JP2006268847A - Sensor system, control unit, and sensor unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a constitution capable of easily specifying sensor units of which light projection timings coincide with each other. <P>SOLUTION: This sensor system 100 comprises a plurality of sensor units 1 and a control unit 2. The control unit 2 transmits a command for transmitting cycle data related to light projection cycle to each sensor unit 1 together with a transmission signal to a first sensor unit 1 together with the transmission signal. Then, the cycle data related to the light projection cycle of each sensor unit 1 is confirmed based on the transmission signal after transmission of all sensor units 1, and the light projection timing of each sensor unit 1 is confirmed based on the cycle data from each sensor unit 1. Then, in a sensor unit group, sensor units (coincident units) of which light projection timings coincide with each other are specified, and display and control are performed so as to obtain the specified coincident units. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sensor system, a control unit, and a sensor unit.

Conventionally, a plurality of sensor units are arranged in order adjacent to each other, and each sensor unit receives a transmission signal from a higher-order sensor unit and transmits a transmission signal to a lower-order sensor unit. There is a sensor system that performs transmission.
JP 2003-223694 A

  In this type of sensor system, the light projection timings of the sensor units are shifted so that the light projection timings of the sensor units do not coincide as much as possible to prevent interference between the sensor units. However, even if the control is performed so that the light projection timing is shifted, it is difficult to completely prevent the light projection timing from matching in the sensor unit group, and there may be a case where a unit having the same light projection timing is generated. In particular, in a configuration in which the light projection cycle can be set and changed in each sensor unit, the user can arbitrarily change the light projection timing, so it is difficult to completely prevent the light projection timing from being coincident. A matching sensor unit is likely to occur.

  However, conventionally, there is no method for confirming even if there is a sensor unit having the same light projection timing as described above, and the sensor unit is used in consideration of interference (for example, arrangement in consideration of interference). It wasn't. As a result, there is a possibility that problems such as inability to perform accurate detection due to interference between sensor units occur.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a configuration that can easily identify a sensor unit having the same light projection timing.

As means for achieving the above object, the invention of claim 1
A sensor system including a sensor unit group including a plurality of sensor units,
Each sensor unit
A transmission means capable of transmitting a transmission signal to a sensor unit adjacent to one side;
Receiving means capable of receiving a transmission signal from a sensor unit adjacent to the other;
A light projecting means for projecting light on the detection target with a set light projection period;
Based on reception of the transmission signal, light projection timing control means for projecting the light projection means in the light projection period;
Transmission timing control means for transmitting the transmission signal based on reception of the transmission signal;
A light receiving means for receiving the light projected from the light projecting means;
Detecting means for detecting the detection target according to the amount of light received by the light receiving means;
A light projection period setting means for setting the light projection period;
Having
Display means;
Display control means for causing the display means to display information relating to the coincidence of light projection timing in each sensor unit;
It is provided with.

  In claim 1, the display means may be provided for each of all the sensor units of the sensor unit group, or only one of the sensor units may be provided with the display means. It may be provided only in a plurality of sensor units. Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with the control unit which controls each sensor unit, In this case, the display means which can display coincidence unit information may be provided only in the control unit, and a control unit and a sensor unit (All sensor units, or any one or a plurality of sensor units) may be provided respectively.

The invention of claim 2 is the sensor system according to claim 1,
Command transmission means for transmitting, to each sensor unit, first command information for transmitting period data related to the light projection period together with the transmission signal, to the one sensor unit together with the transmission signal;
Period data detection means for confirming period data related to the light projection period of each sensor unit from the transmission signal transmitted through all sensor units of the sensor unit group;
Based on the periodic data from each sensor unit detected by the periodic data detecting means, the light projecting timing of the light projecting means in each sensor unit is confirmed, and in the sensor unit group, the light projection timings coincide with each other. A means for identifying the unit,
The display control means causes the display means to display coincidence unit information related to the coincidence unit identified by the identification means as information relating to the coincidence of the projection timing.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, when the control unit for controlling each sensor unit is provided, the command transmission means, the periodic data detection means, the specifying means, and the display control means may be either the sensor unit or the control unit. These four means may be provided in the control unit, or may be provided in all the sensor units of the sensor unit group. Moreover, it may be provided only in any one sensor unit or any one of a plurality of sensor units.

The invention of claim 3 is the sensor system according to claim 2,
A control unit for controlling each of the sensor units;
The command transmitting means, the periodic data detecting means, and the specifying means are provided in the control unit,
On the other hand, the sensor unit is provided with the display means,
The command transmitting unit is configured to transmit second command information for displaying the matching unit information on the display unit provided in the sensor unit, together with the transmission signal, to the one sensor unit,
The display control means displays the matching unit information on the display means provided in the sensor unit based on the second command information.

The invention of claim 4 is the sensor system according to claim 2 or claim 3,
In each sensor unit of the sensor unit group, the display means is provided,
The display control means displays the matching unit information only on the display means of the matching unit.

The invention of claim 5 is the sensor system according to claim 2 or claim 3,
In each sensor unit of the sensor unit group, the display means is provided,
The display control means causes the display means to display data corresponding to the light projection timing of the light projection means for each sensor unit as the matching unit information.

The invention of claim 6 is the sensor system according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The display control means performs display control in which the display color of the display unit in the matching unit is different from the display color of the display means in another sensor unit other than the matching unit.

The invention of claim 7 is the sensor system according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The display control means is characterized in that the matching unit information is displayed by the display means only at a specific time.

The invention of claim 8 is the sensor system according to claim 7,
Having operating means that can be operated by an operator;
The display control means displays the matching unit information by the display means only during a time set based on an operation by the operation means.

The invention of claim 9 is the sensor system according to claim 1,
The display means is provided for each sensor unit,
Address setting means for setting unique address information for each sensor unit;
Projection timing calculation means for calculating the projection timing in each sensor unit from the address information of each sensor unit and the projection period set by the projection period setting means,
The display control means displays light projection timing information corresponding to the light projection timing of each sensor unit calculated by the light projection timing calculation means on the display means of the sensor unit as information relating to the coincidence of the light projection timing. It is characterized by making it.

