from the outside into the inside of the cylinder T1 so as not to affect the analysis of the optical characteristics of the measurement target by the spectroscopic analyzer 1. The inside of the cylinder T1 may be in a vacuum state or may be filled with a gas such as nitrogen. The inside of the cylinder T1 is sealed and maintained at an appropriate pressure according to the measurement target. The cylinder T1 may be attached to the sample chamber S by a fixing jig F.

[0039] An inner cylinder T2 is further arranged inside the cylinder T1. The inner cylinder T2 houses a part of the irradiation unit 10, a part of the condensing unit 30a, and a part of the light guide unit 30b, which will be described later, inside thereof. The inner cylinder T2 may be configured so that foreign matter does not enter from the outside into the inside of the inner cylinder T2 so as not to affect the analysis of the optical characteristics of the measurement target by the spectroscopic analyzer 1. The inside of the inner cylinder T2 may be in a vacuum state or may be filled with a gas such as nitrogen in accordance with the cylinder T1.

[0040] The inner cylinder T2 is driven by the operation unit 20, which will be described later, so that the position of the inner cylinder T2 rotates around the central axis A1 of the cylinder T1 inside the cylinder T1. The inner cylinder T2 is arranged at a position eccentric from the center of the cross-section in the radial direction of the cross-section of the cylinder T1. The central axis A2 of the inner cylinder T2 is displaced in the radial direction from the central axis A1 of the cylinder T1. Therefore, the position of the central axis A2 of the inner cylinder T2 rotates around the central axis A1 of the cylinder T1 by the driving of the inner cylinder T2 by the operation unit 20.

[0041] A reference substance R with a known reflectance, which is necessary for calculating the reflectance of light in the object to be measured, is fixed and arranged on the side surface of a cylinder T1 that covers the observation window W. For example, the reference substance R is arranged inside the surface of the cylinder T1 that faces the observation window W. The reference substance R is arranged at a position eccentric from the center of the cross-section in the radial direction of the cross-section of the cylinder T1. The reference substance R is displaced in the radial direction from the central axis A1 of the cylinder T1.

[0042] In the present disclosure, the "reference substance R" may include any substance with a light reflectance of approximately 100%. The reference substance R includes a standard white plate, barium sulfate, Teflon (registered trademark), an aluminum mirror with a roughened surface, a gold mirror, etc., which have the function of reflecting light with a high reflectance. The reference substance R may have a structure curved in a bowl shape to increase its reflectance. Although not shown in FIG. 1, optical components such as mirrors and lenses for guiding light to the reference substance R may be further arranged inside the cylinder T1. The light reflectance of the "reference substance R" does not necessarily have to be approximately 100%, as long as it is a known reflectance and a reflectance that is not easily affected by changes over time.

[0043] The fixing jig F includes any jig having the function of slidably attaching the cylinder T1 to the sample chamber S. The fixing between the fixing jig F and the sample chamber S may be performed using the same clamps as those used for fixing the observation window W. The fixing jig F may have a structure that allows dry air for reducing condensation or the like in the observation window W to flow in or be enclosed in the space between the cylinder T1 and the observation window W.

[0044] The fixing jig F may have a structure that allows only the cylinder T1 to be removed while being fixed to the sample chamber S so that the cylinder T1 can be removed even during the operation of the manufacturing process. For example, the fixing jig F may have a screwing structure for the fixing plate sandwiched in the groove formed at the tip of the cylinder T1. Alternatively, the fixing jig F may have a clamp structure. The fixing jig F may have a mechanism for rotating the cylinder T1. For example, the fixing jig F may have a mechanism of a rotating pedestal corresponding to the structure on the cylinder T1 side. The position of the rotating pedestal may be driven and controlled by a motor such as a stepping motor and an air-driven actuator.

[0045] The spectroscopic analyzer 1 includes an irradiation unit 10, an operation unit 20, a condensing unit 30a, a light guide unit 30b, a light receiving unit 40, a storage unit 50, an input unit 60, an output unit 70, and a control unit 80.

[0046] The irradiation unit 10 has a light source such as a lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), and a semiconductor laser. The lamp includes a halogen lamp, a tungsten lamp, a xenon lamp, and the like. The irradiation unit 10 may further have a condensing element such as a lens. The irradiation unit 10 irradiates the measurement target with irradiation light having a wavelength suitable for the optical characteristics of the measurement target to be analyzed using the spectroscopic analyzer 1. The wavelength of the irradiation light irradiated by the irradiation unit 10 includes, for example, the wavelength at which the irradiation light is reflected by the measurement target. The wavelength of the irradiation light is included in, for example, the ultraviolet region, the visible region, the near-infrared region, and other infrared regions.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the irradiation light emitted from the irradiation unit 10 enters the inside of the sample chamber S through the observation window W and is reflected by the measurement target disposed inside the sample chamber S. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the irradiation light emitted from the irradiation unit 10 is reflected by the reference substance R.

[0048] The operation unit 20 includes a changing mechanism for changing the irradiation position of the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10. The changing mechanism includes a rotating mechanism that is disposed inside the cylinder T1 and rotates the position of the inner cylinder T2 that houses the irradiation unit 10 around the central axis A1. The rotating mechanism has, for example, grooves and steps formed on the circumference of the inner wall of the cylinder T1 that function as guides for the position movement of the inner cylinder T2. In addition, the rotating mechanism has an arbitrary motor such as a stepping motor and an air-driven actuator for driving and rotating the inner cylinder T2.

