WO2017183567A1

WO2017183567A1 - Calibration system, calibration method, and calibration program

Info

Publication number: WO2017183567A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/015234
Authority: WO
Inventors: 廣治山元; 政彦崎本; 直樹鷺坂; 彰祐岡山; 横田　聡; 憲応窪田
Original assignee: コニカミノルタ株式会社
Priority date: 2016-04-19
Filing date: 2017-04-14
Publication date: 2017-10-26
Also published as: JP6784292B2; JPWO2017183567A1

Abstract

Provided is a calibration system capable of calibrating an optical measuring device in accordance with the type of the optical measuring device. A calibration system (500) is provided with: a plurality of reference objects; a receiving unit (150) for receiving the type of an optical measuring device to be calibrated, from said optical measuring device; a selecting unit (152) for selecting, from among the plurality of reference objects, a reference object associated with the type of optical measuring device to be calibrated, on the basis of calibration information (84A) which associates the reference objects to be used in a calibration process with each type of optical measuring device; an acquiring unit (156) for outputting to the optical measuring device to be calibrated an instruction to measure the reference object selected by the selecting unit (152), and acquiring measured data relating to the reference object from the optical measuring device to be calibrated; and a calibrating unit (352) for calibrating the optical measuring device to be calibrated, using the measured data.

Description

Calibration system, calibration method, and calibration program

The present disclosure relates to a technique for calibrating an optical measurement device.

¡Optical measuring devices that can measure the color of the measurement object are widespread. When the optical measuring device fails, it is necessary to calibrate the optical measuring device. Calibration refers to correcting measurement data on software when the optical system of the optical measuring device is displaced. The calibrated optical measuring device can output measurement data correctly.

Regarding calibration processing, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-145924 (Patent Document 1) discloses a colorimeter that performs calibration processing using a plurality of calibration reference samples. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-307062 (Patent Document 2) discloses a spectroscopic measurement device that can be repaired quickly. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-153545 (Patent Document 3) discloses a spectroscopic analyzer that performs automatic calibration as necessary.

JP 63-145924 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-307062 JP-A-10-153545

The calibration procedure varies depending on the type of optical measuring device. In recent years, various types of optical measuring devices have become widespread, and the calibration processing of the optical measuring devices has become complicated. For this reason, human error has occurred during calibration. The techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 execute a calibration process on a single optical measurement apparatus. Therefore, a calibration system that can appropriately execute the calibration process according to the type of the optical measuring device is desired.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object in one aspect is to provide a calibration system that can calibrate an optical measurement device according to the type of the optical measurement device. An object in another aspect is to provide a calibration method capable of calibrating an optical measurement device according to the type of the optical measurement device. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a calibration program that can calibrate an optical measurement device according to the type of the optical measurement device.

A calibration system that can calibrate different types of optical measurement devices is an optical system that uses multiple reference objects, a receiver for receiving the type of optical measurement device from the optical measurement device to be calibrated, and a reference object used for calibration processing. Based on calibration information associated with each type of measurement device, a selection unit for selecting a reference object associated with the type of optical measurement device to be calibrated from among the plurality of reference objects, An acquisition unit for outputting a measurement instruction of the reference object selected by the selection unit to the optical measurement apparatus to be calibrated and acquiring measurement data of the reference object from the optical measurement apparatus to be calibrated, and the measurement data And a calibration unit for calibrating the optical measuring device to be calibrated.

According to another aspect, a calibration method capable of calibrating different types of optical measurement devices using a plurality of reference objects includes a step of receiving the type of the optical measurement device from the optical measurement device to be calibrated, and calibration Based on the calibration information in which the reference object used for processing is associated with each type of optical measurement device, the reference object associated with the type of optical measurement device to be calibrated is selected from the plurality of reference objects. A step of selecting, outputting a measurement instruction of the reference object selected in the selecting step to the optical measurement apparatus to be calibrated, and obtaining measurement data of the reference object from the optical measurement apparatus to be calibrated; Calibrating the optical measuring device to be calibrated using the measurement data.

According to yet another aspect, a calibration program capable of calibrating different types of optical measurement devices using a plurality of reference objects receives a type of the optical measurement device from the optical measurement device to be calibrated. Based on the calibration information in which the step and the reference object used for the calibration process are associated with each type of the optical measurement device, the step is associated with the type of the optical measurement device to be calibrated from among the plurality of reference objects. The reference object selected in the selecting step and the measurement instruction of the reference object selected in the selecting step are output to the calibration target optical measurement device, and the measurement data of the reference object is obtained from the calibration target optical measurement device. And a step of calibrating the optical measuring device to be calibrated using the measurement data.

In one aspect, the optical measurement device can be calibrated according to the type of the optical measurement device.

The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention which is to be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure in the calibration system according to 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the calibration procedure of an optical measuring device. It is a figure which shows the content of the calibration information referred at the time of the selection process of a calibration reference | standard. It is a figure which shows an example of the installation procedure of a calibration reference | standard. It is a figure which shows the content of the reference | standard data referred at the time of a calibration process. It is a figure which shows the reference | standard spectrum obtained by photometrically measuring a reference | standard board, and the measurement spectrum obtained by photometrically measuring a reference | standard board after that with a graph. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure for implement | achieving a calibration process. It is a flowchart showing the process which the calibration system according to 1st Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart showing the calibration process in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the output process of the calibration result in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the main hardware constitutions of the calibration apparatus according to 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the main hardware constitutions of the server according to 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows a mode that the stationary optical measurement apparatus is installed in the calibration apparatus according to 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure in the calibration system according to 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing a part of process which the calibration system according to 3rd Embodiment performs. It is a figure which shows the calibration information according to 3rd Embodiment.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Each embodiment and each modified example described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

<First Embodiment>
[Calibration system 500]
A calibration system 500 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration in a calibration system 500 according to the first embodiment.

