Lighting status confirmation system and program for lighting status confirmation system

Abstract

To grasp a deterioration state of an optical element such as an optical filter or a lens without the need for complicating a configuration in a lighting state confirmation system for detecting non-lighting or the like of an LED constituting an ultraviolet irradiation unit.SOLUTION: An lighting state confirmation system for confirming a lighting state of an ultraviolet irradiation unit including an LED emitting an ultraviolet ray, includes an imaging device that images a light-emitting surface of the ultraviolet irradiation unit, an optical element that is provided between the ultraviolet irradiation unit and the imaging device and transmits light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and a deterioration state determination unit that determines a deterioration state of the optical element on the basis of information on brightness of a part other than the LED in the captured image by the imaging device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting state confirmation system for detecting non-lighting of LEDs constituting an ultraviolet irradiator and a program for the lighting state confirmation system.

Background Art

[0002] As a method for detecting non-lighting of an LED that emits ultraviolet rays (hereinafter also referred to as bulb burnout), a method of imaging the lit LED with a camera for UV light can be considered. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which ultraviolet rays emitted from an LED are passed through a wavelength conversion plate and fluorescence emitted from this wavelength conversion plate is imaged with a camera for visible light in order to use a camera for visible light that is less expensive than a camera for UV light.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the method for confirming the lighting state as described above, in order to protect the camera from ultraviolet rays, an optical element such as a cut filter for attenuating ultraviolet rays may be provided between the LED and the camera. Here, if ultraviolet rays continue to hit the optical filter, clouding may occur, making it difficult for light from the LED to pass through, and there is a risk that the presence or absence of bulb burnout cannot be correctly determined. Such a problem can occur not only in an optical filter such as a cut filter but also in a lens attached to the camera. Therefore, in such a system, it is desirable to be able to grasp the deterioration state of the optical element, but it is not preferable to introduce a dedicated device for grasping the deterioration state because the configuration becomes complicated.

[0005] This invention was made to solve such problems, and its main objective is to enable the determination of the degradation state of optical elements such as optical filters and lenses in a lighting status confirmation system for detecting the failure of LEDs constituting an ultraviolet irradiator, without complicating the system's configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the aforementioned problems, the inventors of this invention conducted diligent research and focused on the fact that optical elements such as optical filters and lenses have the property of scattering light more easily as they deteriorate due to irradiation with ultraviolet light. Further diligent research by the inventors of this invention led to the discovery that as the deterioration of the optical elements progresses, the intensity of scattered light increases, and as a result the brightness of the parts other than the LEDs in the image obtained by imaging the light-emitting surface of the ultraviolet irradiator with a camera increases. By observing the brightness of these parts other than the LEDs, it is possible to determine the deterioration state of the optical elements, which led to the present invention.

[0007] In other words, the lighting status confirmation system according to the present invention is for confirming the lighting status of an ultraviolet irradiator equipped with an LED that emits ultraviolet light, and is characterized by comprising: an imaging device that images the light-emitting surface of the ultraviolet irradiator; an optical element provided between the ultraviolet irradiator and the imaging device and transmitting light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiator; and a deterioration status determination unit that determines the deterioration status of the optical element based on information regarding the brightness of parts other than the LED in the image captured by the imaging device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] With the present invention configured in this way, the degradation state of the optical elements is determined using an image of the light-emitting surface of the ultraviolet irradiator. Therefore, the camera used to check the lighting status of the LEDs can be used as is, without adding any new configurations such as a dedicated camera for detecting the degradation state of the optical elements. As a result, in a lighting status confirmation system for detecting non-illumination of LEDs constituting an ultraviolet irradiator, the degradation state of optical elements such as optical filters and lenses can be grasped without complicating the configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing the configuration of an ultraviolet irradiator in one embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the LED light source in the same embodiment. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the lighting status confirmation system of the same embodiment. [Figure 4] A functional block diagram showing the functions of the information processing device of the same embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows the light-emitting surface of the ultraviolet irradiator in the captured image of the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] An embodiment of the lighting status confirmation system of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <Device configuration> The lighting status confirmation system 100 according to this embodiment is for checking the status of the ultraviolet irradiator X and detecting, for example, a failure to light up (hereinafter also referred to as a burnt-out bulb) of the LEDs constituting the ultraviolet irradiator X.

[0012] Furthermore, the application of this lighting status confirmation system 100 is not limited to detecting LED bulb failures. It may also be used to detect abnormal LEDs that differ from the lighting status of other LEDs, such as LEDs that are dimly lit or LEDs that are dimmer than surrounding LEDs.