The invention of claim 10 is the sensor system according to claim 9,
The display control means causes the display means to display the light projection timing information in a form in which the display position in the direction orthogonal to the adjacent direction of the sensor unit in the display means is associated with the light projection timing. It is characterized by.

The invention of claim 11 is the sensor system according to claim 10,
The display control means causes the display means to display different display colors according to the light projection timing.

The invention of claim 12 is the sensor system according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
Based on the light projection timing of each sensor unit calculated by the light projection timing calculation means, comprising: an estimation means for estimating a sensor unit that may have the same light projection timing;
The display control means causes the display means to display estimated matching unit information related to an estimated matching unit that has been estimated by the estimating means to have a matching light projection timing.

The invention of claim 13 is the sensor system according to any one of claims 9 to 12,
It has operating means that can be operated by the operator,
The display control means displays the light projection timing information by the display means only during a time set based on an operation by the operation means.

The invention of claim 14 is the sensor system according to any one of claims 9 to 13,
The transmission means uses as its transmission signal the period data related to its own address information and the light projection period, and the address information of other sensor units included in the transmission signal received by the reception means and the period data related to the light projection period. Configured to transmit on board,
Based on the address information and period data of other sensor units included in the transmission signal received by the receiving means, a coincidence judging means for judging a matching unit having the same light emission timing as that of the other sensor units. Prepared,
The display control means causes the display means to display coincidence information indicating a sensor unit determined to be a coincidence unit by the coincidence determination means.

The invention of claim 15 is the sensor system according to claim 14,
The display control unit may cause the display unit to switch between a display indicating the light projection timing information and a display indicating the coincidence information.

The invention of claim 16
A control unit for controlling a sensor unit group composed of a plurality of sensor units,
Each sensor unit of the sensor unit group to be controlled is
A transmission means capable of transmitting a transmission signal to another sensor unit adjacent to one side;
Receiving means capable of receiving transmission signals from other sensor units adjacent to the other;
A light projecting means for projecting light on the detection target with a set light projection period;
Based on reception of the transmission signal, light projection timing control means for projecting the light projection means in the light projection period;
Transmission timing control means for transmitting the transmission signal based on reception of the transmission signal;
A light receiving means for receiving the light projected from the light projecting means;
Detecting means for detecting the detection target according to the amount of light received by the light receiving means;
A light projection period setting means for setting the light projection period;
Having
Display means is provided in at least one of the sensor unit and the control unit,
Command transmitting means for transmitting to the sensor unit together with the transmission signal command information that causes each sensor unit to transmit period data related to the light projection period together with the transmission signal;
Period data detection means for confirming period data related to the light projection period of each sensor unit from the transmission signal transmitted through all sensor units of the sensor unit group;
Based on the periodic data from each sensor unit detected by the periodic data detecting means, the light projecting timing of the light projecting means in each sensor unit is confirmed, and the coincidence units in which the light projecting timings coincide with each other in the sensor unit group Identifying means for identifying
Display control means for displaying matching unit information on the matching unit specified by the specifying means on the display means provided in at least one of the sensor unit and the control unit;
It is provided with.

The invention of claim 17
A sensor unit used in a sensor system including a sensor unit group composed of a plurality of sensor units,
A transmission means capable of transmitting a transmission signal to a sensor unit adjacent to one side;
Receiving means capable of receiving a transmission signal from a sensor unit adjacent to the other;
A light projecting means for projecting light on the detection target with a set light projection period;
Based on reception of the transmission signal, light projection timing control means for projecting the light projection means in the light projection period;
Transmission timing control means for transmitting the transmission signal based on reception of the transmission signal;
A light receiving means for receiving the light projected from the light projecting means;
Detecting means for detecting the detection target according to the amount of light received by the light receiving means;
A light projection period setting means for setting the light projection period;
Display means;
Display control means for causing the display means to display information relating to the coincidence of light projection timing in each sensor unit;
It is provided with.

The invention of claim 18 is the sensor unit according to claim 17,
Command transmitting means for transmitting, to the sensor unit together with the transmission signal, command information for transmitting, with the transmission signal, period data relating to a light projection period to each sensor unit of the sensor unit group,
Period data detection means for confirming period data relating to the light projection period of each sensor unit from the transmission signal transmitted through all sensor units of the sensor unit group;
Based on the periodic data from each sensor unit detected by the periodic data detecting means, the light projecting timing of the light projecting means in each sensor unit is confirmed, and in the sensor unit group, the coincidence units whose light projecting timings coincide with each other And a specifying means for specifying,
The display control means causes the display means to display matching unit information related to the matching unit specified by the specifying means as information relating to the coincidence of the projection timing.

The invention of claim 19 is the sensor unit according to claim 17,
Address setting means for setting unique address information for each sensor unit;
A light projection timing calculating means for calculating its own light projection timing from the address information and the light projection period set by the light projection period setting means,
The display control unit causes the display unit to display light projection timing information corresponding to the light projection timing calculated by the light projection timing calculation unit.

<Invention of Claim 1>
According to the configuration of the first aspect, the information regarding the coincidence of the light projection timing in each sensor unit is displayed. Therefore, the user can grasp the coincidence unit having the coincident light projection timing in the sensor unit group. Therefore, if there is a matching unit, the user can use each sensor unit in consideration of interference (for example, each sensor unit can be arranged in consideration of interference), and highly accurate detection can be performed. The configuration is easy to perform.

<Invention of Claim 2>
According to the configuration of the second aspect, since the matching unit information is displayed, the user can grasp the matching unit having the same light projection timing in the sensor unit group.

<Invention of Claim 3>
According to the configuration of the third aspect, the configuration for displaying the matching unit information on the display means can be easily realized.

