JP2004317521A - Measuring arrangement comprising electrode with memory - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a measuring arrangement comprising an electrode with a memory not requiring the setting of calibration or correction for each exchange of the electrode. <P>SOLUTION: The measuring arrangement 1 comprising an arrangement main body 20 and a measuring electrode 10 attachable to/detachable from the main body is provided with a storage means 15 in the electrode or a cable or connector connecting the electrode to the main body; allows the storage means to store identification information of the electrode at the time of the production of the electrode and to store calibration data of the electrode at the time of the inspection of the electrode; and is provided, in the main body, with an arrangement main body memory reading and storing the information stored in the storage means. The main body compares the identification information stored in the storage means and the identification information stored in the main body memory. The main body is configured to calculate a measurement value based on the calibration data stored in the main body memory (i) in the case where both the pieces of the identification information are identical with each other. The main body is configured to rewrite the storage contents of the main body memory to the information stored in the storage means (ii) in the case where both the pieces of the identification information are not identical with each other and can appropriately be used in accordance with applications. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a measuring device such as a pH meter, an ion meter, and an electric conductivity meter having a measuring electrode detachably attached to a device main body. In particular, the measuring electrode has storage means (memory), Information about the characteristics of the electrodes and the like is input to this memory, and the present invention relates to an extremely convenient measuring device.

  For example, in a measuring device such as a pH meter or an ion meter having a measuring electrode detachably attached to the main body of the device, the characteristics of each electrode are calibrated using a standard solution before use, and the calibration data is used as a reference. The measurement value is calculated and corrected. For an electrode that requires a correction value, such as an electric conductivity cell in an electric conductivity meter, it is necessary to visually read the correction value displayed on the electrode, and to set and use this correction value in the apparatus body. Is done.

  Therefore, as described above, in the conventional measurement device, since the data or correction value calibrated when using the electrode is stored in the memory in the device main body, when the electrode is replaced with another electrode. In this case, calibration must be performed again using the standard solution for this new electrode, or a new correction value must be set.

  Depending on the measuring device, some calibration values are stored and can be selected and used, but the user must remember which data is for which electrode. That is, the device main body could not automatically identify the electrodes.

  Also, for electrodes that require a correction value, for example, an electric conductivity cell, as described above, the cell constant must be set in the main body of the device. Cell constants must be set each time, such as when replacing and using them. Therefore, there were cases where accurate measurement could not be performed due to setting errors or forgetting to set. Further, when the measurement result is printed, only the measurement result is printed, and it is not possible to print which electrode is used to obtain the result.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a measuring apparatus having an electrode with a memory that does not require calibration or setting of a correction value every time an electrode is replaced, and that can freely use an electrode for each application. is there.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a measuring device provided with an electrode with a memory capable of managing an electrode such as an electrode calibration history and a use state.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a measuring device provided with an electrode with a memory that can easily replace an electrode while avoiding a setting error or forgetting to set.

