JP2001056896A - Measurement system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To actualize a measurement system which can detect a measuring instrument on a network and grasp the operation state of the measuring instrument. SOLUTION: Of the measurement system comprising the network-connected measuring instrument 50 and a network-connected computer which manages the operation of the measuring instrument 50, the measuring instrument 50 is composed of a measuring means 9 which performs measuring operation, a communicating means 12 which communicates with the network, and a response means 10 which sends information of the measuring instrument 50 back to the inquiry from the computer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a measuring system connected to a network and a computer connected to the network for managing the operation of the measuring device, and more particularly to the detection of a measuring device on a network and the measuring device. The present invention relates to a measurement system capable of ascertaining the operation state of a device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional measuring system (hereinafter, referred to as a measuring system) including a network-connected measuring device and a network-connected computer for managing the operation of the measuring device.
It is simply called a measurement system. The item () is for performing data collection, operation monitoring, setting change, and the like from measuring instruments connected to the network via a computer.

FIG. 7 is a configuration block diagram showing an example of such a conventional measurement system. In FIG. 7, 1, 2,
4, 6 and 7 are measuring instruments connected to the network, 3
Numerals 5 and 5 denote computers for managing the operation of these measuring devices as control devices, and 100 denotes a network.

[0006] Measuring instruments 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 are connected to a network 100, and computers 3 and 5 are also connected to the network 100.

Here, the operation of the conventional example shown in FIG. 7 will be described. Computer 3 or 5 is network 10
When communicating with a measuring device connected to 0,
For the software of the computer 3 or 5, the parameters such as the network address and the host name of the measuring device for which the operation is managed in advance are set.

[0006] The computer 3 in which the parameters are set,
Alternatively, 5 communicates with the measurement devices 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 set via the network 100, collects data measured from the measurement devices, and operates the measurement devices. And changes the set value of the measuring device.

As a result, the operator can perform operation management such as data collection without going to the measuring device. In addition, by collectively managing a plurality of measuring devices with one computer, it becomes possible to centrally manage data and the like.

[0008]

However, in the conventional example shown in FIG. 7, it is necessary to set parameters such as a network address and a host name of a measuring device in a computer for operation management. When connecting to a computer, the operator must store the parameters of the newly connected measuring device and set them in the computer.

In particular, when a plurality of measuring instruments are newly connected, there is a problem that such parameter setting work becomes extremely complicated.

For example, FIG. 8 is a configuration block diagram showing an example of such a change in the network connection environment. 8, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 7, and 8 is a measuring device.

In FIG. 8, considering that the computer 3 is disconnected and a measuring device 8 is connected instead, an operator separately sets parameters such as a network address and a host name for the measuring device 8 in the computer 5. There must be.

[0012] Further, when a failure of the measuring device or a measuring device disconnected from the network occurs,
The operator must store parameters such as a network address and a host name relating to the measuring device in which the trouble or the like has occurred, and delete the parameters from the computer settings.

In particular, when communication cannot be performed via a network due to a failure such as a failure, the operator needs to use a device such as a network analyzer to identify the measuring device having the failure.

Further, when there are a plurality of measuring devices connected to the network 100, it is necessary to check each measuring device sequentially, which is very troublesome in maintaining such a measuring system. Was a problem.

For example, when the measuring device 7 fails in FIG. 8, the individual measuring devices 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8
It is necessary to identify the measuring device 7 which is a defective device by examining the respective devices. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to realize a measurement system capable of detecting a measurement device on a network and grasping the operation state of the measurement device.