[0049] The operation unit 20 switches the irradiation light to be guided to either a transmission part W1 described later that guides the irradiation light to the measurement object at the observation window W or a reference substance R disposed on the cylinder T1 that covers the observation window W. For example, the operation unit 20 drives the inner cylinder T2 inside the cylinder T1 so that the position of the inner cylinder T2 rotates around the central axis A1 of the cylinder T1. The operation unit 20 guides the irradiation light to the transmission part W1 by driving and controlling the inner cylinder T2 to the first rotation position shown in FIG. 1. The operation unit 20 guides the irradiation light to the reference substance R by driving and controlling the inner cylinder T2 to the second rotation position shown in FIG. 2.

[0050] The condensing unit 30a includes an arbitrary optical element for condensing light. The optical elements include an optical lens and an integrating sphere, etc. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the condensing unit 30a efficiently condenses the reflected light from the measurement object that exits from the sample chamber S through the observation window W to the light guiding unit 30b. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the condensing unit 30a efficiently condenses the reflected light from the reference substance R to the light guiding unit 30b.

[0051] The light guiding unit 30b includes an arbitrary optical element for guiding light. The optical elements include an optical fiber, an optical coupler, and a mirror, etc. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the light guiding unit 30b receives the reflected light from the measurement object disposed inside the sample chamber S through the observation window W and the condensing unit 30a. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the light guiding unit 30b receives the reflected light from the reference substance R through the condensing unit 30a. The light guiding unit 30b has the function of receiving the reflected light from the measurement object and the reflected light from the reference substance R and guiding them to the light receiving unit 40.

[0052] The light receiving unit 40 has a photodetector including a light receiving element such as a photodiode. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the light receiving unit 40 receives reflected light based on the irradiation light irradiated on the measurement target by the irradiation unit 10, and is reflected light indicating the optical characteristics of the measurement target. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the light receiving unit 40 receives reflected light based on the irradiation light irradiated on the reference substance R by the irradiation unit 10.

[0053] The photodetector of the light receiving unit 40 receives the reflected light guided by the condensing unit 30a and the light guiding unit 30b, converts it into an electrical signal, and outputs it to the control unit 80 and the like. The wavelength band that can be received by the photodetector of the light receiving unit 40 includes the wavelength band of the reflected light. The photodetector of the light receiving unit 40 has a detection sensitivity at the wavelength of the reflected light. The light receiving unit 40 has a function of detecting the intensity of the reflected light. In addition to this, the light receiving unit 40 may further have a spectroscopic function such as a diffraction grating, an interferometer, and a filter.

[0054] The storage unit 50 includes storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 50 stores information necessary to realize the operation of the spectroscopic analyzer 1. The storage unit 50 stores information obtained by the operation of the spectroscopic analyzer 1. For example, the storage unit 50 stores various data obtained by any means such as a system program, an application program, and communication.

[0055] The storage unit 50 may function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 50 is not limited to being built into the spectroscopic analyzer 1, and may include an external storage device connected by a digital input / output port such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0056] The input unit 60 includes one or more input interfaces that detect user input and acquire input information based on the user's operations. The input interfaces include physical keys, capacitive keys, a touch screen provided integrally with the display of the output unit 70, an imaging module such as a camera, and a microphone that accepts voice input, etc.

[0057] The output unit 70 includes one or more output interfaces that output information to notify the user. The output interfaces include a display that outputs information as an image, a speaker that outputs information as sound, and a vibrator that outputs information as vibration, etc. The display includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc.

[0058] The control unit 80 includes one or more processors. In the present disclosure, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited thereto. The control unit 80 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 80 is communicably connected to each component constituting the spectroscopic analyzer 1 and controls the operation of the entire spectroscopic analyzer 1. For example, the control unit 80 controls the irradiation unit 10, the operation unit 20, and the light receiving unit 40. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the control lines by the control unit 80 are shown by broken lines. In addition to such control processing, the control unit 80 analyzes the optical characteristics of the object to be measured based on the reflected light received by the light receiving unit 40. The storage unit 50, the input unit 60, the output unit 70, and the control unit 80 may be realized by, for example, a single computer or may be configured by a plurality of devices.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a first schematic diagram when the reference substance R and the observation window W in FIG. 1 are viewed from the incident side of the irradiation light with respect to the observation window W.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the observation window W has, as a part thereof, a transmission part W1 that guides the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 to the measurement target disposed inside the sample chamber S. The observation window W may define, by the transmission part W1, the range through which the irradiation light passes in the sample measurement using the measurement target. At this time, a film such as a transparent or colored anti-scattering film and a heat shielding film may be attached to a portion of the observation window W excluding the transmission part W1.

[0061] The transmission part W1 disposed on the observation window W and the reference substance R disposed on the cylinder T1 are arranged at different positions on concentric circles when viewed from the incident side of the irradiation light with respect to the observation window W. For example, the transmission part W1 and the reference substance R are located on concentric circles centered on the center point P0 of the observation window W that becomes circular when viewed from the incident side of the irradiation light with respect to the observation window W. The first circle with the center of the transmission part W1 located on its circumference and the second circle with the center of the reference substance R located on its circumference are centered on the center point P0 of the observation window W. The radius of the first circle and the radius of the second circle may be the same as each other or different from each other.