The calibration system 500 includes a calibration device 100 and a server 300. The calibration device 100 can communicate with the server 300.

The calibration apparatus 100 is provided with an optical measurement apparatus 200 to be calibrated. The optical measuring device 200 is a device for measuring reflected light from an object, for example. As an example, the optical measuring device 200 is a hand-held spectrocolorimeter or a hand-held color difference meter.

The calibration apparatus 100 includes, for example, a control unit 101 and a box 102. The control unit 101 and each component in the box 102 are electrically connected, and the control unit 101 controls each component in the box 102. The control unit 101 may be provided inside the box 102 or may be provided outside the box 102.

The box 102 may be a dark box that cuts out external light, or may be a transparent box. A stand 103 is provided inside the box 102. A storage unit 104, a drive unit 105, a stage 112, and a fixing mechanism 116 are arranged on the table 103.

The storage unit 104 stores a calibration reference 110 (reference object) used for the calibration process of the optical measurement apparatus 200. The calibration process is a new process based on the difference between the reference data obtained by photometric measurement of the calibration standard 110 before the failure of the optical measuring apparatus 200 and the measurement data obtained by photometric measurement of the same calibration standard 110 thereafter. This is a process for correcting the measurement data obtained in (1) according to the reference data. The calibration reference 110 includes, for example, a blue reference plate 110B, a red reference plate 110R, a green reference plate 110G, a yellow reference plate 110Y, an orange reference plate 110O, a cyan reference plate 110C, and magenta. The reference plate 110M and the white reference plate 110W are included.

The driving unit 105 includes, for example, a robot arm 106 and an electromagnetic coil 108. The drive unit 105 can drive the robot arm 106 in the vertical direction and can drive the robot arm 106 to rotate.

The electromagnetic coil 108 attracts a metal plate (not shown) attached to the upper surface of the calibration standard 110 with a magnetic force. Thereafter, the driving unit 105 sets the calibration reference 110 so as to face the measurement port of the optical measuring device 200. The drive unit 105 changes the type of the calibration standard 110 to be installed according to the type of the optical measurement device 200. A method for selecting the calibration standard 110 will be described later.

The optical measuring device 200 can be installed on the stage 112. The stage 112 moves up and down in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 101.

The fixing mechanism 116 moves up and down in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 101. A hole is formed in the fixing mechanism 116. The control unit 101 drives at least one of the stage 112 and the fixing mechanism 116 so that the measurement port of the optical measuring device 200 fits into the hole of the fixing mechanism 116. Thereby, the optical measuring device 200 is fixed to the calibration device 100.

A spacer 118 is provided in the fixing mechanism 116. Preferably, the number of spacers 118 is three or more. The spacer 118 is provided with a calibration standard 110. In the example of FIG. 1, a red reference plate 110 R is installed on the spacer 118. The control unit 101 drives at least one of the stage 112 and the fixing mechanism 116 so that the spacer 118 and the measurement port of the optical measurement device 200 have the same height. As a result, the reference plate 110 R contacts the measurement port of the optical measurement device 200.

Preferably, a sensor that detects environmental data indicating the environment around the optical measuring device 200 is provided inside the box 102. The sensors include a temperature sensor 130 and a vibration sensor 132, for example. The temperature sensor 130 detects the temperature inside the box 102. More specifically, the temperature sensor 130 is provided around the optical measurement device 200 and detects the temperature around the optical measurement device 200. The vibration sensor 132 is provided around the optical measurement device 200 and detects the magnitude of vibration applied to the optical measurement device 200. The vibration sensor 132 is, for example, an acceleration sensor, and the magnitude of vibration is represented by acceleration.

In the example of FIG. 1, the calibration system 500 is configured by one calibration device 100, but the calibration system 500 may be configured by a plurality of calibration devices 100. Similarly, in the example of FIG. 1, the calibration system 500 is configured by one server 300, but the calibration system 500 may be configured by a plurality of servers 300. In the example of FIG. 1, one optical measurement device 200 is installed in the calibration device 100, but a plurality of optical measurement devices 200 may be installed in the calibration device 100.

[Proofreading procedure]
The calibration procedure of the optical measuring device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a calibration procedure of the optical measurement apparatus 200.

In step S10, it is assumed that the calibration apparatus 100 receives a calibration instruction for the optical measurement apparatus 200 from the user. Based on this, the calibration device 100 establishes communication with the optical measurement device 200.

In step S 12, the calibration apparatus 100 transmits a request for acquiring the type of the optical measurement apparatus 200 to the optical measurement apparatus 200.

In step S14, the optical measurement device 200 transmits the type of the optical measurement device 200 to the calibration device 100 based on the reception of the acquisition request from the calibration device 100. The type of the optical measuring device 200 is stored in advance in the optical measuring device 200 as identification information 84B (see FIG. 11). The identification information 84B is represented by ID (Identification) etc., for example.