[0016]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a measuring device connected to a network and a network connecting device for managing the operation of the measuring device are provided. In a measurement system including a computer, the measurement device performs a measurement operation, a communication unit that performs communication with the network, and a response that returns information of the measurement device in response to an inquiry from the computer. With this configuration, the computer can detect the measuring device on the network and grasp the operating state of the measuring device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a measuring system comprising a network-connected measuring device and a network-connected computer for managing the operation of the measuring device, wherein the measuring device performs a measuring operation. Communication means for communicating with the network;
Since the computer includes the self-information notifying means for notifying the computer of the information of the measuring device, the computer can detect the measuring device on the network and grasp the operation state of the measuring device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a measuring system comprising a network-connected measuring device and a network-connected computer for managing the operation of the measuring device, wherein the measuring device performs a measuring operation. Communication means for communicating with the network;
A response unit for returning information on the measuring device in response to an inquiry from the computer, and a self-information notifying unit for notifying the computer of the information on the measuring device. The detection of the device and the grasp of the operation state of the measuring device become more reliable.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the measurement system according to the first and third aspects, the response means determines whether or not a command has been received. By determining whether the command is an inquiry of information to the measuring device, if the command is an inquiry of information to the measuring device, by returning the information of the measuring device to the computer This makes it possible for the computer to detect a measuring device on the network and to grasp the operating state of the measuring device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the measurement system according to the second and third aspects, the self-information notifying means determines whether or not the need to notify the self-information has occurred. By transmitting information on the measuring device to the network when the need for notification of self information occurs, the computer can detect the measuring device on the network and grasp the operating state of the measuring device. Become.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the measurement system according to the first, second, or third aspect, the computer is configured to perform communication between the storage unit storing software and the network. And a control unit that collects information from the measuring device based on the software, so that the computer can detect the measuring device on the network and grasp the operating state of the measuring device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the measurement system according to the first, third, or sixth aspect, the computer transmits a command over the network and returns the command in response to the command. Incoming information is sequentially received, and the received information and the network connection information stored so far are compared, and a new measuring device is present on the network, or a measuring device that has disappeared from the network is Determine whether it exists, there is a new measurement device on the network,
Alternatively, if there is a measurement device that has disappeared from the network, the information of the measurement device is notified, so that the computer can detect the measurement device on the network and grasp the operation state of the measurement device. .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the measurement system according to the second, third and sixth aspects, the computer determines whether or not the information has been received, and determines whether the information has been received. It is determined whether the information is information from a supported measurement device, and if the information is information on a supported measurement device, the received information and the network stored so far are determined. There is a new measurement device on the network by comparing the connection information, or, to determine whether there is a measurement device that has disappeared from the network, there is a new measurement device on the network, or If there is a measurement device that has disappeared from the network, the computer notifies the network of the Grasp the operating state of the detection and measurement devices measuring instruments above becomes possible.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the measurement system according to the fourth aspect, the response means includes a UD
By judging whether or not the predetermined command has been received at a predetermined port by the P communication, it becomes possible for the computer to detect the measuring device on the network and to grasp the operating state of the measuring device.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the measurement system according to the fifth aspect, the self information notifying means broadcasts the predetermined information to a predetermined port by UDP communication. ,
It becomes possible for the computer to detect the measuring device on the network and to grasp the operating state of the measuring device.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the measurement system according to the seventh aspect, the computer broadcasts the predetermined command to a predetermined port by a UDP communication, thereby enabling the computer to execute the command. This makes it possible to detect the measuring device on the network and to grasp the operating state of the measuring device.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the measurement system according to the eighth aspect, the computer determines whether or not the predetermined information has been received at a predetermined port by UDP communication. By doing so, it becomes possible for the computer to detect the measuring device on the network and to grasp the operating state of the measuring device.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when a new measuring device exists on the network, or when there is a measuring device missing from the network, the computer is configured to execute the computer based on the information of the measuring device. By setting the parameters for the software, the operator does not need to set the parameters, and the measurement system can be easily maintained.

[0029]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram showing one embodiment of a measurement device constituting a measurement system according to the present invention. FIG.
In the figure, 9 is a measuring means for performing a conventional measuring operation, 10 is a response means, 11 is a self-information notifying means, and 12 is a communication means. 9 to 12 constitute a measuring device 50.

