Optical characteristic measuring instrument

Abstract

To provide an optical characteristic measuring instrument having a preview mode, which has improved operability and is easy to use.SOLUTION: An optical characteristic measuring instrument 1 comprises a display unit 15, an operation member 14 which is operated for the start of measurement by a user as well as for activation of a preview mode in which an image of a measurement object area is displayed on the display unit 15, and control means 103 which selectively starts measurement or activates the preview mode in accordance with an operation manner of the operation member 14 and, when activating the preview manner, maintains the preview mode till the start of measurement or the end of the preview mode even after the user cancels the operation of the operation member 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical characteristic measuring device such as a colorimeter. [Background technology]

[0002] As optical property measuring devices such as colorimeters, devices equipped with a preview mode that displays an image of the measurement target area on a display unit so that a user can align the measurement target area before measurement have been known (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, among optical property measuring devices equipped with such a preview mode, there are also known devices in which, when the operation button is pressed halfway, the preview mode is activated and a preview image is displayed on the display unit, and when the operation button is pressed all the way down, measurement begins. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,583,879 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventional optical property measuring devices that distinguish between starting the preview mode and starting measurement by half-pressing / full-pressing the operation button have the following problems.

[0006] That is, the preview mode cannot be maintained unless the user keeps the operation button half-pressed, and the preview mode ends when the operation button is released. This results in poor operability and usability.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical characteristic measuring apparatus having a preview mode, which is easy to use and has improved operability.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] The above object is achieved by the following means. (1) A display unit, An operation member that serves as both a start operation of measurement by the user and a start operation of a preview mode in which an image of a measurement target area is displayed on the display unit, Control means for selectively executing the start of measurement and the start of preview mode according to the way of operating the operation member, and maintaining the preview mode until the start of measurement or the end of preview mode even after the user releases the operation of the operation member when the preview mode is started. An optical property measuring device comprising the above. (2) The operation member is provided in a gripping area gripped by the user or in the vicinity thereof. The optical property measuring device according to item 1 above. (3) A timer for counting the operation duration of the operation member is provided, The control means selectively executes the start of measurement and the start of preview mode according to the length of the operation duration counted by the timer. The optical property measuring device according to item 1 above. (4) The control means starts the preview mode when the operation duration exceeds a first set time. The optical property measuring device according to item 3 above. (5) The control means starts the preview mode when the operation is released after the operation duration exceeds the first set time. The optical property measuring device according to item 3 above. (6) The operation member is a push button, The control means selectively executes the start of measurement and the start of preview mode according to the amount of depression of the push button. The optical property measuring device according to item 1 or 2 above. (7) The control means After the operation of the operation member is released and the preview mode is maintained, when the operation member is operated again and the operation duration during the re-operation is equal to or less than a second set time, the preview mode is terminated and the measurement is started. When the second set time is exceeded, the preview mode is terminated and the screen of the display unit is returned to the screen before the preview. The optical property measuring apparatus according to item 1 or 2 of the preceding paragraph. (8) The optical property measuring apparatus according to item 4 or 5 of the preceding paragraph, wherein the first set time is adjustable by a user. (9) The optical property measuring apparatus according to item 7 of the preceding paragraph, wherein the second set time is adjustable by a user.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] The optical property measuring apparatus according to this invention includes an operation member that serves both as an operation for starting measurement by the user and an operation for activating a preview mode in which an image of a measurement target area is displayed on the display unit. Depending on the way the operation member is operated, the start of measurement and the activation of the preview mode are selectively executed.

[0010] When the preview mode is activated, even after the user releases the operation of the operation member, the preview mode is maintained until the start of measurement or the end of the preview mode.

[0011] As described above, since the preview mode is maintained for a predetermined period even after the user releases the operation of the operation member, the user does not need to continuously maintain the activation operation state of the operation member to maintain the preview mode. Therefore, the operability is improved, and the optical property measuring apparatus is easy to use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an optical property measuring device (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a measuring device) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The measuring device 1 has a vertically long body portion 11 and a box-shaped head portion 12 formed integrally with the body portion 11 at the upper end of the body portion 11. The body portion 11 functions as a gripping area that the user grips with the palm during measurement. For this purpose, the body portion 11 is formed with a circular or nearly circular cross-section so that it is easy for the user to grip, and the upper side has a smaller diameter than the lower side.

