JP5021126B2 - Sensor amplifier management device and computer program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sensor amplifier management device and a computer program used therefor. The sensor amplifier here constitutes various industrial sensors such as photoelectric sensors, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, etc., and has built-in electronic circuits that perform signal processing such as amplification of the output signal from the sensor head, waveform shaping, voltage comparison, etc. Means a box-shaped part.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Such a sensor amplifier is generally mounted on a mounting rail of a standard size having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and called a DIN rail. For example, a plurality of sensors are installed in a facility in a factory, and a plurality of sensor amplifiers corresponding to each sensor are mounted side by side on a DIN rail. The DIN rail on which the sensor amplifier is mounted is usually housed inside the control panel or control box.
[0003]
In order to accommodate as many sensor amplifiers as possible in a limited space such as a control panel, the sensor amplifier has a thin box shape. Then, a plurality of sensor amplifiers are mounted side by side so as to overlap in the length direction of the DIN rail. Many types of sensor amplifiers are available depending on the type and application of the sensor element (or sensor head), but the standardization of the case outline and DIN rail mounting structure is consistent with certain standards. Has been made.
[0004]
On the upper surface of the sensor amplifier, a display using LED (light emitting diode) and a push button switch are provided, and the signal level and operation mode of the detection signal from the sensor head unit are displayed on the display. Further, the threshold value for voltage comparison, the operation mode, the display mode, and the like can be set using a push button switch and a display.
[0005]
As described above, the box-shaped case of the sensor amplifier is thin, and the width of the upper surface on which the display and the push button switch are provided is narrow. That is, the space in which the display device and the push button switch can be provided is limited. For this reason, it is necessary to use a few pushbutton switches and displays while switching (also used for a plurality of functions).
[0006]
For example, in the case of a sensor amplifier of a photoelectric sensor, various displays such as a detection level, a peak hold level, and a threshold setting level are switched by operating a push button switch in the operation mode. In the setting mode, the threshold setting and the switching setting of the operation mode (level detection mode, edge detection mode, one-shot mode, etc.) are performed by following a hierarchy by operating about two or three push button switches. Is called.
[0007]
However, as the size of sensor amplifiers continues to be reduced in response to market demands, the number of functions increases, and as the number of operation modes and items that can be set increases, the operation mode is switched and set with a few pushbutton switches and displays. Operation has become more complicated. For example, when the hierarchy of operation modes is increased, the number of times the push button switch is operated for switching is increased, resulting in a disadvantage that the operation becomes complicated for the user. In addition, it is difficult to immediately know all the operation modes and setting contents from the display on the display.
[0008]
As means for solving the above problems, it is considered that data communication is performed directly or via a communication unit between an external device such as a personal computer and a sensor amplifier, and the external device is used as a sensor amplifier management device. It was. For example, if a display of a personal computer is used, it is possible to collectively display information on operation modes and setting states read from a plurality of sensor amplifiers as a list. In addition, it is possible to perform operation mode switching and setting input while viewing the display screen using the keyboard.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, there are some problems when an external device such as a personal computer is used as the sensor amplifier management device. One of them is support for many types of sensor amplifiers used according to the type and application of the sensor head. It is necessary to allow the user to manage the distinction between the functions that they have and the functions that they do not have for the old models, the latest models, and models that will be added in the future without confusion. In addition, when managing including accessory parts and replaceable parts, it is desirable that the possible combinations of the sensor amplifier and those parts can be appropriately displayed to the user.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a user-friendly sensor amplifier management apparatus capable of efficiently managing the operation modes and set values of a plurality of sensor amplifiers, and is used for the same. An object of the present invention is to provide a computer program.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The first configuration of the sensor amplifier management device according to the present invention is a management for managing set values including operation modes of a plurality of sensor amplifiers by performing data communication with the plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit. The device stores a model-specific function database that describes the correspondence between the model of the sensor amplifier and a plurality of items including the operation mode and settable items of each model, and the default values of the operation mode and settable items. A storage unit, a display device for displaying a list having a plurality of columns including models, operation modes and setting items of a plurality of sensor amplifiers, and a function-specific function database in accordance with an input to the model column in the list display To obtain the operation mode corresponding to the model entered in the model column and the default value of the settable items, and the list display operation mode and A processing unit that displays in the setting item column, acquires the operation mode and settable items of the model, and displays a setting value other than the default value in each of the list display operation mode and setting item columns. And a communication unit for transmitting the setting data set in the list display to one or a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit.