  The above object is achieved by a measuring device provided with an electrode with a memory according to the present invention. In summary, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a measuring device including a device main body and a measuring electrode detachably attached to the device main body, wherein the measuring electrode is provided in or on the measuring electrode. In a cable or a connector for connection to the main body, storage means for storing information on the measurement electrode is provided; in the storage means, as information on the measurement electrode, the measurement electrode is manufactured when the measurement electrode is manufactured. The identification information stored in the storage means of the measurement electrode connected to the apparatus main body is stored when identification information for identifying the measurement electrode is stored, and the calibration data of the measurement electrode is stored when the measurement electrode is inspected. An apparatus main body memory for reading and storing information and the calibration data; the apparatus main body is stored in the storage means of a measurement electrode connected to the apparatus main body at the time of measurement. Comparing the identification information with the identification information stored in the memory of the apparatus main body, and (i) when both of the identification information match each other, use the calibration data stored in the memory of the apparatus main body to measure the measured value. And (ii) when the two identification information do not match, rewrite the storage content of the apparatus main body memory with the calibration data and the identification information stored in the storage means of the connected measurement electrode, A measuring device is characterized by calculating a measured value using the calibration data.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in a measuring device including an apparatus main body and a measurement electrode detachably attached to the apparatus main body, the measurement electrode is provided inside the measurement electrode or the measurement main body relative to the apparatus main body. Storage means for storing information about the measurement electrode in a cable or connector for connecting the measurement electrode; the storage means stores the measurement electrode as information about the measurement electrode when the measurement electrode is started to be used. The use-expiration date stored in the storage means of the measurement electrode when using the measurement electrode, and the use-expiration date stored in the storage means of the measurement electrode, Compare with the clock of the device main body, and when the expiration date is approaching or when the expiration date has passed, indicate so, or when the expiration date has passed The measuring apparatus characterized by stopping the use of the measuring electrode is provided when there.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, in a measuring device including an apparatus main body and a measurement electrode detachably attached to the apparatus main body, the measurement electrode is provided in the measurement electrode or the measurement main body with respect to the apparatus main body. Storage means for storing information about the measurement electrode in a cable or connector for connecting the same; the storage means stores the calibration expiration date of the measurement electrode as information about the measurement electrode; The device body, when calibrating the measurement electrode, comparing the calibration expiration date stored in the storage means of the measurement electrode with the calibration date and time, When the calibration expiration date is approaching or when the calibration expiration date has passed, a measurement device is provided to indicate that fact.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in a pH meter including a device main body and a pH electrode detachably attached to the device main body, in the pH electrode, or by connecting the pH electrode to the device main body. A storage means for storing information on the pH electrode is provided in a cable or a connector for connecting the pH electrode, and at least the asymmetric potential and sensitivity of the pH electrode are stored in the storage means as information on the pH electrode. A pH meter is provided.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in a pH meter including a device main body and a pH electrode detachably attached to the device main body, the pH electrode is provided inside the pH electrode or with respect to the device main body. Storage means for storing information about the pH electrode in a cable or connector for connecting the battery; a deterioration determination for determining the deterioration of the pH electrode as the information about the pH electrode; The reference value of the asymmetry potential and sensitivity of the pH electrode, which is information, is stored; the apparatus main body stores the asymmetry potential and sensitivity obtained using a pH standard solution at the time of calibration of the pH electrode. A pH meter that compares the pH determination information stored in the storage unit of the pH electrode with the deterioration determination information to determine whether the pH electrode has deteriorated.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric conductivity meter including an apparatus main body and an electric conductivity cell detachably attached to the apparatus main body, wherein the electric conductivity cell is provided in the measurement electrode or in the electric conductivity cell. Is provided in a cable or a connector for connecting the device to the device main body, and storage means for storing information on the electric conductivity cell is provided. An electric conductivity meter is provided, wherein a cell constant of an electric conductivity cell is stored.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in a thermometer including a device main body and a resistance-type thermometer electrode detachably attached to the device main body, the thermometer includes: In a cable or a connector for connecting a resistance-type thermometer electrode to the device main body, storage means for storing information on the resistance-type thermometer electrode is provided. A thermometer characterized by storing at least a B constant or a nominal resistance value of the resistance type temperature measuring electrode as information on the temperature measuring electrode is provided.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in an ion meter including an apparatus main body and an ion electrode detachably attached to the apparatus main body, the ion meter is provided inside the ion electrode or with respect to the apparatus main body. Storage means for storing information related to the ion electrode in a cable or connector for connecting the same; the storage means identifies the measurement electrode as the information about the ion electrode when the ion electrode is manufactured. The apparatus main body reads the identification information stored in the storage means of the ion electrode at the time of measurement, and displays or prints the ion species measured together with the measurement value. An ion meter is provided.

According to the present invention,
(1) It is not necessary to set a calibration or a correction value every time the electrode is replaced, and the electrode for each application can be freely used.
(2) Electrode management such as electrode calibration history and use state is possible and easy.
(3) It is easy to replace the electrodes by eliminating setting errors and forgetting to make settings.
Such an effect can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, a measuring device provided with an electrode with a memory according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the following examples, a description will be given mainly of a pH meter provided with a pH electrode. However, the present invention also provides various types of devices provided with an ion electrode, an electric conductivity cell, a resistance-type thermometer electrode, a dissolved oxygen electrode, and the like. Of the present invention can be applied to the measurement device.

Example 1
FIG. 1 shows a pH meter 1 which is an embodiment of the measuring device of the present invention. Such a pH meter 1 has a pH measuring electrode 10 having a pH-sensitive portion 11 such as a glass-sensitive film at its tip, and has a slender shape as a whole. The measurement electrode 10 is detachably connected to the device main body 20 by a connector 13 via a cable 12.