[0062] As also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a case where the central axis A1 of the cylinder T1 passes through the center point P0 of the observation window W will be described as an example. That is, a case where the central axis A1 and the central axis of the concentric circle on which the transmission part W1 and the reference substance R are arranged coincide with each other will be described as an example.

[0063] At this time, the change mechanism of the operation unit 20 relatively changes the irradiation position of the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 on the concentric circle. For example, the rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 included in the change mechanism rotates the position of the inner cylinder T2 disposed inside the cylinder T1 and accommodating the irradiation unit 10 around the central axis of the concentric circle. Thereby, the rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 rotates the position of the irradiation unit 10 around the central axis of the concentric circle.

[0064] The rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 drives and controls the inner cylinder T2 to the first rotation position shown in FIG. 1, thereby guiding the irradiation light to the transmission part W1 shown in FIG. 3. The irradiation position of the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 on the concentric circle coincides with the transmission part W1. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform sample measurement by the control unit 80 using the object to be measured. In the present disclosure, "sample measurement" includes, for example, measurement of the reflected light power of the irradiation light irradiated from the irradiation unit 10 on the object to be measured.

[0065] On the other hand, the rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 drives and controls the inner cylinder T2 to the second rotation position shown in FIG. 2, thereby guiding the irradiation light to the reference substance R instead of the transmission part W1 shown in FIG. 3. The irradiation position of the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 on the concentric circle coincides with the reference substance R. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform reference measurement by the control unit 80 using the reference substance R. In the present disclosure, "reference measurement" includes, for example, measurement of the reflected light power of the irradiation light irradiated from the irradiation unit 10 on the reference substance R.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a second schematic view when the reference substance R and the observation window W in FIG. 1 are viewed from the incident side of the irradiation light with respect to the observation window W.

[0067] For example, it is not limited to the case where there is only one transmission part W1 arranged in the observation window W and only one reference substance R arranged in the cylinder T1 as shown in FIG. 3. The number of each may be arbitrary.

[0068] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, three reference substances R having different reflectivities may be arranged on a concentric circle with respect to one transmission part W1. At this time, the operation unit 20 may guide the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 to one reference substance R selected according to the type of the object to be measured among the plurality of reference substances R having different reflectivities. The control unit 80 may identify the reference substance R to be selected by the operation unit 20 based on, for example, input information from the user obtained via the input unit 60, and control the operation unit 20.

[0069] For example, the rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 may guide the irradiation light to the reference substance R1 shown in FIG. 4 by driving and controlling the inner cylinder T2 to the second rotation position shown in FIG. 2. For example, the rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 may guide the irradiation light to the reference substance R2 shown in FIG. 4 by driving and controlling the inner cylinder T2 to the third rotation position. For example, the rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 may guide the irradiation light to the reference substance R3 shown in FIG. 4 by driving and controlling the inner cylinder T2 to the fourth rotation position.

[0070] There may be multiple types of reference substances R. For example, the multiple reference substances R may include both a substance for intensity correction and a substance for wavelength correction. Alternatively, the reference substance R may have a function of reflecting light with an arbitrary probability. For example, the reference substance R may include substances such as a substance that reflects light to a certain extent and a substance that does not reflect light at all. The multiple reference substances R may have different reflectivities from each other.

[0071] For example, a plurality of transmission portions W1 having different transmittances from each other may be arranged concentrically with respect to one or more reference substances R. At this time, the operation unit 20 may guide the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 to one transmission portion W1 selected according to at least one of the intensity of the irradiation light and the type of the object to be measured among the plurality of transmission portions W1 having different transmittances. The control unit 80 may identify the transmission portion W1 to be selected by the operation unit 20 based on, for example, input information from the user obtained via the input unit 60, and control the operation unit 20.

[0072] In order to make the transmittances different from each other among the plurality of transmission portions W1, the transmission portion W1 may include, for example, a filter for light intensity attenuation having a predetermined attenuation rate. Thereby, the damage caused by the irradiation light to the object to be measured is reduced.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 of FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 5, an example of the spectroscopic analysis method executed by the spectroscopic analyzer 1 of FIG. 1 will be mainly described. The flowchart shown in FIG. 5 shows an example of the basic processing flow when the control unit 80 of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 analyzes the optical characteristics of the object to be measured.

[0074] In step S101, the control unit 80 of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 controls the irradiation unit 10 so that the irradiation unit 10 irradiates the reference substance R with irradiation light.

[0075] In step S102, the control unit 80 of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 causes the light receiving unit 40 to receive the reflected light from the reference substance R based on the irradiation light irradiated in step S101.

[0076] The control unit 80 of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 obtains a signal value R(λ) regarding the reflected light power of the reflected light from the reference substance R by the reference measurement in steps S101 and S102.

[0077] In step S103, the control unit 80 of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 controls the operation unit 20 so that the object irradiated with the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 is switched from the reference substance R to the transmission unit W1. For example, the control unit 80 controls the operation unit 20 to change the irradiation position of the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 by rotating the inner cylinder T2.

[0078] At this time, the storage unit 50 may store, as information, the first rotation position of the inner cylinder T2 as shown in FIG. 1 when the irradiation light is irradiated on the object to be measured through the transmission unit W1, and the second rotation position of the inner cylinder T2 as shown in FIG. 2 when the irradiation light is irradiated on the reference substance R. For example, the control unit 80 obtains this information by user input using the input unit 60 of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 and stores it in the storage unit 50. Thereby, the storage unit 50 stores the information. The control unit 80 may read out this information by referring to the storage unit 50 and automatically execute the rotation of the position of the inner cylinder T2 by the rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20.