[0012]
According to such a configuration, for many types of sensor amplifiers, the functions (setting values) that they have and the functions that they do not have can be displayed on the screen so that the user can distinguish them. Of course, the set value here includes the operation mode, but it may include the presence / absence of the accessory part of the sensor amplifier, the presence / absence of a replaceable part, and the type thereof. As a result, possible combinations of sensor amplifiers and their components can also be displayed so that the user can recognize them.
[0013]
In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit acquires information for specifying the model from the sensor amplifier via the communication unit, and automatically inputs the model specified from the information in the model column in the list display. The user may input the model column using the input device. However, if the processing unit automatically inputs the model based on the information acquired from the sensor amplifier, the user can save input and input. Problems associated with mistakes can be avoided.
[0014]
In another preferred embodiment, each setting value including not only information on the model but also the operation mode is acquired from the sensor amplifier by the processing unit via the communication unit, and each setting value acquired from the sensor amplifier instead of the default value Is displayed in the operation mode and setting item column of the list display. In this way, many setting items have been changed from the default values, and it is possible to reduce the number of operations required when making additional setting changes.
[0017]
The computer program according to the present invention is a program that causes a computer that performs data communication with a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit to execute processing for managing setting values including operation modes of the plurality of sensor amplifiers. A computer-specific function database describing the correspondence between the model of the sensor amplifier and the plurality of items including the operation mode and settable items of each model, and the default values of the operation mode and settable items. To display a list display having a plurality of columns including a plurality of sensor amplifier models, operation modes and setting items on the display device of the computer. By referring to the function database, the operation mode corresponding to the model entered in the model column and the default setting items are displayed. Obtain the default value in the list display operation mode and setting item column, obtain the operation mode and settable items of the model, and use the default value in each of the list display operation mode and setting item columns. The set values are displayed in a selectable manner, and the computer is caused to execute processing for transmitting the setting data set in the list display to one or a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit.
[0018]
Such a computer program is stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and installed in the computer from the recording medium using a drive device connected to the computer, thereby realizing the sensor amplifier management apparatus as described above. can do.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
First, an example of a sensor amplifier in which the sensor amplifier management apparatus of the present invention is used is shown in FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the sensor amplifier, and FIG. 2 is a top view of the sensor amplifier. This example is a sensor amplifier 1 constituting an optical fiber type photoelectric sensor, and light emitting side optical fiber and light receiving side optical fiber connection portions (insertion ports) 11 and 12 are provided on the front side of a thin rectangular parallelepiped case 10. Is provided. A cable connection (not shown) for power supply and detection signal output is provided on the back side.
[0021]
The recess 13 on the lower surface is an attachment portion for attaching the sensor amplifier 1 to the DIN rail. As will be described later, usually, a plurality of sensor amplifiers 1 are arranged side by side and attached to the DIN rail. Adjacent sensor amplifiers are mechanically and electrically connected by a male connector 14 provided on one side surface and a female connector (not shown) provided on the other side surface.
[0022]
On the upper surface of the sensor amplifier 1, there are provided a display 15 using an 8-digit (4-digit × 2) 7-segment LED and an indicator 16 that is lit during the light projection output. Further, push button switches 17 to 20 used for setting a threshold value of the detection determination circuit, switching between operation modes and display modes, and the like are provided. The push button switch 18 is a swing type up / down push button switch.
