JP7351768B2 - calibrator - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to calibrators.

Traditionally, it has been used as a device to calibrate instrumentation equipment (for example, differential pressure/pressure transmitters, flowmeters, recorders, temperature controllers, etc. used in various processes such as petroleum, chemicals, and drugs). Calibrators are known.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for calibrating a pressure gauge using a calibrator.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-194418

When calibrating instrumentation equipment using a calibrator, it is necessary to set a generation function in order to set a function according to the type of signal that the calibrator outputs to the instrumentation equipment. Furthermore, when calibrating instrumentation equipment using a calibrator, it is necessary to set a measurement function in order to set a function according to the type of signal that the calibrator acquires from the instrumentation equipment.

Conventionally, when setting the generation function and measurement function in a calibrator, the work to set the generation function and the work to set the measurement function were performed independently, so it was necessary to repeat the same setting work twice. Ta. It is desired to simplify the setting work of generation functions and measurement functions.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a calibrator that can simplify the setting work of a generation function and a measurement function.

The calibrator according to some embodiments is a calibrator used for calibration work of instrumentation equipment, and includes an operation of selecting a generated function according to a simulated signal to be output to the instrumentation equipment, and an operation of selecting a generated function according to a simulated signal to be output to the instrumentation equipment, and acquiring from the instrumentation equipment. an input unit that simultaneously accepts an operation for selecting a measurement function corresponding to an output signal to be generated, an operation for selecting the generation function, and an operation for selecting the measurement function; A control unit for setting. According to such a calibrator, it is possible to simplify the setting work of the generation function and the measurement function.

The calibrator according to one embodiment further includes a display section, and when the input section receives an operation for selecting the generation function and the measurement function, the control section displays a plurality of generation functions and a plurality of measurement functions on the display section. A function selection screen in which measurement functions are arranged in a matrix may be displayed, and the input section may receive an operation for selecting the generation function and the measurement function on the function selection screen. In this way, by displaying a function selection screen in which multiple generation functions and multiple measurement functions are arranged in a matrix, it is possible to easily accept the operation of selecting a generation function and the operation of selecting a measurement function at the same time. I can do it.

In the calibrator according to one embodiment, when displaying the function selection screen on the display unit, the control unit selects a square corresponding to an infeasible combination among the combinations of the generation function and the measurement function. The grids may be displayed in a manner different from that of squares corresponding to executable combinations. In this way, by displaying the squares corresponding to unfeasible combinations in a different manner from the squares corresponding to feasible combinations, the user can easily display the squares corresponding to unfeasible combinations. It can be made comprehensible.

In the calibrator according to one embodiment, the control unit controls display of the function selection screen so that the input unit cannot accept an operation to select a grid corresponding to an infeasible combination. Good too. This can prevent the user from selecting a square corresponding to an infeasible combination.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a calibrator that can simplify the setting work of a generation function and a measurement function.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of use of a calibrator according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a calibrator according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an input interface included in the input unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a function selection screen for selecting a generation function and a measurement function. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a calibrator according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of use of a calibrator 10 according to an embodiment. An example of the use of the calibrator 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

The calibrator 10 is a device that can be used to calibrate the instrumentation equipment 20. When the calibrator 10 calibrates the instrumentation device 20, the calibrator 10 and the instrumentation device 20 are electrically connected by a cable 31 and a cable 32, as shown in FIG.

The instrumentation device 20 is a device that measures some physical quantity. The instrumentation device 20 may be a device capable of measuring, for example, voltage, current, resistance, temperature, pressure, or flow rate. The instrumentation device 20 may be, for example, a pressure transmitter installed in a plant to measure pressure. When the calibrator 10 performs calibration work on the instrumentation device 20, the instrumentation device 20 may be removed from the installation location where it is installed during normal use and connected to the calibrator 10.

The cable 31 may be any cable that can electrically connect the calibrator 10 and the instrumentation device 20. The cable 31 electrically connects the output terminal of the calibrator 10 and the instrumentation device 20.

