JP2007147533A - Sensor system, apparatus for setting security detection device, method of setting the security detection device, program, and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sensor system, and to provide an apparatus for setting a security detection device, a method of setting the security detection device, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: Data D2A, D2 for updating setting of the security detection device 100A of each of an editing part 100D and a reading part 100E are transmitted to a comparison part 100F. If the data D2A, D2, held in the inside, match the data D2 stored temporarily by the security detection device 100A, the data in the security detection device 100A are updated; whereas when the data D2A do not match the data D2, the data in the security detection device 100A will not be updated. In this way, by comparing the data D2A and data D2, reliability of data management in the setting instrument 100B can be enhanced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sensor system including a safety detection device used for ensuring the safety of a manufacturing worker, a setting device and a setting method used for operation setting of the safety detection device, a program for causing a computer to execute the setting method, and The present invention also relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  It is important to ensure the safety of workers at the manufacturing site. In many cases, various safety sensors are provided in factories for the purpose of ensuring safety. One of the sensors applied to such a safety sensor is a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor.

  A general multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor includes a light projecting unit in which a plurality of light projecting elements are arranged in a row, and a light receiving unit in which the same number of light receiving elements as the light projecting devices are arranged in a row. Each light projecting element and light receiving element are arranged to face each other in a one-to-one relationship. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are generally connected via a communication line. The light projecting unit side sequentially emits each light projecting element, and the light receiving unit side emits light from the light receiving element corresponding to each light projecting element. The received light amount obtained at the timing synchronized with the light emitting operation of the optical element is taken out. Thereby, the light-shielding state for every optical axis of a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor is detected in order. The light receiving unit determines whether there is an object in the detection area using the detection result for each optical axis, and outputs a signal (object detection signal) indicating the determination result.

  This type of sensor is normally set to turn on an object detection signal when a light blocking state is detected in any one optical axis. However, some multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors have many functions such as a blanking function that always invalidates a detection result on a certain optical axis and a muting function that temporarily invalidates a detection result. The blanking function is an effective function when an obstacle always stays in the detection area (for example, when a machine exists in a part of the detection area). The muting function is an effective function when the work is temporarily passed through the detection area.

In many cases, a dedicated device is used for setting the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-296361 (Patent Document 1) discloses a device for setting a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor. This setting device has a setting item table for each type of safety sensor and non-safety sensor, and by importing the model of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor through communication with the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, it conforms to the format. Set up. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an erroneous setting of the sensor.
JP 2002-296361 A

  Conventionally, when confirming the operation of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, the operator confirms the operation of all functions including the function whose setting has been changed. The reason for confirming all functions is to confirm whether or not changes not intended by the operator have been made to functions that are not subject to change. Therefore, conventionally, as the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor becomes multifunctional, a large number of man-hours are required for the confirmation work when changing the setting.

  On the other hand, in order to improve user convenience, there are an increasing number of cases in which a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor is set by a personal computer equipped with setting software. However, in this case, there is a possibility that changes unintended by the operator may occur as compared with the case where dedicated equipment is used. That is, the operational reliability of the sensor after setting may be reduced.

  For example, in a personal computer, a memory leak (a phenomenon in which the usable memory capacity gradually decreases during the operation of the computer) may occur. A memory leak occurs because a memory area occupied for processing by an operating system (OS) or application software is left unopened for some reason. In many cases, the cause of the memory leak is a problem of an OS memory management method, a defect (bug) existing in application software, or the like. If the available memory area decreases due to a memory leak, the performance of the system will deteriorate or become unstable.

  When the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor is set in such a state, there is a problem that data reflecting the user setting is not correctly stored in the personal computer. Conventionally, even when the setting of a sensor is changed using a personal computer, it is necessary for the operator to check the operation of all functions of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor. Therefore, when the sensor setting is changed, the number of workers is increased.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor system capable of managing setting data for setting the operation of the safety detection device, a safety detection device setting device, a safety detection device setting method, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium. Is to provide.

  In summary, the present invention is a sensor system including a safety detection unit. The safety detection unit detects that the human body is in a safe state or a non-safe state in order to ensure the safety of the human body from the machine. The safety detection unit performs detection according to the setting data held in a nonvolatile manner, temporarily stores the given update data, and rewrites the setting data to the update data when receiving a rewrite instruction. The sensor system further includes a setting unit that gives update data and a rewrite instruction to the safety detection unit. The setting unit reads the setting data from the safety detection unit, creates update data for updating the setting data, writes the update data to the safety detection unit, and writes the update data to the safety detection unit is normal. If it is determined that, rewrite instruction is output.

  Preferably, the safety detection unit performs detection according to the setting data, the first rewritable storage unit that stores the setting data in a nonvolatile manner, the second storage unit that temporarily stores the update data, and the rewriting. A detection unit that rewrites the setting data stored in the first storage unit to update data in response to the instruction. The setting unit includes an editing unit, a reading unit, and a comparison unit. The editing unit creates update data and copy data of the update data based on the setting data read from the first storage unit, holds the copy data therein, and sends the update data to the second storage unit. The reading unit reads update data from the second storage unit. The comparison unit compares the copy data with the update data read by the reading unit. When the comparison result obtained by the comparison unit indicates that the copy data and the update data match, the editing unit determines that the update data is normally written to the second storage unit, and Is output.