[0023]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a state in which a plurality of sensor amplifiers and communication end units are attached to a DIN rail and connected so as to overlap each other. In this example, five sensor amplifiers 1 and one communication end unit 2 are connected and fixed to a DIN rail 3. The sensor amplifier 1 shown in FIG. 3 is in a state where a dustproof cover made of transparent plastic is covered on the upper surface of the sensor amplifier 1 shown in FIG.
[0024]
The communication end unit 2 has a function of mechanically holding end portions of a plurality of connected sensor amplifiers 1 and a communication function with a sensor amplifier management device. A female connector is provided on the side surface of the communication end unit 2 similarly to the side surface of the sensor amplifier 1, and is mechanically and electrically connected to the sensor amplifier 1. The four sensor amplifiers 1 other than the sensor amplifier adjacent to (directly connected to) the communication end unit 2 are also bus-connected to the communication end unit 2 via the adjacent sensor amplifier 1. The five sensor amplifiers 1 can individually exchange signals with the communication end unit 2.
[0025]
When the communication connector cover 21 provided on the upper surface of the communication end unit 2 is opened, the communication connector connected to the internal circuit is exposed and a communication cable can be connected. The communication end unit 2 communicates with the sensor amplifier management device by, for example, RS-232C serial communication. That is, the sensor amplifier management apparatus can access each of the plurality of sensor amplifiers 1 online via the communication end unit 2. In one embodiment, up to 16 sensor amplifiers 1 can be connected to one communication end unit 2.
[0026]
In the example shown in FIG. 3, five sensor amplifiers 1 of the same type are connected. However, in an example of use in an actual factory facility, different types of sensor amplifiers may be connected to form one block. is there. For example, in addition to the optical fiber type among photoelectric sensors, there are many types such as an amplifier separation type in which a head portion incorporating a light projecting element and a light receiving element is connected to a sensor amplifier with an electric cable, and a type using a laser. . Further, various sensor amplifiers such as a proximity sensor and a pressure sensor other than the photoelectric sensor can be similarly connected. All of the sensor amplifiers are standardized according to a certain standard with respect to the outer shape of the case, the mounting structure to the DIN rail, the position of the connecting connector, and the like.
[0027]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the sensor amplifier management device according to the embodiment of the present invention. This sensor amplifier management apparatus is realized, for example, by installing a dedicated sensor amplifier management program in a personal computer. For example, the sensor amplifier management program is installed in the auxiliary storage device (HDD) 26 of the computer main body 4 via the drive device 25 from a recording medium 24 such as a CD-ROM (optical disk) in which the sensor amplifier management program is recorded.
[0028]
The sensor amplifier management program installed in the auxiliary storage device 26 is loaded into the main memory 27 and executed. In addition to the auxiliary storage device 26 and the main memory 27, the computer main body 4 includes a processing unit (CPU) 28 that executes a program, an input processing unit 29, a display output unit 30, a print output unit 31, and a communication unit 32. . The input processing unit 29 is connected to an input device 5 such as a keyboard and a mouse. The display output unit 30 is connected to a display device 6 such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) and an LCD (liquid crystal display device). Is connected to a printer 7.
[0029]
The communication unit 32 communicates with the communication end unit 2 as described above, and can individually access the plurality of sensor amplifiers 1 connected to the communication end unit 2 online. In one embodiment, the sensor amplifier management device (sensor amplifier management program) can manage a maximum of 16 × 16 = 256 sensor amplifiers 1. That is, a maximum of 16 blocks (communication end unit 2) to which a maximum of 16 sensor amplifiers 1 are connected can be connected to the sensor amplifier management apparatus. When communication between the communication end unit 2 and the sensor amplifier management device is performed by RS-232C serial communication, it is necessary to switch the cable connection with each block, but communication by a bus type connection such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) is required. If done, there is no need to switch cable connections.
[0030]
The auxiliary storage device 26 stores various programs such as an operating system and a sensor amplifier management program. In addition, the model-specific function database 33 that stores the correspondence between the model of the sensor amplifier 1 and a plurality of items including the operation mode and settable items of each model, and the default values of the operation mode and settable items is also stored. ing.