[0079] In step S104, the control unit 80 of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 controls the irradiation unit 10 so that the irradiation unit 10 irradiates the object to be measured with irradiation light.

[0080] In step S105, the control unit 80 of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 causes the light receiving unit 40 to receive the reflected light from the object to be measured based on the irradiation light irradiated in step S104.

[0081] The control unit 80 of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 obtains a signal value S(λ) regarding the reflected light power of the reflected light from the object to be measured arranged inside the sample chamber S through the sample measurement in steps S104 and S105.

[0082] In step S106, the control unit 80 of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 analyzes the optical characteristics of the object to be measured based on the reflected light received in step S105. For example, the control unit 80 calculates S(λ) / R(λ)×100 (%) based on the signal value R(λ) obtained by the reference measurement and the signal value S(λ) obtained by the sample measurement, and obtains the reflectance. Note that when the reflectance of the reference substance R is not approximately 100%, the control unit 80 may multiply S(λ) / R(λ) by the reflectance of the reference substance R to obtain the reflectance. The control unit 80 may output the information on the analyzed optical characteristics of the object to be measured to the user from the output unit 70.

[0083] In step S107, the control unit 80 of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 determines whether the periodic analysis of the optical characteristics of the object to be measured has been completed. When the control unit 80 determines that the analysis has been completed, it ends the process. When the control unit 80 determines that the analysis has not been completed, it executes the process of step S101 again. The control unit 80 of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 periodically executes the reference measurement and the sample measurement by repeating the process from step S101 at an arbitrary time interval. By continuously repeating the steps from step S101 to step S107 a plurality of times, the control unit 80 can correct the error associated with the change over time and improve the measurement accuracy.

[0084] According to the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment as described above, the configuration used for the reference measurement for measuring the reflected light power at the reference substance R can be further simplified. The operation unit 20 of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 switches the irradiation light to either the transmission unit W1 that guides the irradiation light to the measurement target at the observation window W or the reference substance R disposed in the cylinder T1 that covers the observation window W. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can execute the reference measurement only by changing the irradiation position of the irradiation light by the operation unit 20. Therefore, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 enables a simple reference measurement or calibration work as a spectroscope without involving disassembly, cleaning, and removal of the cylinder T1. The spectroscopic analyzer 1 does not need to largely separate the optical system for sample measurement and the optical system for reference measurement as in the prior art, and it is easy to simplify the entire optical system in the spectroscopic analyzer 1. Since the spectroscopic analyzer 1 attaches the reference substance R to existing components such as the cylinder T1, it can perform both sample measurement and reference measurement without increasing the number of components and while maintaining the size of the apparatus.

[0085] The operation unit 20 includes a changing mechanism that relatively changes the irradiation position of the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 on a concentric circle. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can execute the reference measurement only by changing the irradiation position of the irradiation light on the concentric circle by the operation unit 20.

[0086] The irradiation unit 10 is disposed inside the cylinder T1. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can compactly integrate the entire optical system, facilitating miniaturization of the entire apparatus.

[0087] The changing mechanism includes a rotating mechanism that rotates the position of the irradiation unit 10 around the central axis of the concentric circle. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can execute the reference measurement only by rotating the irradiation position of the irradiation light around the central axis of the concentric circle by the operation unit 20.

[0088] The rotation mechanism rotates the position of the inner cylinder T2 that is disposed inside the cylinder T1 and houses the irradiation unit 10 around the central axis of the concentric circles. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can execute the reference measurement only by rotating the position of the inner cylinder T2 around the central axis of the concentric circles by the operation unit 20.

[0089] The operation unit 20 guides the irradiation light to one transmission part W1 selected according to at least one of the intensity of the irradiation light and the type of the object to be measured among a plurality of transmission parts W1 having different transmittances. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can accurately execute the sample measurement in correspondence with various irradiation light intensities with respect to the transmission part W1. Similarly, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can accurately execute the sample measurement in correspondence with various types of objects to be measured with respect to the transmission part W1.

[0090] The operation unit 20 guides the irradiation light to one reference substance R selected according to the type of the object to be measured among a plurality of reference substances R having different reflectivities. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can accurately execute the reference measurement in correspondence with various types of objects to be measured with respect to the reference substance R.

[0091] In the above-described first embodiment, it has been described that the transmission part W1 and the reference substance R are arranged at different positions on the concentric circles when viewed from the incident side of the irradiation light with respect to the observation window W, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The transmission part W1 and the reference substance R may have an arbitrary positional relationship that can correspond to the switching of the irradiation position of the irradiation light by the operation unit 20. For example, the transmission part W1 and the reference substance R may not be arranged on the concentric circles when viewed from the incident side of the irradiation light with respect to the observation window W.

[0092] Correspondingly, instead of the changing mechanism that relatively changes the irradiation position of the irradiation light on the concentric circles, the operation unit 20 may include an arbitrary changing mechanism that can relatively change the irradiation position of the irradiation light according to an arbitrary positional relationship between the transmission part W1 and the reference substance R.