In step S20, the calibration apparatus 100 selects the calibration standard 110 corresponding to the type of the optical measurement apparatus 200 from the calibration standards 110 (see FIG. 1). With reference to FIG. 3, the selection process of the calibration reference | standard 110 is demonstrated. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents of the calibration information 84A referred to during the selection process. The calibration information 84A associates calibration standards used for calibration processing for each type of optical measuring device. In the example of FIG. 3, a reference plate is shown as an example of a calibration reference. One or more reference plates may be associated with each optical measurement device. The calibration apparatus 100 selects a calibration standard associated with the type of the optical measurement apparatus 200 from the calibration standards 110. The calibration apparatus 100 determines the selected calibration standard as a calibration standard used for the calibration process.

Referring to FIG. 2 again, in step S30, calibration apparatus 100 installs the calibration reference selected in step S20 so as to face the measurement port of optical measurement apparatus 200. With reference to FIG. 4, the procedure for setting the calibration standard will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the procedure for installing the selected calibration standard.

As an example, assume that the red reference plate 110R is selected in the selection process of step S20. The control unit 101 (see FIG. 1) of the calibration apparatus 100 outputs a control command to the drive unit 105, and drives the electromagnetic coil 108 provided at the tip of the robot arm 106 onto the reference plate 110R. A metal plate (not shown) is affixed to the upper surface of the reference plate 110R, and the electromagnetic coil 108 attracts the metal plate of the reference plate 110R with a magnetic force. Thereafter, the drive unit 105 drives the robot arm 106 and installs the reference plate 110 R so as to face the measurement port of the optical measurement device 200.

Referring to FIG. 2 again, in step S32, the calibration apparatus 100 outputs a photometry command to the optical measurement apparatus 200. Thereby, the optical measuring device 200 performs photometry on the installed reference plate 110R. As a result, measurement data of the reference plate 110R is obtained.

In step S34, the optical measurement device 200 transmits the measurement data of the reference plate 110R to the calibration device 100.

In step S36, the calibration apparatus 100 transmits the measurement data received from the optical measurement apparatus 200 to the server 300.

In step S40, the server 300 executes the calibration process of the optical measurement device 200 based on the measurement data received from the calibration device 100. The calibration process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of the reference data 320A referred to during the calibration process.

The reference data 320A is stored in the server 300 in advance. The reference data 320A is prepared for each type of optical measuring device. The server 300 selects the reference data 320A corresponding to the type of the optical measuring device 200 received in step S14.

The reference data 320A is obtained by previously measuring the calibration reference 110 for each color. The reference data 320A includes, for example, a spectrum obtained by measuring the calibration reference 110 for each color. The spectral spectrum is expressed by the light intensity for each wavelength. When the measurement data received from the calibration apparatus 100 in step S36 is different from the reference data 320A, the server 300 determines that the optical measurement apparatus 200 is out of order and executes the calibration process for the optical measurement apparatus 200.

An example of the calibration process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a graph showing a reference spectrum 321 obtained by measuring the reference plate 110R in advance and a measurement spectrum 322 obtained by measuring the reference plate 110R in step S36. The reference spectrum 321 is acquired from the reference data 320A shown in FIG.

The red reference plate 110R mainly reflects light having a wavelength λ1 (about 650 nm). Therefore, the light intensity in the reference spectrum 321 becomes maximum at the wavelength λ1. On the other hand, in the measurement spectrum 322, the light intensity is maximum at the wavelength λ2. That is, the measurement spectrum 322 is shifted by the wavelength difference Δλ between the wavelengths λ1 and λ2. When the wavelength difference Δλ is larger than the predetermined value, the server 300 determines that the optical measurement device 200 has failed.

In the above description, an example in which the server 300 determines whether or not the optical measurement device 200 has failed based on the reference spectrum 321 and the measurement spectrum 322 has been described. Based on the defined Lab value and the Lab value obtained by photometric measurement of the reference plate, it may be determined whether or not the optical measuring device 200 is out of order.

Referring to FIG. 2 again, in step S42, the server 300 transmits the wavelength difference Δλ calculated in the calibration process of step S40 to the calibration apparatus 100 as a calibration result.

In step S44, the calibration apparatus 100 transmits the calibration result received from the server 300 to the optical measurement apparatus 200.

In step S46, the optical measuring device 200 stores the calibration result received from the calibration device 100.

In step S50, it is assumed that the optical measuring device 200 receives a photometric instruction from the user.

In step S52, the optical measurement apparatus 200 performs photometry on the measurement object. As a result, measurement data of the measurement object is obtained.

In step S54, the optical measuring device 200 shifts the measurement data obtained in step S52 by the wavelength difference Δλ. Thereby, the measurement data is calibrated.

[Function configuration]
The functional configuration of the calibration system 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration for realizing the calibration process.

As shown in FIG. 7, the calibration system 500 includes a calibration apparatus 100 and a server 300. The calibration apparatus 100 includes a storage unit 84, a reception unit 150, a selection unit 152, a drive control unit 154, an acquisition unit 156, and a transmission unit 158. Server 300 includes a storage unit 320, a reception unit 350, and a calibration unit 352.

The receiving unit 150 receives the type of the optical measuring device 200 from the optical measuring device 200 to be calibrated. The type of the optical measurement device 200 is output to the selection unit 152 and the transmission unit 158.

The selection unit 152 associates the calibration reference 110 (reference object) used in the calibration process with the type of the optical measurement device 200 from the calibration reference 110 based on the calibration information 84A that associates the calibration reference 110 with each type of the optical measurement device. The selected calibration standard 110 is selected. Since the method of selecting the calibration standard is as described with reference to FIG. 3, the description thereof will not be repeated.

