Optical characteristic measuring device, optical characteristic measuring system, optical characteristic measuring method, and program

Abstract

Provided are an optical characteristic measuring device, an optical characteristic measuring system, an optical characteristic measuring method, and a program in which the influence of heat generation by a light reception position confirmation light source is suppressed without increasing the size.　This optical characteristic measuring device for measuring optical characteristics of a measurement surface includes: a light reception position confirmation light source for emitting confirmation light for confirming a light reception position on the measurement surface; a light reception optical system through which the confirmation light passes to illuminate the light reception position; an imaging unit for acquiring image data of the measurement surface having the light reception position illuminated; a calculation unit for calculating a display coordinate position of a marker indicating the light reception position from the acquired image data; a storage unit for storing the display coordinate position of the marker; a measurement surface irradiation light source for irradiating the measurement surface; an image display unit for displaying an image of the measurement surface irradiated with light from the measurement surface irradiation light source; and a marker display control unit for displaying, on the image display unit, the marker on the image of the measurement surface by superimposing the marker thereon.

Description

Optical characteristic measuring device, optical characteristic measuring system, optical characteristic measuring method and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical characteristic measuring device, an optical characteristic measuring system, an optical characteristic measuring method, and a program.

[0002] When measuring optical properties using an optical property measuring device, it is necessary to accurately grasp the measurement position, i.e., the position on the measurement surface where the detector receives incident light (light-receiving position). Conventionally, there has been known a device that can confirm the light-receiving position by emitting light from a light source for confirming the light-receiving position on the optical path through which the incident light passes, in the opposite direction to the incident light, and irradiating the measurement surface with the light (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-166520

[0004] However, if the light source for confirming the light receiving position is used continuously, the light source generates heat, and the light receiving element and optical element are affected by the heat, making accurate measurements impossible. To address this issue, it is possible to reduce the effect of heat by increasing the distance between the light source for confirming the light receiving position and the optical system, but this would result in an increase in the size of the device.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an optical characteristic measuring device, an optical characteristic measuring system, an optical characteristic measuring method, and a program that suppress the influence of heat generated by a light source for confirming the light receiving position without increasing the size.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the optical property measuring device of the present invention is an optical property measuring device that measures the optical properties of a measurement surface, and includes: a light source for confirming a light receiving position that emits confirmation light for confirming a light receiving position on the measurement surface; a light receiving optical system through which the confirmation light passes to illuminate the light receiving position; an imaging unit that acquires image data of the measurement surface with the light receiving position illuminated; a calculation unit that calculates, from the acquired image data, a display coordinate position of a marker that indicates the light receiving position; a memory unit that stores the display coordinate position of the marker; a light source for irradiating the measurement surface that irradiates the measurement surface; an image display unit that displays an image of the measurement surface irradiated with light from the light source for irradiating the measurement surface; and a marker display control unit that superimposes the marker on the image of the measurement surface and displays it on the image display unit.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the invention described in claim 1, and further includes a marker correction unit that acquires the image data when a specific condition is met, and stores the display coordinate position of the marker calculated by the calculation unit in the memory unit each time.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is the invention described in claim 1, further comprising: a first measurement surface color discrimination unit that discriminates the color of the measurement surface from the acquired image data; and a marker selection unit that selects the color and / or line type of the marker depending on the discriminated color of the measurement surface.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a marker size detection unit that detects the size of the marker from the illumination size of the light receiving position of the acquired image data.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is the invention described in claim 1, further comprising: a second measurement surface color discrimination unit that discriminates the color of the measurement surface from information on the optical properties of the measurement surface; and a confirmation light color selection unit that selects the color of the confirmation light emitted from the light source for confirming the light receiving position according to the discriminated color of the measurement surface.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the specific condition is white calibration.

[0012] The optical property measurement system of the present invention is an optical property measurement system for measuring the optical properties of a measurement surface, and includes: a light source for confirming a light receiving position that emits confirmation light for confirming a light receiving position on the measurement surface; a light receiving optical system through which the confirmation light passes to illuminate the light receiving position; an imaging unit that acquires image data of the measurement surface with the light receiving position illuminated; a calculation unit that calculates, from the acquired image data, a display coordinate position of a marker that indicates the light receiving position; a memory unit that stores the display coordinate position of the marker; a light source for irradiating the measurement surface that irradiates the measurement surface; an image display unit that displays an image of the measurement surface irradiated with light from the light source for irradiating the measurement surface; and a marker display control unit that superimposes the marker on the image of the measurement surface and displays it on the image display unit.

[0013] The optical property measuring method of the present invention is an optical property measuring method for an optical property measuring device that measures the optical properties of a measurement surface, and includes: an emission step of emitting confirmation light to confirm a light-receiving position on the measurement surface; an illumination step of illuminating the light-receiving position with the confirmation light; an image data acquisition step of acquiring image data of the measurement surface with the light-receiving position illuminated; a calculation step of calculating, from the acquired image data, a display coordinate position of a marker indicating the light-receiving position; a storage step of storing the display coordinate position of the marker; an illumination step of irradiating the measurement surface with light from a light source for irradiating the measurement surface; an image display step of displaying an image of the measurement surface illuminated in the illumination step; and a marker display step of superimposing and displaying the marker on the image of the measurement surface.