  More preferably, the editing unit further creates check data for detecting an error in the update data, and generates copy data when it is confirmed using the check data that there is no error in the update data.

  More preferably, the comparison unit compares the copy data with the update data when it is confirmed that no error has occurred between the copy data and the update data using the check data read from the editing unit.

  More preferably, the comparison unit reads the copy data and the check data from the editing unit via different paths.

More preferably, the detection unit includes at least one multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor.
When the other situation of this invention is followed, it is a setting apparatus which performs the setting of a safety detection apparatus. The safety detection device detects that the human body is in a safe state or a non-safe state in order to ensure the safety of the human body from the machine. The safety detection device detects in accordance with setting data, a rewritable first storage unit that stores setting data in a nonvolatile manner, a second storage unit that temporarily stores update data for updating the setting data, And a detection unit that rewrites the setting data to update data in accordance with a given rewriting instruction. The setting device gives update data and a rewrite instruction to the safety detection device. The setting device includes an editing unit, a reading unit, and a comparison unit. The editing unit creates update data and copy data of the update data based on the setting data read from the first storage unit, holds the copy data therein, and sends the update data to the second storage unit. The reading unit reads update data from the second storage unit. The comparison unit compares the copy data with the update data read by the reading unit. When the comparison result obtained by the comparison unit indicates that the copy data and the update data match, the editing unit determines that the update data is normally written to the second storage unit, and Is output.

  Preferably, the editing unit further creates check data for detecting an error in the update data, and generates copy data when it is confirmed using the check data that there is no error in the update data.

  More preferably, the comparison unit compares the copy data with the update data when it is confirmed that there is no error in the copy data and the update data using the check data read from the editing unit.

  More preferably, the comparison unit reads the copy data and the check data from the editing unit via different paths.

More preferably, the detection unit includes at least one multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, a setting method for setting a safety detection device. In order to ensure the safety of the human body from the machine, the safety detection device detects that the surroundings of the human body are in a safe state or an unsafe state. The safety detection device detects in accordance with setting data, a rewritable first storage unit that stores setting data in a nonvolatile manner, a second storage unit that temporarily stores update data for updating the setting data, And a detection unit that rewrites the setting data to update data in accordance with a given rewriting instruction. The setting method includes the steps of creating update data based on the setting data read from the first storage unit, creating copy data of the update data, sending the update data to the second storage unit, The comparison result in the step of reading the update data from the second storage unit, the step of comparing the copy data with the update data read out by the read unit, and the step of comparing the copy data and the update data match. The step of determining that the writing of the update data to the second storage unit is normal and outputting a rewrite instruction is provided.

  Preferably, the step of creating update data further creates check data for detecting an error in the update data, and further executes a process of confirming that the update data has no error. In the step of creating copy data, when it is confirmed that there is no error in the update data, a process of generating copy data is executed.

  More preferably, in the comparing step, when it is confirmed by the check data that no error has occurred in the copy data and the update data, a process of comparing the copy data and the update data is executed.

  More preferably, the comparing step causes the copy data and the check data to be acquired using different transmission means.

More preferably, the detection unit includes at least one multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute any one of the above-described methods for setting a safety detection device.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium on which the above program is recorded.

  According to the present invention, setting data for setting the operation of the safety detection device can be managed with high reliability.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the sensor system of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, the sensor system 100 includes a safety detection device 100A and a setting device 100B.

  The safety detection device 100A detects that the surrounding of the human body is in a safe state or a non-safe state by light, radio waves, temperature change, or the like in order to ensure the safety of the human body from the machine. For example, the safety detection device 100A is provided to detect that a human body (not shown) has approached a press machine (not shown). When the safety detection device 100A detects that the operator's hand has approached the press machine (that is, the safety detection device 100A detects that the human body has become unsafe), the power supply to the press machine is cut off. Then stop the machine.

  The safety detection device 100A detects a safe state or a non-safe state according to setting data held in a nonvolatile manner. When the update data is given, the safety detection device 100A rewrites the setting data to the update data when receiving a rewrite instruction. In order to realize such an operation, the safety detection device 100A includes storage units M1 and M2 and a detection unit 100C.

  The storage unit M1 stores data D1 (setting data) for setting the detection operation of the safety detection device 100A in a nonvolatile manner, and can rewrite the data D1. The storage unit M2 temporarily stores update data (data D2) for updating the data D1. For example, the storage unit M1 is an EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable read only memory), and the storage unit M2 is a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage units M1 and M2 may be provided in the detection unit 100C.

  The detection unit 100C detects a safe state or an unsafe state according to the data D1. In addition, the detection unit 100C rewrites the data D1 stored in the storage unit M1 to data D2 (update data) in accordance with the given rewrite instruction UD.

