JP5045502B2 - Color discrimination device and color discrimination method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a color discriminating apparatus and a color discriminating method, for example, a color discriminating apparatus and a color discriminating method for identifying a gas by discriminating the color of a reaction surface caused by a color reaction with gas.

  Gas detectors that change the color of a reagent by chemically reacting a gas such as a poison gas with the reagent are known. For example, Patent Document 1 (US Pat. No. 6,228,657 B1) describes an M256 kit.

  This gas detection device includes a plurality of ampoules containing different types of reagents and a plurality of reaction surfaces such as paper into which the reagents in the ampule flow when the ampules are destroyed.

  When the reagent flows into the reaction surface, it chemically reacts with the gas in contact with the reaction surface. The color of the reagent changes due to the chemical reaction, and the color of the reaction surface changes according to the change in the color of the reagent.

  The user pours different reagents into each of the plurality of reaction surfaces, and recognizes the strength of the gas based on the change in the color of each reaction surface.

In Patent Document 1, three photodiodes or one color CCD camera each having sensitivity to any one of RGB (red, green, and blue) are used according to the color of one reaction surface. A reader that outputs a signal is described.
USP 6228657B1 publication

  On the reaction surface, color unevenness may occur during the color reaction. For example, different color regions may occur on the reaction surface.

  A gas detection device using a CCD camera receives and captures an image of a reaction surface on an imaging surface composed of a plurality of pixels. For this reason, each pixel of the imaging surface outputs an image signal corresponding to a partial image of the reaction surface received by itself among the images of the reaction surface. Therefore, even if color unevenness occurs on the reaction surface, the gas detection device using the CCD camera can recognize the color unevenness by analyzing the image signal from each pixel.

  However, in a gas detection apparatus using a CCD camera, a lens is provided between the reaction surface and the CCD camera in order to form an image of the reaction surface on the imaging surface. For this reason, the CCD camera must be installed at a position away from the reaction surface by a distance corresponding to the focal length of the lens. Therefore, there is a problem that the distance from the CCD camera to the reaction surface becomes long and the apparatus becomes large.

  On the other hand, in a gas detection device using a photodiode having one R, G, and B pixel, it is not necessary to provide a lens between the reaction surface and the photodiode. For this reason, the enlargement of the gas detection apparatus using a photodiode can be prevented.

  However, it is difficult for a photodiode having one R, G, and B pixel to detect color unevenness generated in the process of color reaction with high accuracy. For example, a gas detection device using a photodiode having one pixel each of R, G, and B, for example, receives light from a reaction surface with uneven color, and averages different colors on the reaction surface. There is a possibility of recognizing the color obtained by the conversion, that is, the color different from the actual color of the reaction surface as the color of the reaction surface.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a color discrimination device and a color discrimination method capable of solving the above-described problems.

  The color discriminating apparatus of the present invention is a color discriminating apparatus that discriminates the color of a reaction surface that has undergone a color reaction with a gas to be specified, and includes a light control unit having an opening smaller than the reaction surface, and the opening includes Driving means for changing the relative positional relationship between the opening and the reaction surface in a situation facing the reaction surface, projection means for projecting light onto the reaction surface, the opening and the reaction surface Each time the relative positional relationship between the light and the projected light changes, the light passing through the opening reflected by the reaction surface is received, and a color partial region signal corresponding to the light passing through is output. Light receiving means for determining the color of the reaction surface based on the plurality of color partial area signals.

  The color discrimination method of the present invention is a color discrimination method performed by a color discrimination device that includes a light control means having an opening smaller than a reaction surface that has undergone a color reaction with a gas to be specified, and that determines the color of the reaction surface. A driving step of changing a relative positional relationship between the opening and the reaction surface in a situation where the opening faces the reaction surface, a projection step of projecting light onto the reaction surface, Each time the relative positional relationship between the opening and the reaction surface changes, the light that is reflected by the reaction surface and passes through the opening is received out of the projected light, and according to the passing light. A light receiving step for outputting a color partial area signal; and a determination step for determining the color of the reaction surface based on the plurality of color partial area signals.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus, and it is possible to identify the color of the reaction surface with high accuracy even if color unevenness occurs on the reaction surface during the color reaction.

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

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a color discrimination device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the color discrimination device 100 includes a light control unit 2 having an opening 1, drive units 3 to 3, a light source unit 4, a photodiode 5, light shielding plates 6 to 6, and a control processing unit 7. The operation unit 8 and the display unit 9 are included.

  A reaction surface substrate 200 is mounted on the color discrimination device 100.

  The reaction surface substrate 200 is provided with a reaction surface 200a and a reference white surface 200b.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the reaction surface substrate 200.

  In FIG. 2, the reaction surface substrate 200 includes a plurality of types of reagents 201, a plurality of ampoules 202 containing the reagents 201, a medium 200a such as paper, and a reference white surface 200b. The medium 200a is used as the reaction surface 200a.

  When the ampoule 202 is destroyed, the reagent 201 in the ampoule flows into the medium 200a.

  When the reagent 201 flows into the medium 200a, the reagent 201 undergoes a color reaction with a gas (for example, a gas to be specified) in contact with the medium 200a. The reaction surface substrate 200 is, for example, the M256 kit described in Patent Document 1.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the color discrimination device 100 discriminates the color of the reaction surface 200a that has undergone the color reaction. Further, the color discrimination device 100 specifies the gas to be specified based on the color of the reaction surface 200a that has undergone the color reaction.

  The opening 1 has a smaller area than the reaction surface 200a.

  The light control unit 2 can be generally referred to as light control means.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining the light control unit 2 and the reaction surface substrate 200. In FIG. 3, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 or FIG.