Preferably, the calibration reference 110 includes

reference plates

110B, 110R, 110G, 110Y, 110O, 110C, 110C, 110M, and 110W (see FIG. 1) of different colors. The selection unit 152 selects a reference plate associated with the type of the optical measurement device 200 from the

reference plates

110B, 110R, 110G, 110Y, 110O, 110C, 110C, 110M, and 110W based on the calibration information 84A. To do.

The drive control unit 154 controls the drive unit 105 (see FIG. 1). Based on the control signal from the drive control unit 154, the drive unit 105 installs the calibration reference selected by the selection unit 152 so as to face the measurement port of the optical measurement apparatus 200.

The acquisition unit 156 outputs a measurement instruction to the optical measurement device 200 based on the setting of the calibration reference 110, and obtains the measurement data of the calibration reference selected by the selection unit 152 from the optical measurement device 200 to be calibrated. get. The acquired measurement data is output to the transmission unit 158.

The transmission unit 158 transmits the type of the optical measurement device 200 output from the reception unit 150 and the constant data output from the acquisition unit 156 to the server 300.

The receiving unit 350 receives the type of the optical measuring device 200 and the measurement data of the selected calibration standard from the calibration device 100.

The calibration unit 352 calibrates the optical measurement apparatus 200 using the measurement data obtained by photometry of the selected calibration standard. Since the calibration process is as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the description thereof will not be repeated.

The processing capability of the calibration device 100 or the optical measurement device 200 is often inferior to that of the server 300. Therefore, the time required for the calibration process is shortened by the server 300 executing the calibration process. Further, when the server 300 executes the calibration process, there is no risk that the calibration algorithm leaks out or the risk that the calibration algorithm is lost.

[Control structure]
The control structure of the calibration system 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing executed by calibration system 500. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the calibration process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a calibration result output process. The processing in FIGS. 8 to 10 is realized by the control unit 101 (see FIG. 11) of the calibration apparatus 100 or the control unit 301 (see FIG. 11) of the server 300 executing the calibration program. In other aspects, some or all of the processing may be performed by circuit elements or other hardware.

In step S110, the calibration system 500 determines whether a calibration instruction has been accepted. The determination process is executed by the calibration apparatus 100, for example. If calibration apparatus 100 determines that a calibration instruction has been received (YES in step S110), it switches control to step S112. When that is not right (in step S110 NO), the calibration apparatus 100 performs the process of step S110 again.

In step S112, the calibration system 500 acquires the type of the optical measuring device 200 to be calibrated from the optical measuring device 200. The acquisition process is executed by the receiving unit 150 (see FIG. 7) of the calibration apparatus 100, for example.

In step S 114, the calibration system 500 acquires environmental data when the optical measurement device 200 is used from the optical measurement device 200. The environmental data includes, for example, the temperature when the optical measuring device 200 is used, the magnitude of vibration given when the optical measuring device 200 is used, and the like. The temperature is periodically detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) provided in the optical measurement device 200, and stored in the optical measurement device 200 as a temperature history. The magnitude of vibration applied to the optical measurement apparatus 200 is periodically detected by a vibration sensor (not shown) provided in the optical measurement apparatus 200 and stored in the optical measurement apparatus 200 as vibration information. The calibration system 500 acquires the temperature history and the vibration history from the optical measurement device 200.

In step S116, the calibration system 500 estimates the cause of the failure of the optical measuring device 200 based on the temperature history and the vibration history. The estimation process is executed by the server 300, for example. As an example, when the temperature history includes a temperature that is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the server 300 determines that the failure has occurred due to use in a high-temperature environment. Alternatively, the server 300 determines that the failure is caused by dropping when the vibration history includes a magnitude of vibration equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

In step S120, the calibration system 500 determines whether or not the failure of the optical measuring device 200 can be handled by the calibration process. The estimation process is executed by the server 300, for example. As an example, if it is determined in step S116 that the failure of the optical measurement device 200 is caused by use in a high temperature environment, the calibration system 500 determines that the failure of the optical measurement device 200 can be handled by the calibration process. To do. When it is determined in step S116 that the failure of the optical measurement device 200 is caused by the fall, the calibration system 500 determines that the optical measurement device 200 needs to be repaired. That is, the calibration system 500 determines that the failure of the optical measurement device 200 cannot be handled by the calibration process. When the calibration system 500 determines that the failure of the optical measurement apparatus 200 can be handled by the calibration process (YES in step S120), the calibration system 500 switches the control to step S200. Otherwise (NO in step S120), calibration system 500 switches control to step S300.

In step S200, the calibration system 500 executes the calibration process of the optical measuring device 200. The calibration process in step S200 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S210, the calibration system 500 selects a reference plate associated with the type of the optical measuring device 200 from a plurality of reference plates based on the above-described calibration information 84A (see FIG. 3). The selection process is executed by, for example, the selection unit 152 (see FIG. 7) of the calibration apparatus 100. Since the method for selecting the reference plate is as described in FIG. 3, the description thereof will not be repeated.

In step S212, the calibration system 500 initializes a variable n representing the reference plate number. The variable n is initialized to zero, for example. When a plurality of reference plates are selected in step S210, the plurality of reference plates are uniquely identified by the variable n.

In step S214, the calibration system 500 installs the nth reference plate so as to face the measurement port of the optical measuring device 200. The installation process is executed by, for example, the drive control unit 154 (see FIG. 7) of the calibration apparatus 100.

In step S216, the calibration system 500 outputs a photometric command to the optical measuring device 200 based on the installation of the nth reference plate. As a result, the calibration system 500 can obtain measurement data of the nth reference plate.

