JPH11230862A - Device and method for measuring characteristic of fluorescent lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and method for measuring the characteristics of a fluorescent lamp capable of accurately determining whether brightness at a plurality of axial dot parts is appropriate or not on the basis of actual situations in a relatively simple constitution. SOLUTION: A device for measuring the characteristics of a fluorescent lamp is provided with a fluorescent lamp DL with an aperture part, the first reflecting means 8 to reflect light emitted from the aperture part of the fluorescent lamp DL in a constant direction, the second reflecting means 9 to further reflect light reflected by the first reflecting means 8 in a different direction, a line sensor 1 to receive light reflected by the second reflecting means 9 via a lens 11, and a control means to determine whether brightness at a plurality of longitudinal parts of the fluorescent lamp DL is appropriate or not on the basis of an output signal from the line sensor 1. The first reflecting means 8 is constituted of a white-color diffusing plate or mirror, and the second reflecting means 9 is constituted of a mirror. The first and the second reflecting means 8 and 9 are arranged in parallel with each other at a predetermined angle with respect to the fluorescent lamp DL.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for measuring the characteristics of a fluorescent lamp, and more particularly to a method of measuring light emitted from a rare gas discharge lamp having a pair of strip-shaped external electrodes on the outer peripheral surface of a glass bulb over substantially the entire length. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for measuring the characteristics of a fluorescent lamp capable of detecting an optical defect by measuring over a range.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional rare gas discharge lamp of this kind is constructed, for example, as shown in FIG. This rare gas discharge lamp DL
Is a straight tube-shaped envelope A which is hermetically sealed by a glass bulb, for example, and an aperture Ba is provided on the inner surface of the envelope A.
A light-emitting layer B made of a phosphor such as a rare-earth phosphor or a halophosphate phosphor formed so as to have, and an outer peripheral surface of the envelope A are disposed at appropriate intervals along the longitudinal direction thereof. A pair of strip-shaped external electrodes C and D, an insulating member E mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the envelope A so as to cover the external electrodes C and D, and sealed in a closed space of the envelope A. And a rare gas such as xenon (Xe), krypton (Kr), neon (Ne), and helium (He) that does not contain a metal vapor such as mercury.

The rare gas discharge lamp DL has external electrodes C and D
High-frequency high voltage (for example, 2500 Vo-
By applying p), a rare gas discharge is generated, and the light emitting layer B is excited by the rare gas excitation line to emit light. Light is transmitted from the aperture Ba to the end of the external electrodes C and D. It is released to the outside through the opening of. In particular, since no mercury is used in the rare gas discharge lamp DL, the light amount rises sharply after lighting, and the light amount reaches almost 100% at the same time as lighting. Therefore, when the rare gas discharge lamp DL is applied to a document irradiating device such as a facsimile or an image scanner shown in FIG. 10, the reading quality of the document can be improved.

[0004]

As shown in FIG. 10, this document irradiating device irradiates the document surface P with the light emitted from the rare gas discharge lamp DL and filters the light reflected from the document surface P as shown in FIG. F, the light is received by a line sensor Q composed of a CCD element through a lens R.
The reading quality of the original is affected by the optical characteristics of the rare gas discharge lamp DL. For example, if air bubbles are mixed in the envelope portion corresponding to the aperture portion Ba, scratches or the like are formed on the surface portion, or dust is attached, the radiated light is refracted at this portion. As a result, the brightness is partially reduced, and the adhesiveness of the insulating member E to the envelope A is partially reduced, so that the gap between the envelope A and the insulating member E is reduced. When bubbles are formed, or when dusts or the like are interposed therebetween, the radiated light is refracted at this portion, so that the brightness is partially reduced. For this reason, the reading quality of the document is impaired.

Therefore, conventionally, for example, FIGS.
The brightness in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the light emitted from the rare gas discharge lamp DL is measured by using the characteristic measuring device shown in FIG. In the figure, the characteristic measuring device includes, for example, a filter F such as an ND filter disposed opposite the rare gas discharge lamp DL, a lens R disposed near the filter F, and a filter R disposed opposite the lens R. And a line sensor Q comprising a CCD sensor. The intensity of light entering the line sensor Q from the rare gas discharge lamp DL via the lens R is appropriately adjusted by the filter F, and light in the longitudinal direction of the rare gas discharge lamp DL is It is considered that the light is received after being reduced in size.