The input and output of the measuring means 9 are connected to the responding means 10 and the self information notifying means 11, and the outputs of the responding means 10 and the self information notifying means 11 are connected to the communication means 12. Further, the communication means 12 is connected to a network (not shown).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a computer constituting the measuring system according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 13 denotes control means, 14 denotes storage means for storing software and the like, and 15 denotes communication means. 13 to 15 constitute a computer 51, and the computer 51 performs a control operation based on software stored in the storage unit 14.

The input and output of the control means 13 are connected to a storage means 14 and a communication means 15, respectively, and the communication means 15 is connected to a network (not shown).

Here, the measuring device 50 shown in FIGS.
The operation of the computer 51 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the response unit 10 constituting the measuring device 50, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the computer 51 when detecting the measuring device.

At "S001" in FIG.
The response means 10 constituting a UDP (User Datagram Prot
ocol) It is determined whether a predetermined command has been received at a predetermined port by communication.

If the above command is received,
In "S002" in FIG. 3, the response means 10 determines whether or not the command is an inquiry about information to the measuring device.

If the command is an inquiry to the information of the measuring device, the responding means 10 returns various information such as the name of the measuring device, the network address, and the host name in "S003" in FIG.

On the other hand, when detecting a measuring device on the network supported by the computer 51, FIG.
In “S101”, the computer 51 broadcasts the above-described predetermined command by UDP communication (transmits the command to all devices on the network).
And make an inquiry to each measuring device.

In step S102 in FIG. 4, the computer 51 returns information in response to the broadcast, for example, the information returned from the measuring device by the steps of the response unit 10 shown in "S003" in FIG. The incoming information is sequentially received.

In step S103 in FIG. 4, the computer 51 compares the received information with the network connection information stored so far to determine whether a new measuring device exists on the network.

If it is determined in step S103 in FIG. 4 that a new measuring device exists on the network, the computer 51 displays information on the new measuring device in display means (not shown) in step S104 in FIG. 4) to notify the operator, and if there is no new measuring device on the network, the process skips to the process shown in "S105" in FIG.

Further, in "S105" in FIG. 4, the computer 51 compares the received information with the network connection information stored so far to determine whether or not there is any measuring device that has disappeared from the network. I do.

If it is determined in step S105 in FIG. 4 that there is a measuring device that has disappeared from the network due to a failure or the like, the computer 51 displays information on the missing measuring device in step S106 in FIG. (Not shown) to notify the operator, etc., and terminates the process if there is no measuring device that has disappeared from the network.

As a result, the measuring device 50 is connected to the computer 5
By providing a response unit 10 for returning various information such as the name of the measuring device, the network address, the host name, etc. in response to an inquiry from the computer 1, the computer 51 detects the measuring device on the network and operates the measuring device. Can be grasped.

That is, even if a new measuring device is connected, a measuring device breaks down, or a measuring device disconnected from the network occurs, the information of the measuring device is notified to the operator. The parameter setting work becomes easy without having to memorize the parameters of the device one by one.

In other words, the computer 51 can detect the measuring device on the network and grasp the operating state of the measuring device, so that the operation for newly connecting the measuring device on the network becomes easy, Detection of the possibility of equipment failure is also facilitated.

In the description of the operation of the measuring system using the response means 10 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the computer 51 mainly detects the measuring device on the network and grasps the operating state of the measuring device. The measuring device itself may take the initiative in transmitting the information.

Here, the measuring device 50 shown in FIGS.
The operation of the computer 51 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the self-information notifying unit 11 included in the measuring device 50, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the computer 51 when notifying the self-information.

In "S201" in FIG.
The self-information notifying means 11 which constitutes the
It is determined whether or not an event such as F "has caused the need for notification of self-information.

If it becomes necessary to notify the self-information, the self-information notifying means 11 sends the name of the measuring device, the network address, and the like to the predetermined port by the UDP communication in "S202" in FIG. Predetermined information such as a host name and various information of the measuring device such as "ON / OFF" of the power supply is broadcasted by itself, and when the notification of the self information is unnecessary, the process is ended.

On the other hand, in FIG.
At 1 ", it is determined whether or not predetermined information is received at a predetermined port by UDP communication.