[0031]
Next, the sensor amplifier management program will be described. The sensor amplifier management program has two central functions. The first function is to set the operation mode and settable items of each sensor amplifier 1 on the screen of the display device 6, and write the setting data to each sensor amplifier 1 via the communication end unit 2 (validate the setting). Function). The second function is a function of monitoring the operation mode, setting value, and operation state of each sensor amplifier 1 via the communication end unit 2 and displaying them on the screen of the display device 6.
[0032]
The sensor amplifier management program is, for example, a Windows application having an MDI interface. The main window includes a setting window, a monitor window, and a teaching window. Of these three types of windows, a setting window and a monitor window related to the present invention will be described below.
[0033]
The setting window, which is the first window, is a window related to the first function, and collectively edits (sets) the operation mode and setting values of 16 × 16 = 256 sensor amplifiers 1 in the setting window. be able to. An example (outline) of the setting window is shown in FIG.
[0034]
In FIG. 5, a list display 35 having a plurality of columns including the model, operation mode, and setting items of each sensor amplifier 1 displayed in the setting window 34 is “book”, “sheet” like a known spreadsheet program. ”,“ Row ”, and“ column ”. One book corresponds to the entire apparatus including up to 16 × 16 = 256 sensor amplifiers 1, and one sheet corresponds to one block including up to 16 sensor amplifiers 1 and one communication end unit 2. The displayed sheet (current sheet) can be switched by clicking the tab 36 at the lower left with a mouse. Each sheet includes 16 lines corresponding to 16 sensor amplifiers 1, and all the lines can be scroll-displayed using the vertical scroll bar 37 on the right side.
[0035]
Each column of the list display 35 is provided with columns of various setting items such as an amplifier number, model, operation mode, operation mode, timer presence / absence, timer value, threshold value, and the like. This example is the case of a photoelectric sensor amplifier, and the operation mode is to turn on the change from dark to light of the sensor signal (LIGHT ON), or conversely turn on the change from light to dark (DARK ON). This is the setting. Although the operation mode differs depending on the model, in general, a plurality of types of operation modes are provided depending on whether priority is given to high-speed operation or priority on detection accuracy, difference in light projection amount, or the like.
[0036]
The presence / absence of a timer is a setting of whether to give a delay time from detection of a sensor to signal output (ON) or not (OFF). The timer value is a delay time setting when a delay time is provided. It is possible to select from a plurality of values determined stepwise in advance, such as 10 ms and 40 ms. The threshold value is a value that serves as a reference for determining whether the signal level obtained from the sensor is H (high) level or L (low) level. In addition, there are various setting items such as presence / absence of differential output and display switching, and the setting items of all columns can be scroll-displayed using the horizontal scroll bar 38 at the lower right.
[0037]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for setting the operation mode and various setting values of each sensor amplifier 1 using the setting window 34. In principle, the user's manual operation is indicated by an inverted trapezoidal frame, and the processing executed by the processing unit 28 of the sensor amplifier management device is indicated by a rectangular frame.
[0038]
At the stage when the setting window 34 is displayed on the display device 6 for the first time, the list display 35 has only a serial number displayed in the amplifier number column, and the other columns are blank. In this state, when the user inputs a model in the model column of an arbitrary amplifier number using the input device 5 (step # 101), the processing unit 28 refers to the model-specific function database 33 stored in the auxiliary storage device 26. (Step # 102), the operation mode corresponding to the model and the default value of the settable item are read and displayed so as to fill the corresponding column of the list display 35 (Step # 103).
[0039]
At this time, an item that can be set by the model and an item that cannot be set are displayed so that the user can distinguish them. For example, by changing at least one of a character color, a character font, a display style, a background color, and the like, a settable item and a non-settable item are displayed separately.