<Invention of Claim 4>
According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the matching unit can be notified to the user with a simple configuration. In addition, since the matching unit information is displayed only on the matching unit display means, the user can easily grasp which sensor unit is the matching unit.

<Invention of Claim 5>
According to the structure of Claim 5, it becomes a suitable example which can alert | report a coincidence unit to a user. Further, according to this configuration, even when there are a plurality of groups of matching units, the user can grasp the matching units for each group.

<Invention of Claim 6>
According to the sixth aspect, the user can easily grasp the matching unit more quickly and easily.

<Invention of Claim 7>
According to the seventh aspect, the matching unit information can be displayed only when necessary, so that it is possible to appropriately cope with the use environment.

<Invention of Claim 8>
According to the structure of Claim 8, it becomes a structure which can switch between the mode which displays matching unit information by operation, and the mode which does not display matching unit information, and a user can respond easily according to the change of use environment. It becomes composition.

<Invention of Claim 9>
According to the structure of Claim 9, the user can grasp | ascertain the coincidence unit with which a light projection timing corresponds by seeing the light projection timing information displayed on each sensor unit.

<Invention of Claim 10>
According to the configuration of the tenth aspect, the light projection timing can be visually grasped, and the light projection timing can be easily compared with other sensor units.

<Invention of Claim 11>
According to the configuration of the eleventh aspect, since the display color differs according to the light projection timing, it is possible to easily grasp the difference in the light projection timing between the sensor units.

<Invention of Claim 12>
According to the configuration of the twelfth aspect, by displaying the estimated matching unit information, it is possible to easily grasp the sensor unit that is estimated to be the matching unit by the user.

<Invention of Claim 13>
According to the configuration of the thirteenth aspect, since the light projection timing information can be displayed only when necessary, the configuration can appropriately cope with the use environment.

<Invention of Claim 14>
According to the structure of Claim 14, the user can grasp | ascertain immediately the matching unit with which a light projection timing corresponds.

<Invention of Claim 15>
According to the configuration of the fifteenth aspect, in one sensor unit, the coincidence information can be displayed for the upper sensor unit, but the coincidence information cannot be obtained for the lower sensor unit. Therefore, when confirming the coincidence of the projection timing with the lower sensor unit, by switching to display the projection timing information that is not the coincidence information, the upper sensor unit can be compared with the lower sensor unit. Even in this case, it is possible to check whether or not the light emission timing matches.

<Invention of Claim 16>
According to the structure of Claim 16, it becomes a control unit with the same effect as Claim 1.

<Invention of Claim 17>
According to the structure of Claim 17, it becomes a sensor unit which has an effect similar to Claim 1.
<Invention of Claim 18>
According to the structure of Claim 18, it becomes a sensor unit which has an effect similar to Claim 2.
<Invention of Claim 19>
According to the structure of Claim 19, it becomes a sensor unit which has an effect similar to Claim 9.

<Embodiment 1>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
1. Overall Configuration First, the overall configuration of the sensor system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. In FIG. 1, the direction of arrow A is the forward direction, and the direction of arrow B is the right direction.
The sensor system 100 of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of (four in FIG. 1) optical fiber sensor units 1 (corresponding to the sensor units recited in the claims) having the same structure, and is derived from each of the optical fiber sensor units 1. The tip of the optical fiber F is arranged toward the detection region to detect the detected object, and the control unit 2 performs monitoring of received light amount and sensitivity adjustment of each sensor unit. The optical fiber sensor unit 1 is also simply referred to as sensor unit 1 below.
In the following description, when referring to the entire optical fiber sensor unit 1, it is referred to as a sensor unit 1, and when referring to the individual optical fiber sensor units 1, the first sensor from the left optical fiber sensor unit 1 is referred to. These are referred to as unit 1, second sensor unit 1, third sensor unit 1, and fourth sensor unit 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each sensor unit 1 has a box shape, and the end of an optical fiber F is inserted into a fiber insertion hole provided on the front surface, while a cable connected from a control unit 2 (not shown) on the rear surface. Connector C is connected. A light projecting element 12 is provided on the right side surface of the sensor unit 1, and a light receiving element 11 is provided on the left side surface. Further, a clamping portion (not shown) extending from the front and rear portions of the lower surface toward the obliquely lower center is provided.

  The sensor unit 1 is mounted by passing clamping parts on both sides of a known DIN rail 3 so that the light projecting elements 12 and the light receiving elements 11 of the sensor units 1 that are closely adjacent to each other face each other. Yes.

  A box-like control unit 2 and a terminal unit 4 are also arranged on the sides of the first and fourth sensor units 1. The control unit 2 is provided with a clamping part (not shown) having the same shape as the clamping part of the sensor unit 1, and is attached to the clamping part through the DIN rail 3. Further, two screw holes 21 formed so as to penetrate between the upper and lower side surfaces are provided, and a screw 22 screwed into the screw hole 21 is provided. By tightening the screw 22, the clamping portion and the tip of the screw 22 are connected to the DIN rail. 3 can be sandwiched and fixed to the DIN rail 3. The end unit 4 is also provided with a clamping portion 41, a screw hole 42 and a screw 43, and can be fixed to the DIN rail 3 by tightening the screw 43.

  Here, the light projecting element 23 provided on the right side surface of the control unit 2 is disposed at a position facing the light receiving element 11 of the first sensor unit 1. Further, the light receiving element 44 provided on the left side surface of the termination unit 4 is disposed at a position facing the light projecting element 12 of the fourth sensor unit 1.

Next, the electrical configuration of the sensor system will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the setting operation unit 20 is provided in the housing of the control unit 2, and by inputting the address for specifying the communication partner sensor unit by operating the setting switch provided there, the sensor unit should be executed. You can enter commands. The switch state of this setting switch is taken in by the CPU 25, where a control signal (transmission signal) is generated and given to the light projecting circuit 26 which constitutes the control unit side transmitting means together with the light projecting element 23. The light projecting circuit 26 supplies a drive current to the light projecting element 23 based on the transmission signal and transmits the transmission signal as light to the first sensor unit 1. The CPU 25 corresponds to periodic data detection means, identification means, and display control means in the claims. The light projecting element 23 and the light projecting circuit 26 correspond to command transmitting means in the claims.