[0016] A measurement diameter switching switch 13 is provided at the lower part of the front surface of the body portion 11, and an operation button (corresponding to an operation member) 14 is provided at the upper part of the front surface of the body portion 11. The operation button 14 is operated by the user when starting the preview mode or starting the measurement. In this embodiment, the operation button 14 is constituted by a push button that can be automatically restored by a spring after being pushed in and released. Also, since the operation button 14 is provided at the upper part of the front surface of the body portion 11 which is the gripping area when gripping the measuring device 1, the user can operate the operation button 14 with the gripping hand. That is, the user can grip the measuring device 1 and operate the operation button 14 with one hand.

[0017] The head portion 12 houses electronic circuit components and the like. Also, on the upper surface of the head portion 12, a display portion 15 composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like and an operation key portion 16 having a plurality of operation keys 161 for operating the display portion 15 are provided. Also, on the front surface of the head portion 12, a connection portion 17 for a communication cable is formed. Also, a power button 19 is provided on the side surface of the head portion 12.

[0018] A measurement opening 18 that opens downward is formed at the lower end of the body portion 11. The device body 1 measures the irradiation light or reflected light from the object to be measured by facing the object to be measured to this measurement opening 18. Also, in a state where the preview mode is activated, as shown in FIG. 3, the measurement target area of the object to be measured 30 facing the measurement opening 18 is preview-displayed on the display portion 15 so that the position of the object to be measured 30 can be confirmed and the like. FIG. 3 shows a state where the portion inside the black circle of the object to be measured 30 is displayed on the display portion 15 of the measuring device 1.

[0019] In this embodiment, depending on how the operation button 14 is operated, the start of measurement and the activation of the preview mode are selectively executed.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the measuring device 1 for executing the selective execution operation according to such an operation method of the operation button 14.

[0021] The measuring device includes a sensor 101, a timer 102, a control unit 103, a storage unit 104, a measuring unit 105, an electronic viewfinder 106, and the like.

[0022] The sensor 101 detects the amount of depression of the operation button 14 and can detect the start of depression, a half-press when it is depressed halfway, a full-press when it is depressed all the way, and the like. The sensor 101 may use a known sensor used in a shutter mechanism of a camera, such as an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a mechanical sensor.

[0023] The timer 102 counts the duration of pressing the operation button 14 under the control of the control unit 103.

[0024] The control unit 103 includes a processor such as a CPU and comprehensively controls the entire measuring device 1. In this embodiment, the control unit 103 particularly controls the start, stop, measurement start, etc. of the preview mode based on signals from the sensor 101 and the timer 102. This will be described later.

[0025] The storage unit 104 stores one or more predetermined set times that serve as a reference when the control unit 103 controls the start, stop, etc. of the preview mode. The storage unit 104 further stores a program for operating the control unit 103, measurement data of the object to be measured 30, and various other data.

[0026] The measuring unit 105 is a processing unit for measuring the object to be measured 30 and includes a light source, a light receiving element, a processing circuit, and the like. Note that a part of the measuring unit 105 is configured by the function of the control unit 103.

[0027] When the preview mode is activated, the electronic viewfinder 106 displays the measurement target area of the object 30 facing the measurement aperture 18 on the display unit 15. A part of the electronic viewfinder 106 is also configured by the function of the control unit 103.

[0028] Next, the usage method of the measuring device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0029] With the power turned on, first, zero calibration is performed in step S1, and white calibration is performed in step S2. Next, in step S3, the preview mode is activated and the electronic viewfinder 106 operates, and the alignment of the object 30 to be measured is performed. Then, in step S4, measurement is performed by the measurement unit 105, and in step S5, the user checks the measurement result displayed on the display unit 15. After that, the alignment of the object to be measured by activating the preview mode in step S6, the measurement in step S7, and the confirmation of the measurement result are repeated.

[0030] Next, an example of the operation of the measuring device 1 that selectively executes the start of measurement and the activation of the preview mode according to the operation method of the operation button 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6. This operation is executed by the control unit 103 of the measuring device 1 operating according to an operation program stored in the storage unit 104 or the like.

[0031] In the example of FIG. 6, according to the time during which the operation button 14 is pressed, that is, the operation duration, the start of measurement and the activation of the preview mode are selectively executed.

[0032] In step S11, based on the detection signal from the sensor 101, the control unit 103 determines whether the operation button 14 has been pressed. If not (NO in step S11), the control unit 103 stays in step S11 and waits to be pressed.

[0033] When the operation button 14 is pressed (YES in step S11), in step S12, the control unit 103 starts counting the operation duration by the timer 102.