[0093] In the above-described first embodiment, the change mechanism was described as including a rotation mechanism that rotates the position of the irradiation unit 10 around the central axis of the concentric circles, but it is not limited thereto. The change mechanism may include a slide mechanism that translates the irradiation unit 10 inside the cylinder T1. The slide mechanism may translate the inner cylinder T2 that houses the irradiation unit 10 inside the cylinder T1. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can execute the reference measurement only by translating the irradiation position of the irradiation light by the operation unit 20.

[0094] In the above-described first embodiment, the reference substance R was described as being disposed in the cylinder T1 that covers the observation window W, but it is not limited thereto. The reference substance R may be disposed on at least one of the observation window W and the cylinder T1 that covers the observation window W. For example, the reference substance R may be fixed together with the transmission portion W1 in the observation window W.

[0095] At this time, the change mechanism may include a rotation mechanism that rotates the observation window W around the central axis of the concentric circles in order to relatively change the irradiation position of the irradiation light on the concentric circles. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can execute the reference measurement only by rotating the observation window W by the operation unit 20 and relatively rotationally moving the irradiation position of the irradiation light. In addition, the change mechanism may include a rotation mechanism that rotates both the position of the inner cylinder T2 and the observation window W around the central axis of the concentric circles in order to relatively change the irradiation position of the irradiation light on the concentric circles.

[0096] Alternatively, the change mechanism may include a slide mechanism that translates the observation window W in order to relatively change the irradiation position of the irradiation light on the concentric circles. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can execute the reference measurement only by translating the observation window W by the operation unit 20 and relatively translating the irradiation position of the irradiation light. In addition, the change mechanism may include a slide mechanism that translates both the inner cylinder T2 and the observation window W in order to relatively change the irradiation position of the irradiation light on the concentric circles.

[0097] In the above-described first embodiment, it was explained that the control unit 80 automatically executes the rotation of the inner cylinder T2 by the rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The rotation of the inner cylinder T2 may be manually performed by the user.

[0098] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a first schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 shows the first rotational position of the inner cylinder T2, similar to FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a second schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 shows the second rotational position of the inner cylinder T2, similar to FIG. 2. In FIGS. 6 and 7, illustration of the storage unit 50, the input unit 60, the output unit 70, and the control unit 80 included in the spectroscopic analyzer 1 is omitted, and only a part of the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 is shown. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, an example of the configuration and function of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0099] The spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the light guide unit 30b is omitted and the light receiving unit 40 is also disposed inside the inner cylinder T2 together with the irradiation unit 10. Other configurations, functions, effects, modifications, and the like are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the corresponding explanations also apply to the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. The points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0100] In the above-described first embodiment, it was explained that the spectroscopic analyzer 1 guides the reflected light to the light receiving unit 40 by the light guide unit 30b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the configuration in which the light receiving unit 40 is positioned outside the inner cylinder T2 and the cylinder T1 via the light guide unit 30b, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 may have a configuration in which the light receiving unit 40 is included in the cylinder T1 and the inner cylinder T2. At this time, a cable for power supply and data communication to the light receiving unit 40 and the like may extend from the cylinder T1 to the outside, or a battery may be provided in the cylinder T1 and configured to enable data communication by wireless communication means.

[0101] According to the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment as described above, in addition to the effects in the first embodiment, the entire optical system including the light receiving unit 40 can be compactly integrated, and a further effect of facilitating miniaturization of the entire apparatus is obtained.

[0102] (Third Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a first schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8, similar to FIG. 1, shows the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 when the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 is irradiated onto the transmission unit W1. FIG. 9 is a second schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9, similar to FIG. 2, shows the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 when the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 is irradiated onto the reference substance R. In FIGS. 8 and 9, illustration of the storage unit 50, the input unit 60, the output unit 70, and the control unit 80 included in the spectroscopic analyzer 1 is omitted, and only a part of the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 is shown. With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an example of the configuration and function of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment will be mainly described.

[0103] The spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that the irradiation unit 10 is included in the cylinder T1 with the inner cylinder T2 omitted, the reference substance R is disposed on the observation window W, and the operation unit 20 includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the cylinder T1. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, and the corresponding explanations also apply to the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first and second embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted. The points different from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described.

[0104] The irradiation unit 10 may not be enclosed within the inner cylinder T2 as in the first and second embodiments, but may be directly enclosed within the cylinder T1 with the inner cylinder T2 omitted. The reference substance R may be fixed together with the transmission part W1 at the observation window W. The positional relationship at the observation window W between the transmission part W1 and the reference substance R at this time may be the same as the positional relationship shown in FIG. 3, for example. That is, the transmission part W1 and the reference substance R may be arranged at different positions on the same concentric circle at the observation window W. The rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 may rotate the cylinder T1 around the central axis of the concentric circle.

[0105] The rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 may include a mechanism for rotating the cylinder T1 of the fixing jig F. For example, the rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 may include a mechanism of a rotating pedestal in the fixing jig F corresponding to the structure on the cylinder T1 side. The rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 may also include a motor such as a stepping motor and an air-driven actuator for driving and controlling the position of the rotating pedestal.

[0106] The rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 drives and controls the cylinder T1 to the first rotation position shown in FIG. 8, thereby guiding the irradiation light to the transmission part W1. The irradiation position of the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 on the concentric circle coincides with the transmission part W1. Thereby, the sample measurement by the control unit 80 using the object to be measured becomes possible.

