JP2003097983A - Device for controlling sensor amplifier and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user friendly device for controlling sensor amplifier capable of effectively controlling the operating mode and the set value of a plurality of sensor amplifiers. SOLUTION: The device is provided with a memory 26 which stores a model-based function data base 33 describing the model of a sensor amplifier 1, the correspondence with a plurality of items containing settable items belonging to each model and the default value of the settable items, a displaying device 6 which displays a list with a plurality of columns including the model and the set item of the plurality of sensor amplifiers, a processing section 28 which refers the model-based function data base 33 in accordance with an inputting operation for a new model in the case of displaying the list, obtains the default value of the settable item and the operating mode corresponding to the model in the column of model, displays them in the set item of the displayed list, obtains the settable item belonging to the model and selectively displays the set value other than the default value in each column of the set item in the displayed list, and a communicating section 32 which transmits the set data being set in the displayed list to the sensor amplifier 1 through a communication unit 2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sensor amplifier management device and a computer program used therefor. The sensor amplifier here constitutes various industrial sensors such as photoelectric sensor, proximity sensor, pressure sensor, etc., and has built-in electronic circuit that performs signal processing such as amplification of output signal from sensor head, waveform shaping, voltage comparison, etc. It means a box-shaped part.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, such a sensor amplifier is
It has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape and is mounted on a standard-sized mounting rail called a DIN rail. For example, a plurality of sensors are installed in equipment in a factory, and a plurality of sensor amplifiers corresponding to the respective sensors are mounted side by side on a DIN rail. The DIN rail on which the sensor amplifier is mounted is usually housed inside a control panel or a control box.

In order to accommodate as many sensor amplifiers as possible in a limited space such as a control panel, the sensor amplifier has a thin box-shaped outer shape. And DIN
Mount multiple sensor amplifiers side by side so that they overlap each other in the rail length direction. Many types of sensor amplifiers are prepared according to the type and application of the sensor element (or sensor head), but the case outline and DIN rail mounting structure etc. must be standardized according to certain standards. Has been done.

On the upper surface of the sensor amplifier, a display device using LEDs (light emitting diodes) and a push button switch are provided.
The signal level of the detection signal from the sensor head and the operation mode are displayed on the display. Also, the threshold of voltage comparison,
The operation mode, display mode, etc. can be set using the push button switch and the display.

As described above, the box-shaped case of the sensor amplifier is thin, and the width of the upper surface on which the display and the push button switch are provided is narrow. That is, the space where the display device and the push button switch can be provided is limited. For this reason, it is necessary to use a small number of push button switches and indicators while switching them (used for a plurality of functions).

For example, in the case of a sensor amplifier of a photoelectric sensor, various displays such as a detection level, a peak hold level, and a threshold setting level can be switched by operating a push button switch in an operation mode. Further, in the setting mode, the threshold value setting and the operation mode (level detection mode, edge detection mode, one-shot mode, etc.) switching setting can be performed by tracing the hierarchy by operating a few push button switches. Be seen.

However, as the size of the sensor amplifier has been reduced in response to the market demand and the number of functions has increased, and the number of types of operation modes and items that can be set has increased, operation modes can be changed over with a few push button switches and indicators. The setting operation is becoming complicated. For example, if the number of operation mode layers is increased, the number of times the push button switch is operated for switching is increased, which causes a disadvantage that the operation becomes complicated for the user. Moreover, it is difficult to immediately know all the operation modes and setting contents on the display unit.

As means for solving the above problems,
It has been considered to perform data communication between an external device such as a personal computer and a sensor amplifier directly or via a communication unit and use the external device as a sensor amplifier management device. For example, if a display of a personal computer is used, it is possible to collectively display information on operation modes and setting states read from a plurality of sensor amplifiers like a list. Also, it becomes possible to switch operation modes and input settings while viewing the display screen using the keyboard.

[0009]

As described above, there are some problems when an external device such as a personal computer is used as a sensor amplifier management device. One of them is to support many types of sensor amplifiers used according to the type and application of the sensor head. For old models to the latest models, and models that will be added in the future, it is necessary to allow users to manage the distinction between the functions that they have and the functions that they do not have without confusion. In addition, when managing the accessory parts and the replaceable parts, it is desirable that the user can appropriately display the possible combinations of the sensor amplifier and those parts.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a user-friendly sensor amplifier management device capable of efficiently managing operation modes and set values of a plurality of sensor amplifiers. The purpose is to provide a computer program used for it.