  In FIG. 3, the opening 1 is a slit and faces the reaction surface 200a. The shape of the opening 1 is not limited to the slit, and may be a square or a circle, and can be changed as appropriate. The light control unit 2 is preferably black.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the drive units 3 to 3 can be generally referred to as drive means.

  The driving units 3 to 3 change the relative positional relationship between the opening 1 and the reaction surface 200a in a situation where the opening 1 faces the reaction surface 200a.

  For example, when the driving units 3 to 3 rotate in the direction of arrow A, the reaction surface substrate 200 moves in the direction of arrow B. On the other hand, when the driving units 3 to 3 are rotated in the arrow C direction, the reaction surface substrate 200 is moved in the arrow D direction.

  Further, the driving units 3 to 3 rotate in the direction of arrow C to move the reaction surface substrate 200 in the direction of arrow D, and discharge the reaction surface substrate 200 from the color discrimination device 100. In other words, the driving units 3 to 3 rotate in the direction of arrow C to move the reaction surface substrate 200 in the direction of arrow D and move the reaction surface substrate 200 to the outside of the color discrimination device 100.

  In this embodiment, the drive units 3 to 3 are gears, and move the reaction surface substrate 200 by meshing with teeth provided on the reaction surface substrate 200.

  The driving units 3 to 3 react with the opening 1 in a situation where the opening 1 faces the reaction surface 200a by moving the light control unit 2, the light source unit 4, the photodiode 5, and the light shielding plates 6 to 6. The relative positional relationship with the surface 200a may be changed. In this case, it is desirable that the light control unit 2, the light source unit 4, the photodiode 5, and the light shielding plates 6 to 6 are integrated.

  The light source part 4 can generally be called a projection means. The light source unit 4 is, for example, a halogen lamp or an LED. The light source unit 4 is not limited to the halogen lamp or the LED, but can be changed as appropriate.

  The light source unit 4 projects light onto the reaction surface 200a. For example, the light source unit 4 projects light onto the reaction surface 200a every time the relative positional relationship between the opening 1 and the reaction surface 200a changes. In the present embodiment, the light source unit 4 projects light onto the reaction surface 200 a through the opening 1.

  Photodiode 5 can be generally referred to as light receiving means.

  The photodiode 5 has one each of R, G, and B pixels. In the photodiode 5, one color pixel is formed by R, G, and B pixels. R represents red, G represents green, and B represents blue.

  Each time the relative positional relationship between the opening 1 and the reaction surface 200a changes, the photodiode 5 reflects the light that is reflected from the reaction surface 200a and passes through the opening 1 out of the light projected from the light source unit 4. Receive light.

  Each time the photodiode 5 receives the passing light, the photodiode 5 outputs a color partial area signal corresponding to the passing light. Since the photodiode 5 has one each of R, G, and B pixels, the color partial area signal is an RGB signal composed of R, G, and B signals.

  When the driving units 3 to 3 move the reaction surface substrate 200 so that the photodiode 5 receives the light reflected from the reference white surface 200b among the light projected from the light source unit 4, the photo diode The diode 5 outputs a reference signal corresponding to the light from the reference white surface 200b. The reference signal is also an RGB signal.

  The light shielding plates 6 to 6 can generally be referred to as light shielding means. The light shielding plates 6 to 6 prevent the photodiode 5 from receiving light different from the passing light that has passed through the opening 1.

  Control processing unit 7 can be generally referred to as discrimination means.

  Based on a plurality of color partial region signals output from the photodiode 5 (specifically, a plurality of color partial region signals representing each partial region of the same reaction surface 200a), the control processing unit 7 responds to the reaction surface 200a. To determine the color. For example, the control processing unit 7 determines the color of the reaction surface 200a based on a plurality of color partial region signals and reference signals.

  An image composed of a plurality of color partial region signals (RGB signals) representing each partial region of the same reaction surface 200a is referred to as “reaction surface RGB image”.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the RGB image 5A of the reaction surface.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the RGB image 5A of the reaction surface is composed of a plurality of color partial region signals (RGB signals) 5B to 5B representing the partial regions of the same reaction surface 200a. In other words, each color partial region signal (RGB signal) 5B to 5B becomes a pixel of the RGB image 5A on the reaction surface.

  Since each color partial area signal is composed of one R signal, one G signal, and one B signal, the RGB image 5A on the reaction surface has the same number of R partial images as the plurality of color partial area signals 5B. It consists of signal, G signal and B signal.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the operation unit 8 can be generally referred to as operation means. The operation unit 8 includes an operation start button (not shown) that can be operated by the user. The operation unit 8 provides a light emission instruction to the control processing unit 7 when the operation start button is operated.

  Display unit 9 can generally be referred to as output means. The display unit 9 displays, for example, the determination result of the control processing unit 7. Note that the output unit is not limited to the display unit, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the output unit may be a voice output unit for voice notification of the determination result of the control processing unit 7.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the control processing unit 7. In FIG. 5, the same components as those shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the drive units 3 to 3 are simply shown as the drive unit 3.

  The control processing unit 7 includes a control unit 71 and a processing unit 72. The processing unit 72 includes an A / D conversion unit 72a, a reference data storage unit 72b, a memory 72c, a bus line 72d, and a calculation unit 72e.

  Control unit 71 can generally be referred to as control means.

  The control unit 71 controls operations of the drive unit 3, the light source unit 4, and the processing unit 72 in accordance with a light emission instruction from the operation unit 8.

  For example, when receiving a light emission instruction, the control unit 71 first causes the drive unit 3 to perform a process of moving the reaction surface substrate 200 so that the opening 1 faces the reference white surface 200b. Thereafter, the control unit 71 causes the light source unit 4 to emit light and operates the processing unit 72.

  Subsequently, the control unit 71 performs a process of moving the reaction surface substrate 200 so that the relative positional relationship between the opening 1 and the reaction surface 200a changes in a situation where the opening 1 faces the reaction surface 200a. The drive unit 3 is made to execute.