  In each sensor unit 1, the transmission signal received as light by the light receiving element 11 is converted into an analog signal, converted into a digital signal by the light receiving circuit 14, and supplied to the CPU 15. The light receiving element 11 and the light receiving circuit 14 correspond to receiving means in the claims, and are configured to receive transmission signals from other adjacent sensor units.

  The CPU 15 collates the address included in the transmission signal with the address set in itself, and if they are the same, processes the commands sent at the same time. When the address included in the transmission signal is different from the address set to itself, the command is not processed, and the transmission signal is sent to the light projecting circuit 16 as it is. The light is supplied to the optical element 12 and projected. The light projecting element 12 and the light projecting circuit 16 correspond to transmitting means in the claims and are configured to transmit transmission signals to other adjacent sensor units. The CPU 15 in each sensor unit 1 corresponds to a light projection timing control means, a transmission timing control means, a detection means, and a light projection cycle setting means in the claims.

  Each sensor unit 1 projects light from the light projecting unit 17 and irradiates the detection region with light through an optical fiber. The light from the detection region is converted into a digital signal by the light receiving unit 18 and captured. Then, a detection operation for comparing the received light amount data with a threshold value installed in the interior to determine the presence or absence of a detection object is performed. The light projecting unit 17 corresponds to the light projecting means in the claims, and is configured to perform light projecting on the detection target with a set light projecting period. The light receiving unit 18 corresponds to the light receiving means in the claims.

The configuration in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the number of sensor units 1 can vary.
FIG. 3 shows an example in which the number of sensor units 1 is eight. Although FIG. 3 differs from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in the number of sensor units 1, the configuration of the sensor unit 1, the configuration of the control unit 2, and the termination unit 4 are the same.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, information relating to light incident on the light receiving element 44 of the termination unit 4 is converted into a digital signal by the light receiving circuit 46, and then the control unit 2 via the CPU 47 and the connector 51. Sent to. The termination unit 4 and the control unit 2 are connected by a communication line 52, and data sent through the communication line 52 is input to the CPU 25. In this sensor system 100, since the signal from the sensor unit 1 is returned to the control unit 2 via the termination unit 4, the control unit 2 and each sensor unit 1 form a ring-shaped transmission path.

  In the sensor system according to the above configuration, for example, when it is desired to check the amount of light received by the third sensor unit 1, the following is performed. First, the address of the third sensor unit 1 and the received light amount data transmission command are input from the setting switch of the setting operation unit 20 of the control unit 2 and executed. Then, a transmission signal including the address of the third sensor unit 1 and the received light amount data transmission command is sent from the CPU 25 to the first sensor unit 1. The first sensor unit 1 transmits the transmission signal as it is to the second sensor unit 1 because the address included in the transmission signal does not match the own address, and the second sensor unit 1 is also included in the transmission signal. Since the address to be transmitted does not match its own address, the transmission signal is transmitted to the third sensor unit 1 as it is.

  Next, in the third sensor unit 1, since the address included in the transmission signal matches the address set in itself, the received light amount data transmission command included in the transmission signal is executed to store the received light amount data. Append to region. The transmission signal is transmitted from the fourth sensor unit 1 to the termination unit 4, and is transmitted from the termination unit 4 to the control unit 2 via the cable 53. The control unit 2 can extract received light amount data from the transmission signal. Note that the CPU 15 corresponds to a detection unit, and functions to perform a detection operation of the detection target according to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit as described above.

  Further, when it is desired to check the received light amounts of all the sensor units 1, the addresses of all the sensor units 1 and the received light amount data transmission command may be input from the setting switch of the setting operation unit 20 of the control unit 2.

  The transmission signal is configured as shown in FIG. 5 and includes a synchronization signal, command information to be executed by the sensor unit, and data information to be transmitted from the sensor unit 1 to the control unit 2. Moreover, although not shown, it also has address information of the sensor unit 1 to be communicated.

2. Configuration for Displaying Matching Units Next, a configuration for specifying matching units and displaying matching unit information will be described.
(Sensor unit)
In each sensor unit 1 of the sensor system 100, the timing is controlled so that the light projecting unit 17 emits light with a set light projection period based on reception of the transmission signal, and based on reception of the transmission signal. The transmission timing for transmitting the transmission signal is controlled by the light projecting circuit 16 and the light projecting element 12. Specifically, under the control of the CPU 15, the light projecting operation is performed at a timing when a certain time has elapsed after receiving the transmission signal. Further, the transmission signal is transmitted at almost the same timing as the light projection timing (that is, the timing when a certain period has elapsed after reception) under the control of the CPU 15.

  Each sensor unit 1 is provided with a light projection period setting means for setting a light projection period. Specifically, the operation unit 19 in each sensor unit 1 is configured to be able to input a light projection cycle, and the CPU 15 corresponds to a light projection cycle setting means, and relates to a light projection cycle input by control. Information is stored in the RAM (not shown) of each sensor unit 1 as light projection period data. As for the light projection timing in each sensor unit 1, the start timing of the first light projection operation is determined by the reception timing of the transmission signal, and each subsequent light projection timing is determined by the light projection period data. In addition, the light projection timing of the sensor unit 1 in this embodiment is as shown in FIG. The deviation of the projection timing between all channels is constant at P1, and when the first projection timing of CH1 indicated by the symbol ST is determined, the first projection timing in all channels is determined. ing. That is, if the transmission timing of the transmission signal from the control unit 2 to CH1 is known, the first light projection timings of all the sensor units 1 are known. Therefore, the control unit 2 uses the light projection period data of each sensor unit. As long as it is confirmed, all the light projection timings of the sensor units can be grasped.