[0040]
If there is no item in the displayed default value (default setting) that the user wants to change (No in step # 104), the setting relating to the amplifier number is completed, and the operation proceeds to the setting of the next amplifier number (step (Move to # 110). If there is an item whose setting is to be changed (Yes in step # 104), the user selects the item (cell) by clicking the mouse or the like (step # 105). As a result, options other than the default value of the selected cell are displayed in a pull-down manner (step # 106). When the user designates a desired option by a mouse click operation or the like (step # 107), the specified option is registered as a new set value (step # 108).
[0041]
If there is another item whose setting is to be changed (No in Step # 109), the process returns to Step # 105, and the processing up to Step # 109 is repeated. When the setting change relating to the amplifier number is completed (Yes in Step # 109), it is checked whether or not the setting of all sensor amplifiers to be set in the next Step # 110 is completed. Steps # 101 to # 110 are repeated until all sensor amplifiers are set.
[0042]
If the setting of all the sensor amplifiers is completed, the setting process here ends. The created operation mode of each sensor amplifier and a list of various setting values (list display 35) can be stored in the auxiliary storage device 26 in a file format (CSV file or the like) of spreadsheet data, for example. Alternatively, it can be printed out from the printer 7 via the print output unit 31. Further, the data set in the list display 35 can be transmitted to the communication end unit 2 in units of devices, blocks, or sensor amplifiers, and the set values of the sensor amplifiers 1 can be changed. This transmission process will be described later.
[0043]
The above setting procedure is merely an example. In the above procedure, the display of the default value and the setting change by inputting the model are performed for each sensor amplifier 1 (one line of the list display 35). A setting procedure is also possible in which the set value of an arbitrary item is changed after the model is input and the default value is displayed on the list display 35.
[0044]
In addition, depending on the setting item in the list display 35, not only the setting change by specifying an option displayed in the pull-down menu but also a setting value may be directly input. Furthermore, editing operations such as cut, copy, and paste performed via the clipboard are also possible.
[0045]
In addition, the setting items include the presence and type of replaceable parts of the sensor amplifier 1. Furthermore, not only the replacement parts directly connected to the sensor amplifier 1, but also the presence and type of replacement parts that can be attached to the replacement parts are included. For example, when the sensor amplifier 1 is a parent, a sensor head corresponding to a child is connected to the sensor amplifier 1, and a lens unit corresponding to a grandchild is attached to the sensor head. In this case, one or a plurality of types of sensor heads that can be connected are specified depending on the model of the sensor amplifier 1, and when a sensor head (setting value) is determined, one or a plurality of types of lens units that can be attached are specified.
[0046]
As described above, in the case of setting items managed hierarchically, the contents of the options displayed in the pull-down menu of the lower setting item change depending on the setting value of the current setting item (selection of the option from the pull-down menu). . That is, when the item whose setting is to be changed is selected in step # 105 of FIG. 5, the choices in the pull-down menu displayed in step # 106 are always limited to the options that can be set at that time.
[0047]
Next, processing for transmitting data set in the list display 35 to the communication end unit 2 will be described. When “Send” is selected from the main menu of the sensor amplifier management program, a dialog for selecting a transmission unit opens. When “apparatus unit” is selected in this dialog, all data of up to 16 sheets (blocks) corresponding to a book are transmitted, and the setting values of all (up to 256) sensor amplifiers 1 are changed. However, as described above, when communication between the communication end unit 2 and the sensor amplifier management apparatus is performed by RS-232C serial communication, it is necessary to switch the cable connection with each block, so data for one sheet (block) is required. When the transmission is completed, a message prompting the user to switch the cable connection is displayed.
[0048]
When “block unit” is selected in the transmission unit selection dialog, the data of the current sheet is transmitted to the communication end unit 2 of the corresponding block, and the setting values of all the sensor amplifiers 1 of the block are changed. . When “sensor amplifier unit” is selected, the data of the current row in the current sheet is transmitted to the communication end unit 2 of the corresponding block, and the setting value of only the corresponding sensor amplifier 1 in the block is changed. .