  Moreover, the control part 71 makes the light source part 4 perform the process which projects light on the reaction surface 200a whenever the relative positional relationship of the opening part 1 and the reaction surface 200a changes.

  When the photodiode 5 receives the light reflected from the reference white surface 200b and passed through the opening 1 among the light projected from the light source unit 4, the reference signal (in accordance with the light from the reference white surface 200b) ( RGB signals) are output to the processing unit 72 (specifically, the A / D conversion unit 72a). Note that the reference signal is an analog signal.

  When the photodiode 5 receives the passing light reflected by the reaction surface 200a and passing through the opening 1 among the light projected from the light source unit 4, the color partial region signal (RGB signal) corresponding to the passing light is received. ) Is output to the processing unit 72 (specifically, the A / D conversion unit 72a). The color partial area signal is an analog signal.

  The processing unit 72 identifies the color of the reaction surface 200a based on the plurality of color partial region signals and the reference signal from the photodiode 5, and outputs information corresponding to the identification result.

  For example, the processing unit 72 adjusts the balance (the balance between the R signal, the B signal, and the G signal) of the plurality of color partial region signals 5B to 5B constituting the RGB image 5A of the reaction surface. The partial area signals 5B to 5B are corrected using the reference signal, and the color of the reaction surface 200a is determined based on the corrected color partial area signals 5B to 5B.

  A / D conversion unit 72a can be generally referred to as A / D conversion means.

  The A / D converter 72a converts the reference signal and the color partial area signals 5B to 5B into digital signals.

  In the reference signal of the digital signal and the color partial area signals 5B to 5B of the digital signal, each of the R, G, and B signals has a signal intensity of 0 to 255.

  That is, each color partial area signal 5B of the digital signal is composed of R, G, and B signals having a signal intensity of any value from 0 to 255.

  Since the reaction surface RGB image 5A is composed of the same number of R, G, and B signals as the plurality of color partial region signals 5B, the reaction surface RGB image 5A has a signal intensity of 0 to 255. And the same number of R, G and B signals as the plurality of color partial area signals 5B.

  Note that the ranges of the signal strengths of R, G, and B are not limited to 0 to 255 and can be changed as appropriate.

  Reference data storage unit 72b can be generally referred to as reference data storage means.

  The reference data storage unit 72b holds color information relating to the color of the reaction surface that has undergone a color reaction with the gas and identification information for identifying the reaction surface in association with each other.

  For example, the reference data storage unit 72b displays a reference histogram regarding the signal intensity of each of the R, G, and B signals constituting the RGB image of the reaction surface that has undergone a color reaction with the gas and the frequency of the signal intensity, and the reaction surface. A plurality of identification information for identification are stored in association with each other. The reference histogram is an example of color information.

  The memory 72c is used as a working memory for the calculation unit 72e.

  Operation unit 72e can be generally referred to as operation means.

  The computing unit 72e operates, for example, by executing a program. The calculation unit 72e is connected to the reference data storage unit 72b and the memory 72c via the bus line 72d.

  The calculation unit 72e specifies color information most similar to the digitized RGB image of the reaction surface from the color information in the reference data storage unit 72b, and refers to the identification information associated with the specified color information. Read from the data storage unit 72b.

  For example, the computing unit 72e generates a histogram relating to the RGB signal intensity and the frequency of the signal intensity from the digitized RGB image of the reaction surface. In the present embodiment, the frequency of a certain signal strength indicates the number of signals (R signal, G signal, and B signal) indicating the signal strength.

  The calculation unit 72e collates the generated histogram with a plurality of reference histograms in the reference data storage unit 72b, and specifies a reference histogram corresponding to the generated histogram.

  For example, the computing unit 72e identifies a histogram whose signal intensity at which the frequency peak value appears is most similar to the generated histogram from among a plurality of reference histograms in the reference data storage unit 72b.

  Specifically, for each reference histogram, the computing unit 72e takes the product of the frequencies of the same signal intensity in the generated histogram and the reference histogram, adds the products, and the reference with the maximum added value Identify the histogram for

  The computing unit 72e identifies the identification information associated with the identified reference histogram and outputs the identification information to the display unit 9.

  Note that the reference histogram stored in the reference data storage unit 72b is the signal intensity of each of RGB in the RGB image generated by the photodiode 5 and the processing unit 72 from the reaction surface that has been colored and reacted in advance with the gas. A histogram regarding the frequency of signal strength is desirable.

  However, the reference histogram in the reference data storage unit 72b is not limited to the histogram generated by the photodiode 5 and the processing unit 72.

  Next, the relationship between the reaction surface 200a and the histogram generated by the calculation unit 72e will be described.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reaction surface 200a that has undergone a color reaction with a certain gas (for example, gas A).

  In FIG. 6, due to the color reaction between the reagent and the gas A, a circular reaction region (color unevenness) 200aA in which the color 1A, the color 2A, and the color 3A exist is generated on the white reaction surface 200a. Hereinafter, the reaction region (color unevenness) 200aA is referred to as a color sample A.

  Each time the relative positional relationship between the opening 1 and the reaction surface 200a changes, the photodiode 5 reflects the light that is reflected from the reaction surface 200a and passes through the opening 1 out of the light projected from the light source unit 4. It receives the light and outputs a color partial area signal 5B corresponding to the passing light to the A / D converter 72a.

  The A / D conversion unit 72a converts each of the plurality of color partial area signals 5B to 5B representing each partial area of the same reaction surface 200a into a digital signal.

  The calculation unit 72e generates a histogram that is data of R, G, and B signal intensities and frequency of the signal intensities in the RGB image 5A of the reaction surface constituted by the plurality of color partial area signals 5B to 5B.