  The configuration of the detection unit 100C is appropriately determined as necessary. For example, the detection unit 100C includes one or a plurality of sensor devices and a control device. For example, the control device plays a role of combining outputs from a plurality of sensor devices into one. Note that the detection unit 100C does not include a control device, and may include only one or a plurality of sensor devices. Various sensors (for example, a photoelectric sensor and a temperature sensor) can be applied as the sensor device included in the detection unit 100C. In the following description, it is assumed that the sensor device is a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor.

  The setting device 100B gives the data D2 and the rewrite instruction UD to the safety detection device 100A. Setting device 100B reads data D1 from safety detection device 100A. The setting device 100B creates data D2 for updating the data D1. Setting device 100B writes data D2 to safety detection device 100A. When the setting device 100B determines that the writing of the data D2 to the safety detection device 100A is normal, the setting device 100B outputs a rewrite instruction UD. Thereby, data can be correctly updated in the safety detection apparatus 100A.

  Setting device 100B includes an editing unit 100D, a reading unit 100E, and a comparison unit 100F. As will be described later, the setting device 100B can be realized by a personal computer, for example. The editing unit 100D, the reading unit 100E, and the comparison unit 100F may be realized by executing software on a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or may be realized by hardware.

  The editing unit 100D creates data D2 and copy data (data D2A) of the data D2 based on the data D1 read from the storage unit M1. The editing unit 100D holds the data D2A inside and transmits the data D2 to the storage unit M2.

Reading unit 100E reads data D2 from storage unit M2.
Comparison unit 100F receives data D2A (copy data of data D2) from editing unit 100D and data D2 from reading unit 100E, and compares data D2A and data D2. The editing unit 100D receives the comparison result CMP from the comparison unit 100F. When the comparison result CMP by the comparison unit 100F indicates that the data D2A and the data D2 match, the editing unit 100D determines that the writing of the data D2 to the safety detection device 100A is normal and outputs a rewrite instruction UD. .

  In the setting device 100B, data D2A and D2 for updating the setting of the safety detection device 100A are sent from the editing unit 100D and the reading unit 100E to the comparison unit 100F. If the data D2A held internally matches the data D2 temporarily held by the safety detection device 100A, the data update in the safety detection device 100A is performed. On the other hand, when the operation of the setting device 100B becomes unstable and an unexpected change occurs in the data D2A, the data D2A and the data D2 do not coincide with each other, and therefore the data update in the safety detection device 100A is not performed. Thus, by comparing the data D2A and D2, the reliability of data management in the setting device 100B can be increased. That is, it can be assured that the setting device 100B creates and holds the correct data for the safety detection device 100A.

  In a conventional setting device, one processing block (editing unit) receives data from the safety detection device, edits data based on the received data, and transmits the edited data. Therefore, unless the operator performs a test operation of the safety detection device, it has not been possible to confirm whether or not an unexpected setting change has occurred by the setting device. According to the sensor system of the present invention, it is possible to prevent such a problem from occurring. Therefore, the operator only has to confirm the operation of the safety detection device 100A for the function for which the setting has been changed. Therefore, according to the sensor system of the present invention, the number of man-hours required for the operator to check the operation can be reduced.

  The editing unit 100D creates data D2B (check data) for detecting an error in the data D2. The data D2B is used for detecting a data error such as a part of the data D2 being changed. The data D2B is created when the data D2 is created. When the editing unit 100D confirms that there is no error in the data D2 using the data D2B (data D2 is correct), the editing unit 100D generates data D2A. When the comparison unit 100F confirms that no error has occurred in the data D2A and D2 using the data D2B, the comparison unit 100F compares the data D2A and the data D2. Thereby, it can be confirmed whether each of data D2A and D2 is correct data. Therefore, the reliability of data management can be further increased. In addition, since the editing unit 100D and the comparison unit 100E repeatedly confirm that the data D2 is correct, the reliability of data management can be further improved.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing a specific configuration example of the sensor system 100 of FIG.
Referring to FIG. 2, sensor SNS is a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor included in detection unit 100C of FIG. The sensor SNS has a configuration in which the light projecting sensor head 1 and the light receiving sensor head 2 are connected by a communication cable 101. A communication unit 4 is connected to the communication cable 101 via a branch connector 102 and a dedicated cord 3. The communication unit 4 is connected to a personal computer 5. The communication unit 4 and the personal computer 5 constitute the setting device 100B of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sensor SNS of FIG.
With reference to FIG. 3, the light projecting sensor head 1 includes a plurality of light projecting elements 11. The light projecting sensor head further includes a drive circuit 12, an optical axis sequential selection circuit 13, a processing circuit 16, a communication circuit 17, and a power supply circuit 18 that individually drive each light projecting element 11.

  The light receiving sensor head 2 includes the same number of light receiving elements 21 as the light projecting elements 11. The light receiving sensor head 2 further includes an amplifier 22 and a switch 23 provided corresponding to each light receiving element 21, an optical axis sequential selection circuit 25, a processing circuit 26, an amplifier 24 for input to the processing circuit 26, a communication circuit 27, And a power supply circuit 28.

  The processing circuits 16 and 26 are constituted by a microcomputer having a CPU and a memory. The communication circuits 17 and 27 are communication interfaces compliant with RS485, and control the exchange of signals between the light projecting sensor head 1 and the light receiving sensor head 2.