  According to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, a printed circuit board 14 is arranged adjacent to the end of the measurement electrode 10 opposite to the pH sensitive section 11, and data required by the electrodes is stored therein. And a storage means 15 for performing the operation. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the storage means 15 can be provided on a printed circuit board 14 in a connector 13 attached to a tip of a cable 12 for connecting the measuring electrode 10 to the apparatus main body 20. .

  In the present embodiment, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is used as the electrode storage means 15, but a flash memory, a battery, or the like may be used as the storage means 15. A RAM with backup, an EPROM, or a one-time ROM may be used.

  As described above, in the measuring device 1 such as a pH meter provided with the measuring electrode 10, the characteristics of the electrode are calibrated using the standard solution before use, and the measured value is calculated and corrected based on the calibration result. Must be displayed.

  Therefore, for example, in the memory 15 provided in the electrode 10, a model name and a serial number are input as information (data) of the electrode at the time of manufacturing the electrode, and calibration data is written at the time of inspecting the electrode. Further, the information stored in the memory 15 can include electrode use time data or electrode deterioration data.

  According to the present invention, the apparatus main body 20 has means for reading and storing information stored in the memory 15 of the measurement electrode 10 and new calibration data and the like in the memory 15 of the measurement electrode 10. Has a means for writing.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an operation mode of the measuring device having the above configuration according to the present invention will be described.

  The connector 13 of the measurement electrode 10 is connected to the apparatus main body 20 in order to perform measurement with the pH meter, and the power is turned on to start the measurement mode. The apparatus main body 20 first reads the model name and serial number of the electrode 10 from the memory 15 of the connected electrode 10 by a read / write means provided in the apparatus main body 20 (step 1). It is determined whether or not X) is the previously used electrode (M) (step 2). When it is determined that the electrode (X) is the electrode (M) used previously, the previous data is used as it is (step 3). If it is determined that the electrode (X) is not the previously used electrode (M), the calibration data is read from the memory 15 of the electrode (X) and stored in the memory of the apparatus body 20 (step 4). ).

  The apparatus main body 20 calculates and corrects the pH value based on the read calibration data and the potential obtained from the measurement electrode 10 and displays it as a measured pH value (step 5). In addition, a measuring device equipped with a printer can perform printing as needed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the apparatus main body 20 uses the data individually stored in the connected electrodes 10 to identify the model name and serial number of the electrode, and And rewrite the data inside.

  Next, a calibration procedure using a standard solution of the pH measurement electrode, which is performed as needed, will be described with reference to FIG.

  Turn on the power and start the calibration mode. The electrode 10 connected to the apparatus main body 20 is immersed in a standard solution (step 1). Examples of the pH standard solution include oxalate pH standard solution (pH 1.68 / at 25 ° C), phthalic acid pH standard solution (pH 4.01 / at 25 ° C), and neutral phosphate pH standard solution (pH 6.86 / at 25 ° C). ), Borate pH standard solution (pH 9.18 / at 25 ° C.).

  Next, when it is determined that the measured potential is stable (step 2), the type of the used standard solution is identified, and the pH value of the standard solution at that time is calculated (step 3). That is, first, an electrode is put into a standard solution, the generated potential is read, temperature compensation is calculated, and the standard solution is identified from the value.

  Next, since the standard solution has a temperature characteristic and the pH value differs depending on the temperature, the pH value of the standard solution is calculated based on the temperature measured by a temperature sensor provided separately from the electrode 10. Next, the measured potential and the calculated pH value are stored in the memory of the apparatus main body 20 (step 4), and the apparatus main body 20 writes the calibration data into the memory 15 of the measurement electrode 10 by the writing means (step 4). Steps 4 and 5).

  As described above, such calibration of the measurement electrode 10 can be performed by connecting the electrode 10 to the apparatus main body 20, but can also be performed by preparing a dedicated calibrator. In this case, the device main body 20 only needs to function as a mere display for displaying the measured values.

Example 2
In this embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to an electric conductivity meter and its cell (electrode) will be described.

  In this embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, a storage means, for example, an EEPROM is provided in the cell itself or in a connector to the apparatus main body. In this memory, a model name and a serial number are written at the time of manufacture, and a cell constant is written at the time of inspection.

  Therefore, when this cell is connected to the device body, the device body reads the cell constant from the cell, stores it in the memory of the device body, calculates and corrects the measured value using this data, and displays it as the measured electrical conductivity. Printing is performed according to.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the apparatus main body monitors the state of the cell, and changes the cell constant when the cell is replaced. When the electric conductivity cell is calibrated using the standard solution, the cell constant is automatically calculated, and this value can be stored in the cell.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the cell constant can be automatically set, so that the setting is not forgotten or mistakenly made.

