JP2675213B2 - Wireless temperature measuring device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a wireless temperature measuring device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a temperature measuring device is usually equipped with a temperature sensor (thermocouple, thermoelectric conversion element such as resistance temperature detector) and a recorder for recording data measured by the temperature sensor. The electric signal from the temperature sensor is amplified and then recorded in a recorder, A / D converted and recorded as a digital value in the recorder, or displayed on a CRT or the like. Further, the digitally converted data may be input to a host computer and used as process control data.

When this kind of temperature measuring device is applied to a measuring object in an environment where human beings cannot enter or where the device is adversely affected, the temperature measuring device should be mounted in a protective container together with a recorder. There is a method to install in the measurement environment. In such a case, the measurement data is processed by observing the display on the recorder etc. stored in the protective container after the measurement is completed, or after the measurement is completed, the temperature measuring device is connected to the external device by the connection cable. To be implemented by an external device. The external device includes a display device and the like, and displays the measurement data, analyzes the measurement data, and the like. However, in this method, since the temperature measuring device is not connected to an external device during measurement, it is impossible to perform processing such as displaying measurement data during measurement.

Therefore, it is conceivable to use a means of wireless remote measurement. The telemetry system is used for measuring objects scattered over a wide area, for measuring objects that are temporally spatially distant and cannot be easily approached, and for environments or devices where humans cannot enter. It is an effective means for measuring objects in an environment that adversely affects the In this type of system, as a transmission means for transmitting measurement data to the observer, etc., with the development of digital technology, various application fields have been devised and optimized in order to carry out transmission without error in the measured amount. The scheme is being used. Further, this transmission means has a configuration including a transceiver and a power source for performing remote communication.

In this kind of telemetry, signals measured by a plurality of temperature sensors are generally converted into voltage (current) signals adjusted and standardized by respective single conditioners together with other types of measured quantities, These are multiplexed and combined for effective use of the transmission line, and sent out through the transmitter to the transmission line. The collection of the measurement data and the display of the measurement data are not significantly different from the above-mentioned general measurement, and the transmitted measurement data is demodulated and displayed or recorded after being received by the receiver.

[0006]

However, the conventional remote measurement as described above is mainly performed for the purpose of, for example, environmental pollution measurement, river management, or temperature measurement in a spacecraft, etc. The provided temperature measuring device needs to include a transceiver that enables long-distance transmission and its power supply. Therefore, if the conventional system of this type is applied to a short distance (within a range of several meters) in a factory, there is a problem that the cost becomes high and the size of the device becomes large.

Therefore, the present invention provides an inexpensive and compact wireless temperature measuring device which enables remote measurement at a short distance.

[0008]

According to the present invention, a responder , a measurement start command, and a measurement condition setting command are issued to the responder.
Of measurement data transmission instructions, including standard and unmodulated transmission media
Zureka includes a interrogator provided with the transmission means for sending, and the responder is the temperature measurement unit, the measurement condition setting life
Including N memory for storing the measured data obtained by the measurement condition and the temperature measuring unit which is set by decree
The information storage unit that controls the temperature measurement unit and the information storage unit that is electrically connected to the information storage unit and is emitted from the interrogator
In response to the instruction, the measurement start signal, the measurement condition setting signal, and the measurement data stored in the memory are used for the measurement.
Modulates an unmodulated transmission medium included in a constant data transmission command.
And a transmission means for transmitting any of the signals to the interrogator.

