Patent ID: 9366609
Filing Date: 2016-06-14
CPC Classification: G01N

Claim Text:
1. A hardness tester measuring hardness of a sample placed on a sample stage by loading a predetermined test force on the sample with an indenter to form an indentation in a surface of the sample, then measuring dimensions of the indentation, the hardness tester comprising: an indentation former configured to create the indentation in the sample surface by pressing the indenter against the sample surface; a first area calculator configured to calculate an area of the indentation during application of pressure, the indentation being formed in the sample surface while the indenter is pressed against the sample surface by the indentation former; an image capture controller configured to control an image capturer to capture an image of the sample surface and obtain image data of the sample surface; a second area calculator configured to calculate the area of the indentation that remains in the sample surface based on the image data obtained by the image capturer after the indenter has retreated from the sample surface; an elasticity index calculator configured to calculate an elasticity index of the sample based on the area of the indentation during application of pressure, calculated by the first area calculator, and the area of the indentation calculated by the second area calculator; and a hardness value calculator configured to calculate a hardness value of the sample based on the indentation remaining in the sample surface.