Example 3
A measuring device having an electrode with an expiration date will be described. For example, a pH electrode may need to be calibrated by metrology, such as when used for transaction certification, in which case the electrode is valid for one year. In such a measuring device, the expiration date is written in the memory of the electrode by the writing function of the device body when the electrode is started to be used. The device body reads the expiration date stored in the memory of this electrode every time the electrode is used, compares it with the clock built in the device body, displays on the display that the expiration date is approaching, and informs the user be able to. If the time limit has expired, a warning may be issued to the user or the use may be stopped.

  If necessary, the user can set the expiration date of calibration using the standard solution. In other words, the user writes the date and time of the standard solution calibration on the measurement electrode when the electrode is calibrated using the writing function of the device main body, compares the calibration date and time of the electrode with the validity period, and takes cautions and warnings. Can be displayed at any time.

  It is also possible to store the use time of the electrode in a memory. That is, the usage time is determined by integrating the time during which the electrode is connected to the measuring instrument while the power of the measuring instrument is turned on. According to the present invention, it is possible to discriminate the individual electrodes, so that even if the electrodes are replaced, the respective integrated times can be processed and determined.

  Further, the electrode memory may store electrode deterioration determination information. That is, each electrode has a theoretical generated potential. Calibration is necessary because there is a difference between the individual electrodes, but basically, a potential far from the theory is not generated. Therefore, if the potential is lower than the theoretical potential by, for example, 10%, it can be determined that the battery is deteriorated.

  For example, the pH meter performs two-point calibration to calculate the asymmetric potential and the sensitivity. If the asymmetric potential is ± 30 mV or more based on 0 mV, the abnormality is abnormal, and the sensitivity is 10 based on 59.16 mV. When the value falls below the% abnormality, it can be determined as abnormal (deteriorated).

  As described above, according to the measuring device of the present invention, since the electrodes individually store the expiration date or the calibration date and time, the electrode use time, and the electrode deterioration determination information, the electrode management is extremely effective. Achieved.

  Although the above description has been made with reference to a pH meter, the present invention can be similarly applied to an ion meter, an electric conductivity meter, a dissolved oxygen meter, and the like to achieve the same effect.

Example 4
In the case of a measuring device using an ionic selection electrode, when calibration is performed using an ion standard solution, the result is written in the memory of the electrode, and the date and time of calibration are also written together with the calibration data. In the case of an ion electrode, since there are various ion electrodes, the type of ion measured from the read model name of the electrode can be displayed or printed together with the measurement result. Therefore, several types of ion electrodes can be used without requiring a special switching operation of the apparatus main body. Of course, the calibration deadline and the like can be managed in the same manner as in the above embodiment based on the data stored in the electrodes.

Example 5
In a measuring device such as a thermistor-type thermometer, a correction resistor is inserted into a thermistor, which is a measuring electrode, in order to improve the accuracy or compatibility of temperature measurement, or an element having the same characteristics is selected and used. ing. Therefore, according to the present invention, by arranging a storage means in the thermistor electrode or in a cable or a connector, and writing characteristic data of the thermistor, for example, a B constant, a nominal resistance value, etc., this data is read out at the time of connection and measured. By calculating from the resistance value, highly accurate measurement can be performed.

  The present embodiment can be similarly applied to a measuring device using other resistance type temperature measuring electrodes such as a platinum resistor instead of the thermistor electrode to achieve the same effect.

It is a perspective view showing the whole measuring device composition of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partially broken view of a measurement electrode of the measurement device. It is sectional drawing of the connector part of a measuring device. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement at the time of a measurement. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement at the time of calibration.