[0034] In step S13, the control unit 103 determines whether the operation duration has exceeded the first set time (for example, 0.5 seconds) stored in the storage unit 104. If not (NO in step S13), it returns to step S12, and the timer 102 continues to count the operation duration. When the operation duration exceeds the first set time (YES in step S13), in step S14, the control unit 103 activates the preview mode, operates the electronic viewfinder 106, and locks the activation state. In step S15, the control unit 105 resets the timer 102.

[0035] When the preview mode is activated and the electronic viewfinder 106 operates, a part of the surface of the object to be measured 30 is displayed on the display unit 15. The user can check the position of the object to be measured 30 by looking at this display.

[0036] Next, in step S16, the control unit 103 determines whether there is a re - press of the operation button 14 after the release of the button press, that is, whether there is a re - operation of the operation button 14. If not (NO in step S16), in step S17, the control unit 103 maintains the preview mode, keeps the electronic viewfinder 106 in the operating state, and waits for a re - press operation.

[0037] In step S16, if there is a re - press operation of the operation button 14 after the release (YES in step S16), in step S18, the control unit 103 causes the timer 102 to count the operation duration again.

[0038] Next, in step S19, the control unit 103 determines whether the user has released the pressing operation of the operation button 14 within the second set time (for example, 0.5 seconds) stored in the storage unit 104. In other words, the control unit 103 determines whether there has been a short press operation of the operation button 14. If there has been a short press operation (YES in step S19), in step S20, the control unit 103 ends the preview mode and starts the measurement by the measurement unit 105.

[0039] In step S19, if the user has not released the pressing operation of the operation button 14 within the second set time, that is, if the user is long-pressing the operation button 14 (NO in step S19), in step S21, the control unit 103 ends the preview mode and returns the screen of the display unit 15 to the original screen before the review mode is activated, for example, the measurement result display screen.

[0040] In the operation example shown in FIG. 6, the screen transition diagram of the screen displayed on the display unit 15 is shown in FIG. 7.

[0041] Due to the end of the previous measurement, the measurement data screen (1) is displayed on the screen. In this state, when the user presses the operation button 14 and long-presses it for more than the first set time, the screen transitions to the preview screen (2). Even if the user once removes a finger from the operation button 14, the preview mode is locked and the preview screen continues to be displayed.

[0042] During the display of the preview screen, if the user short-presses the operation button 14 with an operation duration of the second set time or less, the preview mode ends and the measurement starts. After the measurement ends, a new measurement data screen (3) is displayed.

[0043] On the other hand, during the display of the preview screen, if the user long-presses the operation button 14 with an operation duration exceeding the second set time, the preview mode ends and returns to the original measurement data screen (1).

[0044] In the above-described embodiment, when the operation duration of the operation button 14 exceeds the first set time, the preview mode is activated, and the activation state is locked until the preview mode ends in step S20 and step S21. Therefore, even if the user releases the pressing operation of the operation button 14 after the preview mode is activated, the preview mode is maintained. For this reason, in order to maintain the preview mode, it is no longer necessary for the user to continuously press the operation button 14, so the operability is improved and the usability is enhanced.

[0045] Moreover, the operation button 14 is provided on the upper front surface of the body 11 in the gripping area or a vicinity part thereof when the user grips the body 11 of the measuring device 1. In addition, the user can easily perform a series of operations from the alignment of the object to be measured 30 by preview to the measurement with one hand operation. Note that the position of the operation button 14 is not limited to the upper front surface of the body 11, but it is desirable that it is within the range where one hand operation by the user is possible.

[0046] Next, another operation example of the measuring device 1 that selectively executes the start of measurement and the activation of the preview mode according to the operation method of the operation button 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0047] In the operation example shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, the only difference from the operation example shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is that step S31 is inserted between step S13 and step S14.

[0048] That is, in step S13 of FIG. 8, if the operation duration exceeds the first set time (YES in step S13), the process proceeds to step S31 of FIG. 8. In step S31, the control unit 103 determines whether the user has released the pressing of the operation button 14, such as by lifting a finger from the operation button 14.

[0049] When the pressing of the operation button 14 has not been released (NO in step S31), the control unit 103 stays at step S31 and waits until it is released. When the pressing is released (YES in step S31), the process proceeds to step S14, and the control unit 103 activates and locks the preview mode.

[0050] As described above, in the operation example shown in FIG. 8, when the user presses and holds the operation button 14 for longer than the first set time and then releases the finger from the operation button 14, the preview mode is activated.