If the information is received in "S301" in FIG. 6, the computer 51 determines in step "S302" in FIG. 6 whether the information is information from a supported measuring device. If the information is not received in "S301" in FIG. 6, "S30" in FIG.
The process returns to 1 ".

If the information received in "S302" in FIG. 6 is not the information of the supported measuring equipment, the process returns to "S301" in FIG.

If the information received in “S302” in FIG. 6 is information of a supported measuring device, the computer 5 in “S303” in FIG.
1 compares the received information with the network connection information stored so far to determine whether or not a new measuring device exists on the network.

If it is determined in step S303 in FIG. 6 that a new measuring device exists on the network, the computer 51 displays information on the new measuring device in display means (not shown) in step S304 in FIG. 6) to notify the operator, and if there is no new measuring device on the network, the process skips to the process shown in "S305" in FIG.

Further, in "S305" in FIG. 6, the computer 51 compares the received various information with the network connection information stored so far to determine whether or not there is any measuring device that has disappeared from the network. to decide.

If the power supply is turned on at "S305" in FIG.
If it is determined that there is a measurement device that has disappeared from the network due to “OFF” or the like, “S306” in FIG.
In step (5), the computer 51 notifies the operator of the information on the missing measuring device by displaying it on a display means (not shown), and terminates the process if there is no missing measuring device on the network.

As a result, the measuring device 50 transmits its own state, in other words, various information of the measuring device to the computer 5.
By providing the self-information notifying means 11 for notifying 1, it becomes possible for the computer 51 to detect a measuring device on the network and to grasp the operating state of the measuring device.

That is, even when a new measuring device is connected or a measuring device disconnected from the network occurs, the information of the corresponding measuring device is notified to the operator. The parameter setting work becomes easy without having to memorize.

The operation of the measuring system using the response means 10 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
The operation of the measurement system using the self-information notifying means 11 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is described separately, but, of course,
They may be operated at the same time.

In this case, the periodic inquiry from the computer 51 and the interruption information notification from the measuring device 50 are performed simultaneously, so that the computer 51 detects the measuring device on the network or detects the measuring device. The operation state can be grasped more reliably.

For example, when the measuring device 50 is turned “ON” immediately after the inquiry from the computer 51, the measuring device 50 that has been turned “ON” notifies the information at that point, and the next computer 51 The information is notified to the operator without waiting for the inquiry from the side.

Further, in FIG. 1, for the sake of simplicity, the response means 10 and the self-information notifying means 11 are described as separate components, but both functions may be realized by one means. .

Also, in the description of the operation in FIGS. 4 and 6, the computer 51 notifies the operator by displaying information on the display means or the like. Parameters such as a network address and a host name may be automatically set based on the information.

In this case, the operator does not need to set the parameters, and the measurement system can be easily maintained.

[0065]

As is apparent from the above description,
According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. Claims 1, 4,
According to the sixth, ninth and ninth aspects of the present invention, the measuring device is provided with a response unit for returning various information such as the name of the measuring device, a network address, and a host name in response to an inquiry from the computer. It becomes possible for the computer to detect the measuring device on the network and to grasp the operating state of the measuring device.

According to the second, fifth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth aspects of the present invention, the self-information notification for notifying the measuring instrument of its own status, in other words, various information of the measuring instrument to the computer. By providing the means, it becomes possible for the computer to detect the measuring device on the network and to grasp the operating state of the measuring device.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the periodic inquiry from the computer and the interruption information notification from the measuring device are simultaneously performed, so that the measuring device on the network is connected to the computer. Detection and grasp of the operation state of the measuring device become more reliable.

According to the thirteenth aspect, by automatically setting parameters such as a network address and a host name based on information obtained for software of a computer, an operator can set parameters. This eliminates the need to perform the measurement, and makes it possible to easily maintain the measurement system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram showing one embodiment of a measurement device constituting a measurement system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram showing one embodiment of a computer constituting the measurement system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of a response unit constituting the measuring device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a computer when a measurement device is detected.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of a self-information notifying unit constituting the measuring device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the computer when notifying self information.