The radiation emitted from the rare gas discharge lamp DL by this measuring device is measured as follows. The illuminated rare gas discharge lamp DL is provided with an aperture Ba having a filter F.
, The light from the rare gas discharge lamp DL is input to the line sensor Q via the filter F and the lens R. Since the line sensor Q has, for example, about 5000 sensor elements arranged in a line, the length of the rare gas discharge lamp DL is 500 mm from the line sensor Q.
A signal corresponding to the brightness in each portion (dot) distributed to 0 is output. This signal (brightness data) is C
It is taken in by a control means (not shown) such as a PU, and is sequentially compared with a threshold value for judging whether brightness is appropriate. As a result of the comparison, if the brightness data is larger than the threshold value, it is determined that the brightness of the dot is normal. If the brightness data is smaller than the threshold value, the dot is determined. Is determined to be abnormal.

According to this measuring device, the rare gas discharge lamp DL
The characteristic feature is that an abnormal portion relating to brightness can be accurately detected in the axial direction. Therefore, even if the abnormal portion is one dot, the rare gas discharge lamp DL is determined to be defective. However, the rare gas discharge lamp DL is often applied to a document irradiating apparatus as shown in FIG. 10, and the light from the rare gas discharge lamp DL is reflected by the document surface P and passes through the filter F and the lens R. Since the incident light is incident on the line sensor Q, even if the abnormal dot is present only once, such as at one place, the influence on the reading quality of the original is relatively small, so that there is no practical problem. There are many.

If such defective products can be handled in the same manner as the normal rare gas discharge lamp DL in the usage mode shown in FIG. 10, not only can resources be effectively used, but also production efficiency can be improved. Things. Therefore,
There is a demand for a characteristic measuring device capable of determining such a rare gas discharge lamp DL as a normal product according to the actual situation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fluorescent lamp characteristic measuring apparatus and a measuring apparatus capable of accurately judging the appropriateness of the brightness at a plurality of dot portions in the axial direction according to the actual situation with a relatively simple configuration. It is to provide a method.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a light emitting device which emits light emitted from a fluorescent lamp having an aperture through a line sensor through an optical system including a lens. In a fluorescent lamp characteristic measuring device for measuring brightness at a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of the fluorescent lamp by receiving light, a first and a second reflecting means are interposed between the fluorescent lamp and the lens, The first reflecting means is constituted by a white diffuser or a mirror, the second reflecting means is constituted by a mirror, and the first and second reflecting means are arranged parallel to the fluorescent lamp at a predetermined angle. It is characterized by the following.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluorescent lamp having an aperture, a first reflecting means for reflecting light emitted from the aperture of the fluorescent lamp in a predetermined direction, A second reflector for reflecting the light reflected by the first reflector in a different direction, a line sensor for receiving the light reflected by the second reflector via a lens, and an output signal from the line sensor Control means for judging the appropriateness of the brightness at a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of the fluorescent lamp on the basis of the first reflection means, wherein the first reflection means is a white diffuser or a mirror.
, The second reflecting means is constituted by a mirror, and
The second reflection means is arranged in parallel with the fluorescent lamp at a predetermined angle.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first reflecting means is constituted by a white diffuser or a mirror, and the white diffuser and the mirror are interchangeable. The fourth invention is characterized in that the line sensor is a CCD sensor, and the fifth invention is characterized in that the fluorescent lamp has a light emitting layer having an aperture portion on an inner surface and an inner space. A pair of band-shaped external electrodes are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the straight tubular envelope enclosing the rare gas so that the aperture portion is not closed, and an insulating member is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the envelope, and the external electrode is It is a rare gas discharge lamp mounted so as to be covered.

Further, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, light from a fluorescent lamp having an aperture is received by a line sensor via an optical system including a plurality of reflecting means and lenses, and is received from the line sensor. By performing arithmetic processing based on the output signal, the appropriateness of the brightness at a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of the fluorescent lamp is determined, and the pass / fail is determined based on whether or not the locations of the inappropriate brightness are continuously present for a predetermined amount or more. This is a method for measuring characteristics of a fluorescent lamp, characterized by making a determination.