[0014] The program of the present invention causes a computer of an optical characteristic measuring device that measures the optical characteristics of a measurement surface to execute the following: an emission process that emits confirmation light to confirm the light-receiving position on the measurement surface; an illumination process that uses the confirmation light to illuminate the light-receiving position; an image data acquisition process that acquires image data of the measurement surface with the light-receiving position illuminated; an arithmetic process that calculates, from the acquired image data, a display coordinate position of a marker that indicates the light-receiving position; a storage process that stores the display coordinate position of the marker; an illumination process that irradiates the measurement surface with light from a light source for irradiating the measurement surface; an image display process that displays an image of the measurement surface illuminated by the illumination process; and a marker display process that superimposes and displays the marker on the image of the measurement surface.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical characteristic measuring device, an optical characteristic measuring system, an optical characteristic measuring method, and a program that suppress the influence of heat generated by a light source for confirming a light receiving position without increasing the size.

[0016] 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the optical property measuring device 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the main components of the optical property measuring unit 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the optical property measuring device 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a light source 2084 for confirming a light receiving position provided in the optical property measuring unit 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of a diffraction grating 2082. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of a diffraction grating 2082 compared to the arrangement shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the optical property measuring device 1. FIG. 8 is an example of image data of a measurement surface 2221 with the light receiving position 2220 illuminated when only the light source 2084 for confirming a light receiving position is turned on. FIG. 9 is an example of image data of a measurement surface 2221 with the light receiving position 2220 illuminated when the measurement surface irradiating light source 2040 is used as an auxiliary light source. FIG. 10 is an example of an image of the measurement surface 2221 displayed on the image display unit 4. FIG. 11 is an example of an image of the measurement surface 2221 displayed on the image display unit 4. FIG. 12 is an example of an image of the measurement surface 2221 displayed on the image display unit 4.

[0017] One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, however, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0018] [Configuration of Optical Property Measuring Apparatus 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of an optical property measuring apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The optical property measuring apparatus 1 is composed of a first unit and a second unit. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the main configuration of an optical property measuring section 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the main configuration of the optical property measuring apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the optical property measuring device 1 includes an optical property measuring unit 2, a memory unit 3, and an image display unit 4. The optical property measuring device 1 may be a device in which the optical property measuring unit 2, the memory unit 3, and the image display unit 4 are all housed in a single housing, or may be an optical property measuring system in which some of them are separate devices. As shown in FIG. 1 , the optical property measuring device 1 may be composed of two units: a first unit 11 including the image display unit 4, and a second unit 12 including the optical property measuring unit 2. However, the configuration of the optical property measuring device 1 of the present invention is not limited to this. Specific examples of the optical property measuring device 1 include a spectrophotometer, a color difference meter, a whiteness meter, a luminance meter, a gloss meter, a haze meter, and a distinctness of image measuring instrument.

[0020] 2, the optical property measuring unit 2 includes an illumination optical system 2020, a light receiving optical system 2021, a spectroscope 2022, a controller 2023, an operation unit 2024, and an imaging unit 2025. The optical property measuring unit 2 may include components other than these.

[0021] (Optical Property Measurement Mechanism) The components of the mechanism for measuring the optical properties of the measurement surface 2221 (surface of the sample) in the optical property measurement unit 2 will be described. The optical property measurement unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 is of a diffuse illumination (integrating sphere) type. In the optical property measurement unit 2, the illumination optical system 2020 illuminates the measurement surface 2221 (surface of the sample) with diffused light. The light-receiving optical system 2021 receives the light to be measured that is emitted from the measurement surface 2221 in a direction that forms an 8° angle with the normal direction of the measurement surface 2221, and guides it to the spectroscope 2022. The spectroscope 2022 measures the optical properties of the light to be measured guided by the light-receiving optical system 2021. Note that the optical property measurement device of the present invention is not limited to this, and may also measure the optical properties of transmitted light that has passed through a sample.

[0022] The illumination optical system 2020 includes a light source 2040 for illuminating the measurement surface and an integrating sphere 2041. The illumination optical system 2020 may include components other than these.

[0023] Measurement surface illumination light source 2040 emits illumination light to illuminate measurement surface 2221 (surface of the sample). The emitted illumination light passes through opening 2140 formed in the side surface of integrating sphere 2041 and enters space 2160 formed inside integrating sphere 2041. The illumination light is diffusely reflected or multiple-reflected by diffuse reflection surface 2180 surrounding space 2160. This causes the illumination light to become uniformly diffused illumination light.