(Controller unit)
In the control unit 2, the first command information (first command) that causes each sensor unit 1 to transmit the period data related to the light projection period together with the transmission signal in accordance with a program such as a flowchart described later is provided together with the transmission signal. 1 (CH1 sensor unit 1). Then, from the transmission signals transmitted through all the sensor units 1 of the sensor unit group, the cycle data related to the projection cycle of each sensor unit 1 (that is, the projection cycle set for each sensor unit 1 and stored in the RAM). Data).

  Further, the control unit 2 confirms the light projection timing of the light projecting means in each sensor unit 1 based on the detected light projection period data from each sensor unit 1, and the light projection timings in the sensor unit 1 group are mutually different. A matching unit that matches is identified. The matching unit information regarding the identified matching unit is displayed on the display unit 13 provided in the sensor unit 1.

  That is, each sensor unit 1 is configured such that the period from the reception timing of the transmission signal to the transmission timing is determined to be a fixed period (period P1), and the transmission timing and the light projection timing are substantially the same timing. Therefore, if only the transmission timing to the first sensor unit 1 and the light projection period data of each sensor unit 1 are confirmed, the actual light projection timing in each sensor unit 1 can be known. Therefore, in the control unit 2, the light projection timing in each sensor unit 1 is confirmed in this way, and the matching unit is specified.

  As described above, after the matching unit is specified, the first command (second command information) for displaying the matching unit information on the display unit 13 provided in the sensor unit 1 is transmitted together with the transmission signal to one sensor unit 1 (the sensor unit of CH1). ) To send to. When the CPU 15 of each sensor unit 1 receives the second command, the matching unit information is displayed on the display unit 13 provided in the sensor unit.

  In the present embodiment, as the matching unit information, for each sensor unit 1, a second command for causing the display unit 13 to display data corresponding to the light projection timing of the own light projecting unit is generated. It is transmitted to the sensor unit 1. In accordance with the second command, display is performed on each display unit 13 of each sensor unit 2. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, since the light projection timing in each sensor unit 1 is one or two timings 1 to 8, the numerical data of the corresponding timing is displayed on the display unit of each sensor unit 1. 13 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 3, “1” is displayed on the display portion of CH1, and “1, 5” is displayed on the display portion of CH5, indicating that the timing coincides between CH1 and CH5. Has been.

  Instead of this, the matching unit information may be displayed only on the matching unit display section 13. Specifically, the display color by the display unit 13 in the matching unit may be different from the display color by the display unit 13 in the sensor unit 1 other than the matching unit. Other than this, for example, some information can be displayed only on the display unit 13 of the matching unit.

Next, an example of a flowchart for performing the above processing will be described.
In the control unit 2, when the operator receives an operation signal from the external device or the operation unit 20 (S10), command information is created (S20). At this time, when an operation signal for specifying and displaying the matching data is received, a first command (first command information) is generated in the command information generation process, and the first command is transmitted together with the transmission signal. (S30). In this embodiment, the matching unit information is displayed on the display unit 13 only in a specific case (when an instruction to display matching data is received by the operator).

  When the sensor unit 1 receives the synchronization signal, the process proceeds to Y in S200, the command information is read (S210), and the type of command is determined (S220). If the first command is included, the process proceeds to 1 in the conditional branch of S220, and processing for creating its own light projection period data and adding it to the transmission signal is performed (S230). If the second command is included, the process proceeds to 2 in S220, and information is displayed according to the matching unit information (S240). In S250, the signal transmission and the light projecting operation are performed simultaneously. In the example of FIG. 8, the process for confirming other commands is omitted. However, for example, when a command for placing data on the amount of emitted light on the transmission signal is included, the projection by the sensor unit is performed. Light amount data is added to the transmission signal.

  After the processing as shown in FIG. 8 is performed in each sensor unit 1, the control unit 2 specifies the matching unit as shown in FIG. Specifically, when transmission signals that have flown through all the sensor units are received, the process proceeds to Yes in S100, and the light projection period data of each sensor unit 1 is read (S110). In S120, the light projection timing of each sensor unit is specified. As described above, the light projection timing of each sensor unit can be grasped by the transmission timing to CH1 and the light projection cycle data of each sensor unit 1. Thereafter, a display command (that is, a second command (a command for displaying the matching unit information)) and data information indicating which unit is the matching unit are created (S130), and a transmission signal including them is transmitted. (S140). When each sensor unit 1 receives this transmission signal, the processing of S240 shown in FIG. 8 is performed in each sensor unit 1, and matching unit information as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed.

<Embodiment 2>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 9, the sensor system 200 of the present embodiment is configured to include a plurality of optical fiber sensor units 60 (corresponding to the sensor units described in the claims) having the same structure. Since most of the structure is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  Each sensor unit 60 is adjacently arranged in a line on the DIN rail 3 as in the first embodiment. The sensor system 200 does not have a configuration corresponding to the control unit 2 and the termination unit 4 of the first embodiment, and only the sensor unit 60 is used to display projection timing information and match the projection timing as described later. An operation such as display of the sensor unit 60 is performed.

  On the upper surface of each sensor unit 60, as shown in FIG. 11, there is provided a display unit 13 in which two liquid crystal displays (hereinafter referred to as “LCDs 61 and 62”) displaying 7 segments and four digits are arranged side by side. . In the LCDs 61 and 62, each digit is arranged in the horizontal direction (direction orthogonal to the adjacent direction of the sensor unit 60), and the same digit is arranged in the vertical direction (sensors) between the plurality of adjacently arranged sensor units 60. The units 60 are arranged so as to be aligned in the adjacent direction. Further, on the upper surface of each sensor unit 60, an operation unit 19 (corresponding to the operation means described in claims) is provided for an operator to perform various operations. The CPU 15 in each sensor unit 60 includes a light projection period setting unit, a light projection timing control unit, a transmission timing control unit, a detection unit, an address setting unit, a light projection timing calculation unit, and a display control unit. , Equivalent to estimation means and coincidence determination means.