[0011]

A first configuration of a sensor amplifier management apparatus according to the present invention includes operation modes of a plurality of sensor amplifiers by performing data communication with a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit. It is a management device for managing the set value, and it has a model of sensor amplifier and
Correspondence with multiple items including operation modes and configurable items of each model, and a storage unit that stores a model-specific function database that describes the operation mode and the default values of the configurable items, and the model of multiple sensor amplifiers, A display device for displaying a list having a plurality of fields including operation modes and setting items, and a model entered in the model field by referring to the model-specific function database as the model field is entered in the list display. Acquire the operation mode and the default value of the settable item corresponding to the and display it in the operation mode and the setting item column of the list display, and acquire the operation mode and the settable item of the model and the operation mode of the list display In each of the fields and the setting items, a processing unit that displays selectable setting values other than the default value and the setting data set in the list display. Characterized in that it comprises a communication unit for transmitting through the direct or communication units data to one or more of the sensor amplifier.

According to such a configuration, for many types of sensor amplifiers, their functions (set values)
It is possible to display on the screen the functions that the user does not have and the functions that he does not have so that the user can distinguish them. It goes without saying that the set value mentioned here includes the operation mode, but may include the presence or absence of accessory parts or replaceable parts of the sensor amplifier and their types. This allows the user to recognize and display even possible combinations of sensor amplifiers and their components.

In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit acquires information for specifying the model from the sensor amplifier via the communication unit, and automatically inputs the specified model from the information in the model column in the list display. The user may use the input device to enter the model column, but if the processing unit automatically inputs the model based on the information acquired from the sensor amplifier, the user can save time and effort. The problems associated with mistakes can be avoided.

In another preferred embodiment, not only the information about the model but also each set value including the operation mode,
The processing unit acquires each setting value acquired from the sensor amplifier via the communication unit and acquired from the sensor amplifier instead of the default value in the operation mode and setting item columns of the list display. This makes it possible to reduce the number of operations required when many setting items have been changed from the default values and additional setting changes have been made.

Second aspect of the sensor amplifier management apparatus according to the present invention
The configuration of is a management device for managing setting values including operation modes of a plurality of sensor amplifiers by performing data communication with a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or through a communication unit. A communication unit for transmitting and receiving data via the communication unit and a set value acquired from the sensor amplifier via the communication unit are displayed on the display device, and the set value is edited according to the input from the input device. And a processing unit that executes a process of transmitting the edited result to the sensor amplifier or the communication unit via the communication unit. With such a configuration, it is possible to immediately (in real time) change the setting value of the sensor amplifier by editing the setting value of the sensor amplifier monitored online using the sensor amplifier management device and the input device. it can.

[0016] Preferably, the sensor amplifier includes a switch and a display for changing and setting various set values including an operation mode, and the processing section displays the set value acquired from the sensor amplifier via the communication section on the display device. Periodically execute the process to be displayed. With such a configuration, when the setting value is directly changed using the switch and the display unit provided in the sensor amplifier, the changed setting value is reflected on the display of the display device by the periodical monitoring. .

Further, the computer program according to the present invention causes a computer which performs data communication with a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit to execute processing for managing set values including operation modes of the plurality of sensor amplifiers. It is a program that makes the model of the sensor amplifier,
Correspondence with multiple items including operation modes and settable items of each model, and a model-specific function database in which operation modes and default values of settable items are stored in a storage unit of a computer, and a plurality of sensors are stored. Display a list display having multiple fields including the model of the amplifier, operation mode and setting items on the display device of the computer, and refer to the function database for each model according to the entry in the model field of the list display Acquire the operation mode and the default value of the settable item corresponding to the input model and display it in the operation mode and setting item column of the list display,
Acquire the operation mode and settable items of the model and display the setting values other than the default values in each of the operation mode and setting item columns of the list display so that the setting data set in the list display is 1 or It is characterized by causing a computer to execute a process of transmitting to a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit.