In step S218, the calibration system 500 executes the calibration process of the optical measuring device 200. The calibration process is executed by, for example, the calibration unit 352 (see FIG. 7) of the server 300. Since the calibration process is as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the description thereof will not be repeated.

In step S220, the calibration system 500 determines whether the calibration process has been executed using all the reference plates (YES in step S220), ends the process in step S200, and switches the control to step S300. Otherwise (NO in step S220), calibration system 500 switches control to step S222.

In step S222, the calibration system 500 returns the nth reference plate to the original position. The process is executed by, for example, the drive control unit 154 (see FIG. 7) of the calibration apparatus 100.

In step S224, the calibration system 500 increments the variable n. That is, the calibration system 500 increases the variable n by “1”.

In step S300, the calibration system 500 displays the calibration result of the optical measuring device 200. With reference to FIG. 10, the display process of the calibration result in step S300 will be described.

In step S310, the calibration system 500 determines whether or not the calibration process has been completed normally. If calibration system 500 determines that the calibration process has been completed normally (YES in step S310), it switches control to step S312. Otherwise (NO in step S310), calibration system 500 switches control to step S320.

In step S312, the calibration system 500 displays that the calibration process has been completed normally. The fact that the calibration process has been completed normally is displayed on the display unit 80 (see FIG. 11) of the calibration apparatus 100, for example. Alternatively, the fact that the calibration process has been completed normally may be notified by voice.

In step S320, the calibration system 500 displays that the calibration process has ended abnormally. The fact that the calibration process has ended abnormally is displayed on the display unit 80 (see FIG. 11) of the calibration apparatus 100, for example. At this time, the display unit 80 preferably displays the cause (contents) of abnormal termination. Note that the fact that the calibration process has ended abnormally may be notified by voice.

In step S322, the calibration system 500 determines whether or not the optical measuring device 200 needs to be repaired. Whether or not repair is necessary is determined based on, for example, the failure cause estimation result in step S116. When the calibration system 500 determines that the optical measuring device 200 needs to be repaired (YES in step S322), the calibration system 500 switches the control to step S324. Otherwise (NO in step S322), calibration system 500 switches control to step S326.

In step S324, the calibration system 500 displays that the optical measuring device 200 needs to be repaired. The need for repair of the optical measuring device 200 is displayed on the display unit 80 (see FIG. 11) of the calibration device 100, for example. At this time, the display unit 80 preferably displays the cause of the failure. Thereby, the time for analyzing the cause of failure of the optical measuring device 200 is shortened. Note that it may be notified by voice that the optical measuring device 200 needs to be repaired.

In step S326, the calibration system 500 displays that the optical measurement device 200 needs to be recalibrated. The necessity of recalibration of the optical measuring device 200 is displayed on the display unit 80 (see FIG. 11) of the calibration device 100, for example. Alternatively, it is notified by voice that the optical measuring device 200 needs to be recalibrated. Thereafter, the calibration process of step S200 is executed again.

[Hardware Configuration of Calibration Apparatus 100]
An example of the hardware configuration of the calibration apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a main hardware configuration of the calibration apparatus 100.

As shown in FIG. 11, the calibration apparatus 100 includes a display unit 80, an operation unit 82, a storage unit 84, a communication interface 90, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal 92, a control unit 101, and a stage 112. A temperature sensor 130, a calibration reference 110, a temperature sensor 130, and a selection unit 152. Since the stage 112, the temperature sensor 130, and the selection unit 152 are as described in FIG. 1, the description thereof will not be repeated below.

The display unit 80 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or other display device. Preferably, the display unit 80 includes a display and a touch panel. The display and the touch panel are overlapped with each other, and the display unit 80 receives an operation on the calibration apparatus 100 by a touch operation. The display unit 80 displays, for example, a power supply state (for example, on or off) of the calibration apparatus 100, a calibration mode, a calibration state, a calibration result, a temperature in the calibration apparatus 100, and the like.

The operation unit 82 receives an operation on the calibration apparatus 100. As an example, the operation unit 82 includes a power button, a calibration mode selection button, a calibration start button, a calibration stop button, an up / down key, and the like. Note that when the display unit 80 is configured as a touch panel, the operation unit 82 may not be provided.

The storage unit 84 is a storage medium such as a hard disk or an external storage device. As an example, the storage unit 84 stores the above-described calibration information 84A (see FIG. 3), the identification information 84B of the optical measurement device 200 received from the optical measurement device 200, the calibration program 84C according to the present embodiment, and the like. The storage location of the calibration information 84A, the identification information 84B, and the calibration program 84C is not limited to the storage unit 84. For example, the storage area of the control unit 301 (for example, a cache), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory) or an external storage device.

Note that the calibration program 84C may be provided as a part of an arbitrary program, not as a single program. In this case, control processing according to the present embodiment is realized in cooperation with an arbitrary program. Even such a program that does not include some modules does not depart from the spirit of the server 300 according to the present embodiment. Furthermore, part or all of the functions provided by the calibration program 84C according to the present embodiment may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, a part or all of the functions provided by the calibration program 84C may be realized by the cooperation of the calibration apparatus 100 and the server 300. Furthermore, the server 300 may be configured in the form of a so-called cloud service in which at least one server realizes processing according to the present embodiment.

The communication interface 90 realizes communication between the calibration device 100 and other communication devices. Other communication devices are, for example, the optical measurement device 200 and the server 300. In one aspect, an antenna (not shown) is connected to the communication interface 90, and communication between the calibration apparatus 100 and another communication device is realized by wireless communication via the antenna. As a wireless communication standard, for example, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee, or the like is adopted.