[0014]

Next, a flicker measuring apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. still,
The same parts as those of the conventional example shown in FIG.
Detailed description is omitted. Also, the rare gas discharge lamp DL is
For example, an endless transport means and fixed to the transport means,
The head is mounted on a head of a lighting device including a plurality of heads on which a lighting circuit is mounted and support means for a rare gas discharge lamp, and is intermittently conveyed in a certain direction.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a line sensor for detecting light from the entirety of the rare gas discharge lamp DL in the axial direction, for example, a CCD sensor in which a plurality of (5000) detection elements are arranged in a line. is there. The output signal of the line sensor 1 is input to the A / D converter 2 and is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal. An output signal of the A / D converter 2 is input to a controller 4 such as a CPU via an interface 3. The control means 4 comprises an interface 3
A memory unit for storing a signal input through the microcomputer and an arithmetic unit for appropriately calculating the stored data. The arithmetic unit is operated based on the fetched signal, and the rare gas discharge lamp DL
It is determined whether the brightness of each part in the axial direction is appropriate or not. 5 is an input means (for example, a keyboard),
Various conditions are input to the control means 4 via the interface 3. Further, a display device 6 and a printer 7 are connected to the control means 4, and display or print a judgment result based on the input data.

On the other hand, the brightness detection system is configured as follows. Above the stop position of the rare gas discharge lamp DL, the first reflecting means 8 reflects (refracts) light from the rare gas discharge lamp DL in a predetermined direction (for example, a right angle direction) so that the angle is approximately 45 °. And in parallel with the rare gas discharge lamp DL. The first reflecting means 8 is formed of, for example, a white diffuser having a reflectance of 70% or more so that the original surface of the original irradiating device can be reproduced. desired. It is desirable that the reflectivity is as large as 80% and 90%. The second reflecting means 9 applies light reflected by the white diffusion plate 8 to a portion facing the white diffusion plate 8 in a predetermined direction (for example, a right angle direction).
In order to reflect (refract) the light, the light is disposed at an angle of approximately 45 ° and in parallel with the white diffuser plate 8 and the rare gas discharge lamp DL. The second reflecting means 9 is constituted by a plate-shaped mirror. A filter 10 such as an ND filter for adjusting the amount of light is disposed above the mirror 9, and a lens 11 and a line sensor 1 are disposed above the filter 10. The positional relationship between the lens 11 and the line sensor 1 is designed so that light in the axial direction of the rare gas discharge lamp DL is reduced by the lens 11 and enters the line sensor 1.

Next, a method of measuring the suitability of the brightness of each part in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) (determination method) using the characteristic measuring apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, as shown in FIG. 7, the measuring device is set to a standby state, and a lighting device (not shown) is driven (started). The plurality of heads mounted on the lighting device are intermittently transported in a fixed direction at fixed intervals. At this time, the rare gas discharge lamp DL is sequentially mounted on each head.
As a result, the rare gas discharge lamp DL on the head is also intermittently conveyed. After the apparatus is started, initialization is performed (step S1). In this initial setting, for example, the fact that the number of times of detection of the light of the rare gas discharge lamp DL described later is 50 is input to the control means 4 using the keyboard 7.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), when the lighting device is stopped at T _0, as shown in FIG. (B),
Rare gas discharge lamp DL brightness measurement position is lit for a period of up to T ₃ at 90% rated voltage. Light from the rare gas discharge lamp DL is reflected by the white diffuser plate 8 at a substantially right angle, and is reflected by the mirror 9 at a substantially right angle.
The light enters the line sensor 1 via the lens 11. Then, as shown in FIG. 3C, after lighting of the rare gas discharge lamp DL, it is considered that the discharge becomes stable T ₁ (for example, after 3 seconds).
During the period from to T ₂ , the line sensor 1 measures the emitted light in the axial direction of the rare gas discharge lamp DL as line data m times and outputs the measured data via the A / D conversion means 2 and the interface 3. As a result, brightness data is taken into the control means 4 (step S2). As shown in FIG. 5, this data includes a plurality of points (n points) from one end (start dot) to the other end (final dot) of the opening Ba of the rare gas discharge lamp DL. −
The data is dot data (D ₁ , D ₂ ... D _n )
In addition, the number of measurements (m
Times) is line data (L ₁ , L ₂ ... L _m ).
Is configured as The line data is measured 50 times at intervals of, for example, 0.1 ms (milliseconds), and the dot data is, for example, brightness data of 5000 portions (dots) taken at 0.05 mm intervals. The lighting phases at this time are set to be substantially the same.

Next, in step S3, the line data is
It is determined whether the data has been captured. If it is determined that m is captured m times, the process proceeds to step S4. If it is determined that m is not captured, the process returns to step S2. Step S4
In the brightness data of each dot - by adding the data for each dot is the mean value Q ₁ to Q _n is calculated. For example, as shown in FIG.
Start line (first time) from the first to the last line (the m-th) Dottode - by adding all the data D ₁ to calculate the average value Q _1. Next, the second dot data D ₂ from the start line (first time) to the last line (m-th time)
All addition to calculating the average value of Q _2. Hereinafter, similarly Dottode - calculating the average value Q _n to data D _n. In some of the dots D ₃ , D ₄ , D _6, etc., the brightness is reduced, so the average value of the dots is considered to be lower than that of the other dots.