By storing such a computer program in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and installing the computer program from the recording medium using a drive device connected to the computer, the sensor amplifier management as described above is performed. The device can be realized.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, an example of a sensor amplifier in which the sensor amplifier management device of the present invention is used is shown in FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the sensor amplifier, and FIG. 2 is a top view of the sensor amplifier. This example is a sensor amplifier 1 that constitutes an optical fiber type photoelectric sensor, and a connection part (insertion port) 11 and 12 of the light projecting side optical fiber and the light receiving side optical fiber is provided on the front side of a thin rectangular parallelepiped case 10. It is provided. A cable connection portion (not shown) for power supply, detection signal output, etc. is provided on the back side.

The depression 13 on the lower surface is a mounting portion for mounting the sensor amplifier 1 on the DIN rail. As will be described later, usually, a plurality of sensor amplifiers 1 are arranged side by side so as to be stacked and mounted on a DIN rail. The adjacent sensor amplifiers are connected to each other by the male connector 14 provided on one side surface.
And a female connector (not shown) provided on the other side surface to mechanically and electrically connect.

On the upper surface of the sensor amplifier 1, 8 digits (4 digits x
A display 15 using the 7-segment LED of 2) and an indicator 16 that lights up during the projection output are provided.
In addition, the push button switches 17 to 17 used for setting the threshold value of the detection determination circuit, switching the operation mode and the display mode, etc.
20 are provided. The push button switch 18 is a swing type up / down push button switch.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a state in which a plurality of sensor amplifiers and communication end units are attached to a DIN rail and are connected so as to overlap each other. In this example, five sensor amplifiers 1 and one communication end unit 2 are connected,
It is fixed to the DIN rail 3. The sensor amplifier 1 shown in FIG. 3 is in a state in which the upper surface of the sensor amplifier 1 shown in FIG. 1 is covered with a dust-proof cover made of transparent plastic.

The communication end unit 2 has a function of mechanically holding the ends of a plurality of connected sensor amplifiers 1 and a communication function with the sensor amplifier management device. A female connector is provided on the side surface of the communication end unit 2 similarly to the side surface of the sensor amplifier 1, and is mechanically and electrically connected to the sensor amplifier 1. The four sensor amplifiers 1 other than the sensor amplifiers adjacent to (directly connected to) the communication end unit 2 are also bus-connected to the communication end unit 2 via the adjacent sensor amplifiers 1. The five sensor amplifiers 1 can individually exchange signals with the communication end unit 2.

When the cover 21 of the communication connector provided on the upper surface of the communication end unit 2 is opened, the communication connector connected to the internal circuit is exposed and the communication cable can be connected. Communication end unit 2
Communicates with the sensor amplifier management device by, for example, RS-232C serial communication. That is, the sensor amplifier management device can access each of the plurality of sensor amplifiers 1 online via the communication end unit 2. In one embodiment, a maximum of 16 sensor amplifiers 1 can be connected to one communication end unit 2.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, five sensor amplifiers 1 of the same type are connected, but in an actual usage example of factory equipment, sensor amplifiers of different types are connected to form one block. There are also things to do. For example, in addition to the optical fiber type among photoelectric sensors, an amplifier separation type in which a head part incorporating a light projecting element and a light receiving element is connected to a sensor amplifier by an electric cable, a type using a laser, and the like,
There are many types. Further, various sensor amplifiers such as a proximity sensor and a pressure sensor other than the photoelectric sensor can be similarly connected. All of the sensor amplifiers are standardized according to certain standards regarding the outer shape of the case, the mounting structure on the DIN rail, the position of the connecting connector, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the sensor amplifier management device according to the embodiment of the present invention. This sensor amplifier management device is realized, for example, by installing a dedicated sensor amplifier management program in a personal computer. For example, the sensor amplifier management program is installed in the auxiliary storage device (HDD) 26 of the computer main body 4 from the recording medium 24 such as a CD-ROM (optical disk) in which the sensor amplifier management program is recorded via the drive device 25.

The sensor amplifier management program installed in the auxiliary storage device 26 is loaded into the main memory 27 and executed. In addition to the auxiliary storage device 26 and the main memory 27, the computer body 4 includes a processing unit (CPU) 28 that executes a program, an input processing unit 29, and a display output unit 3.
0, a print output unit 31, and a communication unit 32. An input device 5 such as a keyboard and a mouse is connected to the input processing unit 29, and a CRT (cathode ray tube), L
A display device 6 such as a CD (liquid crystal display device) is connected, and a printer 7 is connected to the print output unit 31.