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Measuring device 10 Measuring electrode 12 Cable 13 Connector 14 Printed circuit board 15 Storage means (Memory)
20 Main unit

Claims (8)

In a measuring device including an apparatus main body and a measurement electrode detachably attached to the apparatus main body,
In the measurement electrode, or in a cable or a connector for connecting the measurement electrode to the device main body, storage means for storing information about the measurement electrode is provided,
In the storage means, as the information on the measurement electrode, to store identification information for identifying the measurement electrode at the time of manufacturing the measurement electrode, also, to store the calibration data of the measurement electrode at the time of inspection of the measurement electrode,
The apparatus main body is provided with an apparatus main body memory for reading and storing the identification information and the calibration data stored in the storage unit of the connected measurement electrode,
The apparatus main body compares the identification information stored in the storage means of the measurement electrode connected to the apparatus main body with the identification information stored in the memory of the apparatus main body at the time of measurement. If the information matches, the measurement value is calculated using the calibration data stored in the memory of the apparatus main body. (Ii) If the two pieces of identification information do not match, the storage content of the memory of the apparatus main body is changed. Rewriting calibration data and identification information stored in the storage means of the connected measurement electrode, and calculating a measurement value using the calibration data.
A measuring device characterized by the above-mentioned. In a measuring device including an apparatus main body and a measurement electrode detachably attached to the apparatus main body,
In the measurement electrode, or in a cable or a connector for connecting the measurement electrode to the device main body, storage means for storing information about the measurement electrode is provided,
The storage means, as the information on the measurement electrode, when using the measurement electrode, the expiration date of the measurement electrode is stored using a writing function of the apparatus body,
When using the measurement electrode, the apparatus main body compares the expiration date stored in the storage unit of the measurement electrode with a clock of the apparatus main body, and when the expiration date is approaching. Or, if the expiration date has passed, display that effect, or if the expiration date has passed, stop using the measurement electrode,
A measuring device characterized by the above-mentioned. In a measuring device including an apparatus main body and a measurement electrode detachably attached to the apparatus main body,
In the measurement electrode, or in a cable or a connector for connecting the measurement electrode to the device main body, storage means for storing information about the measurement electrode is provided,
In the storage means, as the information on the measurement electrode, the calibration expiration date of the measurement electrode, using a writing function of the device body, to store,
The apparatus main body, when calibrating the measurement electrode, comparing the calibration expiration date stored in the storage means of the measurement electrode, the calibration date and time, if the calibration expiration date is approaching or When the calibration expiration date has passed, display that fact,
A measuring device characterized by the above-mentioned. In a pH meter including an apparatus main body and a pH electrode detachably attached to the apparatus main body,
In the pH electrode, or in a cable or a connector for connecting the pH electrode to the device main body, storage means for storing information about the pH electrode is provided,
A pH meter, wherein the storage means stores at least the asymmetric potential and sensitivity of the pH electrode as information on the pH electrode. In a pH meter including an apparatus main body and a pH electrode detachably attached to the apparatus main body,
In the pH electrode, or in a cable or a connector for connecting the pH electrode to the device main body, a storage unit for storing information on the pH electrode is provided,
The storage means, as the information on the pH electrode, is a deterioration determination information for determining the deterioration of the pH electrode, the reference value of the asymmetric potential of this pH electrode and the reference value of the sensitivity,
The apparatus body compares the asymmetric potential and sensitivity obtained using a pH standard solution during calibration of the pH electrode with the deterioration determination information stored in the storage means of the pH electrode. Determine whether the pH electrode has deteriorated,
A pH meter, characterized in that: In an electric conductivity meter including an apparatus main body and an electric conductivity cell detachably attached to the apparatus main body,
In the measurement electrode, or in a cable or a connector for connecting the electric conductivity cell to the device main body, a storage means for storing information on the electric conductivity cell is provided,
An electrical conductivity meter, wherein the storage means stores at least a cell constant of the electrical conductivity cell as information on the electrical conductivity cell. In a thermometer including an apparatus main body and a resistance-type thermometer electrode detachably attached to the apparatus main body,
In order to store information on the resistance-type thermometer electrode in the resistance-type thermometer electrode, or in a cable or a connector for connecting the resistance-type thermometer electrode to the device main body, Providing storage means,
A thermometer, wherein the storage means stores at least a B constant or a nominal resistance value of the resistance-type thermometer electrode as information on the resistance-type thermometer electrode. In an ion meter including an apparatus main body and an ion electrode detachably attached to the apparatus main body,
In the ion electrode, or in a cable or a connector for connecting the ion electrode to the device main body, a storage means for storing information about the ion electrode is provided,
The storage means, as the information on the ion electrode, to store identification information for identifying the measurement electrode at the time of manufacturing the ion electrode,
The device body reads the identification information stored in the storage unit of the ion electrode at the time of measurement, and displays or prints the ion type measured together with the measurement value.
An ion meter characterized by the above-mentioned.

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