  The optical axis sequential selection circuit 13 connects the drive circuit 12 of each light projecting element 11 to the processing circuit 16 in order. The optical axis sequential selection circuit 25 connects the amplifier 22 and the switch 23 corresponding to each light receiving element 21 to the processing circuit 26 in order.

  The power supply circuits 18 and 28 receive power from a common external power supply 15 (DC power supply) and supply power to the light projecting sensor head 1 and the light receiving sensor head 2, respectively.

  The branch connector 102 branches a communication line or a power line between the light projecting sensor head 1 and the light receiving sensor head 2. The dedicated cord 3 stores a branched communication line or power line. A communication unit 4 is connected to the dedicated cord 3. The communication unit 4 is connected to a personal computer (shown as PC in FIG. 3) 5.

  The communication unit 4 includes a microcomputer (shown as a microcomputer in FIG. 3) 36, a communication circuit 37, a power supply circuit 38, and a communication converter 34. The communication circuit 37 is an RS485 standard interface. The power supply circuit 38 plays a role of taking in power from the external power supply 15 via the branch connector 102 and supplying it to each part in the communication unit 4. The communication converter 34 serially converts an RS485 standard signal and outputs it as a standard signal such as RS232C or USB (Universal Serial Bus).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the processing circuit 26 of FIG.
Referring to FIG. 4, processing circuit 26 includes a CPU 261, an EEPROM 262, and a RAM 263. The EEPROM 262 and the RAM 263 correspond to the storage units M1 and M2 in FIG. That is, EEPROM 262 and RAM 263 store data D1 and D2, respectively. The CPU 261 normally reads the data D1 from the EEPROM 261 and executes various operations. Further, the CPU 261 rewrites the data D1 stored in the EEPROM 262 using the data D2 stored in the RAM 263.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of the personal computer 5 of FIG.
Referring to FIG. 5, personal computer 5 includes a control unit 51 for controlling the whole, an input unit 55 for inputting data, a storage unit 53 for temporarily storing data, and data. An output unit 57 for outputting and an external storage device 59 for storing a program or the like to be executed by the control unit 51 in a nonvolatile manner are included.

  The control unit 51 includes a CPU, a read-only memory (ROM) for storing a program to be executed by the CPU, and a random access memory (for storing variables necessary for executing the program by the CPU). RAM).

  The input unit 55 is a keyboard or a mouse, and can input characters or numbers or a predetermined instruction command.

  The storage unit 53 temporarily stores various data necessary for setting the sensor SNS (for example, data D1 and D2 and image data for screen display).

  The output unit 57 is a display such as a liquid crystal display device, and displays data D1, D2, and the like according to instructions from the control unit 51.

  The external storage device 59 reads a program or data recorded on the computer-readable recording medium 61 and transmits it to the control unit 51. As the computer-readable recording medium 61, a tape system such as a magnetic tape or a cassette tape, a disk system such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk device, etc.) or an optical disk (CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD, etc.), an IC, etc. It is a medium that carries a fixed program, such as a card system such as a card (including a memory card) or an optical card, or a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, EPROM, or flash memory. The program may be downloaded from a network (not shown). The control unit 51 can execute the read program by reading the program recorded on the recording medium 61 with the external storage device 59.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the structure of software for operating the personal computer 5 of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 6, operating system 71 and setting software 72 are executed by control unit 51. The setting software 72 is executed on the operating system 71 which is basic software. The setting software is divided into editing software 72A, reading software 72B, and comparison software 72C according to the function. These softwares operate independently on one operating system. Note that “independently operate” means that each software is executed in parallel on the control unit 51.

  Note that each of the editing software 72A, the reading software 72B, and the comparison software 72C is executed on the control unit 51, so that the control unit 51 has three blocks of the editing unit 100D, the reading unit 100E, and the comparison unit 100F in FIG. Function as.

  Each software is hierarchized into a communication layer, a data layer, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) layer according to the processing content executed by the control unit 51. The control unit 51 can communicate with the sensor SNS through the communication unit 4 by the communication layer. That is, the editing unit 100D and the reading unit 100E can exchange data with the sensor SNS. The data layer enables the editing unit 100D, the reading unit 100E, and the comparison unit 100F to exchange data with each other. The control unit 51 can cause the output unit 57 to perform display using the HMI layer. That is, the editing unit 100D can perform display processing.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an operation mode set in the sensor SNS and a relationship between the modes.

  Referring to FIG. 7, there are three operation modes: a normal mode, a maintenance mode, and a setting mode. The normal mode is an operation mode in which the sensor SNS performs normal detection processing. The maintenance mode is a mode in which the sensor SNS performs light projection and light reception but does not output a detection result. The setting mode is an operation mode in which an operation is performed according to a user setting, a setting value is written in the sensor SNS, and data read from the inside is transmitted.