  The calculation unit 72e first generates R, G, and B histograms in the RGB image 5A of the reaction surface, and then superimposes the R, G, and B histograms with the signal intensity as a common axis. One histogram is generated.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a histogram relating to the signal intensity of the color sample A. FIG.

  FIG. 8 shows an example in which a circular reaction region (color unevenness) 200aB having different area ratios of the colors 1A, 2A, and 3A shown in FIG. 6 is generated by the color reaction between the reagent and the gas A. FIG. Hereinafter, the reaction region (color unevenness) 200aB is referred to as a color sample B.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a histogram relating to the signal intensity of the color sample B. FIG.

  In both the color sample A and the color sample B, since the reaction surface 200a has undergone a color reaction with the gas A, the types of colors in the reaction region are the same. Therefore, in the histogram shown in FIG. 7 and the histogram shown in FIG. However, color sample A and color sample B have different frequency values because the area ratios of the colors in the reaction region are different.

  For this reason, even if some of the reaction surfaces that have undergone a color reaction with the same gas have an area ratio of each color that is different from that of the other reaction surfaces in the process of the color reaction, the frequency has a peak in the histogram. If the signal intensities coincide with each other, it is possible to specify a reaction surface having the same color reaction as a reaction surface that has an area ratio of each color different from that of other reaction surfaces.

  On the other hand, FIG. 10 shows an example in which a circular reaction region (color unevenness) 200aC in which the color 4A, the color 5A, and the color 6A exist on the white reaction surface 200a is generated by the color reaction between the reagent and the gas B. It is explanatory drawing shown. Hereinafter, the reaction region (color unevenness) 200aC is referred to as a color sample C.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a histogram relating to the signal intensity of the color sample C. FIG.

  Since the color sample C and the color sample A have different chemically reacted gases, the colors generated by the color reaction are different. Therefore, the histogram shown in FIG. 7 and the histogram shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the reaction region 200aD in a state where the color sample C shown in FIG. 10 is blurred due to, for example, the process of the color reaction. Hereinafter, the reaction region (color unevenness) 200aD is referred to as a color sample D.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a histogram relating to the signal intensity of the color sample D. FIG.

  Since the color sample C and the color sample D have the same main color, the signal intensities at which the frequency peaks are the same. However, since the color sample C has a color component that is not in the color sample C because the color sample C is blurred, the color sample D is more dispersed in the signal intensity value and has a smaller peak value.

  For this reason, even if some of the reaction surfaces that have developed a color reaction with the same gas have each color blurred in the process of the color reaction, the signal intensity at which the frequency peaks in the histogram is the same. If it does, it becomes possible to specify what has blurred each color as a reaction surface having the same color reaction.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reference histogram of the color sample A (i = 1) held in the reference data storage unit 72b. The reference histogram is generated by the calculation unit 72e and is stored in association with the category “color sample A (i = 1)” which is identification information for identifying the color sample A (i = 1).

  Note that the reference histogram shown in FIG. 14 represents the frequency with respect to each signal intensity (0 to 255) of the RGB image 5A corresponding to the color sample A.

  In FIG. 14, when the signal intensity is 50, the frequency is 10, and this position (signal intensity 50) has a frequency peak. Therefore, the calculation unit 72e sets the value of the signal strength 50 of the reference data D (i = 1) to 1, normalizes the data before and after that, and sets the value of the signal strength 49 of the reference data D (1). 1/10 × 3 = 0.3 is set, and the value of the signal intensity 51 of the reference data D (1) is set to 1/10 × 20 = 0.2.

  In FIG. 14, when the signal strength is 180, the frequency is 40, and this position (signal strength 180) also has a frequency peak. Therefore, the calculation unit 72e sets the value of the signal strength 180 of the reference data D (1) to 1, normalizes the data before and after that, and sets the value of the signal strength 179 of the reference data D (1) to 1 / 40 × 18 = 0.45 is set, and the value of the signal intensity 181 of the reference data D (1) is set to 1/40 × 8 = 0.2.

  In FIG. 14, reference data D (1) also represents the frequency of signal strength.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reference histogram of the color sample B (i = 2) held in the reference data storage unit 72b. This reference histogram is also generated by the calculation unit 72e and is stored in association with the category “color sample B (i = 2)” which is identification information for identifying the color sample B (i = 2).

  Note that the reference histogram illustrated in FIG. 15 represents the frequency with respect to each signal intensity (0 to 255) of the RGB image 5A corresponding to the color sample B.

  In FIG. 15, when the signal intensity is 50, the frequency is 45, and this position (signal intensity 50) has a frequency peak. For this reason, the calculation unit 72e sets the value of the signal strength 50 of the reference data D (i = 2) to 1, normalizes the data before and after that, and sets the value of the signal strength 49 of the reference data D (2). The value of 1/45 × 20 = 0.44 is set, and the signal intensity 51 of the reference data D (2) is set to 1/45 × 15 = 0.33.

  In FIG. 15, when the signal intensity is 180, the frequency is 12, and this position (signal intensity 180) also has a frequency peak. Therefore, the computing unit 72e sets the value of the signal strength 180 of the reference data D (2) to 1, normalizes the data before and after that, and sets the value of the signal strength 179 of the reference data D (2) to 1 / 12 × 2 = 0.17 is set, and the value of the signal intensity 181 of the reference data D (2) is set to 1/12 × 3 = 0.25.

  In FIG. 15, reference data D (2) also represents the frequency of signal strength.

  The reference histogram shown in FIG. 14 and the reference histogram shown in FIG. 15 have the same signal intensity position where the peak appears, but have different frequencies.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reference histogram of the color sample C (i = 3) held in the reference data storage unit 72b, and FIG. 17 shows the color sample held in the reference data storage unit 72b. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the reference histogram of D (i = 4).