In the present sensor system 200, a unique address is set for each sensor unit 60 as follows. The CPU 15 of each sensor unit 60 transmits a synchronization signal together with a transmission signal at the time of initial activation, and checks whether a synchronization signal is received from another sensor unit 60. If the synchronization signal is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 15 of the sensor unit 60 recognizes that the sensor unit 60 is located at the top and sets its address to 1 ( Set to CH1). Thereafter, the CH1 sensor unit 60 transmits its own address information to the adjacent sensor unit 60 together with the transmission signal. The CPU 15 of the sensor unit 60 that has received the address information sets the number (2) obtained by adding 1 to the address as its own address (CH2). In this way, by sequentially transmitting address information from the upper sensor unit 60 to the lower sensor unit 60, a unique address is set for each sensor unit 60.
The address may be set by an operator's operation from the operation unit 19 or the like.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the light projection timing of each sensor unit 60. In each sensor unit 60 of the present sensor system 200, similarly to the sensor system 100 of the first embodiment, a light projection operation is performed at a timing after a certain time has elapsed after receiving a transmission signal, under the control of the CPU 15. The transmission signal is transmitted at almost the same timing as in FIG. At this time, the deviation of the light projection timing between the adjacent sensor units 60 is constant at P1 (12.5 μs in the present embodiment). Moreover, the light projection timing in each sensor unit 60 determines the start timing of the first light projection operation by the reception timing of the transmission signal, and the subsequent light projection timings by the set light projection period data. In this embodiment, CH1, CH2, CH4, and CH5 have a light projection period of 50 μs, CH5 has a light projection period of 100 μs, and CH9 has a light projection period of 25 μs.

  When confirming the coincidence of the light projection timing between the sensor units 60, the operator first instructs the coincidence confirmation display operation by operating the operation unit 19 of the uppermost sensor unit 60. When the uppermost sensor unit 60 receives an operation signal from the operation unit 19, it generates a confirmation display command, transmits this confirmation display command together with the transmission signal, and then executes a coincidence confirmation display process described later. The lower sensor unit 60 receives a transmission signal from the upper sensor unit 60, and executes a match confirmation display process when the transmission signal includes a confirmation display command.

  When starting the match confirmation display process, the CPU 15 of each sensor unit 60 first calculates its own light projection timing based on its own address information and light projection cycle data. Then, each sensor unit 60 has its own address information and light projection cycle data, and the address information and light projection cycle data of the upper sensor unit 60 included in the received transmission signal, along with the transmission signal. Transmit to unit 60. Subsequently, in each sensor unit 60, a display for confirming the coincidence of the light projection timing is performed on the LCDs 61 and 62. This match confirmation display includes three types of display patterns of “light projection pulse display”, “individual number display”, and “matched individual display”, and these display patterns can be switched by an operator's operation.

(Transmission pulse display)
The projection pulse display is a pattern that is displayed first after the match confirmation display process is started, and displays projection timing information corresponding to the calculated own projection timing on the LCDs 61 and 62. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the lighting position (display position) in the horizontal direction of a vertical segment (hereinafter referred to as a vertical segment) corresponds to the light projection timing of the sensor unit 60, and The matching vertical segment corresponds to a shift of P1 (12.5 μs) in the light projection timing.

  As shown in the figure, in the sensor unit 60 of CH1 (projection cycle 50 μs), the first vertical segment from the left in the LCDs 61 and 62 is lit, and the fifth, ninth, and thirteenth vertical segments from the left are further displayed. Lights up. In the sensor unit 60 of CH2 (projection cycle 50 μs), the second, sixth, tenth, and fourteenth vertical segments from the left are lit. In the sensor unit 60 of CH3 (light projection cycle 100 μs), the third and eleventh vertical segments from the left are lit. Further, in the sensor unit 90 of CH9 (light projection period 25 μs), every other vertical segment is lit from the first vertical segment from the left.

  When the lighting positions of the vertical segments do not overlap with each other like the sensor units 60 of CH1 to CH4, the operator grasps that there is no sensor unit 60 having the same light projection timing between these sensor units 60. be able to. Further, when the lighting positions of the vertical segments overlap as in CH1 and CH5 or CH1 and CH9, it is possible to grasp that the light projection timings coincide between the two sensor units 60. Note that CH20 shown in FIG. 11 shows a display example when the light projection timing is set asynchronously with respect to the other sensor units 60, and the asynchronous sensor unit 60 corresponds to all the other sensor units 60. Therefore, all vertical segments are turned on.

  Note that the above-described projection pulse display may be displayed in different colors according to the projection timing. That is, by changing the display color of the vertical segment depending on the lighting position such as red, blue, green,... In order from the left, for example, it is easy to grasp the difference in the light projection timing even between the sensor units 60 at different positions. Become.

(Individual number display)
When the operator operates the operation unit 19 of the uppermost sensor unit 60 to instruct to display the individual number, the instruction content is transmitted to each sensor unit 60 via the transmission signal as described above. The display pattern of each sensor unit 60 is switched from the above-described projection pulse display to the individual number display.

  In this individual number display, first, the CPU 15 obtains an estimated matching unit that may match the light projection timing based on the calculated self light projection timing. For example, in the sensor unit 60 of CH1, since light is projected with a light projection period of 50 μs from the first light projection ST (4 times the unit light projection interval P1), CH5 is located at the lower position, and four positions below it. It is presumed that there is a possibility that the projection timing may coincide with CH9 to be performed, and CH13,. Based on this estimation, each sensor unit 60 may display its own address information (such as “1ch”) on the left LCD 61 as shown in FIG. Address information of a certain estimated matching unit (that is, estimated matching unit information, “5ch”, “9ch”, “13ch”, etc.) is sequentially displayed. It should be noted that “ASYC” (meaning asynchronous) is displayed on the sensor unit 60 (CH 20) with asynchronous light projection timing.

(Matched individual display)
When the operator operates the operation unit 19 of the uppermost sensor unit 60 to instruct to display the matched individual, the instruction content is transmitted to each sensor unit 60 via the transmission signal as described above. The display pattern of each sensor unit 60 is switched to matching individual display.