[0107] On the other hand, the rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 drives and controls the cylinder T1 to the second rotation position shown in FIG. 9, thereby guiding the irradiation light to the reference substance R instead of the transmission part W1. The irradiation position of the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 on the concentric circle coincides with the reference substance R. Thereby, the reference measurement by the control unit 80 using the reference substance R becomes possible.

[0108] The rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20 rotates the cylinder T1 around the central axis of the concentric circle. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can execute the reference measurement only by rotating the cylinder T1 around the central axis of the concentric circle by the operation unit 20.

[0109] In the third embodiment described above, the control unit 80 may read the first rotation position of the cylinder T1 as shown in FIG. 8 and the second rotation position of the cylinder T1 as shown in FIG. 9 by referring to the storage unit 50, and automatically execute the rotation of the cylinder T1 by the rotation mechanism of the operation unit 20. Alternatively, the rotation of the cylinder T1 may be manually performed by the user.

[0110] (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 10 is a first schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 when the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 is irradiated onto the transmission unit W1, similar to FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a second schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 when the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 is irradiated onto the reference substance R, similar to FIG. 2. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the illustration of the storage unit 50, the input unit 60, the output unit 70, and the control unit 80 included in the spectroscopic analyzer 1 is omitted, and only a part of the configuration of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 is shown. With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, an example of the configuration and function of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be mainly described.

[0111] The spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the first to third embodiments in that the irradiation unit 10 is arranged outside the cylinder T1 instead of inside the cylinder T1. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those of the first to third embodiments, and the corresponding explanations also apply to the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first to third embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted. The points different from the first to third embodiments will be mainly described.

[0112] The irradiation unit 10 may not be enclosed in the cylinder T1 as in the first to third embodiments, but may be disposed outside the cylinder T1 via the light guide unit 30b. The cylinder T1 fixes only a part of the condensing unit 30a and the light guide unit 30b inside thereof, and is attached to the sample chamber S by the fixing jig F. At this time, the optical axis determined by the fixing positions of a part of the condensing unit 30a and the light guide unit 30b may be inclined at an arbitrary angle with respect to the central axis A1 of the cylinder T1, that is, the rotation axis. Thereby, when the cylinder T1 rotates, the intersection position between the observation window W and the optical axis, that is, the irradiation position of the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 changes.

[0113] The reference substance R may be fixed together with the transmission part W1 at the observation window W. The positional relationship at the observation window W between the transmission part W1 and the reference substance R at this time may be the same as, for example, the positional relationship shown in FIG. 3. That is, the transmission part W1 and the reference substance R may be arranged at different positions on the same concentric circle at the observation window W.

[0114] At this time, the light guide unit 30b may guide the irradiation light irradiated from the light source of the irradiation unit 10 to the condensing unit 30a. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the light guide unit 30b may guide the irradiation light to the measurement target disposed inside the sample chamber S via the condensing unit 30a and the observation window W. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the light guide unit 30b may guide the irradiation light to the reference substance R disposed at the observation window W via the condensing unit 30a. The light guide unit 30b may have a function of guiding the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 to the measurement target and the reference substance R, and a function of guiding the reflected light to the light receiving unit 40.

[0115] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the condensing unit 30a may condense the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 guided by the light guide unit 30b and efficiently irradiate the measurement target disposed inside the sample chamber S. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the condensing unit 30a may condense the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 guided by the light guide unit 30b and efficiently irradiate the reference substance R disposed at the observation window W.

[0116] The changing mechanism of the operation unit 20 may include a rotating mechanism that rotates the cylinder T1 around its central axis A1. Similar to the third embodiment, the rotating mechanism of the operation unit 20 may include a mechanism that rotates the cylinder T1 possessed by the fixing jig F. For example, the rotating mechanism of the operation unit 20 may include the mechanism of the rotating pedestal in the fixing jig F corresponding to the structure on the cylinder T1 side. The rotating mechanism of the operation unit 20 may also include a motor such as a stepping motor and an air-driven actuator for driving and controlling the position of the rotating pedestal.

[0117] The rotating mechanism of the operation unit 20 drives and controls the cylinder T1 to the first rotation position shown in FIG. 10, thereby guiding the irradiation light to the transmission part W1. The irradiation position on the concentric circle of the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 coincides with the transmission part W1. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform sample measurement by the control unit 80 using the object to be measured.

[0118] On the other hand, the rotating mechanism of the operation unit 20 drives and controls the cylinder T1 to the second rotation position shown in FIG. 11, thereby guiding the irradiation light to the reference substance R instead of the transmission part W1. The irradiation position on the concentric circle of the irradiation light from the irradiation unit 10 coincides with the reference substance R. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform reference measurement by the control unit 80 using the reference substance R.

[0119] The changing mechanism of the operation unit 20 includes a rotating mechanism that rotates the cylinder T1 around the central axis A1. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can execute reference measurement only by rotating the cylinder T1 around the central axis A1 by the operation unit 20.

[0120] In the fourth embodiment, the change mechanism of the operation unit 20 is not limited to the above configuration, and may include a rotation mechanism that rotates the observation window W around the central axis of the concentric circles in order to relatively change the irradiation position on the concentric circles of the irradiation light. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can execute the reference measurement only by rotating the observation window W by the operation unit 20 to relatively rotationally move the irradiation position of the irradiation light. In addition, the change mechanism may include a rotation mechanism that rotates both the cylinder T1 and the observation window W around the central axis A1 and the central axis of the concentric circles in order to relatively change the irradiation position on the concentric circles of the irradiation light.