  Since the color sample D is blurred, the histogram shown in FIG. 17 has a larger variance (expands) than the histogram shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reference histogram on the reaction surface 200a when the concentration of the gas B is different from the concentration when the color sample C is generated. Since the gas concentration is related to the brightness of the color reaction region, the signal intensity at which the peak value of the frequency appears is different if the concentration is different even for the same gas.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, the user prepares a plurality of reaction surface substrates 200 having reaction surfaces 200a chemically reacted with a specific gas in advance, and moves the reaction surface substrates 200 in turn by the drive unit 3 to perform calculation. The unit 72e generates a histogram of the reaction surface 200a of each reaction surface substrate 200, and holds these histograms in the reference data storage unit 72b as reference histograms.

  Next, the operation will be described.

  The color discriminating apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment first stores a reference histogram and identification information in the reference data storage unit 72b, and then displays a reaction surface composed of a plurality of color partial region signals output from the photodiode 5. Based on the RGB image 5A and the reference histogram in the reference data storage unit 72b, the color of the reaction surface 200a is identified, and information corresponding to the identification result is output.

  First, an operation of holding data in the reference data storage unit 72b will be described. This operation is executed, for example, after a reference data creation button (not shown) in the operation unit 8 is operated to enter the reference data creation mode.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of holding data in the reference data storage unit 72b.

  A reaction surface substrate 200 having a reaction surface 200 a that has undergone a color reaction with a previously specified gas is inserted into the color discrimination device 100. The concentration of this gas is also specified in advance.

  When the operation start button on the operation unit 8 is operated by the user under the reference data creation mode, the operation unit 8 provides a light emission instruction to the control unit 71.

  When the control unit 71 receives a light emission instruction in the reference data creation mode, the process 1 is executed (step 1901).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the process 1 (step 1901).

  In the process 1, first, the control unit 71 causes the drive unit 3 to perform a process of moving the reaction surface substrate 200 so that the opening 1 faces the reference white surface 200b (step 2001).

  Subsequently, the control unit 71 causes the light source unit 4 to emit light (step 2002).

  The light projected from the light source unit 4 reaches the reference white surface 200b through the opening 1, and is reflected by the reference white surface 200b. The photodiode 5 receives light that has passed through the opening 1 among the light reflected by the reference white surface 200b, and outputs a reference signal to the processing unit 72 (step 2003). For this reason, the reference signal is an output corresponding to the color (white) of the reference white surface 200b.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the opening 1 and the reference white surface 200b when measuring the reference white surface 200b. In FIG. 21, the same components as those shown in FIG.

  In the processing unit 72, the A / D conversion unit 72a converts the reference signal into a digital signal. When the arithmetic unit 72e receives the reference signal of the digital signal, the arithmetic unit 72e stores the R signal (D_red_ref), the G signal (D_green_ref), and the B signal (D_blue_ref) that constitute the reference signal in the memory 72c (step 2004).

  Subsequently, the computing unit 72e sets the maximum value among the R signal (D_red_ref), the G signal (D_green_ref), and the B signal (D_blue_ref) as D_ref_max (step 2005).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e calculates A_red = D_ref_max / D_red_ref, A_green = D_ref_max / D_green_ref, and A_blue = D_ref_max / D_blue_ref, and stores the calculation result in the memory 72c (step 2006).

  Since the reference white surface 200b is white, the signal intensities of the R signal (D_red_ref), the G signal (D_green_ref), and the B signal (D_blue_ref) are essentially equal. However, these signal intensities may be different from each other due to variations in output characteristics of RGB pixels.

  A_red, A_green and A_blue calculated in step 2006 are used in the following steps to compensate for these signal strength variations.

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e sets the variable i to 0. In the processing 1, the variable i represents the number of color partial area signals representing each partial area of the same reaction surface. In addition, the calculation unit 72 e sets the variable X to a preset initial measurement position, and provides the variable X to the control unit 71. The variable X represents a reference position (measurement position) in the reaction surface 200a (step 2007).

  Subsequently, the control unit 71 causes the drive unit 3 to perform a process of moving the reaction surface substrate 200 so that the opening 1 faces the reference position in the reaction surface 200a indicated by the variable X (step 2008). .

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the opening 1 and the reference white surface 200b when measuring the reference white surface 200b. In FIG. 22, the same components as those shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, the computing unit 72e determines whether or not the value of the variable i is smaller than Imax (step 2009). Note that Imax represents the number of required color partial area signals, and is preset in the calculation unit 72e.

  When the value of the variable i is smaller than Imax, the calculation unit 72e provides a light emission instruction to the control unit 71. When receiving the light emission instruction from the calculation unit 72e, the control unit 71 causes the light source unit 4 to emit light (step 2010).

  The light projected from the light source unit 4 reaches the reaction surface 200a through the opening 1 and is reflected by the reaction surface 200a. The photodiode 5 receives light that has passed through the opening 1 among the light reflected by the reaction surface 200 a and outputs a color partial region signal (RGB signal) corresponding to the position X (i) to the processing unit 72. (Step 2011).

  In the processing unit 72, the A / D conversion unit 72a converts the color partial area signal corresponding to the position X (i) into a digital signal. When the arithmetic unit 72e receives the color partial area signal of the digital signal corresponding to the position X (i), the arithmetic part 72e constitutes the color partial area signal, and the R signal (D_red_samp (i)) and G signal (D_green_samp (i)) And the B signal (D_blue_samp (i)) are stored in the memory 72c (step 2012).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e calculates D_red_data (i) = A_red × D_red_samp (i), and stores the calculation result in the reference data storage unit 72b (step 2013).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e calculates D_green_data (i) = A_green × D_green_samp (i), and stores the calculation result in the reference data storage unit 72b (step 2014).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e calculates D_blue_data (i) = A_blue × D_blue_samp (i), and stores the calculation result in the reference data storage unit 72b (step 2015).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e sets X = X + ΔX, provides the variable X to the control unit 71, and sets i = i + 1 (step 2016).