FIG. 7 is a configuration block diagram illustrating an example of a conventional measurement system.

FIG. 8 is a configuration block diagram illustrating an example of a change in a network connection environment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 measuring equipment 3, 5 computer 9 measuring means 10 responding means 11 self-information notifying means 12, 15, communication means 13 control means 14 storage means 50 measuring equipment 51 computer 100 network

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04Q 9/00 311 H04L 11/00 310Z F-term (Reference) 2F073 AA21 AB01 BB04 BC01 CC05 CC12 CC14 CD15 DD02 DE13 EE01 FG01 FG02 GG01 GG08 5B089 GB02 HB10 JA35 JB14 KA13 KB04 KC28 5K033 BA08 BA11 CB01 CB04 DA01 DA13 DB12 DB20 EA07 EC01 EC02 EC03 5K048 BA35 DA05 DC03 GC01

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A measuring system comprising a network-connected measuring device and a network-connected computer for managing the operation of the measuring device, wherein the measuring device comprises: a measuring unit for performing a measuring operation; A measurement system comprising: communication means for performing communication; and response means for returning information on the measuring device in response to an inquiry from the computer. 2. A measuring system comprising a network-connected measuring device and a network-connected computer for managing the operation of the measuring device, wherein the measuring device comprises: a measuring means for performing a measuring operation; A measurement system comprising: a communication unit that performs communication; and a self-information notification unit that notifies information of the measurement device to the computer. 3. A measuring system comprising a network-connected measuring device and a network-connected computer for managing the operation of the measuring device, wherein the measuring device comprises: a measuring unit for performing a measuring operation; Communication means for performing communication; response means for returning information on the measuring device in response to an inquiry from the computer; and self-information notifying means for notifying the computer of information on the measuring device. Measurement system. 4. The response means determines whether or not a command has been received. If the command has been received, the response means determines whether or not the command is an inquiry for information to the measuring device. 4. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein when the command is an inquiry about information to the measuring device, the information of the measuring device is returned to the computer. 5. The self-information notifying means determines whether or not the need for notification of self-information has occurred. If the need for notification of self-information has arisen, the information of the measuring device is transmitted to the network. The measurement system according to claim 2, wherein the data is transmitted to an upper side. 6. The computer according to claim 1, wherein the computer comprises: a storage unit storing software; a communication unit communicating with the network; and a control unit collecting information from the measuring device based on the software. 4. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The computer transmits a command on the network, sequentially receives information returned in response to the command, and transmits the received information and network connection information stored so far. Compare whether there is a new measuring device on the network, or determine whether there is a measuring device that has disappeared from the network, there is a new measuring device on the network, or the network 7. The measuring system according to claim 1, wherein when there is a measuring device that has disappeared from above, information of the measuring device is notified. 8. The computer determines whether or not information has been received. If the information has been received, the computer determines whether or not the information is information from a supported measuring device. If the information of the measuring instruments that are supported, there is a new measuring instrument on the network by comparing the received information and the network connection information that has been accumulated so far, or from the network Determine whether there is a missing measuring device, and notify the information of the measuring device when there is a new measuring device on the network or when there is a missing measuring device from the network. The measurement system according to claim 2, 3 or 6, wherein: 9. The measuring system according to claim 4, wherein said response means determines whether or not the predetermined command has been received at a predetermined port by UDP communication. 10. The measuring system according to claim 5, wherein said self-information notifying means broadcasts said predetermined information to a predetermined port by UDP communication. 11. The measurement system according to claim 7, wherein the computer broadcasts the predetermined command to a predetermined port by UDP communication. 12. The measurement system according to claim 8, wherein the computer determines whether or not the predetermined information has been received at a predetermined port by UDP communication. 13. If the computer has a new measuring device on the network or a measuring device that has disappeared from the network, the computer sends a parameter to the software based on the information of the measuring device. 9. The measurement system according to claim 7, wherein the measurement system is set.