[0013] First, we will describe an example of an ultraviolet irradiator X, which is the object whose lighting status is checked by this lighting status confirmation system 100.

[0014] The UV irradiator X is used, for example, for resin curing, and emits ultraviolet light. However, the use of the UV irradiator X is not limited to this and can be used for various other purposes.

[0015] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, this ultraviolet irradiator X comprises a plurality of LED light sources 10 that emit ultraviolet light, a lens 20 corresponding to each LED light source 10, and a casing 30 that houses these LED light sources 10 and lenses 20.

[0016] In this embodiment, multiple LED light sources 10 are arranged in a row, and these row-shaped LED light sources 10 are arranged in multiple rows. However, the arrangement of the LED light sources 10 is not limited to this; for example, multiple LED light sources 10 may be arranged in only one row, or they may be arranged in a single or multiple ring shape. In this embodiment, these multiple LED light sources 10 form a light-emitting surface S on one side of the casing 30.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the LED light source 10 is, for example, a surface-mount type, and specifically comprises a substrate 11, an LED 12 mounted on the substrate 11, and a sealing material 13 that seals the LED 12. In this embodiment, the LED 12 is housed in a package 14, and a flat sealing material 13 is provided at the opening of the package 14 via a sealing material 15. The inside of the package 14 may be filled with a gas such as nitrogen, or it may be a vacuum. However, the LED light source 10 may be a COB type or a bullet type.

[0018] The lens 20 is positioned in the optical path of ultraviolet light emitted from the LED 12 to concentrate or diffuse the ultraviolet light, and is arranged so that its central axis coincides with the optical axis of the corresponding LED 12.

[0019] Next, the configuration of the lighting state confirmation system 100 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, this lighting state confirmation system 100 includes an imaging device 40 that images the light emitting surface S of the ultraviolet irradiator X, an optical element 60 disposed between the light emitting surface S of the ultraviolet irradiator X and the imaging device 40, and an information processing device 50 that acquires the imaging data obtained by the imaging device 40.

[0020] The imaging device 40 of the present embodiment is a UV light camera having an image sensor sensitive to ultraviolet light, and is configured to output imaging data obtained by imaging the light emitting surface S of the ultraviolet irradiator X (specifically, ultraviolet light emitted from the light emitting surface S) to the information processing device 50.

[0021] This imaging device 40 is disposed on the optical path of the ultraviolet light irradiated by the above-described ultraviolet irradiator X, and here it is disposed in an area where all of the LED light sources 10 can be imaged.

[0022] The optical element 60 is one or more cut filters that reduce the ultraviolet light incident on the imaging device 40 in order to protect the imaging device 40 from ultraviolet light.

[0023] This cut filter 60 is provided between the ultraviolet irradiator X and the imaging device 40 on the optical path of the ultraviolet irradiator X, and reduces the ultraviolet light. Examples of the material of such a cut filter 60 include glass.

[0024] The information processing device 50 is a general-purpose or dedicated computer equipped with a CPU, a memory, etc. By the CPU and its peripheral devices cooperating according to the program stored in the memory, as shown in FIG. 4, it at least exhibits functions as an imaging data acquisition unit 51, an image analysis unit 52, and a lighting state determination unit 53.

[0025] The imaging data acquisition unit 51 acquires the imaging data output by the imaging device 40.

[0026] The image analysis unit 52 analyzes the imaging data acquired by the imaging data acquisition unit 51. Specifically, the image analysis unit 52 is configured to quantify the image of light from the LED light source 10 within the captured image I by performing image processing such as binarization on the imaging data, and specifically calculates emission intensity-related values ​​corresponding to the emission intensity of each LED light source 10.

[0027] The image analysis unit 52 is configured to quantify the brightness of the light image observed in a predetermined portion R other than the LED light source 10 within the captured image I by processing the captured data. In this embodiment, the image analysis unit 52 is configured to quantify the brightness of the light image observed in a portion outside of the multiple LED light sources 10 within the captured image I, specifically in a portion other than the light-emitting surface S of the ultraviolet irradiator X within the captured image I (a portion outside the light-emitting surface S). The portion R other than the LED light source 10 whose brightness is quantified is preferably as far away from the LED light source 10 as possible, for example, the corners of the captured image I are preferred. The light observed in this portion R other than the LED light source 10 is scattered light generated when light emitted from the LED light source 10 is scattered by the optical element 60. The image analysis unit 52 then calculates a scattered light intensity related value corresponding to the emission intensity of the scattered light observed in the portion R other than the LED light source 10 within the captured image I. Here, the image analysis unit 52 calculates scattered light intensity related values ​​for multiple portions R other than the LED light source 10 within the captured image I.