The communication section 32 communicates with the communication end unit 2 as described above, and can individually access the plurality of sensor amplifiers 1 connected to the communication end unit 2 online. In one embodiment, the maximum number of sensor amplifier management devices (sensor amplifier management programs) is 1.
6 × 16 = 256 sensor amplifiers 1 can be managed. That is, a maximum of 16 blocks (communication end units 2) to which a maximum of 16 sensor amplifiers 1 are connected can be connected to the sensor amplifier management device. RS for communication between the communication end unit 2 and the sensor amplifier management device
In the case of the -232C serial communication, it is necessary to switch the cable connection with each block, but if the communication is performed by a bus type connection such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), it is not necessary to switch the cable connection.

The auxiliary storage device 26 stores various programs such as an operating system and a sensor amplifier management program. In addition, correspondence between the model of the sensor amplifier 1 and a plurality of items including the operation mode and the settable items of each model, and the model-specific function database 33 in which the default values of the operation mode and the settable items are described are also stored. ing.

Next, the sensor amplifier management program will be described. The sensor amplifier management program has two main functions. The first function is to set the operation mode and settable items of each sensor amplifier 1 on the screen of the display device 6, and write the setting data to each sensor amplifier 1 via the communication end unit 2 (validate the setting. Function). The second function is a function of monitoring the operation mode, set value, and operation state of each sensor amplifier 1 via the communication end unit 2 and displaying it on the screen of the display device 6.

The sensor amplifier management program is, for example, M
It is a Windows (registered trademark) application having a DI interface. It has a setting window, a monitor window and a teaching window as main windows. Of these three types of windows, setting windows and monitor windows related to the present invention will be described below.

The setting window, which is the first window, is a window related to the above-mentioned first function, and the operation modes and setting values of 16 × 16 = 256 sensor amplifiers 1 are collectively edited in the setting window ( Can be set). An example (outline) of the setting window is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, the list display 35 having a plurality of fields including the model of each sensor amplifier 1, the operation mode and the setting items displayed in the setting window 34 is a "book" like a well-known spreadsheet program. , "Sheet",
It consists of "rows" and "columns". 1 book is maximum 1
It corresponds to the whole device including 6 × 16 = 256 sensor amplifiers 1, and one sheet is a maximum of 16 sensor amplifiers 1 and 1.
It corresponds to one block consisting of one communication end unit 2. The sheet (current sheet) being displayed can be switched by clicking the tab 36 at the lower left with the mouse. Each sheet includes 16 rows corresponding to 16 sensor amplifiers 1, and the right vertical scroll bar 3
You can use 7 to scroll through all the lines.

Each column of the list display 35 is provided with columns for various setting items such as amplifier number, model, operation mode, operation mode, presence / absence of timer, timer value, and threshold value. This example is the case of a photoelectric sensor amplifier, and the operation mode is to turn on the change of the sensor signal from dark to bright (LIGHT O
N) or, conversely, turn on the change from light to dark (DARK
ON). The operation mode differs depending on the model, but generally, a plurality of kinds of operation modes are provided according to the difference in whether high-speed operation is prioritized or the detection accuracy is prioritized, the amount of light projected, and the like.

The presence / absence of a timer is a setting of whether a delay time is provided from detection of a sensor to signal output (ON) or not (OFF). The timer value is a delay time setting when a delay time is provided. It is possible to select from a plurality of preliminarily determined values such as 10 ms and 40 ms. The threshold value is a reference value for determining whether the signal level obtained from the sensor is H (high) level or L (low) level. In addition to this, there are various setting items such as the presence / absence of differential output and display switching, and the setting items of all columns can be scroll-displayed using the horizontal scroll bar 38 at the lower right.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for setting the operation mode and various setting values of each sensor amplifier 1 using the setting window 34. In principle, the manual operation of the user is shown in an inverted trapezoidal frame, and the process executed by the processing unit 28 of the sensor amplifier management device is shown in a rectangular frame.