  In this coincidence individual display, as shown in FIG. 13, first, the sensor unit 60 of CH1 displays its own light projection timing information in the same manner as the light projection pulse display. In the lower sensor unit 60, based on the address information and period data of the CH1 sensor unit 60 received via the transmission signal, whether or not the light projection timing of the CH1 sensor unit 60 matches the own light projection timing. judge. If the projection timings match, the LCDs 61 and 62 display their own projection timing information in the same manner as the projection pulse display. If the projection timings do not match, the LCDs 61 and 62 are turned off. And

  At this time, the sensor unit 60 of CH1 and the sensor unit 60 that is determined to have the same projection timing as CH1 are in the light emitting state, and the sensor unit 60 that is determined to have the same projection timing as that of CH1 The light is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to easily perform operations such as examining the sensor unit 60 actually interfering and changing the arrangement of the sensor unit 60.

  FIG. 13 shows a state where the sensor unit 60 of CH1 and the sensor units 60 of CH5 and CH9 whose projection timings coincide with each other are lit (that is, a state where the coincidence information is displayed). In the asynchronous sensor unit 60 (CH20), all the vertical segments are always lit. By viewing this display, the operator can immediately recognize a matching unit whose light emission timing matches that of the sensor unit 60 of CH1. After the match information for CH1 is displayed in this way, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the LCDs 61 and 62 of CH1 are turned off, and then their own light projection timing information is displayed on CH2. The light projection timing information of the lower sensor unit 60 having the same timing is displayed. In this way, the coincidence information about the lower sensor units 60 is sequentially displayed.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention other than the following. Various modifications can be made.

(1) In the first embodiment, the command transmission unit, the periodic data detection unit, and the identification unit are provided in the control unit 2. However, the command transmission unit, the periodic data detection unit, and the identification unit are provided in the sensor unit. It may be done. That is, a function similar to that of the control unit 2 may be provided in any or all of the sensor units.
(2) In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the coincidence unit information is displayed on the display unit 13 provided in the sensor unit 1 is exemplified. However, the coincidence unit is not included in the display means (that is, the display unit 29) provided in the control unit 2. Information may be displayed. For example, the matching unit number may be displayed on the display unit 29.

(3) In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, each sensor unit is provided with a light receiving element for data reception and a light projecting element for data transmission. In each sensor unit, another set of light receiving elements for data reception and light projecting elements for data transmission may be provided so that data can be transmitted bidirectionally. In this case, the control unit 2 requires a light receiving element for data reception, and the termination unit 4 requires a light projecting element for data transmission.
(4) In the second embodiment, the example in which the matching information indicating the matching unit having the same projection timing is shown in a mode (projecting pulse display) of displaying the own projection timing information is shown. Information (such as “1ch”) may be displayed.

The perspective view which illustrates the composition of the sensor system concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a sensor system according to a first embodiment. Explanatory diagram for conceptually explaining data transmission in a sensor system with eight sensor units Timing chart showing light projection timing in the sensor system of FIG. Explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of transmission data Flow chart illustrating transmission signal transmission processing Flowchart illustrating processing for display control Flow chart illustrating processing in sensor unit Block diagram of the sensor system of the second embodiment Timing chart showing light emission timing Explanatory drawing showing a display example of projected light display Explanatory drawing showing a display example of individual number display Explanatory drawing showing a display example of matching individual display

Explanation of symbols

1, 60 ... Optical fiber sensor unit (sensor unit)
2 ... Control unit 11 ... Light receiving element (receiving means)
12 ... Projection element (transmission means)
13 ... Display section (display means)
14. Light receiving circuit (receiving means)
15 ... CPU (projection cycle setting means, projection timing control means, transmission timing control means, detection means, address setting means, projection timing calculation means, display control means, estimation means, coincidence determination means)
16: Light projection circuit (transmission means)
17 ... Projection part (projection means)
18. Light receiving portion (light receiving means)
23 ... Projection element (command transmission means)
25 ... CPU (periodic data detection means, identification means, display control means)
26. Light emitting circuit (command transmission means)
100, 200 ... sensor system

Claims (19)