A USB cable can be connected to the USB terminal 92. The calibration device 100 and the optical measurement device 200 are connected to each other via a USB cable, and communication between the calibration device 100 and the optical measurement device 200 is realized by wired communication via the USB cable. Alternatively, the communication between the calibration apparatus 100 and the optical measurement apparatus 200 may be realized by wired communication via a LAN (Local Area Network) cable.

The control unit 101 controls the calibration device 100. The control unit 101 is configured by at least one integrated circuit, for example. The integrated circuit includes, for example, at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), at least one ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

The calibration reference 110 includes, for example, at least one of a reference plate 111 and a reference light source 113. The reference plate 111 corresponds to the above-described

reference plates

110B, 110R, 110G, 110Y, 110O, 110C, 110C, 110M, and 110W (see FIG. 1).

The reference light source 113 has a plurality of light sources 113A to 113C. The number of light sources is arbitrary. The light sources 113A to 113C are, for example, lamps such as mercury lamps and xenon lamps, or LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Details of the reference light source 113 will be described later.

[Hardware configuration of server 300]
An example of the hardware configuration of the server 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a main hardware configuration of the server 300.

As shown in FIG. 12, the server 300 includes a control unit 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a communication interface 304, a display unit 305, and a storage unit 320.

The control unit 301 is configured by at least one integrated circuit, for example. The integrated circuit includes, for example, at least one CPU, at least one ASIC, at least one FPGA, or a combination thereof.

The control unit 301 controls the operation of the server 300 by executing various programs such as the calibration program 320B according to the present embodiment. The control unit 301 reads the calibration program 320B from the storage unit 320 to the ROM 302 based on receiving the execution instruction of the calibration program 320B. The RAM 303 functions as a working memory and temporarily stores various data necessary for executing the calibration program 320B.

The communication interface 304 transmits / receives data to / from other communication devices via an antenna (not shown). Other communication devices include a communication terminal such as the calibration device 100, for example. Server 300 may be configured to download calibration program 320B according to the present embodiment via communication interface 304.

The display unit 305 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or other display device. As an example, the display unit 305 displays the calibration result of the optical measurement apparatus 200 or displays a setting screen for setting parameters during calibration processing.

The storage unit 320 is a storage medium such as a hard disk or an external storage device. As an example, the storage unit 320 stores the above-described reference data 320A (see FIG. 5), the calibration program 320B according to the present embodiment, and the like. The storage location of the reference data 320A and the calibration program 320B is not limited to the storage unit 320, and may be stored in, for example, a storage area (for example, a cache) of the control unit 301, the ROM 302, the RAM 303, or an external storage device. .

Note that the calibration program 320B may be provided as a part of an arbitrary program, not as a single program. In this case, control processing according to the present embodiment is realized in cooperation with an arbitrary program. Even such a program that does not include some modules does not depart from the spirit of the server 300 according to the present embodiment. Furthermore, part or all of the functions provided by the calibration program 320B according to the present embodiment may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, the calibration apparatus 100 and the server 300 may cooperate to implement part or all of the functions provided by the calibration program 320B. Furthermore, the server 300 may be configured in the form of a so-called cloud service in which at least one server realizes processing according to the present embodiment.

[Brief Summary]
As described above, the calibration system 500 according to the present embodiment selects the calibration standard according to the type of the optical measurement apparatus 200 to be calibrated, and performs the calibration process of the optical measurement apparatus 200 based on the selected calibration standard. Execute. Thereby, the calibration system 500 can execute the calibration process corresponding to various types of optical measurement apparatuses. In addition, since the calibration of the optical measuring device 200 is automatically executed, the time required for the calibration of the optical measuring device 200 is shortened. In addition, human error that occurs during calibration is suppressed.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, an example in which the optical measurement device 200 to be calibrated is a hand-held color difference meter has been described, but the calibratable optical measurement device 200 is not limited to this.

Referring to FIG. 13, other optical measuring devices that can be calibrated will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a stationary optical measurement device 200A is installed in the calibration device 100 according to the second embodiment. The optical measuring apparatus 200A is, for example, a stationary spectrocolorimeter or a stationary color difference meter.

The calibration apparatus 100 calibrates the optical measurement apparatus 200A with the optical measurement apparatus 200A installed on the stage 112. Since the calibration method is as described in the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated.

As described above, the calibration system 500 can calibrate not only the handheld optical measurement apparatus 200 but also the stationary optical measurement apparatus 200.

<Third Embodiment>
[Calibration system 500]
The calibration system 500 according to the first embodiment calibrates the optical measurement device using the reference plate. On the other hand, the calibration system 500 according to the third embodiment calibrates the optical measurement device using the reference light source.

Hereinafter, a calibration system 500 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration in the calibration system 500 according to the third embodiment.

An optical measuring device 200B can be installed in the calibration device 100. The optical measurement device 200B is a device that can measure light emitted from a light source, for example. As an example, the optical measurement device 200B is a color luminance meter. The calibration device 100 can communicate with the optical measurement device 200B.

The calibration apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101 and a box 102. Inside the box 102, a reference light source 113 and a light guide 115 are provided.

The reference light source 113 includes, for example, light sources 113A to 113C that emit light of different wavelengths. The calibration apparatus 100 selects a light source used for calibration processing from the light sources 113A to 113C according to the type of the optical measurement apparatus 200B. Thereafter, the calibration apparatus 100 is selected to turn on the light source, and the light emitted from the light source enters the light guide unit 115.