[0028] The lighting status determination unit 53 obtains light emission intensity-related values ​​obtained by quantifying the light image of each LED light source 10 as an analysis result of the image analysis unit 52, and detects whether an LED 12 is burnt out (not lit) based on this light emission intensity-related value.

[0029] More specifically, the lighting status determination unit 53 compares the light intensity-related value of each LED light source 10 with a predetermined threshold value stored in the threshold storage unit 54 set in a predetermined area of ​​the memory. If the light intensity-related value is less than or equal to the threshold value, it determines that the LED 12 corresponding to that LED light source 10 is burnt out. The lighting status determination unit 53 may also be configured to notify the user, for example, by displaying an output on a display, when it determines that an LED 12 is burnt out.

[0030] However, in the lighting status confirmation system 100 of this embodiment, the information processing device 50 further functions as a deterioration status determination unit 55 that determines the deterioration status of the optical element 60.

[0031] Specifically, the degradation state determination unit 55 determines the degradation state of the optical element 60 based on information regarding the brightness of the portion R in the captured image I other than the LED light source 10 (in this case, the portion outside the multiple LED light sources 10 and outside the light-emitting surface S of the ultraviolet irradiator X). More specifically, the degradation state determination unit 55 determines the degradation state of the optical element 60 based on the scattered light intensity related values ​​of the portion R in the captured image I other than the LED light source 10, calculated by the image analysis unit 52.

[0032] More specifically, the degradation state determination unit 55 compares the scattered light intensity related value of a predetermined portion R other than the LED light source 10 with a predetermined threshold value stored in the threshold storage unit 54, and determines that the optical element 60 needs to be replaced if the scattered light intensity related value exceeds the threshold. Here, the degradation state determination unit 55 may determine that the optical element 60 needs to be replaced if all of the scattered light intensity values ​​of multiple portions other than the LED light source 10 in the captured image I exceed the threshold, or it may determine that the optical element 60 needs to be replaced if some of the scattered light intensity values ​​of multiple portions exceed the threshold. Furthermore, the degradation state determination unit 55 may be configured to output a notification prompting replacement when it determines that the optical element 60 needs to be replaced. For example, a message prompting replacement may be displayed on the display.

[0033] The degradation status determination unit 55 may be configured to predict and notify the time when the optical element 60 needs to be replaced. For example, the degradation status determination unit 55 may be configured to calculate the difference between the scattered light intensity related value of a predetermined portion R other than the LED light source 10 and the threshold value mentioned above, and to predict the time when the optical element 60 needs to be replaced (replacement time) based on the value of that difference. The degradation status determination unit 55 may also be configured to determine the current degree of degradation of the optical element 60 based on the value of that difference. The degradation status determination unit 55 may be configured to output notifications regarding the replacement time and notifications regarding the degree of degradation, for example, by displaying them on a display.

[0034] <Effects and Effects> With the lighting status confirmation system 100 configured in this way, since it uses an image I of the light-emitting surface S of the ultraviolet irradiator X, the deterioration state of the optical element 60 can be determined by using the imaging device 40 that is used to check the lighting status of the LED 12, without adding any new configurations such as a dedicated camera for detecting the deterioration state of the optical element 60. Therefore, in the lighting status confirmation system 100 that detects the non-illumination of the LED 12 constituting the ultraviolet irradiator X, the deterioration state of the optical element 60 can be grasped without complicating the configuration.

[0035] <Other Embodiments> Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the lighting status confirmation system 100 of another embodiment, the deterioration status determination unit 55 may be configured to determine the deterioration status of the optical element 60 based on the difference (specifically, contrast) between the brightness of the portion of the LED light source 10 and the brightness of the portion R other than the LED light source 10 in the captured image I. Specifically, the deterioration status determination unit 55 may be configured to compare the acquired light emission intensity-related value with the scattered light intensity-related value and determine that the optical element 60 needs to be replaced if the difference between them falls below a predetermined value.