[0009]

[Function] The transponder receives the command issued from the interrogator,
Determine the type. The received instruction is the measurement condition setting instruction
, The measurement start time and measurement end
Set measurement conditions such as end time and measurement time interval for measurement
Send the condition setting signal to the interrogator. Received instructions are measured
If it is a start command, send a measurement start signal to the interrogator
To start temperature measurement. The measurement data obtained by the temperature measuring unit provided in the transponder is stored in the information storage unit. Then, when the transponder receives the command to transmit the measurement data emitted from the interrogator, the transponder responds to the unmodulated transmission medium emitted from the interrogator based on the measurement data stored in the memory by the transmission means. Modulate and send to interrogator. Thus, the measurement data is transmitted to the interrogator, that Do is possible to perform processing such as display.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a wireless temperature measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the transponder 10 includes an antenna 1
1, a modulation unit 12, a write reception unit 13, a modulation signal generation unit 14, and an information storage unit 15. The antenna 11, the modulating unit 12, and the writing receiving unit 13 are electrically connected separately,
The write receiving unit 13 and the information storage unit 15, the modulation unit 12 and the modulation signal generation unit 14, and the information storage unit 15 and the modulation signal generation unit 14 are electrically connected. Transmission means is antenna 11, modulation section
12, a write receiving unit 13 and a modulation signal generating unit 14. The modulation unit 12 performs digital modulation on the received unmodulated microwave. The modulation signal generator 14 is a device that generates the modulation signal. The write receiving unit 13 is a device that demodulates the received modulated wave. The information storage unit 15 includes an interface, a control unit, and a memory (not shown). The control unit includes a microprocessor, and the memory includes a ROM and a RAM. Incidentally, the memory may be constituted only by the RAM. The ROM stores a system program for controlling the operation of the transponder 10, and the RAM stores temperature measurement data. The interface is a device that implements an interface with the antenna and performs parallel / serial conversion or serial / parallel conversion of signals.

As the antenna 11, for example, a rectangular patch antenna that also serves as transmission and reception is used. In the figure, three antennas 11 are illustrated for simplicity, but in the present embodiment, one is used. Also, the antenna in the figure
The antenna 11 is shown separately, but the antenna 11 is built into the housing of the transponder.

The transponder 10 is further provided with a temperature measuring section 16, which has an amplifier 17 and an AD as shown in FIG.
It is connected to the information storage unit 15 via the converter 18. A thermoelectric conversion element such as a thermocouple or a resistance temperature detector is used as the temperature measuring unit 16. After the electric signal from the temperature measuring unit 16 is amplified by the amplifier 17, the electric signal is A / D converted and digitized by the AD converter 18, and stored in the RAM in the information storage unit 15. These processes are performed by the ROM in the information storage unit 15.
It is executed by the microprocessor in the information storage unit 15 based on the program stored in. As will be described later, the start of measurement, the setting of measurement conditions, and the transmission of measurement data to the interrogator 20 are performed based on the command from the interrogator 20. According to the instruction from the interrogator 20, the transfer of the measurement data to the interrogator 20 is performed, and the responder 10 modulates the unmodulated transmission medium sent from the interrogator 20 based on the measurement data stored in the RAM. Send to interrogator 20.

A program including these instructions is an interrogator 20.
The program for controlling the temperature measuring unit 16 to perform the measurement is stored in the ROM provided in the information storage unit 15 of the responder 10.

The interrogator 20 includes an antenna 21 and an interrogation transmitting part 2
2, read receiving unit 23, write transmitting unit 24 and data processing unit 2
Has five. The interrogation transmission section 22 has a function of transmitting a read command and then transmitting an unmodulated microwave. The reading receiver 23 receives the response from the transponder 10 and demodulates it. The writing transmitter 24 modulates the microwave according to the information transmitted to the responder 10. Although three antennas 21 are shown in the figure for the sake of clarity, an array antenna in which a plurality of square patch antennas are arranged is usually used to improve directivity and support long-distance communication.

The data processing unit 25 includes a control unit, an interface and a data buffer, and the control unit generally includes a microprocessor (not shown). The interface is a device that implements an interface with the antenna and performs parallel / serial conversion or serial / parallel conversion of signals. The data buffer is composed of a RAM or the like and is used to store information. Also, an interrogator
It is possible to connect a higher-level computer to 20 and it is connected via another interface.

Next, the operation flow of one embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 2, 3 and 4 are flowcharts on the responder 10 side, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart on the interrogator 20 side.