  The sensor SNS is set to the normal mode immediately after the power is turned on, but is switched to the maintenance mode when a command to shift to the maintenance mode is given from the control unit 51. Further, in the maintenance mode, when a setting mode transition command is given from the control unit 51, the mode is switched to the setting mode. When receiving the setting mode end command from the control unit 51 in the setting mode, the sensor SNS ends the setting mode and returns to the maintenance mode. When the power is turned on again in the maintenance mode (the power is turned on), the operation mode returns to the normal mode.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the normal mode of FIG.
Referring to FIG. 8, when the process is started, a light projecting / receiving process is performed between light projecting sensor head 1 and light receiving sensor head 2 in step S1.

  In the light projecting / receiving process, the processing circuit 16 in FIG. 3 generates a timing signal every predetermined time and supplies it to the optical axis sequential selection circuit 13. The optical axis sequential selection circuit 13 connects the drive circuit 12 corresponding to each light projecting element 11 to the processing circuit 16 in order. As a result, the timing signal from the processing circuit 16 is sequentially given to each drive circuit 12, and the sequential light emission operation of each light projecting element 11 is realized. Further, the timing signal is also given to the processing circuit 26 on the light receiving sensor head 2 side via the communication circuits 17 and 27.

  In the light receiving sensor head 2, the output from each light receiving element 21 (hereinafter referred to as “light receiving output”) is sent to the processing circuit 26 via the amplifier 22 and the switch 23. The processing circuit 26 sends a timing signal from the light projecting sensor head 1 to the optical axis sequential selection circuit 25 to sequentially turn on the switches 23 of the respective optical axes, and from the light receiving elements 21 corresponding to the light projecting elements 11 that have emitted light. Are received, and each light reception output is compared with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether or not each optical axis is in a light shielding state. When the capture of the light reception outputs for all the optical axes is completed, the processing circuit 26 collects the discrimination results for each optical axis and performs a final discrimination process to generate an object detection signal indicating the discrimination results. Output to the outside through the output circuit.

  Next, in step S2, the processing circuit 26 of the light receiving sensor head 2 checks whether or not an instruction to shift to the maintenance mode is given from the control unit 51 of FIG. When the control unit 51 detects that the communication unit 4 is connected to the sensor SNS, the control unit 51 transmits a transition command to the sensor SNS.

  Subsequently, when a transition instruction is given in step S3 (YES in step S3), the processing circuit 26 shifts the operation mode to the maintenance mode. If the transition command is not given (NO in step S3), processing circuit 26 performs the light projection / reception process again in step S1.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the maintenance mode of FIG.
Referring to FIG. 9, when the process is started, a light projecting / receiving process is performed in step S11. However, no object detection signal is output in this light emitting / receiving process. Next, in step S <b> 12, the processing circuit 26 confirms whether or not a command to shift to the setting mode is given from the control unit 51. This transfer command is given from the control unit 51 to the sensor SNS in response to the activation of the setting software.

  If a transition instruction is given in step S13 (YES in step S13), the processing circuit 26 transitions the operation mode to the setting mode. If the transition command has not been given (NO in step S13), processing circuit 26 performs the light projection / reception process again in step S11.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the control unit 51 in the setting mode of FIG.
Referring to FIG. 10, when the process is started, in step S21, control unit 51 determines whether or not a command is transmitted from the user. If there is a command transmission (YES in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22. If there is no command transmission (NO in step S21), the process returns to step S21.

  In step S22, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the command is a setting mode end command. If the command is a setting mode end command (YES in step S22), processing circuit 26 shifts the operation mode to the maintenance mode.

  If the command is an instruction other than the setting mode end instruction (NO in step S22), in step S23, control unit 51 executes processing in accordance with the command. When the process in step S23 ends, the control unit 51 performs the process in step S21 again.

  Subsequently, the processing in the setting mode will be described in more detail. In the setting mode, the control unit 51 performs two processes of “reading process” and “editing / writing process”. In the “reading process”, the control unit 51 reads data stored in the sensor SNS and displays the data on the output unit 57. In the “editing / writing process”, the control unit 51 edits the setting data (data D1) read from the sensor SNS according to the user input, and writes the updated data (data D2) after the change to the sensor SNS.

  In the setting mode, when the setting software 72 is executed on the control unit 51, the control unit 51 functions as the editing unit 100D, the reading unit 100E, and the comparison unit 100F. Therefore, hereinafter, the operation of the control unit 51 will be described as the operations of the editing unit 100D, the reading unit 100E, and the comparison unit 100F.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the timing of the reading process.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the reading process. In FIG. 11, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 12 are attached and processes corresponding to the steps in FIG. 12 are shown.

  Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, when the process is started, setting software 72 is activated in control unit 51 in step S51. That is, the editing unit 100D, the reading unit 100E, and the comparison unit 100F are activated.

  Next, in step S52, the editing unit 100D determines whether or not the operation mode of the sensor SNS is the maintenance mode by inquiring to the processing circuit 26. If the operation mode is the maintenance mode (YES in step S52), the process proceeds to step S53. When the operation mode is another mode (NO in step S52), each of editing unit 100D, reading unit 100E, and comparison unit 100F ends the operation. That is, the setting software is terminated.