The light guide 115 is, for example, a reflector. The light guide unit 115 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown). The light guide unit 115 receives the light emitted from the reference light source 113 and reflects the light to the measurement light of the optical measurement device 200B. Thereby, the optical measuring device 200 B can measure the reference light source 113.

Note that the light guide unit 115 is not necessarily provided. For example, instead of the light guide 115 being driven, the reference light source 113 may be driven. In this case, the light guide unit 115 is driven so that light emitted from each light source directly enters the measurement port of the optical measurement device 200.

[Proofreading]
With reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the calibration process in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by calibration system 500 according to the third embodiment. The process of FIG. 15 corresponds to the process of step S200 shown in FIG. Other processes other than step S200 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof will not be repeated.

In step S210A, the calibration system 500 selects a reference light source associated with the type of the optical measuring device 200 from a plurality of reference light sources. The selection process is executed based on the calibration information 84A shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing calibration information 84A according to the third embodiment.

In the calibration information 84A, the calibration reference 110 used for the calibration process is associated with each type of optical measuring device. The selection unit 152 selects a reference light source associated with the type of the optical measurement device 200B from the plurality of reference light sources based on the calibration information 84A. More specifically, the selection unit 152 searches for the type of the optical measurement device 200B from the types of optical measurement devices defined in the calibration standard 110, and the reference associated with the searched type. Select a light source. The calibration apparatus 100 determines the selected calibration standard as a reference light source used for the calibration process.

In step S212A, the calibration system 500 initializes a variable m representing the reference light source number. The variable m is initialized to zero, for example. When a plurality of reference light sources are selected in step S210A, the plurality of reference light sources are uniquely identified by the variable m.

In step S214A, the calibration system 500 turns on the mth reference light source. Thereafter, the calibration system 500 drives the light guide 115 (see FIG. 14) so as to guide the light emitted from the mth reference light source to the measurement port of the optical measurement device 200B. Thereby, the light guide part 115 guides the light emitted from the selected light source to the measurement port of the optical measuring device 200B to be calibrated. The drive process of the light guide unit 115 is executed by, for example, the drive control unit 154 (see FIG. 7) of the calibration apparatus 100.

In step S216A, the calibration system 500 outputs a photometry command to the optical measurement device 200. As a result, the calibration system 500 can acquire measurement data of the mth reference light source.

In step S218A, the calibration system 500 executes the calibration process of the optical measuring device 200. The calibration process is executed by, for example, the calibration unit 352 (see FIG. 7) of the server 300. Since the calibration process is as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the description thereof will not be repeated.

In step S220A, the calibration system 500 determines whether or not calibration processing has been executed using all reference light sources (YES in step S220A), ends the processing in step S200, and switches control to step S300. Otherwise (NO in step S220A), calibration system 500 switches control to step S222A.

In step S222A, the calibration system 500 turns off the mth reference light source.
In step S224A, the calibration system 500 increments the variable m. That is, the calibration system 500 increases the variable m by “1”.

<Fourth embodiment>
The calibration system 500 according to the first to third embodiments does not use environmental data such as temperature for the calibration process. On the other hand, the calibration system 500 according to the fourth embodiment executes the calibration process using the environmental data.

Hereinafter, the calibration process in the fourth embodiment will be described.
The calibration system 500 acquires environmental data indicating the environment around the optical measuring device 200 to be calibrated. The environmental data includes the ambient temperature of the optical measurement device 200, the magnitude of vibration applied to the optical measurement device 200, and the like. The temperature around the optical measuring device 200 is detected by, for example, a temperature sensor 130 (see FIG. 1). The magnitude of vibration of the optical measuring device 200 is detected by, for example, a vibration sensor 132 (see FIG. 1).

In the fourth embodiment, the above-described reference data 320A (see FIG. 5) is prepared in advance for each environmental data. That is, environment data is associated with each of the reference data 320A. The calibration system 500 searches for environmental data that matches or substantially matches the environmental data detected during the calibration process from the environmental data associated with each of the reference data 320A, and associates it with the retrieved environmental data. Select environmental data.

Next, the calibration system 500 selects the calibration standard 110 corresponding to the type of the optical measuring device 200. Since the method of selecting the calibration standard 110 is as described with reference to FIG. 3, the description thereof will not be repeated. The calibration system 500 measures the selected calibration standard 110 and obtains photometric data of the calibration standard 110.

The calibration system 500 compares the measurement data with the reference data 320A selected according to the environmental data, and executes the calibration process of the optical measurement device 200 based on the comparison result. Since the calibration process is as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the description thereof will not be repeated.

As described above, the calibration system 500 according to the fourth embodiment includes the environmental data indicating the environment around the optical measurement apparatus 200 to be calibrated and the measurement data obtained by measuring the selected calibration standard. The calibration process of the optical measuring device 200 is executed. By executing the calibration process using the environmental data, the optical measuring device 200 can be calibrated more accurately.

<Summary>
A calibration system that can calibrate different types of optical measurement devices is an optical system that uses multiple reference objects, a receiver for receiving the type of optical measurement device from the optical measurement device to be calibrated, and a reference object used for calibration processing. Based on calibration information associated with each type of measurement device, a selection unit for selecting a reference object associated with the type of optical measurement device to be calibrated from among the plurality of reference objects, An acquisition unit for outputting a measurement instruction of the reference object selected by the selection unit to the optical measurement apparatus to be calibrated and acquiring measurement data of the reference object from the optical measurement apparatus to be calibrated, and the measurement data And a calibration unit for calibrating the optical measuring device to be calibrated.