The cable 32 may be any cable that can electrically connect the calibrator 10 and the instrumentation device 20. The cable 32 electrically connects the input terminal of the calibrator 10 and the instrumentation device 20.

The calibrator 10 generates a simulated signal and outputs the generated simulated signal to the instrumentation device 20 via the cable 31.

Here, the "simulated signal" is a signal that simulates a physical quantity that the instrumentation device 20 normally measures. For example, if the instrumentation device 20 is a device that measures resistance, the instrumentation device 20 outputs an electrical signal that simulates resistance.

Upon receiving the simulated signal from the calibrator 10 , the instrumentation device 20 outputs an output signal corresponding to the received simulated signal to the calibrator 10 via the cable 32 .

The form of the output signal output by the instrumentation device 20 depends on the type of the instrumentation device 20. The output signal may be, for example, a voltage signal or a current signal.

The calibrator 10 acquires, via the cable 32, the output signal output by the instrumentation device 20 in response to the simulated signal. The calibrator 10 calculates an error rate by comparing the value of the output signal acquired from the instrumentation device 20 and the value of the signal that the instrumentation device 20 should originally output with respect to the signal corresponding to the simulated signal. The calibrator 10 may display the value of the simulated signal, the value of the output signal obtained from the instrumentation device 20, the calculated error rate, etc. on the display unit 14. The user of the calibrator 10 can calibrate the instrumentation device 20 by checking the error rate and the like displayed on the calibrator 10 and adjusting the instrumentation device 20 as necessary.

Next, the configuration and functions of the calibrator 10 will be explained with reference to FIG. 2.

The calibrator 10 includes a signal generation section 11 , a measurement section 12 , an input section 13 , a display section 14 , a storage section 15 , a control section 16 , an output terminal 17 , and an input terminal 18 .

The signal generator 11 generates a simulated signal to be output to the instrumentation device 20. The signal generator 11 can generate various types of simulated signals depending on the instrumentation device 20 to be calibrated. The signal generator 11 generates, for example, a simulated voltage signal, a simulated current signal, a simulated signal corresponding to a thermocouple, a simulated signal corresponding to a resistance temperature detector, a simulated signal corresponding to resistance, a simulated signal corresponding to a pulse signal. , and may be capable of generating a simulated signal corresponding to the pressure. Note that the simulated signals that can be generated by the signal generating section 11 are not limited to these, and the signal generating section 11 may be able to generate other types of simulated signals. Hereinafter, the type of simulated signal output to the instrumentation device 20 will also be referred to as a "generating function." In the following description, selecting a generation function means selecting what type of simulated signal is to be output to the instrumentation device 20.

The measurement unit 12 acquires an output signal output by the instrumentation device 20 in response to the simulated signal, and measures the acquired output signal. The measurement unit 12 can measure various types of output signals depending on the instrumentation device 20 to be calibrated. For example, the measurement unit 12 outputs a voltage output signal, a current output signal, an output signal corresponding to a thermocouple, an output signal corresponding to a resistance temperature sensor, an output signal corresponding to a resistance, an output signal corresponding to a pulse signal, It may also be possible to measure output signals corresponding to pressure. Note that the output signals that can be measured by the measuring section 12 are not limited to these, and the measuring section 12 may be able to measure other types of output signals. Hereinafter, the type of output signal obtained from the instrumentation device 20 will also be referred to as a "measurement function." In the following description, selecting a measurement function means selecting what type of output signal is to be obtained from the instrumentation device 20.

The input unit 13 includes one or more input interfaces that detect a user's input operation and acquire input information based on the user's input operation. The input interface may include, for example, keys, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen provided integrally with the display unit 14, a microphone that accepts voice input, and the like.

FIG. 3 shows an example of an input interface included in the input unit 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the input unit 13 may include a function key 131, a cross key 132, and a decision key 133 as an input interface. The function key 131, the cross key 132, and the enter key 133 may be arranged on the front surface of the calibrator 10, for example.