When the setting window 34 is displayed on the display device 6 for the first time, the list display 35 only displays the serial numbers in the amplifier number column, and the other columns are blank. In this state, if the user uses the input device 5 to input a model in the model column of an arbitrary amplifier number (step # 10
1), the processing unit 28 refers to the model-specific function database 33 stored in the auxiliary storage device 26 (step # 10).
2) The operation mode corresponding to the model and the default value of the settable item are read out and displayed so as to fill the corresponding column of the list display 35 (step # 103).

At this time, items that can be set and items that cannot be set are displayed so that the user can distinguish them.
For example, by changing at least one of a character color, a character font, a display style, a background color, etc., items that can be set and items that cannot be set are displayed separately.

If there is no item the user wants to change the setting among the displayed default values (default setting) (No in step # 104), the setting for the amplifier number is completed and the setting of the next amplifier number is made. Move (transfer to step # 110). If there is an item whose setting you want to change (Yes in step # 104), the user selects the item (cell) by clicking the mouse or the like (step # 105). As a result, options other than the default value of the selected cell are displayed in a pull-down display (step # 106). Here, when the user specifies a desired option by clicking the mouse or the like (step # 10
7) Then, the designated option is registered as a new setting value (step # 108).

If there is another item whose setting is to be changed (No in step # 109), the process returns to step # 105 and the processes up to step # 109 are repeated. When the setting change related to the amplifier number is completed (Y in step # 109)
es), it is checked in the next step # 110 whether or not the setting of all the sensor amplifiers to be set is completed. Step # until all sensor amplifiers are set up
The processing from 101 to step # 110 is repeated.

When the setting of all the sensor amplifiers is completed, the setting process here is completed. The created operation mode of each sensor amplifier and a list (list display 35) of various set values are, for example, a file format (CSV) of spreadsheet data.
The file can be stored in the auxiliary storage device 26. Alternatively, it can be printed out from the printer 7 via the printout unit 31. Further, the data set in the list display 35 can be transmitted to the communication end unit 2 in device units, block units, or sensor amplifier units to change the setting values of the sensor amplifiers 1. This transmission process will be described later.

The above setting procedure is merely an example. In the above procedure, the display of the default value and the setting change by inputting the model are performed for each sensor amplifier 1
Although it was performed for each sensor (one line of the list display 35), after inputting the model for all the sensor amplifiers 1 to be set and displaying the default values on the list display 35, the set values of arbitrary items are set. A setting procedure for changing is also possible.

Depending on the setting items in the list display 35, not only the setting change by designating the option displayed in the pull-down menu but also the setting value can be directly input in some cases. Further, editing operations such as cut, copy, and paste performed via the clipboard are also possible.

Also, among the setting items, the sensor amplifier 1
It also includes the presence and type of replaceable parts. Further, it includes not only the replacement parts directly connected to the sensor amplifier 1 but also the existence and types of replacement parts that can be attached to the replacement parts. For example, when the sensor amplifier 1 is a parent, a sensor head corresponding to a child is connected to the sensor amplifier 1, and a lens unit corresponding to a grandchild is attached to the sensor head. In this case, one or a plurality of types of connectable sensor heads are specified depending on the model of the sensor amplifier 1, and when the sensor head (setting value) is further determined, one or a plurality of types of attachable lens units are specified.

As described above, in the case of hierarchically managed setting items, the contents of the options displayed in the pull-down menu of the lower setting items depending on the setting value of the current setting item (designation of the options from the pull-down menu). Changes.
That is, when the item whose setting is to be changed is selected in step # 105 of FIG. 5, the options of the pull-down menu displayed in step # 106 are always limited to only the options that can be set at that time.

Next, the process of transmitting the data set in the list display 35 to the communication end unit 2 will be described. Select "Send" from the main menu of the sensor amplifier management program to open the dialog for selecting the transmission unit. When "device unit" is selected in this dialog, all data of up to 16 sheets (blocks) corresponding to a book are transmitted, and the setting values of all (maximum 256) sensor amplifiers 1 are changed. However, as mentioned above,
When the communication between the communication end unit 2 and the sensor amplifier management device is performed by RS-232C serial communication, it is necessary to switch the cable connection with each block. Therefore, when the data transmission for one sheet (block) is completed, the user is informed. A message prompting you to switch the cable connection is displayed.