[0049]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a transmission procedure from the sensor amplifier management apparatus to the communication end unit 2. First, in step # 201, it is checked whether or not the communication end unit 2 to be transmitted is connected. If not connected, a warning message is displayed (step # 204) to notify the user, and the process proceeds to error processing at step # 213.
[0050]
If the communication end unit 2 is normally connected, it is checked in the subsequent step # 202 whether the block number and sensor state match the information of the sensor amplifier management device. If they do not match, a warning message is displayed (step # 204) to notify the user, and then the process proceeds to error processing at step # 213. If they match, command transmission is executed in step # 203, and a response (ACK) is returned. If there is no response after a certain time (No in step # 205), the process proceeds to error processing in step # 213. If there is a response (Yes in step # 205), command retransmission is executed in step # 206, and the response (ACK) is returned again. If there is no response (No in step # 207), the process proceeds to error processing in step # 213, and if there is, the process proceeds to step # 208.
[0051]
In step # 208, it is checked whether or not a parameter is included in the transmitted command. If not included, the process proceeds to step # 212. If a parameter is included, parameter transmission is executed in step # 209, and a response (ACK) is returned. If there is no response after a certain time (No in step # 210), the process proceeds to error processing in step # 213. If there is a response (Yes in step # 210), the process proceeds to step # 211.
[0052]
In step # 211, it is checked whether or not transmission of all parameters has been completed. If not, the process returns to step # 209. When all the parameters have been sent, wait for the completion code to be returned. If the completion code is not received after a predetermined time (No in step # 212), the process proceeds to error processing in step # 213. If the completion code is received (Yes in step # 212), the communication is completed and this process is terminated.
[0053]
Next, the monitor window which is the second window of the sensor amplifier management program will be described. The monitor window relates to a function of monitoring the operation mode, setting value, and operation state of each sensor amplifier 1 via the communication end unit 2 and displaying them on the screen of the display device 6. The monitor window is a window for monitoring information (setting value and current value) of the sensor amplifier included in the block connected to the sensor amplifier management apparatus, and is connected when the setting value is changed in this window. The set value of the sensor amplifier is changed in real time. FIG. 8 shows an example (outline) of a monitor window.
[0054]
In FIG. 8, a sensor amplifier selection list box 41 is displayed on the left side of the monitor window 40. Here, all the sensor amplifiers included in the block connected to the sensor amplifier management apparatus are displayed in a list. The data is acquired by communication from the communication end unit 2 of the block. The user can select a sensor amplifier to be displayed on the monitor from this list.
[0055]
Information on the setting value and the current value of the sensor amplifier selected in the sensor amplifier selection list box 41 is displayed in the sensor amplifier information area 42 on the right side. The display contents include all setting items of the sensor amplifier, margin (ratio (percentage) of the current value and threshold value regarding the amount of received light), output status, warning regarding deterioration of the light projecting element, and the like. The setting value displayed in the sensor amplifier information area 42 can be edited (setting changed) by the user using the input device 5. The edited result (set value after change) is transmitted to the communication end unit 2 in real time, and the set value of the corresponding sensor amplifier 1 is changed.
[0056]
Further, as described above, each sensor amplifier 1 can directly change the set value using the push button switches 17 to 20 and the display 15 provided on the upper surface. Therefore, the sensor amplifier management device periodically communicates with the communication end unit 2, acquires the set value of each sensor amplifier 1, and updates (redisplays) the monitor display content of the display device 6.
[0057]
At the bottom of the monitor window 40, four buttons that are activated by a mouse click operation are displayed. The “UNDO” button 43 is a button for canceling only the latest input that the user has made for editing in the sensor amplifier information area 42. The “all UNDO” button 44 is a button for canceling all inputs made by the user for editing in the sensor amplifier information area 42 and returning to the state when the monitor window 40 is opened. The “teaching setting” button 45 is a button for setting the selected sensor amplifier by teaching. When this button is pressed (clicked), a teaching window is opened and a teaching operation can be performed. A detailed description of the teaching operation is omitted. The “close” button 46 is a button for closing the monitor window 40.