The function key 131, cross key 132, and enter key 133 may be physical buttons that are operated by pressing them. Alternatively, the function key 131, the cross key 132, and the enter key 133 may be icons displayed on the display unit 14 that functions as a touch screen. In the following description, the function key 131, cross key 132, and enter key 133 will be described as physical buttons that are operated by pressing them.

Function key 131 is a key for shifting to function selection mode. When the function key 131 is pressed, the calibrator 10 shifts to the function selection mode. The function selection mode is a mode for selecting a generation function and a measurement function.

The cross key 132 is a key for moving a pointer etc. displayed on the display unit 14. When the cross key 132 is pressed, the pointer displayed on the display section 14 moves on the display section 14.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cross key 132 may include an up movement key 132U, a down movement key 132D, a left movement key 132L, and a right movement key 132R. When the upward movement key 132U is pressed, the pointer displayed on the display section 14 moves upward. When the downward movement key 132D is pressed, the pointer displayed on the display section 14 moves downward. When the left movement key 132L is pressed, the pointer displayed on the display section 14 moves to the left. When the right movement key 132R is pressed, the pointer displayed on the display section 14 moves to the right.

The decision key 133 is a key for deciding the content selected by the pointer. The enter key 133 may be placed surrounded by the cross key 132, for example, as shown in FIG. When the enter key 133 is pressed, it is decided to perform the process corresponding to the point where the pointer is located at that time. Note that the arrangement shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and the enter key 133 may be arranged outside the cross key 132, for example.

The input unit 13 performs an operation of selecting a generation function according to a simulated signal to be output to the instrumentation device 20 and an operation of selecting a measurement function according to an output signal obtained from the instrumentation device 20, although the details will be described later. are accepted at the same time. In other words, the generation function and the measurement are not selected after the generation function is selected, or the generation function is selected after the measurement function is selected, but by the user's operation on the input unit 13. It is selected at the same time as the function.

Returning to FIG. 2, the description of the configuration and functions of the calibrator 10 will be continued.

The display unit 14 displays various information. The display unit 14 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display section 14 may preferably be a reflective liquid crystal display. When the display section 14 is a reflective liquid crystal display, visibility outdoors can be improved. The display unit 14 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and may be, for example, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

The storage unit 15 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory, but is not limited thereto. The storage unit 15 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 15 stores arbitrary information used for the operation of the calibrator 10. For example, the storage unit 15 may store various information such as system programs and application programs.

The storage unit 15 may store information necessary for the control unit 16 to display various information on the display unit 14, such as icons to be displayed on the display unit 14, for example.

Control unit 16 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control section 16 executes processing related to the operation of the calibrator 10 while controlling each section of the calibrator 10 .

The control unit 16 simultaneously sets the generation function and the measurement function based on the operation of selecting the generation function and the operation of selecting the measurement function, which the user performs on the input unit 13 . That is, instead of setting the generation function and then selecting the measurement function, or setting the measurement function and then setting the generation function, the control unit 16 sets the generation function and the measurement function at the same time.

The output terminal 17 is a terminal for outputting a signal generated by the signal generating section 11. A cable 31 shown in FIG. 1 can be connected to the output terminal 17.

The input terminal 18 is a terminal for acquiring an output signal output by the instrumentation device 20. A cable 32 shown in FIG. 1 can be connected to the input terminal 18.

(Selection of generation function and measurement function)
The process when the calibrator 10 receives selection of a generation function and a measurement function will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and the like.

When the input unit 13 receives an operation for transitioning to a function selection mode for selecting a generation function and a measurement function, the control unit 16 displays a screen for selecting a generation function and a measurement function on the display unit 14. let

For example, when the input unit 13 includes the configuration of an input interface as shown in FIG. Display the screen to do so.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen for selecting a generation function and a measurement function. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 16 causes the display unit 14 to display a function selection screen 50 in which a plurality of generation functions and a plurality of measurement functions are arranged in a matrix.

On the function selection screen 50, a plurality of generated functions are displayed side by side. On the function selection screen 50, the title "Source Function Select" is displayed above the plurality of generated functions displayed side by side.