When "block unit" is selected in the dialog for selecting the transmission unit, the data of the current sheet is transmitted to the communication end unit 2 of the corresponding block, and the setting values of all the sensor amplifiers 1 of the block are set. Be changed. When "sensor amplifier unit" is selected, the data of the current row in the current sheet is transmitted to the communication end unit 2 of the corresponding block, and the setting value of only the corresponding sensor amplifier 1 in the block is changed. .

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a transmission procedure from the sensor amplifier management device to the communication end unit 2. First, in step # 201, it is checked whether or not the communication end unit 2 to be transmitted is connected. When the connection is not established, a warning message is displayed (step # 204) to notify the user, and the process proceeds to the error processing of step # 213.

When the communication end unit 2 is normally connected, it is checked in the following step # 202 whether the block number and the sensor state match the information of the sensor amplifier managing device. If they do not match, a warning message is displayed (step # 204) to notify the user, and the process proceeds to the error processing of step # 213. If they match, command transmission is executed in step # 203, and a response (ACK) is waited for. If there is no response after a certain period of time (N in step # 205)
o) shifts to the error processing of step # 213. If there is a response (Yes in step # 205), the command is retransmitted in step # 206, and a response (ACK) is sent.
Wait again for. If there is no response (step #
If No, the process proceeds to step # 213, and if there is, the process proceeds to step # 208.

At step # 208, it is checked whether or not the transmitted command includes a parameter, and if not, the process proceeds to step # 212. If the parameter is included, the parameter is transmitted in step # 209, and the process waits for a response (ACK) to be returned. If there is no response after a certain period of time (No in step # 210), the process proceeds to the error processing in step # 213. If there is a response (Yes in Step # 210), Step # 211
Go to.

In step # 211, it is checked whether or not the transmission of all parameters has been completed, and if not completed, the flow returns to step # 209. When all parameters have been sent, wait for the completion code to be returned. If the completion code has not been received even after the elapse of a certain time (No in step # 212), the process proceeds to the error processing in step # 213. If the completion code is received (step # 212
Yes), the communication is completed, and this process ends.

Next, the second sensor amplifier management program
The monitor window, which is the window of, will be described. The monitor window is related to the function of monitoring the operation mode, set value, and operation state of each sensor amplifier 1 via the communication end unit 2 and displaying it on the screen of the display device 6. The monitor window is a window for monitoring the information (setting value and current value) of the sensor amplifier included in the block connected to the sensor amplifier management device. If the setting value is changed in this window, it will be connected. The setting value of the sensor amplifier is changed in real time. FIG. 8 shows an example (outline) of the monitor window.

In FIG. 8, a sensor amplifier selection list box 41 is displayed on the left side of the monitor window 40. Here, a list of all sensor amplifiers included in the block connected to the sensor amplifier management device is displayed. The data is obtained by communication from the communication end unit 2 of the block. The user can select the sensor amplifier to be displayed on the monitor from this list.

Information on the set value and the current value of the sensor amplifier selected in the sensor amplifier selection list box 41 is displayed in the sensor amplifier information area 42 on the right side. The display contents include all setting items of the sensor amplifier, margin (ratio (percentage) between current value and threshold value regarding received light amount), output state, warning regarding deterioration of light projecting element, and the like. The setting value displayed in the sensor amplifier information area 42 can be edited (setting change) by the user using the input device 5. The edited result (the set value after the change) is transmitted to the communication end unit 2 in real time, and the corresponding sensor amplifier 1
The setting value of is changed.

As described above, each sensor amplifier 1
Can directly change the set value using the push button switches 17 to 20 and the display 15 provided on the upper surface. Therefore, the sensor amplifier management device periodically communicates with the communication end unit 2, acquires the set value of each sensor amplifier 1, and updates (redisplays) the monitor display content of the display device 6.

At the bottom of the monitor window 40, four buttons that are activated by clicking the mouse are displayed. The “UNDO” button 43 is a button for canceling only the latest input made by the user for editing in the sensor amplifier information area 42. "All UN
The “DO” button 44 is a button for canceling all the input made by the user for editing in the sensor amplifier information area 42 and returning to the state when the monitor window 40 was opened. The “teaching setting” button 45 is a button for setting the selected sensor amplifier by teaching. When this button is pressed (click operation), the teaching window opens and the teaching operation can be performed. A detailed description of the teaching operation will be omitted. "Close" button 46
Is a button for closing the monitor window 40.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a process in which the sensor amplifier management device reads information of each sensor amplifier 1 from the communication end unit 2. In this process, first, as shown in FIG.
The same processing as the transmission processing shown in steps # 201 to 211 (and the error processing of step # 213) is performed (step # 301). Thereafter, the data sent from the communication end unit 2 is received (step # 302). In the subsequent step # 303, it is checked whether or not the reception of all data is completed, and steps # 302 and # 303 are repeated until the reception is completed. After receiving all the data,
In step # 304, the information of the sensor amplifier management device is updated, and this processing ends. Note that the reception can be executed by selecting the device unit, the block unit, or the sensor amplifier unit, as in the above-described transmission.