As shown in FIG. 2, a standby state (step S
When the responder 10 in 1) enters the communicable area with the interrogator 20 and receives the standby release signal transmitted from the interrogator 20 (step S2), the responder 10 releases the standby state. Then, the cancellation confirmation signal is sent to the interrogator 20 (step S3). When the confirmation signal notifying that the cancellation confirmation signal has been received is received from the interrogator 20 (step S4), the process proceeds to the next step. If the confirmation signal is not received, the process returns to step S3.

The responder 10 receives the command signal from the interrogator 20 (step S5), determines whether or not the content of this command is a temperature measurement start command (step S6), and if the result is affirmative, the question is asked. A measurement start signal is transmitted to the instrument 20 (step S
7). Then, it is determined whether or not the confirmation signal is received from the interrogator 20 (step S8), and if it is received, the measurement is started (step S9). If the confirmation signal is not received, the process returns to step S7.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, a timer provided in the transponder 10 is started (step S10), and thereafter the measurement time is determined by this timer. In order to perform the measurement at a predetermined time interval, when it is determined that it is a predetermined time (step S11), the temperature measurement result and the time at that time are stored in the memory (step S1).
2).

The measurement start time, the measurement end time, and the measurement time interval are given as the measurement conditions, and the number of measurements is calculated in advance. It is determined whether the measurement data has been collected for the number of times of measurement (step S13), and if a positive answer is obtained, the measurement is ended (step S14),
The responder 10 enters a standby state (step S15). If the answer to step S13 is negative, steps S11 and S12 are repeated.

If the answer to step S6 is negative,
As shown in FIG. 4, it is determined whether the content of the command transmitted from the interrogator 20 is a measurement condition setting command (step S1).
6) If the result is affirmative, subsequently the measurement condition data transmitted from the interrogator 20 is received and set in the RAM (step S17). When the confirmation that the setting of the measurement conditions is completed is transmitted to the interrogator 20 (step S18) and the confirmation signal indicating that this signal has been received is received from the interrogator 20 (step S19), the responder 10 waits again. (Step S20).

When the answer to step S16 is negative, it is judged whether or not the content of the command transmitted from the interrogator 20 is a measurement data transmission command (step S21). And transmits the data already measured (step S22). Then, when the confirmation signal notifying that the data has been received is received from the interrogator 20 (step S23), the responder 10 is put in the standby state again (step S20).

If the answer to step S21 is negative, no processing is performed and the interrogator 20 is requested to transmit the command signal again (step S24), and the process returns to step S5 shown in FIG.

A flowchart of the interrogator 20 side with respect to the above flowchart will be described below with reference to FIG.

The interrogator 20 is a transponder normally in a standby state.
A standby release command is sent to 10 (step S3)
0). It is determined whether or not the cancellation confirmation signal is received from the responder 10 (step S31), and if the result is affirmative, the confirmation signal is sent to the responder 10 (step S32), and subsequently various command signals are sent. (Step S33). Here, as described above, there are three types of command signals: a measurement start command, a measurement condition set command, and a measurement data transmission command.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a response according to the command (step S34). If the previously issued command is a measurement start command, a measurement start signal is received, and if it is a measurement condition set command, a set completion signal is received. Also,
If it is a measurement data transmission command, the measurement data is received. If these responses are received, the process proceeds to the next step, and the confirmation signal is transmitted to the responder 10 (step S35). As a result, if the previous command is the measurement start command, the responder 10 starts the measurement, as shown in FIG. For other commands, the command contents have already been executed and the transponder 10
Will be in standby again. If the answer to step S34 is negative, the process returns to step S33.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of measurement conditions. As shown in the figure, the measurement conditions include a measurement start time, a measurement end time,
The measurement interval and the measurement channel to be measured are included. Further, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the measurement result, in which the measurement time and the temperature of the measurement channel as the measurement target are displayed. As described above, these data are RA of the transponder 10.
It is stored in M, transmitted to the interrogator 20, and displayed on a display device such as a CRT provided in the interrogator, or displayed on a peripheral terminal device of a computer connected to a higher level of the interrogator.