On the function selection screen 50, a plurality of generated functions are "OFF", "Voltage", "Current", "Thermocouple (TC)", "Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD)", " Characters or symbols indicating "resistance", "pulse", and "pressure" are displayed side by side in order from the left.

On the function selection screen 50, a plurality of measurement functions are displayed vertically. On the function selection screen 50, the title "Measure Function Select" is displayed on the left side of the plurality of measurement functions displayed vertically.

On the function selection screen 50, there are multiple measurement functions such as "off", "voltage", "current", "thermocouple (TC)", "resistance temperature detector (RTD)", and " Characters or symbols indicating "resistance", "pulse", and "pressure" are displayed vertically in order from the top.

On the function selection screen 50, a pointer 51 is displayed at the square at the intersection of the currently selected generation function column and the currently selected measurement function row. Although the pointer 51 may have any shape, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the pointer 51 has the shape of a black circle.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, a resistance temperature detector (RTD) is selected as the generation function, and voltage (V) is selected as the measurement function. In order to make it easier to visually confirm which generating function is selected, a square containing characters or symbols indicating the selected generating function may be highlighted. In the example shown in FIG. 4, among the generation functions arranged horizontally, a square indicating a resistance temperature detector (RTD) is highlighted. Furthermore, in order to make it easier to visually confirm which measurement function is selected, a square containing characters or symbols indicating the selected measurement function may be highlighted. In the example shown in FIG. 4, among the measurement functions arranged vertically, a square indicating voltage (V) is highlighted.

When the input unit 13 receives an operation for moving the pointer 51, the control unit 16 moves the pointer 51. For example, when the input unit 13 includes the configuration of an input interface as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 16 moves the pointer 51 when receiving an operation in which the cross key 132 is pressed. When the upward movement key 132U is pressed, the control unit 16 moves the pointer 51 to the upper square. When the down movement key 132D is pressed, the control unit 16 moves the pointer 51 to the lower square. When the left movement key 132L is pressed, the control unit 16 moves the pointer 51 to the left square. When the right movement key 132R is pressed, the control unit 16 moves the pointer 51 to the right square.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the four arrows 52 displayed around the pointer 51 allow the user to intuitively understand that pressing the cross key 132 moves the pointer 51 in the direction of the arrows 52. Displayed for ease of use. Displaying the arrow 52 is not essential, and the control unit 16 may not display the arrow 52.

When the enter key 133 is pressed while the function selection screen 50 is displayed on the display unit 14, the control unit 16 selects the combination of the generation function and measurement function selected by the pointer 51 at that time. Determine. When the selection of the combination of the generation function and the measurement function is determined, the control unit 16 simultaneously sets the generation function and the measurement function based on the determined combination. That is, the control unit 16 sets the generated function so that the type of generated function is determined by pressing the enter key 133. Further, the control unit 16 sets the measurement function so that the type of measurement function is the determined measurement function determined by pressing the enter key 133.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, an icon 53 imitating the cross key 132 and the enter key 133 is displayed in the upper left corner of the function selection screen 50. The icon 53 is displayed as a guide to help the user intuitively understand that the pointer 51 can be operated by operating the cross key 132 and enter key 133. Displaying the icon 53 is not essential, and the control unit 16 may not display the icon 53.

There may be combinations of generation functions and measurement functions that are infeasible due to the functionality of the calibrator 10. When displaying the function selection screen 50 on the display unit 14, the control unit 16 distinguishes a square corresponding to an unfeasible combination from a square corresponding to an executable combination among the combinations of a generated function and a measurement function. may be displayed in different ways. In this way, by displaying the squares corresponding to impossible combinations in different ways, the user of the calibrator 10 can easily understand combinations of generation functions and measurement functions that cannot be set.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, diagonal lines are displayed in squares corresponding to combinations of generation functions and measurement functions that are not executable. For example, a combination in which the generation function is voltage (V) and the measurement function is thermocouple (TC) is an impossible combination, so in the example shown in FIG. 4, the corresponding squares are shaded. Displayed.