Preferably, the optical measuring device to be calibrated is a device for measuring reflected light from an object. The plurality of reference objects include a plurality of reference plates of different colors. The selection unit selects a reference plate associated with the type of the optical measuring device to be calibrated from the plurality of reference plates based on the calibration information. The calibration system further includes a drive unit for installing the reference plate selected by the selection unit so as to face the measurement port of the optical measurement device to be calibrated.

Preferably, the optical measuring device to be calibrated is a device for measuring light emitted from a light source. The plurality of reference objects include a plurality of light sources that emit light of different wavelengths. The selection unit selects a light source associated with the type of the optical measuring device to be calibrated from the plurality of light sources based on the calibration information. The calibration system further includes a light guide unit for guiding light emitted from the light source selected by the selection unit to a measurement port of the optical measurement device to be calibrated.

Preferably, the calibration system includes a calibration device and a server capable of communicating with the calibration device. The calibration apparatus includes the plurality of reference objects, the reception unit, the selection unit, and the acquisition unit. The server includes the calibration unit.

Preferably, the calibration system further includes a sensor for acquiring environmental data indicating an environment around the optical measuring device to be calibrated. The calibration unit executes a calibration process for the optical measuring device to be calibrated using the environmental data and the measurement data.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

80, 305 display unit, 82 operation unit, 84, 320 storage unit, 84A calibration information, 84B identification information, 84C, 320B calibration program, 90, 304 communication interface, 92 USB terminal, 100 calibration device, 101, 301 control unit, 102 box, 103 units, 104 storage unit, 105 drive unit, 106 robot arm, 108 electromagnetic coil, 110 calibration standard, 110B, 110C, 110G, 110M, 110O, 110R, 110W, 110Y, 111 standard plate, 112 stage, 113 Reference light source, 113A to 113C light source, 115 light guide, 116 fixing mechanism, 118 spacer, 130 temperature sensor, 132 vibration sensor, 150, 350 receiver, 152 selector, 154 drive controller, 56 obtaining unit, 158 transmission unit, 200, 200A, 200B optical measuring device, 300 server, 302 ROM, 303 RAM, 320A reference data, 321 a reference spectrum, 322 the measured spectra, 352 calibration unit 500 calibration system.

Claims

A calibration system capable of calibrating different types of optical measuring devices,
A plurality of reference objects;
A receiving unit for receiving the type of the optical measuring device from the optical measuring device to be calibrated;
A reference object associated with the type of the optical measurement device to be calibrated out of the plurality of reference objects, based on calibration information that associates a reference object used for the calibration process for each type of optical measurement device. A selection section for selecting
An acquisition unit for outputting a measurement instruction of the reference object selected by the selection unit to the calibration target optical measurement device, and acquiring measurement data of the reference object from the calibration target optical measurement device;
A calibration system comprising: a calibration unit for calibrating the optical measurement device to be calibrated using the measurement data.
The optical measuring device to be calibrated is a device for measuring reflected light from an object,
The plurality of reference objects include a plurality of reference plates of different colors,
The selection unit selects a reference plate associated with the type of the optical measurement device to be calibrated from the plurality of reference plates based on the calibration information,
The calibration system according to claim 1, further comprising a drive unit configured to install the reference plate selected by the selection unit so as to face a measurement port of the optical measurement apparatus to be calibrated.
The optical measuring device to be calibrated is a device for measuring light emitted from a light source,
The plurality of reference objects include a plurality of light sources that emit light of different wavelengths,
The selection unit selects a light source associated with a type of the optical measurement device to be calibrated from the plurality of light sources based on the calibration information,
The calibration system according to claim 1, further comprising a light guide unit for guiding light emitted from the light source selected by the selection unit to a measurement port of the optical measurement device to be calibrated.
The calibration system includes:
A calibration device;
A server capable of communicating with the calibration device,
The calibration apparatus includes the plurality of reference objects, the reception unit, the selection unit, and the acquisition unit,
4. The calibration system according to claim 1, wherein the server includes the calibration unit.
The calibration system further includes a sensor for acquiring environmental data indicating an environment around the optical measuring device to be calibrated,
The calibration system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the calibration unit executes a calibration process of the optical measurement device to be calibrated using the environment data and the measurement data.
A calibration method capable of calibrating different types of optical measurement devices using a plurality of reference objects,
Receiving the type of the optical measuring device from the optical measuring device to be calibrated;
A reference object associated with the type of the optical measurement device to be calibrated out of the plurality of reference objects, based on calibration information that associates a reference object used for the calibration process for each type of optical measurement device. A step of selecting
Outputting a measurement instruction of the reference object selected in the selecting step to the optical measurement apparatus to be calibrated, and obtaining measurement data of the reference object from the optical measurement apparatus to be calibrated;
And calibrating the optical measuring device to be calibrated using the measurement data.
A calibration program capable of calibrating different types of optical measuring devices using a plurality of reference objects,
The calibration program is stored in a computer,
Receiving the type of the optical measuring device from the optical measuring device to be calibrated;
A reference object associated with the type of the optical measurement device to be calibrated out of the plurality of reference objects, based on calibration information that associates a reference object used for the calibration process for each type of optical measurement device. A step of selecting
Outputting a measurement instruction of the reference object selected in the selecting step to the optical measurement apparatus to be calibrated, and obtaining measurement data of the reference object from the optical measurement apparatus to be calibrated;
A calibration program for executing the step of calibrating the optical measuring device to be calibrated using the measurement data.