[0051] In addition, in the flowchart of FIG. 8, each step other than step S31 is the same as each step of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, so the same step numbers are assigned and the description is omitted.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing still another operation example of the measuring device 1 that selectively executes the start of measurement and the activation of the preview mode according to the operation method of the operation button 14.

[0053] In this operation example, the measuring device 1 is configured to selectively execute the start of measurement and the activation of the preview mode according to the amount of depression of the operation button 14.

[0054] In step S41, the control unit 103 determines whether the operation button 14 has been pressed based on the detection signal from the sensor 102. If it has not been pressed (NO in step S41), the control unit 103 stays at step S41 and waits to be pressed.

[0055] When the operation button 14 is pressed (YES in step S41), in step S42, the control unit 103 determines whether the operation button 14 has been half-pressed based on the detection signal from the sensor 102. If it has not been half-pressed (NO in step S42), the process returns to step S41. When it has been half-pressed (YES in step S42), in step S43, the control unit 103 activates the preview mode, operates the electronic viewfinder 106, and locks the activated state.

[0056] Next, in step S44, based on the detection signal from the sensor 102, the control unit 103 determines whether the operation button 14 has been fully pressed. If it has not been fully pressed (NO in step S44), in step S45, the control unit 103 returns to step S44 while maintaining the preview mode and waits for it to be fully pressed. When it is fully pressed (YES in step S44), in step S46, the control unit 103 ends the preview mode and starts the measurement by the measurement unit 105.

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, when the operation button 14 is half-pressed, the preview mode is activated, and the preview mode is locked until the operation button 14 is fully pressed. Therefore, after the preview mode is activated, even if the user releases the pressing operation of the operation button 14, the preview mode is maintained. For this reason, in order to maintain the preview mode, it is no longer necessary for the user to keep the operation button 14 half-pressed, so the operability is improved and the usability is enhanced.

[0058] As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, an example is shown in which the operating member is the operation button 14, and selective execution of measurement start and preview mode activation is performed according to the operation duration of the operation button 14. However, the operating member is not limited to a button-type switch, and for example, a lever-type switch or a switch based on any other principle may be used. Also, the operating member may be a touch key. In this case, the time for which the user continuously touches the touch key may be regarded as the operation duration.

[0059] Also, although both the first set time and the second set time are set to 0.5 seconds, the first set time and the second set time may be different.

[0060] Also, the first set time and / or the second set time may be arbitrarily set by the user. The user can set the time until the preview mode is activated and the measurement start time according to themselves. The setting by the user may be performed through the setting screen displayed on the display unit 15 as shown in FIG. 10. On the setting screen of FIG. 10, a message of "Please enter the set time", an input field for each set time, an OK button, and a cancel button are displayed.

Explanation of Signs

[0061] 1 Optical property measurement device 11 Body 12 Head 14 Operation button (operation member) 15 Display unit 16 Operation key section 17 Connection part of communication cable 18 Measurement aperture 19 Power button 30 Object to be measured 101 Sensor 102 Timer 103 Control unit 104 Storage unit 105 Measurement unit 106 Electronic viewfinder 161 Operation key

Claims

1. A display unit, an operation member that serves as both a start operation for measurement by a user and a start operation for a preview mode in which an image of a measurement target area is displayed on the display unit, control means for selectively executing start of measurement and start of preview mode according to the way of operating the operation member, and maintaining the preview mode until start of measurement or end of preview mode even after the user releases the operation of the operation member when the preview mode is started, An optical property measuring apparatus comprising the above.

2. The optical property measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation member is provided in a gripping area gripped by a user or in the vicinity thereof.

3. Comprising a timer for counting the operation duration of the operation member, The optical property measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means selectively executes start of measurement and start of preview mode according to the length of the operation duration counted by the timer.

4. The optical property measuring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control means starts the preview mode when the operation duration exceeds a first set time.

5. The optical property measuring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control means starts the preview mode when the operation is released after the operation duration exceeds a first set time.

6. The operation member is a push button, The optical property measuring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means selectively executes start of measurement and start of preview mode according to the amount of depression of the push button.

7. The control means, after the operation of the operation member is released and the preview mode is maintained, when the operation member is operated again and the operation duration at the time of re-operation is equal to or less than a second set time, ends the preview mode and starts measurement, and when it exceeds the second set time, ends the preview mode and returns the screen of the display unit to the screen before preview. The optical property measuring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The optical property measuring apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first set time is settable by a user.

9. The optical property measuring apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second set time is settable by a user.

Images