The control unit 16 may control the display of the function selection screen 50 so that the input unit 13 cannot accept an operation to select a square corresponding to an impossible combination on the function selection screen 50. . For example, when the cross key 132 is pressed, if the destination square corresponds to an impossible combination, the control unit 16 causes the pointer 51 to skip that square and move. may control the movement of By restricting the movement of the pointer 51 in this manner, the calibrator 10 can prevent the user from selecting an impossible combination of generation function and measurement function.

An example of the operation of the calibrator 10 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the explanation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the input unit 13 includes an input interface as shown in FIG.

When the function key 131 is pressed, the control unit 16 causes the display unit 14 to display the function selection screen 50 (step S101).

The input unit 13 simultaneously receives an operation for selecting a generation function and an operation for selecting a measurement function by the user's operation of the cross key 132 on the function selection screen 50 (step S102).

When the enter key 133 is pressed, the control unit 16 determines to select the combination of the generation function and measurement function selected by the pointer 51 at that time, and simultaneously sets the generation function and measurement function (step S103).

The calibrator 10 according to the embodiment described above selects a generation function according to a simulated signal to be output to the instrumentation device 20 and a measurement function according to an output signal acquired from the instrumentation device 20. and a control section 16 that simultaneously sets the generation function and the measurement function based on the operation of selecting the generation function and the operation of selecting the measurement function. In this way, the calibrator 10 can set the generating function and the measuring function simultaneously, instead of setting the generating function and the measuring function separately. Therefore, the calibrator 10 according to one embodiment can simplify the setting work of the generation function and the measurement function. In addition, the input unit 13 can simultaneously accept an operation for selecting a generation function and an operation for selecting a measurement function. There is no need to independently include an input interface that accepts input data. Therefore, it becomes possible to simplify the input interface included in the input section 13, and it becomes possible to downsize the calibrator 10.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be implemented in other predetermined forms than the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the above description is illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Any changes that come within the range of equivalents thereof are included therein.

For example, the arrangement, number, etc. of each component described above are not limited to what is illustrated in the above description and drawings. The arrangement, number, etc. of each component may be arbitrarily configured as long as the function can be realized.

In addition, although the present disclosure has mainly been described with reference to the device, the present disclosure also describes a method including steps executed by each component of the device, a method executed by a processor included in the device, a program, or a storage medium recording the program. It should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure covers these as well.

10 Calibrator 11 Signal generation section 12 Measurement section 13 Input section 14 Display section 15 Storage section 16 Control section 17 Output terminal 18 Input terminal 20 Instrumentation device 31 Cable 32 Cable 50 Function selection screen 51 Pointer 52 Arrow 53 Icon 131 Function key 132 Cross Keys 132U Up movement key 132D Down movement key 132L Left movement key 132R Right movement key 133 Enter key

Claims (4)

A calibrator used for calibration work of instrumentation equipment,
an input unit that simultaneously receives an operation for selecting a generation function according to a simulated signal output to the instrumentation device and an operation for selecting a measurement function according to an output signal acquired from the instrumentation device;
A calibrator comprising: a control unit that simultaneously sets the generation function and the measurement function based on an operation of selecting the generation function and an operation of selecting the measurement function. The calibrator according to claim 1,
further comprising a display section,
The control unit displays, on the display unit, a function selection screen in which a plurality of generation functions and a plurality of measurement functions are arranged in a matrix when the input unit receives an operation for selecting the generation function and the measurement function. let me,
The input unit is a calibrator that receives an operation for selecting the generation function and the measurement function on the function selection screen. The calibrator according to claim 2,
When displaying the function selection screen on the display unit, the control unit replaces a square corresponding to an unfeasible combination among the combinations of the generated function and the measurement function with a square corresponding to an executable combination. A calibrator that displays images in a manner different from that seen by the human eye. The calibrator according to claim 3,
The control unit is a calibrator that controls display of the function selection screen so that the input unit cannot accept an operation to select a grid corresponding to an infeasible combination.

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