[0020] Next, comparison with the threshold is performed for the average value Q ₁ to Q _n and brightness of each dot in step S5, the threshold value is smaller than the average value de - data QQ is extracted. In step S6, it is determined whether or not x or more (for example, 10) average value data QQ continuously exist. If it is determined that there are x or more continuous, it proceeds to step S7, and if it is determined that it does not exist x or more continuously, it proceeds to step S8.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (d) on the basis of the determination result of the step S7 and step S8 In step S6, the determination output at the time of T ₄ is output. In step S7, the light emission portion of the rare gas discharge lamp DL has defects such as scratches, bubbles, dust and the like that affect the reading quality of the original.
L is determined to be defective. In step S8, since there is no x or more of the average value data QQ smaller than the threshold value, there are sporadic scratches and bubbles in the light emission portion of the rare gas discharge lamp DL. However, there is no problem that affects the reading quality of the original, and thus the rare gas discharge lamp DL is determined to be normal. The judgment output is displayed on, for example, the display device 6 and also printed by the printer 7 to complete the characteristic measurement. The lighting device T ₅ point intermittently moved, conveyed new rare gas discharge lamp DL in the brightness measurement position is measured in the same manner. In particular, the rare gas discharge lamp DL determined to have a defect is excluded from the transport line after the position following the brightness measurement position, but the lamp determined to be defective is transported to the next step as it is. Is done.

According to this device, the first and second reflecting means 8 and 9 are interposed in the brightness detection system.
Since the first reflecting means 8 is constituted by a white diffusion plate, the white diffusion plate 8 corresponds to the document surface P in the document irradiation device shown in FIG. For this reason, it is possible to measure the brightness in the axial direction of the rare gas discharge lamp DL in accordance with the actual condition, and those having sporadic abnormal dots that do not affect the reading quality of the original are normal products. Can be determined.

Further, the presence or absence of a defect regarding the brightness in the axial direction of the rare gas discharge lamp DL is calculated by adding dot data for each dot and calculating an average value. (E.g., 10 or more), it is determined whether there are defects such as scratches, bubbles, dust, and the like that affect the reading quality of the document depending on whether or not the document is continuously present. Even if there is a sporadic defect that does not affect the reading quality of the document, it is finally determined to be a normal product. Therefore, what was conventionally excluded as defective can be used as a good product, and productivity can be improved.

In particular, the line sensor 1 emits light from the rare gas discharge lamp DL at the same lighting phase a plurality of times (5 in the embodiment).
0 times), and the judgment is made based on the detected data, so that the judgment accuracy can be remarkably improved.

FIG. 8 shows a detection system of another characteristic measuring apparatus according to the present invention, which is basically the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. The difference is that the first reflecting means is constituted by a plate-shaped mirror 9A, and the white diffusing plate 8 and the mirror 9A are different from each other.
9A is freely replaceable.

According to this embodiment, when the first reflecting means is constituted by a plate-like mirror 9A, the same measurement as the conventional example shown in FIGS. 11 to 12 can be performed. For example, in a film scanner configured to irradiate light of a rare gas discharge lamp DL onto a transparent film and receive the transmitted light by a line sensor, a small defect of the rare gas discharge lamp DL greatly affects the reading quality. Therefore, if this embodiment is applied, it is possible to detect an abnormality in units of dots as in the related art, and it is possible to accurately eliminate an unsuitable rare gas discharge lamp applied to a film scanner or the like. . In this case, a conventional control means is applied.

When it becomes necessary to measure the characteristics of the rare gas discharge lamp applied to the original irradiating apparatus shown in FIG.
If the mirror 9A is replaced with the white diffusion plate 8, as described above, it becomes possible to measure characteristics without sporadic defects that do not affect the read quality. Therefore, a dedicated measuring device for each application is not required, and the equipment can be reduced in size and space.
Effective use of resources.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, a fluorescent lamp may be a cold gas discharge lamp, a general fluorescent lamp or the like in addition to a rare gas discharge lamp. Further, the arrangement position and angle of the first and second reflection means in the detection system with respect to the fluorescent lamp can be appropriately changed. Further, in order to judge whether or not a defective portion exists, dot data (an average value is also acceptable) of adjacent dots are compared in order, dots whose difference is larger than a threshold value are extracted, and a predetermined number of the abnormal dots are continuously detected. Is determined to be defective, or a certain number of dots (for example, 10 or 20) is defined as one inspection area, and the difference between the maximum value data and the minimum value data in the inspection area is It is also possible to check whether it is smaller than the threshold value, check each inspection area sequentially in the entire axial direction, and determine whether there is a defect as a whole.