  Hereinafter, the process returns to Step 2008.

  In this embodiment, by repeating Step 2008 to Step 2016, the drive unit 3 rotates intermittently in the direction of arrow C so that the reaction surface substrate 200 moves by ΔX (see FIG. 22), and the photodiode 5 Is a color partial region signal (D_red_data (i), D_green_data (i), D_green_data (i), D_red_data (i), D_green_data (i),...) Corresponding to the relative position (X (i)) between the reaction surface substrate 200 and the opening 1 each time the reaction surface substrate 200 moves by ΔX. D_blue_data (i)) is output.

  In step 2009, when the value of the variable i becomes the same as Imax, the calculation unit 72e causes the color partial area signals (D_red_data (0), D_green_data (0), D_blue_data (D) corresponding to the position X (i = 0)). 0)) to color partial area signals (D_red_data (Imax), D_green_data (Imax), D_blue_data (Imax)) corresponding to the position X (i = Imax) are correlated to each other and correspond to the same reaction surface. A surface RGB image 5A is set (step 2017).

  Thus, the process 1 shown in FIG. 19 ends.

  Subsequently, the process 2 shown in FIG. 19 is executed (step 1902).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining process 2 (step 1902).

  In the process 2, first, the computing unit 72e acquires the RGB image 5A (step 2301).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e divides the RGB image 5A into R signal intensity data, G signal intensity data, and B signal intensity data, and each of the R, G, and B signal intensity data is divided. The data is held in the memory 72c via the bus line 72d (step 2302).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e calculates a histogram of the signal strength of R in order to obtain frequency data (histogram related to R) for each signal strength of R. For example, the calculation unit 72e refers to the memory 72c and calculates the histogram of the R signal strength by counting the number of R signal strength data indicating the signal strength for each signal strength of 0 to 255. (Step 2303).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e calculates a histogram of the signal intensity of G in order to obtain frequency data (histogram related to G) for each signal intensity of G. For example, the calculation unit 72e refers to the memory 72c and calculates the histogram of the G signal strength by counting the number of G signal strength data indicating the signal strength for each signal strength of signal strength 0 to 255. (Step 2304).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e calculates a histogram of the signal strength of B in order to obtain frequency data (histogram related to B) for each signal strength of B. For example, the calculation unit 72e refers to the memory 72c and calculates the histogram of the signal strength of B by counting the number of B signal strength data indicating the signal strength for each signal strength of signal strength 0 to 255. (Step 2305).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e generates a single histogram by combining the R, G, and B histograms with the signal intensity as a common axis, and holds the combined histogram in the memory 72c (step 2306). .

  Subsequently, the computing unit 72e refers to the memory 72c and detects the peak value of the frequency in the combined histogram (step 2307).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e sets “1” in the portion corresponding to the signal intensity at which the peak value appears in the reference data D (i), and the signal intensity corresponding to that portion is set for the portion before and after that. A value obtained by standardizing the frequency according to the peak value is set (step 2308).

  Subsequently, the computing unit 72e displays a message on the display unit 9 to input a category such as a data name. When the user inputs a category by operating the operation unit 8 according to the message, the category is provided from the operation unit 8 to the control unit 71 and from the control unit 71 to the calculation unit 72e (step 2309). .

  This category is used as a name when the finally identified data is displayed on the display unit 9.

  Upon receiving the category, the calculation unit 72e associates the category with the data so far (the histogram generated in step 2306 and the reference data generated in step 2308) and refers to the category via the bus line 72d. The data is stored in the data storage unit 72b (step 2310). Note that a histogram for reference is configured by the histogram generated in step 2306 and the reference data generated in step 2308.

  Thus, the process 2 shown in FIG. 19 ends.

  Thereafter, the operation shown in FIG. 19 is repeated while the user changes the reaction surface substrate 200 to gases chemically reacted on the reaction surface 200a and those having different concentrations.

  Next, the calculation unit 72e identifies the color of the reaction surface 200a based on the measured RGB image of the reaction surface 200a and the reference histogram in the reference data storage unit 72b, and according to the identification result. An operation for outputting information will be described. This operation is executed, for example, after the reference data creation mode is canceled by operating the reference data creation button in the operation unit 8.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining this operation. In FIG. 24, the same processes as those shown in FIG. 19 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  A reaction surface substrate 200 having a reaction surface 200 a that has undergone a color reaction with the gas to be identified is inserted into the color discrimination device 100.

  When the operation start button on the operation unit 8 is operated by the user in a state where the reference data creation mode is released, the operation unit 8 provides a light emission instruction to the control unit 71.

  When the control unit 71 receives a light emission instruction in the reference data creation mode, the process 3 is executed. Processing 3 is the same processing as processing 1 shown in step 1901 of FIG.

  Thereafter, process 4 is executed (step 2401).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining process 4 (step 2401). In FIG. 25, the same processes as those shown in FIG. 23 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  First, the computing unit 72e acquires an RGB image (step 2301). Thereafter, the calculation unit 72e executes Step 2302 to Step 2305.

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e combines the R, G, and B histograms with the signal intensity as a common axis to generate one histogram Dx, and holds the histogram Dx in the memory 72c (step 2501).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e sets the variable i to 1 and sets the initial value for the calculation to 0 (Dmulti (0) = 0, Dmulti_max = 0) (step 2502).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e reads the data in the reference data storage unit 72b corresponding to the variable i, and holds the data in the memory 72c via the bus line 72d (step 2503).

  Subsequently, the computing unit 72e refers to the memory 72c, takes the product of Dx and D (i) for each identical signal intensity, and adds the products (step 2504). The computing unit 72e sets the added value to Dmulti (i).