[0024] The uniformly diffused illumination light is emitted from a measurement aperture 2200 formed in an integrating sphere 2041. The uniformly diffused illumination light illuminates an area facing the measurement aperture 2200 and is reflected by a measurement surface 2221 on a light-receiving position (position to be measured) 2220. This generates measured light 2240 from the light-receiving position 2220. When performing measurement while removing specularly reflected light, an openable / closable trap 2260 formed in the integrating sphere 2041 is opened.

[0025] The light receiving optical system 2021 includes a light receiving lens 2060. The light receiving optical system 2021 may include components other than the light receiving lens 2060. The generated measured light 2240 is imaged onto the slit 2100 by the light receiving lens 2060. This generates an imaged measured light 2280. The light receiving lens 2060 is movable in its optical axis direction. By moving the light receiving lens 2060 in its optical axis direction, the size of the measured region (the range of the light receiving position 2220) can be changed.

[0026] 2, the spectroscope 2022 includes a slit plate 2080, a lens 2081, a diffraction grating 2082, a line sensor 2083, and a light source for confirming a light receiving position 2084. The spectroscope 2022 may include components other than these.

[0027] A slit 2100 is formed in the slit plate 2080. The slit plate 2080 may be replaced with a non-plate-shaped slit-forming object. The diffraction grating 2082 may be replaced with a wavelength dispersion element other than the diffraction grating 2082. For example, the diffraction grating 2082 may be replaced with a prism.

[0028] The imaged measured light 2280 passes through the slit 2100. As a result, measured light 2300 traveling along a measurement optical path 2120 between the slit 2100 and the diffraction grating 2082 is generated.

[0029] Measured light 2300 traveling along measurement optical path 2120 is guided by lens 2081, and is diffracted and reflected by diffraction grating 2082. Diffraction generates diffracted light including −1st-order diffracted light 2320. Reflection generates 0th-order light 2321. Since measured light 2300 traveling along measurement optical path 2120 is wavelength-dispersed by diffraction, −1st-order diffracted light 2320 is wavelength-dispersed light.

[0030] The line sensor 2083 receives the generated −1st order diffracted light 2320. The line sensor 2083 may receive diffracted light other than the −1st order diffracted light 2320. The line sensor 2083 outputs a signal representing the optical characteristics of the received −1st order diffracted light 2320. Specifically, it is preferable that the line sensor 2083 output a spectrum.

[0031] The line sensor 2083 includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in the wavelength dispersion direction. The line sensor 2083 may be replaced with another sensor. For example, the line sensor 2083 may be replaced with a sensor including a single photoelectric conversion element. In this case, a scanning mechanism is provided that scans the sensor in the wavelength dispersion direction. Alternatively, a scanning mechanism is provided that rotates and scans the wavelength dispersion element in the wavelength dispersion direction.

[0032] (Light-receiving position confirmation mechanism) The components of the mechanism for confirming the light-receiving position 2220 in the optical characteristic measurement unit 2 will be described. The optical characteristic measurement unit 2 uses a light source 2084 for confirming the light-receiving position to irradiate confirmation light onto the light-receiving position 2220. The operator visually confirms, through a finder hole 2340 formed in the integrating sphere 2041, a bright spot, a bright line, or the like that appears when the confirmation light is irradiated onto the light-receiving position 2220. This allows the operator to confirm the light-receiving position 2220.

[0033] Details are explained below. Light receiving position confirmation light source 2084 emits confirmation light toward diffraction grating 2082. The emitted confirmation light is reflected by diffraction grating 2082 and passes through slit 2100. Light receiving optical system 2021 receives the confirmation light. The confirmation light is focused by light receiving lens 2060, and an image of slit 2100 is generated at light receiving position 2220 on measurement surface 2221. An operator can confirm light receiving position 2220 by capturing the image of slit 2100 through finder hole 2340 formed in integrating sphere 2041.

[0034] The light receiving position confirmation light source 2084 includes a light emitting element that emits confirmation light of a wavelength that can be detected by the imaging unit 2025. The light emitting element is not particularly limited, but is preferably a light emitting diode (LED) from the viewpoint of being thin. Although the confirmation light may be emitted by a light source other than an LED, using an LED allows the optical characteristic measuring unit 2 to be made smaller. Furthermore, using an LED reduces the power consumption of the light receiving position confirmation light source 2084 and extends the life of the light receiving position confirmation light source 2084.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a light source 2084 for confirming a light receiving position provided in the optical characteristic measuring unit 2. The light source 2084 for confirming a light receiving position includes LEDs 1400, 1401, and 1402. The LEDs 1400, 1401, and 1402 emit light 1420, 1421, and 1422, respectively. The light 1420, 1421, and 1422 have different colors (e.g., red, green, and blue). Note that while the light source 2084 for confirming a light receiving position is shown in FIG. 4 to be composed of three LEDs, it may also be composed of two LEDs or four or more LEDs. Furthermore, some of the LEDs 1400, 1401, and 1402 may be light-emitting elements other than LEDs.