  In step S53, the editing unit 100D determines whether or not to shift the operation mode of the sensor SNS to the setting mode. When personal computer 5 is connected to sensor SNS via communication unit 4, editing unit 100D shifts the operation mode to the setting mode (YES in step S53), but if not connected (NO in step S53). ), The process returns to step S52 again.

  If YES in step S53, in step S54, editing unit 100D reads data D1 from sensor SNS (EEPROM 262 in processing circuit 26). In this case, the editing unit 100D transmits a read command to the CPU 261. In response to the read command, the CPU 261 transmits data D1 read from the EEPROM 262 to the editing unit 100D. When reading is completed, editing unit 100D instructs reading unit 100E to read data.

  Subsequently, in step S55, the reading unit 100E reads data D1 from the EEPROM 262. The reading unit 100E reads the data D1 by the same procedure as the editing unit 100D in step S54. As a result, each of the editing unit 100D and the reading unit 100E holds the data D1. When the reading unit 100E completes reading, the editing unit 100D instructs the comparison unit 100F to perform comparison processing.

  Subsequently, in step S56, the comparison unit 100F compares the data D1 read by the editing unit 100D with the data D1 read by the reading unit 100E. In step S57, the comparison unit 100F determines whether the two data match, and transmits the comparison result CMP of FIG. 1 to the editing unit 100D.

  If the two data D1 match in the comparison result (YES in step S57), the process proceeds to step S58. On the other hand, if the two data D1 do not match (NO in step S57), the process proceeds to step S61.

  As described above, when data D1 is read twice from the sensor SNS, the blocks to be read are different. When the two data D1 match, it can be assured that the operation of the setting device 100B is stable.

  In step S58, the editing unit 100D multiplexes the data D1. Here, “multiplexing” means that check data for detecting an error in the data D1 is generated based on the data D1.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating multiplexing of setting data in the editing unit 100D.
Referring to FIG. 13, storage unit 53 stores data D1 and D1B. Data D1 is the data itself read from the sensor SNS. Data D1B is generated based on data D1. Specifically, the data D1B is data obtained by inverting the bit of the data D1.

  The editing unit 100D can easily detect an error or data corruption in the data D1 by comparing the data D1 and the data D1B. The data D1B may be data obtained by copying the data D1 as it is, or may be a bit string obtained by encoding the data D1 according to a certain encoding rule.

  This will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 again. In step S60 following step S58, the editing unit 100D displays the setting items based on the data D1. When the process in step S60 ends, an “edit / write process” described later is performed.

  If NO in step S57, in step S61, editing unit 100D makes an inquiry to make the user determine whether to end the setting software. When the setting software is terminated by the user's instruction (YES in step S61), the editing unit 100D sends a shift command to the sensor SNS and shifts the operation mode to the maintenance mode. When the operation mode shifts to the maintenance mode, the operations of the editing unit 100D, the reading unit 100E, and the comparison unit 100F are finished. If the user instructs not to end the setting software (NO in step S61), the process returns to step S54 again.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the timing of the edit / write process.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the editing / writing process. Like FIG. 11, FIG. 14 attaches | subjects the code | symbol same as FIG. 15, and shows the process corresponding to each step of FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when the process is started, in step S71, the user edits items while referring to the screen of the personal computer. At this time, the editing unit 100D displays data input by the user.

  In step S72, the editing unit 100D determines whether the setting value input by the user is included in the setting range. If the set value is within the set range (YES in step S72), the process proceeds to step S73.

  In step S73, the editing unit 100D multiplexes update data. This process is the same as the process of step S58 in FIG. That is, in step S73, the editing unit 100D updates the data D1 to generate data D2 and creates data D2B (check data). Step S73 corresponds to the “step of creating update data” in the present invention.

  On the other hand, when the set value is outside the set range in step S72 (NO in step S72), the process proceeds to step S74. In step S74, the editing unit 100D displays a screen “out of constraint” and prompts the user to re-enter the set value. When the process in step S74 ends, the process returns to step S71 again.

  In step S75 following step S73, the editing unit 100D uses the data D2 and D2B to determine whether the multiplexing process is normal (that is, the data D2 is correct). As described above, the editing unit 100D can guarantee that the data D2 is correct by creating the data D2B in advance and multiplexing the data before sending the data D2 to the sensor SNS.

  If the multiplexing process is normal (YES in step S75), editing unit 100D performs a redrawing process for updating the screen display, and the process proceeds to step S76.

  In step S76, the editing unit 100D makes an inquiry to the user as to whether or not to write the edited data D2 in the sensor SNS. When data D2 is written in sensor SNS (YES in step S76), the process proceeds to step S78. When data writing to sensor SNS is not performed (NO in step S76), the process returns to step S71 again.

  In step S75, if the multiplexing process of editing unit 100D is not performed normally (NO in step S75), the process proceeds to step S77. In step S77, the editing unit 100D displays an “internal abnormality” warning. As a result, the editing unit 100D, the reading unit 100E, and the comparison unit 100F end their operations.

  In step S78, the editing unit 100D saves the data D2 in a file before writing to the sensor SNS. Data D2A, which is copy data of data D2, is recorded in the file. On the other hand, the data D2B is not output as a file.