In the wireless temperature measuring device constructed in this manner, if the responder 10 is within a short distance (within a range of several meters) of the interrogator 20, the measurement data obtained by the temperature measuring unit 16 is micro. It is possible to transmit to the interrogator 20 via waves. In addition, this wireless temperature measuring device limits the communication area to a place within a predetermined short distance, and performs on-premise wireless work prescribed in the Enforcement Regulations of the Radio Law.

This enables processing such as display of measurement data during measurement, which is particularly effective when the device is used in an environment where humans cannot enter or where the device is adversely affected. Further, when the temperature measurement is performed while the responder 10 including the temperature measuring unit 16 moves, a plurality of interrogators 20 are provided in the moving path of the responder 10 to process the temperature measurement in the moving body during measurement. Is possible.

In the present embodiment, the transponder is provided with a temperature measuring section, and the object to be measured by the transponder is temperature, but the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of the temperature measuring section, humidity other than temperature, A measurement unit that measures various physical quantities such as pressure and acceleration (vibration, shock) may be provided.

The microwave system is used as the transmission medium, but the transmission medium is not limited to this, and an electromagnetic coupling system, an electromagnetic induction system, an optical communication system or the like may be used.

[0034]

The transponder receives the command issued from the interrogator.
Believe and determine the type. Received command sets measurement conditions
If it is a constant command, the measurement start time according to the command,
Set the measurement conditions such as measurement end time and measurement time interval.
And sends the measurement condition setting signal to the interrogator. Command received
Is a measurement start command, the measurement start signal is sent to the interrogator.
To start temperature measurement. The measurement data obtained by the temperature measuring unit provided in the transponder is stored in the information storage unit. When the transponder receives the command to transmit the measurement data emitted from the interrogator,
Based on the measurement data stored in the memory, the unmodulated transmission medium emitted from the interrogator is modulated and sent to the interrogator. Thus, the measurement data is transmitted to the interrogator, that Do is possible to perform processing such as display.

In the wireless temperature measuring device configured as described above, if the responder is within a short distance of the interrogator , the interrogator
It is possible to instruct measurement start and set measurement conditions from
In addition, the measurement data obtained by the temperature measuring unit of the transponder can be transmitted to the interrogator via the microwave. This allows the transponder to be located closer to the interrogator.
When in the remote area, it is possible to remotely operate the temperature measuring unit and display the measured data during measurement.
An environment where people on the premises, especially factories, cannot enter,
Or if the device is used in an environment that adversely affects it,
As a compact and low-cost temperature measuring device that can be operated remotely
It is effective because it can be used . Further, when the temperature measurement is performed while the transponder including the temperature measurement unit moves, the interrogator provided in the movement path of the transponder enables the process during the temperature measurement.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a wireless temperature measuring device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the transponder shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart diagram continuing from the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram continuing from the flowchart of FIG. 3;

5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the interrogator of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a list showing an example of measurement conditions for temperature measurement.

FIG. 7 is a list showing an example of measurement data of temperature measurement.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Transponder 11 Antenna 12 Modulator 13 Write receiver 14 Modulation signal generator 15 Information storage 16 Temperature measurement 17 Amplifier 18 AD converter 20 Interrogator

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A transponder and a measurement start for the transponder
Command, measurement condition setting command, and measurement including unmodulated transmission medium
An interrogator having a transmission means for transmitting any of the constant data transmission commands , wherein the transponder has a temperature measuring unit and a measurement condition set by the measurement condition setting command.
And controls the temperature measuring unit and Nde including a memory for storing the measurement data obtained by the temperature measuring unit
That the information storage unit is electrically connected to the information storage unit, in response to commands issued from the interrogator, the measurement start signal,
Based on the measurement condition setting signal and the measurement data stored in the memory, nothing included in the measurement data transmission command.
A wireless temperature measuring device, comprising: a transmission means for transmitting any one of signals modulated by a modulation transmission medium to the interrogator.