[0036] Furthermore, while the degradation state determination unit 55 in the above embodiment determined the degradation of the optical element 60 based on the brightness of the portion outside the multiple LED light sources 10 (specifically, the light-emitting surface S of the ultraviolet irradiator X) in the captured image I, it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the degradation state determination unit 55 may determine the degradation of the optical element 60 based on the brightness between the multiple LED light sources 10 in the captured image I. In this case, the effect of scattered light due to the degradation of the optical element 60 can be detected more quickly compared to the case where the observation site for scattered light is located far from the LED light sources 10. On the other hand, if the positional relationship between the ultraviolet irradiator X and the imaging device 40 is shifted, the LED light sources 10 may enter the observation site, and there is a risk that the effect of scattered light will not be detected.

[0037] Furthermore, the degradation state determination unit 55 may be configured to determine the degradation state of the optical element 60 by comparing the scattered light intensity related values ​​of multiple parts R other than the LED light source 10 with each other, without comparing the scattered light intensity related values ​​with a threshold value.

[0038] Furthermore, while the lighting status confirmation system 100 of the above embodiment uses a UV light camera as the imaging device 40, it is not limited to this. In other embodiments of the lighting status confirmation system 100, the imaging device 40 may use a visible light camera having an image sensor sensitive to visible light. The lighting status confirmation system 100 utilizes the fact that at least one of the irradiator components Z (hereinafter simply referred to as component Z) constituting the ultraviolet irradiator X emits fluorescence when irradiated with ultraviolet light, and the system may detect the failure of the LED 12 by capturing a fluorescence image of the fluorescence emitted by the component Z with a visible light camera and based on the fluorescence intensity. The fluorescent component Z is irradiated with ultraviolet light emitted from the LED 12 as described above, and examples include the encapsulating material 13 constituting the LED light source 10, or at least one of the lenses 20 provided corresponding to each LED light source 10. Even in this configuration, the degradation state determination unit 55 can determine the degradation state of the optical element 60 based on the brightness of the parts of the captured image I other than the LED light source 10 (specifically, the scattered light intensity related value).

[0039] Furthermore, the lighting status confirmation system 100 of the above embodiment includes an optical filter as the optical element 60, and the deterioration status determination unit 55 is configured to determine the deterioration status of the optical filter, but it is not limited to this. In the lighting status confirmation system 100 of other embodiments, the deterioration status determination unit 55 may be configured to determine, for example, the deterioration status of an optical lens (optical element) attached to the imaging device 40.

[0040] Furthermore, although the ultraviolet irradiator X in the above embodiment was equipped with multiple LED light sources 10, it may also be equipped with a single LED light source 10.

[0041] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit. For example, the disclosure herein includes the following embodiments 1 to 6.

[0042] (Aspect 1) A lighting status confirmation system for checking the lighting status of an ultraviolet irradiator equipped with an LED that emits ultraviolet light, comprising: an imaging device that images the light-emitting surface of the ultraviolet irradiator; an optical element provided between the ultraviolet irradiator and the imaging device and transmitting light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiator; and a deterioration status determination unit that determines the deterioration status of the optical element based on information regarding the brightness of parts other than the LED in the image captured by the imaging device.

[0043] Such a lighting status confirmation system includes a degradation status determination unit that uses an image of the light-emitting surface of the ultraviolet irradiator to determine the degradation state of the optical element. Therefore, it is possible to determine the degradation state of the optical element by using the existing imaging device for checking the lighting status of the LEDs, without adding any new components such as a dedicated camera for detecting the degradation state of the optical element. As a result, in a lighting status confirmation system that detects the non-illumination of LEDs constituting an ultraviolet irradiator, the degradation state of the optical element can be grasped without complicating the configuration. Furthermore, "light emitted from an ultraviolet irradiator" refers to any light (light in a broad sense) emitted from an ultraviolet irradiator, such as ultraviolet light, visible light, or infrared light.

[0044] (Aspect 2) The lighting status confirmation system according to aspect 1, wherein the deterioration status determination unit determines the deterioration of the optical element based on information regarding the intensity of scattered light scattered by the optical element observed in the portion of the captured image other than the LED. As the optical filter deteriorates, the intensity of scattered light observed in areas other than the LED increases. By using information about the intensity of this scattered light, the deterioration of the optical element can be assessed more accurately.