[0121] Alternatively, the change mechanism of the operation unit 20 may include a slide mechanism that translates the cylinder T1. The slide mechanism may translate the cylinder T1 that houses the condensing unit 30a in a direction parallel to the surface of the observation window W. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can execute the reference measurement only by translating the irradiation position of the irradiation light by the operation unit 20.

[0122] Alternatively, the change mechanism of the operation unit 20 may include a slide mechanism that translates the observation window W in order to relatively change the irradiation position on the concentric circles of the irradiation light. Thereby, the spectroscopic analyzer 1 can execute the reference measurement only by translating the observation window W by the operation unit 20 to relatively translate the irradiation position of the irradiation light. In addition, the change mechanism may include a slide mechanism that translates both the cylinder T1 and the observation window W in order to relatively change the irradiation position on the concentric circles of the irradiation light.

[0123] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be realized in other predetermined forms other than the above-described embodiments without departing from its spirit or its essential features. Therefore, the foregoing description is illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. It is assumed that some changes within the scope of equivalents of any change are included therein.

[0124] For example, the shape, pattern, size, arrangement, orientation, type, and number of each of the above-described components are not limited to the content shown in the above description and drawings. The shape, pattern, size, arrangement, orientation, type, and number of each component may be arbitrarily configured as long as its function can be realized. Each component of the illustrated spectroscopic analyzer 1 is conceptually functional, and the specific form of each component is not limited to that shown.

[0125] The functions included in each of the above-described components or steps, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and it is possible to combine a plurality of components or steps, etc. into one or divide them.

[0126] For example, it is also possible to make a general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone or a computer function as the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing content for realizing each function of the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to an embodiment is stored in the memory of the electronic device, and the program is read out and executed by the processor of the electronic device. Therefore, the present disclosure can also be realized as a program executable by a processor.

[0127] Alternatively, the present disclosure can also be realized as a non-temporary computer-readable medium storing a program executable by one or more processors for causing each function to be executed in the spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to an embodiment. It should be understood that these are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0128] The spectroscopic analyzer 1 according to the above-described embodiment can be applied to the reference measurement and reflectance conversion of a spectrometer using the diffuse reflection method.

[0129] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be exemplified below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Appendix 1] An irradiation unit that irradiates the object to be measured with irradiation light, A light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the object to be measured based on the irradiation light; A control unit that analyzes the optical characteristics of the object to be measured based on the reflected light; A transmission unit that guides the irradiation light to the object to be measured at the observation window, and an operation unit that switches to either the transmission unit or a reference substance disposed on at least one of the observation window and a cylinder covering the observation window to guide the irradiation light; Comprising; Spectral analysis device. [Appendix 2] The spectral analysis device according to Appendix 1, wherein The transmission unit and the reference substance are disposed at different positions on concentric circles when viewed from the incident side of the irradiation light with respect to the observation window; The operation unit includes a changing mechanism that relatively changes the irradiation position of the irradiation light on the concentric circles; Spectral analysis device. [Appendix 3] The spectral analysis device according to Appendix 2, wherein The irradiation unit is disposed inside the cylinder; Spectral analysis device. [Appendix 4] The spectral analysis device according to Appendix 3, wherein The changing mechanism includes a rotating mechanism that rotates the position of the irradiation unit around the central axis of the concentric circles; Spectral analysis device. [Appendix 5] The spectral analysis device according to Appendix 4, wherein The reference substance is fixed together with the transmission unit at the observation window; The rotating mechanism includes a first rotating mechanism that rotates the cylinder around the central axis; Spectral analysis device. [Appendix 6] The spectral analysis device according to Appendix 4 or 5, wherein The reference substance is fixed to the cylinder; The rotating mechanism includes a second rotating mechanism that rotates the position of an inner cylinder disposed inside the cylinder and accommodating the irradiation unit around the central axis; Spectral analysis device. [Appendix 7] A spectroscopic analyzer according to any one of Appendices 3 to 5, wherein the reference substance is fixed together with the transmission part at the observation window, and the change mechanism includes a third rotation mechanism that rotates the observation window around the central axis of the concentric circles. Spectroscopic analyzer. [Appendix 8] A spectroscopic analyzer according to any one of Appendices 3 to 7, wherein the change mechanism includes a first slide mechanism that translates the irradiation part inside the cylinder. Spectroscopic analyzer. [Appendix 9] A spectroscopic analyzer according to any one of Appendices 3 to 5, wherein the reference substance is fixed together with the transmission part at the observation window, and the change mechanism includes a second slide mechanism that translates the observation window. Spectroscopic analyzer. [Appendix 10] A spectroscopic analyzer according to Appendix 2, wherein the reference substance is fixed together with the transmission part at the observation window, and the irradiation part is arranged outside the cylinder. Spectroscopic analyzer. [Appendix 11] A spectroscopic analyzer according to Appendix 10, wherein the change mechanism includes a fourth rotation mechanism that rotates the cylinder around the central axis of the cylinder. Spectroscopic analyzer. [Appendix 12] A spectroscopic analyzer according to Appendix 10 or 11, wherein the change mechanism includes a fifth rotation mechanism that rotates the observation window around the central axis of the concentric circles. Spectroscopic analyzer. [Appendix 13] A spectroscopic analyzer according to any one of Appendices 10 to 12, wherein the change mechanism includes a third slide mechanism that translates the cylinder. Spectroscopic analyzer. [Appendix 14] A spectroscopic analyzer according to any one of Appendices 10 to 13, wherein the change mechanism includes a fourth slide mechanism that translates the observation window. Spectroscopic analyzer. [Appendix 15] A spectroscopic analyzer according to any one of Appendices 1 to 14, wherein the operation unit guides the irradiation light to one of the plurality of transmission units having different transmittances, the one transmission unit being selected according to at least one of the intensity of the irradiation light and the type of the object to be measured. Spectroscopic analyzer. [Appendix 16] A spectroscopic analyzer according to any one of Appendices 1 to 15, wherein the operation unit guides the irradiation light to one of the plurality of reference substances having different reflectivities, the one reference substance being selected according to the type of the object to be measured. Spectroscopic analyzer. [Appendix 17] Irradiating the object to be measured with irradiation light, Receiving reflected light from the object to be measured based on the irradiation light, Analyzing the optical characteristics of the object to be measured based on the reflected light, Switching to either a transmission unit that guides the irradiation light to the object to be measured at the observation window or a reference substance disposed on at least one of the observation window and a cylinder covering the observation window to guide the irradiation light, comprising Spectroscopic analysis method.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0130] 1 Spectroscopic analyzer 10 Irradiation unit 20 Operation unit 30a Condensing unit 30b Light guiding unit 40 Light receiving unit 50 Storage unit 60 Input unit 70 Output unit 80 Control unit A1 central axis A2 central axis F fixing jig P0 center point R reference substance R1 reference substance R2 reference substance R3 reference substance S sample chamber T1 cylinder T2 inner cylinder W observation window W1 transmission part