  Subsequently, the computing unit 72e determines whether Dmulti (i) is larger than Dmulti (i-1) (step 2505).

  When Dmulti (i) is larger than Dmulti (i−1), the computing unit 72e sets Dmulti_max = Dmulti (i) and Dmatch = i (step 2506).

  Subsequently, the calculation unit 72e determines whether i = n. Note that n indicates the number of reference histograms in the reference data storage unit 72b.

  If i = n is not true, the computing unit 72e adds 1 to the variable i (step 2508), and executes the processing of step 2503.

  If Dmulti (i) is not greater than Dmulti (i−1) in step 2505, the calculation unit 72e executes step 2508.

  If i = n at step 2507, the calculation unit 72e displays the category corresponding to i indicated by Dmatch on the display unit 9 as data corresponding to the reaction surface 200a (step 2509).

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an integrated value for each signal strength of D (1) and Dx and a calculated value of Dmulti (1), and FIG. 27 is a diagram for each signal strength of D (5) and Dx. It is explanatory drawing which showed the integrated value and the calculated value of Dmulti (5).

  In FIG. 26, Dmulti (1) = 2.341, and in FIG. 27, Dmulti (5) = 0.172. Therefore, D (1) has a degree of coincidence with the reaction surface 200a in the color discrimination device 100. Get higher.

  According to the present embodiment, each time the relative positional relationship between the opening 1 and the reaction surface 200a changes, the photodiode 5 is reflected by the reaction surface 200a out of the light projected from the light source unit 4 and is opened. The light passing through 1 is received, and a color partial area signal corresponding to the light passing therethrough is output. For this reason, the color partial region signal functions as pixel information corresponding to each partial region of the reaction surface 200a. The control processing unit 7 determines the color of the reaction surface 200a based on the plurality of color partial area signals.

  Therefore, even if a lens is not provided between the reaction surface 200a and the photodiode 5, pixel information corresponding to each partial region of the reaction surface 200a can be generated. Therefore, even if color unevenness occurs on the reaction surface 200a, the control processing unit 7 can recognize the color unevenness by analyzing each pixel information.

  Note that the above-described effects also occur in the color discrimination device that includes the light control unit 2 having the opening 1, the drive unit 3, the light source unit 4, the photodiode 5, and the control processing unit 7.

  In the present embodiment, the light source unit 4 projects light onto the reaction surface 200a every time the relative positional relationship between the opening 1 and the reaction surface 200a changes.

  In this case, the light source unit 4 can project light onto the reaction surface only when necessary. Therefore, useless light projection can be suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, the driving unit 3 moves the reaction surface 200a so that the relative positional relationship between the opening 1 and the reaction surface 200a changes, and the reaction surface 200a is discharged from the color discrimination device 100. Move the reaction surface.

  In this case, the relative positional relationship between the opening 1 and the reaction surface 200a can be changed by using the drive unit 3 that discharges the reaction surface 200a from the color discrimination device 100. Therefore, the configuration can be simplified.

  In the present embodiment, the driving unit 3 moves the reaction surface 200 a by moving the reaction surface substrate 200 provided with the reference white surface 200 b together with the reaction surface 200 a, and the photodiode 5 is moved from the light source unit 4. The reaction surface substrate 200 is moved so as to receive the light reflected by the reference white surface 200b among the projected light.

  The photodiode 5 outputs a reference signal when receiving light reflected from the reference white surface 200b among the light projected from the light source unit 4.

  The control processing unit 7 corrects the plurality of color partial region signals using the reference signal, and determines the color of the reaction surface 200a based on the corrected plurality of color partial region signals.

  In this case, the drive unit 3 can move the reaction surface substrate 200 to obtain a reference signal and a plurality of color partial area signals. Further, the levels of the plurality of color partial area signals can be adjusted using the reference signal.

  In the present embodiment, the photodiode 5 has one R, G, and B pixel. For this reason, for example, the configuration of the light receiving means can be simplified as compared with the case where a color CCD element or a color CMOS element having a plurality of R, G, and B pixels is used as the light receiving means. .

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a color discrimination device 100A that is a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the color discriminating apparatus 100A. In FIG. 28, the same components as those shown in FIG.

  The color discriminating apparatus 100A is different from the color discriminating apparatus 100 in that the light control unit 2A is used instead of the light control unit 2 and the drive unit 3A is used instead of the drive unit 3.

  FIG. 29 is a plan view for explaining the light control unit 2A and the drive unit 3A. In FIG. 29, the same components as those shown in FIG. 28 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 29, the opening 1A is a spot and faces the reaction surface 200a. The shape of the opening 1A is not limited to a square but may be a circle and can be changed as appropriate. The light control unit 2A is preferably black.

  FIG. 30 is a plan view of relevant parts when FIG. 29 is viewed from the direction of arrow E. FIG. In FIG. 30, the same components as those shown in FIG. 29 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 30, when the driving unit 3A in contact with the light control unit 2A rotates in the direction of arrow F according to an instruction from the control unit 71, the light control unit 2A moves in the direction of arrow G and rotates in the direction of arrow H. Then, the light control unit 2A is moved in the arrow I direction.

  In the present embodiment, the control processing unit 7 controls the driving units 3A to 3A to scan the reaction surface 200a with the opening 1A. For this reason, the RGB image of the reaction surface 200a is composed of a plurality of color partial region signals corresponding to the partial regions obtained by decomposing the reaction surface 200a into a matrix.

  In this embodiment as well, as described in the first embodiment, a plurality of color partial area signals are analyzed to determine the color of the reaction surface 200a.

  In each embodiment described above, the illustrated configuration is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration.

  For example, in each of the embodiments described above, a histogram is used as the color information. However, the color information is not limited to the histogram and can be changed as appropriate.