To open the monitor window 40, select "Monitor" from the main menu of the sensor amplifier management program.
Select. When the monitor window 40 is activated, the sensor amplifier management program acquires information on all the sensor amplifiers 1 included in the blocks connected in the above procedure. In addition, when the "close" button 46 is pressed (click operation) to close the monitor window 40,
It is checked whether or not the user has changed the settings, that is, whether or not the sheet setting values and the block setting values in the setting window shown in FIG. 5 all match. If there is a difference between the two, that is, the monitor window 40
When the setting is changed by the user in step 1, the changed setting value is copied to the sheet in the setting window.
At this time, a confirmation message asking whether to update the contents of the sheet is displayed.

The first function (collective setting function) and the second function (monitor function or read function) of the sensor amplifier management device described above may be used in combination. That is, the operation mode or set value of each sensor amplifier 1 is first read and displayed on the screen of the display device 6 in a list form, and then the operation mode or set value of any sensor amplifier 1 is changed, and the changed setting is set. A usage mode in which data is written in the sensor amplifier 1 is also possible.

Also in this case, the set value of the sensor amplifier 1 can be changed in accordance with the operation mode of each sensor amplifier 1 and the setting procedure of various set values described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The only difference is that the display of each setting item in the list display 35 of FIG. 5 is not the default value but the latest setting value read from each sensor amplifier 1.

Further, instead of the user inputting the model of the sensor amplifier 1 in the setting window 34 using the input device 5 (step # 101 in FIG. 6), the sensor amplifier management device reads out from the communication end unit 2 by communication. You may do it. That is, unlike the reading in the monitor function, only the model information may be read and automatically input in the model field of the setting window 34, and other setting items may be acquired by referring to the model-specific function database 33.

The method of reading the model information of the sensor amplifier 1 includes a method of estimating the model from other information. For example, some old model sensor amplifiers may not have one-to-one identification information, but it is possible to estimate that model from multiple responses to some command transmissions.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with some modifications appropriately included, the present invention can be implemented in various forms other than the above-described embodiments and modifications.

For example, in the above embodiment, the sensor amplifier management device changes or monitors the setting value of each sensor amplifier via the communication end unit, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The sensor amplifier management device may directly communicate with each sensor amplifier without using the communication end unit. Alternatively, one sensor amplifier having a communication function may be connected as a master unit to an end unit having only a communication cable connection function, and another sensor amplifier having no communication function may be connected as a slave unit to the master unit. Good.

Further, the connection between the sensor amplifiers and the connection between the sensor amplifier and the communication end unit may be serial connection instead of bus connection.

[0067]

As described above, according to the present invention, many types of sensor amplifiers can be displayed on the screen so that the user can distinguish the functions they have and the functions they do not have. It is possible to provide a user-friendly sensor amplifier management device capable of efficiently managing operation modes and set values of a plurality of sensor amplifiers, and a computer program used for the same.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a sensor amplifier in which a sensor amplifier management device of the present invention is used.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the sensor amplifier of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which a plurality of sensor amplifiers and a communication end unit are attached to a DIN rail and are connected so as to overlap each other.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a sensor amplifier management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a setting window displayed on the display device of the sensor amplifier management device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for setting an operation mode of each sensor amplifier and various setting values using a setting window.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a transmission procedure from the sensor amplifier management device to the communication end unit.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a monitor window displayed on the display device of the sensor amplifier management device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process in which the sensor amplifier management device reads information of each sensor amplifier from the communication end unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 sensor amplifier 2 Communication end unit (communication unit) 5 Input device 6 Display device 24 recording media 26 Auxiliary storage device (storage unit) 28 Processing Department 32 Communications Department 33 Function database for each model 35 List display