Claims

1. An irradiation unit that irradiates the object to be measured with irradiation light, A light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the object to be measured based on the irradiation light, A control unit that analyzes the optical characteristics of the object to be measured based on the reflected light, A transmission unit that guides the irradiation light to the object to be measured at the observation window, and an operation unit that switches to either the transmission unit or a reference substance disposed on at least one of the observation window and a cylinder covering the observation window to guide the irradiation light, comprising A spectroscopic analyzer.

2. The spectroscopic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit and the reference substance are disposed at different positions on concentric circles when viewed from the incident side of the irradiation light with respect to the observation window, and the operation unit includes a changing mechanism that relatively changes the irradiation position of the irradiation light on the concentric circles. A spectroscopic analyzer.

3. The spectroscopic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the irradiation unit is disposed inside the cylinder. A spectroscopic analyzer.

4. The spectroscopic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the changing mechanism includes a rotating mechanism that rotates the position of the irradiation unit around the central axis of the concentric circles. A spectroscopic analyzer.

5. The spectroscopic analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the reference substance is fixed together with the transmission unit at the observation window, and the rotating mechanism includes a first rotating mechanism that rotates the cylinder around the central axis. A spectroscopic analyzer.

6. The spectroscopic analyzer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the reference substance is fixed to the cylinder, The rotation mechanism includes a second rotation mechanism that rotates the position of the inner cylinder disposed inside the cylinder and accommodating the irradiation unit around the central axis. Spectral analysis apparatus. **Claim 7** The spectral analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the reference substance is fixed together with the transmission portion at the observation window, and the change mechanism includes a third rotation mechanism that rotates the observation window around the central axis of the concentric circles. Spectral analysis apparatus. **Claim 8** The spectral analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the change mechanism includes a first slide mechanism that translates the irradiation unit inside the cylinder. Spectral analysis apparatus. **Claim 9** The spectral analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the reference substance is fixed together with the transmission portion at the observation window, and the change mechanism includes a second slide mechanism that translates the observation window. Spectral analysis apparatus. **Claim 10** The spectral analysis apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reference substance is fixed together with the transmission portion at the observation window, and the irradiation unit is disposed outside the cylinder. Spectral analysis apparatus. **Claim 11** The spectral analysis apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the change mechanism includes a fourth rotation mechanism that rotates the cylinder around the central axis of the cylinder. Spectral analysis apparatus. **Claim 12** The spectral analysis apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the change mechanism includes a fifth rotation mechanism that rotates the observation window around the central axis of the concentric circles. Spectroscopic analysis device.

13. The spectroscopic analysis device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the changing mechanism includes a third slide mechanism that translates the cylinder. Spectroscopic analysis device.

14. The spectroscopic analysis device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the changing mechanism includes a fourth slide mechanism that translates the observation window. Spectroscopic analysis device.

15. The spectroscopic analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operation unit guides the irradiation light to one of the plurality of transmission units having different transmittances, the one transmission unit being selected according to at least one of the intensity of the irradiation light and the type of the object to be measured. Spectroscopic analysis device.

16. The spectroscopic analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operation unit guides the irradiation light to one of the plurality of reference substances having different reflectivities, the one reference substance being selected according to the type of the object to be measured. Spectroscopic analysis device.

17. irradiating the object to be measured with irradiation light; receiving reflected light from the object to be measured based on the irradiation light; analyzing the optical characteristics of the object to be measured based on the reflected light; switching to either a transmission unit that guides the irradiation light to the object to be measured at the observation window or a reference substance disposed on at least one of the observation window and the cylinder covering the observation window to guide the irradiation light; comprising Spectroscopic analysis method.

Images