A sensor system including a sensor unit group including a plurality of sensor units,
Each sensor unit
A transmission means capable of transmitting a transmission signal to a sensor unit adjacent to one side;
Receiving means capable of receiving a transmission signal from a sensor unit adjacent to the other;
A light projecting means for projecting light on the detection target with a set light projection period;
Based on reception of the transmission signal, light projection timing control means for projecting the light projection means in the light projection period;
Transmission timing control means for transmitting the transmission signal based on reception of the transmission signal;
A light receiving means for receiving the light projected from the light projecting means;
Detecting means for detecting the detection target according to the amount of light received by the light receiving means;
A light projection period setting means for setting the light projection period;
Having
Display means;
Display control means for causing the display means to display information relating to the coincidence of light projection timing in each sensor unit;
A sensor system comprising: Command transmission means for transmitting, to each sensor unit, first command information for transmitting period data related to the light projection period together with the transmission signal, to the one sensor unit together with the transmission signal;
Period data detection means for confirming period data related to the light projection period of each sensor unit from the transmission signal transmitted through all sensor units of the sensor unit group;
Based on the periodic data from each sensor unit detected by the periodic data detecting means, the light projecting timing of the light projecting means in each sensor unit is confirmed, and in the sensor unit group, the light projection timings coincide with each other. A means for identifying the unit,
The said display control means displays the coincidence unit information regarding the said coincidence unit specified by the said identification means as the information regarding the coincidence of the light projection timing on the display means. Sensor system. A control unit for controlling each of the sensor units;
The command transmitting means, the periodic data detecting means, and the specifying means are provided in the control unit,
On the other hand, the sensor unit is provided with the display means,
The command transmitting unit is configured to transmit second command information for displaying the matching unit information on the display unit provided in the sensor unit, together with the transmission signal, to the one sensor unit,
The sensor system according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit displays the matching unit information on the display unit provided in the sensor unit based on the second command information. In each sensor unit of the sensor unit group, the display means is provided,
The sensor system according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit displays the matching unit information only on the display unit of the matching unit. In each sensor unit of the sensor unit group, the display means is provided,
The display control means causes the display means to display data corresponding to the light projection timing of the light projection means for each sensor unit as the matching unit information. The sensor system according to claim 2 or 3. 3. The display control unit according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit performs display control so that a display color by the display unit in the matching unit is different from a display color by the display unit in another sensor unit other than the matching unit. The sensor system according to claim 5. 7. The sensor system according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit displays the matching unit information by the display unit only at a specific time. Having operating means that can be operated by an operator;
8. The sensor system according to claim 7, wherein the display control unit displays the matching unit information by the display unit only during a time set based on an operation by the operation unit. The display means is provided for each sensor unit,
Address setting means for setting unique address information for each sensor unit;
Projection timing calculation means for calculating the projection timing in each sensor unit from the address information of each sensor unit and the projection period set by the projection period setting means,
The display control means displays light projection timing information corresponding to the light projection timing of each sensor unit calculated by the light projection timing calculation means on the display means of the sensor unit as information relating to the coincidence of the light projection timing. The sensor system according to claim 1, wherein: The display control means causes the display means to display the light projection timing information in a form in which the display position in the direction orthogonal to the adjacent direction of the sensor unit in the display means is associated with the light projection timing. The sensor system according to claim 9. The sensor system according to claim 10, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display different display colors according to the light projection timing. Based on the light projection timing of each sensor unit calculated by the light projection timing calculation means, comprising: an estimation means for estimating a sensor unit that may have the same light projection timing;
10. The display control unit causes the display unit to display estimated matching unit information related to an estimated matching unit that is predicted to have a matching light projection timing by the estimating unit. The sensor system according to any one of 11. It has operating means that can be operated by the operator,
The said display control means displays the said light projection timing information by the said display means only during the time set based on the operation by the said operation means, The Claim 9 characterized by the above-mentioned. Sensor system. The transmission means uses as its transmission signal the period data related to its own address information and the light projection period, and the address information of other sensor units included in the transmission signal received by the reception means and the period data related to the light projection period. Configured to transmit on board,
Based on the address information and period data of other sensor units included in the transmission signal received by the receiving means, a coincidence judging means for judging a matching unit having the same light emission timing as that of the other sensor units. Prepared,
The display control means causes the display means to display coincidence information indicating a sensor unit determined to be a coincidence unit by the coincidence determination means. Sensor system. The sensor system according to claim 14, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to switch between a display indicating the light projection timing information and a display indicating the coincidence information. A control unit for controlling a sensor unit group composed of a plurality of sensor units,
Each sensor unit of the sensor unit group to be controlled is
A transmission means capable of transmitting a transmission signal to another sensor unit adjacent to one side;
Receiving means capable of receiving transmission signals from other sensor units adjacent to the other;
A light projecting means for projecting light on the detection target with a set light projection period;
Based on reception of the transmission signal, light projection timing control means for projecting the light projection means in the light projection period;
Transmission timing control means for transmitting the transmission signal based on reception of the transmission signal;
A light receiving means for receiving the light projected from the light projecting means;
Detecting means for detecting the detection target according to the amount of light received by the light receiving means;
A light projection period setting means for setting the light projection period;
Having
Display means is provided in at least one of the sensor unit and the control unit,
Command transmitting means for transmitting to the sensor unit together with the transmission signal command information that causes each sensor unit to transmit period data related to the light projection period together with the transmission signal;
Period data detection means for confirming period data related to the light projection period of each sensor unit from the transmission signal transmitted through all sensor units of the sensor unit group;
Based on the periodic data from each sensor unit detected by the periodic data detecting means, the light projecting timing of the light projecting means in each sensor unit is confirmed, and the coincidence units in which the light projecting timings coincide with each other in the sensor unit group Identifying means for identifying
Display control means for displaying matching unit information on the matching unit specified by the specifying means on the display means provided in at least one of the sensor unit and the control unit;
A control unit comprising: A sensor unit used in a sensor system including a sensor unit group composed of a plurality of sensor units,
A transmission means capable of transmitting a transmission signal to a sensor unit adjacent to one side;
Receiving means capable of receiving a transmission signal from a sensor unit adjacent to the other;
A light projecting means for projecting light on the detection target with a set light projection period;
Based on reception of the transmission signal, light projection timing control means for projecting the light projection means in the light projection period;
Transmission timing control means for transmitting the transmission signal based on reception of the transmission signal;
A light receiving means for receiving the light projected from the light projecting means;
Detecting means for detecting the detection target according to the amount of light received by the light receiving means;
A light projection period setting means for setting the light projection period;
Display means;
Display control means for causing the display means to display information relating to the coincidence of light projection timing in each sensor unit;
A sensor unit comprising: Command transmitting means for transmitting, to the sensor unit together with the transmission signal, command information for transmitting, with the transmission signal, period data relating to a light projection period to each sensor unit of the sensor unit group,
Period data detection means for confirming period data relating to the light projection period of each sensor unit from the transmission signal transmitted through all sensor units of the sensor unit group;
Based on the periodic data from each sensor unit detected by the periodic data detecting means, the light projecting timing of the light projecting means in each sensor unit is confirmed, and in the sensor unit group, the coincidence units whose light projecting timings coincide with each other And a specifying means for specifying,
The display control means causes the display means to display coincidence unit information related to the coincidence unit identified by the identification means as information relating to the coincidence of the light projection timings. Sensor unit. Address setting means for setting unique address information for each sensor unit;
A light projection timing calculating means for calculating its own light projection timing from the address information and the light projection period set by the light projection period setting means,
The sensor unit according to claim 17, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display light projection timing information corresponding to the light projection timing calculated by the light projection timing calculation unit.

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