[0058]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process in which the sensor amplifier management apparatus reads information on each sensor amplifier 1 from the communication end unit 2. In this processing, first, the same processing as the transmission processing (and error processing in step # 213) shown in steps # 201 to 211 in FIG. 7 is performed (step # 301). Thereafter, the data sent from the communication end unit 2 is received (step # 302). In subsequent step # 303, it is checked whether or not the reception of all data has been completed, and step # 302 and step # 303 are repeated until the completion. When the reception of all data is completed, the information of the sensor amplifier management device is updated in step # 304 and this process is terminated. Note that reception can be executed by selecting a device unit, a block unit, or a sensor amplifier unit, as in the above-described transmission.
[0059]
To open the monitor window 40, “Monitor” is selected from the main menu of the sensor amplifier management program. When the monitor window 40 is activated, the sensor amplifier management program acquires information on all the sensor amplifiers 1 included in the blocks connected in the above procedure. When the “close” button 46 is pressed (clicked) to close the monitor window 40, whether or not the user has changed the setting, that is, the sheet setting value and the block setting in the setting window shown in FIG. A check is made to see if all values match. If there is a difference between them, that is, if there is a setting change by the user in the monitor window 40, the changed setting value is copied to the sheet in the setting window. At this time, a confirmation message as to whether or not the contents of the sheet may be updated is displayed.
[0060]
The first function (collective setting function) and the second function (monitor function or readout function) of the sensor amplifier management device described above may be used in combination. That is, the operation mode or setting value of each sensor amplifier 1 is first read out and displayed in the form of a list on the screen of the display device 6, and then the operation mode or setting value of any sensor amplifier 1 is changed, and the setting after the change is made. A use form in which data is written to the sensor amplifier 1 is also possible.
[0061]
Also in this case, the set value of any sensor amplifier 1 can be changed according to the operation mode of each sensor amplifier 1 and the setting procedure of various set values described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The only difference is that the display of each setting item on the list display 35 in FIG. 5 is not the default value but the latest setting value read from each sensor amplifier 1.
[0062]
Further, instead of the user inputting the model of the sensor amplifier 1 in the setting window 34 using the input device 5 (step # 101 in FIG. 6), the sensor amplifier management device reads out from the communication end unit 2 by communication. Also good. That is, unlike reading in the monitor function, only model information may be read out and automatically input into the model column of the setting window 34, and other setting items may be acquired with reference to the model-specific function database 33.
[0063]
Note that the method for reading the model information of the sensor amplifier 1 includes a method for estimating the model from other information. For example, there are cases in which old model sensor amplifiers do not have information that can identify a model on a one-to-one basis, but the model can be estimated from a plurality of responses to several command transmissions.
[0064]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described while appropriately including some modifications. However, the present invention can be implemented in various forms other than the above-described embodiments and modifications.
[0065]
For example, in the above embodiment, the sensor amplifier management device changes or monitors the set value of each sensor amplifier via the communication end unit, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The sensor amplifier management device may be configured to directly communicate with each sensor amplifier without using the communication end unit. Alternatively, one sensor amplifier having a communication function may be connected as a master unit to an end unit having only a communication cable connection function, and another sensor amplifier having no communication function may be connected as a slave unit to the master unit. Good.
[0066]
Further, the connection between the sensor amplifiers and the connection between the sensor amplifier and the communication end unit may be a serial connection instead of a bus connection.