Step S78 corresponds to the “step of creating copy data” of the present invention.
In step S80, the sensor SNS performs a writing process. In this case, a writing start instruction is input from the user to the editing unit 100D. As a result, the editing unit 100D transmits data D2 to the RAM 263 and transmits a data write command to the CPU 261. The CPU 262 stores the data D2 in the RAM 263 in response to the data write command. The editing unit 100D instructs the reading unit 100E to read data D2 (that is, data written to the sensor SNS) stored in the RAM 263.

  In step S81 following step S80, the reading unit 100E reads data D2 from the sensor SNS. The reading unit 100E transmits a data read command to the CPU 261. Thereby, data D2 stored in RAM 263 is output, and reading unit 100E receives data D2.

  Next, in step S82, the reading unit 100E stores the data D2 in a file. The editing unit 100D instructs the comparison unit 100F to receive data.

  In step S83, the comparison unit 100F requests the editing unit 100D to transmit the data D2B. At this time, data D2B is exchanged between the editing unit 100D and the comparison unit 100F in accordance with the TCP / IP protocol. The comparison unit 100F reads data D2A and D2 recorded in the file. That is, the data D2A and D2B are input to the comparison unit 100F through different transmission paths. The reason why the data D2A and D2B are read from the editing unit 100D via different transmission paths is to ensure that the operation of the setting device 100B is normal.

  In step S84, the comparison unit 100F uses the data D2B to check that no error has occurred in the data D2A and D2. As a result, it is possible to confirm whether the data D2A (and data D2) itself is correct data. When the data D2A and the data D2 are correct, the comparison unit 100F compares the data D2A and D2.

  If data D2A and D2 are correct in step S85 and data D2A and data D2 are the same (YES in step S85), the process proceeds to step S86. If there is an error in at least one of data D2A and D2, and if data D2A and data D2 do not match (NO in step S85), editing unit 100D does not write data D2 to sensor SNS, and in step S87, “ Processing to display a warning “writing failure” is performed. When the process in step S87 ends, the process returns to step S71 again.

  If YES in step S85, the editing unit 100D inquires the user whether to enable or disable the setting change (cancel the setting) in step S86. When the user instructs to validate the setting, the editing unit 100D sends a setting valid command (rewrite instruction UD in FIG. 1) to the CPU 261. The CPU 261 uses the data D2 stored in the RAM 263 to rewrite the data D1 stored in the EEPROM 262. When the data D1 is rewritten, a setting valid command is transmitted from the CPU 261 to the editing unit 100D. As a result, the editing unit 100D performs redrawing processing, for example, displays “setting complete”.

  When an instruction to invalidate the setting is received from the user in step S86, the editing unit 100D sends a cancel instruction to the CPU 261 of the processing circuit 26. As a result, the CPU 261 does not update the setting data stored in the EEPROM 262 (for example, discards the update data stored in the RAM 263).

  When the processing in step S86 ends, in step S88, the editing unit 100D sends a shift command to the sensor SNS, and shifts the operation mode of the sensor SNS to the maintenance mode. The “editing / writing process” ends according to the transition of the operation mode.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, setting is performed by determining whether or not the update data held by the editing unit in the comparison unit matches the update data read by the reading unit from the safety detection device. It is determined whether the data held by the device for setting the safety detection device is correct. Thereby, the reliability of the data sent from the setting device to the safety detection device can be increased.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, even when the setting data is changed using a general-purpose device represented by a personal computer, it is possible to improve the reliability of update data held in the general-purpose device. become.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the operator only needs to confirm the operation of the safety detection device for the function for which the setting has been changed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the number of man-hours required for the operator to check the operation can be reduced.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure which shows notionally the structure of the sensor system of this invention. It is an external view which shows the specific structural example of the sensor system 100 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the sensor SNS of FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a processing circuit 26 in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the structure of the personal computer 5 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the software which operates the personal computer 5 of FIG. It is a figure which shows roughly the operation mode set to sensor SNS, and the relationship between each mode. It is a flowchart explaining the process in the normal mode of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process in the maintenance mode of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process in the setting mode of FIG. It is a figure which shows the timing of a read-out process. It is a flowchart which shows a read-out process. It is a figure which shows the multiplexing of the setting data in the edit part 100D. It is a figure which shows the timing of an edit / write process. It is a flowchart which shows an edit / write process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light emission sensor head, 2 Light reception sensor head, 3 Dedicated code, 4 Communication unit, 5 Personal computer, 11 Light projection element, 12 Drive circuit, 13, 25 Optical axis sequential selection circuit, 15 External power supply, 16, 26 Processing circuit , 17, 27, 37 communication circuit, 18, 28, 38 power supply circuit, 21 light receiving element, 22, 24 amplifier, 23 switch, 34 communication converter, 51 control unit, 53 storage unit, 55 input unit, 57 output unit, 59 external storage device, 61 recording medium, 71 operating system, 72 setting software, 72A editing software, 72B reading software, 72C comparison software, 100 sensor system, 100A safety detection device, 100B setting device, 100C detection unit, 100D editing unit , 100E reading unit, 100 Comparing unit, 101 communication cable, 102 branch connector, 261 CPU, 262 EEPROM, 263 RAM, M1, M2 storage unit, S1～S88 step, SNS sensor.