[0036] The light source 2084 for confirming a light receiving position is disposed on the optical path of the zero-order light 2321. The optical path of the zero-order light 2321 is outside the measurement optical path 2120. Therefore, it is not necessary to retract the light source 2084 for confirming a light receiving position when measuring optical characteristics. The slit 2100 does not need to be disposed at a position optically conjugate with the light receiving position 2220. It is not necessary to dispose an additional member such as a mirror that reflects the confirmation light. Furthermore, it is not necessary to make the light source 2084 for confirming a light receiving position movable, and a drive mechanism for moving the light source 2084 for confirming a light receiving position is not necessary.

[0037] Therefore, the confirmation light can be irradiated onto the light-receiving position 2220, and the light-receiving position 2220 can be easily confirmed without providing a large space inside the optical characteristic measurement unit 2. Furthermore, even if the light-emitting area of ​​the light source 2084 for confirming the light-receiving position is small, the confirmation light is irradiated onto the entire entrance pupil of the spectroscope 2022. As a result, the numerical aperture NA of the confirmation light that has passed through the slit 2100 becomes equal to the numerical aperture NA of the spectroscope 2022. As a result, even if the slit 2100 is not positioned at a position optically conjugate with the light-receiving position 2220, the entire measurement area can be confirmed.

[0038] The wavelength of the confirmation light may be any wavelength that can be detected by the image capturing unit 2025, and may be outside the wavelength range of the measured −1st-order diffracted light 2320. For example, if the wavelength range of the measured −1st-order diffracted light 2320 is in the visible range, the wavelength of the confirmation light may be a wavelength belonging to the ultraviolet range or the infrared range. This prevents the confirmation light from affecting the measurement of the −1st-order diffracted light 2320, making it possible to confirm the light receiving position 2220 when measuring the optical characteristics.

[0039] When the confirmation light has a wavelength outside the wavelength range of the −1st-order diffracted light 2320, an image of the light receiving position 2220 is captured using an image capturing section 2025 that has sensitivity to the wavelength of the confirmation light.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the diffraction grating 2082. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the diffraction grating 2082 in comparison with the arrangement shown in Fig. 5. In the optical characteristic measuring unit 2, it is preferable that the diffraction grating 2082 is arranged as shown in Fig. 5. The arrangement shown in Fig. 5 will be described in comparison with Fig. 6.

[0041] 5, a plane 2500 includes the chief ray of the measured light 2300 traveling through the measurement optical path 2120 and the chief ray of the zeroth-order light 2321. It is preferable that the diffraction grating 2082 is arranged so that the −1st-order diffracted light 2320 deviates from this plane 2500.

[0042] In this case, since the −1st-order diffracted light 2320 and the 1st-order diffracted light 2322 travel in different directions, the line sensor 2083 can receive the −1st-order diffracted light 2320 but cannot receive the 1st-order diffracted light 2322. The −1st-order diffracted light 2320 is generated by the diffraction grating 2082 diffracting the measured light 2300, and the 1st-order diffracted light 2322 is generated by the diffraction grating 2082 diffracting light from the optical path of the 0th-order light 2321.

[0043] Reflected light is generated by the zero-order light 2321 being reflected by the light receiving position confirmation light source 2084. However, the generated reflected light does not affect the measurement of optical characteristics by the line sensor 2083.

[0044] 6 , when the −1st-order diffracted light 2320 does not deviate from the plane 2500, the traveling directions of the −1st-order diffracted light 2320 and the 1st-order diffracted light 2322 are the same. The line sensor 2083 can receive both the −1st-order diffracted light 2320 and the 1st-order diffracted light 2322. Reflection of the 0th-order light 2321 by the light receiving position confirmation light source 2084 generates reflected light. As a result, the generated reflected light becomes stray light and affects the measurement of optical characteristics by the line sensor 2083.

[0045] In the optical property measurement unit 2, the gap between the illumination optical system 2020 and the measurement surface 2221 is often shielded by a target mask or the like to prevent external light other than illumination light from entering the gap. When the gap is shielded, it is difficult to visually recognize anything other than the light-receiving position 2220 simply by irradiating the confirmation light onto the light-receiving position 2220, and it is not possible to determine which part of the measurement surface 2221 the light-receiving position 2220 is.

[0046] For this reason, the measurement surface irradiating light source 2040 may be used as an auxiliary light source when checking the light receiving position 2220. When checking the light receiving position 2220, the controller 2023 causes the measurement surface irradiating light source 2040 to emit illumination light. This makes it possible to capture an image of the measurement surface 2221 other than the light receiving position 2220, and to determine which part of the measurement surface 2221 the light receiving position 2220 is.

[0047] When illumination light is emitted when checking the light receiving position 2220, the controller 2023 and the operation unit 2024 function as an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the amount of illumination light. That is, the controller 2023 detects an operation performed by the operation unit 2024 to set the amount of illumination light. The controller 2023 controls the measurement surface irradiating light source 2040 so that the measurement surface irradiating light source 2040 emits illumination light having an amount of light corresponding to the selected amount of light.