[0067]
【Effect of the invention】
As described above, according to the present invention, a number of sensor amplifiers can be displayed on the screen so that the user can distinguish between the functions they have and the functions they do not have, and a plurality of sensor amplifiers can be displayed. It is possible to provide a user-friendly sensor amplifier management apparatus capable of efficiently managing the operation mode and set values of the computer and a computer program used therefor.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a sensor amplifier in which a sensor amplifier management device of the present invention is used.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the sensor amplifier of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which a plurality of sensor amplifiers and communication end units are attached to a DIN rail and connected so as to overlap each other.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a sensor amplifier management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting window displayed on the display device of the sensor amplifier management device.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for setting an operation mode and various setting values of each sensor amplifier using a setting window.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a transmission procedure from the sensor amplifier management apparatus to the communication end unit.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a monitor window displayed on the display device of the sensor amplifier management device.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process in which the sensor amplifier management apparatus reads information on each sensor amplifier from the communication end unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Sensor amplifier
2 Communication end unit (communication unit)
5 input devices
6 Display device
24 recording media
26 Auxiliary storage device (storage unit)
28 processor
32 Communication Department
33 Function-specific database
35 List display

Claims (5)

A management device for managing set values including operation modes of the plurality of sensor amplifiers by performing data communication with the plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit,
A storage unit that stores a model of the sensor amplifier, a correspondence between a plurality of items including an operation mode and settable items of each model, and a model-specific function database that describes default values of the operation mode and settable items,
A display device for displaying a list having a plurality of columns including a plurality of sensor amplifier models, operation modes and setting items;
In the list display, referring to the model-specific function database in accordance with the input in the model column, the operation mode corresponding to the model input in the model column and the default value of the settable item are acquired, and the list display In addition to displaying in the operation mode and setting item columns, the operation mode and setting items that the model has can be acquired, and setting values other than the default values can be selected in the operation mode and setting item columns of the list display. A processing unit to be displayed;
A sensor amplifier management apparatus comprising: a communication unit configured to transmit the setting data set in the list display to one or a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit. The processing unit acquires information for specifying a model from the sensor amplifier via the communication unit, and automatically inputs the model specified from the information in a model column in the list display. The sensor amplifier management device according to 1. The processing unit acquires information for specifying a model from the sensor amplifier via the communication unit and each set value including an operation mode, and inputs the specified model from the information in the model column in the list display. The sensor amplifier management device according to claim 1, wherein each setting value acquired from the sensor amplifier is displayed in the operation mode and setting item column of the list display instead of the default value. A computer program for causing a computer that performs data communication with a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit to execute processing for managing set values including operation modes of the plurality of sensor amplifiers,
Stores the model-specific function database that describes the correspondence between the model of the sensor amplifier and a plurality of items including the operation mode and settable items of each model, and the default values of the operation mode and settable items in the storage unit of the computer. Aside,
A list display having a plurality of fields including a plurality of sensor amplifier models, operation modes and setting items is displayed on a display device of a computer,
Along with the input to the model column of the list display, the model-specific function database is referred to, the operation mode corresponding to the model input to the model column and the default value of the settable item are acquired, and the list display In addition to displaying in the operation mode and setting item columns, the operation mode and setting items that the model has can be acquired, and setting values other than the default values can be selected in the operation mode and setting item columns of the list display. Display
A computer program for causing a computer to execute processing for transmitting setting data set in the list display to one or a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit. A computer-readable recording in which a program for performing processing for managing setting values including operation modes of the plurality of sensor amplifiers is recorded in a computer that performs data communication with the plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit. A medium, wherein the program is
Stores the model-specific function database that describes the correspondence between the model of the sensor amplifier and a plurality of items including the operation mode and settable items of each model, and the default values of the operation mode and settable items in the storage unit of the computer. Aside,
A list display having a plurality of fields including a plurality of sensor amplifier models, operation modes and setting items is displayed on a display device of a computer,
Along with the input to the model column of the list display, the model-specific function database is referred to, the operation mode corresponding to the model input to the model column and the default value of the settable item are acquired, and the list display In addition to displaying in the operation mode and setting item columns, the operation mode and setting items that the model has can be acquired, and setting values other than the default values can be selected in the operation mode and setting item columns of the list display. Display
A recording medium that causes the computer to execute processing for transmitting setting data set in the list display to one or a plurality of sensor amplifiers directly or via a communication unit.

Images