  A color CCD element or color CMOS element having a plurality of R, G, and B pixels may be used as the light receiving means.

It is the block diagram which showed the color discrimination device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a plan view showing an example of a reaction surface substrate 200. FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining a light control unit 2 and a reaction surface substrate 200. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating RGB image 5A of a reaction surface. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control processing unit 7. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the reaction surface 200a color-reacted with a certain gas. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a histogram relating to signal intensity of color sample A. It is explanatory drawing which showed the example which reaction region (uneven color) 200aB produced. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a histogram related to signal intensity of a color sample B. It is explanatory drawing which showed the example which reaction region (uneven color) 200aC produced. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a histogram relating to signal intensity of a color sample C. It is explanatory drawing which showed reaction area | region 200aD. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a histogram relating to signal intensity of a color sample D. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the reference histogram of the color sample A (i = 1). It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the reference histogram of the color sample B (i = 2). It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the reference histogram of the color sample C (i = 3). It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the reference histogram of the color sample D (i = 4). It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the histogram for a reference. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement which hold | maintains data in the reference data storage part 72b. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a process 1; It is explanatory drawing which showed the positional relationship of the opening part 1 at the time of measuring the white surface for reference 200b, and the white surface for reference 200b. It is explanatory drawing which showed the positional relationship of the opening part 1 at the time of measuring the white surface for reference 200b, and the white surface for reference 200b. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process 2; It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement which identifies the color of the reaction surface 200a based on the measured RGB image of the reaction surface 200a, and the reference histogram in the reference data storage part 72b. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process 4; It is explanatory drawing which showed the integrated value for every signal strength of D (1) and Dx, and the calculated value of Dmulti (1). It is explanatory drawing which showed the integrated value for every signal strength of D (5) and Dx, and the calculated value of Dmulti (5). It is a block diagram showing a color discrimination device 100A. It is a top view for demonstrating the light control part 2A and the drive part 3A. It is a principal part top view at the time of seeing FIG. 29 from the arrow E direction.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A Opening part 2, 2A Light control part 3-3, 3A-3A Drive part 4 Light source part 5 Photodiode 6-6 Light-shielding plate 7 Control processing part 71 Control part 72 Processing part 72a A / D conversion part 72b Reference data Storage unit 72c Memory 72d Bus line 72e Arithmetic unit 8 Operation unit 9 Display unit 100, 100A Color discrimination device 200 Reaction surface substrate 200a Reaction surface 200b White surface for reference

Claims (10)

A color discriminating apparatus that discriminates the color of a reaction surface that has undergone a color reaction with a specific target gas,
A light control means having an opening smaller than the reaction surface;
Driving means for changing a relative positional relationship between the opening and the reaction surface in a situation where the opening is opposed to the reaction surface;
Projecting means for projecting light onto the reaction surface;
Each time the relative positional relationship between the opening and the reaction surface changes, the light that is reflected by the reaction surface and passes through the opening is received from the projected light, and the light passes through the light. Light receiving means for outputting a color partial area signal;
A color discriminating device including discriminating means for discriminating a color of the reaction surface based on a plurality of the color partial area signals; The color discrimination device according to claim 1,
The projection unit projects a light onto the reaction surface every time the relative positional relationship between the opening and the reaction surface changes. In the color discrimination device according to claim 1 or 2,
The driving means moves the reaction surface so that a relative positional relationship between the opening and the reaction surface changes, and the reaction means so that the reaction surface is discharged from the color discrimination device. A color discriminator that moves across the surface. In the color discrimination device according to claim 3,
The drive means moves the reaction surface by moving a reaction surface substrate provided with a reference white surface together with the reaction surface, and the light receiving means includes the reference white of the projected light. Moving the reaction surface substrate to receive the light reflected by the surface;
The light receiving means outputs a reference signal corresponding to the light reflected on the reference white surface when receiving the light reflected on the reference white surface of the projected light,
The color discriminating apparatus, wherein the discriminating unit corrects the plurality of color partial area signals using the reference signal, and discriminates the color of the reaction surface based on the corrected color partial area signals. In the color discrimination device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The color determination device, wherein the light receiving unit includes one R, G, and B pixel. A color discriminating method performed by a color discriminating apparatus, including a light control means having an opening smaller than a reaction surface that has undergone a color reaction with a gas to be identified, and discriminating a color of the reaction surface,
A driving step of changing a relative positional relationship between the opening and the reaction surface in a situation where the opening is opposed to the reaction surface;
A projecting step of projecting light onto the reaction surface;
Each time the relative positional relationship between the opening and the reaction surface changes, the light that is reflected by the reaction surface and passes through the opening is received from the projected light, and the light passes through the light. A light receiving step for outputting a color partial area signal;
A determination step of determining a color of the reaction surface based on a plurality of the color partial region signals. The color discrimination method according to claim 6,
In the projecting step, a color discrimination method that projects light onto the reaction surface every time the relative positional relationship between the opening and the reaction surface changes. The color discrimination method according to claim 6 or 7,
In the driving step, the reaction surface is moved so that a relative positional relationship between the opening and the reaction surface is changed, and the reaction surface is discharged from the color discrimination device. A color discrimination method that moves the surface. The color discrimination method according to claim 8, wherein
In the driving step, the reaction surface is moved by moving a reaction surface substrate provided with a reference white surface together with the reaction surface;
In the light receiving step, when receiving the light reflected on the reference white surface of the projected light, a reference signal corresponding to the light reflected on the reference white surface is output,
In the determination step, the plurality of color partial area signals are corrected using the reference signal, and the color of the reaction surface is determined based on the corrected color partial area signals. In the color discrimination method according to any one of claims 6 to 9,
In the light receiving step, a color discrimination method in which the passing light is received by a light receiving unit having one R, G, and B pixels.

Images