[0048] The above configuration for irradiating the confirmation light onto the light receiving position 2220 may be employed in optical characteristic measuring devices other than the optical characteristic measuring device for object color having d / 8° geometry.

[0049] The control unit 10 reads out the program stored in the storage unit 3 and calculates the display coordinate position of the marker indicating the light receiving position from the image data acquired by the imaging unit 2025. At this time, the control unit 10 functions as a calculation unit.

[0050] The memory unit 3 stores the display coordinate positions of the markers calculated by the control unit 10. The memory unit 3 is configured with, for example, a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The memory unit 3 includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and an electrically erasable and rewritable ROM (EEPROM). The ROM stores a control program that operates the central processing unit (CPU).

[0051] The image display unit 4 displays an image of the measurement surface 2221 from the image data acquired by the imaging unit 2025. The image display unit 4 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The image display unit 4 displays the image of the measurement surface 2221, and further displays a marker corresponding to the light receiving position 2220 superimposed on the image of the measurement surface 2221.

[0052] Additionally, the image display unit 4 may display a task menu for selecting a task to be performed when measuring the optical characteristics. For example, the operator may instruct white calibration, correction of the display coordinate position of the marker, etc., in addition to instructing the measurement of the optical characteristics. Furthermore, the image display unit 4 may display the measurement results of the optical characteristics.

[0053] The control unit 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU), which operates according to a control program stored in a ROM.

[0054] The control unit 10 reads out the display coordinate position of the marker from the storage unit 3. The control unit 10 instructs the image display unit 4 to superimpose and display the marker at the coordinate position on the image of the measurement surface 2221. At this time, the control unit 10 functions as a marker display control unit.

[0055] When a specific condition is met, the control unit 10 causes the imaging unit 2025 to acquire image data of the measurement surface 2221 illuminating the light receiving position 2220, and calculates the display coordinate position of a marker indicating the light receiving position 2220. Each time the control unit 10 calculates the display coordinate position of the marker, the control unit 10 stores the display coordinate position of the marker in the storage unit 3. In other words, when a specific condition is met, the control unit 10 causes the imaging unit 2025 to acquire image data of the measurement surface 2221 illuminating the light receiving position 2220, rewrites the display coordinate position of the marker, and corrects the display coordinate position of the marker. At this time, the control unit 10 functions as a marker correction unit.

[0056] Here, the specific condition is, for example, an instruction to start a specific operation performed by the operation unit 2024. The specific operation here is not particularly limited, but is preferably white calibration, since it is preferable to perform the correction of the marker display coordinate position at the same frequency and timing as white calibration. "White calibration" refers to measuring the optical characteristics of a sample (e.g., a white board) whose optical characteristics are known and calibrating the optical property measuring device 1 based on the obtained measurement data. White calibration is preferably performed when the measurement characteristics of the optical property measuring device 1 (e.g., geometry, light emission characteristics of the light source, photoelectric conversion characteristics of the light-receiving optical system, etc.) change. If the measurement characteristics are maintained under the same conditions, white calibration does not need to be performed every time a sample is measured. However, white calibration is preferably performed when the measurement characteristics of the optical property measuring device 1 change due to temperature, aging, external force, etc. The specific condition may also be when the optical property measuring device 1 is first used, or at regular intervals.

[0057] [Operation of Optical Property Measuring Apparatus 1] In measuring optical properties using the optical property measuring apparatus 1 of this embodiment, first, the display coordinate position of the marker indicating the light receiving position 2220 is stored in the memory unit 3. Thereafter, when measuring the optical properties, the marker is displayed superimposed on the image of the measurement surface 2221 on the image display unit 4, and the operator can confirm the light receiving position 2220.

[0058] An example of the operation of measuring optical properties using the optical property measuring device 1 is shown below. In the following example, when the operator instructs the start of measurement of optical properties using the operation unit 2024, the control unit 10 executes a correction step and then executes a measurement step. That is, the control unit 10 executes the correction step automatically. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operator may execute the correction step manually. In this case, when the operator instructs the start of correction using the operation unit 2024, the control unit 10 executes the correction step. Thereafter, when the operator instructs the start of measurement of optical properties using the operation unit 2024, the control unit 10 executes the measurement step.

[0059] The instruction (trigger) to start the correction and measurement of the optical characteristics may be an operation other than that performed by the operation unit 2024. For example, the instruction to start the correction and measurement of the optical characteristics may be a signal input from a device connected to the optical characteristic measuring apparatus 1.

[0060] Below, a case where correction of the marker display coordinate position and white calibration are performed in the correction step will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the optical property measuring device 1. In FIG. 7, after a start instruction, marker correction and white calibration are performed in this order, but the order in which marker correction and white calibration are performed is not particularly limited. White calibration and marker correction may also be performed in this order. When using a sample with known optical properties, such as a sample (white plate) used in white calibration, steps S1 to S3 may be omitted. In FIG. 7, steps S1 to S10 are correction steps, of which steps S1 to S9 are marker correction steps and step S10 is a white calibration step. Steps S11 to S19 are measurement steps.