[0029]

As described above, according to the present invention, the first and second reflection means are interposed in the brightness detection system.
In addition, since the first reflecting means is constituted by a white diffusion plate, the white diffusion plate corresponds to the original surface of a normal original irradiation device. For this reason, it is possible to measure the brightness in the axial direction of the fluorescent lamp in accordance with the actual condition, and it is possible to determine a normal lamp having sporadic abnormal dots that do not affect the reading quality of the original. Become like Therefore, what has been conventionally excluded as a defective product can be used as a non-defective product, so that resources can be used effectively and productivity can be improved.

The first reflecting means is constituted by a white diffuser and a mirror.
If it is configured to be replaceable, the characteristics of a fluorescent lamp applied to an original irradiating device using the reflected light on the original surface and a fluorescent lamp applied to an application such as a film scanner can be immediately realized by one device. It can be accurately measured in the above manner. Therefore, a dedicated measuring device for each application is not required, and the equipment can be downsized and the space can be effectively used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram schematically showing a characteristic measuring device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a light detection portion in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a timing chart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a light detection data of a rare gas discharge lamp using a line sensor.
FIG.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a characteristic measuring method according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of another light detection portion of the characteristic measuring device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a conventional rare gas discharge lamp.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state of application to a document irradiation apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a light detection portion of a conventional characteristic measuring device.

FIG. 12 is a front view of FIG. 11;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DL rare gas discharge lamp A envelope B light emitting layer Ba opening C, D external electrode E insulating member 1 line sensor 2 A / D conversion means 4 control means 5 input means (keyboard) 6 display device 7 printer Reference Signs List 8 first reflecting means (white diffuser) 9 second reflecting means (mirror) 9A first reflecting means (mirror) 10 filter 11 lens

Claims (6)

[Claims] A light emitted from a fluorescent lamp having an aperture is received by a line sensor through an optical system including a lens, so that brightness at a plurality of positions in a longitudinal direction of the fluorescent lamp is measured. In a fluorescent lamp characteristic measuring device, a first and a first lens are disposed between the fluorescent lamp and a lens.
The second reflecting means is interposed, the first reflecting means is constituted by a white diffuser or a mirror, the second reflecting means is constituted by a mirror, and the first and second reflecting means are fluorescent lamps. A fluorescent lamp characteristic measuring device, wherein the fluorescent lamp characteristic measuring device is arranged in parallel with a predetermined angle with respect to the fluorescent lamp. 2. A fluorescent lamp having an aperture, first reflecting means for reflecting light emitted from the aperture of the fluorescent lamp in a certain direction, and light reflected by the first reflecting means. Reflecting means for reflecting the light reflected by the second reflecting means through a lens, and a line sensor for receiving the light reflected by the second reflecting means via a lens, based on an output signal from the line sensor. Control means for determining the suitability of brightness at a plurality of locations, wherein the first reflection means is constituted by a white diffuser or a mirror, the second reflection means is constituted by a mirror, and An apparatus for measuring characteristics of a fluorescent lamp, wherein the second reflecting means is arranged in parallel with the fluorescent lamp at a predetermined angle. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first reflection means is constituted by a white diffuser or a mirror, and the white diffuser and the mirror are interchangeable. Fluorescent lamp characteristics measurement device. 4. The fluorescent lamp characteristic measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the line sensor is a CCD sensor. 5. The fluorescent lamp according to claim 1, wherein a light emitting layer having an aperture portion is formed on an inner surface of the fluorescent lamp, and a pair of band-shaped external electrodes are formed on an outer circumferential surface of a straight tubular envelope having a rare gas sealed in an inner space. A rare gas discharge lamp in which an aperture member is arranged so as not to be blocked and an insulating member is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the envelope so as to cover the external electrode. Item 3. The fluorescent lamp characteristic measuring device according to Item 1 or 2. 6. A light sensor for receiving light from a fluorescent lamp having an aperture through an optical system including a plurality of reflecting means and lenses, and performing arithmetic processing based on an output signal from the line sensor. And determining whether the brightness is appropriate at a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of the fluorescent lamp, and determining whether the brightness is appropriate based on whether or not locations having inappropriate brightness are continuously present for a predetermined amount or more. Characteristics measurement method.