Continued front page    F term (reference) 2F076 AA01 AA06 AA07                 5H223 AA05 DD03 DD07 DD09 EE02                 5J050 AA00 AA42 AA44 AA46 BB05                       BB16 BB22 BB27 CC12 EE31                       EE39 FF04

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A management device for managing a set value including an operation mode of the plurality of sensor amplifiers by performing data communication with the plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit. Correspondence between a model and a plurality of items including operation modes and settable items of each model, and a storage unit that stores a function database for each model in which default values of the operation mode and settable items are stored, and a plurality of sensors A display device for displaying a list having a plurality of fields including the model of the amplifier, an operation mode, and a setting item, and in the list display, referring to the function database for each model according to the input in the model field, the model The default value of the operation mode and settable items corresponding to the model entered in the field is acquired and the operation mode and setting items of the list display are displayed. And a processing unit that displays the operation mode and the settable item of the model and displays the set value other than the default value in each of the operation mode and the setting item columns of the list display in a selectable manner. A sensor amplifier management device, comprising: a communication unit for transmitting setting data set in a list display to one or a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit. 2. The processing unit acquires information for identifying a model from the sensor amplifier via the communication unit, and automatically inputs the model identified from the information in a model column in the list display. The sensor amplifier management device according to claim 1, which is characterized in that. 3. The processing unit acquires information for specifying a model from the sensor amplifier and each set value including an operation mode via the communication unit, and displays the model specified from the information in the list. 2. The sensor amplifier according to claim 1, wherein each of the setting values acquired from the sensor amplifier is displayed in the operation mode and setting item fields of the list display in place of the default value while inputting in the model field in FIG. Management device. 4. A management device for managing set values including operation modes of the plurality of sensor amplifiers by performing data communication with the plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit, the sensor amplifier And a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data directly or via a communication unit, and displaying the set value acquired from the sensor amplifier via the communication unit on a display device and inputting the set value from an input device. And a processing unit that executes a process of transmitting the edited result to the sensor amplifier or the communication unit via the communication unit, according to the above. 5. The sensor amplifier includes a switch and a display for changing and setting various setting values including an operation mode, and the processing unit displays the setting value acquired from the sensor amplifier via the communication unit. The sensor amplifier management device according to claim 4, wherein the process of displaying on the display device is periodically executed. 6. A computer program for causing a computer, which performs data communication with a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit, to execute processing for managing a set value including an operation mode of the plurality of sensor amplifiers. , The correspondence between the model of the sensor amplifier and the multiple items including the operation mode and the settable items of each model, and the model-specific function database that describes the default values of the operation mode and the settable items are stored in the storage unit of the computer. The list display having a plurality of fields including the model, operation mode and setting items of the plurality of sensor amplifiers is stored and displayed on the display device of the computer, and the model is displayed in accordance with the input in the model field of the list display. Refer to the separate function database, and set the default of the operation mode and configurable items corresponding to the model entered in the model field above. The default value is acquired and displayed in the operation mode and setting item columns of the list display, and the operation mode and settable items of the model are acquired and in each of the operation mode and setting item columns of the list display. A setting value other than the default value is selectably displayed, and the computer is caused to execute a process of transmitting the setting data set in the list display to one or more sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit. A characteristic computer program. 7. A program for causing a computer, which performs data communication with a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or through a communication unit, to execute a process for managing a set value including an operation mode of the plurality of sensor amplifiers is recorded. A computer-readable recording medium, wherein the program corresponds to a model of a sensor amplifier and a plurality of items including operation modes and settable items of each model, and default values of the operation modes and settable items. Is stored in the storage unit of the computer, and a list display having a plurality of columns including a plurality of sensor amplifier models, operation modes and setting items is displayed on the display device of the computer. With the input in the model column of the display, refer to the function database for each model and enter in the model column The operation modes and settable items corresponding to the selected model are displayed and displayed in the operation mode and setting item columns of the list display, and the operation modes and settable items of the model are acquired and Setting values other than the default values are displayed in a selectable manner in each of the operation modes and setting item columns of the list display, and the setting data set in the list display is directly or connected to one or more sensor amplifiers or to a communication unit. A recording medium for causing a computer to execute a process of transmitting via the recording medium.