[0061] The control unit 10 turns on the measurement surface irradiating light source 2040 (step S1). The control unit 10 causes the line sensor 2083 to acquire information on the optical characteristics of the measurement surface 2221.

[0062] Next, the control unit 10 determines the color of the measurement surface 2221 from the information on the optical characteristics acquired by the line sensor 2083 (step S2). At this time, the control unit 10 functions as a second measurement surface color determining unit.

[0063] Next, the control unit 10 automatically selects the color of the confirmation light emitted from the light source for confirming the light receiving position 2084 to a color (e.g., a complementary color) that does not impair visibility, depending on the color of the determined measurement surface 2221 (step S3). At this time, the control unit 10 functions as a confirmation light color selection unit. Alternatively, the operator may select the color of the confirmation light. When the light source shown in FIG. 4 is used as the light source for confirming the light receiving position 2084, the controller 2023 serving as the control unit 10 detects the color selection operation performed by the operation unit 2024. The controller 2023 controls the LEDs 1400, 1401, and 1402 based on the acquired color selection information.

[0064] By selecting the color of the confirmation light emitted from the light source 2084 for confirming the light receiving position, it becomes easier for the calculation unit to calculate the display coordinate position of the marker indicating the light receiving position 2220 from the image data of the measurement surface 2221 that illuminates the light receiving position 2220.

[0065] Next, the control unit 10 turns on the light source 2084 for confirming the light receiving position, and emits confirmation light of the selected color (step S4: light emitting step).

[0066] Next, the control unit 10 instructs the light receiving optical system 2021 to illuminate the light receiving position with the confirmation light (step S5: illumination step).

[0067] Next, the control unit 10 instructs the imaging unit 2025 to acquire image data of the measurement surface 2221 illuminated at the light receiving position 2220 (step S6: image data acquisition step). When acquiring the image data, the control unit 10 preferably keeps the measurement surface irradiating light source 2040, which is already turned on, turned on.

[0068] Fig. 8 shows an example of image data of the measurement surface 2221 with the light receiving position 2220 illuminated when only the light source 2084 for confirming the light receiving position is turned on. Fig. 9 shows an example of image data of the measurement surface 2221 with the light receiving position 2220 illuminated when the light source 2040 for irradiating the measurement surface is used as an auxiliary light source. When only the light source 2084 for confirming the light receiving position is turned on, it is not possible to determine which part of the measurement surface 2221 the light receiving position 2220 is in. However, by using the light source 2040 for irradiating the measurement surface as an auxiliary light source, it is possible to determine which part of the measurement surface 2221 the light receiving position 2220 is in.

[0069] Next, the control unit 10 turns off the light source for confirming the light receiving position 2084 and the light source for irradiating the measurement surface 2040 (step S7). By turning on the light source for confirming the light receiving position 2084 only when acquiring image data, heat generation can be suppressed.

[0070] Next, the control unit 10 calculates the display coordinate position of the marker indicating the light receiving position 2220 from the image data acquired by the imaging unit 2025 (step S8: calculation step). At this time, the control unit 10 functions as a calculation unit.

[0071] The marker is not particularly limited as long as it has a shape that allows the light receiving position 2220 to be visually recognized. Furthermore, the marker may have a shape that indicates the range of the light receiving position 2220 or a shape that indicates the center of the light receiving position 2220. For example, a ring is an example of a shape that indicates the range of the light receiving position 2220. For example, a dot, a "+" mark, etc. are an example of a shape that indicates the center of the light receiving position 2220.

[0072] The range of the light receiving position 2220 differs depending on the image data. Therefore, the control unit 10 detects the size of the marker corresponding to the range of the light receiving position 2220 from the illumination size of the light receiving position of the acquired image data. At this time, the control unit 10 functions as a marker size detection unit. Note that even if the marker has a shape that indicates the center of the light receiving position 2220, the size of the marker may be changed to correspond to the range of the light receiving position 2220. The control unit 10 calculates the display coordinate position according to the shape and size of the marker.

[0073] Next, the control unit 10 stores the display coordinate position of the marker in the memory unit 3 (step S9: storage process). By storing the display coordinate position of the marker in the memory unit 3, the light source 2084 for confirming the light receiving position does not need to be constantly turned on, thereby suppressing heat generation. Note that if the display coordinate position of the marker has already been stored in the memory unit 3 as a result of a previous correction step, the display coordinate position of the marker is rewritten and corrected. Only when the display coordinate position of the marker is being stored for the first time, the series of operations is not a correction but rather the acquisition of a new display coordinate position of the marker. However, the new acquisition is the same as the correction except that the data is written to the memory unit 3 rather than rewritten. The optical property measuring device 1 may shift the light receiving position 2220 due to temperature changes, aging, external forces, etc. However, by correcting the display coordinate position of the marker when certain conditions are met, the optical properties can be measured while confirming the accurate light receiving position.