[0045] (Aspect 3) The lighting status confirmation system according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the ultraviolet irradiator comprises a plurality of LEDs arranged in a planar manner, and the degradation status determination unit determines the degradation status of the optical element based on information regarding the brightness of the portion of the captured image that is outside the plurality of LEDs. In this configuration, for example, it becomes easier to detect changes in brightness as degradation progresses compared to observing the brightness of a portion surrounded by multiple LEDs in an captured image, thus allowing for a more accurate determination of the degradation state of the optical element. In other words, when observing the brightness of a portion between multiple LEDs, light from the surrounding LEDs themselves reaches the observation point, making it difficult to observe minute changes in light scattered by the optical element. However, when observing the brightness of the portion outside (e.g., the periphery) of multiple LEDs, light from each LED does not easily reach the observation point, allowing for a more accurate understanding of minute changes in light (changes in brightness) scattered by the optical element.

[0046] (Aspect 4) The lighting status confirmation system according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the deterioration status determination unit compares the brightness of a portion of the captured image other than the LED with a predetermined threshold, and outputs a notification prompting the replacement of the optical element when the brightness exceeds the predetermined threshold. In this configuration, if the brightness of parts other than the LED exceeds a predetermined threshold, that is, if degradation has progressed to a certain extent, a notification prompting the replacement of the optical element will be output, so the user will be aware that the optical element has deteriorated and needs to be replaced.

[0047] (Aspect 5) The lighting status confirmation system according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the ultraviolet irradiator includes an irradiator component that emits fluorescence when irradiated with ultraviolet light emitted from the LED, and the imaging device is a visible light camera that captures a fluorescence image of the fluorescence emitted by the irradiator component. In this configuration, the fluorescence image of the fluorescence emitted by the irradiator components is captured by a visible light camera, making it possible to easily detect issues such as burnt-out LED bulbs that emit ultraviolet light without using an expensive UV light camera.

[0048] (Aspect 6) A program for a lighting status confirmation system that confirms the lighting status of an ultraviolet irradiator equipped with an LED that emits ultraviolet light, and comprising an imaging device that images the light-emitting surface of the ultraviolet irradiator, and an optical element provided between the ultraviolet irradiator and the imaging device that transmits light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiator, wherein the program causes a computer to perform the function of a deterioration status determination unit that determines the deterioration status of the optical element based on information regarding the brightness of parts other than the LED in the image captured by the imaging device. Such a program for a lighting status confirmation system can achieve the same effects as the lighting status confirmation systems of each of the above embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 100...Lighting Status Confirmation System X...Ultraviolet irradiator 10...LED light source 40 ···Imaging device 50 ···Information Processing Device 51 ···Image Data Acquisition Unit 52 ···Image Analysis Department 53 ···Lighting status determination unit 54 ···Threshold storage unit 55...Deterioration status determination unit 60...Optical elements

Claims

1. This is for checking the lighting status of an ultraviolet irradiator equipped with an LED that emits ultraviolet light. An imaging device for imaging the light-emitting surface of the ultraviolet irradiator, An optical element provided between the ultraviolet irradiator and the imaging device, which transmits light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiator, A lighting status confirmation system comprising: a deterioration status determination unit that determines the deterioration state of the optical element based on information regarding the brightness of parts other than the LED in the image captured by the imaging device.

2. The lighting status confirmation system according to claim 1, wherein the deterioration status determination unit determines the deterioration of the optical element based on information regarding the intensity of scattered light scattered by the optical element observed in the portion of the captured image other than the LED.

3. The ultraviolet irradiator comprises a plurality of LEDs arranged in a planar manner, The lighting status confirmation system according to claim 1, wherein the deterioration status determination unit determines the deterioration status of the optical element based on information regarding the brightness of the portion of the captured image that is outside the plurality of LEDs.

4. The lighting status confirmation system according to claim 1, wherein the deterioration status determination unit compares the brightness of a portion of the captured image other than the LED with a predetermined threshold, and outputs a notification prompting the replacement of the optical element when the brightness exceeds the predetermined threshold.

5. The aforementioned ultraviolet irradiator includes an irradiator component that emits fluorescence when irradiated with ultraviolet light emitted from the LED, The lighting status confirmation system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a visible light camera and captures a fluorescence image of the fluorescence emitted by the irradiator components.

6. A program for a lighting status confirmation system that checks the lighting status of an ultraviolet irradiator equipped with an LED that emits ultraviolet light, comprising an imaging device that images the light-emitting surface of the ultraviolet irradiator, and an optical element provided between the ultraviolet irradiator and the imaging device that transmits light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiator, A program for a lighting status confirmation system that causes a computer to function as a deterioration status determination unit that determines the deterioration status of the optical element based on information regarding the brightness of parts other than the LED in the image captured by the imaging device.

Images