Claims (18)

In order to ensure the safety of the human body from the machine, it has a safety detection unit that detects that the surroundings of the human body are in a safe state or a non-safe state,
The safety detection unit performs the detection according to setting data held in a nonvolatile manner, temporarily stores the given update data, and rewrites the setting data to the update data when receiving a rewrite instruction,
A setting unit that gives the update data and the rewrite instruction to the safety detection unit;
The setting unit reads the setting data from the safety detection unit, creates the update data for updating the setting data, writes the update data to the safety detection unit, and sends the update data to the safety detection unit. A sensor system that outputs the rewrite instruction when it is determined that writing of the update data is normal. The safety detection unit is
A rewritable first storage unit for storing the setting data in a nonvolatile manner;
A second storage unit for temporarily storing the update data;
A detection unit that performs the detection according to the setting data, and rewrites the setting data stored in the first storage unit to the update data according to the rewriting instruction,
The setting unit
Based on the setting data read from the first storage unit, the update data and the copy data of the update data are created, the copy data is held inside, and the update data is stored in the second storage unit The editorial department to send to
A reading unit for reading the update data from the second storage unit;
A comparison unit that compares the copy data with the update data read by the reading unit;
When the comparison result obtained by the comparison unit indicates that the copy data and the update data match, the editing unit indicates that writing of the update data to the second storage unit is normal The sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor system determines and outputs the rewrite instruction.   The editing unit further creates check data for detecting an error in the update data, and generates the copy data when it is confirmed using the check data that there is no error in the update data. 2. The sensor system according to 2.   The comparison unit compares the copy data with the update data when using the check data read from the editing unit and confirming that no error has occurred in the copy data and the update data. The sensor system according to claim 3.   The sensor system according to claim 4, wherein the comparison unit reads the copy data and the check data from the editing unit via different paths. The detector is
The sensor system according to claim 2, comprising at least one multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor. In order to ensure the safety of the human body from the machine, it is a setting device for setting a safety detection device for detecting that the surroundings of the human body are in a safe state or an unsafe state,
The safety detection device is:
A rewritable first storage unit that stores setting data in a nonvolatile manner;
A second storage unit for temporarily storing update data for updating the setting data;
A detection unit that performs the detection according to the setting data and rewrites the setting data to the update data in accordance with a given rewrite instruction;
The setting device gives the update data and the rewrite instruction to the safety detection device,
The setting device is
Based on the setting data read from the first storage unit, the update data and the copy data of the update data are created, the copy data is held inside, and the update data is stored in the second storage unit The editorial department to send to
A reading unit for reading the update data from the second storage unit;
A comparison unit that compares the copy data with the update data read by the reading unit;
When the comparison result obtained by the comparison unit indicates that the copy data and the update data match, the editing unit determines that the update data is normally written to the second storage unit. A setting device for the safety detection device that determines and outputs the rewrite instruction.   The editing unit further creates check data for detecting an error in the update data, and generates the copy data when it is confirmed using the check data that there is no error in the update data. The setting device of the safety detection device according to 7.   The comparison unit compares the copy data with the update data when using the check data read from the editing unit and confirming that no error has occurred in the copy data and the update data. The safety detection device setting device according to claim 8.   The safety detection device setting device according to claim 9, wherein the comparison unit reads the copy data and the check data from the editing unit via different paths. The detector is
The setting device of the safety detection device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, comprising at least one multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor. In order to ensure the safety of the human body from the machine, a setting method for setting a safety detection device for detecting that the surroundings of the human body are in a safe state or a non-safe state,
The safety detection device is:
A rewritable first storage unit that stores setting data in a nonvolatile manner;
A second storage unit for temporarily storing update data for updating the setting data;
A detection unit that performs the detection according to the setting data and rewrites the setting data to the update data in accordance with a given rewrite instruction;
The setting method is as follows:
Creating the update data based on the setting data read from the first storage unit;
Creating copy data of the update data;
Sending the update data to the second storage unit;
Reading the update data from the second storage unit;
Comparing the copy data with the update data read by the reading unit;
When the comparison result in the comparing step indicates that the copy data and the update data match, it is determined that writing of the update data to the second storage unit is normal, and the rewrite instruction A method for setting a safety detection device, comprising: The step of creating the update data further creates check data for detecting an error in the update data, and further executes a process for confirming that there is no error in the update data,
13. The method of setting a safety detection device according to claim 12, wherein the step of creating the copy data causes the copy data to be generated when it is confirmed that there is no error in the update data.   The comparing step causes the copy data and the update data to be compared when the check data confirms that no error has occurred in the copy data and the update data. A setting method of the safety detection device according to 13.   The method of setting a safety detection device according to claim 14, wherein the comparing step causes the copy data and the check data to be acquired using different transmission units. The detector is
The method of setting a safety detection device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, comprising at least one multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor.   The program for making a computer perform the setting method of the safety detection apparatus of any one of Claims 12-16.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 17 is recorded.

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