[0074] Next, the control unit 10 instructs the optical characteristic measurement unit 2 to measure the optical characteristics of the white plate (step S10). The control unit 10 completes white calibration based on the acquired measurement data.

[0075] Next, the control unit 10 turns on the measurement surface irradiating light source 2040 (step S11: irradiating step).

[0076] Next, the control unit 10 instructs the imaging unit 2025 to acquire image data of the measurement surface 2221 of the measurement sample (step S12).

[0077] Next, the control unit 10 instructs the image display unit 4 to display an image of the measurement surface 2221 based on the image data acquired by the imaging unit 2025 (step S13: image display step).

[0078] Next, the control unit 10 reads out the display coordinate position of the marker indicating the light receiving position 2220 from the storage unit 3 (step S14).

[0079] Next, the control unit 10 determines the color of the measurement surface 2221 from the image data of the measurement surface 2221 acquired by the imaging unit 2025 (step S15). At this time, the control unit 10 functions as a first measurement surface color determining unit.

[0080] Next, the control unit 10 automatically selects the color and / or line type of the marker that does not impair visibility, depending on the determined color of the measurement surface 2221 (step S16). At this time, the control unit 10 functions as a marker selection unit.

[0081] Next, the control unit 10 superimposes and displays a marker of the selected color and / or line type on the image of the measurement surface 2221 displayed on the image display unit 4 based on the display coordinate position of the read-out marker (step S17: marker display process).

[0082] 10 to 12 are examples of images of the measurement surface 2221 displayed on the image display unit 4. The shape of the marker is a ring in Fig. 10 and Fig. 12, and a "+" mark in Fig. 11. Furthermore, as can be seen from a comparison between Fig. 10 and Fig. 12, the size of the marker is changed in accordance with the range of the light receiving position 2220.

[0083] By superimposing and displaying the light-receiving positions 2220 in the form of markers on the image of the measurement surface 2221, it is possible to visualize the positional relationship of the light-receiving positions 2220 on the measurement surface 2221. It is also possible to visualize the range of the light-receiving positions 2220. In addition, it is possible to make the light-receiving positions 2220 easy to confirm (visually recognize) regardless of the color, texture, etc. of the measurement surface.

[0084] The operator issues an instruction to start measuring the optical properties via the operation unit 2024. At this time, the operator may adjust the installation position of the optical property measuring device 1 based on the positional relationship of the markers on the image of the measurement surface 2221 displayed on the image display unit 4. Next, the control unit 10 issues an instruction to start measurement to the line sensor 2083, causing it to output a signal representing the optical properties (step S18). Next, in response to the instruction to start measurement, the control unit 10 turns off the light source for irradiating the measurement surface (step S18) and instructs the line sensor 2083 to measure the optical properties (step S19).

[0085] When the line sensor 2083 finishes outputting the signal representing the optical characteristics, the control unit 10 ends the measurement of the optical characteristics and ends the series of operations.

[0086] In this embodiment, optical property measuring device 1 for measuring optical properties of a measurement surface includes a light-receiving-position confirming light source 2084 that emits confirmation light for confirming the light-receiving position on the measurement surface, a light-receiving optical system 2021 through which the confirmation light passes to illuminate the light-receiving position, an imaging unit 2025 that acquires image data of the measurement surface with the light-receiving position illuminated, a calculation unit (control unit 10) that calculates, from the acquired image data, a display coordinate position of a marker indicating the light-receiving position, a memory unit 3 that stores the display coordinate position of the marker, a measurement-surface irradiating light source 2040 that irradiates the measurement surface, an image display unit 4 that displays an image of the measurement surface, and a marker display control unit (control unit 10) that superimposes the marker on the image of the measurement surface and displays it on image display unit 4. As a result, it is not necessary to constantly emit light from light-receiving-position confirming light source 2084 during measurement, and therefore the influence of heat generation by the light-receiving-position confirming light source can be suppressed without increasing the size of optical property measuring device 1.

[0087] In this embodiment, a marker correction unit (control unit 10) is provided, which acquires image data each time a specific condition (specific operation) occurs and stores the display coordinate position of the marker calculated each time in the storage unit 3. This allows the optical characteristics to be measured at an accurate position.

[0088] In this embodiment, the apparatus includes a first measurement surface color discrimination unit (controller 10) that discriminates the color of the measurement surface from the acquired image data, and a marker selection unit (controller 10) that selects the color and / or line type of the marker depending on the discriminated color of the measurement surface, thereby making it easier to visually recognize the light receiving position 2220.

[0089] In this embodiment, a marker size detection unit (control unit 10) is provided that detects the size of the marker from the illumination size of the light receiving position of the acquired image data. This makes it easier to visually recognize the range of the light receiving position 2220.

[0090] In this embodiment, the device includes a second measurement surface color discrimination unit (controller 10) that discriminates the color of the measurement surface from information on the optical characteristics of the measurement surface, and a confirmation light color selection unit (controller 10) that selects the color of the confirmation light emitted from the light source for confirming the light receiving position according to the discriminated color of the measurement surface, thereby making it easier to calculate the display coordinate position of the marker that indicates the light receiving position 2220.

[0091] In this embodiment, the specific condition (specific operation) is white calibration, which allows correction of the marker display coordinate position to be performed at the same frequency and timing as white calibration, thereby enabling efficient correction.

[0092] In addition, the detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the optical characteristic measuring device can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0093] By using the present invention, the influence of heat generated by a light source for confirming a light receiving position can be suppressed without increasing the size of an optical characteristic measuring device, etc. As a result, the life of the optical characteristic measuring device can be extended.

[0094] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Optical property measuring device 2 Optical property measuring section 3 Memory section 4 Image display section 10 Control section 11 First unit 12 Second unit 1400, 1401, 1402 LED 1420, 1421, 1422 Light 2020 Illumination optical system 2021 Light receiving optical system 2022 Spectrometer 2023 Controller 2024 Operation section 2025 Imaging section 2040 Light source for irradiating measurement surface 2082 Diffraction grating 2084 Light source for confirming light receiving position 2220 Light receiving position 2221 Measurement surface

Claims

1. An optical property measuring apparatus for measuring the optical properties of a measurement surface, comprising: a light source for confirming the light receiving position for emitting confirmation light for confirming the light receiving position on the measurement surface; a light receiving optical system through which the confirmation light passes for illuminating the light receiving position; an imaging unit for acquiring image data of the measurement surface illuminated at the light receiving position; an arithmetic unit for calculating the display coordinate position of a marker indicating the light receiving position from the acquired image data; a storage unit for storing the display coordinate position of the marker; a measurement surface irradiation light source for irradiating the measurement surface; an image display unit for displaying an image of the measurement surface irradiated with light from the measurement surface irradiation light source; and a marker display control unit for superimposing the marker on the image of the measurement surface and displaying it on the image display unit.

2. The optical property measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a marker correction unit for acquiring the image data when a specific condition is satisfied, and storing the display coordinate position of the marker calculated by the arithmetic unit in the storage unit each time.

3. The optical property measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first measurement surface color discrimination unit for discriminating the color of the measurement surface from the acquired image data; and a marker selection unit for selecting the color and / or line type of the marker according to the discriminated color of the measurement surface.

4. The optical property measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a marker size detection unit for detecting the size of the marker from the illumination size of the light receiving position in the acquired image data.

5. The optical property measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second measurement surface color discrimination unit for discriminating the color of the measurement surface from the information on the optical properties of the measurement surface; and a confirmation light color selection unit for selecting the color of the confirmation light emitted from the light source for confirming the light receiving position according to the discriminated color of the measurement surface.

6. The optical property measuring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specific condition is white calibration.

7. An optical property measurement system for measuring the optical properties of a measurement surface, comprising: a light source for receiving position confirmation that emits confirmation light for confirming the light receiving position on the measurement surface; a light receiving optical system through which the confirmation light passes for illuminating the light receiving position; an imaging unit that acquires image data of the measurement surface illuminated at the light receiving position; an arithmetic unit that calculates the display coordinate position of a marker indicating the light receiving position from the acquired image data; a storage unit that stores the display coordinate position of the marker; a light source for measurement surface irradiation that irradiates the measurement surface; an image display unit that displays an image of the measurement surface irradiated with light from the light source for measurement surface irradiation; and a marker display control unit that superimposes the marker on the image of the measurement surface and causes the image display unit to display it.

8. An optical property measurement method for an optical property measurement apparatus that measures the optical properties of a measurement surface, comprising: a light emission step of emitting confirmation light for confirming the light receiving position on the measurement surface; an illumination step in which the confirmation light illuminates the light receiving position; an image data acquisition step of acquiring image data of the measurement surface illuminated at the light receiving position; an arithmetic step of calculating the display coordinate position of a marker indicating the light receiving position from the acquired image data; a storage step of storing the display coordinate position of the marker; an irradiation step of irradiating the measurement surface with light from a light source for measurement surface irradiation; an image display step of displaying an image of the measurement surface irradiated in the irradiation step; and a marker display step of superimposing and displaying the marker on the image of the measurement surface.

9. A program that causes a computer of an optical property measurement device for measuring the optical properties of a measurement surface to execute: a light emission process for emitting confirmation light for confirming a light reception position on the measurement surface; an illumination process for illuminating the light reception position with the confirmation light; an image data acquisition process for acquiring image data of the measurement surface illuminated at the light reception position; an arithmetic process for calculating a display coordinate position of a marker indicating the light reception position from the acquired image data; a storage process for storing the display coordinate position of the marker; an irradiation process for irradiating the measurement surface with light from a measurement surface irradiation light source; an image display process for displaying an image of the measurement surface irradiated in the irradiation process; and a marker display process for superimposing and displaying the marker on the image of the measurement surface.

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